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Saturday, January 9, 2010

Nanny has a Heart as Big as Texas




My nanny is a character.


As many other things, the way I see her has changed over the years. As I've grown more wise and kind, my perspective has too.



When I was little, she made AMAZING french toast. But she was the definition of a cat lady. So, as I would enjoy her thoughtfully prepared french toast, I also remember being afraid cat hair was going to fly and stick to the syrup pool on top. It was everywhere. And my Uncle Mike has always lived with her. As a child, he simply terrified me. He's schizophrenic. He would just carry on mumbling angrily about her apartment. In my tweens, she sweetly embarrassed me by planting stained kisses on my cheek and endlessly professing how much she loved us and how beautiful I was becoming. There are certain topics you don't bring up around her either, or you'll be pulled into a long conversation that sounds much like a rant. Politics, history, or football. And don't think for a second she's crazy, because she knows what she's talking about. She can tell you details about football games played decades ago. And the biography of the coaches. After high school I became irritated with her because I could see the stress it caused my mom to take care of her. It would make me angry when I had to watch my parents being torn between giving in to her unhealthy habits or taking a stand to do what was best for them. Kinda like the toddler years of a child.


Motherhood and marriage has really opened my eyes. I see my nanny in her true light now. My parents spent the last few years taking a lot of time building up my Uncle Mike's self-esteem, teaching them healthy eating habits and remodeling their psychological health. Real quick, let's give around of applause for everyone here. Together they have lost a total of 335 lbs with the help of my parents who persistently cheered them on to workout and managed their groceries. My mom has opened up to me about how she purposefully changed her view of her mother a few years back. Instead of a burden, she chose to see it as an opportunity to get to know her mom as a person, learn to laugh with her and be her friend. The other day Nanny told her she was her best buddy. You can actually have a conversation with Uncle Mike now. He laughs, does a lot of the household chores, works out to Sweat'n to the Oldies (with Richard Simmons) four times a week and occasionally makes a joke.


It's amazing how you can choose to think differently about something. One of the best things my husband has taught me is how to see the humor in life. Rather than being seriously embarrassed or irritated when my nanny is screeching at the UT game or trying to sneak food out for a kitty (there has to be a limit on how many cats a person can take care of), I laugh because she has enthusiasm and she always means well. My mom taught me to appreciate the more endearing qualities. When she gushes over Maverick or tells me 47 times how proud she is of me, I don't feel annoyed anymore. I'm just so grateful that my nanny loves me so much and loves my child and husband just the same. I'm grateful that she tells my parents thank you more than she needs to instead of less than she should. Nanny has unknowingly helped me to look beyond the zealous rants and see a heart that loves God and tries so hard to live a life that pleases Him. She is lovely, goofy lady.

And she LOVES Texas.


Thursday, January 7, 2010

who doesn't love food


I love food.

Sweets are my biggest weakness.

After giving up addictions and then having a baby, I came to love food more than I had before.

Trust me, Adam will tell me (now) how surprised he was sometimes by the plates I would make for myself when I was pregnant. I probably sounded like an ogre when I would say "I'm gonna ENJOY my pregnancy".

I did.

So mom, you were right (again). I regret it.

I have started weightwatchers and I find myself, once again, in a meeting where I must face demons head on. Now, I don't have a problem with unhealthy foods. I was taught to eat healthy and I do. I eat too much healthy food (and candy). The point is, weightwatchers has made me move out of my cooking comfort zone to explore new recipes instead of the simple one meat, two veggie plate.


This week I made beef stuffed poblano with an apple pico and homemade baked corn chips. Adam gushed over it and so did I. It was good.

It probably tasted better 'cause I cleaned and tugged him around at the same time.


Adam would eat fried food that was all the same color everyday if he could, but I think he really appreciates the work, time, and effort I've been putting into our dinners. He never forgets to tell me how much he loves my cooking. I must admit, I don't disappoint.


So, with all this effort I have lost about 15 lbs and I have another 16 lbs to go to get to my goal weight.
I just have to start working out now.