might have rounded a corner...

I had the great idea of going to work out yesterday. I felt like I was rounding a corner and was feeling better and I talked to my trainer and told her to take it easy.....weights only and going slow and steady. I could do that, right?

I think not. well, I did it, but lets just say that there was more than once that I had to lay down and try to make it stop....the nausea, lightheadedness, the spinning. Awesome. I might have rounded a corner and walked right into a dead end.

So I called the doctor - again. I told him I dug up the side effects of my drugs I was on and low and behold one of them had the side effects that matched everything I had going on. I didn't take that one yeserterday or today and its amazing how much better I already feel. No, I didn't try to go to the gym today....I'll just have to try to work off these 4 lbs I've gained in the last week and a half later...yes, that was 4 lbs. That's what happens when you feel nauseous and the only way you feel better is to shovel food in your mouth. and usually that food is whatever is around. And usually, that isn't anything good. *sigh*. Oh, well, I can work it back off.

So today I interviewed someone and didn't almost pass out like last friday, so I feel like I really rounded the corner today. We'll see!!! I'm just excited that for the first day, I don't feel like I want to die. (I know that sounds harsh, but SHEESH ...it's been bad.)

Ronald McDonald House Benefit...

Last night a few of us went to a benefit for the Ronald McDonald house. It was fantastic -- nothing like a   BBQ cookoff (that we got to reap the benefits of!), cold beer and fabulous music! Seth James and Cody Canada (of Cross Canadian Ragweed) played an acoustic set -- and they were SO great! Above is Cody, below is Seth.

I think most people were really there for Cody, but I'm telling you - Seth James was SO freaking great. If you don't know who he is, you will sometime soon! When we went to Gruene the last time - he kept on getting called up on stage to sing with everyone...and I know why. He is probably one of the best guitarists in Texas Country right now and can totally rock it....and his voice. Damn his voice. It just makes you melt when he sings those love songs. He only has one CD out on Itunes right now but I don't think that it even does him justice! if you can ever go see him in person -- DO IT!!!

And the even better part of the evening was getting to spend some time with the W's...I mean, aren't they so stinking cute?!?

T's brother came too - he was fun to get to talk to. He's usually pretty quiet but when you get a few beers in him - he's pretty funny. And we had some good people to make fun of last night too! ha, ha. I'm so bad....I know. But if you would have seen some of the outfits on these people....seriously. And yes, I did take more pictures - but well, let's just say it was hot in there and therefore, we weren't looking too hot. ha, ha. So I won't bore you with those! But it was a fabulous night regardless!!! 

And to top it off, yesterday was the first day I didn't have to spend the whole day horizontal....which is the turn I was waiting for. FINALLY. So I'm still sticking to this medicine routine for a bit longer and then will add the medicine I dropped in a much smaller dosage! Hopefully this week will be MUCH better than the last! 

the "end" of restaurant week....

to end restaurant week, I had lunch at Marks and then dinner at Del Friscos. What a way to end the fabulous dining extravaganza! The "supper club" we have that meets every couple of month decided we had to go out for restaurant week again -- after our experience at Ousie's Table last year, we just had to go out again. First, I'm not sure we could call us a "supper club" -- it might be a "laugh so hard that your sides hurt, eat way more than you should, drink VERY good wine...and lots of it, talk dirty to each other, and end up at some random bar" club. I think that is a MUCH better description!  Second, it was fabulous...and I had a great time. Especially since I needed something to make me smile! 

Here are three of the girls....trying to pick out wines. Here is CT and I below...I wish I could post the other pictures that were before and after this picture...it was so funny. FD was trying to act like he was grabbing things he shouldn't and I was laughing and then there were other pictures that, well, can't be put anywhere in public....but are really, really, really funny. 

Anywhere, it was a REALLY great time....as usual! I just love these guys!!! 

its been a long week...

any week you start off the week at the emergency room, well, its going to be a long week. Tuesday I spent the day trying to get in touch with doctors and dealing with nurses....which is pretty painful. I think that most nurses who work at my doctors offices suck. I said it, they suck. I wish I could say they didn't, but its like most of them aren't helpful. or don't answer the phone, or don't return messages or do whatever you would like for them to do. and heaven forbid they work 1 minute past when they are supposed to.

I went back to work on wednesday and felt like crap....I spent a lot of time with my head down on my desk, almost praying for it to stop. Its like a vicious cycle - I feel bad when I stand for more than about 10 minutes....or when I talk for more than a couple of minutes.....or I haven't eaten -- in the last 20 minutes. Its almost crazy. The talking thing really gets me -- especially because I spend all day talking to my staff....and now when I do, I start getting lightheaded, out of breath and need to put my head on my desk. And the nausea, well, its only not bad when I'm eating. And, well, I've been eating a lot this week, and not working out. That's gonna hurt...but I don't know what else to do. So I'm kinda at a loss. And the worst thing is, I am okay in the morning till around 9:30 or so, then it hits light a freight train and usually around 6:30 or so, I am MUCH better. Its so weird.

I finally got to talk to my endocrinologist's nurse...that was a loss. I gave up. So I called my regular doctor who I love - they got me in and I spent some time in his office trying to figure it out.  Let's just say he learned a lot about my thyroid (or lack thereof) and thyroid medicine than he probably ever knew before. He decided I needed to stop one of my thyroid meds they just put me on for a few days and then start taking it again -- half the dosage I had been taking before. HOPEFULLY that will help. We are only on day 2 - and I made it through 1 hour at the office, almost passed out i the middle of an interview, and then made the decision to go home.

I'm just more frustrated than anything. I can handle being sick - but when you can't breathe, can't talk, can't walk very far, and have to basically get your staff to get you lunch....well, its frustrating. And then at the end of the day, after you have struggled all  day, you feel better. SO FRUSTRATING.

So I did go to dinner this week with friends that we had scheduled....just not nearly as much fun when you have to sit quietly and not drink any wine, but still had some good food and got to see some of my favorite people. The count is up to Pappa's Steakhouse...twice, Mark's, Mockingbird Bistro and going to Del Frisco's tonight...which I am excited about....now I just need to take a nap so maybe I'll feel better.

Here were the KPMG girls from dinner at Mockingbird....I love these girls. We had so much fun!

the saga continues....

and the saga continues....I haven't felt good the past few days. I knew my thyroid was off -- I was waiting till Monday to try to go get my blood work done. I called my doctor and as doctors offices go, I was put on hold for 20 minutes, called back and waited another 15 minutes to leave a message. At that point, well, I threw in the towel and made my staff take me to the hospital. I wish I could accurately describe what I was feeling - but unless you have felt like you were dying...literally....with low blood sugar sweats and trying to shovel food in your mouth (and that not helping, because it wasn't my blood sugar), being nauseated at the same time, feeling dizzy and if you don't hurry, well, you are going to just pass out. yeah, sounds like fun. trust me. it isn't....

not. one. bit. 

So off to the ER we went....I didn't even think I could make it to the drs office and wait...plus, when you usually tell them you have shortness of breath, well, they usually won't see you and send you right to the ER. And I know that ER well...unfortunately. 

I got in and didn't get as good of treatment like before (i.e. rushed STRAIGHT BACK) but we didn't have to wait that much longer.....its seems I was deemed "urgent". Something about previous blood clot and shortness of breath and they seem to make you a high priority! They took about 10 vials of blood....and then left 3 on the table...what is that!?!?

And yes, I had my camera...and yes we took pictures. I mean, we had to pass the 8 hours of time waiting! I mean, how could you pass up an opportunity to do this...in a hospital gown with an IV in one arm and your hospital bracelet?!?

Or this? I mean, come on....

All this for them to come back and say "nothing was wrong". The thing is -- there is. My thyroid is off....again. They said it was within range -- I looked at the paperwork - my TSH is NOT within the range. Good job people. The other frustrating thing was this...from the time I went in, here was my mantra: 

"my thyroid is off. please check my TSH, my free T4, and my free T3." 

well, that and can you please check to make sure I  don't have blood clots from my new meds? But anyway, what did they do? Not test my T3. The ONE that I also kept telling them this:

 "my TSH and T4 has been normal, but not my T3, can you please make sure they check that?"

I mean, you would think they would listen. you think they would know that I KNOW my body...unfortunately at some times too well. So now I am at home, waiting it out. I took my meds -- partly because you aren't supposed to miss a dose and I couldn't wait that long to eat (you have to take it before you eat) and my doctors office doesn't open till 9 am. And don't think you can leave a message...or easily get in touch with them. Awesome. 

So I'm just sitting here and waiting....and hoping it gets better soon. And waiting to get the bills from my most expensive thyroid test ever. But at least I have pictures! ha, ha.

how much do I LOVE restaurant week?!?!

a ton I tell you...I love restaurant week a ton. This last Thursday my friends RO and her sweet husband PO and I went to Pappas Steakhouse, which is one of my favorites. I really don't think I have EVER had a bad time there....or bad food! So we went after work and had some fabulous food, some even better wine and even BETTER conversation and laughs. I just love getting to hang out with them - and I don't get to do that all that often! And next week just continues -- I swear I am hitting four more fabulous restaurants! And don't think I probably won't be spending some extra time at the gym too!!! I did meet with my nutritionist last week to discuss - and we picked out meals at all the restaurants so I am good to go! now....I just have to not drink a bottle of wine!

Friday we hit the gym and got killed by the trainer....for some reason, Friday's are the worst. I think its just being tired from the week and if we are doing something hard -- like my favorite circuit where you are laying on a bench and it involves your legs in the air and a 30 lb bar in my arms which also stay in the air -- well, its almost miserable. I admit at one point she had to help hold my legs in the air! Then ironically RH met one of her staff for a breakfast meeting - and then her staff and I had lunch. She is the cutest thing - I recruited her a long time ago and she was my intern....nad I adore her. it was so good to get to hang out and catch up....even better at ruggles bakery. one of my favorites....and I actually was able to forgo the white chocolate bread pudding...which is difficult! I met up with Skye for pedicures and then went home and got organized. I LOVE FRIDAY'S OFF!!! I love starting my weekend with my house picked up, some errands run and rested. It is just fantastic.

Today SM and I went to the park to walk. I haven't been in a while -- it has just been a little hot outside --- but it wasn't that bad this morning. I love getting to spend time excercising....and catching up with my friends. Even more when we continue at starbucks after for some skinny lattes and my favorite egg white spinach wrap!

I actually finally found some time to go shopping this afternoon....after I gave away about 2/3 of my clothes. It got to the point where they were so big that it wasn't worth keeping anymore. I am only allowing myself to buy things that I can really wear to work but I got lucky and a lot of the stuff I have been eyeing was on SALE! EVEN BETTER!!!! So I have a few new shirts and feel like I am in a better place now! I HATE walking up to my closet to figure out what to wear and there is nothing there...so we don't have that problem anymore.....well, at least for a while!

and now I am off for a nap and then hanging out with some friends....I love low key weekends....love them...almost as much as I love restaurant week!

this weekend....

I had the best weekend....I wish I could say it was one thing or the other that just made it so fabulous, but I think it was really just everything all rolled up....a lot of sleep, great workout, a great concert and a ton of time with great friends. It was just what I needed after a long week at work! 

On Saturday, my trainer kicked my butt. As usual....but it was a great time. Even better when I stepped on the scale and got some good news! Hopefully that means my thyroid meds are kicking in and giving me a little boost! I got everything done, and then got to go and play...We went to Sam Houston Race Park for a concert -- Reckless Kelly and Roger Creager! LM and I went a little early to try our luck at the horse races...and in the first race we won $17! woo-hoo! 

That would be our winning ticket, just in case you were wondering! The rest of the girls met up with us and we had a GREAT time at the concert. We um, sweated our butts off, but well, they were worth it! Here are the girls - LW, JK, me and LM. Look at JK's sweet baby bump! So stinking cute!

And of course I slept in and went to church on sunday and it was fantastic...the music was wonderful and the sermon, well, even better. It was the best start to the day....and then I got to start out what will be the first of many restaurant week visits.....the first with the girls (and their hubbies) to Oceanaire.

We had SUCH a good time. The girls husbands were so funny and just wouldn't order off the actual restaurant week menu....they just ordered, and ordered, and ordered. And cracked me up -- because everything they ordered they shared. I think the waiter started thinking they were a couple! ha! But it was great to get to hang out with the girls and catch up....and have some fabulous food!

I think, however, that the gyms should join in for restaurant week and step up with some free classes...I mean, seriously. Although, it is totally worth it! And don't think there are a few more stops for restaurant week -- I can't wait! I love getting to eat at some of my favorite restaurants for $35 for a three course meal!

the best night....

I had the best night last night....the best night in a while. These girls, well, they just make me smile.....they are just so FUNNY and just make me laugh so hard that the Lippe Kackle comes out. We had our last meeting for Camp Rainbow last night and then we all went out for a drink...or two....whatever. Here we are all shoved in a booth at Escalantes....

There is nothing like spending 2 1/2 hours with girls, laughing so much, learning so much about each other and having the whole restaurant stare at you periodically like "what is going on at that table?!?"

i can't wait for our monthly "meetings" -- since we are done with our placement now, we thought it would be appropriate to supplement with "meetings" - i.e dinner parties with drinks...and maybe here and there they might let the husbands join....but it is almost way more fun to be able to talk about them instead!

Last night was just what I needed....a few drinks and lots of laughs. Too bad its the middle of close...I just told myself those mojitos just helped me sleep better! ha, ha.

His ways....

There are certain times that I know God is working in my life.....sometimes it comes as a big slap in the face, others its just little things -- some that I just don't seem to notice until later...when I look back and say "oh, wow, how did I miss that!"

 I can say right now that God just keeps on slapping me around...and for once, I kind of like the slapping that keeps on occurring. I feel like almost daily he shows me something-- like the calmness he bought over me when I was almost uncontrollable - that everything was okay and this was part of his plan, or showing me something in his word during my biblestudy that just hits home (which has been almost daily lately)- and reminds me that I was maybe not approaching something the way I should....or going to church and the sermon is just what I needed to hear - and reminds me that all of this stuff that keeps on happening is all for His purpose. And most of time, there are tears of acknowledgment on my part shortly thereafter. And lately, that's been a lot of tears.

And I admit -  I have needed those slaps at every turn lately. I feel like at times my life has been taking the most random turns -- and most I will admit were NOT perceived good turns in my book, but things that have caused me some pain -- with some of my friendships, with some other relationships that were clearly unhealthy (but unbeknownst to me because I didn't WANT them to be unhealthy so I was clearly in denial), with my attitude about certain things, and even with work -- and He has been, well, as my father would say, "Riding my butt" at every turn, opening my eyes to things that I have obviously been missing and showing me the error of my ways.

Like today....I have had a rough couple of days. I admit it -- I have. And I have spent a LOT of time talking to God about it, and studying his word. And of course, today was another horrible day at work. I found myself complaining all day about how awful it was. I found myself being mean to people because I was frustrated with other situations, and not necessarily with them. And I come home and my bible study was about work...and work ethic. And about how we should work hard and do it with sincerity and not complaining or looking for reward.

*SLAP*

And that one stung a bit, I have to admit.

As Kelly Minter so perfectly put it in her Bible Study on Ruth I am doing..

"The Bible is clear about the blessings of steady hard work. Though trying, tedious and exhausting at times, work not only brings blessing, it IS the blessing. It also positions us in God's Pathways. AS we saw  earlier, God's providence was all over Ruth's encounters, yet it was her obedience and work that placed her in the way of such providence."


And verse after verse that she points you to talks about working hard at everything that you do and that your hard work will be rewarded....and that we should do with all of our heart and with sincerity.

Yeah, about that....

Let's just say I feel more than a little convicted right now. And yes, the tears have already started. But of course, these are good tears. Tears that say -- Thank you God, for opening my eyes....for showing me that I am truly grateful for my job, and to be able to work with and for some awesome people, and to be blessed every day because of my job....and that I should work even harder, with sincerity and that all of that hard work will bring blessings...and it is a true blessing.

Thank you God...Thank you...for opening my eyes to so many things. And for loving me -- even when, well, I deserve a good slapping...daily.

frustration...

I know now why I hate to take vacation....because the day you get back sucks.  Really bad.
*sigh*

and in addition to that, I am just severly frustrated with my thyroid. or maybe its the lack thereof and trying to regulate, but I am seriously frustrated. I have been on the same dosage since I was diagnosed, and as I have said before, you are supposed to see about adjusting DOWNWARD for every 10 lbs you lose. Well, it would seem that my body just doesn't want to cooperate and now my levels are low and they wanted to increase my dosage by 25 mg.

What. Is. That.

That is what I want to know -- why is my body doing the exact opposite of what it is supposed to do? Seriously. So we spoke and I was given 2 options - 1) to increase my synthroid, which would jack with all of my levels for my thyroid - T3, T4 and TSH (when really the T3 is the only one that is really out of whack -- the others are "okay" but I'd like them to be a bit more on the high side...but they are within range right now)  and 2) take another drug that will work on just the T3. I love it when the doctor gives me the choice - like I really know!

I opted for the other drug just to see what it would do....maybe if we get that in check maybe it will make everything else work out too. But now I have three pills to take every day....because did I mention I had to start taking another drug -- you'll love this one -- to decrease the testerone my body was producing. Yeah, apparently that was why I was growing facial hair (that was NOT soft and fuzzy) and my face was breaking out (no, it wasn't due to working out)....awesome. Maybe that is why too I have developed some serious muscles in my arms and legs - wait, maybe I don't want to  take this pill! ha!

And don't think that I can take that pill when I take the other pill because it will cause it to not work properly. Well, we don't want that to happen since my body can't seem to do what is right anyway.

*sigh* *again*

so, we'll just continue on this roller coaster ride and see what happens. and remember to thank my parents for some awesome hereditary!! (only slightly kidding.....I mean, thyroid issues are ALL over the family...but I guess I have other things I can say thank you for - like my great blonde hair and green eyes....and my absolutely fantastic personality. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA)