Who says you have to begin on January 1st?

I'm a pathetic blogger. I always have been, and I certainly hope I can change that. I came to a decision yesterday (Christmas Eve) that I want to make use of my blog, in other words put it to good use.

Earlier this month I made a rather large and life-altering decision. Now this wasn't something I just came up with off the cuff, it's something I'd given a great deal of thought to since the end of September. I realized that I'm not getting any younger nor am I getting any thinner from "traditional" and "widely accepted" forms of weight loss. So I made the decision to have gastric bypass surgery. My biggest concern over the decision wasn't whether or not there might be complications, but what my mother's response would be. She wasn't jumping up and down for joy at the thought, but she does understand it is my decision to make and she supports me. As a matter of fact she plans to be with me when I go in for the surgery January 26.

I have told all my family at this point, and I'm fairly sure all my close friends know as well. I am confident in my decision and have no doubt in my mind that it is the right decision and that I've made it at the right point in my life. The support I'm receiving from those close to me means the world to me because even though this has been my choice from day one, knowing those I care about understand and are there for me is very important.

So, from this point on (until further notice) my blog will be used for pre-surgery and post-surgery thoughts, as well as an ongoing narrative of what I'm going through and the changes I am making in my life. Please feel free to comment. I'd love to know who is reading.

College at 35...

I believed my years as a college student were over years ago, so imagine my surprise when I made the decision to return to college life last year. It wasn't entirely a spur of the moment decision, but it was close. The fact that my employer will reimburse for tuition and books was a bit deciding factor, even though I hope that this continuation of my education will take me away from my current job.

I began my first course in January, a Business Ethics course that is required for all first semester students in the Business Leadership and Management program. Because I registered so late for the class, I ended up in an online session. This has actually worked out pretty good for me because I can work at my own pace and don't miss time from work to attend class. It is an 8-week session, and we are over halfway through at this point. I'm proud to announce I'm carrying a solid A average. Something I am very proud of considering I've never worked full-time while going to school. Another first is having my research paper completed weeks before it is due! Amazing!

I've mapped out the classes I need to take and when they are offered, and if I can stick to my tentative schedule I hope to graduate Spring 2010. I may be setting myself a lofty goal with the number of classes I still need to take, but at least I've set the goal.

Support Unsigned Musicians!

Those of you who know me well know I majored in music in college and that singing is a major part of my life. Well us creative people tend to find one another and stick together, and I am asking for my friends to support a friend of mine in New Zealand who is trying to get her latest CD out and needs our help. She has performed all over the world, and has been on professional recordings with orchestras as well as the CDs of her own music she has released. It only takes a few minutes of your time to check out the information on her site. Please either subscribe for her new CD or make a donation. She would appreciate it, and so would I: Asni: Travels in Middle-earth

Is there a reason we have sinuses?

I have been asking this question for years and I find myself asking it yet again. Why? Because the demmed things are inflamed and probably just days away from a full-blown sinus infection. I've already sought professional help but they're not ready to put me on antibiotics yet. So what happens? I get hit will a killer migraine - which sucks since I've been doing so much better with migraine control.

So can anyone tell me the purpose of our sinuses? Do we have them simply to smell things? I personally feel mine are a part of my body just to make me miserable, but they can't be removed so I'm stuck with 'em.

Now its time for another dose of Immitrex then off to bed...