Dora has no thumbs. Yes, Small Fry’s daddy cut them off for her, at her request. Remember? The Princess Fiona dress Small Fry wanted Dora to wear wouldn’t fit, so she asked her daddy a few months ago if he could cut off Dora’s thumbs.
He was happy to oblige. Dora has moved down on the evolutionary chain, having opposable thumbs no longer, but she doesn’t seem any worse for it.
We were driving home from school the other day when Stellan asked me, “Mom, can I go to school today?” I told him he had just been at school. “Well, can I go again?” I told him he could go on Thursday. “Oh, fank you, Mama!”
You’re welcome, Stellan.
Lightroom 3 is 70% off today! This is the very lowest price we’ve ever seen my favorite editing software offered at. You can grab the today only deal right here. I had my blood drawn for my very first ever cholesterol level this morning. Flurry was very, very interested in what the lab technician was doing to my arm. Have you guys started getting yours checked yet? I guess I’m now of that age! The tech gave Flurry his own blue latex glove, pinwheel and Winnie The Pooh (called by my sister when she was a young tyke “Mickey The Pooh”) sticker.
It’s Leap Day. Or something. And there is lots of precipitation up in these here parts! Canon is having a ginormous lens sale. If you shoot with Canon like a good girl and need a new lens, check out the ones that are for sale! I made polenta last night for dinner. It has been quite some time since I’d made it. I fried patties of the corn meal mixture and used them as “bread” for “sandwiches” I made with tomato slices and melted mozzarella cheese. The kids raved about them. I thought they were really good, too. It was way too dark out for a picture with my big camera (besides, it was all the way upstairs and I was way too lazy to go get it), but I did take this snapshot of one of the little sandwiches with my cell phone:
I am slowly but surely (emphasis on the slowly) getting over my sinus infection. I have quite a lovely, juicy cough now. Ick. The guy at the carwash this morning after I left the lab told me that my shoes were “the coolest shoes” he’d ever seen. He must not get out much.
I’m back to the weight I left off at last month! Finally. Ugh, falling off the train is so not smart. Forty lashes with a wet noodle for me. But actually, no noodles for me. I’m still focusing on protein, fats, veggies, nuts, fruits and beans. I will not give up. I will lose my weight. I’m 30 pounds down and am so proud of myself, but I have a long way to go. Healthy eating and the elliptical machine at the gym are still my friends. I have been too scared to try running again since I hurt my knees. But they did finally get better, I don’t think I told you that! Hallelujah! I’m just feeling trepidation about the possibility of injuring them again.
Even after losing weight the right way, through proper nutrition, vitamins and keeping your body moving, sometimes there are those areas of stubborn fat that remain. You know those? I have, ahem, a few. Even if you never were, you know, fat I think you could have some of those areas too. Or so I’ve heard.
But I digress.
When I mentioned it yesterday on Facebook, I discovered that a few of you have actually heard about the “cool” new breakthrough method for getting rid of stubborn fat…without surgery. I’ll be honest, I have long thought that I might possibly be game for getting a tummy tuck or some such if I ever lose all my weight. I have had four c-sections and, well, if you’ve had one you know. There is a bulge. But what if I could have my extra fat frozen off instead of cut out? Um, cool!
It is cool. Very, in fact. CoolSculpting “gently cools unwanted fat cells in the body.” The cells shrink and, eventually, die. Then our body naturally eliminates them. So much for the old adage, “You can never get rid of fat cells once you have them. You can shrink them, but they never completely go away!” Ahh, technology.
It’s neat when technology walks hand in hand with natural health. You know, the barefoot, root eating, fresh air breathing kind our forefathers relied on. As a treat to myself for losing weight, and after I lose 20 more pounds for a total of 50, I am going to have CoolScultping done on some of my stubborn fat.
And I’ll blog about it so you know exactly what it’s like!
I’m excited. Want to learn more about this breakthrough that is perfect for love handles and belly fat? If you live in the Frozen Tundra or are willing to come here, you can attend an open house CoolSculpting Event! It’s on Wednesday evening, March 7 from 5:30-7:30 pm. You can attend all of it or drop in for a few minutes for a free consultation. Those who attend the open house will get free prizes and also special pricing if they want to try CoolSculpting. Where is the event? It’s at Dermatology Consultants, P.A. in Woodbury, Minnesota at 587 Bielenberg Drive, Suite 200 You can contact them at 651.578.2700 with any questions or just pop in that evening!
I’ll share much more about this cool technique once I go under the knife have my own stubborn pockets of fat cooled away.
We’ve been having more and more friends over (and some playdates at other houses, too) as our children are just loving the social aspect of school. I will be seeing my husband next week as we both are to be attending a bankruptcy meeting.
My once broken (in my car accident) but now (mostly) repaired bed is finally put together (by me) and I’m sleeping in it. I mean, not right now I’m not. At night I am. Wonderful! It’s scratched and marred, but I tried to put the broken pieces back together the best I knew how. That is exactly what I feel like I am trying to do in my own life these days, put these broken pieces back in a wonderful way. Will the way my life gets put back together be a restored version of my old, broken life or a new configuration of pieces that form a new look? I don’t know yet. Only God does. My main goal, as my therapist (yes, I am seeing a wonderful, Christian therapist to help me walk through this season in my life) tells me, should be to find the “healthiest Jennifer” that I can. Emotionally healthy, physically healthy, this is my journey.
Now if only I could paint the walls of our house so I wasn’t looking at plain white all day.
I jest, I jest.
Sort of.
Have a good day, you guys! Thanks for listening to my ramblings.
I just wanted to say, I have those awesome plates too! Do you have the gigantic black plates (who they heck puts that much food on that giant plate???) and the squarish bowls? Love the bowls!!
Yeah, I was wondering that as well. With all due respect, you’ve admittedly declared bankruptcy and are a single mother of five children. How can you afford such an extravagance? And, shouldn’t some other obligations be more important than this?
I am saddened for you and your children for the situation you are in. So very difficult! I was widowed at an early age with children to take care of so I understand the stress and trying to piece back a life that will definitely be different. There is one thing that just stuck out for me, especially since I have struggled financially over the years. You say you are going to a bankruptcy meeting and yet you are thinking about getting a procedure that can cost upwards to $2,000?! (Fiery darts about to be sent by loyal commenters.) Maybe it’s just me, but don’t you think that money can be better spent by taking care of debts? Wouldn’t that be the Biblical thing to do? Sometimes I just wonder what God thinks of all our vanity. Just a thought.
With my job as a blogger, I am often the recipient of free things. It’s a job perk that I still often can’t believe.
jw but how will you pay for that fat freezing?
God Bless and Continued Prayers for All!
Wait, I must not have heard you right. You’re going to pay for cosmetic surgery while going through a bankruptcy? I must be confused because I know your Christian moral standard is way to high for something like that. Did you decide against bankruptcy? Sorry if you’ve already mentioned this. Sometimes I miss things on your wonderful blog.
You’re right, you didn’t hear me right! You made a bunch of assumptions and came to your own conclusions. It’s not usually a good idea to do that.
Great post! I dare say that you could live without McKDaddy if necessary, you’ve got it going on! But your children cannot. Fight to get him in their lives.
I can’t wait to hear more about the freezing. I’m pretty skeptical about all new things because usually you just have to wait a while before you hear something negative about these solutions.
Great to hear that the kids are enjoying school and that you continue on your health journey. Hang in there!
Wishing you all the best for the meeting and seeing your husband. Are you nervous?
You sound more upbeat, which is great, and I’m really glad you are seeing a therapist. I think it helps so much to have someone to talk to. I’m one more for losing weight with hard work, eating right, changing lifestyle rather than trying the next “cool” weight loss thing. Still, good job on your weight loss and keep on striving to be a healthier you!
agreed!
I had my cholesterol first checked when I turned 30 and to my surprise, it was high. I’ve been battling it for 8 years now and finally starting taking medicine for it about a year ago. It is really good to get it checked out, otherwise you would never know there is a problem. You may also want to check your thyroid levels also. They can be too low and cause many health problems.
I used to say if I ever had another Csection (1st kid was, 2nd VBAC), that I’d have them lop off that chunk of flub while they were in there! So you made me laugh today knowing that I’m not the only looney that thinks that kind of stuff!!!
Oh my word I have asked them EVERY TIME I have had a repeat C-Section if they’d do that! They always say no, sadly.
Jennifer, I have been reading your blog for a couple years when a friend shared it with me. I live in SC, you don’t know me, I have 4 boys, and love Jesus. I just wanted to let you know I have been praying for you, your husband, and children quite often. None of the events in your life (even these hard ones) are a surprise to God and I am thankful your hope is in Him! Prayers for you tonight!
Hang in there Jennifer! It seems like your attacking your health issues from every avenue, nothing wrong with that! I hope enough people sign up for the cool sculpting so you can get yours done for FREE!
You mean other people have to spend their money on this procedure so that yours is free?! I think I missed something. Please correct me if I am wrong. Otherwise, I think this is very sad.
Ummmm Jamie, I don’t get anything out of the deal. But if Jennifer does, why would I care?
It’s a free country, if people “want” to spend money on this sort of thing…….well like I said………it’s a free country…….no one “has” to spend money.
On another note Jamie, my comment was more tongue in cheek. I threw it in there to give certain people some “busy” work.
can you share the recipe for the corn meal patties?
I love that Dora is missing her thumbs!! Do you know where I can get a lens cover for my Canon lens? I lost mine a few months ago- and need to replace it before it’s too late!!!
I have picked up (generic) lens covers at National Camera a few times, otherwise try Ebay. I lose mine ALL the time. So frustrating!
Thank you so much! I will check into it!
Amazon.com! Usually around $10.
Can I be honest? All of these posts focusing so much on quick fixes for extra weight make me a little bit sad. I think losing weight and getting healthy is great, don’t get me wrong (I’m currently doing weight watchers and have lost 25 lbs this year by just eating better)…. But, I guess I would just prefer to see women striving to love their bodies, I would prefer to see women aiming to be happy, and not perfect. Part of that is treating yourself well by eating healthy foods and exercising, but I believe you should also love your body for what it is. Flawed is beautiful.
Iso agree. When you go for the quick fix you are not training you body correctly. Pills and cooling your fat away is not the correct method.
I agree, too! Quick fixes to weight issues are not the answer. But using vitamin supplements to keep you healthy along the way and, in my opinion, plastic surgery to lift your skin after you lose your weight in a healthy way are okay by me. But I also agree big time with BoHammy…flawed is beautiful. I needed that reminder and I’m glad she gave it!
How do you afford all of this stuff? Bankruptcy, single mom, self-employed, I don’t get it…. i am doing something wrong….. We can barely fit multi vitamins into our budget.
I think it is awesome that Dora’s thumbs were cut off to accomodate an outfit! Way to keep fashion a priority Small Fry!
man, lots going on! thumb-less dora is killing me.
I was wondering if you do any strength training? I have a great strength training program I do at home. It has made the biggest difference in my weight loss. I’ve lost 50lbs & I weigh 200 lbs, but you would never know it by looking at me. Thats due to having more lean muscle! Plus, the more muscle you have the more calories you burn which means you can eat more
What strength training program do you use? I’m looking for one to try. Thanks!
I use ChaLEAN Extreme and I love it! You can use bands or weights. Most workouts are only about 35 minutes. You can check it out here http://www.teambeachbody.com/?referringRepId=101364
I remember when those thumbs got caught off. Funny to finally see a pic
Interested to hear how the fat cell freezing goes!
So glad that things are looking up for you. I love the way you write, it’s almost like we are sitting somewhere enjoying a cup of coffee. I just wish I could take your Point and Shoot class, but since I just dropped a boatload of $$$ on my blog, it’s not going to happen. Maybe during the fall?
Keep on doing a great job!
“It’s neat when technology walks hand in hand with natural health. You know, the barefoot, root eating, fresh air breathing kind our forefathers relied on.” I’ve been a follower since you were pregnant with Stellan, and I’ve been mostly silent. I think I commented some during Stellan’s illness. I only wish you the best, but I have to say this statement makes no sense. I really don’t think out forefathers would rely on this method to get rid of fat, and it certainly is not natural. What you are currently doing (well, the diet and exercise part) is natural and safe and effective. But this is not natural. And what happens if you gain weight later in life? It has to go somewhere. I really don’t know much about this but please do extensive research and get several MD’s opinions who are not directly associated with performing this procedure. I’m not a doctor but I do work in the medical field.
No, our forefathers never would have frozen their fat, I’m sure! At least not on purpose.
Sorry my meaning didn’t come across well. I meant that it’s neat when natural things like our forefathers used align with UNnatural things like freezing our fat through technology. There is only the support of the natural weight loss process, not the hindrance of it. There aren’t competing values, that’s what I meant by hand-in-hand. I certainly agree that this process is neither “natural” nor one our forefathers would have used. Sorry to have been so confusing!
Thank you for the clarification.
You are doing a great job managing everything, kudos to you.
My youngest calls Winnie the Pooh “Pinnie the Wooh”. It’s the cutest thing and I just can’t make myself correct him because I know he will stop doing it too soon on his own anyway:) Cool sculpting sounds pretty neat. I saw something similar on tv a few weeks ago, but they supposedly melt the fat with heat instead of cooling it…and I totally want to try it:)
Poor Dora. (That looks a bit painful without her thumbs). So glad to hear things are moving upward for you on a positive note. Stay strong and take one day at a time. Best wishes to you all.
You make me smile….girl when you seen the hubby….man look your best…knock his socks off girl!!!! Okay well you know… enjoy life Jennifer we only go around once…you seem happy today and that is a good thing….
I really don’t think the coolsculpting will melt anything but your money.
It takes 2 to 4 months to see a result. How can you be sure it’s the sculpting and not your dieet and workouts?
If you want to try it, be my guest. But I would wait till your at your desired weight and then only if you had the money to spare.
I think they’re sure because there are areas (a bit of hanging flab over a C-SEction scar, for example) that CAN’T be removed through diet alone for many women and when it disappears over the weeks following the procedure, they are pretty sure that’s why! That’s my understanding at any rate.
Wow. Now lightroom 3 is the same as the student price. Just bought it! Thank you!
Keep up the good work! If you (or any of your readers) live in/near Woodbury and are looking for a church, Woodbury Baptist is a great church family. Great pastor, great people, many talented musicians, good variety of Sunday school classes – I can’t say enough good things about that church.
I’m so glad you are doing these things to feel better about yourself. Feeling good and healthy is one thing, but if you look at yourself and don’t like what you see, there’s is nothing wrong with some “tweaking”! wink wink
Oh and in the land of blogs I have been following two: one is tutorials for hair styles which I’m loving being able to do easy things and the other is makeup which I’m also loving the smoky eye!
I love learning things on her, photography through you and beauty things through the others.
I am so interested in the results of the cool sculpting! Excited for you!
Soooo glad to hear you are seeing a Counselor!!
I enjoy your rambles, so keep ‘em coming!
I know I should have my cholestrol (& lots of other stuff) checked, too. I just have an aversion to doctors unless something is broken, bleeding, or causing horrendous pain. I’m trying to gather nerve to go get blood work done, though. Keep me in your prayers. OK?
Fank you, Sis!
I think the fat freezing thing is silly and a waste of money! but you can still be my friend. =)
Tell me that again when I have a flat stomach!
Is it only a one time thing, or will it require more than one appt?! I live in the FT and am interested, I’m a little far from Woodbury but heard Fargo has something like this too.
Yes a treatment takes just one session!
we have a local place that does it and it costs almost $2000. wow!
Yikes!
pay for it for me and we can have a flat stomach competition. one thing i wonder about is that even if you loose the fat cells, you’ll still have the belly skin. right?
Yes.
But they also have a laser that tightens skin. Okay, there’s something for every “malady” out there. Just gotta remember that we’ll never be anywhere near perfect until HEAVEN!
we certainly won’t be concerned about our rotting bodies in Heaven! YAY!