Still Here!

No...I haven't been in hiding since my brief television debut - just up to me ears in remodeling! We're almost done with the kitchen - put the ceramic tile back splash up last night and I have a free minute here this morning to catch up on my reading before church and then the in-laws who will convene here at 2:00.

Thanks you so much for all the kind comments you guys left or e-mailed after watching the show! Of course I was as critical as heck about myself as I watched it. Noting the chipmunk cheeks and how darn nervous I was! It was also interesting in the final editing that they left my correction out about being a grandma. Guess they didn't want Marianne Williams to look like she didn't do her homework. I still feel that I was made to look WAY more pathetic than I really am. I really am not a depressed old woman who sits around all day moping on her couch. I thought the show was about the struggles we women ALL go through when we hit that "magical" age. I didn't know I would be showcased against two highly successful women and be the poster child for middle age depression. I'm still very happy I got to be on Oprah though - and was treated royally while in Chicago. The show was after all - not about me - it was about Marianne's book and of course - Oprah!

Now that the excitement is over and I'm back down to earth - my eating is not. It's been all over the place! There has been no routine here as far as a normal day goes in almost 2 weeks. I want my kitchen back and I want some normalcy here! I've been eating standing up at the counter - or at a TV tray in the living room and at very odd hours.

Last night we ordered a pizza for dinner at 10:00 because the stove was unhooked as well as all the kitchen outlets while we tiled. And I ate 3 pieces - and there was pepperoni involved....

I haven't been journaling my food - can't find the blasted journal under all the dust and piles of what-not stacked in my living room! I haven't done my workout DVD - truly and honestly - no time! I subbed three days last week at school and then came straight home to work on the kitchen. It has been a total priority in my life right now because the kitchen is the hub of activity in my household and when it's not in order - neither is the rest of my house - or my life!

I have however, been getting some strength training in...lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, stretching.....I'm way more sore now that I ever am after a DVD workout or lifting my weights. Some of my muscles are saying, "Hey - remember me? Betcha' forgot all about us! Well...here we are!" It sure feels good to fall into bed after a hard days work and fall right asleep. Although I haven't been getting my 8 hours in each night. And that takes a toll...

But I also have not been sitting on the couch in a forlorn slump as you saw me on Oprah. In that shot I was actually watching a video of my late hubby and daughters from many years back - on a Christmas morning - and was immersed in the memories of the moment - hence the tear I wiped away in a subsequent shot.

So people - Lora truly needs to get back on track here. The fan fare is over - I can now say "I was on the Oprah Show" and life goes on. All of my long lost friends from years gone have seen the weight I gained and I have more motivation than ever to get back into better shape!

I also have a job interview Tuesday for a position as an Education Training Coordinator for a local hospital. Not teaching Art (as I long to do) but still in the realm of education.... I'm taking the advice Oprah gave me after the show into the interview with me. Believing in myself - positive attitude - and going for the gold! Wish me luck!