Save with Louise

I have dabbled in coupon-clipping for years. However, I never seemed to get it together when I actually went shopping and never seemed to use them.

With the way the economy is going, it only makes sense to take advantage of as many discounts as you can. You have to be organized, however.

There was a great article in our local paper about a blog called "Save with Louise". She definitely has the system down and I am excited to start taking advantage of having a pantry. You need to be proactive with coupons, buying things that are on sale with coupons, rather than reactive.
http://www.savewithlouise.com/

Movement

I have been struggling with my life. I feel like such a freakin' whiner though. My brother has been out of work for 8 months and I'm bitching because I don't go to work with a skip in my step and a song in my heart. So, now I also feel guilty. Crap.

My #1 career choice would be full-time homemaker and volunteer.**
#2 would be a part-time job in town so I could be a homemaker and volunteer.
#3 would be a full-time job in Vancouver in Human Resources.

Since #1 and #2 are likely to induce panic in DH, I am pursuing #3 and have applied for a HR job at one of the hospitals.

Even if nothing happens, just going through the motions of updating my resume and letting folks know I am using them as references feels good. It sort of gives the universe a nudge.

** Okay, #1, really, in my secret heart-of-hearts would be to be pregnant, and a full-time homemaker and mother. But lets get real. I'm 43 and have been 'trying' in the not-using-birth-control way for over 4 years now. It ain't gonna happen.

So, it's been a while..

Settled into the new job. Still figuring out if it was the right move. I'm definitely learning new things, but I HATE the commute. If the economy didn't suck so bad I would seriously think about finding a lower paying job closer to home. Since NO ONE is hiring right now, I am just grateful to have a job at all. My brother has been layed off for 6 months now and is worried about losing their home. It is brutal.

I'm in school one night a week. Management Operations 450 - Principals of Management and Human Resource - or something like that. Yawn. I'm not sure what is going to happen with the insurance industry with the change toward a national healthcare system. I'm seriously thinking about going back to school to get certified in Medical Insurance Coding and Billing. They may not need brokers, but they will always need coder/billers. Plus I could actually get some small doctor offices someday and work from home. That would be awesome.

The picture is from Pasha's in Portland, Oregon from last month. Not much happening in the weight loss department since I am totally NOT using my band as it should. Also I haven't been excercising other than a weekly dance class. Obviously I have to get my act together.

It's easy to decide to get lapbanded (or Gastric Bypass, Duodenal Switch, etc) and think that the surgery will also change your behaviors. That takes a lot more time and work.

So, I walked for 15 minutes this morning.

Busy is good!

The new job is awesome. I'm still in the process of building the infrastructure to actually be able to do my job (web training on the office systems, getting my appointments and affiliations straightened out etc), but they are very happy with me.

I'm also riding the express bus from Vancouver to Portland. I'm surprised, but I am really enjoying it. It is nice to be able to use that time to read, text DD or just chill instead of creeping along at negative speeds.

Being in downtown Portland is also pretty cool. I'm right across the street from Nordstroms, which could be very dangerous!

Last weekend we danced at the county Fair. It was my first time dancing in public in 10 years, and I honestly felt pretty good about my performance and costume!

Whoo-hoo!

I gave notice today! I will be working through my two weeks, the 29th will be my last day. I hate giving notice, it feels like breaking up with the perfectly nice guy who just doesn't do it for you anymore.

They were really nice about it, very complementary about how they wish me the best, and that they understand I need to make choice based on what is best for me. They are going to be having a lunch for me! It is very flattering to know that I will be missed, instead of the 'don't let the door hit you in the butt' sort of scenario.

I am at my lowest weight today that I have been since I started the lap band process. I think I have gotten a handle on how I need to eat. It works out to 4 small meals during the day that get me up to around 1000 calories, plus exercise.

I had a physical today with my new doctor and she is awesome. Got the pap smear, always so much fun, and the HPV test. She also is giving me a prescription for Metformin therapy for my PCOS. I'm really hoping that it speeds along my weight loss as well as addressing the PCOS issues.