Twas the day after Christmas

and all was quite through out Ma & Pa's house.  I have really been blessed this holiday season.  This year marks the first time since 2007 that I spent the holiday's with my family!  I forgot how much I missed all the traditions.  While some of them have stayed the same, some have changed. 

So, Christmas Eve included mom and I baking some of Grandma Meedel's yummy rolls and mom preparing the traditional Christmas Eve chili.  Kim, Maddox and Shane all came out to the house so we could attend 4 pm Mass at St. Michael's.  Unfortunately, Travis was stuck on a train some where and it did not appear he would make the Christmas Eve celebration.  I will say that my nephew did quite well for not being two and being in Church for two hours!  After Church it was back to the house for Chili and Grandma's rolls.  Shortly after supper, we received news of a Christmas miracle and that Travis' train had tied down in Waco and he would be at my parents house before 8 to open presents!  All of the Schmidt Kid's made Christmas!

On Christmas morning, mom, dad and I headed to Trav & Kim's to watch Maddox open his presents from Santa.  Kim's mom also joined us and then we had breakfast afterwards. It was definitely a blast watching Maddox opening all of his presents this year!  On Christmas eve, he quickly figured out that a lot of the gifts that had Sesame Street on the paper were his.  Of course, he also tried to share presents so everyone had some!  By Christmas day, it was not necessarily about what was in the package as much as opening it.  He would rip off the paper, open the box and then throw that box to the side not caring what was in it, just wanting to open something else. 

Christmas evening, everyone came back out to the Schmidt Casa for dinner and laughs!  I am definitely blessed to have such a wonderful family!

Merry Christmas to all!

The Schmidt Clan - December 2011

Going Illegal

I saw someone post this on Facebook and thought it was too good to pass up...


Becoming Illegal (Actual letter from an Iowa resident and sent to his senator)


The Honorable Tom Harkin
731 Hart Senate Office Building
Phone (202) 224 3254
Washington DC , 20510


Dear Senator Harkin ,

As a native Iowan and excellent customer of the Internal Revenue Service , I am writing to ask for your assistance. I have contacted the Department of Homeland Security in an effort to determine the process for becoming an illegal alien and they referred me to you..

My primary reason for wishing to change my status from U.S. Citizen to illegal alien stems from the bill which was recently passed by the Senate and for which you voted. If my understanding of this bill's provisions is accurate, as an illegal alien who has been in the United States for five years, all I need to do to become a citizen is to pay a $2,000 fine and income taxes for three of the last five years. I know a good deal when I see one and I am anxious to get the process started before everyone figures it out.

Simply put, those of us who have been here legally have had to pay taxes every year so I'm excited about the prospect of avoiding two years of taxes in return for paying a $2,000 fine. Is there any way that I can apply to be illegal retroactively? This would yield an excellent result for me and my family because we paid heavy taxes in 2004 and 2005.

Additionally, as an illegal alien I could begin using the local emergency room as my primary health care provider. Once I have stopped paying premiums for medical insurance, my accountant figures I could save almost $10,000 a year.

Another benefit in gaining illegal status would be that my daughter would receive preferential treatment relative to her law school applications , as well as 'in-state' tuition rates for many colleges throughout the United States for my son.

Lastly, I understand that illegal status would relieve me of the burden of renewing my driver's license and making those burdensome car insurance premiums .. This is very important to me given that I still have college age children driving my car.

If you would provide me with an outline of the process to become illegal (retroactively if possible) and copies of the necessary forms, I would be most appreciative. Thank you for your assistance.

Your Loyal Constituent, (hoping to reach 'illegal alien' status rather than just a bonafide citizen of the USA )

Donald Ruppert
Burlington , IA

Get your Forms (NOW)!!

Call your Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-289-1040 ..

Can I get a Whoop Whoop?

Well, I haven't been posting much on my weight loss journey more because it has resembed more of a weight loss roller coaster.  A week of down, followed by a week of big up, with a little down and so on.  Then there were in between weeks because of scheduling that I just didn't make it to a meeting. 

Two weeks ago was the last time that I managed to weigh in.  At that time, I knew that it was not good because the lady asked me if I wanted to take off any of my jewelry or my sweater.  Well, the sweater couldn't come off because it was attached to the shirt.  I knew it was not good and it didn't disappointing, 186.8, 0.8 lbs. higher than when I started Weight Watchers.

Well, all I can say is that being in a relationship must suit me okay.  I know that I don't eat as much these days because I am not hungry.  I also know that I don't eat out as much because usually either NoDIY or myself is cooking.  I also know I don't have mindless eating at night and on the weekends because I am not thinking about it and eat when I am hungry.  Genius concept, I know.

All of this has translated into success on the scale!  Now it is not the clearest picture but it still shows a weekly (well two week) weight loss of 6.4 lbs. and a net loss of 5.6 pounds!  Now this means that I should be receiving my 5 lb. star in the meeting but since traffic was terrible, there was only 10 minutes left of the meeting so I am waiting until next week to get it.

Now let's see if I can get that 5% goal, or 9 lbs. before I head back home for the holidays?!?  If you count my journey prior to Weight Watchers, so far I am at 10.6 lbs. lost!  Feel better and better every day!

A Season to be Thankful!

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving has already come and gone this year.  Even more amazing is that working two jobs is over a month past.  I cannot imagine ever going back to working two jobs nor do I think I will ever take on that challenge!  I think I can find other things to occupy my time!

Life definitely has had some interesting and good changes on my end.  Part of me still has that apprehension that nags in the back of my mind but it is something that I am slowly working through.  I like to think of it as baby steps in having a healthy relationship for a change.  Yep, I said that word, relationship.

Now, I must put this disclaimer out there that we have not used the words boyfriend/girlfriend to describe our status.  However, it is probably pretty safe to say that it is more than just dating.  Since Halloween, NoDIY and I have been spending a lot of time together, or at least as much as works.  Right now he lives 30 miles south of me which means if there is ZERO traffic, it takes at least 30 minutes to get there.  But, since I have to pass through downtown, it is not very often that I have zero traffic opportunities.  So, that said, we don't really spend much time together during the work week and spend most of the time together on the weekends.

Okay, well maybe I should say that we spend the entire weekend together, or close to it.  It is either me going down to his place or him coming up to my house.  We actually were talking last night that about how easy it is to be around each other and not feel like we have to be someone else or if he is at my house, I don't have that feeling of hosting a guest there.  Of course the pups love him and I continue to joke with him that the dogs get more love than I do!

As for Thanksgiving in Austin, this year was different.  I have a test that I need to take for work that my annual bonus is tied to.  So, even though I LOVE my Houston family, I do like that money in the bank at year end and opted to stay in Austin so I could focus on studying.  I did spend the day at NoDIY's house after doing a few loads of laundry and getting a four mile run in.  We had a very non-traditional meal of steak, potatoes, chicken noodles and corn.  Don't get me wrong, I did miss the turkey and all the family traditions but sometimes change is good too!

So that is my goings on right now.  Life consists of work, studying, running, and a boy.  I don't think life is too bad!

Redneck VIP Dream

Yes, it was the VIP dream weekend.  I don't know if it was on my Bucket List originally but it is now and it is crossed off.  Last week one of my co-workers asked if I would go to Dallas with her this past weekend.  Pirate scored suite tickets to the Nationwide Series race on Saturday in Fort Worth through her Nationwide rep.  Unfortunate for Pirate's husband, he could not go and lucky me got to go instead!  Okay, well really I was the back up to the back up but who cares!

Pirate left work at noon that day so she could spend time with her family in Dallas.  I worked pretty close to a normal day, headed home to take care of the pups, finish packing and then met her at her cousins house.  It was a nice evening in which her aunts, uncles and cousins all got together for dinner and allowed me to join in.  We stayed up late, well 11, chatting with her cousins. 

As painful as it was, the alarm clock went off at 5 am Saturday.  We had to be out of the house so we could head towards Fort Worth from Waxachachie (I love names of towns in Texas), drop off my car at the hotel and get to the race track by 8 am.  We managed to make it happen!

Yes - we were royalty!  We had VIP Valet parking!  We had tickets to the Nationwide suite, provided with breakfast and a bunch of fun things, hats, blankets, etc from Nationwide.  After Breakfast, Kenny Wallace came to talk to our group.  We actually learned of the suspension of Kyle Busch right before it had been announced on ESPN.  After he was done, we took group pictures with him.  (I'm still waiting on those!).

We then went in groups down to the track.  We received behind the scenes tours of the Garages, Pit Row, Winners Circle and the Start/Finish Line.  I posted a bunch of pictures on Facebook and need to go back and explain what they all are.  I never realized that all racers have two cars brought to the track just in case something happens with their main car during qualifying.  When we were down on the Start/Finish line, it was right before the Nationwide race was going to start and they were introducing all of the drivers for that day before they took them on a lap around the track.  We were up close and personal with the drivers!  I was so close, as you can see in this picture,  that I even managed to give Danica Patrick a high five as she walked by!

After the introductions, we were escorted back up to the suite where we were provided lunch and was able to watch the race.  Let's just say that a Nascar race in person is just about as exciting as it is on TV.  Although, the Texas Motor Speedway is known to be a boring track because it is so big, the cars are spread out and there are not a lot of wrecks.  I will say that I did realize that the cars go a LOT faster than they appear on TV.  We were able to watch the Sprint Cup Drivers do their practice runs in the morning and it was crazy.  But, they were gone from the garages by the time I got to tour.  :(  And, these drivers are so short that I never realized how short they were.  Heck, with heels, I was taller than some of them and we know that is saying a lot.

If you ever get a chance to go, I suggest renting a pair of these sexy headphones.  Just it tunes out some of the noise but it also allows you to listen to the radio.  Basically you pick your car number and you can hear the radio conversations between the driver, the spotters and the pits.  Pretty awesome!  I'd say I rocked Redneck Sexy! 

Kinda Goolish

You know, I think that I could get use to this not working two jobs.  :) 

Really, it didn't hit me until yesterday that I don't have Lowe's to go to anymore.  The weekend felt just like, a weekend off from Lowe's.  Friday night, my roommate, RN, and I went costume shopping.  Well, apparently either the costumes got smaller when they shipped or they are still using the sizing from 20 years ago because a 10-14 which should fit me, well was way crazy tight.  So, I became the plus-size girl costume.  :)  The Risky Ref.

Now Saturday, it is crazy amazing the things one can do without working at Lowe's and then just being tired from working all the time!  My Lowe's Saturday usually consisted of me working 7 - 2 and then going home and taking a nap for an hour or two, then trying to cram everything else into the night.

Well, not this week.  I managed to sleep in.  Got up, took the Grey Speed Racer in to get the oil changed and washed.  Of course, they also pointed out that I should have my brake fluid replaced since I had never had it done and it has 60,000 miles.  So, I put up the dough for that.  After that, I ran a few errands and then went and exchanged RN's shoes and found some shoes for me for the party.  Was a little late getting home so utilized the DVR to catch up on my Husker game.  They were awesome!  After that, it was time to get down to some cleaning, complete with a hands & knees scrub the floor kind of cleaning.  After that, I took the dogs for a run, then hit the gas station & liquor store and it was finally time to get ready for the party.  (Anyone else tired - cause I should of been!)

NoDIY and I have been texted back and forth a lot lately.  No idea what prompted it, but it has been happening.  Anyway, he was having a Halloween Party and invited me to go. RN decided she would go to and so, after she got off work, we headed south.  I think probably my most awkward moment of the night was when we got there and were told everyone was outside.  Of course, we walk out the door to realize there were two girls there and then us two and of course, the deck was covered with all guys.  It was just weird to walk out and have everyone staring and not really seeing faces to know where NoDIY was in the crowd. 

But, in the end, it was a really fun night.  Julie left early because she had a 12 hour shift the next day.  I, on the other hand, did not make it out until noon the next day.  Heehee.  I think it was midnight when we all opted to go to the bar and then went back to NoDIY's house and had more drinks and of course, he had out of control friend drama break out.  Some of which was the first I had ever seen and hope I don't witness that again.  Then, since he is at least 40 minutes south of my house, I did the responsable thing and didn't drive home.

RN is on the far left, NoDIY in the middle and myself on the far right

Of course, every fun time should end with the flu.  After spending half the day thinking it was a hangover, I realized by 6 pm it was the stomach flu.  When you can't even keep toast or liquids down, it is more than a hangover!  Yesterday I managed to keep food down but my stomach still hated me.  Never mind the dehydration headache I still had going and the fact I am still battling the allergies and trying to avoid getting a sinus infection.  Can you say Train Wreck?  Oh, and I should mention that one of the dogs has this flu stuff too, so even when I think I am getting better, I have come home to a lovely mess that makes me sick all over again.

A New Doctor For the New Doctor

That is what I need.  I don't like the new doctor's new message, so the logical solution is find a new doctor, right?

So, this all started back in September when I got the news that my fasting blood sugar was higher than the normal range.  (I covered the call in That Day.)  Well, I trust my female doctor 110%.  He is the one doctor that I have seen from the beginning of living in Austin.  So, I trust his recommendation compared with the other doctors I have visited with off and on for colds since moving here.

Well, today was the day that I visited the new doctor.  Don't get me wrong, she is a really nice lady.  However, have you ever gone into an appointment thinking you know how it is going to turn out and then live in total denial when the answers were so not what you were thinking?  That they have to be off their rocker and refuse to change?  That there was me.

So, the message?  While I have not officially been diagnosed with Diabetes, my life needs to change.  I need to start living like I have Diabetes, starting now and in the end, by living like I have it, I may be able to avoid being diagnosed as having. Let's be clear, Dr. Bartos is NOT kidding around on this!  I had to make an appointment for three months out in which I have to go in and she will check my progress.  Let's not kid ourselves either, this is not a two appointment deal with her.  No, I have to go in to see her every three months for the next year.  WTF!  Really?  I mean, I have to sacrifice my doughnuts for breakfast?  No more snacks from the vending machine (cause I know they are not diabetes friendly)?  How does a diabetic survive the monthly chocolate attacks?

I know, it's my life we are talking about.  I realize that while I am not at my heaviest weight, I am still 50 lbs heavier than high school and 40 lbs heavier than my best in shape college body.  I know that given my Grammy and Mom are Type 2 diabetics and my Uncle and little brother are Type 1 diabetics the odds are in my favor.  Anyone that knows my mom, Grammy and little brother would look at them and say they do not fit the mold for someone that is a diabetic.  Yep, those are my genes that I inherited. 

I had a long talk with my mom tonight about it all.  Obviously making the right choices is something that I was raised around but never really had to think about them. My mom has been around the block a few times with diabetes, she agreed with what Dr. Bartos was saying and her approach.  Momma knows best and reminded me that if I follow Weight Watchers like I should be, I will be living like a diabetic. 

So tomorrow begins the change of Part III of my healthy life.  (Part I was free for all and Part II was living limited-Lactose diet.)  Tomorrow beings a new journey living like I am a diabetic in the hopes that I do not have to hear that I am Diabetic and rendered to a life of pin pricks, medication and trying to control my levels.  I know that I am going to make mistakes along the way as I learn to make better choices.  I know that I am going to have failures and successes when I am with friends and in social settings.  But, I also realize that I am going to lose weight along the way and will be living a healthier life. 

So, here is to Dr. Bartos seeing a little less of me in three months and an A1C number that declares I am not diabetic!