Expect the Unexpected

Well, after my ENT appointment on Friday, I got some very unexpected news. I have hearing loss in both ears. I was told I would be a good candidate for hearing aids, but it was still my choice at this point. Wow. Was not expecting that this soon in life. I expected it EVENTUALLY--all my aunts and uncles on my dad's side have hearing aids (except one aunt). Quite a shock for me. I spent a few hours really trying to grasp that information; felt sorry for myself for a little while; then started to put it all in perspective. It's not life-threatening, it won't affect my overall health... so I made peace with it. I will admit that the news was a bit scarey because right now we only have a "snapshot" of this. I will do another hearing test in a year to see if it's the same, or worse. He said it could stay at this level for 20 years, or could get worse by next year--no way to know. So, I had to think, "what if it steadily declines from here on out--how bad can it get?" At 39, you don't really want to start losing any of your functioning!!

On a positive note, it's wonderful to know what amazing and supportive friends and family I have! I certainly have "felt the love" over the last 24 hours and that makes me feel very blessed, indeed!!

Haven't posted in a long time!

Hey girls! No one has been on here in a while - we're all busy!!! Just wanted to post and say hello to my fabulous family!! Also, just to share something fun - I'm losing weight and am SO HAPPY! We are working out almost every day and I'm doing Weight Watchers - down 13.8 already! A lot to go, but YAY! Matt and I are heading to Florida next week to see Matt's sister and to catch a Tampa Bay Rays game! We're really excited! I hope summer is treating you all well! I love you all! Oh - and even though Mom is on the list of posters, she's not even on here. I signed her up at my house and she forgets how to do it already. So - if any of you are over and want to help her, you can, or I will eventually! Haha! Love you all!

Jen

Stuffed Shells Recipe

I sent this out on an email, but it's worth posting, so you can look back on it without having your email. Sometimes Weight Watchers recipes taste "diet" or "low fat". This one tasted awesome. Thought I would share!!!

Stuffed Shells
1 lb cooked pasta shells - jumbo shells
3 c tomato sauce (just plain tomato sauce!)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp table salt
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp oregano
1 c fat free cottage cheese
1 c light ricotta cheese

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Mix together cheeses, salt, garlic powder, oregano and pepper.
Spread a few spoonfuls of tomato sauce on bottom of a 9- x 13-inch baking dish.
When cooked shells are cool enough to handle, fill each shell with cheese mixture and place in baking dish. When all shells are in dish, spoon remaining tomato sauce over shells. Cover pan and bake for 20 minutes. Yields about 4 shells per serving.

We sprinkled parmesan cheese on top. The spices in the cheese filling mix great with the tomato sauce - even though it's not "marinara" sauce or spiced. It's awesome! Even my picky Matt loved it :)

4 shells = 4 WW points

Thought for Today

"A sense of humor is a major defense against minor troubles."

-Mignon McLaughlin (American Journalist)-