tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66081795828044523582024-02-07T20:12:54.821-05:00Not Even a T-ShirtI used to think I'd been to hell and back and didn't even get a lousy tshirt. Now I know every bit of my journey has been beautiful and important. The joy is in the journey, and God is in the details.Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.comBlogger2179125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-76830189226029378872019-07-03T22:28:00.000-04:002019-07-03T22:28:05.760-04:00We Aren't Ready To Say Goodbye: RIP Beth Chapman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ESmKgxsr7Z0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ESmKgxsr7Z0?feature=player_embedded" width="854"></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
You all know how much I love Beth and I am so saddened by her passing. On my YouTube channel (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjS09u6fw6gn5T3uV6MFAkA" target="_blank">The Wholeness Shift</a> ) I posted a tribute to her where I talk about how she influenced my life and just why I am so affected by her death. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
RIP Beth <3 br=""></3></div>
XO,
Veronica
Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-29936229304780550102019-06-07T19:44:00.001-04:002019-06-07T19:44:24.667-04:009 month VSG Post-Op Update!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFHPT1YyFqwm9gxEwmmt9G3l85RY3DMPIsyq5mBEO-xh5Bokoqmwr3fvJieGXIAksx7YdzEbjjGgSXqH0LTeAvZEOBeseBkqn3ROffkk6gVAvC4s8_PEwcRFR-N6aOxu5F65-vFHGX_XA/s1600/62171903_10156270802113244_6732313377659420672_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFHPT1YyFqwm9gxEwmmt9G3l85RY3DMPIsyq5mBEO-xh5Bokoqmwr3fvJieGXIAksx7YdzEbjjGgSXqH0LTeAvZEOBeseBkqn3ROffkk6gVAvC4s8_PEwcRFR-N6aOxu5F65-vFHGX_XA/s640/62171903_10156270802113244_6732313377659420672_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The picture on the left came up in my FB memories today from one year ago! So, I snapped one on my phone to put next to it. Look at the difference! I'm not dissing myself a year ago, I am just in shock at how much I've changed.<br />
<br />
It took me a while to be able to see it, but I finally do. For sure! I've lost 85 pounds total.<br />
<br />
So, in a nutshell here is what's been going on. My weight loss has been stalled for THREE MONTHS now! I think the main reason is that I let my guard slip and allowed myself to start snacking a little or to have more carbs here and there and *tires screeching* boom. Done.<br />
<br />
I've begun losing inches again though. This month I've actually gone down a size, so I think it's starting to happen again. I think the biggest culprit has been regular creamer in my coffee. I need to go back to using either sugar-free or using protein shake in my coffee. I bet my weight loss picks right back up if I do (because I've been drinking A LOT of coffee and that equals A LOT of carbs via that creamer!). I'll let you know how it goes.<br />
<br />
I've also been toying with the idea of intermittent fasting. I did it for one day (it was HAAAARRRRDDDD) and I lost a few pounds! But I didn't do it again because it was HAAAARRRRDDDD. Ugh. I'm suuch a breakfast person! To not have breakfast was so difficult for me. We'll see how it goes. Maybe I can stop being a little bitch baby and just do it. *shrug emoji*<br />
<br />
<br />
XO,
Veronica
Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-78470220535231985772019-03-07T11:10:00.001-05:002019-06-07T19:46:28.136-04:00The Wholeness Shift... New site<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://wholenessshift.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="https://wholenessshift.com/" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_xKZ9msxsezUhCB6zdMwQb6iNWXVvfMONaB9vFFf6DSnTneWeuMCikV-B6Ljk3beopwrxZMmfpYTmRmlLJKfMRQtxNkqQLu6EqQpPfRFUdOqTiM_ya4jGh6EOeIrFICTDK5l-vRcvP4s/s640/logo+slide.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I have enjoyed this blog for nearly fifteen years now! This has been my second home, my safe space to share all the parts of me that I was exploring. You all have supported and loved me and have grown with me along the way.<br />
<br />
<br />
I decided recently that it is time to be more of service. I dabbled in teaching and sharing here, but it was mainly about me. I want this next chapter to be about YOU. How can I continue to grow while also helping you to grow?<br />
<br />
<br />
So, it is with great excitement that I share with you my new website <a href="https://wholenessshift.com/" target="_blank">The Wholeness Shift</a>. This will be a space where I share the things that I have learned over the years. My intention is to help you begin taking a holistic look at your lives and to provide easy, actionable steps that you can take to bring you back to a place of balance and well-being.<br />
<br />
<br />
I STRUGGLED with the first few videos! Girl, it was HARD! If there was a technical issue, I had it. So...the first two or three videos were a MESS. lmao SORRY! The important thing is that I tried and I pushed through. Perseverance is the key. Just because you hit some speed bumps, doesn't mean you are supposed to stop.<br />
<br />
<br />
So, come with me on this journey! The content will continue to get better and better and I know that this is valuable information! :) I'm excited to hear what you think!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
XO,
Veronica
Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-47233426422686747652018-12-29T11:46:00.001-05:002018-12-29T11:46:19.437-05:00Shift...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9pxjVGp9FUNXFwh-wkQTSCDwTXu0y_suuWFSa7bppgnLGfdK96qInrRlcFA_CEzIB0iVryQpSRxCg6yqQMgi5NH_75exlt53KKpMSgoecsaD8jfgjLxrQGnnpf9us88IMhBDKKcNlBmm/s1600/ff865367f57a1ea56bb49aa478e0c33c.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="838" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9pxjVGp9FUNXFwh-wkQTSCDwTXu0y_suuWFSa7bppgnLGfdK96qInrRlcFA_CEzIB0iVryQpSRxCg6yqQMgi5NH_75exlt53KKpMSgoecsaD8jfgjLxrQGnnpf9us88IMhBDKKcNlBmm/s400/ff865367f57a1ea56bb49aa478e0c33c.png" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When you hear the word "shift", what do you think? A shift in perspective, a shift to the left or to the right. When I hear it I imagine a small movement one way or another. Not a major change, just a small bump or nudge one way or another...a course correction.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
To me, it has a connotation of mindfulness and intention as well. It shows that you are paying attention to what's going on and you are consciously making small adjustments to what you're doing in order to get better results. I love that.<br />
<br />
With that in mind, I have a new project I'm working on. It's going to be based around the concept of shifts and what shifts can be made in our lives to move us closer to wholeness. Now don't get me wrong, you and I are already whole...on a divine level. But sometimes as humans we forget that. We do things that aren't good for us, we don't do the things that <i>are</i> good for us, we have negative self-talk...so many things that remove us from that wholeness mindset of well-being.<br />
<br />
So, soon I will update you and let you know more about this project. I'm excited to share it with you! I hope that you will love it as much as I do! Lets keep making this world a better place! We talk all the time about the expansion and ascension that is happening with humanity...lets keep that up. Lets keep turning toward love. <br />
<br />
Have a wonderful New Year everyone!<br />
<br />
XO,
Veronica
Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-28803872980510848472018-12-01T19:39:00.000-05:002018-12-22T00:08:23.256-05:00Chicago...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqokKSrtphu6FYW6UCZg-ZMEzgNKd0Tdcoyl4AeV6Jzp7B3WoZ5f8t56SdNLG9hQ3ESQcVcmE8dkHHr2DV62TIUiMoD1Fhr6LOKfEGDZ3c10I80tG7nHy4FyGMK-1A337cw3QrmxM09ii/s1600/chicago.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqokKSrtphu6FYW6UCZg-ZMEzgNKd0Tdcoyl4AeV6Jzp7B3WoZ5f8t56SdNLG9hQ3ESQcVcmE8dkHHr2DV62TIUiMoD1Fhr6LOKfEGDZ3c10I80tG7nHy4FyGMK-1A337cw3QrmxM09ii/s640/chicago.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Today I went with Emma and my friend Lauren to Playhouse Square to see Chicago. I do love this show and have seen it before. Way back in 2003 when I was dating Jesus. It didn't disappoint. It was Emma's first time at the theater and she loved it. We went for dinner afterwards at a lovely little restaurant and all-in-all it was a perfect day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqfMgnYGN78xzyHFZwwqAuw9XfaNcHKq6JOneNOvsVtxfzbywedEdOoqP-T3NH2aj7C1MzwuUqK3jLYJtQnEYbBgyOERa2-yszwwWXDTJlu6zAgmB3qrQRXW6WtbpRcQ57c21p0Nq-6cU/s1600/47456744_10155863127043244_6248349711057551360_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqfMgnYGN78xzyHFZwwqAuw9XfaNcHKq6JOneNOvsVtxfzbywedEdOoqP-T3NH2aj7C1MzwuUqK3jLYJtQnEYbBgyOERa2-yszwwWXDTJlu6zAgmB3qrQRXW6WtbpRcQ57c21p0Nq-6cU/s640/47456744_10155863127043244_6248349711057551360_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtihKCR8t6m-Ffa6taRiRf5Xz9IQXNeEyNhD9gVIZlo-yekj08Uj0l8TkMQYsB-ziaeMd5uqNRlrtk7_No_MDvRVqjHLRzhf2P3GWTLz59_eHx-wYNgoyTalcQwfE-Ank3lo0L3urMG0Me/s1600/47157277_10155863127198244_1907989622965665792_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtihKCR8t6m-Ffa6taRiRf5Xz9IQXNeEyNhD9gVIZlo-yekj08Uj0l8TkMQYsB-ziaeMd5uqNRlrtk7_No_MDvRVqjHLRzhf2P3GWTLz59_eHx-wYNgoyTalcQwfE-Ank3lo0L3urMG0Me/s640/47157277_10155863127198244_1907989622965665792_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGa97mle5DBzsrB-HzmoMAGbqAO-94rHKT0xa3_8Ny0sk6qSLSiOulwehzNMJGX3Tl4orFYB1U2eoQFfDSCA3KhvSOP3N7lsWnCjsQK3nLhjz_PaUDJeAMCMxjG_8558VpJJ1bfWLYWntt/s1600/47191710_10155863083233244_134448814420393984_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGa97mle5DBzsrB-HzmoMAGbqAO-94rHKT0xa3_8Ny0sk6qSLSiOulwehzNMJGX3Tl4orFYB1U2eoQFfDSCA3KhvSOP3N7lsWnCjsQK3nLhjz_PaUDJeAMCMxjG_8558VpJJ1bfWLYWntt/s400/47191710_10155863083233244_134448814420393984_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMvRF9uD9TdfjUkRe64gPVebeqhNDgrLGwwRlXJNuGZXUBpou-4jFusYzLS2jzfLeFWYXWb5n1MVVsVnwrM-jS7Dn3Qhs2iDCHgqTebaxGq2AHFpYmJQSPYpsVz8_b83JVv0Svcmbq0Qg/s1600/47221344_10155863127308244_2251910104150441984_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMvRF9uD9TdfjUkRe64gPVebeqhNDgrLGwwRlXJNuGZXUBpou-4jFusYzLS2jzfLeFWYXWb5n1MVVsVnwrM-jS7Dn3Qhs2iDCHgqTebaxGq2AHFpYmJQSPYpsVz8_b83JVv0Svcmbq0Qg/s400/47221344_10155863127308244_2251910104150441984_n.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsLX30WDLL1rxPyA0Z5adlvSaCqZyg3KZt144QK9fvQHXN5PYI1iRpcMQuJ1NxvXjXz2_4sxTZLk-jHFwgzkSvYF7TerHmu1u5r7mhpx6bw5UGfZQzyKqRgpylCuyLIW1yZ7VGTgyB3Rc/s1600/47382897_10155863689873244_8258359959947837440_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsLX30WDLL1rxPyA0Z5adlvSaCqZyg3KZt144QK9fvQHXN5PYI1iRpcMQuJ1NxvXjXz2_4sxTZLk-jHFwgzkSvYF7TerHmu1u5r7mhpx6bw5UGfZQzyKqRgpylCuyLIW1yZ7VGTgyB3Rc/s640/47382897_10155863689873244_8258359959947837440_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xgbAuwKyjMicECUYaKc75Z192LeArWghSexug4sRAQxyL8yNblPV0o7ZIoQHU8BZJ79HfNjSVTEddNJja2us8rjt-rTwgfcz0dOMAPADMVeaR3SF7b78ov9SDZ-MhWqnn45MhXlKXV0o/s1600/47161084_10155863750213244_2054307841501560832_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xgbAuwKyjMicECUYaKc75Z192LeArWghSexug4sRAQxyL8yNblPV0o7ZIoQHU8BZJ79HfNjSVTEddNJja2us8rjt-rTwgfcz0dOMAPADMVeaR3SF7b78ov9SDZ-MhWqnn45MhXlKXV0o/s640/47161084_10155863750213244_2054307841501560832_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21u5d5O4Q2NLGpXiKccZTB-_d4u-LNhL9VoVffwG94-e1c-d3KG8mdW21WimuV9qeHAdGvGUhpCUo9YTCsphbfIcyq84ASLc2jTWEmgIv7rNRlQxZ5Mh0pcJKc9UOhJpbiajhhfY4Vg2B/s1600/47153081_10155863543638244_8305123581046554624_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21u5d5O4Q2NLGpXiKccZTB-_d4u-LNhL9VoVffwG94-e1c-d3KG8mdW21WimuV9qeHAdGvGUhpCUo9YTCsphbfIcyq84ASLc2jTWEmgIv7rNRlQxZ5Mh0pcJKc9UOhJpbiajhhfY4Vg2B/s400/47153081_10155863543638244_8305123581046554624_n.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-SFx9GqWuN-MPUcGqiiDToO3t3YIc6fXEilKG58iglt5ntskon4FfqP1ZbfSeXkV1g7XuydNettNEsIY-ANsSOVrUpCFjxVGLfHCc8Kvwa6NTpYinFT8bhs9jjVFVjVMt9_8qH0B65ZA/s1600/47424364_10155863543708244_5511498773794127872_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-SFx9GqWuN-MPUcGqiiDToO3t3YIc6fXEilKG58iglt5ntskon4FfqP1ZbfSeXkV1g7XuydNettNEsIY-ANsSOVrUpCFjxVGLfHCc8Kvwa6NTpYinFT8bhs9jjVFVjVMt9_8qH0B65ZA/s400/47424364_10155863543708244_5511498773794127872_n.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWxir1-hEkRFNXaY8K13AlwgOpT-FdeRDN42FyMFhDSOc0Z_8u7tC8ngpI0RyM5baUxANMAzyBlB1rEAqXLLGdR60ZlecmRtVH1wT8MkFO4wQ97xaDW6VgrxKIV0mG1Su1UU9tB2p-rvg/s1600/47163648_10155863689948244_6974154692515332096_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWxir1-hEkRFNXaY8K13AlwgOpT-FdeRDN42FyMFhDSOc0Z_8u7tC8ngpI0RyM5baUxANMAzyBlB1rEAqXLLGdR60ZlecmRtVH1wT8MkFO4wQ97xaDW6VgrxKIV0mG1Su1UU9tB2p-rvg/s640/47163648_10155863689948244_6974154692515332096_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
XO,
Veronica
Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-22690265837600391712018-12-01T19:27:00.002-05:002018-12-01T19:27:50.040-05:00VSG Month Three...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMuZSidRexvMqO2FNAHgi_5dbX-io0c799HGTVPC9-_cRJO5q8Y0tam4XqD2edQGQPPj4yPgU1npaMQ1kdqiS4Bzs7-Kenj7Nm0_vNU87woW5SM4IE1CS2NkaOl2O933GjHiEsNCvKNn0/s1600/monthly+tracker+november.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMuZSidRexvMqO2FNAHgi_5dbX-io0c799HGTVPC9-_cRJO5q8Y0tam4XqD2edQGQPPj4yPgU1npaMQ1kdqiS4Bzs7-Kenj7Nm0_vNU87woW5SM4IE1CS2NkaOl2O933GjHiEsNCvKNn0/s1600/monthly+tracker+november.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As of today, December 1st, including my pre-op weight loss, I have lost sixty pounds. :)</div>
<br />
XO,
Veronica
Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-814409207273149582018-11-26T19:27:00.002-05:002018-11-26T21:50:07.044-05:00The difference between Clairsentients and Empaths...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtRfo15x2ee_k3ifB3t3s-w1_uOfdiRRSB6HQ2rhmdZ2VTQwR2JYJTJfbUH0ZbYoO2Tt6nnhLVxybzx810AdvcPlNCXOzqhqZT23zezVtA2oEDFtBSlWLm6UvG2Zb6SBenZsBTSGksH-O/s1600/clairsentient+vs+empath.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="860" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtRfo15x2ee_k3ifB3t3s-w1_uOfdiRRSB6HQ2rhmdZ2VTQwR2JYJTJfbUH0ZbYoO2Tt6nnhLVxybzx810AdvcPlNCXOzqhqZT23zezVtA2oEDFtBSlWLm6UvG2Zb6SBenZsBTSGksH-O/s640/clairsentient+vs+empath.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">When I first started on this journey of spiritual awakening, I quickly learned that I am an empath. I was like, "AH-HAH! That's why I feel all of this stuff!" However, as time has marched on, I have</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">developed some questions about that blanket label. Mainly because when I see or read things, or talk to other people who also think they are empaths, I know I'm not exactly the same as them. So, I started doing some research and I've learned a lot. I'll share some of it with you here. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">The first thing I learned is that the terms "Clairsentient" (which means "clear feeling") and "Empath" are used interchangeably quite often, and they shouldn't be. There is also the term "Highly Sensitive Person" which could be thrown in here. Let me explain.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">A <u><b>Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)</b></u> is more aware of their surroundings than most people. They may pick up on little noises or may be able to judge a room or get an impression of someone because they are able to pick up on subtleties that other don't, such as mannerisms and body language. They have a higher ability to read cues and it gives them a lot of information to process and reflect upon. However, they aren't truly feeling other people's energy as their own.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">An <u><b>Empath</b></u> has the ability to actually feel the emotions of the people in their environment. The empath has the qualities of an HSP, but has the added ability to pick up on actual emotional energy as if it were their own. They can sense the tension in the room or cry when someone else is emotional. And they will probably get overwhelmed when in a large group of people. They'll need some alone time to come down from that energy overload.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: normal;">A <u><b>Clairsentien<span style="font-size: normal;">t</span></b></u><span style="font-size: normal;"> is someone who has a strong extra-sensory perception; a sixth-sense. They have the ability to sense the energies around them on a whole other level than empaths do. Empaths pick up on what the person next to them is feeling, but Clairsentients can feel the energy of any other beings (even invisible ones) that are around. They feel physical sensations and energy in their bodies from the energy that is around them and may be able to glean other things from that energy as well.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-size: normal;">For example, as time has gone on and I have gotten to know the energies (mainly my guides, deceased relatives, Jesus, and angels) around me, I can now tell who each one is when they come around me. Each one of them feels differently in my body and has a different quality to the feeling. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Another thing I've noticed is that Clairsentients tend to describe things by feelings and quality, such as <i>heavy, light, bright, sharp, dull. </i>I definitely do this. For example, I know that my main guide Spomie has a very soft energy. It is light and gentle and kind of spreads over me like a happy hug. Other guides I have bring very bright energy and some have a very velvety energy. And I can tell if a being has a masculine or feminine energy as well. Archangel Michael has a very bright, strong energy right over my heart. Archangel Raphael has a more subtle, softer, more nurturing energy that spreads across my chest. Archangel Metatron has energy that is so bright, direct, and to the point that it is almost piercing over my throat. Archangel Gabriel has a subtle but very wise feeling energy around my third eye. Jesus has a soft, warm, loving energy that spreads everywhere. Mainly my chest, but I feel it even down over my hands. My Grandma has a sweet, loving energy that is mainly over my heart but it is much softer and gentle that many of the others. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-size: normal;">And still there are many times that I feel an energy come around that I don't recognize and I just have to wonder who it is. Most of the time as long as the energy feels pleasant or positive, it doesn't bother me whatsoever. Honestly, the negative energy doesn't bother me either. I don't really experience it as "negative" most of the time. I experience it as a blindingly bright energy over my heart. It overpowers any other energy that tries to come through. And to be honest, I think it's that way on purpose because the dark side doesn't like that I communicate with my spirit team and am working to better myself and the rest of the world. If they can try to stop the communication or try to trick me in any way, they will. I just pay them no mind. Sometimes when I ask Spomie a question, I'll feel this big laser beam of an answer and I'm like, "really guys? lol You really think that feels like Spomie?" (because if you remember, I said that his energy is very soft-spoken). I just roll my eyes and keep it moving. But that's the thing...energy doesn't lie. I know that's all very hard to understand unless you've experienced it, but if you're a Clairsentient, you'll know exactly what I mean. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-size: normal;">So, Clairsentients may or </span></span><span style="font-size: normal;">may not also be an empath and vice-versa. I am both, but not everyone is (from what my guides tell me). If you think (or wonder if) you are any of these things, start paying attention to your own energy. How do YOU feel? It's funny that most of us don't really know the answer to that because we don't know ourselves or haven't paid enough attention. Also, if you are truly an empath or clairsentient, if you've never spent much time alone, you really won't know what you feel like because you've been so busy feeling other peoples energy and thinking it's your own!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-size: normal;">That's exactly what happened to me. I had lived with different cranky-ass men all of my life and I was cranky because of it. lol I took on those traits because that was the energy I was feeling. I felt cranky, therefore I acted cranky. It wasn't until I started spending time alone that I realized I wasn't cranky at all. Like, ever. And I got to know my own energy. Now I can immediately feel when someone else's energy is near me or what someone is feeling because it is different from my baseline. In nursing they teach you that you don't have to know all of the things that can go wrong with a body and what they are, you merely have to know what is normal so that you can spot when something is different and investigate it. Same difference. Get to know yourself...that is the key.</span></span><br />
<br />
XO,
Veronica<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVEyNqscDo-JpkZDNWGXeZgJvQNTXOstXy9ohEfnoWhVExJPtXix74SSftbFE3WZzSrzeYOv-ZvVRUgBri81l9nT5f8gIbTkdooj7nm6vGUPTFlgTthK3isYDn-ZTIrbqukWmjYg5VDMQ/s1600/clairsentient-meaning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="946" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVEyNqscDo-JpkZDNWGXeZgJvQNTXOstXy9ohEfnoWhVExJPtXix74SSftbFE3WZzSrzeYOv-ZvVRUgBri81l9nT5f8gIbTkdooj7nm6vGUPTFlgTthK3isYDn-ZTIrbqukWmjYg5VDMQ/s640/clairsentient-meaning.jpg" width="377" /></a></div>
Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-27673917910993611082018-11-18T14:21:00.001-05:002018-11-18T14:21:27.012-05:00Spending Freeze...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXEDQpGeNN6SniVsn3KBWn1YxyRaJ8AHb9ZBomsucAh4HMivlCegvboyCrGHT4oDRUfz-Lm5OmTIvDgsGPfGe4NBqWt8TfwZNWwd_ggnHvbrYEavE1W1xsryO4-OxoYhwg5rDpPuNv_8z/s1600/spend+freeze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1249" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXEDQpGeNN6SniVsn3KBWn1YxyRaJ8AHb9ZBomsucAh4HMivlCegvboyCrGHT4oDRUfz-Lm5OmTIvDgsGPfGe4NBqWt8TfwZNWwd_ggnHvbrYEavE1W1xsryO4-OxoYhwg5rDpPuNv_8z/s640/spend+freeze.jpg" width="499" /></a></div>
<br />
How much do you spend in a week? Not base expenses, but <i>extra</i> stuff? I can spend <i>a lot</i>. 😬😏<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJz-qmRKnIbdK6x1F1rB4wt52pwdNyQ8ln-4fHSwm4J234t4pGVqtCbOgolBqg7YNEU3uf5X3ELlU_RMRSLCYLMxe8940TX3wPQI6MPdW5w0bXQyMhT5Y4qT7B8W6yIl1uZ2mcoh7Buem/s1600/shrug+emoji.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJz-qmRKnIbdK6x1F1rB4wt52pwdNyQ8ln-4fHSwm4J234t4pGVqtCbOgolBqg7YNEU3uf5X3ELlU_RMRSLCYLMxe8940TX3wPQI6MPdW5w0bXQyMhT5Y4qT7B8W6yIl1uZ2mcoh7Buem/s1600/shrug+emoji.png" /></a></div>
Lets just say I have a small-ish addiction to the convenience of Amazon. Soooo... I've decided to put a few things into practice in preparation for 2019 which is going to be my year of health and well-being (physically, spiritually, financially). Might as well start now, right?<br />
<br />
For the past few months since I don't eat much anyways, and since Emma was away working at Cedar point, I started going without grocery shopping on some weeks. And it was always just fine. The world didn't fall apart and I never went without. <br />
<br />
The truth is that I (and probably you too) have <i>plenty</i>. We don't need to shop all the time. And we will be just fine if we don't go out to eat, or if we wait till next week to order that thing online. <br />
<br />
So, I decided to make it official. Beginning today, I am going to do a spend-free week every single month and I think I will save a crap-ton of money. At least several hundred dollars per week. I mean my grocery budget is like $125, plus having dinner with family or friends a few times per week is at least 100, plus one or two hundred shopping...it adds up!<br />
<br />
Now, I will still have my regular fixed expenses like bills and fuel for my car. But anything extraneous, including groceries, is off the table. <br />
<br />
I'm excited to see how it goes. I already know next Saturday is going to be a fail, because I forgot my son-in-laws birthday dinner is at B-Dubs that day. Oops. At least I'll have six out of seven days! <br />
<br />
<br />
XO,
Veronica
Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-91241385462024575042018-11-16T21:57:00.001-05:002018-11-16T22:08:20.661-05:00VSG Week 11: ONEderland!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bP6z9BQ6WCED-0iehhhAnuCJhobnoj0fir8EqAD5mXmU5kl14uzqmoZh91_Dc5NsYXSAThcNh-02MQV4Qj1vPkBfoq_rSD6z4kicV94chrSClcV1cIonYTU4vcBfP1GdIDq0xEZgahDF/s1600/onederland+wm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bP6z9BQ6WCED-0iehhhAnuCJhobnoj0fir8EqAD5mXmU5kl14uzqmoZh91_Dc5NsYXSAThcNh-02MQV4Qj1vPkBfoq_rSD6z4kicV94chrSClcV1cIonYTU4vcBfP1GdIDq0xEZgahDF/s1600/onederland+wm.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I did it! I am officially under 200 pounds!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On Wednesday, the scale read 200.0</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*cricket cricket*</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was like "COME ONNNNNNN!!!" LOL</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can't I get another tenth of a pound???</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But, the very next day, I was 199.8,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and today I was 199.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, this process keeps plugging along and I'm excited about it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
People who are not in the know are stopping me in the hallway now and saying,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"What has happened??? Where have you gone??? You look GREAT!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It feels nice. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPGmL06iTTWWBYfpWKGf11IQ8DoccjYw2il1ERvEcxZszukBnvzwU5MahqfGIILVUZJ-QKTEFgkgzIjQLrvvEiqdP6T0DaZdmYcLdKxq6ZBLlct-ktESLQy1685xhFhEyv_iw5bjRdSBI/s1600/11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="758" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPGmL06iTTWWBYfpWKGf11IQ8DoccjYw2il1ERvEcxZszukBnvzwU5MahqfGIILVUZJ-QKTEFgkgzIjQLrvvEiqdP6T0DaZdmYcLdKxq6ZBLlct-ktESLQy1685xhFhEyv_iw5bjRdSBI/s640/11.png" width="360" /></a></div>
</div>
XO,
Veronica
Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-87218015236280237962018-11-11T10:51:00.000-05:002018-12-29T11:52:15.501-05:00Eucharisteo: weight loss surgery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Bt4QkDxNULRiZBzkvBJ31v_EH3OeqOmwpevNguPsOAxA1IqZM2b79aiYihiuYxbMoYNrdtjW8jv_lCDSl2_mIkrNGYZSLvK24-SjNpFObv7teapmPiWYguY3bACV_eT2hgdn98qbGedJ/s1600/grateful-02_1x.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Bt4QkDxNULRiZBzkvBJ31v_EH3OeqOmwpevNguPsOAxA1IqZM2b79aiYihiuYxbMoYNrdtjW8jv_lCDSl2_mIkrNGYZSLvK24-SjNpFObv7teapmPiWYguY3bACV_eT2hgdn98qbGedJ/s1600/grateful-02_1x.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
For a while after surgery, I couldn't say that I was glad I went through with it. It was all still new and uncomfortable. My body was healing and not settling in as easily as I'd hoped. But, I can now say that I'm glad I did it. My only regret is that I waited so long to do it.<br />
<br />
As I see my body transforming and I am outwardly becoming more of how I have always seen myself, it feels good. Not merely because of vanity (although we all want to look good, right?), because honestly I loved myself at my heaviest and so did the people around me. But because of authenticity. And health. I feel more like my true self and I like that I am healthier.<br />
<br />
I do love getting my face back too though! I'm not even gonna lie. lol I'll post some pictures below. The one is just startling. It was taken in October, 2015 when I was at my heaviest weight and I was on a shit-ton of steroids. My face was huge and bloated and I did not feel like myself. I put it next to a photo I took in August of this year and WHOA! This difference is mind-blowing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3blY0zoOd5VHJOsAT4wdGRGk7doGe3IS-AnrcYhbesjvukwpwhMGe75MqeEQyK4Sw9GKxItFfNJIXdiG3ONCH_EuIZfn0mGwokkNPwd-sOTwt-g9bFBHbrJ0uu7wGBBp_246fv2BFXac6/s1600/side+by+side.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="935" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3blY0zoOd5VHJOsAT4wdGRGk7doGe3IS-AnrcYhbesjvukwpwhMGe75MqeEQyK4Sw9GKxItFfNJIXdiG3ONCH_EuIZfn0mGwokkNPwd-sOTwt-g9bFBHbrJ0uu7wGBBp_246fv2BFXac6/s640/side+by+side.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(October, 2015/August, 2018)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr70AVhwOTcNrnXSAb5ZEq1cjpqcceSP_UsPh-RXoylakWP0LpmoA1eBdzTr6mlDlkqpAaQGnNm2R-G0YPM1ydu99vABkk0afga-luFZkX7vDVOEtWeQ-ZtW7J5vqfPbH8ej6Cf78hIJcp/s1600/v+october+18+2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="601" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr70AVhwOTcNrnXSAb5ZEq1cjpqcceSP_UsPh-RXoylakWP0LpmoA1eBdzTr6mlDlkqpAaQGnNm2R-G0YPM1ydu99vABkk0afga-luFZkX7vDVOEtWeQ-ZtW7J5vqfPbH8ej6Cf78hIJcp/s400/v+october+18+2.PNG" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(October, 2018)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WorwpQ3SjQCUNI5ySw06F3ZsBfvmtS_45axJXwfIyiB0WGYRZilhl4kAWdK_OM3iNf3aKVLn9uQgdk-FVQsILV2U3YLRBn0-zwKNBAfrqkkyn_ZxyHR8233NrnUdr2XzATMqiPpNw1PW/s1600/v+november+18.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="594" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WorwpQ3SjQCUNI5ySw06F3ZsBfvmtS_45axJXwfIyiB0WGYRZilhl4kAWdK_OM3iNf3aKVLn9uQgdk-FVQsILV2U3YLRBn0-zwKNBAfrqkkyn_ZxyHR8233NrnUdr2XzATMqiPpNw1PW/s400/v+november+18.PNG" width="397" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(November, 2018)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am becoming a....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_ayQiLPDslVza4prdLtIxHqQk3ZHu6ieFecLSWoOoXTc5biKOCjB8zEwgk51D5Pkf9TisBXEfj2AtQYaPny9wfIVKwXND5CSxhD41Kg7wAMrqy8Np05OJWV-QPXgeJBm1OFasDvBDN__/s1600/skinny+legend.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="289" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_ayQiLPDslVza4prdLtIxHqQk3ZHu6ieFecLSWoOoXTc5biKOCjB8zEwgk51D5Pkf9TisBXEfj2AtQYaPny9wfIVKwXND5CSxhD41Kg7wAMrqy8Np05OJWV-QPXgeJBm1OFasDvBDN__/s400/skinny+legend.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
lol</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
XO,
Veronica
Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-27255736616390699122018-11-10T10:39:00.000-05:002018-11-11T10:39:39.922-05:00Eucharisteo: Creativity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETVsnUDgCSxg4sceg_JkYQWoqO9F98Sg8wuhVXEVi_r-nmKwU66HtsmcKtKdORYspKY9YFQu9Nn7w5toqFKSf-crKLDKGnJVutTnI-gRN9v9r-8q9vfwN5Hs8Uhxo20Hg1wJhjEpQKt6I/s1600/gratitude_quotes1web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETVsnUDgCSxg4sceg_JkYQWoqO9F98Sg8wuhVXEVi_r-nmKwU66HtsmcKtKdORYspKY9YFQu9Nn7w5toqFKSf-crKLDKGnJVutTnI-gRN9v9r-8q9vfwN5Hs8Uhxo20Hg1wJhjEpQKt6I/s400/gratitude_quotes1web.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
I've missed being creative! I don't know what happened, but it just kind of went away for a while there. I had no inspiration, no drive to do anything.<br />
<br />
And that's weird, because I'm SO creative normally. I am usually always painting something, designing or decorating something, needlepoint, cross-stitch, blogging, writing, making graphics....SOMETHING. But for the past few years? Nope. <br />
<br />
But this past week I decided to start bullet journaling and I can feel my creative juices beginning to flow again, which is AWESOME. I feel more myself when I'm creating. I made my first layout the other day and while it isn't perfect, and there are many mistakes, I think it turned out cute! I'm kind of proud of myself. I need to slow down and take more time with my handwriting because when I'm in a hurry it look kind of like a serial killers writing, but whatever...it's a work in progress.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5H82b4xjTTUof2NoTEcbA0-eZRro_OX_Ve33YasVRVkVYcFlfRMMSO13pMgaI8j7waz50Jwaq6obCtVTokVCl0QrrogwKme_BDUYk46OXfdtklKwlyVPKL3ILqDtcl77V4k6D_GKIDZdT/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5H82b4xjTTUof2NoTEcbA0-eZRro_OX_Ve33YasVRVkVYcFlfRMMSO13pMgaI8j7waz50Jwaq6obCtVTokVCl0QrrogwKme_BDUYk46OXfdtklKwlyVPKL3ILqDtcl77V4k6D_GKIDZdT/s640/1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsh5JK7ylYQNSa9Q__9tODZbSjlVF5H9PztHTfrmgwXgoRdikeAl_7QbwH8QfkppNBXwo3GkwjoAVfqMZ55BfFUqGe9786hqXZZhRzhfvDqtmrhQrY9p-WytrMPOSenCRXP7FglYUhLQ3/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1497" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsh5JK7ylYQNSa9Q__9tODZbSjlVF5H9PztHTfrmgwXgoRdikeAl_7QbwH8QfkppNBXwo3GkwjoAVfqMZ55BfFUqGe9786hqXZZhRzhfvDqtmrhQrY9p-WytrMPOSenCRXP7FglYUhLQ3/s640/2.jpg" width="598" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyv28ARb348YXuK4F1VEqWAHZ1l0i7eAckI6JmMN_QQg2MRftSgj9gCkU4G-jnTcD_DcebEGZ-9CV4ZvYtesDGzm9sr2WWg7RU18vGXx6i0y59BpynwsnDk_i6Ra0jLjrsSxPuxEyNBXl_/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1593" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyv28ARb348YXuK4F1VEqWAHZ1l0i7eAckI6JmMN_QQg2MRftSgj9gCkU4G-jnTcD_DcebEGZ-9CV4ZvYtesDGzm9sr2WWg7RU18vGXx6i0y59BpynwsnDk_i6Ra0jLjrsSxPuxEyNBXl_/s640/3.jpg" width="636" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWY8LJd7ruhyNbvMbzUR5DxZuontJZE59bdPjQEcYYPhfdWOV35z6Me9oVtCyum6wf-6LHQDmSv0s3F9Cd8dWK7Y2Zl8rpyMQPywxz-2dc1VxAQue1_m3fwbyhfo8DT2W-PQTZ8BVSYftJ/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWY8LJd7ruhyNbvMbzUR5DxZuontJZE59bdPjQEcYYPhfdWOV35z6Me9oVtCyum6wf-6LHQDmSv0s3F9Cd8dWK7Y2Zl8rpyMQPywxz-2dc1VxAQue1_m3fwbyhfo8DT2W-PQTZ8BVSYftJ/s640/4.JPG" width="512" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
XO,
Veronica
Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-54927577475454044492018-11-10T10:18:00.000-05:002018-11-11T10:27:30.054-05:00Snow...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr30qaFehRJWN2bcWVDGuG8HAK9mnL5v5Ni9tfhJjxaMcRZTYfcM79AsKYD2xXiZd1WMvYGDLkzkMZniFbZ3L2-On4lxvvZu_gBCZaHovg79ny6HHbkRWDGHSbhO8BDjbrZKQK9_F2B9Lk/s1600/freya.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="481" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr30qaFehRJWN2bcWVDGuG8HAK9mnL5v5Ni9tfhJjxaMcRZTYfcM79AsKYD2xXiZd1WMvYGDLkzkMZniFbZ3L2-On4lxvvZu_gBCZaHovg79ny6HHbkRWDGHSbhO8BDjbrZKQK9_F2B9Lk/s400/freya.PNG" width="322" /></a></div>
<br />
I woke up to snow on the ground and my first thought was, "Ugh. Winter is coming" (in an ominous tone as in Game of Thrones. So, I decided to make an appreciation post about a better kind of snow... my FAVORITE Snow! <br />
<br />
Our little Freya Snow is 2 1/2 now and full of energy and personality. Lady Snow runs the show and she knows it! :) She is smart, creative, funny, loving, and fiery. She fits right in with the women in this family! :) The legacy continues. And she is everything that is lovely and beautiful about this world.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KoAaUiQWCv06b1QKgy5QqxuHdDqUApRzJlxd41O3-Ekk17GEsqRWG-CIvcSqlgggWeqMZiYplqumxhvfs0X0VdrLigqzGhGCuDlUUGPs3fDU258taHnQvf_lgupS_ybkc4XYLNPt8N06/s1600/freya+9.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="587" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KoAaUiQWCv06b1QKgy5QqxuHdDqUApRzJlxd41O3-Ekk17GEsqRWG-CIvcSqlgggWeqMZiYplqumxhvfs0X0VdrLigqzGhGCuDlUUGPs3fDU258taHnQvf_lgupS_ybkc4XYLNPt8N06/s400/freya+9.PNG" width="393" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3E0rmGzIbN0ijeojCfpjWvTtTs80LOaciiopoj-QFm4et8F50BJU6IkaEujtMBsh-ZT_xlljOnZMtpLycKZeAuRUrmSGwJAXn8K2ftknEEPUEXh4IjaepfUuMAMNdcZ61TsQVVKHUu4Pe/s1600/freya5.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="596" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3E0rmGzIbN0ijeojCfpjWvTtTs80LOaciiopoj-QFm4et8F50BJU6IkaEujtMBsh-ZT_xlljOnZMtpLycKZeAuRUrmSGwJAXn8K2ftknEEPUEXh4IjaepfUuMAMNdcZ61TsQVVKHUu4Pe/s640/freya5.PNG" width="632" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsKaUND_EmvGjXGd1kLHc8eEUwta1y4HG3FAtrVyb854FPzKEoDtKio6Q_BCntKvnt5hTQOtVjcnDg9vvElxPAz7m1kI9hmpkjfPTAx_D1-QnG4P-LTeeb_4wxfK5O-JNvcdtQFMfq8kI/s1600/freya+7.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="532" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsKaUND_EmvGjXGd1kLHc8eEUwta1y4HG3FAtrVyb854FPzKEoDtKio6Q_BCntKvnt5hTQOtVjcnDg9vvElxPAz7m1kI9hmpkjfPTAx_D1-QnG4P-LTeeb_4wxfK5O-JNvcdtQFMfq8kI/s400/freya+7.PNG" width="378" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(meditating under her neighbors tree) </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pUivsFQJ7Z-Ype_uXsO9z_6OTeLAK_lbGRvrCGJmGlgmPPKBG96gfS_lXDH9NN3oI5HS4N0xg5JytDjMulkOIFRZdasBUYidgc_Z0Egyflplom_dzXVHUtVT5NhGgjrjfJgWy_RRwoxR/s1600/freya+6.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="558" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pUivsFQJ7Z-Ype_uXsO9z_6OTeLAK_lbGRvrCGJmGlgmPPKBG96gfS_lXDH9NN3oI5HS4N0xg5JytDjMulkOIFRZdasBUYidgc_Z0Egyflplom_dzXVHUtVT5NhGgjrjfJgWy_RRwoxR/s400/freya+6.PNG" width="377" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOspIfp4QGZ6Ydez6GO3NZvvnYL827AFnbyVkZenPbKgI3xHvg5jLO3OSDEVgYbzDvJ2r_YZj6HioAuXfOsfSRLrOywK0U4suLqOFq3r2HsoanZupf7jx4yFLp2UF4yHwFxnVlhc6raUx/s1600/freya+2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="514" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOspIfp4QGZ6Ydez6GO3NZvvnYL827AFnbyVkZenPbKgI3xHvg5jLO3OSDEVgYbzDvJ2r_YZj6HioAuXfOsfSRLrOywK0U4suLqOFq3r2HsoanZupf7jx4yFLp2UF4yHwFxnVlhc6raUx/s640/freya+2.PNG" width="582" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(she LOVES her new robe!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMT1Bt1cF79Rhnsd5Ol2sGxVE4Jpp9AmRb34hrjDmIWTpwidsKup6UEwggCxdurbh7fSNwnFZ5oHDkIzrddBGp8IX6UEiNkttpJjgKYiEDqcAT3ETvq7w5lOaHhHfeu5-ROS0jlj9tJfPe/s1600/freya4.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="570" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMT1Bt1cF79Rhnsd5Ol2sGxVE4Jpp9AmRb34hrjDmIWTpwidsKup6UEwggCxdurbh7fSNwnFZ5oHDkIzrddBGp8IX6UEiNkttpJjgKYiEDqcAT3ETvq7w5lOaHhHfeu5-ROS0jlj9tJfPe/s400/freya4.PNG" width="382" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPelNyfVKirVeVW0Dw6IRtMSfy-34Sp55janbftcA9r3EkaZdht5KRY_1DW5i6bEmMge0y07BSz6TY3zDvEHy0NX7dPhG4eCgt-ZMZFcQzXUJG6edvhpD1dCxwWRoxSZOPAsPw815c8cq/s1600/freya+8.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="558" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPelNyfVKirVeVW0Dw6IRtMSfy-34Sp55janbftcA9r3EkaZdht5KRY_1DW5i6bEmMge0y07BSz6TY3zDvEHy0NX7dPhG4eCgt-ZMZFcQzXUJG6edvhpD1dCxwWRoxSZOPAsPw815c8cq/s400/freya+8.PNG" width="387" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(She is obsessed with Paw Patrol and was Skye for Halloween) </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTi32EmcnSXcTM59jay-NrT8wlQHFc6F2_Jn3FmasjgNRnCezx-daUoXEr9kHw42TKmjbZFCcPaX3S6AzvDgSxw0TxOqIgXhexFbNl4CwLc37KANpIQt_7QkmFp6b-dXc8WGhgKS5GrlMy/s1600/freya+3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="583" height="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTi32EmcnSXcTM59jay-NrT8wlQHFc6F2_Jn3FmasjgNRnCezx-daUoXEr9kHw42TKmjbZFCcPaX3S6AzvDgSxw0TxOqIgXhexFbNl4CwLc37KANpIQt_7QkmFp6b-dXc8WGhgKS5GrlMy/s640/freya+3.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(eating Popsicles with Auntie Emme)</div>
<br />
XO,
Veronica
Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-83067457410951261132018-11-03T16:59:00.002-04:002018-11-03T16:59:27.920-04:00Eucharisteo...Fall <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1QuhyphenhyphenOHTn__NYjD2kcGaBdKO183ACca4AlolLajrr2qI7UJd4UFh_myzFZ_cY-Lx6tv5Y46i23YnxiwuFKJAnGMOf9unvaBEo2fO_aWVmIstOhDwlnHyr6JFRCqcokAsmDWEKPyoMdtB/s1600/Thanksgiving-quote-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1QuhyphenhyphenOHTn__NYjD2kcGaBdKO183ACca4AlolLajrr2qI7UJd4UFh_myzFZ_cY-Lx6tv5Y46i23YnxiwuFKJAnGMOf9unvaBEo2fO_aWVmIstOhDwlnHyr6JFRCqcokAsmDWEKPyoMdtB/s320/Thanksgiving-quote-7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Today was such a glorious fall day! It was everything you think of when you think of "autumn." Crisp air, smells of nature, the smell of wood burning in the distance, beautifully colored leaves lazily falling around you like confetti...all of that autumn deliciousness.<br />
<br />
It took so long to get here in our neck of the woods! We had a really late spring this year. The trees didn't even start to bloom until late April/early May. Which made the leaves start falling late. But today as I drove down the road, the clear blue sky shone behind the beautifully jewel-toned trees and I exclaimed out loud, "IT'S HAPPENING!" with the biggest smile on my face.<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1312582726"></span><span id="goog_1312582727"></span><br />
<br />
XO,
Veronica<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbq4yaz97EEcngKFLRGbh0uGYichTCM7B2p4bHUvc-qRsiVD6s4FjNRNDn7g0BgnTMwoLNXRJpv7iQX4hAfrfOrDsFyKFfuvAIO1yyX_XWyctUhCXWZNa6j3Ur9bSxgbOKJ0fHX_d0DMYj/s1600/autumn-leaf-autumn-beautiful-nature-wallpapers1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="714" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbq4yaz97EEcngKFLRGbh0uGYichTCM7B2p4bHUvc-qRsiVD6s4FjNRNDn7g0BgnTMwoLNXRJpv7iQX4hAfrfOrDsFyKFfuvAIO1yyX_XWyctUhCXWZNa6j3Ur9bSxgbOKJ0fHX_d0DMYj/s640/autumn-leaf-autumn-beautiful-nature-wallpapers1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-8215851395860151092018-11-02T19:08:00.002-04:002018-11-02T19:08:34.967-04:00Eucharisteo... make it a goal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbE_upin_YIYHXldgPf-sOqNtWFnepYPiE-s1m-CG5KHVY6rDNVoqScYlQc5aM-jo0aEx3NDaLY7QfvlUbSbY_ifEQDSVc-GvbLJwFSkdqC-ruJLE62-1RfMHLvQHDGJw20KcXireEdH6/s1600/6c657213428447cd178fa62068451871--thanksgiving-quotes-be-thankful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="237" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbE_upin_YIYHXldgPf-sOqNtWFnepYPiE-s1m-CG5KHVY6rDNVoqScYlQc5aM-jo0aEx3NDaLY7QfvlUbSbY_ifEQDSVc-GvbLJwFSkdqC-ruJLE62-1RfMHLvQHDGJw20KcXireEdH6/s400/6c657213428447cd178fa62068451871--thanksgiving-quotes-be-thankful.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I've just ordered some supplies to begin bullet journaling. Do you know what that is? It's a whole <i>thing</i>! I won't start out too huge and fancy (because I'm new at it and I'm not that artistic), but I love how creative you can be with this stuff. You should Google it and look at some pictures.<br />
<br />
Basically, you take a blank journal and you create whatever pages and whatever style you want to look at for the next week/month and use those pages to organize your life. Daily schedules, calendars, to-do lists, habit and mood trackers, lists of movies you want to watch, how much money have you saved...the list literally is endless.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikr_wnkpludxIxypx2dTRM2XAjadA4q4hAcc2eXAzv0F-PCtdWrhKJbl5AsxirSh3YP9wddGgwrqTGgddUXxjWCotsCUmKZoG-blTDVk-O45jGBL1jsuxQgwldkOuOZFh6E9T2UhgDQ3yK/s1600/a.bit.of.color.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1000" height="497" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikr_wnkpludxIxypx2dTRM2XAjadA4q4hAcc2eXAzv0F-PCtdWrhKJbl5AsxirSh3YP9wddGgwrqTGgddUXxjWCotsCUmKZoG-blTDVk-O45jGBL1jsuxQgwldkOuOZFh6E9T2UhgDQ3yK/s640/a.bit.of.color.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been thinking about what kind of content I would like to include in mine once I start it and I know that I would like some kind of monthly and yearly goal setting. Tonight as I was sitting here trying to figure out what blog I would like to write tonight, I have a<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGwawktAMRg&t=5116s" target="_blank"> Youtube video of a fireplace</a> playing on the TV with relaxing music in the background and it is so warm and cozy in here. Despite being sick with a stomach bug for the past few days, I began to feel all warm and loving and the spirit of Eucharisteo snuck up and got me!<br />
<br />
It hit me that the holidays are HERE! This is the month (and next month)! Only three paydays till Christmas guys! *shocked emoji* So, I decided to write out a little goal statement for this holiday season that encompassed the emotion and energy I was feeling right at this moment.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="375">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
text-indent:.5in;
line-height:150%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
My goal for this November and December is to live a life
based in eucharisteo and connection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
want to share the love, grace, and blessings that flow over my life with my
family and friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I commit this season
to creating experiences and memories that serve my soul and the souls of those
around me by spreading love, acceptance, and warmth through the strengthening
of hearth, home, family, friendship, and community. </div>
</blockquote>
<br />
Yes. That is what I'm feeling. I want my loved ones in my space! I want to bake, make crafts, have dinner with my girlfriends, have holiday dinners with my family...let this love fest begin. That is the goal!<br />
<br />
XO,
Veronica
Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-67282042326565548632018-10-03T19:13:00.001-04:002018-10-03T19:13:34.712-04:00Battle scars...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatlCSOG2LdrPxOorFaYInsgqGXKN6uULo1O2S4wt-ufl-ZP65ItstXyLFKmcJIxvEruMb90gG-nOXPp0hJhguZ0xnSHeB3K5va41-19kNSKvwAh2qpsaqJTZ4-iuRqSVHG_XeZenkSyKD/s1600/https+_blogs-images.forbes.com_paulrodgers_files_2014_12_Shieldmaiden.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="1280" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatlCSOG2LdrPxOorFaYInsgqGXKN6uULo1O2S4wt-ufl-ZP65ItstXyLFKmcJIxvEruMb90gG-nOXPp0hJhguZ0xnSHeB3K5va41-19kNSKvwAh2qpsaqJTZ4-iuRqSVHG_XeZenkSyKD/s640/https+_blogs-images.forbes.com_paulrodgers_files_2014_12_Shieldmaiden.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Yesterday I was driving and reflecting on life and my recent life changes. As we often do (especially us women), my mind started to veer more toward the shame route where I was beating myself up a little bit. I began thinking about what an unhealthy coping mechanism food was and if I had never given into the temptation, I wouldn't be in my current situation.<br />
<br />
My mind was silent for a moment and then I had a huge ah-ha moment. <i> Of course</i> I fucking used food as a coping mechanism! Do you know the things I have gone through and endured in my life? I could list them out, but if you've been reading my blogs for any length of time then you pretty much know. <br />
<br />
Listen, any ONE of those things is enough to send most people searching for something to numb the pain! Unless you're super-human, going through trauma (especially several traumas) will make you want to numb the pain until you can work through it. To judge someone for self-soothing is like asking them to have major surgery with no anesthesia. It's just not happening.<br />
<br />
After reflecting on that thought for a bit, I smiled and said to myself, "You are a fucking beast! You are a BOSS bitch! Look at the battles you have come through and are now standing on the other side of! You are a Queen. No other way to look at it. I'm proud of you for coming through so intact and keeping such a beautiful outlook on life. You did it and I love you."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMa3FMTsSfI-E0JFyR7sY5pK_O9vqGanHHvjwR4Hvkj1dPQhjHPEuYYBb9x7hHUDlRRThu6Az2pSh2_aaUxhomU6TzrIpAv8piUJnv7V_6e5Ow-FdrK7fLt7cvlFVL14x3Uc2QH8-_dKK/s1600/20140630_425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMa3FMTsSfI-E0JFyR7sY5pK_O9vqGanHHvjwR4Hvkj1dPQhjHPEuYYBb9x7hHUDlRRThu6Az2pSh2_aaUxhomU6TzrIpAv8piUJnv7V_6e5Ow-FdrK7fLt7cvlFVL14x3Uc2QH8-_dKK/s320/20140630_425.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm grateful that all I did was have an issue with weight after all of that! I could have turned to drinking, drugs, or suicide. Food was my drug of choice. But I am safe now. I am healthy and healed. I no longer need to medicate and to soothe. I'm okay. So now it is safe to release all of that and make healthier choices. <br />
<br />
I will never judge myself for my weight and and for how it got there. I was doing the best that I could with some pretty awful situations over the years. My weight and my stretch marks are my battle scars. <br />
<br />
And you shouldn't judge yourself either. What would love do? Love would have us treat ourselves with tenderness and infinite compassion. Because we are worthy of that. <br />
<br />
XO,
Veronica<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNRth1flsoPOoivJuLY69MiejPnb3_fGaX3JjpFBzJ1nM4Fnp5fdJtgHCLvxr2chbfM11RDC0N-XSM4mge75lXTHB3UXuTuJMBRHdb04lPnLhlg7M3p7OcT5NA9B5rJsNQBg10r1o40Ke/s1600/0d9f7c60f911b3a7b135624497f4a3c2--healing-heart-quotes-self-healing-quotes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="736" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNRth1flsoPOoivJuLY69MiejPnb3_fGaX3JjpFBzJ1nM4Fnp5fdJtgHCLvxr2chbfM11RDC0N-XSM4mge75lXTHB3UXuTuJMBRHdb04lPnLhlg7M3p7OcT5NA9B5rJsNQBg10r1o40Ke/s400/0d9f7c60f911b3a7b135624497f4a3c2--healing-heart-quotes-self-healing-quotes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-50598597157029609712018-09-28T10:26:00.001-04:002018-09-28T10:26:20.625-04:00One Month!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCmp410jhcePlLzOnioAJJr-5Lnwced4KGnuZnqKV6RD2CjgAO45dvfTtWz1IXE2P4tGk4vS2tMfv2wecagN2CxISWMRBF_F-ZINZNLbDiDaPRzOJj1CH7k7Fe-mEcdFvojOuq9zUW7OK/s1600/IMG_4912.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="729" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCmp410jhcePlLzOnioAJJr-5Lnwced4KGnuZnqKV6RD2CjgAO45dvfTtWz1IXE2P4tGk4vS2tMfv2wecagN2CxISWMRBF_F-ZINZNLbDiDaPRzOJj1CH7k7Fe-mEcdFvojOuq9zUW7OK/s400/IMG_4912.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can't believe it's been four weeks since I had surgery! It seems like forever ago and like just yesterday all in one. I am making steady progress though.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzBBl2ILi7cRV49nttpBAjo43GmPoGZGwznR7cCHH1ff1CFryxhieJUb6pVJX9Jrt6BIrEN0T_Fqdco3VvHZxD1aWRgVyWRs1LXyZpVNK6MN37GLX_Fh91mXqoe6ASJ3uRgskLC0vaBs6/s1600/wk4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="758" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzBBl2ILi7cRV49nttpBAjo43GmPoGZGwznR7cCHH1ff1CFryxhieJUb6pVJX9Jrt6BIrEN0T_Fqdco3VvHZxD1aWRgVyWRs1LXyZpVNK6MN37GLX_Fh91mXqoe6ASJ3uRgskLC0vaBs6/s640/wk4.png" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithKf8HHFQJ36TolkLKKIbfBJgoieKfqpyCjlqsr6jdmGzFoJsYBLFif8EvcXTv-INezOfTIjAtBMAn99cduMD9e2Vb8rY2hu3Q57TsSEvNd8SkqYolffE4B8GDUetx9A06P5pgn32rvIV/s1600/monthly+tracker.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="508" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithKf8HHFQJ36TolkLKKIbfBJgoieKfqpyCjlqsr6jdmGzFoJsYBLFif8EvcXTv-INezOfTIjAtBMAn99cduMD9e2Vb8rY2hu3Q57TsSEvNd8SkqYolffE4B8GDUetx9A06P5pgn32rvIV/s400/monthly+tracker.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hit what I felt was a little bit of a stall this week. I didn't lose even a tenth of a pound for five days, which was frustrating. However, when I look at the totals, everything seems okay. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My surgeon said average weight loss is 20 pounds in the first month. He also said that at my one-month follow up if I have lost too much that they will make me adjust my eating. So, 19.8 pounds is right on target and my body was just adjusting itself to stay on track. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm definitely ready for some bigger numbers though! lol I'm like, okay! Where's the skinny??? lol</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I made an executive decision to stop the Actigal (which is a med they give you for six months to prevent gall stones) at least temporarily to see if it would stop the nausea, vomiting (yep that was a new one this week), and other "gastric distress" that I was having. And it did! So that's a relief, however the last thing I want is gall bladder issues, so I don't know what to do. I'm waiting to hear back from my surgeon. Maybe if I can even take a smaller dose? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnMr5vADTCK1AoWn0G8vXyz7ebZbavm3ZsliEpQI6gldASA01IdXjTt-g2kq60o4bHInbqeBBPgILt62ZOWi7z_Q8ZvgL7BdS4Hec1hTkQJZvpp8MnvwFlBzcdsuU7tDRa3JyyaQX2QBC/s1600/shrug+emoji.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="241" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnMr5vADTCK1AoWn0G8vXyz7ebZbavm3ZsliEpQI6gldASA01IdXjTt-g2kq60o4bHInbqeBBPgILt62ZOWi7z_Q8ZvgL7BdS4Hec1hTkQJZvpp8MnvwFlBzcdsuU7tDRa3JyyaQX2QBC/s200/shrug+emoji.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
I just wish this time off of work would go S-L-O-W-E-R! It's flying by! I have two more weeks then back to work. I hope this last two weeks crawls by like a turtle! lol<br />
<br />
XO,
Veronica
Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-81676303304606812202018-09-14T11:13:00.001-04:002018-09-14T11:13:37.316-04:00VSG: 2 week check-in...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Cgu9xa0EExXMVJWMVs4hjPQXTKxbUhqGku_gHQJPFFyl0c5XgwBxLbw9kZw_tIO4dpOVjuQ6cjbhhsioeXzw5jvUAU1LohEPr0thD9cMfmGr8Hr2pZcQmRKG1iUMk6ycFzOY1oPSDJeo/s1600/wk+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Cgu9xa0EExXMVJWMVs4hjPQXTKxbUhqGku_gHQJPFFyl0c5XgwBxLbw9kZw_tIO4dpOVjuQ6cjbhhsioeXzw5jvUAU1LohEPr0thD9cMfmGr8Hr2pZcQmRKG1iUMk6ycFzOY1oPSDJeo/s1600/wk+2.png" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can't believe it's been two weeks already! Time is flying. This week I felt way better physically, but the weight loss slowed down. Probably because the water weight is all gone and now it's real weight coming off. Plus, I'm not allowed to do a whole lot yet, so I do a lot of sitting here. I bet once I'm allowed to do more it will fall off.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsjDBveg9fguxv9EfY4A9uNC4g1FF5Ia4P9VE_moVtR8yBnjG65StpEaByPYWmHDrGx2osWTN47Cvsg_lDqdpHEo0F002F038ZWhO4dHZABF88ajU8ONJy8WvgAyW_-ybqzJs7Oz_ss_p/s1600/week+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="758" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsjDBveg9fguxv9EfY4A9uNC4g1FF5Ia4P9VE_moVtR8yBnjG65StpEaByPYWmHDrGx2osWTN47Cvsg_lDqdpHEo0F002F038ZWhO4dHZABF88ajU8ONJy8WvgAyW_-ybqzJs7Oz_ss_p/s640/week+2.png" width="361" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm22G68y8kpenxVaINUCn7bOx34zAgG0yVY__uX3_WAnl74IxI_w-a7jEImEd_Uy3kHi0pYWkIQJzr5iOuxhatlNXJrsSQSMXFzp66mHPinh7ov8rwwAflrm2DvbKr9BySR5HI03bQ5KMM/s1600/IMG_5159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1359" data-original-width="1539" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm22G68y8kpenxVaINUCn7bOx34zAgG0yVY__uX3_WAnl74IxI_w-a7jEImEd_Uy3kHi0pYWkIQJzr5iOuxhatlNXJrsSQSMXFzp66mHPinh7ov8rwwAflrm2DvbKr9BySR5HI03bQ5KMM/s320/IMG_5159.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I mean, hello...I've lost 13 pounds in two weeks and I'm like *is that all???*! But I'm ready to get the show on the road! The other thing is that this week when I had my follow-up appointment with my surgeon, he was impressed with how well I'm doing and how quickly I'm healing, so he advanced my diet early. That means instead of just having liquids going in and being passed right through, I have actual food in my stomach, which I'm sure weighs more.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So for the next few weeks, I am eating pureed and soft foods. I am having things like scrambled eggs, soups, cheese, cream of wheat, etc. I made some corned beef hash the other night and OH MY GOSH it was so freaking good! Ugh. You don't appreciate the little things until they are gone, right?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Because I also had an umbilical hernia repair at the same time, I have to wait that few extra weeks before starting any exercise. Who knew those repairs hurt so bad??? Not me. But after another week, I will start doing some yoga and other various exercises. Maybe some weight training so I have something toned for this skin to fall over. We'll see. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first 7-9 months are the golden months. You will never again lose weight as quickly or easily, and will never feel as great as during that time period. So, it's important to take advantage of it.</div>
<br />
<br />
XO,
Veronica
Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-24788737841230354852018-09-07T11:02:00.000-04:002018-09-07T11:02:10.848-04:00VSG: 1 Week Post Op...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAQ5JNZCr1zc2GlXSwZ4834669ViWHn5r6_EoZhxR_ok2mGUoPEqtemajkDNY2UcJ-QE2elsvrvb3pf5feiVK4AGno3_GoaksCDAcY4L1ZtpTvq8Dl5cwH7q0byWpM6mZohNStK0fHf50/s1600/week+1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="750" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAQ5JNZCr1zc2GlXSwZ4834669ViWHn5r6_EoZhxR_ok2mGUoPEqtemajkDNY2UcJ-QE2elsvrvb3pf5feiVK4AGno3_GoaksCDAcY4L1ZtpTvq8Dl5cwH7q0byWpM6mZohNStK0fHf50/s400/week+1a.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is only one word that can sum up this week...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
BRUTAL.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Seriously, this has been a rough week. I know things can always get worse, but still. Pain, nausea, liquid diet... none of those things are good. Put them together and...UGGGHHH.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But, one week down! I would say I'm losing a pound or so per day at this point. I am lucky in that I haven't had any trouble getting in all of my hydration or protein. I haven't struggled with that at all. I do have trouble getting in calories though. Not sure if that matters at this point or not to be honest. Pre-op, I had to get in 80g of protein and 800 calories per day. Post-op, I know I have to get in at least 60g of protein and I am averaging around 500 or so calories per day. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9mxgaUWWvLpU_3_E825htTKyTIGKmAD8lYaahCFa1sLimyLFu3r-j0y2FgdhpB97Y8A4MiOp9YWHgJTDPProvYU0mL-vFD6Kpt_leHxEyO2HA7wQxbFlCecGVa2-WW_75jAdzBHH3BrS/s1600/1+week.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1373" data-original-width="1600" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9mxgaUWWvLpU_3_E825htTKyTIGKmAD8lYaahCFa1sLimyLFu3r-j0y2FgdhpB97Y8A4MiOp9YWHgJTDPProvYU0mL-vFD6Kpt_leHxEyO2HA7wQxbFlCecGVa2-WW_75jAdzBHH3BrS/s320/1+week.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
~one week post op weight~<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
On the day of surgery, I was 227.6, but after surgery I was up to 234 (because of all the fluids and swelling). It took me the whole week to get back down to that surgical weight. I am still counting all of those pounds in my weight loss though! Just because I had to lose them a second time doesn't take away from the fact that I still lost them! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00Wm6-3sLCTm3vjaKm6eN2bsag5XZTM7d2DJpdlHrkuJpnefUth_kAu2_3Mgnsnol8AKEQyGgVc4ohU8ZAsY9WbH0uDYvzMryPRVLaNdidZNBJNf3dm3x4aph1dDi2V7wS41Gf6Kfhyphenhyphenli/s1600/week+1+totals.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="758" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00Wm6-3sLCTm3vjaKm6eN2bsag5XZTM7d2DJpdlHrkuJpnefUth_kAu2_3Mgnsnol8AKEQyGgVc4ohU8ZAsY9WbH0uDYvzMryPRVLaNdidZNBJNf3dm3x4aph1dDi2V7wS41Gf6Kfhyphenhyphenli/s640/week+1+totals.png" width="360" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have one more week of the liquid diet to go. Although when I spoke with my nurse yesterday, she gave me permission to start taking in some slightly thicker things like smoothies, cream of wheat, soups that have the chunks strained out of them, etc. So maybe this week will be a little more tolerable than last week!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
XO,
Veronica
Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-63029501445374110962018-09-05T12:28:00.000-04:002018-09-07T12:29:32.192-04:00You've always been beautiful...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneMsA_E1ANZplJflWML8cmPBH2qyatVQ5cd_d-nqoW4658RKnt5GqIwiQIXXuINIB8LFvO3fu8ixoFylwYFrawarS-SdL5v3U6xzHEOeFQnOV0lx75O9NtuKUQSwnS2yFzBREPQawEooS/s1600/20140630_311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="498" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneMsA_E1ANZplJflWML8cmPBH2qyatVQ5cd_d-nqoW4658RKnt5GqIwiQIXXuINIB8LFvO3fu8ixoFylwYFrawarS-SdL5v3U6xzHEOeFQnOV0lx75O9NtuKUQSwnS2yFzBREPQawEooS/s400/20140630_311.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
XO,
Veronica
Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-72468797628805909032018-09-02T19:11:00.000-04:002018-09-03T10:36:20.670-04:00VSG: Surgical day - POD 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6b00lTdb37EXL4g9UuN1cUe4gyx8ZOusua5F_NMw3fB5o-qLPlD7OnWJNautjq9iku0LRBXrbuWifsgfqAC9176dXn0YPglfoZ2GNiGOrfZ1B5AjZgz6Fw-Xkw_3XMwG6jd4IDgC9xyA/s1600/40407573_10155676059143244_2370239210524246016_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6b00lTdb37EXL4g9UuN1cUe4gyx8ZOusua5F_NMw3fB5o-qLPlD7OnWJNautjq9iku0LRBXrbuWifsgfqAC9176dXn0YPglfoZ2GNiGOrfZ1B5AjZgz6Fw-Xkw_3XMwG6jd4IDgC9xyA/s400/40407573_10155676059143244_2370239210524246016_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The morning of Friday, August 31, 2018 I had to get up at 3am to drink a bottle of regular Gatorade (per my surgeon's instructions) and then report to the hospital at 5:30 am. I was supposed to have a 7:00 am start time, but they were pretty late. I have to say it was a good experience from start to finish. I mean, it is the Cleveland Clinic. They're the #2 hospital in the nation (which pretty much means the world). I kind of expected good care.<br />
<br />
My surgical weight was 227.6. My highest weight was 254, by surgery I had lost 27 pounds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPzkg3RiBKcmBCB10g7QEt57iDU3f0F5nt_S4ZW4xrh7PMiVNvgwaJHH9eqeaHoOnDSiS9GEaQGX-o447g9T1k6ap6FKPwrXAB1DQ1SytumMo3VS0pZwSQIOShnfXUdqUo1UX5CDM3kSb/s1600/IMG_4919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1293" data-original-width="1376" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPzkg3RiBKcmBCB10g7QEt57iDU3f0F5nt_S4ZW4xrh7PMiVNvgwaJHH9eqeaHoOnDSiS9GEaQGX-o447g9T1k6ap6FKPwrXAB1DQ1SytumMo3VS0pZwSQIOShnfXUdqUo1UX5CDM3kSb/s320/IMG_4919.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxMvQLzIS0NFVuq9ZOwZ_eZqtoO9K5faALYSjWSFl_xHzUiK-ksXO9Z2el9Pp5hFDpF5h4L1XRd3PJu_C7M3ySMIDcvyEk_aIv6ZgHA07iHnfgEEz763tRjpO8hjj4Xb5kqCljUZnSuSW/s1600/40684259_10155681060218244_5847092932594630656_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxMvQLzIS0NFVuq9ZOwZ_eZqtoO9K5faALYSjWSFl_xHzUiK-ksXO9Z2el9Pp5hFDpF5h4L1XRd3PJu_C7M3ySMIDcvyEk_aIv6ZgHA07iHnfgEEz763tRjpO8hjj4Xb5kqCljUZnSuSW/s320/40684259_10155681060218244_5847092932594630656_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I lost 7.2 pounds in August!</div>
<br />
Courtney and Emma took me to the hospital and hung out all day waiting for me to get done and settled into a room. Emma stayed with me overnight. I don't think she would have gone home even if I forced her. lol She's always been Mommy's girl and is a good caretaker. That first post-op day was TOUGH. Who am I kidding? I'm on day 3 now and it hasn't stopped being tough!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ugsAzJd1DwwpOKRe5Avs2QV48qfu7E4Tdh90YgZpzRfaWAWVGoZh1K6tIHVTs01GASjHZGVaqvEoqyf-_R3ndYwjTcE4JxisL5jSfy7BLkTYixdh6QPcWiYUFU2kAxAebD91rvHQtEhf/s1600/40484307_1525521554259907_1619359458373140480_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ugsAzJd1DwwpOKRe5Avs2QV48qfu7E4Tdh90YgZpzRfaWAWVGoZh1K6tIHVTs01GASjHZGVaqvEoqyf-_R3ndYwjTcE4JxisL5jSfy7BLkTYixdh6QPcWiYUFU2kAxAebD91rvHQtEhf/s640/40484307_1525521554259907_1619359458373140480_n.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
But that first night, I was so nauseous and kept throwing up and my pain was horrible. Have you guys ever had abdominal surgery? Even laparoscopically it HARD. You use your abs for every little movement you make from standing, sitting and rolling over to putting on your underwear and wiping yourself. I have seven incisions on my belly and they HURT!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iUc2Xk6mIW304hSU5XFefKn2phwLH8rNRbZZCoCe7r02Hx5qbUXpebYpaQ0hWZsR93_iHNl7sj0Doygyx8mwRUVHsEHe3nmA-lid19Nia40TpFsuwn6c0ob9mvb5DgWLFS1sYmcnbWPt/s1600/40486179_10155678437348244_5847357219112222720_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iUc2Xk6mIW304hSU5XFefKn2phwLH8rNRbZZCoCe7r02Hx5qbUXpebYpaQ0hWZsR93_iHNl7sj0Doygyx8mwRUVHsEHe3nmA-lid19Nia40TpFsuwn6c0ob9mvb5DgWLFS1sYmcnbWPt/s640/40486179_10155678437348244_5847357219112222720_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We were literally up all night and even though the next day I still couldn't get much rest, she finally conked out. Poor baby.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnuS_FT1zU2ao43O2TLOeiiXi9nRbVAFlz0s3D9GI9KOF0OqKmzAW3eHboH1YCZPPGKEMP529cWgmqlwdqtS96S5w25mCWWioARQIvvkKpxigFoV_7V7X-SYSq5N6i9o2wzylPAmXhbzP/s1600/40498234_10155678433803244_4757520619350786048_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnuS_FT1zU2ao43O2TLOeiiXi9nRbVAFlz0s3D9GI9KOF0OqKmzAW3eHboH1YCZPPGKEMP529cWgmqlwdqtS96S5w25mCWWioARQIvvkKpxigFoV_7V7X-SYSq5N6i9o2wzylPAmXhbzP/s320/40498234_10155678433803244_4757520619350786048_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The next day I decided I wanted to go home. I could have and probably should have stayed one more night, but I couldn't do another night with no sleep and being so uncomfortable. So we came home and I've been slowly trying to move around and sip sip sip.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOC0RgUXel788gGUGRgmQUhoM16lKyNfLVXmAiS0-QWsbV3tYyprtSPzxliRftankD5wxWRRbGrUSO_SWxVKq0o_ueGlEJUJgJ-9uYxmPrndcb1LLVLBjfKigYr_ptQOs8CoEpvBkwajd-/s1600/40632477_10155679566823244_2571559424497811456_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOC0RgUXel788gGUGRgmQUhoM16lKyNfLVXmAiS0-QWsbV3tYyprtSPzxliRftankD5wxWRRbGrUSO_SWxVKq0o_ueGlEJUJgJ-9uYxmPrndcb1LLVLBjfKigYr_ptQOs8CoEpvBkwajd-/s320/40632477_10155679566823244_2571559424497811456_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I asked my friend Lauren if she would bring me some pebble ice from sonic and she sent me back this picture... Ugh I love her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEZy0YoO6zqP4slOHYOrJzSxkrBt5cJ-MEswWcWQsKQ7LW-rmUlsSpVq8WZiLBh67D9OFu6gnOMxxu8ZheBmaiWaIOMH7t87SKhxkmljrpar4KSaoHi-AESmR-7hRmBZU-8WUw9cFb8pL/s1600/40524093_10155679678043244_661527145150939136_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEZy0YoO6zqP4slOHYOrJzSxkrBt5cJ-MEswWcWQsKQ7LW-rmUlsSpVq8WZiLBh67D9OFu6gnOMxxu8ZheBmaiWaIOMH7t87SKhxkmljrpar4KSaoHi-AESmR-7hRmBZU-8WUw9cFb8pL/s320/40524093_10155679678043244_661527145150939136_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's now post op day 3 and I am moving slightly better. Instead of my pain being a 10, with movement it's now a six. Still high, but getting better. Most of my incisions aren't hurting anymore, but the one in my belly button and just to the right of it are SOOOOO painful. Those are the biggies.<br />
<br />
In addition to the gastric sleeve, they also repaired a small umbilical hernia I had, so that might be why that area is so much more tender than the rest. I will say that keeping a heating pad on my stomach has helped immensely. So has the abdominal binder they gave me in the hospital. I didn't think it was helping so I took it off, and now I can tell that it was and I'm going to put it right back on when I finish here. <br />
<br />
I can see how it will be a struggle to fit both your protein shakes in as well as your fluid intake. One, I don't feel hungry and could probably go the whole day without eating or drinking anything if I'm not mindful about it. And two, I don't hold that much. But I just have to keep at it and trust that it will all work itself out in the end.<br />
<br />
I'll keep you posted as I progress!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
XO,
Veronica<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-10408682256661663992018-08-26T17:35:00.004-04:002018-09-02T19:11:18.628-04:00Surviving the VSG pre-op diet liquid diet...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmA-fPCwPq5VJ7ZM809iQLi1WG3iggaK1QTmOm8VsFe0jQg3i87YLJCkLG6iPx7hAizrLEfoPM2wjnwXWxHNCruBeg7xDM2Cj7mFpGhDJ8uUza0Ei3KVrabCaKXBSVm5t5WqkdWmFCK98H/s1600/LIQUID-DIET.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmA-fPCwPq5VJ7ZM809iQLi1WG3iggaK1QTmOm8VsFe0jQg3i87YLJCkLG6iPx7hAizrLEfoPM2wjnwXWxHNCruBeg7xDM2Cj7mFpGhDJ8uUza0Ei3KVrabCaKXBSVm5t5WqkdWmFCK98H/s400/LIQUID-DIET.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
First and foremost, let me say that since I started this journey I have lost 25 pounds (as of this morning)! YAY! The day of my first appointment I was told to start replacing either breakfast or lunch with a protein shake and to have mainly protein for the other meal. Then for dinner to have a "sensible meal" consisting of unlimited veggies, 4 ounces of protein, and 1 cup of any carb or starch I want. Well, to be honest, I NEVER obeyed the dinner rules. I ate smaller, more reasonable portions, but I ate whatever I felt like eating. I did however obey the breakfast and lunch rules. And by doing that I began losing weight.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfaUdaNGRhmfcOjOoKYgNeLIceRLG0QiqwSrCe42M0B9ImOK_M3VH5VcZ7u3kTrUYwCXm77ZhS3t6DiVhV-jn6YlNF1WqR0wKNHaRyqcQln9nfgrZK8lp09RqH5FCdgMKhO1g6u0liOlg/s1600/IMG_3818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfaUdaNGRhmfcOjOoKYgNeLIceRLG0QiqwSrCe42M0B9ImOK_M3VH5VcZ7u3kTrUYwCXm77ZhS3t6DiVhV-jn6YlNF1WqR0wKNHaRyqcQln9nfgrZK8lp09RqH5FCdgMKhO1g6u0liOlg/s320/IMG_3818.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My highest weight was 254 lbs and I had actually been losing some of that even before my first appointment. But after my appointment, it kicked into high gear. This morning, I weighed in at 229! YAY!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But alas.
Now I'm on a liquid diet where I am to have 800 calories and 80g of
protein per day. The protein comes from protein shakes and then I can
have unlimited "free liquids" like water, decaf tea, crystal light,
broth, sugar free Popsicle and jello, etc. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm
really wanting to eat real food and there have been a few times where I
almost did. But I held strong and have stuck to the plan. I'm
surprised how not hungry I am. I'm definitely full, but I just want to
eat. Especially last night when Emma made herself some pasta for
dinner. UUUUGGGGHHH. That was TOUGH. But I did okay.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This
morning I believe I woke up in Ketosis (I need to get some strips to
confirm) because everything smelled and tasted like complete ass.
Nothing had any taste and broth tasted AWFUL. It's good because I will
be burning fat for calories, but it sucks because the little bit of joy I
was getting from the broth and shakes is now gone. Merp.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let me list the things that I have found helpful and tasty through this process... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-LHe1DyTucVE6d74gcRmFa8UeuizQWeXkcD8vFX-T28R4eVDxenNA9HvbwYUCsv4qd7R9Em3fKPTs8AscKt0VtvLKcciLDiJnfVeTMeAzApumnDeQCxnvmY6CkDSa2xrAgd_7JcVmCaa/s1600/IMG_4845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1548" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-LHe1DyTucVE6d74gcRmFa8UeuizQWeXkcD8vFX-T28R4eVDxenNA9HvbwYUCsv4qd7R9Em3fKPTs8AscKt0VtvLKcciLDiJnfVeTMeAzApumnDeQCxnvmY6CkDSa2xrAgd_7JcVmCaa/s640/IMG_4845.jpg" width="618" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
During pre-op and post-op, I am not supposed to have Premier Protein shakes because they have too much protein in them. I can have them if I half them and mix them with Fairlife Milk (has more protein and less sugar than other milk). So, I chose to use Atkins shakes because I will be able to have five of them per day which keeps me from getting too hungry. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was told not to have coffee anymore unless it is black decaf coffee. But, I just take some of my vanilla protein shake and use it for creamer and voila! Coffee.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxGt0y4347m6yS26kxUWuKGRF_XQvJDZKMKBxIPUWc_gwuPJynDqsyAumH4XkDdg9L8Uh4HHdnWX8uDz-5jMeo13oxlQym043p26uwYQIitkhuAfj6y_MDa4beBcOLW6rYcuJuJPRUHsY/s1600/fairlife-two-percent-half-gallon-52-oz-155x347.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="155" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxGt0y4347m6yS26kxUWuKGRF_XQvJDZKMKBxIPUWc_gwuPJynDqsyAumH4XkDdg9L8Uh4HHdnWX8uDz-5jMeo13oxlQym043p26uwYQIitkhuAfj6y_MDa4beBcOLW6rYcuJuJPRUHsY/s400/fairlife-two-percent-half-gallon-52-oz-155x347.png" width="177" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay, now for some of the other staples I've been stocking up on...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotPsmfo1MAHfmTKG-FNCRo7MkpAstVx8jBsWoQJZaow8DwMvmyd9FJJQZpvCfRMzkriZbABb6AuWxpSIRcp3MmDhc2DNa-iKmoJVF_XfcNcJnGcEVllfMdpSe8a65mqWdgKvjfjeKG6Yf/s1600/IMG_4846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotPsmfo1MAHfmTKG-FNCRo7MkpAstVx8jBsWoQJZaow8DwMvmyd9FJJQZpvCfRMzkriZbABb6AuWxpSIRcp3MmDhc2DNa-iKmoJVF_XfcNcJnGcEVllfMdpSe8a65mqWdgKvjfjeKG6Yf/s400/IMG_4846.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've learned that I HATE bone broth. YUCK. Maybe if I had tried it before I went into ketosis, it may have tasted differently, but at this point, no way.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What I LOVE is in the picture above... Better Than Bouillon Chicken broth. Oh man this stuff is yummy! You put a teaspoon of this paste in a cup of hot water and it is delicious. Swanson also makes some good chicken and beef broths. Turkey broth is also yummy. I haven't tried to Miso broth, but I'm assuming it will be good. And the vegetable broth I am saving because I really don't think I'll like it but am willing to try it if I need a change of pace.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjca60n_bZ8CmrBZn1ywxtb4ILK7LBjA3UIfnhOGyinkIIR_NLpGUy7J65guuRZc64XeExlfG38qmyvsRYFkbYjUeB3QP5odNYqOgRJwoqDMsaR5zUSih8trK_28cZapjQL82VMJUg390yY/s1600/IMG_4844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1492" data-original-width="1600" height="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjca60n_bZ8CmrBZn1ywxtb4ILK7LBjA3UIfnhOGyinkIIR_NLpGUy7J65guuRZc64XeExlfG38qmyvsRYFkbYjUeB3QP5odNYqOgRJwoqDMsaR5zUSih8trK_28cZapjQL82VMJUg390yY/s640/IMG_4844.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another thing I've found I don't like are sugar-free Popsicles. I couldn't even finish one of them! The flavor was so overpowering and awful to me I had to throw it away. So, I stick to decaf teas and other drink mixes that make the water go down easily. These crush and A&W singles are BOMB! They have 5 calories and 1 carb but who cares. They are really good and don't taste like saccharin if you know what I mean. They just taste yummy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also have some sugar free jello but don't really like the taste of that either. So, I stick to the basics of what I listed above. I have a protein shake at 6am-9am-12pm-3pm-6pm. I've found that I can go about three hours before my head starts getting fuzzy and I start feeling stupid. lol That's the best way I can describe it. Because I have barely any carbs coming in as well as low calories, I need that boost every few hours. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In between those shakes I will have a cup of broth or other drink. Oh and gum, lots of gum. It satisfies my need to chew at least to an extent. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm surprised at how full I actually am. I rarely feel hungry. Actually, as I type this I'm feeling hungry lol, but on the whole, I haven't really been hungry at all. But you know what? I'm probably too busy peeing my brains out to notice if I'm hungry! Seriously, it's all I do is pee all day and all night. But life could be worse. lol</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'll try to write and keep you posted as I go along on this journey. Let me know if you have any questions for me!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
XO,
Veronica
Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-26655902243377429702018-08-25T16:44:00.000-04:002018-09-02T19:11:29.533-04:00Here we go!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2PsIxAGfs6K4Bc4PcCedWpuBF9GQcCxDnGyOu_dEbIiHQH2Q4eQZ4euYxRUMV4DoHM9ENusMePNftJqQ6L1CewYqxqbU96BKftn5lMhy2JIhkqcNFtIHqGNs7XbNer0o8JtnFOcgDG6a/s1600/operation-game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="620" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2PsIxAGfs6K4Bc4PcCedWpuBF9GQcCxDnGyOu_dEbIiHQH2Q4eQZ4euYxRUMV4DoHM9ENusMePNftJqQ6L1CewYqxqbU96BKftn5lMhy2JIhkqcNFtIHqGNs7XbNer0o8JtnFOcgDG6a/s400/operation-game.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I've been toying for a long time with the idea of having weight-loss surgery. Specifically, the Gastric Sleeve (also known as "VSG" for vertical sleeve gastrectomy). Even though many, many people have had beautiful success stories with the gastric "bypass" (roux-en-y), working in the profession that I do, I have seen the worst of the worst and it scares me. Because of this, I chose the sleeve because it has very low rates of risk (*knock on wood*).<br />
<br />
You know how you can tell that you're "in the flow"? Like when you know it's right because doors just fly open? Well, that's how this was from beginning to end!<br />
<br />
Back in June, I made the decision to go forward with the process. I first met with my surgeon (Dr. Ali Aminian at the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at The Cleveland Clinic) and received the clearance to move forward with the process. And the process is LONG!<br />
<br />
As you can see from the form below, there are at least eight steps (doctors, psych, dietician, etc. Plus I had to get an EGD, chest x-ray, and an EKG). I was told by the person scheduling my appointments that this normally takes months and months to make happen, but she couldn't believe how lucky I am because there happened to be cancellations at that very moment that let me schedule them all within a 5 or 6 week time period. lol In the flow I tell ya.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_0Nh8Q0DctwYUI3oU_bLI0_YfkwxcChNOinzAUoZRSt_9Ug3pd5SjxFaekzFLrlURv32nkmWzZQoN8MDlhvJ4MiSbg9bl7sHDTVC3Tk0w-U4L9qzFi-KkSnK4MXBUh9L_6MDSnmKZnyM/s1600/IMG_4847.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_0Nh8Q0DctwYUI3oU_bLI0_YfkwxcChNOinzAUoZRSt_9Ug3pd5SjxFaekzFLrlURv32nkmWzZQoN8MDlhvJ4MiSbg9bl7sHDTVC3Tk0w-U4L9qzFi-KkSnK4MXBUh9L_6MDSnmKZnyM/s640/IMG_4847.png" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivigxhzebW_tSYIEMXvymqA395GU06Y0QXAzoijssL5mOnbtePLM56YRPTkeZOPdJjxBbjD25wVjh_8CW3X5I5Piqm2A0ToLeI0bpH7j5_1eo-sQ7L0okiU4yjf4EYux3lwRMx49zXzymB/s1600/1nqc26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="620" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivigxhzebW_tSYIEMXvymqA395GU06Y0QXAzoijssL5mOnbtePLM56YRPTkeZOPdJjxBbjD25wVjh_8CW3X5I5Piqm2A0ToLeI0bpH7j5_1eo-sQ7L0okiU4yjf4EYux3lwRMx49zXzymB/s400/1nqc26.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZu_Rt4YlnK96QM4GNC67l0YJ-iS5dUVlPaDO79KV9jSVE0urWtxk2hs8GmspkqxAe5I8WgJCNHhibumr6pkAbuT65L0Z7MghVCiK_3kuws7TRTH1Q_p88GAgiziIxDBMRC15INRyFQjY/s1600/hqdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZu_Rt4YlnK96QM4GNC67l0YJ-iS5dUVlPaDO79KV9jSVE0urWtxk2hs8GmspkqxAe5I8WgJCNHhibumr6pkAbuT65L0Z7MghVCiK_3kuws7TRTH1Q_p88GAgiziIxDBMRC15INRyFQjY/s400/hqdefault.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After I finished the last appointment, I called my patient navigator so that she could begin the insurance authorization process. This is another people that people usually wait quite a while for. BUT, mine came back in like seven business days! (FLOW!) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After they received auth, I was told someone would call me within a week to schedule my surgery and that they typically schedule 1-2 months out because they are booked up. So last Wednesday (which was 5 business days after receiving auth), my nurse Beth called to say, "How serious are you, because I want to schedule you for next Friday." *cricket cricket* NEXT FRIDAY! That is TEN days out! (FLOW!). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was like, "What about my two-week liquid pre-op diet???" She said, "Well, you don't get to do that. Whatever you had this morning will be the last thing you ate!" Holy crap! I said yes to sign me up, but what I quickly started realizing was this... I didn't even get a last meal! lol I had PLANS for that last meal! I definitely would have had something better than scrambled eggs! lol</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
So, my surgery date is next Friday 8/31/18. It will be here before I know it, so pray for me you guys! I will keep you posted!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPuIgK68SH8-h5fxRPpuIweo9zzg49f9lhzoEAG9Lz8BAC7RWJF1vUVaMqrgiy9fLkVdA7XfenVCvmfxo685HJJHD2XRtprXJUNkvsJbdMfLblfp52ovDZjcKD47hwFQzNOi29ntKXetat/s1600/works_gastric-sleeve-surgery.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPuIgK68SH8-h5fxRPpuIweo9zzg49f9lhzoEAG9Lz8BAC7RWJF1vUVaMqrgiy9fLkVdA7XfenVCvmfxo685HJJHD2XRtprXJUNkvsJbdMfLblfp52ovDZjcKD47hwFQzNOi29ntKXetat/s640/works_gastric-sleeve-surgery.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwho_wSrE9udXWIY8Y_1UDbjzHbJRk8PyDPQZLpty5h571jgQjudArSKfNqXVG0v2FaEah85RQXbfRIrbKOtew2SZ8axxaAE5nrUH89uN3tDVRyAucxbSGh4z-eRH9CPZFfoYLDMO6axdU/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwho_wSrE9udXWIY8Y_1UDbjzHbJRk8PyDPQZLpty5h571jgQjudArSKfNqXVG0v2FaEah85RQXbfRIrbKOtew2SZ8axxaAE5nrUH89uN3tDVRyAucxbSGh4z-eRH9CPZFfoYLDMO6axdU/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFfna9x-E6Kk-pK7deJ_VQh6z-7mTqWA69oAWDXAHLAJ9-ybPl0RP9hIjMpoVos7sv-jffUuuZuFoJIm4ViGxgjeOrZmFNm2TsrD1gUWoYDjsg-3QPeY_VJGLtHLLG5OdQD0Emdug1h6k/s1600/easy-way-out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="420" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFfna9x-E6Kk-pK7deJ_VQh6z-7mTqWA69oAWDXAHLAJ9-ybPl0RP9hIjMpoVos7sv-jffUuuZuFoJIm4ViGxgjeOrZmFNm2TsrD1gUWoYDjsg-3QPeY_VJGLtHLLG5OdQD0Emdug1h6k/s400/easy-way-out.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
XO,
Veronica
Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-31110161170114217352018-08-07T15:40:00.000-04:002018-12-29T11:49:22.942-05:00This concludes Act I...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWD2Ou2PIv1kTlWg3j1X1WsFlr7v_ZN_AurvDv2RDw5QH0LTS4Daxuo7wJEug6iZBKQne2eI2LZsIevysvN_O9eVJylDBxaXokIurucFKVFTSW1aqbhNAD3KbXNaB5mhBBIiMpEXrlmQIg/s1600/walc_newseason-720x320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="720" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWD2Ou2PIv1kTlWg3j1X1WsFlr7v_ZN_AurvDv2RDw5QH0LTS4Daxuo7wJEug6iZBKQne2eI2LZsIevysvN_O9eVJylDBxaXokIurucFKVFTSW1aqbhNAD3KbXNaB5mhBBIiMpEXrlmQIg/s640/walc_newseason-720x320.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today is a bittersweet day because my Emma...my youngest baby...turns eighteen. Eighteen! I have no more "kids". Only ADULT children!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On one hand this is awesome. I mean every parent dreams of this day over the years, don't they? FREEDOM! They see it off in the distance like some hazy mirage they can't quite nail down, but that promises to quench their thirst for a life of their own. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For literally my entire adult life I have been raising children! Twenty-seven years ago when I was <i>eighteen</i>, I was pregnant with my first daughter. I've never known anything else! And now it is done. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And let me tell you...NONE of these four kids were an easy raise! They were each different, but they were all difficult in their own ways. When I hear someone say, "My Susie has never given me a moments stress in all her life...good grades, well-behaved, breezed through college, etc etc" I want to barf. Honestly what I'm doing is judging them and thinking, "PUSSIES." Seriously! I'm thinking, "God must have known you weren't made of strong enough stuff to give you the tough ones." That is so horrible to say out loud, I know (don't judge me), but that is truthfully what I'm thinking. Because raising these four kids wasn't for sissies!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It wasn't easy and I didn't always make it look like it was. Sometimes it was smooth and graceful, and most of the time it was clumsy and clunky and patchworked together on the fly. Because as Mama June said, "These bitches don't come with a handbook." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But even though I stumbled across the finish line with bruised and scraped knees, I FINISHED. I did it. They are all still alive, not on drugs, and relatively intact. *WOMP WOMP* Can I get an amen? lol I have officially completed my contract. I have fulfilled my obligations. I didn't bail, I didn't leave, and I didn't take up day-drinking in the process. I would say that overall, this has been a success.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But seriously, as much as it is a relief and I am excited to see what the future holds, it is sad at the same time. I miss my babies. I miss my little ones. I think back fondly on memories that they will never have because they were too tiny to remember. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They were so freaking cute! AND FUNNY!!! Oh man did I have some funny kids! Especially Emma, who was also my most cuddly baby. Darren has always been so smart and creative. And he's lost touch with that creativity over the years. He was also my most caring and nurturing. He was the one right by my side helping with the babies. Courtney was always dramatic but oh so generous. Maddie was always so responsible and in-touch with her spiritual side. She would set out all of her little clothes and pack her lunch every night for school the next day. And when she was asked what she wanted to do when she grew up, she'd show you the cross around her neck and say she wanted to work for Jesus.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How blessed am I that I get to say this was/is my life? These four little souls came in and made my life what it is. I made them, but they made me. I am so lucky. And I was enchanted to meet and love every one of them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwNX6jfGZascz2P-i0PZFvytF5M66qUwPeQiGe0rzZiFNAE5QyeeNBfDUrcsCooO-ucIIzn2XPli_RabqmWUzLj6BwN11fZP14QkgT1Fslu1XsrwOfBrJ8B7u4_l4KBPSu-PKFaVG2u_y/s1600/original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwNX6jfGZascz2P-i0PZFvytF5M66qUwPeQiGe0rzZiFNAE5QyeeNBfDUrcsCooO-ucIIzn2XPli_RabqmWUzLj6BwN11fZP14QkgT1Fslu1XsrwOfBrJ8B7u4_l4KBPSu-PKFaVG2u_y/s400/original.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Act I of my life has officially ended and now Act II is beginning. WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE??? I guess the answer is....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
anything I want it to. </div>
<br />
XO,
Veronica
Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-85460807567216870162018-08-07T15:02:00.001-04:002018-08-07T15:02:07.991-04:00Ohio summers...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6Wt1C5CB6yDukXL95Yivr01XA05ybpy7Da-8AIvI0J2vu-ogqDac6tsWN-uHuTw0-quFrwGZycpULseIGps6zMvpZ1hI-mZeTRHy256fR8z9bqbHJgz1NLYs3izaQaMmY8URuBSx6oQi/s1600/IMG_3558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6Wt1C5CB6yDukXL95Yivr01XA05ybpy7Da-8AIvI0J2vu-ogqDac6tsWN-uHuTw0-quFrwGZycpULseIGps6zMvpZ1hI-mZeTRHy256fR8z9bqbHJgz1NLYs3izaQaMmY8URuBSx6oQi/s640/IMG_3558.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How GORGEOUS are these pictures???</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My friend took these and I think they so perfectly</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
capture Ohio in summer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6R07QVobsSqA4ivD6GwedQmaCSsI_d1ZHx2Y21p8QZNklu7_Ml_ybv6fbofCbzmxMXWbiXu5L94U04fYV4ncAhoZJsURjZHB7ec3yWZkFOcn_nuaHYT8ESOnHpvsgsGxWrEz3xoj769P/s1600/IMG_3557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6R07QVobsSqA4ivD6GwedQmaCSsI_d1ZHx2Y21p8QZNklu7_Ml_ybv6fbofCbzmxMXWbiXu5L94U04fYV4ncAhoZJsURjZHB7ec3yWZkFOcn_nuaHYT8ESOnHpvsgsGxWrEz3xoj769P/s640/IMG_3557.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyb8twGphBxweigBUiWdIETMU1FQBkxSJW-H4Tz6mEiy8BnWjz38A65eUCNJW3XzwWvUxUICJTsTgV30cnQPql7Wau-DvNKtTVMkKC-7cRKqzU0UcSSGQt01nWvsTbxF8P-ZH1YiIMoH0d/s1600/IMG_3559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyb8twGphBxweigBUiWdIETMU1FQBkxSJW-H4Tz6mEiy8BnWjz38A65eUCNJW3XzwWvUxUICJTsTgV30cnQPql7Wau-DvNKtTVMkKC-7cRKqzU0UcSSGQt01nWvsTbxF8P-ZH1YiIMoH0d/s640/IMG_3559.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKXL2R5g_RO1DR-8zAbO6Bw8CDNBTZNV2gZDkh-tdQDLbyel8_52tpZfyAYbbOGNMD7aahUo_7z-3HFFJSYqrnFDDpAuO1MuvWvQUSRfoKovfs2ZMO5PEnvwfDptrLEPdAHDW3KTg6nMk/s1600/IMG_3560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKXL2R5g_RO1DR-8zAbO6Bw8CDNBTZNV2gZDkh-tdQDLbyel8_52tpZfyAYbbOGNMD7aahUo_7z-3HFFJSYqrnFDDpAuO1MuvWvQUSRfoKovfs2ZMO5PEnvwfDptrLEPdAHDW3KTg6nMk/s640/IMG_3560.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /><br />
XO,
Veronica
Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6608179582804452358.post-58168670465243912392018-07-29T14:58:00.000-04:002018-08-07T14:58:38.556-04:00Girls weekend...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXlQXr6p1TrhbAPwI3ScSqHbuTylefa5QZxWZh5MCBMleikN9jFIjRQuN0F3IyYQirjBfegQeyABgk9NxnBMBkav1lDSEe-GklUPvDvBgktwJID8A2QTmewyJrFApDU1f6BixXG_5wS_l/s1600/IMG_4246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXlQXr6p1TrhbAPwI3ScSqHbuTylefa5QZxWZh5MCBMleikN9jFIjRQuN0F3IyYQirjBfegQeyABgk9NxnBMBkav1lDSEe-GklUPvDvBgktwJID8A2QTmewyJrFApDU1f6BixXG_5wS_l/s640/IMG_4246.JPG" width="460" /></a></div>
<br />
Three times every year, Maribel, Allison, and I meet up for a girls weekend. And usually by the time it rolls around, it is much needed! I love these women. They have been present for most of my life and they know me inside and out. I appreciate them more than words can say. They are my ride or dies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEd74ecpp_VGMhynEO3svry1uQkR_XEfywErPFWsWk8ZU10pd153AT-DHjy7zWAYelJ-7BtFTNzrkdC_BIdC_Rt1OKtX1J4L6m9Xb05_1bMpr_IJfFJRVrJzsXVEeTjncqGbz-8y-6vUAS/s1600/IMG_4242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1585" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEd74ecpp_VGMhynEO3svry1uQkR_XEfywErPFWsWk8ZU10pd153AT-DHjy7zWAYelJ-7BtFTNzrkdC_BIdC_Rt1OKtX1J4L6m9Xb05_1bMpr_IJfFJRVrJzsXVEeTjncqGbz-8y-6vUAS/s640/IMG_4242.JPG" width="632" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7v5p4usXeiY2aTY4uND3ZUZK9lwO0lZM4tH5mWJMEBsYpG0S6wzEucyK83uLYdar5PAHczbiUz-xGA6hjvTVXeSkM4CESc5a5HvBk8ZPsuxa8rdZ0oEYaBzKmYr6MqQVkJimQpuvKdGg-/s1600/IMG_4243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1482" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7v5p4usXeiY2aTY4uND3ZUZK9lwO0lZM4tH5mWJMEBsYpG0S6wzEucyK83uLYdar5PAHczbiUz-xGA6hjvTVXeSkM4CESc5a5HvBk8ZPsuxa8rdZ0oEYaBzKmYr6MqQVkJimQpuvKdGg-/s640/IMG_4243.JPG" width="592" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
P.S....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How gorgeous was this sky on the drive there???</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vs5JNwLZQ2_QV7FGnqz-JzQkVkADDlUd36lQB9PuBv36S5nAmsvmf4hohdhyzMhICtK9vc-OTyKd5daoddUHfZPAihZghRzWCef-BdvsSbMCerPHRxr_jEKvc-kvz_FP4xIVStHWb04i/s1600/IMG_4256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vs5JNwLZQ2_QV7FGnqz-JzQkVkADDlUd36lQB9PuBv36S5nAmsvmf4hohdhyzMhICtK9vc-OTyKd5daoddUHfZPAihZghRzWCef-BdvsSbMCerPHRxr_jEKvc-kvz_FP4xIVStHWb04i/s640/IMG_4256.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZm-qS80kHP9TuDkaNlHzOoJbQ-C1HK6JErlM3ddxXOQK2ZXyUpt2V_kG0UyECOTDH0R62JAAPn6PpM19mlSus2MxNpeHe9xq5sjolthmprzKCHSVexifP0hmWsAqaUPnxmlCXhzPjRW_2/s1600/IMG_4254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZm-qS80kHP9TuDkaNlHzOoJbQ-C1HK6JErlM3ddxXOQK2ZXyUpt2V_kG0UyECOTDH0R62JAAPn6PpM19mlSus2MxNpeHe9xq5sjolthmprzKCHSVexifP0hmWsAqaUPnxmlCXhzPjRW_2/s640/IMG_4254.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIaYUOO9yxC4iALTY7_HoU5_hZRn4fXx8BE1IiiaXZY-fBPC_yPXi7T7Udfwlspzl2OLsuPm-vDQjOfYn0z5cHotL1RSaVpQrlfK30HAUCkrm3lA4UwJ2P5MhgBwNmUsx9K0_fljlWJtH/s1600/IMG_4253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIaYUOO9yxC4iALTY7_HoU5_hZRn4fXx8BE1IiiaXZY-fBPC_yPXi7T7Udfwlspzl2OLsuPm-vDQjOfYn0z5cHotL1RSaVpQrlfK30HAUCkrm3lA4UwJ2P5MhgBwNmUsx9K0_fljlWJtH/s640/IMG_4253.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnHrUfwquLX_7uSXUy7Na62weCwtp6S79NCZH_-FKWba4FUHiyJsrzrusdqyac-BDDF8PR6jblE_8XNgUt28_o68fMYDJNp1zciaUVoh5QywsbFJ4D9Kh6MaV6IPWHf0vY348QYwl_eLX/s1600/IMG_4223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnHrUfwquLX_7uSXUy7Na62weCwtp6S79NCZH_-FKWba4FUHiyJsrzrusdqyac-BDDF8PR6jblE_8XNgUt28_o68fMYDJNp1zciaUVoh5QywsbFJ4D9Kh6MaV6IPWHf0vY348QYwl_eLX/s640/IMG_4223.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RFZ7NCs7Bfw_p5c-IDmjDiH1X3tFRt7yubZS9SIhEwKl2gW74f3LDevuyssrA3W7TKlsoX6E6W9Q5jw9PesE4Td-fO77KX0JKEu7SubKUWpIox8pdQJZy0FhmsAkD6_psVocxtJbN8ly/s1600/IMG_4255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RFZ7NCs7Bfw_p5c-IDmjDiH1X3tFRt7yubZS9SIhEwKl2gW74f3LDevuyssrA3W7TKlsoX6E6W9Q5jw9PesE4Td-fO77KX0JKEu7SubKUWpIox8pdQJZy0FhmsAkD6_psVocxtJbN8ly/s640/IMG_4255.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4yq1tLS6uV5vTNWiCA5_N8XJXujp15oPgIfCuzgIrhPbZtTsuqaDqfsBEr7HvdOEDr2yyBg1xFPCADpYzg5EJZMj_PACowEx9s3WVx8loyGTHdrnWwuOaxT_CHiU5x3EAMUKSn7mUaBAO/s1600/IMG_4257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4yq1tLS6uV5vTNWiCA5_N8XJXujp15oPgIfCuzgIrhPbZtTsuqaDqfsBEr7HvdOEDr2yyBg1xFPCADpYzg5EJZMj_PACowEx9s3WVx8loyGTHdrnWwuOaxT_CHiU5x3EAMUKSn7mUaBAO/s640/IMG_4257.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
XO,
Veronica
Veronica http://www.blogger.com/profile/02046548598204417810noreply@blogger.com0