Boys are all the same, regardless of country.

As many of you know I take care of some international students.  Currently I just have boys and they are all from Saudi Arabia.

I received a call from a new client asking me to clean his apartment.  He needs it to be clean as he is going home to get married. He does not want his new wife to see a dirty apartment.

I had to take pictures as you all probably think I jest about the mess.  These pictures were taken AFTER they picked up.

I must thank my husband for helping me pick up and haul out copious amounts of garbage bags.  A one bedroom, one bath apartment took us 10 hours to clean.

 

After 10 hours and with the help of Bear, here is the result.

 

Now do you see why I don't go to the gym?

Closest I will ever come to being Japanese.

 

Source

I have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease and I am not a happy Nubian.  For those of you who want more detailed information you can find it here.  I have never been enamored with Japan, unlike my fellow blogger Vinny, and now I know why.

Hashimoto's is not life threatening, but what it is, is soul destroying. The weight gain has been horrific and along with that comes depression as every diet or exercise you try only maintains your weight.  Some times I will lose up to 5lbs, but those are added quickly and this yo yo back and forth has been challenging.

I am tired of the various Doctors response of "you will be on medication for the rest of your life" - "this is what happens with this disease" - "going to increase your anti-depressants"

I am tired of people asking me what my diet is, or how much exercise do I do.  I am about to get lock jaw from clenching it so soundly at those comments.  I feel as though every time I go out people are looking at me and living in a college town where the skinny bitches run around in yoga gear does nothing for my self-esteem. Yes I know, we have heard all the jokes about the fat girl having a 'gland' problem, but when it happens to you, it's not so funny anymore.

I am so frustrated and angry I want to kick something.  Pity my ex lives so far away, he would be great kicking material.

So I will continue to plod along, taking meds and hoping that I drop at least a few pounds before the winter.  If I don't future blog posts ain't going to be pretty.

Update from a lousy blogger.

Somewhere high up in Idaho.

Don't you just hate it when life interrupts you doing things you love?  Anyhoo, here is an update on what has been going on since I last blogged.

I have been busy, my Saudi boys all left for the summer and I have been busy getting their apartments in shape.  I have also picked up new clients and am averaging 10 hours on a one bedroom, one bath apartment.  Yes, that bad, but I do enjoy seeing the results.

Bear has been away playing biologist and finally after T. was done with finals we drove to Fenn, Idaho to be with him.  If anyone wants to lose weight they should do what Bear has been currently doing, I almost didn't recognize my husband.  We are now known as Jack Sprat and his wife.

Bear started acoustic bat surveys and I have been going with him at night.  It is incredible to hear them and watch them as they fly after their food.  I love bats, they eat mosquitoes.  Mosquitoes are not my friend.

We have been without cell and internet service and it has been wonderful.  Currently we are in Missoula, Montana to celebrate the 4th of July.  Hot shower and comfy beds, I am in heaven. 

Bear received a voice mail from Be The Match.  He is needed to donate T-Cells and will be going through the process again on the 30th June.  He does not need to have the follow up shots before donating, but will have to go through the whole hooked up to the machine again.  We were told that the patient is International and currently not doing well.  Please keep her in your thoughts.

I miss you all and promise to catch up on my blog reading when I get back to Oregon.  With regards to me blog posting, you have more chances of winning the lottery. 

Go buy your tickets today.

Reality.

T. at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane

I came across a writing assignment that T had for his college writing class.  The topic was "Heredity vs Environment."  As I was reading I came across the following sentence. 

"Some examples from my life on traits being passed down through heredity would be my Mom's kindness."

At this point I heard choirs of angels singing. My body seemed to float upwards towards the heavens, the clouds parted, the stream of sunlight enhanced my perfect blond/brown hair highlights and  I bowed my head to receive my "You are the Saint of Mothers" halo.

And then I read this. 

"However I don't think so."

I have now figured out why God graced with me an ample ass. It is to soften the blow as I fall hard back to earth, and reality.

Eight Years Ago Today.

In 1999, while working on a military conference, I first met Bear.  I enjoyed speaking with him as he was not your typical Air Force guy.  He was quiet, well spoken, smart and devoted his life to his children.  Our very first conversation was this:

Me:  So are you married?

Bear:  Hell no, I am done with woman, not going to go down that path ever again.

I would see Bear at various conferences or when I was on the Air Force Base.  We always chatted and joked about many things. 

Fast forward to 2004 and me going through my divorce.  I had asked a few people from Bear's old squadron whatever happened to him and was constantly told he was in a relationship.  I was a little disappointed, but I had lots of healing to do. I later found out that this was not the case, Bear and I both have a theory as to why I was told this.

28 May 2004 I was on base and who should walk through the door, Bear.  He didn't recognize me, divorce diet.  He gave me a hug and we chatted.

I gave him my phone number.

The rest is history.

Happy Anniversary to my best friend, my rock, my stability and snuggle buddy. 

I love you, google.