Saturday, March 9, 2013
Success!!!!
Today, for the first time in around two years, I am under the weight I told myself I never wanted to go over. I still have a long way to go - ideally I'll lose about 50 pounds more - but it's been fun and rewarding to see results so early. I'm excited to be making so many great changes in my life and I can't wait for Davie and Eduardo to get here so we can make working out a family affair!
Perspective
I know my last post was kind of whiney so I just thought I should say that I'm not as depressed / upset as it might have come across. Has this whole thing been easy? No. Could it have been / be way, way worse? Definitely.
I learned last night that a guy I knew from high school lost his wife last week. They are just a few years older than Davie and I and have two kids. That definitely helped put things in perspective for me and made me so grateful that, while we may not be physically together right now, I still have my husband and marrying him was the best thing I've ever done.
Ultimately, Davie and I are very lucky because we have each other and our family and friends and we will get through this. There will be bumps along the way (both with the immigration process and other things as I learned last night while dealing with a sick pup and plumbing issues, not fun but what can you do?) but Davie and I will stay strong and remember that the important thing is that we have each other. And hopefully neither of us will have to deal with the other one being gone for a long, long, long time to come.
So to keep with the trying to be more upbeat theme, here are some pictures from the 5ks I've done recently with my awesome friend Vanessa who helps keep me sane and who I wouldn't want to be without either. She rocks! The 5ks were the Hot Chocolate run in Dallas in early February (it was COLD) and the Glow Run in OKC last weekend. The Glow Run had the craziest outfits with the many glow sticks. :) The Hot Chocolate run had the best after race food, although the medal for the Glow Run way rocked and may have been better than the fondue goodness. :) The medal at least will last a lot longer. We're doing a color run together in May. That'll have some good pictures as well!! Color runs, for those that don't know, involve volunteers throwing colored powder over the runners throughout the race. I've heard they are super fun and colorful. :)
And then, not for the faint of heart, the last picture is of the crazy blisters all this hard core working out has given me. (The skin from the blister on my left foot had been pulled off when I took off the blister band aid I had been using. That was fun, but thankfully didn't hurt.) I think it was the socks I was using that did it. I switched to different socks and haven't had any issues this week. Thank goodness!!
I learned last night that a guy I knew from high school lost his wife last week. They are just a few years older than Davie and I and have two kids. That definitely helped put things in perspective for me and made me so grateful that, while we may not be physically together right now, I still have my husband and marrying him was the best thing I've ever done.
Ultimately, Davie and I are very lucky because we have each other and our family and friends and we will get through this. There will be bumps along the way (both with the immigration process and other things as I learned last night while dealing with a sick pup and plumbing issues, not fun but what can you do?) but Davie and I will stay strong and remember that the important thing is that we have each other. And hopefully neither of us will have to deal with the other one being gone for a long, long, long time to come.
So to keep with the trying to be more upbeat theme, here are some pictures from the 5ks I've done recently with my awesome friend Vanessa who helps keep me sane and who I wouldn't want to be without either. She rocks! The 5ks were the Hot Chocolate run in Dallas in early February (it was COLD) and the Glow Run in OKC last weekend. The Glow Run had the craziest outfits with the many glow sticks. :) The Hot Chocolate run had the best after race food, although the medal for the Glow Run way rocked and may have been better than the fondue goodness. :) The medal at least will last a lot longer. We're doing a color run together in May. That'll have some good pictures as well!! Color runs, for those that don't know, involve volunteers throwing colored powder over the runners throughout the race. I've heard they are super fun and colorful. :)
And then, not for the faint of heart, the last picture is of the crazy blisters all this hard core working out has given me. (The skin from the blister on my left foot had been pulled off when I took off the blister band aid I had been using. That was fun, but thankfully didn't hurt.) I think it was the socks I was using that did it. I switched to different socks and haven't had any issues this week. Thank goodness!!
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Two steps forward, ten steps back
It's been one of those weeks. Lots of ups and downs. I'm trying to stay positive, which works most of the time, but not always. It's hard to always put on my happy face, but I am trying.
Davie's in Managua right now. For the second time this week. He had to go to the US embassy to get a letter saying he's in Nicaragua now. He first went Saturday. It worked out well because his aunt's granddaughter was turning 1 and they wanted him to come to the party. So he went for the weekend and then went to the embassy Monday morning. At which point he had to go back to his aunt's house to change into jeans as a new security guard told him he couldn't be there in shorts. (This was later determined to be incorrect, after he left and came back of course.) So he paid $50 and got the form and headed back home Tuesday. Unfortunately his bag was stolen on the bus, which had the letter in it. Thankfully it didn't have anything else that was too important, but it did have his passport and some clothes. The bus company told him to stop by Wednesday to see if maybe someone picked it up by accident and would return it. This didn't happen, of course, so he left for Managua again at 2:30am this morning to try to get there and back in the same day. His aunt's house is pretty crowded, so he wasn't really wanting to stay there again. But, because we have the best luck ever, when he got to the embassy this morning it turned out that they wouldn't be able to do the letter until tomorrow. They only offer that service on certain days. Nice. It would have been great if they could have told me that yesterday when I called and told them the story. Thankfully Davie sounds like he is still in good spirits, so that's a plus. I feel horrible that he had to make the trip twice so soon. And he'll have to pay the $50 again. And his stuff got stolen. What a mess.
It's all so frustrating!!!
At the same time, we still don't have the police form from Costa Rica and the lawyer hasn't responded to my email asking about the status. I'm hoping its in the mail and we'll get it any day now.
And, because I'm a total glutton for punishment and don't have enough on my plate, I decided to finally tackle the weight issue. :P I'm working out and counting calories and trying to make better food choices. It's actually not been too bad so far, and I think the working out probably helps with my stress levels. I've been signing up for 5ks and I'm doing my first 10k when I get back from Nicaragua (three weeks from now - I can't wait!!!). It's been fun and exciting to make changes and just MOVE for a change. I always enjoyed my laziness, but it got to where I kept feeling like I needed to get off my butt and move. I like seeing how many miles I can do and watching the distance rack up in my Nikeplus app. So that's one good thing going on right now!
Sorry for kind of a morose update. Like I said, it's been one of those weeks. We'll get through this and come out stronger on the other side, the in between part just kind of sucks. :P I think we're actually doing ok with being apart, it's just dealing with the immigration process that's been hard and frustrating. It'll happen eventually though, just gotta keep putting one foot in front of the other and one day we'll be done! That's what I tell myself when I'm on the treadmill too. :) Thank you to everyone for the continued support!! We appreciate it!
Updated 3/8/13:
In addition to all the other mess yesterday, the shower drain started backing up during my post-workout shower. I had a load of laundry going at the same time, so I'm hoping it was just a fluke. Otherwise, we might be in trouble as I literally just cancelled the home warranty that we had but almost never used and yesterday was the last day to make claims against it. :P Sweet.
Davie went to the embassy today and it turns out he needed an appointment to get the form signed. I have no idea why no one told us this the many times we spoke to them the last few days about this issue. I also have no idea why they did it Monday without an appointment - I guess that was the only good luck we've had in this whole senario. I think Davie's going to try to go this afternoon to see if they'll complete the form again without an appointment. Otherwise, he now has an appointment for Monday at 1:15. Maybe then this will finally get done and we can move on!
Davie's in Managua right now. For the second time this week. He had to go to the US embassy to get a letter saying he's in Nicaragua now. He first went Saturday. It worked out well because his aunt's granddaughter was turning 1 and they wanted him to come to the party. So he went for the weekend and then went to the embassy Monday morning. At which point he had to go back to his aunt's house to change into jeans as a new security guard told him he couldn't be there in shorts. (This was later determined to be incorrect, after he left and came back of course.) So he paid $50 and got the form and headed back home Tuesday. Unfortunately his bag was stolen on the bus, which had the letter in it. Thankfully it didn't have anything else that was too important, but it did have his passport and some clothes. The bus company told him to stop by Wednesday to see if maybe someone picked it up by accident and would return it. This didn't happen, of course, so he left for Managua again at 2:30am this morning to try to get there and back in the same day. His aunt's house is pretty crowded, so he wasn't really wanting to stay there again. But, because we have the best luck ever, when he got to the embassy this morning it turned out that they wouldn't be able to do the letter until tomorrow. They only offer that service on certain days. Nice. It would have been great if they could have told me that yesterday when I called and told them the story. Thankfully Davie sounds like he is still in good spirits, so that's a plus. I feel horrible that he had to make the trip twice so soon. And he'll have to pay the $50 again. And his stuff got stolen. What a mess.
It's all so frustrating!!!
At the same time, we still don't have the police form from Costa Rica and the lawyer hasn't responded to my email asking about the status. I'm hoping its in the mail and we'll get it any day now.
And, because I'm a total glutton for punishment and don't have enough on my plate, I decided to finally tackle the weight issue. :P I'm working out and counting calories and trying to make better food choices. It's actually not been too bad so far, and I think the working out probably helps with my stress levels. I've been signing up for 5ks and I'm doing my first 10k when I get back from Nicaragua (three weeks from now - I can't wait!!!). It's been fun and exciting to make changes and just MOVE for a change. I always enjoyed my laziness, but it got to where I kept feeling like I needed to get off my butt and move. I like seeing how many miles I can do and watching the distance rack up in my Nikeplus app. So that's one good thing going on right now!
Sorry for kind of a morose update. Like I said, it's been one of those weeks. We'll get through this and come out stronger on the other side, the in between part just kind of sucks. :P I think we're actually doing ok with being apart, it's just dealing with the immigration process that's been hard and frustrating. It'll happen eventually though, just gotta keep putting one foot in front of the other and one day we'll be done! That's what I tell myself when I'm on the treadmill too. :) Thank you to everyone for the continued support!! We appreciate it!
Updated 3/8/13:
In addition to all the other mess yesterday, the shower drain started backing up during my post-workout shower. I had a load of laundry going at the same time, so I'm hoping it was just a fluke. Otherwise, we might be in trouble as I literally just cancelled the home warranty that we had but almost never used and yesterday was the last day to make claims against it. :P Sweet.
Davie went to the embassy today and it turns out he needed an appointment to get the form signed. I have no idea why no one told us this the many times we spoke to them the last few days about this issue. I also have no idea why they did it Monday without an appointment - I guess that was the only good luck we've had in this whole senario. I think Davie's going to try to go this afternoon to see if they'll complete the form again without an appointment. Otherwise, he now has an appointment for Monday at 1:15. Maybe then this will finally get done and we can move on!
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Wishing and hoping
I know it's silly but my current favorite thing to do is make a wish anytime the clock has all the same number. Have you ever played that game? If its 11:11 or 3:33 or whatever, you make a wish. I told Davie about the game right before he went to Nicaragua. He made a wish to come back home and I added "Soon!" I told him you have to be specific or it could be 10 years from now before he comes back. :) Now anytime I see that on the clock I make that wish - "I wish Davie comes home soon, soon, soon." It's probably cheating to tell people my wish, but maybe if a bunch of people make the same wish it will come true. :) I miss my husband and I'm ready for him to be home!!!
Friday, February 22, 2013
Standing still
Unfortunately we are no closer than where we were at this time last week. The lawyer emailed at the beginning of this week and said he wasn't going to be able to pick up the authorized certificate from the US Embassy until Thursday. Yesterday came and went and we didn't hear anything from him. I emailed him late yesterday and haven't gotten a response. Please keep sending positive thoughts our way so that maybe we can get the certificate next week!!! Davie's going to end up having to get another Nicaraguan certificate before too long if this keeps moving so slowly - the Nicaragua certificate is only good for 60 or 90 days. Thankfully that's the one that is much, much easier to get, but still not something we want to have to do multiple times if we can help it!
I can't believe it's almost just a month until I see Davie again. I'm so excited!! The last week or so has been harder for both of us and we are both definitely ready to see each other again. The current plan is to go to the beach while I'm there with Eduardo and Enma coming for a few days as well. Davie and I want some alone time, but I can't pass up a chance to see Eduardo or a chance for Eduardo to see the beach!
Other than that, there isn't much to report. Davie is still pretty bored and he did something to "break" the Rosetta Stone software, so he's been watching a "learn English" DVD I bought him over and over again. But at least he is trying to study and he is definitely using his English a lot with me in texts and when we talk on the phone. Here's hoping he is able to learn a lot while he is there!
I hope all of you are doing well and have a great weekend!
I can't believe it's almost just a month until I see Davie again. I'm so excited!! The last week or so has been harder for both of us and we are both definitely ready to see each other again. The current plan is to go to the beach while I'm there with Eduardo and Enma coming for a few days as well. Davie and I want some alone time, but I can't pass up a chance to see Eduardo or a chance for Eduardo to see the beach!
Other than that, there isn't much to report. Davie is still pretty bored and he did something to "break" the Rosetta Stone software, so he's been watching a "learn English" DVD I bought him over and over again. But at least he is trying to study and he is definitely using his English a lot with me in texts and when we talk on the phone. Here's hoping he is able to learn a lot while he is there!
I hope all of you are doing well and have a great weekend!
Friday, February 15, 2013
Halfway point
Today marks 41 days that Davie and I have been apart and 41 days until we see each other again. Part of me feels like the first 41 days flew by and part of me feels like the 41 days still to come will feel like forever. Davie's finished the driveway at his mom's house and now sounds really bored. He's found a guy that might be able to give him English lessons and he's been studying on his own, so he's keeping busy, but it's still a far cry from working physical labor every day like he did here. He said he thinks he might get fat since he's being so sedentary now. :)
I think we may be almost done with the Costa Rica police certificate! The lawyer emailed yesterday and said he would get the certificate today, he got the request letter yesterday, and he would get the certificate authorized at the US Embassy and then send it to me. I didn't hear anything from him today, so I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't end up getting the certificate today, but I do think we are closer to getting the last thing we need to get Davie's meeting at the embassy scheduled. I feel bad that he's going to end up being in Nicaragua about two months more than he had to be, but it's done now so I try not to worry about it too much. He's getting to spend time with his family to make up for the long time apart so that's a plus at least.
Davie did get his motorcycle. He says he's taking it slow and learning carefully. At least it gives him a means of transportation so he's not always reliant on his family. Not that there are all that many places to go. :)
I'm headed to Chicago for the weekend to be deposed in a lawsuit against the firm I worked for when I first started in public accounting. Can't say I'm too excited about the trip. But I got antibiotics and a steroid shot at the doctors office today, so I'll feel better about the trip if I just feel better in general. Here's hoping the drugs kick in soon!!
Thanks again for all of the well wishes and sending positive vibes our way. :) We appreciate our family!
I think we may be almost done with the Costa Rica police certificate! The lawyer emailed yesterday and said he would get the certificate today, he got the request letter yesterday, and he would get the certificate authorized at the US Embassy and then send it to me. I didn't hear anything from him today, so I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't end up getting the certificate today, but I do think we are closer to getting the last thing we need to get Davie's meeting at the embassy scheduled. I feel bad that he's going to end up being in Nicaragua about two months more than he had to be, but it's done now so I try not to worry about it too much. He's getting to spend time with his family to make up for the long time apart so that's a plus at least.
Davie did get his motorcycle. He says he's taking it slow and learning carefully. At least it gives him a means of transportation so he's not always reliant on his family. Not that there are all that many places to go. :)
I'm headed to Chicago for the weekend to be deposed in a lawsuit against the firm I worked for when I first started in public accounting. Can't say I'm too excited about the trip. But I got antibiotics and a steroid shot at the doctors office today, so I'll feel better about the trip if I just feel better in general. Here's hoping the drugs kick in soon!!
Thanks again for all of the well wishes and sending positive vibes our way. :) We appreciate our family!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Getting closer!!
Mom used her contacts at Kimberly-Clark in Costa Rica to find us a lawyer to pick up the police certificate for Davie. (Thank you Mom!!!) The US Consulate in Costa Rica should have the request letter (step 1 in the process of getting the police certificate) ready today at 1pm and the lawyer will pick it up and take it to the judicial department to have the actual police certificate generated (step 2) then the lawyer will pick up the completed police certificate (step 3 - not sure how long it takes to generate the police certificate....hopefully not too long!) and mail it to us (step 4). I'm just glad we are about to finish step 1 - this process has taken forever!!!!! It would be great if we could have the police certificate by next week, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up.
Poor Davie is incredibly bored in Nicaragua. He is doing some work around his mom's house, including some things that will (hopefully) make it a little less uncomfortable when I go back in March. :) Not that it's all about me, because they will make their life there more comfortable all the time, but I certainly appreciate that they'll help me as well!
Davie has purchased his motorcycle and is learning to ride. So, of course, I'm worried about that. :) I know he'll be careful, and that's all I can ask. As he likes to remind me - he wants to come home as much as I want him to! He's not going to get himself killed if he can help it. But I still worry. It's what I do. :)
We've officially been apart a month now, but it's only 49 days until we see each other again! Next week we'll hit the halfway point, which I'm very excited about. I miss him!
Poor Davie is incredibly bored in Nicaragua. He is doing some work around his mom's house, including some things that will (hopefully) make it a little less uncomfortable when I go back in March. :) Not that it's all about me, because they will make their life there more comfortable all the time, but I certainly appreciate that they'll help me as well!
Davie has purchased his motorcycle and is learning to ride. So, of course, I'm worried about that. :) I know he'll be careful, and that's all I can ask. As he likes to remind me - he wants to come home as much as I want him to! He's not going to get himself killed if he can help it. But I still worry. It's what I do. :)
We've officially been apart a month now, but it's only 49 days until we see each other again! Next week we'll hit the halfway point, which I'm very excited about. I miss him!
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| Almost all the houses had one of these ovens (the big dome thing in the back). The left of the picture has the water trough (the concrete block tank) and the brick wall is for the shower. It was lovely to shower in the middle of everything going on, let me tell you! The rock "table" is where Enma would wash clothes. |
This video is of Eduardo hitting the pinata at the Christmas Eve party. They would have the kids take a time out in the middle of trying to hit the pinata to dance. So me yelling "Baile, Baile" in the background is telling Eduardo to dance. There was one kid who would really bust some moves - I wish I had gotten a video of him!!
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| This is the "driveway" leading to Davie's mom's house. The last month Davie and his brother have been widening the driveway, smoothing it out and reinforcing it. It has been quite a project, but now an actual car will be able to use it! The building in the far left is the church and the house straight ahead is one of Davie's uncles. |
This video is of the bird at Davie's grandparents house. I'm sure it will be hard to hear over my cackling in the background (I hate my voice on tape!) but the bird can say a few things and then will laugh when people laugh at it. It cracked me up!
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