Playing The Waiting Game

So I turned in all of my paper work almost 6 weeks ago and now I'm playing the waiting game.   We were told to be prepared to leave around August 17 so I'm not worried yet.   However,  I've gotten my last check from the school board and I still have to live off of that money until the end of September.   So I have decided to just relax in the house with the kids and continue my daily trips to the gym!

While I wait I decided to give you guys a little information about Abu Dhabi. 

Where exactly is Abu Dhabi?  Well Abu Dhabi is located in the Middle East in a country called The United Arab Emirates.  

The United Arab Emirates, often referred to as the U.A.E, is a federation of seven emirates on the eastern side of the Arabian peninsula, at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. It has coastlines on the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, with Saudi Arabia to the west and southwest, and Oman to the southeast and also on the eastern tip of the Musandam Peninsula as well as an Omani enclave within its borders. It is a country rich in history and culture and an easy starting point for travels in the Middle East.

Is it safe?  Yes, its safer than living in some cities here in the United States.   Have you heard of any unrest in any of the surrounding countries?  

Will you have to cover up?  No,  the U.A.E is not as conservative as some of the other Muslim countries.   As a matter of fact 80% of the residents are foreigners. 


Where exactly will you live?   Well I won't be in the city.  I've accepted a job in the western region of Abu Dhabi in a town called Ruwais.  

Abu Dhabi is made up of 3 regions:  Abu Dhabi,  Al Ain, Al Gharbai.  

 I will be out west near Saudi Arabia and the Rub' Al Khali which is the largest all sand desert in the world.    I will be about a 2 hour drive from Abu Dhabi.   
I don't mind living out west.  I'm a home body and it will give me a chance to save more money.  I do plan on taking trips to the city twice a month!

What do you know about Ruwais? 
Ruwais is a town located some 240 kilometers west of Abu Dhabi city. The Ruwais-industrial and Housing Complex has been developed by ADNOC as a major contributor to the national economy and represents a series of multi-million-dollar investments by the company.
The town is basically owned by the oil company.  In fact my school is owned by the oil company also.  

This is just a little information about the U.A.E.   If you still have questions just google it!

3 Months out!

So It's been so long since I've updated you all about my progress.  So lets see.  I'm currently down to 230.   My short term goal is to loose another 20 pounds by the end of the summer.   

I'm not going to say its easy because it is not.  I struggle everyday to do the right thing.  Last week I had a really bad week, but I'm back on track now. 

This is a picture of my progress so far.  In the red dress I was about 284.  In the picture on the right I'm 230.  Can you see a difference? 

 

 

 

I haven't been able to post lately because I've been so busy.   Well I've accepted a job teaching at a Private school in Abu Dhabi.  I'm excited but it is so much work.  Getting documents authenticated is such a hassle, but its worth it in the long run!

 

Well that's it for now.  Will update you soon!

5 weeks out!

Today I had my 1 month check up and I have to say my surgeon and I was really pleased.   When I went in for my surgery I was 278 pounds and today I'm 246.  That's 32 pounds in five weeks!  I'm so excited and scared at the same time. 

I finally went back on solid foods on Saturday and I'm praying my weight loss doesn't stall.  In order to loose weight you have to eat to keep your metabolism up and its so hard.  Especially when you don't know if you are hungry or not.    My diet consists of lots of protein, like fish, chicken, Greek yogurt, more protein shakes, and vegetables.   I'm also going to the gym 3 to 4 times a week now, so hopefully my weight loss won't stall too much!

Last week for Spring Break my entire family went to Myrtle Beach and I have to say it was hard to keep up with my diet.  Not that ate anything bad, but I'm supposed to eat 4 meals a day and I averaged about 2.   So I was really scared that would stop my weight loss.  However, when I got back home I discovered that I've lost 7 more pounds.  What a relief!

My overall goal is to weigh between 150-175.  I've also set small goals for myself.  My next goal is to loose 20 pounds by my 3 month check up.  That will put me at 226.  Wish me luck!

My life is all about eating right and living healthy now.  So far I have no regrets. 

Updated pictures coming soon!

2 Weeks out!

So yesterday marked two weeks since my surgery and things are pretty good.  I went back to work on Monday and had a pretty good week with my students.  So far I've lost 17 pounds since my surgery.  I'm finally fitting back into some of my old clothes and things are great.  I even joined a gym and they have child care.  I'm going to set small goals for myself at first.  Through all of my research I've learned that the weight loss is really fast at first and eventually it will slow up some.  My goal is to lose between 10 and 12 pounds a month.  
All I've had for the last week was water, decaf coffee, and protein shakes.  This diet will continue for another week then its on to soft foods.  I will be able to transition back to solids on April 20.  

That's my latest update.  I will be sure to let you know how things go. 

The Big Day!!!

I had the gastric sleeve surgery on March 14.  Everything went well and I'm home now.  I spent a total of 3 days in the hospital and I'm so happy to be back home.   When I was in the hospital the only thing I could have was room temperature water.  My sugar was low twice and they had to give me some juice.  Now that I'm home I can have a mixture of juice and water, sugar free Popsicles, sugar free jello, and chicken broth.  I haven't felt like eating anything.  As a matter of fact I've been eating on the same Jello for the last 2 hours.  I can admit that when I see commercials for food they make me want those foods, but to be honest I wouldn't be able to eat it at all. 

I weighed myself the night before and I weighed 276 pounds.  This is the picture I took that night. 

I will take another one next month and update my weight. 

Off to Kuwait.... I Think?

So I finally got my "Golden Email" from the school in Kuwait.   Well basically it was an email saying that my interview went well and I've been recommended for a teaching position at the school.   So now the principals and director are back in Kuwait making the final decision.   It also said we should know something by the end of March.   So the wait continues!   

FYI:  My surgery is schedule for Friday March 14.  Just 4 days away! 

My YOLO Mission

You Only Live Once is a saying that we often hear, but how many people truly live by it?  I've made up my mind not to let the fact that I'm a single parent hold me back anymore.   So from this day on I'm on a YOLO mission and I'm taking this journey with both of my babies.

So my Abu Dhabi interview was a success even though I thought I did bad I was still recommended for the position.   I should be getting my official offer letter soon.  I'm still waiting to hear back from the school in Kuwait.  That’s truly the job that I want.   The money is less but the benefits are so much better.  Not to mention my kids would go to school for free.  I hear the school is a really good school and the students and staff all love it!  If I end up in Abu Dhabi I will have to pay for school and a nanny.  That will cost me about $1000 a month.  Well either way I'm out of here in August!

I'm 11 days away from my weight loss surgery and I'm nervous and excited.   I know this is a major life change and I pray that I can make all the right decisions.  I started my 2 week 1200 calories a day diet on Saturday.  It’s supposed to consist of 4 small meals with lots of protein or 4 protein shakes a day.   I decided to do a mixture.  For instance, I had breakfast that consisted of egg beaters, turkey sausage, mushroom, and low-fat cheese.  Then a protein shake for lunch and snack and my dinner will be beef stir-fry.  

I didn't really stick to my diet on the first day.  I had a slice of pizza and a root beer, but since then I've been really good.  I have to make this work.  If I don't lose the weight then my liver won't shrink and I won't be able to do my surgery.  I'm determined to make it work.  

Like I said I'm on a YOLO mission and in order to do that I have to be healthy.  My number one reason I’m doing it is for my kids.   I want to see them grow up.  I'm tired of hating the scale.  I'm tired of wearing girdles.  I'm tired of being fat!

Well I will update you guys when I hear from the school in Kuwait or the day before my surgery!

Things just got real!

Where do I begin?   My surgery is scheduled for March 14 and I'm super excited and nervous.   2 weeks before the surgery I have to go on a very strict diet.    No sweets, no soda, no coffee, and no carbohydrates!  After my surgery I will have to be on a liquid diet for 1 week and protein shake diet for 2 weeks.    Sounds like fun!    Right now I'm enjoying all of my favorite foods  

As you remembered I told you that my goal is to teach in the Middle East.   Well I had my first of 2 interviews today.   This is for the private school in Kuwait.   Things went really well.  I interviewed with the person in charge of recruitment first, then she sent me to me to speak to the director.   I'm not sure if its a good thing, but I'm praying I get this job.   Its a brand new school and all kids have tablets.   That's my type of school!

On Thursday I have to travel back to NYC for my second interview.   This one is for the public school system in Abu Dhabi.  I will let you know how that one goes in 3 days!

The Middle East in My Future

Come Hell or Highwater I will be somewhere in the Middle East this August.   I've already told you about my dreams of moving and teaching in Abu Dhabi, but now I'm looking to move to Kuwait.  I recently applied to teach at an American School in Kuwait.  The money is a little less, but the benefits are great.   We are talking life insurance, furnished apartments, paid utilities, transportation to and from work, and not to mention my kids will be able to attend this school for free.  In Abu Dhabi the money is really good and there are tons of things to do.   If I was looking for a social life Abu Dhabi would be the place to be.  However, I need to save some serious money and Kuwait might be the place to do that.  Life seems good in Kuwait but its a dry country.  So I won't be turning it up at the clubs every weekend.  Not to mention the school I've applied for is a brand new school.  Each student has his or her own tablet.  That's what I''m talking about!  

I have interviews coming up next week.  My interview for Abu Dhabi is February 13 and my interview for Kuwait is February 17.  Both are in New York City. 

I'm praying that I get an offer from both, but I really want the one in Kuwait now. 

Wish me luck!

Catch Up

So its been so long so I updated this blog and tons has happened since.   So I'm going to go back 2 months and up date you on my pre-surgery appointments. 

So on November 1 I had my first Cardiac Evaluation.  It was a simple appointment.  The doctor just checked my heart rate and did a simple EKG.  Then she tells me that I had to come back in do a stress test.  Which is understandable since I am undergoing major surgery. 

Stress test #1:  This was a basic stress test which resulted in me walking on a treadmill and keeping track of my heart rate.  Well at the end of my stress test the doctor was concerned about my heart rate.  Apparently my heart rate was higher than normal.    So then she informed me that I had to come back for a nuclear stress test.  The nuclear stress test is a two day test. 

Stress test#2:  This was my nuclear stress test.  I couldn't have any coffee 24 hours before and I couldn't eat or drink three hours before.  It consisted of me getting a shot of radiation and having to wait in a room for 30 minutes.  After 30 minuets I had to walk on the treadmill and while my heart rate was being monitored.  Lastly, I had to sit in a machine for 20 minuets while they took pictures of my heart.   That was part one I had to come back in 2 days for part 2. 

Stress test #3:  So this was actually part 2 of the nuclear stress test.  I had to get another IV with radiation then sit in the room for 30 minuets again.  Then I had to walk on the treadmill again.  After getting off of the treadmill I was then giving a snack and put back in the room for 30 more minuets.  Lastly,  I had an Echo and was sent on my way. 
About 2 hours later the doctor called and said my results all came back normal.  Thank God!


November 21:  I had an appointment with the surgeon.  This was a routine appointment nothing special.  I was informed that my surgery will be in March and I will find out the exact date at my next appointment in January. 

November 26:  I had to have an EGD.  This was a minor surgical procedure where I was put asleep.  It lasted about 15 minuets.  The doctor put a camera down my throat and took pictures of my stomach.  It actually called a "Gut Cam".    The results came back normal.  Thank God!

November 27:  I had an Abdominal Ultrasound, Chest X-ray, and Upper GI.  The abdominal ultrasound was basic and so was the Chest X-ray.   Now the Upper GI on the other hand was a different story.  Basically the radiologist had me drink one of the nastiest drinks ever and took pictures of my digestive track while I swallowed.  The drink was so Nasty!!  The test results came back normal again.  Thank God!

December 20: Psychology Consult:  I had to meet with a doctor to make sure that I'm ready for the surgery.  The doctor basically asked me questions about my childhood, relationship with family, and relationships with friends.  I also had to take an hour test which tested my knowledge of the surgery procedures.   

I meet back with my doctor on January 21 and I will then find out when my surgery will be.   

On another note:  I still plan on teaching in the Middle East in August.  I just had a phone interview to teach at a private school in Kuwait.  However, my goal is to be Abu Dhabi.  Wish me luck!!