...And Then There Were Four

Hey guys...sorry to bother you all again, but can you go 'follow' me at this address instead?

AOL offered the option of saving your comments during migration (even going from private to public) so I decided to try it...lo and behold, it worked!  667 entries! 

I'm going to go through tomorrow and make sure it's all there, pictures included....but I got to keep my comments!  That makes me happy. :)

And Vish told me he can probably restore the comments from my other two journals too...so I'll probably have new links for them too in a few days (he can't do the restore until Monday). 

Anyway, here's my newly completed twin to ....And There There Were Four. 

No layout or anything yet.  I just finished it. 

I'll start posting new entries tomorrow.  I have LOTS to say!  :) 

Here's the new link...I'll be deleting the other link to this same journal in a few days.  So please don't lose me!

http://booplustwo.blogspot.com/

bridgetteleigh75 at 11:07:25 PM EDT Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 1 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

I can't tell you how incredibly sad this situation has made me.  J-land has seen my family through so many ups and downs in the past five years: Parker's toddler years, his autism diagnosis, my marriage to Doug, Autumn's birth and her entire life so far, our move back to West Virginia, Parker's surgery, my health issues, Parker's school years, Oscar dying....and just the little, average, everyday things too. 

The only saving grace about this whole situation is that the AOL community seems to already be thriving at blogger.  I migrated my private journal, Serendipity, and my Recovering Parker journal to blogger last night.  It worked flawlessly.  But, I'm transferring this journal entry by entry.  I wanted to make sure all the pictures were saved and it's given me a chance to read the comments for the last time and reflect about the journalers who are no longer in my life. 

Pam and Frank, who've since passed on.  SloMo...God, how I miss her.  Viv, who was such an instrumental part of this community and it's start.  Beverly...she was such a sweetheart.  Penny...not sure what ever happened to her and her daughter.  Robbie...another L.A. friend. Andrea, Mary, Phinney....the list goes on and on. 

I truly miss these people.  They were a part of my life for a long time. 

But I guess the time has come for my final good-bye.

Good-bye J-land, old friend. Thanks for the memories.

**********

If you'd like to continue following my little clan, you can find us here:

http://bbooplustwo.blogspot.com/

(Fair warning:  I still have about six months worth of entries to transfer from this journal, so I haven't written anything new yet).

Also, if you'd like to an invite to my 'Parker' journal, please let me know in the comment section or via an e-mail.

This will be my final entry here. 

bridgetteleigh75 at 9:10:27 AM EDT Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 4 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

I hate to be the bearer of bad news...but come October 31st, AOL journals will be gone. 

Save your journals now. 

If anybody has any great suggestions about how to back up 5 years worth of entries, I'm listening.  :(

I'm sick about this...I truly am. 

I'll be moving to blogger...more details to come. 

bridgetteleigh75 at 10:36:21 AM EDT Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 14 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

Well...the presidential debates last night were certainly interesting!  As Doug and I were watching, we noticed a few things:

1. John McCain was coming off as a crotchety, sneering grouch.

2. McCain REFUSED to look at Barack Obama, which frankly, seemed about as presidential as Autumn eating Cheetos does. 

3. Obama put McCain in his place several times...and I was THRILLED when he threw the 'Bomb Iran' singing into his face. 

4. Obama totally held his own on the topic of foreign policy.  In fact, I thought all McCain's stories from the 'olden days' were about as useful and relevant as discussing the weather.

5.  McCain had a flashing 'asshole' sign over his head as he repeatedly told Barack he was naive, mistaken, inexperienced, and couldn't understand simple definitions.  It was pretty obvious Barack DID understand, perhaps even more than McCain, as they were debating. 

6.  McCain kept talking about how he was RIGHT about the Iraq war, includin the surge...but he seems to be forgetting, poll after poll has shown the American people do not agree with him about this topic.  So I'm not sure why he kept driving the point home.

7.  I was also amused when Barack brought up McCain not wanting to meet with the president of Spain, a NATO ally.

8.  I felt like Barack was talking to the American people.  He stood tall and proud, looked directly into the camera and told the people his plans, where he wants to take the country, and how he plans to do it.  His sentences were easily understood....crisp, precise, and thoughtful. 

When McCain talked, however, he lost me numerous times.  He kept bringing up points which I felt didn't really correlate to the questions being asked...and his primary goal seemed to be attacking Barack instead of letting the American people know his plans.  Not good.

9.  FYI....Henry Kissinger, McCain's friend and aide, DID say we needed to meet with world leaders without pre-conditions.  McCain, as usual, caught in another lie. 

10.  John McCain also claimed that Obama's health care plan would eventually turn the health care system over to the federal government.  Not true. Barack proposes helping individuals purchase health insurance through a system of subsidies and tax credits. He is also in favor of mandatory health insurance for children. But he is not advocating a state-run health system. Under Obama's plan, individuals will still be free to choose between different types of health insurance, and will be able to choose their own doctors.

Overall, I felt Barack came off as the much more appealing candidate.  He was more forthright, more direct, more relaxed, more BELIEVABLE, and more likeable. 

A few pictures before and after the debate....

 

From a memo I received from Barack's campaign:

After his erratic and reckless response to the economic crisis, McCain needed a game-changer last night to restore his campaign. He didn't even come close.

In a CBS News poll, uncommitted voters see Barack as the debate winner. When it comes to the economy, 66% say Barack would make the right decisions versus 42% for McCain.

The CNN poll results are also clear:

These are not the kind of reviews John McCain needed, but they show that Barack is offering the change we need.

Barack broke through last night with voters who were watching -- but we need to get the word out to the millions who didn't tune in.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08!!!!!!!!!!!!

bridgetteleigh75 at 6:48:57 PM EDT Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 5 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

Well, thanks to a stomach virus, I lost 7 pounds this week.  That brings my grand total to 73 pounds in 34 weeks.  I can't believe I'm closing in on 100 pounds.  Seems like I just started this weight loss journey.

In ways, it's become easier and in many ways it's become harder.

I never put anything in my mouth these days without tabulating points and making sure it 'fits' into my daily allowance.  It's second nature.  I find I actually crave raw veggies and fruits.  That's a first for me. 

What makes it harder though...after all these months, I find myself 'pushing' the point system to see how much I can actually eat and still lose weight.  Or, if I eat something not-so-great like a burrito from Taco Bell, will it harm me?  I find I'm not quite as strict as I once was, although I really want to get back to being more 'precise' with my eating. 

I do have some EXCELLENT news to report though.

Most of you probably know I was diagnosed with rosacea.  Shortly after Autumn was born, my face turned red, flaky, and dry.  A year or so later, I got bumps.  It's horrifying to be in your 30's and look like you're having puberty break-outs.  ::sigh::

My dermatologist, whom I do happen to love dearly, prescribed oral antibiotics for the redness and an antibiotic cream for the bumps.  The oral antibiotics did help the redness...but I really don't want to use antibiotics the rest of my life! We all know what the overuse of antibiotics is doing to this country.  Physicians are prescription happy when it comes to antibiotic therapy and because of this, we now have these super bugs which no medication can properly treat.  Not good.

Back to my story....the antibiotic cream seemed to make the bumps worse, so I discontinued that awhile back.

Well, I was talking to some of the women in my TACA group and they'd all cured their 'uncurable' rosacea!  I was totally like, "Tell me, tell me, tell me!" 

Apparently, although mainstream medicine won't tell you this...rosacea is caused by gut dysbiosis, or rather, an imbalance in your gut flora.  The bad flora outgrows the good and causes a dysbiosis.  This unbalance frequently leads to yeast overgrowth (yep, just like with autistic kids).  Yeast can manifest itself in many ways....vaginal yeast infections, yeasty poops, athlete's foot, or even skin infections.

Anyway, I decided to put myself on most of the supplements Parker was taking...primarily the gut healing ones.  I knew I had yeast issues as the fingers between my fingers and toes often crack...very common yeast sign. 

I started taking digestive enzymes with every meal and another couple before bed.  I then did a 3-day course of S. Boulardii, a 'good' yeast with probiotic qualities.  After that was done, I started adding 2 tablespoons of aloe juice to all my water.  A couple days later, I began taking Super Pro Bio, a probiotic.  And finally, I added GSE (grapefruit seed extract).  I also found an organic facial scrub which contained GSE (an anti-yeast agent) and have been cleaning my face with it. 

Lo and behold, it's working.  My face is soft and looks better than it has in months!  I'm stopping the doxicyclene as soon as I finish this current bottle.

Once again, natural remedies easily outshine conventional medicine!  As an RN, I never thought I'd say that!

I'm really working on making myself healthy from the inside out.  This isn't just a weight loss journey for me, it's a quest to elongate my life.  I have to be around for the kids, you know. :)

bridgetteleigh75 at 3:45:53 PM EDT Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 5 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

So...this just happened about an hour ago.

Without paying any attention to the time, I decided I was hungry and stuck a Smart Ones meal in the microwave. My flavor selection, you ask? 

Chicken Alfredo. 

Is there anybody out there who doesn't love the creamy goodness of yummy alfredo sauce?  It's one of my favorites.

After heating and stirring it all together, I realized I only had a few minutes to eat before I had to take Parker his digestive enzymes.  I started forking my alfredo in faster. 

Five minutes later I'd finished my meal, peed, and was shuffling Autumn out the front door.  The lawn man was out front with a leaf blower.  I stopped and talked for a few minutes.  I noticed he was looking at me a little oddly, but I honestly thought it was because of my hair.  It's a bit....bouffant....today.

I waved goodbye to his shit-eating grin, strapped Autumn into the car and drove away. 

Halfway down our street, I glanced in my rear-view mirror. 

I totally had white, crusty stuff all around my mouth and down my chin.  Even some on my neck. 

Oh yea.  I think we all know where this one's going......

bridgetteleigh75 at 1:32:14 PM EDT Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 7 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

Can you feel it?  Autumn is in the air (and on my lap).  Mornings here in the Mid-Ohio Valley have been in the 50's...cool enough for a jacket.  The days are still sitting in the 70's, but it's not the humid, choking air of summer.  It's the crisp, dry heat of fall.  Soon enough...the heat will be gone, the leaves will start changing color, and West Virginia will be in all her beautiful autumnal glory.

I love this time of year.  It's the one season throughout the year which makes me feel entirely content and happy.  I always wish I had a fireplace...because autumn makes me want to curl up in front of a blazing fire with a good book, a soft blanket, and a steaming mug of apple cidar.  Fall also brings FOOTBALL! 

And, of course, I did name my daughter after this beautiful season.  That probably tells you the DEPTH of my love.  :)

Anyway, I just wanted to write and ask for a few thoughts and prayers if you'd be so kind as to spare them for my family.  Mom is having surgery tomorrow.  Shouldn't be anything too serious, but it's hard not to worry, ya know?

Have a lovely Thursday!

My Mountaineers play tonight.  Go 'Eers! 

bridgetteleigh75 at 10:42:41 AM EDT Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 5 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

Autumn and I were playing restaurant this morning.  She made a little tray of food and drink and brought it to me.  As she sat it on my lap she yelled, "Order's up!" 

Now where in the devil did she hear that?  LOL 

Autumn and I have been spending a lot of time together lately. She'll tell me, "Mommy, I love you."

I'll respond with, "That's good, but I love you more."

Then she'll say, "But I love you bigger than the moon!" 

My response?  "But I love YOU bigger than the galaxy."

Then she'll giggle and ask me to cuddle with her.  How can I resist? 

Here's a couple pictures of my little cuddler. 

 

Doesn't she look like an ethereal little angel here, with the light shining over her like a halo?

My litte cuddle buddy...Autumn Olivia.  Who is going to be 4 years old in just a couple months.  :(

bridgetteleigh75 at 9:40:09 PM EDT Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 6 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

My daughter is a fashion diva. 

Check out her new shoes....

We're a Keen family.  It's our favorite brand of shoe.  They're so incredibly comfortable.  Parker has two pairs, I have a pair, and now Autumn has a pair.  Doug wants a pair...we just can't afford his.  LOL

bridgetteleigh75 at 8:31:13 PM EDT Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 6 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

We really haven't done anything this weekend.  I think we all needed the down time.  I know when Friday finally rolled around, I was wiped out.  Poor little Parker was too.  He's not used to 7 hour school days. 

Friday evening Doug and I watched The Invasion starring Nicole Kidman.  It was alright...nothing spectacular.

Saturday morning Parker had gymnastics class.  The rest of that day was spent watching college football games.  I'm so disappointed WVU lost to East Carolina.  :( 

This morning we took the kids to the playground.  They had a blast.  I intended to come home and do some cooking afterwards, but only ended up making pear sauce.  I tell ya, I don't even like pears, but that pear sauce is YUMMY.  I add a little cinnamon to mine and it tastes like apple pie!  Parker really likes it...he ate the entire container I made last weekend in just a few days. 

Doug did make a new snack for Parker and Autumn though...it's called "Muddy Buddies."  Here's a picture:

It's rice chex, melted GF/CF/SF chocolate chips, peanut butter, vanilla, Earth Balance butter, and powdered sugar.  They're pretty tasty. 

I did try a new Weight Watchers recipe today too.  It's a turkey reuben sandwich...very yummy.

Only 5 points too! 

I also just have to show you this picture of Autumn.  She was running from Doug, being silly, but he snuck up on her.  Just look at this expression...

Oh!  I almost forgot.  I'm so proud of this meal I had on Saturday.  It was my lunch...and only 4 points!  I've been craving raw veggies....

Carrots, celery, grape tomatoes, hummus drizzled w/ olive oil, and pita bread.  My God was it good!  I think it's a good thing I'm actually craving veggies instead of sweets, yes? 

I'll end with just a few pictures from the playground today.  Hope you all had relaxing weekends too!

I was swinging too...but I had the camera so nobody could photgraph me! 

Muahahahahahahaha!

bridgetteleigh75 at 8:40:24 PM EDT Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 6 comments: Show Recent | Add your own