imgrinningtoohard

Mantra vs Mission Statement

2010-12-30T09:54:00.000-06:00

So, I'm a big believer in self talk. You should hear the dialogue in my head while I'm running ... or playing tennis. I'm especially vocal (in my own head) when I play singles. It's one of the reasons I enjoy singles tennis so much. I like to hear myself THINK?

I showed a lot of improvement this year in my tennis game because I worked with a coach. Now, he's not like the coach for Maria Sharapova or anything.. he's pretty basic in his skills, but what I LOVE about Jerry is that he's old school coachy. He uses little "postulates' that I can repeat in my head and use over and over again.

"Drive the ball, athlete."
"Feed the computer... your body knows what to do."
"Feel the shot"

Though rather cryptic to some, to me I know just how to use these words to focus and reset quickly for the next point or shot.

So, as I work on my resolutions for the new year, I'm giving some thought to creating a mantra ... or as we Taylor girls call it, a "postulate". Postulate is code for the stupid, cryptic stuff my dad used to tell us as we walked through the living room on a Friday night in our teenage years. When we had a teenager in the house, I came to understand that postulates (minimum 5 word edicts) are all you get with them. So make it count. Some of Dad's include: "Make something happen" what that something was is still a mystery. "Keep it between the lines" presumably the car and the lines on the road. To name a few.

I'm going to create 2 postulates for the new year. One that is internal for my goals to be lighter, leaner and more competitive in my athletic pursuits. And one for my life in the world with others. I'm just not sure I should have two they kind of cancel each other out. I'lll add more info in a day or so.

Want more info about a mantra vs a mission statement? Here are a couple of good articles: http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/the-world/article/reality-checklist-do-you-have-a-mantra-guy-kawasaki

http://zenhabits.net/notes-on-life-mantras-small-things-lists-and-such/

2010 An Incredible Year

2010-12-29T10:24:00.001-06:00

Wow! I can't believe another year is coming to a close. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love New Years. This is just a great time of year... I start at Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday) reflecting on all I have to be grateful for and then skate through Christmas, with the real excitement building for New Years.

New Years (birthdays too) is about new beginnings and reinvention. Something I think I am really good at. So.. the next couple of days, I think I'll take some stock and come up with my resolutions for 2011.

First - as always - I'm so grateful for my wonderful husband and our great relationship. He's IT for me! The reason I exist and the reason I work hard to make good decisions so that our life together just gets better and better. And of course because of him - I have a family to call my own and love! Chloe, Jenn and Cade are the blessings I never knew I could have ... never knew what I was missing. And we enjoyed TWO trips to England go hang out with Lil' Miss Jackson. January and November to celebrate her first birthday.

Second - my health! I intend to work hard to preserve it in every way I have power to do so. I think with the discovery of this new WeightWatchers plan I'm going to be a thin person for the rest of my life. I'm seriously not dieting, but eating healthy as a way of life. And I feel like an athlete on this program. It was one of my goals this year (2010 - to live as an athlete... and ... looks like I discovered the tools to do so right here at the wire. OH - reached my 2010 goal to be bumped up to 3.5 in USTA. So.. check that one off too!

Third - my relationships and friendships. Brooke and Roy, Brooke's family (I adore her kids) the Bennetts, Hollie, Milton & Dia, Jim & Kristin, Volley Girls tennis team. Even Tammy Dyer showed herself this fall. I don't add a lot of people to my inner circle but am grateful for those that I do have.

So.... tomorrow.. I think I'll blog about my resolutions. I'm forming them now. They are going to be way more than just weight loss and miles run.

Have you considered yours yet? I encourage you to do it!

New Found Outlet

2010-11-23T08:49:00.001-06:00

So when I first set up my Twitter account, I had it automatically repost to Facebook every time I tweeted. Which I now find stifling. On FB, my mother and more importantly my mother-in-law and her friends/family follow me. (Hell, my mother follows me on Twitter. She's where I get a lot of my material.) I have to play nice. No cussing... no bitching. Very positive & up-beat.

Turns out... it's killing me inside. Slowly but surely.

On, Twitter, I'm anonymous (somewhat) and I can be my bitchy self. I disconnected the two yesterday and I have this overwhelming feeling that I have been liberated.

I'm gonna piss off a lot of people. So... just stop following.

The reality is... I am a positive person, I just think it's funnier to focus on the shitty part of a situation. I don't even take it or myself too seriously. I just like sarcasm ... a lot.

Wanna follow a sarcastic, 44-yr-old wanna be athlete, grandma? @jilljxn is your girl!

My New Project - A Little On The TAME Side

2010-09-16T12:27:00.000-05:00

"TAME" I said... NOT "lame"!!!

Okay.. so for my last feat ... wakesurfing ... I waited a little too late in the season to get going on it. Perhaps next spring I will get to try this dangerous new hobby.

In the mean time, this fall, here's a new project. Requires couch time and is a lot less dangerous. Hmmmmm.... Maybe I'm growing up?

Anyone want to play along?

http://blog.lionbrand.com/2010/09/15/join-us-for-our-special-guest-crochet-along/

And now for my latest feat...

2010-08-03T12:23:00.000-05:00

I intend to learn to WAKESURF!

See a video here:

http://twitvid.com/JG5N1

This is from a retweet of Alex Franco (AKA Digits) one of the DJs I listen to on Mix 94.7 in Austin. He's "not a watersports guy" and he was able to get up after just 6 tries he said. So, a 44-year-old, fit, grandma, who's slalom skied almost her entire life should have nooooo trouble, right? That's what I'm thinkin!!!


Yes, of course I got on it in the little WT pool! DUH!

Two weeks ago, Jimmy bought me a board. And we get the boat back from the mechanic on Friday evening. I hope to post my own video here as well! August is all about being on the lake!

One more reason to "grin" about my life and my health.

Waiting For My New Running Shoes

2010-07-01T10:40:00.000-05:00

K-Swiss Tubes Running 100 (oooooh... aaaaaahhhhh)

They shipped on TUESDAY!!! Ready to run in them. Although it is so wet outside, I think I'll wait 'til it stops raining. I haven't tried them on yet. I hope I like them... arch support is a big deal for me. We'll see.

I intend to run the Gruene 10K on Sept. 11th. Time to get serious!!!

44 (foh-ty-foh) And Lovin It

2010-07-01T10:33:00.000-05:00

Okay... where to begin on the birthday extravaganza!

The week of 6/20, Father's Day... we had something going on every night! Dad, Matt & Josh here Sunday night. I cooked a wonderful dinner, with dessert even.

Monday Jennifer & I went out to dinner at PF Changs and she and Dave and Matt spent one more night while he went to basketball camp in G-town.

Tuesday night was my tennis lesson and we started late and finished early because it was so hot but did some good drills.

Wednesday - Blues on the Green with the Bennets, Evans and Paula Smith. What a fun night and Carolyn Wonderland was AWE-SOME (sing song). She's my new girl crush.

Thursday was mixed dbls tennis - played WELL! Afterward we met Bennets and Evans at Razoos.

Friday - BIRTHDAY!!! Took the day off work and Brookie hooked me up to play tennis that morning. We did 2 hours of ladies doubles tennis, then 3 hours of lunch at Z-Tejas! Brookie, Susan and Amy Gold. They had to tell us once we were being too loud. We really were. But hey, we were sitting in the bar and drinking margaritas! That afternoon I got my haircut then went home, cleaned up and we went to Brooklyn Heights for dinner and Karaoke.

FUN Peeps: Jeff & Susan Bennet, Brooke & Roy, Jeremy & Cantrell, Justin and Carly, Holly Chacone, Sharon Joiner came too but she didn't sing. We had a great night but the KJs started an hour late. And they don't have "Need You Now" so Brookie and I only sang 1 song together. WREC-KERS (sing song) it was fabulous of course.

Saturday Jimmy worked with Roy all day and I made dinner for the 4 of us - but they were very late getting home. Beef fajitas w/lots of guac, Brooke's homemade salsa and ... my favorite birthday cake. Angel Food w/strawberry & berry medley middle iced with COOL WHIP (sing song). Everyone said they enjoyed it. Ate leftover cake for 3 days. YUM!

I also ordered my new running shoes during the day on Saturday. K-Swiss Tubes 100. Can't wait for them to come in!!!!

Sunday - well, Jimmy and I kicked some 30-year olds' butts in mixed doubles. Yeah-baby!

Okay.. I officially declare my birthday OVER!!! I know... everyone felt just a bit older when we were done! Now, we have 360 days or so to recover ... start all over again!

Grateful for good health, good friends and a great life at FOH-TEE-FOH! (sing song).

Capitol 10K Hindsight

2010-04-12T11:23:00.002-05:00

I ran my first 10K yesterday and I thought I would capture a few thoughts about the experience. See some of the official photos here: http://galleries.statesman.com/gallery/2010-capitol-10000-041110/

Overall! Awesome!

I love that distance. I would like to run more of these by the end of the year.
When spectators hold their hands out for a "high five"... slap every one of 'em!
The course was steep especially the first half. I did my best to run up the hills, but for the most part I ran 1/2 way up them, then walked.
Mile 4 felt the best (lots of down hill)
Started to struggle mile 5. Was walking 2 minutes, running 3.
Made a pitstop at about 5.5 and started running again, I was just about to walk again when I saw a large crane over the road and thought, "Wow! The finish line! I can make it to there." But alas, it was just a crane for the photographers. But then we were running over a bridge and I thought, "I can make it over this bridge"... then I saw the corner, and I thought, I can make it around the corner... and I saw the 6 Mile marker, then I made it to the 6 Mile marker and I knew I could go .2 more! Then I saw the finish line and I started to take long, fast strides to push myself. I felt like I finished strongly.

1:18:02 finish, 12:34/mi (was hoping for faster). My Full Results #8338

The run itself was great! It was just the before and after the race that I could do without -- just because there were TOO MANY PEOPLE! Note to self, be sure to not arrive needing to use the bathroom... And, I wasn't able to pick up any SWAG like at the Komen Race. So many people you couldn't get to any of it... much less a free post race massage.

On a final note. I really enjoyed spending time with Kim and Linda. Linda saved my life at the porta-potties line. Girlfriend had my back! I'm also happy I turned off my iPhone (mapmyfitness app) and just enjoyed my music and the atmosphere. I took some fun pics too I think. When we run next year, we're getting a room at the Mariott the night before! Learned my lesson on parking and peeing!

Looking up Congress Ave. toward the Capital at the beginning of the race. Awesome to see a sea of people.

Here I stopped 1/2 way up the steepest hill on 15th (Enfield) so I could get a little perspective. Walked the rest of the way up that hummer.

Met up with Kim, Linda, and Frank here at the Stevie Ray statue after the race. Seems like a popular spot to be sure.

Afterward, we were walking (2 mi) back to the car and were tempted by Doc's on South Congress. Here's to the beginning of a healthy, cheeseburger lunch. Saaaaaaa-lute!

Cap10k 7 days & counting

2010-04-05T12:59:00.001-05:00

Only a 2 mile run this morning. Had too many issues (gut) to finish all 3. We just finished lunch at PeiWei (big lunch). Ugh. Too full. But while Jimmy's taking his tennis lesson I'm gonna try 2 more miles. At least this evening I can run to the creek. :-)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Great Quote On My Twitter Today

2010-03-20T09:05:00.000-05:00

I've been so busy at work and I took a morning off from running (which is when I catch up) I haven't checked my Twitter. This hit home & I retweeted it. Just want to remember it here:

#mindfulmoment Don’t dwell on the past. Live an active lifestyle and make conscious choices that serve you now. (via @EatWhatYouLove)

Sooooo SIMPLE!

10k Looming

2010-03-02T20:39:00.001-06:00

I've had a rough week. Terrible allergies have turned into an upper respiratory ... thing (obviously self diagnosed). I haven't run since last Wednesday.

I did get to spend 1.5 hr tonight with my new tennis coach, Jerry, and I feel pretty good. So I've already packed my bag & my clothes for tomorrow. Gonna hit the treadmill at work for an EASY workout.

Gotta get my run on!!! I miss it - even when I'm sick.

And - as I like to tell Jimmy, " I NEVER get sick!" Never say never! Happy to be heading down the road to recovery!! Woohoo!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Minor Back Injury = Major Pain

2010-01-13T10:47:00.000-06:00

Major pain in the A@*!!! It's been 4 days since my last run and I'm really having serious withdrawals!!! UGH! I want to be RUN-NING (Forest Gump).

I have learned a valuable lesson, however. I need to be cross training as well as run. I need to take 2 days each week and do some weight training! This is crazy! I feel like I'm not as toned in my upper body as I was a year ago either. I know better than to just run for exercise, but running makes me soooo happy I don't like to skip even 1 day of it.

HMMMMM....

Also, I'm going to have to invest in Bikram yoga. It's kind of tough to do when I'm taking tennis lessons. I mean, how much monthly budget does it take to maintain your health and fitness and performance?

So $100/month on tennis lessons. $110/month yoga, $80/quarter for health club. Plus tennis tournaments, 5K entries, I'll be buying a bike soon. And, I have a maid that cleans house every other week Can't leave that out of the budget!!! NO WAY!!!

Then... there's finding time to do all of this.

M-F run (or walk) 5am,
Tues evening tennis lesson, alternate weeks? swim on off weeks
Wed evening yoga
Thurs evening Mixed Dbls tennis league, Sat morning USTA tennis league... Sunday run/swim or run/bike... I'm going to need a day off once in a while when the heck am I going to cross/strenght train?

Maybe with my tennis ambitions, I can't do a triathlon this year? But I reallyl want to!!!!

Perhaps, for the moment... I just set a short term goal to get my back well. Then I'll have to prioritze all this other stuff.

Here's the bright side of this: I'm having to prioritize all of my athletic ambitions instead of trying to recover from some major injury or illness. There are many people that are not able to enjoy the good health I am currently having.

Run, Gram-MAW! Run!

2009-11-11T09:20:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure why... but I had one of the best runs I've ever had this morning. It felt so easy and I pushed myself so much farther than I normally do. I shaved more than 1:00 off my regular pace.

I think I was pacing myself a little differently and when I felt my heartrate get up - I readjusted my pace and just kept going. Fitness Level test was a 5 today as well and I burned 520 + calories.

Not bad for an Ol' Gram-MAW!

Good article to pass along

2009-10-27T18:59:00.001-05:00

Thi is a GOOD article! I follow lots of good tweeters on Twitter.

Here's a good article posted today. I love to retweet!

4 Ways to Gain Slim-Down Support: http://bit.ly/tB9jS (via @Health_Fitness8)

Here's the full link:
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/slim-down-strategies-0

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

2009-10-25T21:01:00.001-05:00

Weekend of debauchery creates a set back. I've been so good for so long. And this weekend I was SOOOOOOO bad.

We went to San Antonio, ate, drank a lot & now I feel terrible.

I have a big week ahead though. 1st tennis lesson Mon. night. I'm going to swim Tues. evening. Doubles tennis Thurs. night. In addition to my morning runs.

And then Sun. morning I run my 1st 5K at the Komen Race for the Cure.

Wish me luck!

On a side note: We saw dozens & dozens of cyclists today in the LAF ride on the back roads to Wimberly. Very inspiring!

2009-10-22T06:13:00.001-05:00

Wow it's raining really hard. So I just did a little workout....just to get my heart & lungs pumping.

Walked .25 then took off & ran a mile. Feels good to be so dedicated to fitness that I would brave this weather. It really wasn't bad. However I can't use my phone the way I like in this rain. Can't get my precious iPhone wet!??

Love yourself today!

2009-10-21T06:30:00.001-05:00

Perfect weather for a run! 70 & light rain. I'm supposed to see my tennis coach tonight but 80% chance of rain. I'm glad I got in 3 miles just in case.

What are you doing today that's GOOD for you? Nobody but you....

2009-10-20T06:35:00.001-05:00

I had a tough workout this morning. I had to stop suddenly between miles 2 & 3. But I soon resumed and even ran a good 3rd mile.

I'm also enjoying the imapmyfitness app on my iPhone. It automatically saves the stats of my run. I like to also add my mental stats then Twitter it here. I hope it's capturing.

I also got to see a shooting star as I finished. Now how many people can say that this morning?So many good things happen when you take the time to be good to yourself. What did I wish for? Better go buy a lottery ticket!

Lots of Progress - Learned Something TOO!

2009-10-16T09:57:00.000-05:00

I enjoyed a very physical day on Thursday. I had planned on having a sub for tennis so Thursday morning I got up and did 3 tough miles. I pushed myself to run longer than I had on Tuesday. It felt great! I also discovered imapmyfitness app on my iPhone. Very handy little tool! More about that after I've had a chance to use it more.

Then about noon I found out that Brooke wouldn't be able to play. It was fine, my elbow's feeling really good. I invested in the brace my Dr. recommended and I was really excited to play. However, I usually take it easy on mornings I'm going to play tennis because I don't know if my legs can handle it. Well they CAN! I played great tennis! My elbow didn't hurt (except for just a few twinges on some serves). And I was tracking the ball, and moving as well as I ever do (caviat being that I have never moved well anyway)!

So, I think when I'm scheduled for doubles I'll go ahead and push myself to run on those mornings! I've estimated that I burned 891 calories yesterday (might be = to the pho I ate). When I get back to singles, I will probably need to "save the legs". But, I can still push my training when I'm playing doubles. Good to know!

I did have phys therapy this morning at 7:00 which only gives me about 20 minutes to work out... so I just walked 1 mile this morning, enjoyed the brisk autumn air with a big old cup of coffee. I do think I will try to stop in at the gym this afternoon and swim 10 laps. I'll report back here if I achieved that goal today. ;-)

I don't really believe anyone reads this... but I want to put out in the universe that I would love to hear about others who are on the same journey I am on. Women who... may be past their prime physically but, want to enjoy their lives and their body to the fullest NOW when we can really appreciate it. Let's face it, I took good health and fitness for granted in my 20s and spent those years very overweight and unhealthy. I just want to read about what YOU did today. Feel free to contact me here or via twitter.com/40yearoldathlete.

Be good to yourself today and take some time for yourself! You deserve it. Do something physical! Don't think about what you're not capable of but appreciate and enjoy what you CAN do. You'll be able to do more tomorrow.. and the day after.. and the day after that. Enjoy the journey!

Light Day Today - Physical Therapy Has Begun!

2009-10-14T11:02:00.000-05:00

Well, had to be at phys. therapy at 7:00 this morning so I could only run/walk 1 mile due to time constraints. I would love to think I am going to run tonight but I have a facial scheduled this evening.

Want a full spa treatment facial with GOOOOOOOD products? Try AvenueFive Institute. http://avenuefive.com/ it is a beauty school. I heard about it on Mix94.7 and tried it 2 weeks ago. I cannot recommend it more highly! Great value!

So, I'll have a light day today. I wouldn't even say I pushed myself too much this morning. Although, I am proud of myself for getting up at 4:50 so I could get my workout in. Shows the level of my commitment.

Today's ACTION:
1 mile (16 minutes) didn't run the whole thing.

Phys Therapy.. had a nice elbow massage, 3 sets of 30 wrist lifts with 2 lbs. stretching and then electrolisys treatment with topical steroid. My elbow is feeling so much better. I get to play doubles tomorrow night with my husband. YEA!

Today's Action

2009-10-10T20:58:00.001-05:00

3.5 miles 36:41
17:00 jogging
(295 calories)
100 crunches + some pillates
4 sun salutations

Man! I ran well! This cool air is tough on my breathing. But I'm
REALLY happy with the way I pushed myself. The creek was way up after
all the rain so I didn't get to enjoy my weekend route. But. All in
all a great workout.

Are you tired? Are you having trouble sleeping? Feeling depressed or
down. Get up and walk to he mailbox. Get some air in your lungs and in
your brain. Even the smallest amount of action will help and will
lead to more action. ACTION IS POWER!

LY!
Jill Jackson

Sent from my iPhone

Active Saturday!

2009-10-10T20:04:00.001-05:00

Today's action...

A 40-Year-Old Athlete Is Born

2009-10-09T21:23:00.000-05:00

In 2007 I had a lot of health issues and since then, I've become increasingly obsessed with enjoying how good I feel. I guess you don't really appreciate some things - like good health - until it seems it may be out of reach. Well, now I feel healthy ... with a vengeance. :-P

Recently, I've decided I want more.... I want to push the envelope. I want to compete. I am feeling like an athlete... I want to BE an athlete.

So, I'm going to research, read, seek and contribute to my healthy lifestyle and maybe my journey will help or inspire others. So... the blog.

I've been reading a book called "Tribes" by Seth Godin http://sethgodin.typepad.com/ and I just feel a need to contribute. Maybe no one will care... I might just be documenting. But maybe I'll connect with other women like me. Maybe I'll find a tribe of women who just want to feel good and push themselves.

TODAY'S ACTION:
It was POURING down rain this morning so I hopped on the elliptical. I'd rather be outside, but this is a nice little go-to workout.
15 minutes (forward/backward)
50 biccycle crunches w/pilates moves + 50 more
repeat
324 calories

But... ate like crap! However, I was wearing my smallest jeans today. :-)

Grinning WAY Too Hard Today

2009-03-09T13:23:00.005-05:00

Jimmy's son called last night (it was late in England) to tell his dad that Jenn had taken a home pregnancy test and it came back POSITIVE! Wooooooo Hooooooo!!! So, I couldn't help myself, I emailed Jenn this morning and she emailed me back. It turns out she went to the doctor today to confirm and sure enough... she's pregnant!

We won't know the due date until she goes back to the doctor in a couple of weeks! I sat here in my office and just bawled. I guess, because I never got to have kids of my own, I am a little pent up with maternal instinct. Cade never needed me as a mom, he has a mom he loves very much and is very close too. But I was ALWAYS planning on being a grandma! Jimmy and I made that deal years ago... I get to be a Grandma!

He's a little more reserved about this than I am, but I know he's excited too. He's just worried about his kid being too young, although, Cade will be the same age Jimmy was when he was born. Jimmy thinks they should wait. Of course I reply, "Like you did?"

I want to document the experience so I can look back at the birth of the first grandbaby hence the update to the BLOG. On top of the blogging, I have a bunch of crocheting to do too!

Wow! I did not expect to be this emotional. Wish baby lived here in Texas rather than England, but, we'll get a web cam and do everything we can to be close.

Later! LY! LY!

New Week Means New Start

2008-02-10T11:41:00.000-06:00

I found a trainer that I will meet with on Tuesday evening. My idea is that I pay her for a session 1x per week and she gives me the objectives for the rest of the week. She also holds me accountable for my food intake.

$45 / session

http://www.lifeforce-fitness.net/index.html Amy Culp is the owner and she is setting me up with one of the trainers. I intend to work out 45-50 minutes each morning. Maybe in the evening too? Plus tennis on Thursday nights and one more time on the weekend. I've also decided I am not drinking enough water, and I'm not sure why I stopped doing that. That was always the one part of my diet that I did do correctly.

I need to lose 15 lbs (at least), then be ready to play tennis 3xs a week.

Here's the low-down today: 2 mi walk around neighborhood/100 crunches w/other pillates moves. (-3)

S.Beach protein cereal bar (3)
coffee
16 oz water
2 pkgs of plain oatmeal w/splenda & cinamon (4)
apple sauce (2)

Total: [7]

On my way to HEB for some healthy groceries.
I'm going to go hit the ball machine a little later. Jimmy's back is hurt, so I'm on my own for tennis.

LY!

My sister's eulogy of Denette Kreuger-Gilmore

2008-02-10T09:58:00.000-06:00

I missed Denette's fuenral and am more upset that I did not visit her when she was still alive and fighting her battle with cancer. My sister was her principal and eulogized her at the funeral. She said it was the hardest thing she'd ever done, but that she was very proud of herself for doing it. I'm proud of her too. She sent me this copy of her speech. I thought I would publish it here so I can remember her when I want to. LOVE YOU, DENETTE!

As delivered by Jennifer Taylor-Zschiesche, Sunday, January 20, 2008
St. John's Lutheran Church, Hamilton, Texas.

What a privilege and an honor to be able to remember a remarkable teacher and friend. I am Jennifer Zschiesche, and I am the principal at Ann Whitney Elementary School. I brought several people with me, Mrs. Melissa Crim, Mrs. Tina Dittrich, Mrs. Barbara Johnson, and Mrs. Mona Gloff who are all part of Mrs. Gilmore’s fifth grade team.

Denette, Mrs. Gilmore, as many of you know her, came to Ann Whitney Elementary from Copperas Cove. (This year’s graduating seniors were her first class at Ann Whitney). I was so excited that we had finally snagged this incredible teacher to teach our students science in the fifth grade and that Denette was joining our team! I knew it was going to be good.

Mrs. Gilmore viewed her profession as a teacher as a place where not only knowledge could be taught, but also as a place for loving kids.

Denette had a tremendous heart. She was the gift to children. Her passion at our school was not just science, but also making sure students were treated fairly. Denette was an advocate for children. She worked diligently on our consistency council. Mrs. Gilmore would come into my office troubled about a student. Maybe she wanted to just talk to them and counsel them rather than punish them. Students thrived in her classroom and always respected Mrs. Gilmore. She had high expectations for all kids and they achieved well under her care and direction. She loved her students and many of you can attest to her calmness and stability in an unstable world.

Science was her passion as well. She taught many lessons, experiments, and labs that kept students excited about learning. Not many teachers would enjoy dissecting sheep eyes…the kids loved it! I didn’t make it to that lab on purpose. Mrs. Gilmore taught our students to be advocates for the world. She headed up the daunting task of sorting through piles of elementary trash for recycling. Students would strive to know and understand more about their world with her guidance.

With her illness, Denette continued to teach. She taught all of us one of life’s hardest lessons – dealing with death. She held strong to her faith and shared her thoughts, feelings, and profound wisdom to ease our hearts. She was worried about us – as she showed us her unbelievable courage and faith through this tough battle she faced.

We are all struggling with the loss of a colleague, friend, and dear family member, but Denette would want us to learn something from this. She’s taught me to spend more time focusing on the blessings and always to love all children with all your heart.

I would like to share this thought with you as we remember Denette.

You are struggling…
I see it, I feel it, I hurt for you.
But I must tell you dear friend,
I believe with all my heart that you will emerge
Somehow wiser, stronger and more aware.

Hold onto that thought.
Tuck it away in the corner of your heart until the hurt melts enough for the learning to have meaning.

Mrs. Gilmore, Denette, you will be missed by your colleagues, your neighbors, your students, and most especially your family. What consoles us now is the knowledge that you are back again to your Heavenly Father’s embrace to enjoy the same love you generously gave and showed to the world, your students, and throughout your life. We love you, we miss you, and we are thankful for having you in our lives.

Denette Krueger-Gilmore 11/10/65 - 1/18/08

2008-01-23T19:34:00.000-06:00

Denette Joyce Gilmore
Denette Joyce Gilmore died Jan. 18, 2008 at Hamilton General Hospital. Funeral ser-vices were held Jan. 20 at St. John Lutheran Church. She was born on November 10, 1965, the daughter of Den-nis and Bernadene (Marwitz) Krueger of Hamilton. She was baptized by Pastor Leon Simon on Dec. 5, 1965. Her parents were faithful to take their daughters to Sunday school and church. When she entered junior high she began confirmation. Pastor Wuensche met with her class weekly and reaffirmed what God in Christ had accomplished for Denette. On April 1st, 1979, she stood before the altar at St. John and confessed her Christian faith. She was confirmed as a com-municant member of the church and she remained faithful throughout all the years of her life. When Mrs. Gilmore entered high school, she was a very popular and a very busy young lady. She was a Bulldog cheer-leader, president of the Key Club, Miss HHS, treasurer of the Senior Class, and she served on the student council. She was voted Most Intellectual for the years 1983 and 1984, and graduated Valedictorian of the class of 1984. Upon gradua-tion, she attended Angelo State University where she received the Carr Academic Scholarship. She later transferred to Tarleton State University in Stephen-ville. She was a member of the Alpha Chi Sorority, a National Scholastic Honor Society stu-dent and she graduated with honors. She had a brilliant mind and a deep appreciation for science. This moved her to seek a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and elementary educa-tion. She began dating Kevin Gilmore the year after she graduated from high school and continued while she was attend-ing Angelo State and Tarleton State University Mrs. Gilmore graduated from Tarleton in December of 1988 and was married to Kevin Gilmore on Jan. 28, 1989. They lived in Haltom City the first year of their marriage and she taught there her first year as a teacher. They moved back to Hamilton in 1990. Mrs. Gil-more taught in Copperas Cove for ten years before making the transition to Hamilton where she began teaching in 2000. She made a profound impact upon the school and the stu-dents she taught. Because she loved science, the school wit-nessed a transformation in the program. The students experi-enced her love and zeal for science and her devotion to them. Every student who is currently in the Hamilton ISD from sixth grade through the Senior class had Mrs. Gilmore as a teacher. The Gilmores had a daugh-ter, Devyn, on April 12, 1996. Because of her love of educa-tion, Denette continually stressed to Devyn the impor-tance of school and she empha-sized to her to always do her very best. Devyn was with her mother through these difficult days and she experienced her love and witnessed her faith and trust in her Savior. As a member of St. John Lu-theran Church, Mrs. Gilmore served and gave of her time in many different ways. Over the years she assisted with special events like the annual Christ-mas program and Vacation Bible School. She served as a Sunday school teacher and as a member of many boards, most recently the Board of Youth and the Preschool Board. The same devotion and dedication she brought to her teaching provided wisdom and guidance in her service in the church. Two years ago Mrs. Gilmore was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer. Over the course of these past two years she faced many challenges: sur-gery, chemotherapy, and even experimental drugs, but in the end she had the courage to make the decision to trust in God and discontinue the treat-ments and enjoy each and every day with her husband, her daughter and the rest of her family. As time passed, Mrs. Gil-more was overwhelmed by the number of people who were present to help with any and every need. There was never a time that she had to be alone. Dozens of people took turns sitting with her and allowing her family to continue with the normal activities of life. As the days grew closer to the end, the Hamilton Hospital doctors and staff were very special bless-ings to Mrs. Gilmore and her family. They made it possible for her family and friends to spend time with her day and night. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Joe Krueger. Survivors include her hus-band and her daughter of Ham-ilton; her parents, Dennis and Bernadene Krueger, of Hamil-ton; her sisters, Denise Hughes and husband, James, of Hamil-ton and Deanna Melde and husband, Darrell, of Aleman; her grandparents, Hattie Krueger of Aleman, Bernard and Ida Marwitz of Indian Gap; three sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law, Shearin Bogan Thompson and husband James of Hamilton; Melody Vernon and her close friend Roy Newsom, of Hamilton; Lanette Higgins of Ennis; and Wendel Bruce Gilmore and wife Juels of Haltom City; and Brian Gil-more and wife Iris of Burnett; four aunts, Coda Zschiesche, Rita Stegemoller, Patsy Melde, and Betty Haile; one uncle, Dane Marwitz; nine nieces, Jessica Hughes, Heather Bogan, Misty Lasater, Hope Bogan, Heaven Gilmore, Jenna Oglesby, Janna Oglesby, Heather Higgins, Lindsey Pet-rash and eleven nephews, Jer-emy Hughes, Dylan Melde, Dawson Melde, Sterling Pet-rash, Jace Oglesby, Chance Oglesby, Cody Vernon, Rance Eddleman, Nathan Gilmore, Mark Ellis, and Brant Thomas. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 Riley Funeral Home

WHEW! What a Weekend!

2008-01-07T20:20:00.000-06:00

Friday Cade & Jenn went to the JP in Georgetown and got married. I left work early to visit my knee surgeon (visit went really well - stitches came out). And the rest of the afternoon I spent getting ready to have all his friends and a few of ours over for BBQ, etc. Of course I pulled out the chocolate fountain and bought a small wedding-like cake.

So, lots of calories... and to top it off Cade's mom came in 1+ hours late and I got all bent out of shape. Of course I think the real reason I was bent out of shape is because she looks so damn good. She's lost about 50 lbs. Says she's been on phentermine... I LOVE phentermine! I just want to lose 15.

Anyway, lots of calories, too many to count. Then we got up at 5 a.m. and drove to Shreveport to Jim Neil's memorial service. Not too many calories, but I did eat a whatachicken and a few fries for supper. I would have been fine if I had just had a salad.

However, on the way home... we were both so exhausted and afraid that Jimmy would fall asleep driving back... we stopped 101 miles out of Dallas for gas. I got out and Jimmy thought we should have a diet Coke. I suggested a Red Bull. Neither of us had ever had one before. I think it is the only reason we survived. So... I'm trying all the energy drinks now to see what I like, but... they're all 16 oz. I just want the 8 oz ones. They must be sugar free however.

Yesterday we took the kids to the Bob Bullock museum, then went to dinner. I also worked out some yesterday. I kind of struggled, but I did my knee rehab and 10 minutes on the elliptical plus abs. Then of course plenty of walking, stairs at the museum. Not too painful.

So here's the rundown today. I opened so no workout. Did my leg lifts for my knee rehab tonight. I tried to get Jimmy to play tennis but he said, no. :-( I'm not counting these points for workout.

BREAKFAST: usual cereal bar, banana, vitarain water + coffee [5 pts]

LUNCH: Progresso Soup (0), raw carrots (1), 4 slices deli turkey (2), 2 Wasa crackers (1), Laugh Cow Swiss cheese (1) [5 pts]

Sugar Free Rock Star drink (16 oz) 10 cals about 4:30 (later than I would like)

DINNER: Kashi Crunch (3), 1/2 c sk milk (1), 2 Wasa crackers (1), 2 TB humus (2), 14 Pringles lite (1) [8 POINTS]

TOTAL: 18 out of 22 [+4]

Best Life 2008

2008-01-03T09:56:00.000-06:00

So, a little more today about http://www.thebestlife.com/ and the philosophy. Bob's article encouraged me to build a pie chart of the most important aspects (pie pieces) of my life and rank each piece (see graphic). Everything with a "+" is good, "-" I need to work on. I also left a couple blank. So those have room for improvement but aren't necessarily BAD.

Here's my list in order of priority:

1. Marriage (+) TOP PRIORITY and BEST thing in my life.
2. Family
3. Health
4. Fitness/tennis (-) Just needs improvement because of my health/injury issues.
5. Food/diet (-) top negative priority
6. Career (+)
7. Finances (+)
8. Personal Growth (-) My NY resolution is to read and/or listen to audio books all the time.

Bob says, do one or two things a day to make the (-) a (+) and you won't recognize your life in a year. My life is pretty darn good at the moment. If I can stay healthy this year. Also my resolution ~ no surgery in '08! Woo hoo!

So, I'm obviously focused on my food/diet pie piece. And as soon as I'm cleared by the Dr. I'll get back to my workouts and tennis matches. Jimmy's new years resolution was to have more sex in '08 ... I had to ask, "with ME?" ;-) We've had ups and downs obviously with my health this year but I figure if I help him with his resolution, my Marriage pie piece will continue to stay strong. ;-)

Here's the food break down:

BREAKFAST: the usual in the car 5
plus coffee (3)

LUNCH:

Progresso soup (0)

1 Wassa crackers 0

4 slices deli turkey 2

8 raw baby carrots 1

Laugh cow cheese 1

DINNER:

2 c Kashi Vive cereal 4

2 pieces of wheat toast 2

1 sm apple sauce 1

2 T margarine

Total: 21 (out of 22)

Objective for today: eat sensibly according to Bob (and Oprah) cereal for supper... lots of water... and maybe some ab work after I get home. No more food after 7:00, bed by 9:00.

Good day so far! LYLY!

Oprah & Bob Green Inspiration

2008-01-02T19:45:00.000-06:00

okay... if I would stop researching and just DO ~ Action is power you know~ I might lose a couple of pounds this week. Oh well. When I'm in the mood to work this hard at eating healthy it helps to be obsessed and read and research my options.

I got on www.thebestlife.com by Bob Green and part of the Oprah Winfrey show's best life challenge on her web site. Here's what the first article said. Reorganize my eating patterns and move more. I also used his web site to rate my activity level (1 - 5 levels) one being totally sedentary. I decided that I'm a 3-4 (4 on the weeks I play tennis 2-3 times a week). The goal should be for anyone 1-2 to work to make it to the "next" level. If a 3 or more, work to be consistent and uphold that activity level each week. Well, this I decided this was an affirmation of how I feel about my current activity level. I feel like I am doing all I can towards being active as far as time goes. So, this whole concept just validated this whole Bob Greene philosophy for me.

My problem is food. Plain and simple. So, here's the deal about food. I must log to lose. Time, emotion, how I physically feel, etc. which I'll do in my little notebook. I'll just keep the highlights of my journal here.

Several simple objectives to reach 5 days a week if at all possible. * Marks the things I already do.
1. *Eat a "Best Life" breakfast (approx 400 calories, fruit, protein, high fiber)
2. *Activity
3. Eat 3 meals a day and a snack or 2 (regular times... don't skip and don't get too hungry)
4. Stop eating 2 hours before bed time
5. *Drink 6, 8-oz glasses of water each day
6. Eliminate alcohol for now
7. Tale a multi vitamin
8. Evaluate my relationship with food ~ that's where the journal comes in

Here's the food log today. I'm not sure I'm going to count points. Tonight the kids (Cade & Jenn) were here so I cooked supper. I ate light all the rest of the day.

Breakfast (the usual) - SB cereal bar, banana, vitamin water, coffee 9
Lunch (I got involved in a project at work, didn't eat until about 2:00) I felt rushed and journaled while I ate.
Progresso lite veg soup (0 WW points) I'll give it 1 I poured off most of the liquid and ate the whole can.
2 Wasa crackers w/Laugh Cow lite swiss cheese 1
8-9 raw carrots 1
Lunch was very satisfying, the cheese provided some protein, high fiber, vegetable.. not bad!

Supper I ate a little whole grain spaghetti w/meat sauce, 2 small pieces of French bread (Pillsbury) w/2 TBs margarine, Jimmy and I split a salad.. lots of good stuff... but plenty of Ranch dressing too.

Total WW points BR/LU = 12
I probably had more than 10 points at supper.. but not a lot more. Finished eating at 7:30. Going to bed between 9:30 & 10. So, 6 out of 8 of my objectives. I still can't work out. Stitches in my knee. But.. overall... pretty good for the day.

More later! LY!LY!

New Year's Eve

2007-12-31T09:49:00.000-06:00

So, I started out yesterday as a good girl... ended the day as a bad girl. But... Not going to beat myself up... these social gatherings will be where I consume most (if not all) my excess calories. But that's what the excess calories are for.

Tonight, we'll go to Brooke & Roy's for NYE. More drinking and unaccountable quantities of chips, dips and appetizers. But, I'll start the day off right. Stay in control until this evening. The real bummer is... we got to wear jeans to work and they are tight. NOT GOOD!

Coffee: 3
SB cereal bar/banana 5
Vitamin water 1

Total: 9
out of 22

No exercise to speak of, although my knee is feeling pretty good today! I can't do anything until the stitches come out.

2nd day after surgery

2007-12-30T11:03:00.000-06:00

Suregery seems to have gone well. I didn't have to go under general anesthesia. We (surgeion, anesthesiologist and me) decided on using a really strong sedative and then a lot of local anesthesia in the knee. Recovery was much better this go round.

Today was my first shower after surgery. I feel almost human again. I am in some pain and the pain meds are messing up my stomach. That's a good thing, I guess, maybe it will keep me from eating while I can't be active. I'm also thinking twice about taking any more pain medication ... also a good thing.

I saw the incision for the first time today. Almost 2" long on the top of my knee. There goes the Miss Texas crown for sure now. My leg looks like a road map. Joe Namath would be proud. I have to say, I'm a little upset about the scar. But, it can't be helped now.

It turns out that the screw that was sticking up disentigrated as soon as the surgeon tried to handle it. There was a cyst that had developed over the back side of the screw he felt could have been causing the pain. So he removed that. I'm not sure what the difference is between a cyst and scar tissue. But that's how he described it. I guess I'm "cyst lady". Every part of me develops cysts eventually, I guess.

So, suffice it to say. I didn't make my goal 4 days in a row this last time. So, I'll start over on day one writing down every bite I put in my mouth. I could probably remember what I had to eat on Saturday, but Friday is kind of a blurr. I remember a sleeve of Ritz crackers and a Fresca.

So... Sunday, December 30th:

pot of coffee with skim milk and sweet & low.
1 tsp International Coffees chai latte mix in my coffee so... let's say 3pts for coffee
banana 2
SB cereal bar 3
1/2 turkey sandwich
1 slice wheat bread 1
3 slices deli turkey 1
1 Tbsp mayo 3
Progresso veggie soup (advertised as 0 pts, but 2 servings per can) 1

Okay, this is Monday ... after the fact...let's see how bad I was last night. I met Brooke at Costco this afternoon...bought coffee, VitaRain (0 calorie vitamin water) and some stuff for supper tonight.

So Brooke & Roy cam over I made enough in case the kids showed up too. Here's the run down of the rest of the evening's intake.

4 glasses of red wine (good red wine)... 8 points
crackers Ritz/Wheat Thins with that awesome creamy jalepeno artechoke dip
small filet minon (bacon wrapped, but didn't eat the bacon)
1/2 twice baked potato made with butter (real) and cheese
salad with green goddess dressing 3 points
2 sugar cookies w/icing

so there... it is documented... although I wouldn't really know how to count the points. What is listed above adds up to 25 points. I get 25 additional points for the week. I'm guessing between last night and tonight... I'll probably be over that. :-( But there it is... in black and white. Accountability (somewhat, as I do not have amounts here on all things... chips, dips, etc. are hard to quantify... that's why they are soooooo dangerous). But I knew that already.

Total: 25
out of 22

Obviously no exercise today.

LY!LY!

Day 2 - last good workout

2007-12-27T09:01:00.000-06:00

I probably won't have a chance to blog tomorrow. I go in for my procedure to grind off that screw in my knee tomorrow morning 7:15 a.m. So, I got in a GOOD workout this morning. It may be a few days before I can get on my elliptical again.

I'm reading a book (reading may be an overstatement, let's call it scanning) called the "4 Day Win." Basically, the concept is you can do anything for 4 days. So, I set a rediculously easy goal to reach each day... I get a little reward each day I achieve my goal, and after 4 days in a row, I get a more substantial reward. The problem is, the reward I want is food related... that's going to be the tough part for me.

Goal each day: Account (in writing) for everything I eat.
Reward each day, some sort of BC facial or manicure treatment before bed (I need a better reward, this is actually more like work to me.)
4 Day Reward: a new pair of shoes

I did my 45-minute workout this morning. 5 minutes of yoga to stretch/warm up
10 minutes of inervals (high-low intensity) on my elliptical.
10 minutes of upper body weights, 10 minutes of abs/core
10 minutes more on elliptical
100 crunches mixed with some pillates moves for cool down

We'll call this my standard morning workout... the only variation will be whether I concentrate on upper or lower body weights each day. It should alternate.

Here's the rundown on today's food intake:

Pot of coffee w/S&L & skim milk 1
SB protien/cereal bar 3
banana 2
20 oz water w/Life Water 1
med apple 2
laughing cow lt cheese, wassa cracker 1
20 oz iced green tea
WW turkey dinner 4
frozen steamed veggies 2
sm diet Coke
2 svg (14) pringles light sour cream/onion 2
2 Wasa crackers 0
2 Tbs hummus 2
diet coke
1c Kashi Lean cereal 2
1/2 c skim milk 1
8 0z water

Exercise -2 (probably low ball estimate, but we'll leave it)
Total: 22 (out of possible 22)

So, for 2 days, off to a pretty healthy start. I was hungry when I went to bed last night, but I drank a big glass of water. Oh yeah, yesterday I also drank 40 oz of green iced tea during the day. That should help too!

End of the day... I kind of grazed late in the day.. but, nothing too terrible. I made good choices and I have met my goal of writing everything down. Nothing to eat or drink after midnight tonight until after my surgery tomorrow... maybe I'll lose a pound. ;-)

LY!LY!

Fitness for the new year

2007-12-26T08:07:00.000-06:00

okay... just what I'm sure everyone wants to read about (who am I kidding no one wants to read ANY of this crap). But, I'm going to write about my healthy lifestyle initiatives here. Ta DAH!!! Exciting stuff. Of course, no weight or measurements listed.

Well, yesterday was Christmas so, we got a bye on eating healthy. Jimmy and I met Brooke & Roy at noon and played tennis for 1.5 hours. FUN! Then we went to their house for dinner. We played with the BAY-bee.

Here's what I had to eat:
Of course my usual pot of coffee with skim milk and sweet & low)
2 Pillsburry Cherry Turnovers
Pop Tart (later)

1.5 hours of tennis (STARVING after tennis)
ham & cheese sandwich on wheat bread w/Miracle Whip
light Pringles (sour cream & onion) probably many more than one serving maybe 2 servings.
just a few of Jimmy's Fritos.

Brooke cooked Mexican for dinner. 1 chicken/sour cream enchilada, 1 cheese enchilada, rice, refried beans (yes, in bacon grease)
2 no bake cookies
1 very small piece of carrot cake
2 large bloody mary(s) so 4 oz vodka Peppar
1 beer chaser (XX beer, not light)

Oh my God! No wonder I'm so fat!!!

---------

Okay... here's today: Wed. 12/26/2007
Opened the office at 6:45 a.m. so no workout (yet)
4 cups coffee w/sweet & low & either skim milk or the single serving creamers (35 cals each)
1 SBeach protien/cereal bar
1 banana
Life Water w/vitamins (about 40 cals because I dilute the bottle, too sweet otherwise)

Lunch today: WW smart meal 4 pts
big serving of raw carrots 1 pt
diet Coke

also made 20 oz of iced green tea to sip at my desk....
I'm feeling better already!

Goal for tonight: measure 1 c of cereal.

did it.. 1 c Kashi Crunch cereal (measured) 3 pts
1/2 c skim milk 1 pt
WW yogurt a little later for a snack.

Total: 19 points
Out of 22 total

No exercise... will work out in the morning!

All in all, a good day. I lived up to my commitments today.
Goal setting tomorrow.

LY!

Christmas Morning 07

2007-12-25T07:59:00.000-06:00

It's been a nice Christmas. I only have today off, so we did the Christmas thing on Sunday in Hamilton with Jimmy's mom & dad, then late lunch with my family. All the kids were wild... it's Christmas, you know.

My mom got us all digital picture frames and that's what we got Jimmy's mom & dad and my mom & dad. They are nice! I'm going to fill up the 2G memory card with dig pictures. I'm more than half way there. It is nice to see allllllll the pictures of our life over the last (almost 6 years) scroll through while we are sitting on the couch. Joy & Jenn have the same frames. I got the kids all digital cameras... but Kodie already had a nice one. I don't know if the boys will even LOOK at them. Oh well, they'll have dig. pictures for their frames if they want them.

Played two singles matches this week. Lost both. I shouldn't have lost to the guy, but I can't seem to make enough winning shots. Played Darlene again and she played "lights out" tennis. Even she said she was playing some of the best tennis of her life.... great... She would hit a short shot, draw me to the net, then lob perfectly over my head. UGH! I'll bet she did it like 50 times successfully. Every time she did it, I'd swear, I'm not coming to the net again! But... I get going forward and have to go to net... too hard to stop.

I like my new racket, but it has my forehand a little off. Backhand and serve are getting more accurate, however. I'll figure out the forehand again. It's all in my head anyway. I got off work at 12:30 yesterday, then Jimmy and I ran a couple of errands then we went to play tennis for about 1.5 hours. Hit the ball machine 300 shots a piece, then played a set. I got 2 games. I get a little discouraged, I just should be a better tennis player by now. I had a tough time moving yesterday, though.

That's probably it for the tennis for a couple of weeks. I have my knee surgery on Friday morning. I open tomorrow morning, work Thursday and then off for my surgery on Friday morning, Cade & Jenn get here Friday night. That will be a whole other blog subject next week.

LY!LY!

Who really cares about my tennis game anyway?

2007-12-12T23:42:00.000-06:00

So who the heck reads this stuff? Does anyone care but me. I guess it is like a private diary? Of course, my mama told me never to write anything down I wouldn't want published in the newspaper. It's good advice that has served me well over the years, so, I wouldn't count on anything too controversial in this blogspot.

As I covered last time I am anti-drama anyway... so... I suppose I'll blog about my tennis game or the latest crochet project. I do intend to document them here. Maybe even I'll find this interesting in 20 years. By that time not only will my short term memory be gone (it's not too swift now) but my long term memory will be shot as well and I'll enjoy reading these meaningless ramblings as an old woman who can't remember where she put her teeth.

So, my tennis game sucks. But that doesn't really seem to bother me. I just want to play. You would think as important to me as it is to play and as often as I play (I try for 3 times a week, but it's not really working out) I would be pretty good. Right? Well... think again.

I had knee surgery 05/05/05 - ACL reconstruction on my left knee and I have had pain ever since. The surgeon is sooooooo proud of his good work. I'm like, "dude! I hurt! Every day! What's up with that?"

The last straw was a couple of weeks ago. I played a singles match with a woman who had the same surgery about the same time... of course she beat me... her knee feels fine. She plays 3 times a week (daytime tennis player - a whole other blog topic) and when I asked her who her surgeon was she said it was my guy!! What are the odds of that? When I told the surgeon this story... and that I was in terrible pain for 2 days after that match.. he asked, "who won?" I could have decked him. I calmly said, " of course she won... SHE'S NOT IN ANY PAIN!

It turns out, there's a little plastic screw sticking up out of my knee, "I guess we could have turned it a time or two more," the surgeon admitted. It's causing inflamation and bursitis. As if to make me feel better, the surgeon also informed me that if I weren't so active, I'd probably never know that screw was there. It's biodegradeable you know.

The bottom line is, they can fix it with another minor surgery, open up the old scar and grind down that screw. I told the surgeon if he can get it done by the end of the year, I would consider it because I've certainly met my insurance deductable. I can't believe I'm considering it. Friday, December 28th I'm scheduled to have my 4th surgery this year. sheeeeeesh!

I hope I turn into a 4.0 player after that... or at least feel like one.

Later!

LY!

I'm Grinning Too Hard

2007-12-09T21:13:00.000-06:00

I'm Jill, and I live in Hutto-America a not-so-little suburb of Austin, TX. How I got here is amazing to me. But, suffice it to say, I'm just a little happy about it. I'll tell a little story about the title of this blog.

When I was going into my junior year of high school, my sister, Joy, was going to be a freshman. And we were at church camp that summer. Yes, I was (still am) a giant, uncool nerd. Anyway, we had had a great week at camp. And, I should tell you we are Methodists, so of course camp is co-ed. It was the last night of camp, friendships were renewed, many hours of 4-square, etc. and of course the DANCE (as I said we are Methodists) on the final night.

After a great week and the big finale of the dance that was always a huge build up, Joy and I made it back to our cabin all googly-eyed over a boy and the magic of the evening. And once we got into bed (bunk beds, Joy on the top bunk) the lights went off and everyone got quiet.

Soon, I heard a terrible gurgling sound from above me. The bunk bed was ... shaking? I felt a panic ... I heard a gasp for air coming from my sister's bunk. "Joy!" I said loudly. "Are you okay?"

I waited just a few more seconds before I jumped to my sister's aid when I heard, "GASP!...GURGLE...GURGLE........GAAAAAAAAAASP!.... I'M GRINNING TOO HARD!"

Some days... that's just how I feel! Amazed that I actually made enough good decisions in my life (finally) to be truly happy.

I highly recommend it... DECIDE to do what it takes to make yourself (and those you love) happy. Not happy? Fix it! Know how to fix it? Be grateful!

Of course, this simplified, drama-free lifestyle my husband and I lead also lends itself to happiness... but... that's a conscious decision too.

More about me later! Think I'll go grin on the couch with my husband!

LY!Y!