On a positive note, I have started the job application process, putting in a few and planning to submit a few more. I do like my current school, but it doesn't hurt to put out a few feelers to see what may be out there for me. It is scary to think about picking up and going to a new job, but that is part of my goal for the future, so it is a scary risk that must be taken!
I haven't given up my dream of opening a coffee shop/community center, though. Or living in Italy. Or living at the beach. I actually drew up a floor plan for the community center last week. It would be a gathering place for the community, all ages and types. There would be the coffee shop, pool tables, seating areas, table areas, books and board games, a large group room for meetings, small rooms for tutoring or meetings, and a bigger room in which bands or community events could be held. Students and teachers could meet for tutoring sessions, community members could attend informational or learning sessions, . . . the possibilities are endless. I would absolutely need to find money to do this, though. I don't have a clue as to where to start looking for such things. But I'd like to think that I could one day make this dream come true.
As far as weight and health, I have been making some progress. I am down to 165ish. . .fluctuating between the high 164s and low 166s. I feel pretty darn good, too, outside of constantly being tired. However, that is because I do not get to bed before 2:00 AM and have to be up for work the next morning. My cold is finally going away, too. I am not sure whether or not it was the flu, but I do know that it has taken over two weeks to be able to wake up feeling human. I am eating more protein, too, whether through food or supplements. I got the Provide protein shots, and they are not too bad. Also, the Nectar Syntrax shakes are great and I can drink those throughout the day from my Nalgene bottle. One bottle equals 23 grams of protein and 32 ounce of liquid. Diet-wise things are good, too. I am eating protein as much as possible, and making sure to keep fats and sugars to a minimum. The hair loss is still happening, but some days it doesn't seem like it is as drastic. Of course, my hair is shorter so that could be why. I did add zinc to my supplements, so I am hoping that is helping, too. Exercise is still slow-going, but I try to get a dog walk in when I can. The cold an weather took care of that for the past few weeks. I did walk like a champ all over NYC last week, which helped get me moving.
Every time I look in the mirror I am so excited for the change in my life that was able to happen because of surgery. :-) But for now, it is time to try and get some sleep. Until next time . . .
Not a great pic as far as appearance because I had just gotten out of the shower . . . and it is a lazy Sunday, but this is me in a pair of pants that I wore only five months ago. Size 20/22 and they were tight!
Me now, a size 12, heading to a 10, and wearing medium or large shirts!!!
