Tomorrow's surgery day

I'm nervous about tomorrow I'm not going to lie... 
  But not so much about the surgery itself just whether it's going to happen. 

It's hard to believe a single paper after the mountain I signed for the actual surgery it's self can hold something up. Everything was really unclear at the doctors office.. The doctor said " Do you have authorization from your doctor?"
                                                                        Um....What???? I assume so I thought it was in that big ol packet you sent off this is the first I've heard of it! 


     "Well you have to have it the morning of the surgery."
                                                                         


That was YESTERDAY morning at my SECOND pre-op... I go back to the doctors office to get the paper I need and the nurse says something about it being already filled out...
                                                                          
                                                                                              more confusion 


"But here's a paper for your records...{mumbles the rest of the sentence}  have him sign this the morning of the surgery."
                                                                      SIGN WHAT!!!


So I was sent on my way again.


Back to the main doctor on base the nurse says "Well you didn't see him for this procedure so I'm surprised you were able to get the pre-op."


                                                                  Tells myself: Deep breath Rayna do.not.scream.

Insurance changed my doctor a month ago. I garuntee you I did see A doctor for the procedure. I was not informed till I made my next appointment of the "New" doctor. What am I supposed to do. 


"Well he's with patients right now and I can't go back there to get him. we are closing soon and if you try to go back there I will have to call security." 


I've called ALL of the places (there are 3) and I got the run around till the doctor left at one. The other only handles the surgery aspect and couldn't give me any further information and the last one the doctors office it'self that has sent me on this confusing quest to start with is closed till 11 AM tomorrow morning. 
                                  
                                                                                                    my surgery is at 7AM tomorrow morning! GAHHHH


So what do I do show up there anyway to have nothing happen after all this preparation and 3 rescheduled appointments and 13 years of pain?!?! 


        I'm so confused and I don't know what to do... IS this surgery going to happen

Weight loss and update

Not my photo

 So I fell of the diet wagon today. I don't know if it was just nerves because deep down I'm scared of the up coming surgery or what. It feels like I can't get motivated and like I'm going to be stuck this way forever. So far today I've had

• No breakfast ( I was to nervous before my pre op to eat )
• One soda no lunch
• Another soda
• Dinner which included potatoes & cheese :( But also ground turkey and peas :)
• 2 more sodas

Grrrr just grrrr lol.

Update number 1. Implanon.

It's been I don't know roughly a week? Since I got the Implanon birth control out. I'm healed I have a little tiny tiny like about the width of a pensil eraser purplish scar. Blisters from the band aid allergy finally healed to.

Side effects:

 - MY HORMOANS ARE OUT OF CONTROL

I'm serious I can feel my emotions spiraling out of control.

 - I'm really really really tired all the time for the past week.

 - My face is braking out :(

 - And so far no weight loss...

Update number 2.

Kids and hubby are doing good :) Moving is going to be next on our list to do. Well packing for the move. Granted I'm not moving very far but it still has to be done. I'll try and make a mini blog about my OCD moving craziness! 

Update number 3.

There isn't one it just felt weird to only have 2 lol. I will try and keep up with all my recipes and weight loss as the weeks go on. I really don't want this blog to be nothing. It gives me strength I think.

Fried Green Tomatoes

After watching one of my all time FAVE movies Fried Green Tomatoes I decided to post a recipe for them they are oh so yummy!



Fried Green Tomatoes
1 cup flour (*I used half the flour and buttermilk and had plenty for 3)
2 cups buttermilk
Kosher salt
Fresh ground black pepper
Pinch of paprika
Pinch of cayenne pepper
3-4 medium green tomatoes
2 cups panko bread crumbs, or plain bread crumbs
6 cups of canola oil (*I used about 2 cups)

In a large, deep, heavy pan, heat the oil to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl; whisk the flour and the milk together. Mix in the salt, black pepper, paprika and cayenne pepper.

Slice the tomatoes into 1/3 inch slices. Dip into the batter coating thoroughly. Cover both sides with crumbs. Carefully add to the hot oil and fry until golden brown. Serve immediately with Ranch Salsa.

For Ranch Salsa, mix 1 Tablespoon of mild Picante sauce with ½ cup ranch dressing. Mix well and serve.


Note that I do own the Fried Green Tomatoes book and recipe this is not theirs but I do have it if your interested a long with many others. If your interested in one lemme know! 


                                          I leave you with my fave seen from the movie!

A new leaf.

That would be me. 8 months pregnant and swollen sitting on a beach mothers day 2008.
                                                   And I am 40 pounds heavier then I was on that day.


I had issues when I saw that picture then. I look so fat [ I hadn't lost the weight with my first son when I got preggers again ] Blah blah blah blah blah. Now I'm like heck LOOK how skinny I was!


                     So what am I going to do about this? 
I'm tired of talking about doing it. I'm tired of saying well I'll start Monday and then it turns into next Monday or the nearest holiday so I can "celebrate". It's time for a change time for a new start. 2 days after I delivered my second son I weighed 142 lbs as it stands now I am 185 lbs... Scary I know.


                                            This is my promise now to myself and with my readers support to lose at least 40 lbs before Thanksgiving this year. My ultimate goal is 60 which would put me at my pre-pregnacy weight of 120lbs. Who's with me?


  

Dinner tonight

Easy Chicken

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into big bite sized chunks

pepper

olive oil

1 good sized head of fresh broccoli, or you can use a bunch of asparagus

1 - 10 oz can of Cream of Chicken soup 

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 tsp curry  or tumeric

1 tsp lemon juice

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

• Cook your veggie of choice, but be careful not to overcook them. You want them to be crunchy, so just barely blanch them.  Drain.  Transfer to a baking dish.
• In the mean time, heat up your olive oil in a fry pan, then put in your chicken, pepper it up and cook until the meat is almost completely cooked (Until it looks opaque - this is to ensure that it doesn't get overcooked while it's in the oven).  Drain.  Layer chicken on top of your veggie in the baking dish.
• Combine soup, mayonnaise, curry and lemon juice.
• Pour soup mix over chicken.
• Sprinkle with cheese.
• Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 35 minutes.
• Serve with brown rice.

Super easy.  Quick.  Healthy.  Yummy.

Deep in the heart of TEXAS!

This is my city. Austin Texas.

Beautiful isn't it? I've been living in Georgia since September 09. The first year I was here I hate to say it but... I didn't miss Texas. The sweltering summers where it was 110 degrees in the shade. Where traffic on I-35 would hold you up for an hour and a half bumper to bumper on a drive that should take 20 minutes. And it was where I grew up all I knew. I would drive to the same places I always had. As far south as Buda [ "b-YOU-da" as we call it]  And as far north as Round Rock. That  hour drive stretch was home. It's where family, friends and thoughts lived. And I was ready for a change.

In February of 2009 my husband Stefan joined the United States Army. Began basic training and A.I.T [ advanced individual training ] After he finished with the we got our first Duty Station orders. 

                                                              Dun dun dun!

To Fort Stewart Georgia.

Georgia isn't really all that different from Texas.

                                                              GASP!!! Did I really just say that!

Yes I did there's a few things that are different...

• Good: It is BEAUTIFUL with lots of pine trees and beaches.
• Bad: The pines have LOTS and by lots I mean CLOUDS of pollen.
• Good: It has daily Thunderstorms in the summer that I love.
• Bad: Bugs! And lots of them way more and a lot more annoying ones then Texas.
• Good:The ocean/beach is only an hours drive away.
• Bad: It smells! lol it does there's a lot of swamps, chemical and for lack of a better word poop plants around here. I can't say parts of Texas aren't the same ahem..HOUSTON!
• Good: The army base it's self is a great and convenient place to get things done. most of the time.
• Bad: There's no REAL salsa or Mexican food!
• Good: But there is great traditional down home southern food. Heck Paula Deen's restaurant is run 30 minutes away in Savannah.
• Bad: The only malls and fun stuff is in Savannah.
• Good: Georgia is smaller then Texas [DUH anyone who's gone to first grade knows that] But.....It's a good thing we are a two hour drive away from Jacksonville Florida and about the same from beautiful Hilton Head Island in South Carolina .

Other wise aside from more wet humidity the climate is about the same as Texas. Every place you go is going to have the good and the bad. However I do really miss Texas because it IS where I grew up it is where I'm from I do miss my friends and family, I miss those hot lazy summers a little bit I miss watching the bats come out of the south congress and round rock bridges I miss family being so close it was suffocating. I miss the food and all the live music venues this sweet sometimes sickly smell of 6th street. The thousands of pastures of cows and horses where the sunsets in the Texas lakes and hill country and make you cry at their beauty. I miss Texas but I will have plenty of chances to return...And when I do I will take advantage of my time there and enjoy every minute of it.

"I hear the wind across the plain 

A sound so strong - that calls my name 

It's wild like the river - it's warm like the sun 

Ya it's here - this is where I belong 

Under the starry skies - where eagles have flown 

This place is paradise - it's the place I call home 

The moon on the mountains 

The whisper through the trees 

The waves on the water 

Let nothing come between this and me 

Cuz everything I want - is everything that's here 

And when when we're all together - there's nothing to fear 

And wherever I wander - the one thing I've learned 

It's to here - I will always....always return "

                                                                              -Bryan Adams

RIP Elizabeth Taylor

I loved this woman in my fave childhood movie National Velvet.  She did so much in her life from filming to HIV & AIDS awareness. What an amazing woman.

Chicken Tacos

To feed a family of 4


You'll need: 

• 5 small chicken breast
• taco seasoning
• lime juice
• salt & pepper
• one small onion & sometimes one small tomato and bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon butter.

Boil chicken in small cubbed pieces for 15-20 min. 

In a small frying pan add a little olive oil and add veggies. Cook  on low until onions are translucent. Turn the heat up to medium high and add the chicken. Add one teaspoon lime juice all over the chicken add salt, pepper, taco seasoning and butter and cook for 5 min. 

 Serve with lettuce guacamole and cheese!                          

                                                        Enjoy!

PS.  Guacamole recipe

take 2 ripe avocados much them up add half one small onion & one small tomato. Add small cubed cheddar cheese and add 2 teaspoons lime juice.

           

Implanon

Not my picture I found it on google.

This is my Implanon review. 

Fact. I have had the Implanon in for the full allotment of time 3 years From Dec 08-Dec 10.

Fact. The actual procedure [i had mine done at two different places in 2 different states] was not painful. If you  

        don't mind numbing shots your fine.

Fact: I did/do have a scar.

Fact: I could feel it through the skin.

Fact: I did have side affects.

1. Weight gain
2. pregnancy like symptoms 
3. no regular periods
4. Care free no need to worry about the pill time

These symptoms all lasted the duration of period.

Not my photo found on google

Would I recommend this product? Yes.

Positives: For the most part I LOOOOOOVVVVVEEED the Implanon. I didn't have to remember to take it so it was easy. The fact it was in my arm didn't bother me I never noticed it unless I deliberately felt it. I only had a period every 3 months and it would only last a day.

Negatives:

If you've used Depo products and have gained weight I would not recommend it. I gained weight the whole 3 years going from 142 lbs after my second son to 185 lbs. When I was supposed to get my period I would feel pregnancy like symptoms. It would make me to  hormonal to function around that time of the month as well.

My picture

This is the Implanon after it was removed today I have to have a bandage on for 24 hours they did put sanitized tape on the small incision. And I'm not supposed to lift anything heavy till tomorrow afternoon. All and all it was a good run but I'm happy to switch. For awhile. I hope this page was helpful I would be happy to answer any questions.

Update.

Our enternet was down for a day and it seems all H e l l broke loose.
                                             a part of me still think COMCAST owes me for that day of loss lol


 Hubby and kids were generous to share their germs with me so I'm now sick.
  But life goes on.


Today had it's up and downs laughter and tears the whole bit but I can go to bed knowing how greatful I am to have a happy and for the most part healthy family. We will be moving soon and to me [even though we aren't moving far] that represents a new beggining.

  There's only 13 days till my 23rd birthday and I'm really looking forward to it! Stefan was gone for my last two birthdays so it really means a lot to me that he's home!

Corned Beef 'n' Cabbage

Not my picture I found it on google.

1 Large onion, cut into wedges.

1 cup apple juice

1 large spoonful butter

1 corned beef brisket with spice packet (2-1/2 to 3 pounds), cut in half

1 head of cabbage, cut into wedges

Directions:

Place the onion in a crock pot. Combine the apple juice and contents of spice packet; pour over the onion.

Top with brisket and cabbage (sometimes I add carrots and potatoes.)

Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until meat and veggies are tender.

Homemade Mac & Cheese

I've had a couple recipe requests on this family meal.

             

Mac & Cheese

Ingrediants:

2 cups cheese my family likes Mozzarella

2 cups milk

1/4 cup flour

1/4 cup butter

Any kind of pasta I use great value small shell pasta

Start the pasta boiling.

         Put the butter in a sauce pan and I put it on medium heat to melt it but it depends on your stove.

Once melted add flour SLOWLY [like its hurting your wrist because you've held it so long slowly] I think it's called a rue?

                                                        Add salt and pepper to taste.

Once the mixture starts bubbling start adding the milk again SLOWLY till it becomes gravy lol [seriously it will be gravy you can add it to anything!] then start  adding the cheese whats my favorite word? SLOWLY. Keep the stirring the mixture till all the cheese melts in.

   Poor over boiled and drained pasta and mix together. We have a meat and veggie with every meal, so I usually put ground turkey into the pasta. And add fresh or frozen veggies on the side.

                                                                                           Serve and Enjoy!

Upcycled

I think I found a quote that fits perfectly for what I feel is the definition of the word upcyle. 

" You can stay the same, not lose anything, but never know what there was to be gained. Or you can RISK, guaranteeing some loss, and yet gain more than you knew was possible." -author unknown

I really do take the furniture I re-sand, re-paint, re-stain, re-cover and sometimes even re-sale seriously. There is no ugly furniture. You can make it into something beautiful with [most of the time] just a coat of spray paint!
                  (My name is Rayna and I am a spray-paint-oholic)

OK I'll admit that painting does have some risk... But going back with the quote. I will say that I have never regretted painting a piece of furniture natural wood or not.  And it's a friggen coat of paint if you don't like it re-paint it. $25.00 later you'll have a piece you love and that makes everything worth it.

Life or something like it

So what do I want out of this blog? lol Is that really what people ask when they make one?  Should I use it for a weight loss blog or should I use it to help promote Upcycled or should I use it to vent?

What about C for all the above?

Life as of now. Is crazy but wonderful. A husband in the army (I'm thankful he's back home after the last deployment) One car, 2 kids (one special needs) and a cat. plus throw in an upcoming move!

Maybe this blog will be a rambling of vents, maybe it will be the listed above maybe it will dwindle away to nothing maybe it will soar!

"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style"

— Maya Angelou