Haven't Been Around...Back Now

[AmyBoz]

Hi all! I've been here very infrequently over the past few months, but life is finally slowing down and I'm back!

It started when I was diagnosed with type II diabetes. Talk about a surprise! I have lots of risk factors (enormous babies, family history, personal history of hypoglycemia) but was still totally surprised. So, I've been adjusting to the new diet and have been trying to manage my weight with the new diet. I was relatively thin to begin with, but as soon as I cut out sugar and many carbs, I dropped 10 more pounds, which was not a great thing. I'm 5' 5" and now weigh about 118. Sounds great, I'm sure, but for me, it's not quite healthy. So, I'm working on getting a diabetic nutritionist to help me figure out a more well-rounded diet so I can get back to a healthy weight and move on with life.

Grad school has also been winding down for me, which means ramping up in terms of work. I had to finish my action research which I've been working on since September. Last Wednesday, I defended my research project and it went great! So, I graduate with my Masters of Educational Leadership on May 16th. It feels good to be done. The work wasn't overwhelming, or anything like that, but it had to be done and classes had to be taken and it's nice to take some "had to's" out of my schedule. I'm really proud of the work I did for this degree and extremely proud that I was able to earn a 4.0 while doing 100 internship hours, taking the classes, working full-time and raising 3 kids.

Work has also been quite busy. Part of my job as Instructional Leader is to be the test coordinator for our middle school. The amount of rules and regulations the state has for these standardized tests are RIDICULOUS, so the workload at work has been triple what it usually is. We finished 7th and 8th grade testing last week, do make-ups this week, then do 6th grade testing, then those make-ups and then we're done. Again, another "have to" to cross off the list. I've also been finalizing all of the finances and plans for our 8th grade trip to DC. We're going on May 28th and 29th. The kids are excited, we're excited. It should be a great trip!

Julia had her first communion last weekend, which was a nice to-do, and it was a beautiful day, so my 14 neices and nephews could all play OUTSIDE while the adults relaxed on the deck. Not a stressful day, but something else to be done.

Add to that the death of my laptop, and I think you see why I've been MIA for awhile. However, with things coming to an end, left and right, I am feeling a bit of breathing room and am excited to be able to visit the village more often. It's great to see so many new faces and comforting to see so many "old-timers." I've missed you all and look forward to becoming reacquainted with you and continuing on my frugal journey with you!

So, to quote Barry Manilow, hello, my friends, hello!

[Michelle]

I was going to welcome you back, so to speak, but then you got that awful song in my head :fryingpan: :wink2:

Seriously though, about the diabetes, and it's nice to see you posting again. :yes:

[MommyBliss]

It's so good to see you back.

[fairydana]

Hi! Welcome back! You have been busy!

[Debbie-cat]

Wow, you really have done alot over the last while! Congratulations on everything...especially your schooling!

Glad you are back!

[Michelle68]

You have had so much going on! I'm sorry about the diabetes diagnosis. I think it's a great idea to consult with a diabetic nutritionist. Congratulations on earning your Masters of Educational Leadership. That is a super accomplishment.

P.S. I'm glad you're back.

[Darlene]

:welcomeback: Amy! Glad you are taking care of yourself and I know you won't let this slow you down. Catch your breath busy lady.
How did the bell ringing go?

[PrairieRose]

Goodness gracious Amy, you have had lots and lots of things going on. I'm glad that things are settling down a bit and hope you get the diabetes under control. I haven't been around much myself but am really glad you're back

[wwe11]

Good to see you back.

[Sara Noel]

I'm sorry to hear about your diabetes. Congratulations on graduation!

[YankeeMom]

Wow you sure have had a lot on your plate!

Welcome back Amy! You have been missed

[forHISglory]

Three cheers for Amy!!!

I'm proud of you, and have no doubt that you will handle your diabetes as well as you handle everything else.

[WV_mom_of2]

Welcome back and here's hoping you find a way to deal with your diabetes that works for you and keeps you healthy! Congrats on finishing school too!

[cissylu]

Welcome back Amy! congrat`s

[nancycg56]

I'm glad to see you back!