Stacy's "Breaking the Cycle!"

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Hey girl!! :hug2:

I think it is absolutely FANTASTIC that you have stayed away from those cigs! :hurray:

Especially with all the stress you've been under. I think you've done amazingly well under the circumstances. You deserve a HUGE pat on the back. :cheers2:

Sorry to hear you IL's are back in the hospital. :( At least Cory's done with school and can help you out more. :)

So don't worry about the weight. Your measurements have gone down and that is really good! :party:
 
Hey stranger...lol...:p

TY! ;)

It feels good to see something come down..heehee..

:hug2:

It feels good to say we are non-smoker's now!! :)
 
Hey there Stace,

Congrats on staying away from those cigs! Your doing awesome. I've watched my parents and several of my friends quit and it's a huge accomplishment. A lot of it's a mind over matter type of thing, I would imagine. Glad to hear your IL's are no longer in the hospital, that would be very very stressful I am sure. Hope your pool opens soon so you can go for a dip. We have a private pool in my family that I am hoping gets opened this weekend so I can go swim and sun :)

Take Care,
Sam
 
Thank you sweetie! :hug2:

I tell ya - I STILL want one every moment of the day.
It isn't easy that's 4 sure!

Funny and true story you may enjoy:

I was what you'd call a Born Smoker.

Everyone in my family smokes except for my mom and siblings.

As a child I always wanted the candy ciggs and would walk around smokin' that chalk! :D

When I didn't have those, I kept a red crayon inbetween my fingers and lit it with my pez dispenser. (flipped the head back and that was my lighter.) :smilielol5:

So, of course when I was all goofy lookin' with all the changes of puberty in 6 G. and the one group that accepted me was then called, "The Freaks," I smoked to fit in. That was all it took. I inhaled - didn't choke - and then became addicted of course.

I always looked older especially when I started wearing make-up and was no longer goofy looking, heehee - so I was able to buy them.

Back then (I'm 35 now), they were not strict/didn't check for ID bc they just wanted your money.

Thank you re: IL's.. ;)

I hope they stay well.
My poor hubby has been a mess bless his heart.

Enjoy the pool!
I cannot wait!

We have bounced from 92-98* all week + our horrible humidity here in TX, so I'm ready.

I also look like Casper, so sun is much needed! :biggrinjester:

Of course I took after my PawPaw and got the Irish..I only tan a little.

I wasn't lucky enough to get my Nannie's beautiful complexion.
She's Czechoslovakian.

(My dad's side of the family)

My mom's side is mostly Indian and I missed out on that too! lmbo!

:waving:
 
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Hi Stacy,
I thought I'd drop in as it has been a while. I haven't been able to get on here as much.

I'm proud of you for giving up the ciggies!!!! It can't be easy. Its a good decision.

I don't tan much either (redhead/freckles), so I'm definitely a whitey too. I absolutely gleam in summer. In my gene pool there was no chance of a darker complexion. Between my family genes and my fiance's family genes, my future kids will have no chance of ever getting a tan!

Glad to see that you're still surviving!
 
Hi Stacy

Life has been getting in the way of me getting around the forum to visit diaries etc - but I am so pleased that I have got over to see you today and I see that you are still not smoking. That is a wonderful accomplishment - so much more important that the few pounds that you might have lost had you focused on weight instead of cigarettes for these last few weeks. You have never been that big so the few extra pounds that you carry are never going to kill you - but cigarettes can and do that to people. Well done!!! :party:

I am pleased that your weight and measurements have started moving downwards too. So many people gain quite a bit of weight when they quit smoking - so you should consider maintenance to be the equivalent of quite a definite weight loss.

You have done particularly well when you consider all the business with the health of the in laws and the car problems into your stress situation. Not to mention the coping with heat without air conditioning! England has a comparitively comfortable climate - but I do know how important a/c is from the summers that I have spent in Greece.

The patio photos were lovely by the way.

Take care
Love
Margaret
 
Hey Stace, we miss you :). How are things going? Dont feel bad if you're back to smoking or eating or whatever. Didn't mean to insinuate that you are, but I know habits die hard so no worries either way you're an awesome woman. Hope everything is going great for you girl!
 
I agree with Claudia--don't feel too embarrassed to drop by if you've had a cig. We love you whether you smoke or not. I hope all is well. I miss you! :hug2:
 
Believe me - I lived over twenty years in the very big sizes. I am in no position to judge someone if they give in to temptation - how do you think that the diets in those twenty years all ended up failing.

We are your friends here. We would love it if you are still doing well - like you were last time you were on the forum - but we would certainly understand and be supportive if you had encountered problems.

Take care
Love
Margaret
 
Hi ya everyone. :seeya:

Thanks 4 checking in on me.

My life has just fallen apart and I have not had a chance to get on-line at all.

I have missed you all SO MUCH! :grouphug:

I will try and make everything that has happened as brief as possible so this doesn't become a book..lol..

Once I went MIA:

Dave's dad was once again in the hospital. Jan was still weak and not doing so well, so I had to stay with her while everyone was at the hospital with Jackie. He was in the hospital for a week.

During that time we were told he may not make it. (He was in ICU)
David started smoking again and I went 1 day with him smoking and then I started back up again.

Once he came back home and I was able to come home, Dave's work slowed down..(Well, to put it plainly - It came to a hault.)

He didn't work for 2 weeks! This meant we had to buy PURE CRAP to eat bc it was all we could afford. Hardly any groceries bc we found it 50% cheaper to eat off the $1 menus at fast food places. (Things were that tight!)

His factory is not doing well and may close down within the next few months.
Talk about more STRESS! :banghead:

My weight shot up to 189.4 (A NEW high for me.) :rolleyes:

I have been looking for work... No one is interested bc I have been a stay at home mom for 15 years.. They just treat me as if I'm a 15-16 year-old trying to get my first job. :cuss:

(This even includes jobs like a waitress or cashier at grocery stores.)

My heart is set on working with seniors (Non-Medical In Home Care).

I have been trying to get hired anywhere though at this point.

Dave finally was able to get back to work a "few" days a week.

We are having major issues though re: bills/money.

THEN - we started having AC problems. (we are in an apartment.)

This has taken the biggest toll on us due to living in TX with our heat/humidity.

It is a huge/long story but to put it short:

They do not have AC experts as part of their staff. Just maintenance men that do minor work..Such as dripping faucets and toilet type work.

They tried to do an assesment and work on the problems which lead to incorrect/dangerous work which caused a TON of further issues.

We went without AC for 8 days!!!!!!!!!!!!

They placed an ancient window unit in our living room and felt that was super great care for us.

NO motel/hotel was ever offered to us.

They told us to sleep in the living room by the window unit.

We didn't bring it up bc I was recording each day of events on the computer.
I wanted it to be noted we were not being offered anything.

I had to sleep in a recliner while the boys slept on the freakin' floor.
For 8 days we have had to deal with 1-2 hours sleep per night, along with high amounts of anger, stress, and being over-heated.

On some days it was 94* in the back areas and 86* in the living room with window unit.

We have all felt/been ill due to the stress/heat/lack of sleep.

I have been round and round with the manager mentioning to her we need AC and it's their job to hire EXPERTS to get us up and running again.

FINALLY after day 7 she called a certified maintenance man from a different property and we had AC on day 8..YESTERDAY(July 14th)!!

Before the office closed yesterday, I printed out the record of events(16 pages long) and took it to the manager. On top I created a professional cover sheet requesting compensation. ($835- August rent to be waived.)
PLUS, a request for them to take our July electric bill from last year and pay the difference from our statement that will come in for this July.

We just know it will be sky high bc our AC has still not turned off yet for a break bc it's trying to get back down to a normal temp.
Plus all our lights remained on in the back where they were working each day from morning until close.
They also of course used our power for all of their tools.

The entire record of events was recorded in a professional manner.

I'm anxious to hear what they think of it all.

Especially re: WIRING that was done incorrectly by their staff trying to fix the AC which could have caused a FIRE!

At one point they thought they fixed our AC and it ran 5 hours incorrectly- we heard a loud pop outside - smelled smoke inside - knocked out all power!

As I said, there are SO MANY details. 16 pages worth!

We have been through pure hell and it may not be over. :cuss:

As of today, we are hearing bursts of air through the vents every 15 seconds while the ac is going which means they did not seal off something properly on the inside. Which means we will be without AC again while they pull the entire unit back out to check the ducts and dampers. :dupe:

I have had panic attacks almost everyday and had another one this morning.

I will not be shocked if I have a "real" nervous breakdown soon!

I am down to 184.8 - I honestly think that's from sweating all day/night non-stop.

If they will get our damn problems fixed, Dave and I will have a chance to get our life back and begin to calm down.

Even with the money issues I think we have a chance to calm down enough to try and quit smoking again.

I know this will sound so stupid to a non-smoker, but the ciggs have saved me from a nervous breakdown and completely losing my mind!
They have been the only comfort I've had through all this crap.

So, needless to say - I have not been able to buy the proper foods to eat healthy and wisely and there has been 0 time or energy for exercise.

Wouldn't you know we renewed our lease 3 days before the AC went out!!
We can't afford to move anyway right now though.

I'm sure we could get out of the lease bc of everything that has taken place, but we don't have the money to do everything that comes along with finding a new place/moving costs/getting set up-turning things off and on at a new place/etc.

So, this is my life at this point. Not very good.

I look forward to catching up with you guys.

Maybe I'll have time to come back tonight?

I have to get off now bc the AC man should be here soon.

Kimberly: During the HELL I've been through - when I received your postcard it made me smile and feel very special. Thank you doll!!

*Hugs You All!*

- Stacy
 
Girl, if I'd been you going through all that, I wouldn't have felt special when that postcard arrived. I'd have cussed you out and said, "dumb bitch is living it up in Europe while I'm going through all this shit and has the gall to send me a fricking post card??!!" :biggrinjester: But you are clearly a better person than I am. :)

I'm so incredibly sorry that you've been having such a terrible time. :hug2: I wish there was something I could do. Can Dave get unemployment benefits? I would think that even with you not working outside the home for so long, employers would be interested in hiring you. I would think doing the in home care with the elderly would certainly be something you'd be great at, and also I would think being a stay at home mom would let them know that you are good at taking care of people. I would add as much to a job app re that as there is space to write it--also include taking care of your own parents and Dave's. Also the fact that you have no criminal record (you didn't get busted for any throw downs in Walmart did you? :smilielol5: ) would also be a huge bonus--and an important requirement. I'll be happy to give you a reference if you want/need one, sweetie.

Hang in there girl!! This, too shall pass. That's what I always tell myself when I'm going through a rough patch. Good God--I'd be one cranky ass biotch if I lived where you do and had no a/c!! I wouldn't blame you if you went to the management office and held them at gunpoint until they fixed it for good and submitted to all your demands. :smilielol5:

I hope Dave's dad improves soon. Is he doing okay now he's back home?

Ramen Noodles. They're not healthy, but they're yummy and cheap--5-7 packages for a $1. Something to consider (if you haven't already) if things get desperate. You can add some veggies to them to make them healthier--and those should be in season now so less expensive.
 
Wow girl, I am so sorry to hear about all that. I dont blame you one bit for finding comfort in your cigs. Good job that you're planning to quit again, but that's enough to bring anyone down. I feel so bad for you and Dave. Such a huge amount of stress. Let me know what happens with the manager's office. If you like I can help you write a response letter if they say no to waiving the rent (I'm a lawyer so it'll sound "real legal" haha).
 
I am so sorry to hear about all that you have been going through. You can deal with the weight and cigarettes later. That is too much stress for anyone - and you are right to deal with the stress as best you can.

Kimberly and Claudia have made some really good points.

As far as flooding application forms with info about how suitable you are for a caring role (and adding heaps of extra pages) - dont forget your experience in dealing with your siblings' disability.

As far as eating on a budget goes - remember - baked beans are just so healthy for tinned food. We have 3 tins each every week. If you think about it - they are great for fibre and protein. Also - they are really good at reducing cholesterol. I dont know about there - but here - tins of baked beans are so cheap it is silly.

Pulses generally are really cheap and nourishing.
 
Awww Stacey!
I am sooo sorry to hear that you are having such a rough time (that's putting it mildly I know)
I can completely relate to the no A/C, hot humid thing. Last year when we went on our family vacation to visit hubby's mom in Puerto Rico I thought I was going to die!
It was soooo hot and humid and on the island it's like no big thing to them as that is how they live all the time.
But I am a freezer girl so anything above 72* just about kills me.
Hopefully your letter to them will get something taken care of. If nothing else you should definately use Cita's services as a lawyer. That would probably scare them enough to get the butts in gear.
Don't worry about the smoking thing. You have said that you would try again after things straighten out. And you succeded the one time so we know that you will be a success again.
You'll make it thru this......I know it.
 
:hug2::hug2::hug2::hug2::hug2::hug2::hug2:

OMFG!!! I am so sorry to hear you are going through all of this chicky!!! That is enought o make anyone break down. My life has been hell lately but noting in comparrision to yours.

I dont blame ya for smoking agian, find comfort where ever you can. I think asking for rent waived is definately reasonable and so are your other requests. I would totally get C to help you out, having a proffessionaly lawyer letter sent to them might make them take some action and veiw it seriously!

Once agian I am so sorry. My heart goes out to you, I can totally understand not being able to afford to eat properaly, it is so less expensice to eat crap!

I hope the pieces starting coming back together soon, but hey Dave going back to work is a positive and a start!At least he is making some money for now.
 
Howdy from Hell. :D

Man, TX is havin' a serious summer let me tell ya!

It's pretty sad when you can only manage a very cool/luke-warm shower and when you step out you are already sweating again.. :smilielol5:

Thank you all for yer support! :grouphug:

Thanks Cita! I'll keep that in mind!

I'm pretty good w/words & writing - my 16 pg. record of events have them scared..lol

I'll be speaking with the owner on Monday. He was faxed my book. :sifone:

We have had two more issues with the AC again as well. Now, it'll start blowing out hot air and warm the place up bc it's tripping the breaker.

When it does that, the unit inside is still running, but the unit outside is not.
(this is why it starts blowing hot air.)

They are hoping once they replace the breaker box, that will stop.

Thank goodness we renewed our lease 2 days before the AC went out bc now they told us they will not renew our lease July 2009..
Isn't that some chit?
We need repairs - they don't do them correctly or fast enough - they are in the blame - but somehow it's our fault and they don't want us here any longer. :icon_bs:

I read over the TAA Contract and when your lease is up, they can "invite" you to leave without a reason! That is just stupid.

Hubby and I cannot afford to move now of course, so that's why I'm glad we were locked in the lease before this happened.

We won't want to renew anyway in 2009 - it's just the point of it though.
Also, The 15 years we have been married, we have moved 6 times. We wanted to stay here until we could finally rent/buy a house.
We are sick to death of moving.

I really have to get a job now bc since we will have to move July 2009, we hope it'll be our last in hopes of getting a house.

This has been the most draining mess ever!

Now, it's time to start trying to get this filthy place back in order.
I have not been able to clean for 2 weeks!! (You know that's NOT me!)

When you don't have AC, you can't do anything. Not even run the dryer.
The heat drains you 110% of all energy and you feel ill.

I want to get things caught up and finished by Tuesday bc Cory and I will spend all day at Surf & Swim. (Local wave pool.) This will make our 3rd time to go. As long as there are no more ac issues, Surf & Swim may be able to help kick start an exercise routine again.
We'll be there 11AM - 5PM That's a lot of fun and exercise!

I'm still not able to buy super healthy foods but as long as I exercise I hope to still try and lose.

I filled out 3 on-line apps yesterday re: In Home Senior Care Agency's and hope to hear from any of them next week.

*Fingers Crossed!*

I also have an orientation day at Richardson College on the 24th re: courses for becoming a Patient Care Assistant (light medical duties).

You of course work in a hospital and you're the Aid to the Nursing Staff.

You get to work with the patients one on one and I'd love that!

They start out at $13.50 an hour.

In home care offers $9 - $10 an hour.

I will love working with seniors, don't get me wrong...But I just have a burning desire to work in a hospital with patients.
Once I have experience as a PCA & get enough hours under my belt, I will attend nursing school.

I have my life finally figured out and it feels really good!
I'm so thankful I've been so blessed to be a SAHM, but I will not lie.. I tell ya I'm glad Cory's growing up - heading into high school - and I can have a life again.. LMBO!

So my plans/hopes are:

Get a job now re: In Home Senior Care (Save for college courses)

Go to college for degree/certification as a Patient Care Assistant

Get a job at a great hospital. * Gain experience. * Enjoy a rewarding career.

- Go back to college to become a nurse. -

********

I gotta get busy...:ack2:

Hey - Since I don't have time to journal hop...
Y'all feel free to mention how yer doing!!

Let me know how everything is going and let me know your stats!

I'm so anxious to hear about how y'all are doing!

<3 Stacy
 
Hey Chicky

9 - 10 bucks for in home:ODamn - I work in a group home for developementally disabled adults and I make 15 something an hr...I can make more but I havent gotten a raise yet as I still need to obtain my class four license which has been haunting me, LOL...I actually have next week off so Im gonna go and relax at my parents and read the damn book beginning to end so I can finally go and get it!LOL!!! I as well wanted to do the care aid thing and looked into going to schoola nd then I also wanted to contunue on with nursing, however, I got lucky and got hired into my organization with my previous education and I am so happy to be were I am. I am gonna stay there, I have found where I belong. Even if I had to do nights for hte rest of my life I would be happy there!!! Best of luck to you!!!
 
Hey doll. :hug2:

That's so great!

I wonder if the cost of living is different and that's why it's less an hour here?

I'm very excited. I'm really looking forward to my new journey.

I'm proud that I did what I said I was going to do at such a young age.
When I was still preggers, hubby and I agreed I'd stay home w/Cory until he reached high school.

We have done a great job with him and even though high school brings a lot of trouble and temptations, we have taught him what's right/wrong and have raised him to have commen sense/morals/and values.
He's so super mature for his age as well.

Have a great day! :waving:
 
The cost of living in Vancouver is much higher than in TX, so that probably explains the wage difference.

I love your plan for your job. That sounds great--right up your alley, decent wages, etc. It sounds like you've managed to get all that organized while still dealing with the apt crapola. WTG!

That is rather ironic that they refuse to renew your lease. I'm sure that somehow in their mind they think you're a trouble-maker..lol. Or you've got them scared of a lawsuit..lmao. I really hope they make some sort of restitution to you for all the misery they've put you through.

Nothing new here except I found out Friday that I'm preggers. :D
 
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