Monday Monday

I am now just over 6 months post surgery, and I am finally starting to get back to feeling like me again. I don't have as many twinges of pain as I did. My energy level is coming back. The hormones are starting to regulate, although I do still have my days. I alternate between angry and very, very sad. I am still struggling with the post surgical body image...my scar is long, and I have no muscle tone in my stomach.
Things are progressing nicely, but I need to get me back.

me, and the little man 2007

I don't have the quick answer, and I am pretty sure its going to require a lot of hard work and determination. I did run a 5k last month, but since then, I've stopped training to be perfectly honest.

from google images

When I hit the 6 month mark last week, I actually feel like I hit a wall. I came out of the surgery enthusiastic to work out, and then smack! I was more highly motivated a few months ago than I am today.

pilates class-perfect for that tummy bulge
picture from google images

So, I need to regain my motivation. I need to get back on track and get my body back. Its bathing suit season, I am spending a lot of time at the pool with the little man.

lazy river at drake springs

I won't say that I am embarrassed by how I look, I just know it can be better.

http://www.shabbyapple.com/

I don't have an easy answer on it either.

aren't these bathing suits divine?
http://www.shabbyapple.com/

I do know that I am not feeling super comfortable in clothes right now

I love these clothes!
http://www.shabbyapple.com/

and I am not really feeling the love back.

hole in one, mini golf at thunder road
pre-surgery August 2010

I am feeling LARGE.

from google images

Add to it, I am growing my hair out,

I loved my hair like this! 2006 style, not the most flattering pose, but oh well!

camp kaleidoscope 2009

so I am at that awkward stage, where its not quite long,

the long hair style I want

 but not quite short either.

the hair style I've been wearing since, oh 1995

Its there. And its frustrating, because I can't quite do what I want with my hair-

have you checked out http://www.whippycake.com/

like a great updo

from google images

 or a messy braid.

another awesome site! http://www.lovemaegan.com/
great tutorials & super fashion

Its Monday, the dawn of a new week. I am going to try my hardest to get back on track and get back to business.

my love hate relationship, the elliptical

Time to hit the elliptical.

Rad Grad

On Sunday, May 15, I had a graduation party to attend. I needed something casual yet comfy, so I decided on this outfit:

Its my go to spring staple.

Tommy Hilfiger polo, thrifted

Ralph Lauren Polo Jeans, on clearance at Macy's

Target Sandals, on end of season clearance

sunglasses, thrifted

hair clip, whippycake

Coach purse, thrifted

All together, this wonderful DESIGNER outfit cost me a total of $75, including the $30 I paid for the Coach bag (that is the most I ever paid for a purse. EVER)

I'm Ok

I love, love, LOVE Mindy Gledhill. Her music is a Sunday kind of music: quiet, peaceful, relaxing. Its also a reminder that I need to take time for a Sabbath. Its a reminder that I need to shut things down and step away from it all.

Ive had a rough few weeks, but sometimes you need the valleys to appreciate the view from the mountain top.







Some things that I have done in the past few weeks:

• not eaten healthy (boo)
• not exercised (boo hiss)
• bought an amazing book: Women's Uncommon Prayers. A must read if you are a woman and lead an extraordinary life.

 I also have painted my nails a fascinating shade of bronze (not brown, but bronze)














I also spent an amazing evening teaching a group of teenagers about hunger and poverty. We did an activity baking muffins (divided into 3 teams 1st world, 2nd world and 3rd world) that we later brought to the Mission to serve their clientele. It was a great experience for the kids.
I went to an ordination.
I watched 6 of "my kids" swear an oath before God and congregation to get confirmed.
I took a nap.
I ate a lot of really good food.
I even ate chocolate ice cream. With rainbow sprinkles.

I watched a storm blow in on Friday. I prayed and wept for those who were affected by the tornados in the south.

I've decided I love cupcakes. Lots of them. More please
http://www.ohmycupcakes.com/
They are the best cupcakes in Sioux Falls, next to mine of course.

I may not make a fortune off my cupcakes, but I have my fans!

I also have fallen in love with http://whippycake.com/shop/bon-truffle/ Amazingly beautiful hair art. It makes me happy to have grown my hair a little longer again.

Its been rough for the last few weeks, but I'm realizing that I needed this darkness to see the light.
I realized that I need a Sabbath, to encourage myself to rest.

A book can't really do it for you, but it can guide you to what you need to rest.














I am a shameless, hopeless romantic. I love Keates, Blake and most of all, Lord Byron.

My faith in fairy tales was restored this past week with the royal wedding.

But I have my own Prince Charming:

He still knocks my socks off after all these years! (18 and counting)

Despite all the ups and downs, and inside outs, I'm ok.