Josh's Graduation

Although it was cold and windy Saturday, my step-nephew, Josh, had a very nice reception. We are fortunate that Mom has a huge garage and the best place for any event. Josh will work this summer doing whatever he can find to do, then will go to NIACC (North Iowa Community College) in Mason City, and will continue living in Britt with his dad and step-mother. At this time, he's not sure what he will do, but would like to get into building houses or something that will use his carperter skills. He broke up with his girlfriend of 3 years before prom, so was "single", but won't be for long. Several of his classmates were there, most of them girls, and from what I saw, Josh is quite popular. I'm so proud of him! He went Kindergarden thru 11th grade at North Iowa (formerly Buffalo Center/Lake Mills), and chose to spend his senior year in Britt (West Hancock) and move in with his dad.

The first picture is the "Eagle" (West Hancock mascot) he made. The second picture is my nephew Christopher and his new girlfriend, Brooke. The last picture is Josh (on the right) and Tyler Silber, a classmate.

Following Josh's graduation, I took Mom and my sister, Diane, to Garner for my cousin's twin daughter's reception.....what a packed house! They are such sweet girls and apparently quite popular.

Sunday after commencement, my neighbor had her reception. I had a great time seeing friends I hadn't seen for quite some time. The girl who graduated, Courtney, will be going to NIACC for two years, hoping to use her artistic skills and work in Graphic Communication. I have two more receptions this weekend, but will not be able to go.

I leave for California Saturday, so will post pictures once I return.

West Hancock Prom 2009

I'm very proud of the juniors and seniors at this school.....not only did they look marvelous, they behaved themselves. I remember my junior prom.......enough said.

About the dates....Christopher took his gorgeous neighbor, Melissa, and although they weren't boyfriend/girlfriend, and Christopher was seeing someone else....they looked great together and had a blast! Christopher has a "new" girlfriend, but being the gentleman he is, he still took his neighbor. What a guy! Of course, he hooked up with his new girlfriend after prom.

Christopher's brother, Josh, took his "ex" girlfriend. (Josh is Christopher's step-brother), and decided to finish school in Britt, having gone his entire life in Buffalo Center. He graduates in three weeks, the reception will be at my mom's in her infamous garage, so we've been preparing for that. I'm very proud of my niece, Kristie, for teaching those kids morals. (of course, we all know where she got it!)

It was a beautiful weekend, so I was able to get tons of work done. We have our city wide clean up this week, so I put my "treasures" out this morning and half of it is gone! People come from out of town to scrap what they can. I also helped my mom and my sister, Linda.

I also took up the carpet in my dining area and installed the (cheap) laminate flooring which had some challenges. It was cheap so didn't "snap" in as easy as the directions indicated. Lesson learned. BUT.....when I pulled the carpet back in the living room to add the final boards, I made a HUGE discovery! I have hard wood floors!!!! Unfortunately, not in the kitchen/dining area. My carpet is pretty decent so I don't have plans to pull it up, but it's nice to have options! Maybe I'll post some pictures once I get my camera back from work.

Looks like the next three weeks will be crazy .....but I love it! I have been invited to 6 graduations this year! I also leave for California May 23.....and no, the swine flu doesn't freak me out.....much.

My Success following Gastric Bypass

I had my three month check-up last week and much to my surprise, I've lost 85 pounds! There have been pros and cons with this surgery, but I would have to say the pros certainly outweigh the cons. First, the cons. I have lost some hair, but I was blessed with thick hair so it's not "that" much of a change. I've also lost some strength. I'm normally very independent when it comes to moving furniture, etc., but now, I have to call for help. (Maybe being over 50 has something to do with it!!!). The "best" con....I have trouble staying in clothes!!!!

The pros....easy. The most obvious, my appearance! I no longer take my blood pressure medication nor cholesterol pills! I take arthritis pills as needed, not every day. I get tons of compliments.....who doesn't like to hear that!!! I have so much energy! My goal.....find my "knight in shining armor"....heck, I'll take a pulse...but a young one!!

I am waiting until my trip to California before I add more to the wardrobe, but had to invest in a belt for the first time in 20 years! I decided to treat myself by going out to see my brother, Ron and his family. I've not seen Ron since our dad passed away, 4 1/2 years ago, and haven't seen the rest of his family since going to LA for business 6 years ago. His oldest is in college now!!!

Since buying my house 2 years ago, I find myself altering....something! My neighbor built a new (huge) shed so we moved his old one over when the ground was still frozen, and once spring finally arrived, I replaced some boards and painted it. I love having a place to store my ...stuff!

I also removed the wall between the kitchen and living room, and have yet to completely finish it, but plan on doing so one of these rainy weekends.

Well, this is my first blog so I won't get too carried away. I'll post pictures so I hope you come back!!!!