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!!

2 appointments in one day!

So my morning started with my Bariatric Optimization Program(BOP) appointment.  Which is basically just physical therapy for patients that are diagnosed with obesity. 
This was just the first of many appointments.  The Physical Therapist performed an initial evaluation and recorded my baseline measurement, vital signs, cardiovascular endurance, and musculoskeletal deficits. 

I'm exhausted now!  I will have to attend once a week until the surgery and twice a week after. 

Later that day I had my Cardiac Evaluation.  This only consisted of an EKG and a routine check up with the doctor.    I have to go back November first for my treadmill stress test and Echo.  That should be fine.  

My first appointment was at 9:30 a.m and the second was at 2:30.  The hospital is about 30 minutes away.  In between I got some Christmas shopping done.  Oh yeah, it looks like I lost 3 pounds.  Yay me!


That's all, I will update after my next appointment. 

Sleep Study

Last night I had the first of many test that I have to undergo before my surgery.  At first I thought the sleep study would be great.  I thought that I would get chance to sleep without my kids bothering me and I could finally have a peaceful sleep.  This was not a peaceful sleep at night.  Imagine trying to sleep with wires all over and knowing that someone is watching you the whole time.  I toss and turned all night.  On top of that I left my favorite pillow there.  Now I can't sleep at home!

Next up October 7 is my EGD.  I don't really know what that means, but I know I will be put under.   I will let you know how it goes. 

Fight to End Obesity

I've been overweight for most of my life and today I decided to make a change.    I remember being on my first diet in the 5th grade.  My parents took my sister and I to a dietitian and we had some success.   However, being that we were kids that did not last long. 

Fast forward to high school.  When I graduated I was at a size 16/18 and when I graduated college I was at a size 24.  Around 2004 I was diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure.  Also around that time I had a cousin to die from complications with diabetes and that changed me. 

In 2005 I joined Curves and started working out.  I would work out 5 day a week for an hour.  When I first joined I was 292 lbs.  By the 2006 I was down to 228.  I pretty much maintained that wait until 2008 when I got pregnant. 

After my first pregnancy I weighed 260 pounds but to be honest most of that weight did not come from the baby.   Then 2 years later I get pregnant again and I still hadn't lost the baby weight from baby #1.  After baby #2 I was about 270.  I actually didn't gain a lot of weight with each pregnancy.  I just found hard to lose the weight. 

As I type this today I weigh 282 pounds.  I see myself becoming the person I used to be.  I decided to finally make a change.  In late July I went to a seminar for weight loss surgery.  At first I wanted the lap band but after attending the seminar I decided to get the sleeve gastrectomy. 

Its also called the gastric sleeve.  With this procedure the doctor removes 75% of your stomach.  I had my first appointment with the dietitian on September 11 and my first appointment with the doctor on September 12.  At this appointment I found out that I have an overwhelmingly amount of things I had to do before the actual surgery.   The great thing is my insurance pays for 100% of the surgery. 

The One That Got Away

Just exactly what is the one that got away? 

Have you ever been in love?  I have and I still am.  No not with who you may think! 

• What is love? 
• How do you know its love?
• When should you tell him/her?
• What if they don't feel the same way? 

I have often asked myself those questions many times and I don't seem to know the answer.  I can say without a shadow of a doubt that there is one person who holds the key to my heart and he doesn't know it. 

Love is defined as:  a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.  

Just who is the person that I have a profoundly tender, passionate affection for?  Well I will tell you.  He is someone I've known for years.  He was around before I got married and after my spilt up.  As a matter of fact there wasn't a day that went by that I didn't think about him before I went to sleep.  I refer to him as the the one that got away.  To be honest he really didn't get away.  I still speak to him and see him from time to time.  However, since I have kids now our relationship has changed. 

What happened with us?  From the moment I met him I knew he was the one. People that really know me know about him. Its funny I think about him every single day. 

Have you ever met someone that makes you laugh all the time.  For some reason I love a silly man!  We share a lot of the same interest.  We love a lot of the same television shows.  He possesses everything I ever wanted in a man.  I still can't understand why he wasn't the one! 

I know everything happens for a reason and I believe there is a reason we have crossed paths yet again. 

So what am I'm going to do?  I'm a big chicken and I hate rejection.   Well I have something big planned sometime in the next year.  I'm going to spill my heart out.  I'm willing to accept whatever the outcome is.  If I ever want to be happy in a healthy relationship I have to end this friendship one way or the other.  I just hope it goes the way I want. 

Since my spilt up with my husband I haven't been in a rush to date or get in a relationship.  However, he is the only man that I would consider giving my heart to again. 

Life is to be lived.  I plan on living it! 
Before I leave this country he will know exactly how I feel! 

Catfishing

Have you ever dated online?  If so how long do you chat back and forth with a person before you meet them? 

So I'm watching tonight's episode of Catfish and I can't understand how people get themselves in these situations?  This guy has been dating some girl that he met online for two years.  What?  If we have not met yet then we are not dating!  
So for two years this guy thinks that he is talking to some model who is a single parent and who works.  First of all if the person you are talking to online only has professional pictures then odds are its not really them.  Now I take really good pictures but they all are not perfect.  I mean come on no one has tagged you in any embarrassing photos?  Next, she keeps making up excuses not to video chat.  Truth be told I have never video chatted myself.  I usually look like a bum around the house so I wouldn't want anyone seeing me like that.  However, if it is someone that I really like I would at least get dressed on put some make-up on to talk to him.   Lastly, if you are dating some you met online and they really really like you they are going to find a way to meet you.  I've dated online and for the most part guys are ready to meet within a week or two. 

Whenever I watch Catfish I'm so surprised at how people get involved in these relationships.  Who uses Facebook to date?  

I think online dating is great.  However, people need to be smart about things.  Don't date someone in a different state then you.  All the person will do is find an excuse not to meet you.  If he or she does live out of town then make sure they are willing to video chat.  If not move on!  If you are talking with someone longer than a month he or she is not excited to meet you.  Move on!  

Don't set yourself up for failure.  Part of me feels like its best to meet quickly and get it out of the way. 

What do you guys think?

Introduction Single Parenthood: How Did I Get Here? And Where Am I going?

This is the blog about my life as a single mother of two.  My goal is to use this blog as a personal journal as highlight some soon to be adventures in my life. 

Where To Start:
I am a single mother of two beautiful little girls.  I've been separated from my husand for a little over a year and will soon be divorced.   I've found living as a single mother to be a very challenging job. 

Me and my beautiful girls. 

 

Since my husband I spilt up I have been living with my mother.  I am so thankful to have a mother who cares for me and my kids.  However, it can be very difficult at times.   My mom usually forgets that I'm 37 years old and at times treats me like a teenager.   That's to be expected by any mother. 

My life right now is fairly boring.  I'm a 6th grade school teacher and a mom.  My oldest is in preschool and my mom takes care of my little one when I'm working.    I really wish that I could afford to put both kids in daycare, but I can't 

So daycare is the issue.  My mom is at home with one child all day long.  She sees her grandkids each day.  My mom is 56 and I guess she just really wants her space.  So I put my oldest in preschool and I can't afford to pay for living in the house.  It is hard at times. 

My Ex has not given me a dime since he walked out on us last year.  He has made promise after promise for the last year and nothing.  I'm so tired of struggling.  My kids deserve better and I'm determined to provide it. 

Well one night my mom was complaining about the kids and I went to my room and started researching teaching abroad.  I have no idea where this thought came from.  Initially I looked into South America.  I love the Spanish culture and I would love to become fluent in Spanish.  I would love for my kids to learn the language.  After researching I found that South America was not the best fit for someone with kids. 

Have you ever thought about teaching in the Middle East?  Not me.  I never even thought about going to the Middle East.   Well that not I found out that the salary in Abu Dhabi is twice the amount I make here in the United States.   They also provide housing and its tax free!  Next thing you know I'm applying for a position.  That was on May 18, 2013. 

I did some research but did not really think it could happen.  Then on June 6 I checked my email and come to find out I had a phone interview the next day.  What?  It just got real!   My phone interview was June 7 and it went well.  I was told by my teachaway rep that I was on the shortlist for in person interviews.  Then she said that I would probably be coming over in January of 2014 and not August of 2013.   Apparently I already missed interviews a couple of weeks earlier for August interviews.   

Now I'm faced with a dilemma.  I'm not really sure how I feel about going in the middle of the school year.   Not to mention the long list of paperwork that I had to get together.  Then I have to get it all of it notarized by the county and the state department.  After that I have to send it to the State Department in D.C. to be authenticated.  Sounds like a lot to do.    That January date started looking better.  So I came to the conclusion that I would be leaving in January and that was that!

While in Atlanta for the Independence I was on another company's sight and read that ADEC was holding interviews later that month in New York.  Well I emailed my rep and asked if it was true and she said yes.  She then said that the positions were for middle school math and science and asked if I wanted to interview.  I agreed and thought that my dream may come true this year.    

On my way back to Maryland from Atlanta I checked my email and noticed that I had an interview in New York on July 15.  My stomach immediately felt funny.  This is what I wanted but July 15 was only 6 days away.   

I spoke to one of my good friends who also teaches with me and she advised me to look into our school districts resignation policy.  I have a friend that works and human resources so I decided to email her.  Well after working in this district for 12 years I find out that I have to resign by July 15 if I want to ever return to the district.  Also, if I resign after that my certification will be suspended for a year.  So what am I to do?  That’s an easy answer.  I don't plan on living in the desert for the rest of my life so have to put my dream on hold for a year.  I was upset but I had to think about the future. 

I have met some great people on all of the Facebook groups.  I know so much more now.  I’m going to be ready this time next year!