Doing It For Diggy

2's never stand alone.

It's my favorite motto. It's my favorite number.

This rang true at last night's W-E-M Buccaneers football game and section semi-final.

 

Yesterday the team lost one of their own in a tragic duck hunting accident. The boat the boys were hunting in capsized and Brady "Diggy" Hruska #2 drown on Lake Elysian, getting hung up in the duck decoys. The team had a meeting with his parents at noon on Saturday and unanimously decided to play the game and "Do It For Diggy" as that is what he would want.  Brady's dad was given his jersey and walked out the center of the field with the team Captains for the Captain's coin toss.  It was very emotional.

The boys all had the number 2 on the back of their helmets and all of them had bright green somewhere on their person, whether is was their shoelaces or athletic tape, it didn't matter. 

They were all thinking about Brady without a doubt. 

Even the opposing Medford Tigers had white stripes on their arms in memory and honor of Brady. 

They showed true class and sportsmanship and lost gracefully to the Buccaneers 34-21. 

They all truly played a great game.

They were ALL winners. 

And after the game, both teams, coaches and players, came together to say a prayer for Brady, a teammate and football brother forever gone, but never forgotten.  Even the Medford fans stayed after the game in honor of Brady.

Brady's parents were given the game ball by all the senior football players, a momento of a night never forgotten for the rest of their lives. 

R.I.P. Brady "Diggy" Hruska

1995-2012

 

 

 

8 Months

This is me.  Friday the 13th.  2012.
Today I weigh 165.6 pounds (down 78 pounds since surgery, 88 total).
I still wear a size 8/10 (down from a 22).
My hips are 40.5 (down 13.5 inches).
My waist is 32.5 (down 8.5 inches).
My bust is 35.5 (down 7.5 inches).
My chest is 34 (down 4 inches).
My thighs are L-25.5 and R-26 (down 8.5 and 7 inches).
My arms are L-13 and R-13 (down 4 inches each).
And the BEST PART of all of this?? 
I got to raid my sister's closet on Tuesday to find a shirt for the Neil Diamond concert!!!!!
Yes, another goal accomplished!!!

When I went to see Dr. Leslie and my dietician Liz for my 6 month post op check-up, they informed me that my procedure was one of the first that insurance approved for the doctor to do and so they weren't sure where I should be exactly since they had nobody really to compare me too.  But they both agreed I was doing fantastic and the good Dr. did say I needed to lift weights to build up my strength, so I will be working on that.  He also said I could skip my 9 month post-op visit and just come back in November for my yearly.  Nice.  And Liz told me I was no longer OBESE, but just overweight and if I lost another 20 pounds I would be in the HEALTHY BMI range.  Seriously, I don't think I've ever been in the healthy BMI range EVER. 

Now on to the Neil Diamond concert.  July 11, 2012 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. 
Neil Diamond Tickets--$120 (Thanks to my mother for the best Christmas present EVER!)
Dinner before the show at the Eagle Street Grille--$10 (Thanks to my sister for splitting the meal!)
Stealing our State Representative Patti Fritz's table--PRICELESS (Thanks Patti for asking if we wanted a table!)

That concert celebrated 40 years of me attending ND concerts.  Since I was 2 years old at the MN State Fair, I have been seeing this man live in concert.  It's also the 40th anniversary of Hot August Night.  Get your anniversary gear at NeilDiamond.com if you dare!
My mom, sister, and I had a blast and of course I sat next to the fuddy duddy's and the people in front of us couldn't dance their way out of a paper bag if they wanted too, but it was all good.
My dad was there in spirit and I wore his rings that night to make sure of that. 

More good things happening at the end of the month to honor my father as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of his passing this year.  My sister is throwing a celebration BBQ party on the 28th of July from 6pm-2am if you're interested in attending.  833 Home Place and monetary donations for a marble garden stone are welcome, but not required.  Come reminisce with us and have a shot of Christian Brothers in honor of my dad.

Today I found out some sad news.  My friend Lucky PegLeg Christopher Graham passed away last night of a heartattack.  I will forever miss him and the way he called me "Brat" all the time.  He was a good, kind hearted man and he will be forever missed and never forgotten.  Ride the wind forever my friend!

I guess that's about all for now.  More next month, I'm sure! :)
Love,
TT

7 Months

7 months post-op and I feel great.  And I look great.  Although sometimes I still think I'm fat, but I'm working on that.
I weigh 171.2 today.  I wear a size 8/10. 
My hips are 42 inches.
My waist is 34.  My bust is 36 and my chest is 33.5.
My thighs are 27 (left) and 26 (right) and my arms are both 13 inches.
Remember when my hips were 54 inches?  Yeah I don't miss those days.
I do NOT regret my decision AT ALL regarding surgery.  In fact, I HIGHLY recommend it.
No, it's not an easy way out, not at all.  It IS alot of work, but it's SO worth it.
This was the best decision that I have ever made and I'm so thankful to have the love and support of my family and friends.
I am on vacation this next week to get ready for my niece Megan's graduation party, but while I am off, I will try to get a before and after shot together (side by side at the request of Erica) and get it posted.
Happy Father's Day to all the daddy's out there.  I sure miss mine today!  Love you daddy! :)

Love ALWAYS,
TT

16

Today my first born girl turned 16.  Seems like yesterday I was in labor and watching General Hospital pushing her out with 2 pushes.  And I didn't miss any of my soap.

  

She was the easiest of my four children to deliver.

She was the one who got stuck in a tree at the age of 5.

She was the one who was the princess first and tomboy never.

So now that she's 16, it's time for driver training and getting that license.  After she keeps her grades up, of course.

I'm so proud of the young lady she has become (minus the potty mouth she gets from my parents).  I can't wait to see what's in store for the next 2 years as she prepares to go off to some sort of college and start a life on her own.

I love you Natalea Rose Trump!

Love,

Momma



Today

Today, I am the mother of a high school senior.Today, I am the mother of a high school junior.
Today, I am the mother of a high school freshman.
Today, I am the mother of a 7th grade girl.
Today, I am a size 8.

Today, it felt good trying on clothes in a store.
Today, it felt good getting my school work done for the week.
Today, I realized that I like being called "Skinny Minny" by my niece.
Today, I couldn't be more proud of my children, myself, and my family. 
We have accomplished things that people have said we NEVER, EVER would and well, as my dad would say, "Screw them."  Gotta love a Marlar's response like that.
Beware folks, there are more accomplishments to be had by us Marlar's and more things to cross off of our Bucket Lists.  I see an airplane in our futures.  Trips to Europe and Asia come to mind.  Skydiving with my brother, skiing and golfing (and drinking whilst chasing that damn ball around) with my sister, and traveling to my southern kinfolks' houses often so that we can bond like we should have been allowed.  Yes, good things are happening for us and they will only get better.  Of course we are chasing our dreams and going for it.  Life really is too short.
Love,
Tonja Marlar Trump


Prom 2012

Natalea went to the Faribault prom with her date Collin McFarlane (who is a senior).  They met at a church youth group so I was ok with them going together.  The story goes that he didn't have a date, and Natalea stepped up and volunteered to be his date.  She's only a sophomore, so it was a good practice for her for next year.  She had fun, but they kinda ditched each other at Valentino's and kinda paired up with another couple.  Such is the teenage life.  He went home after the prom and she went to the post-prom party with some friends and spent the night at Lexi's afterwards.  Thanks Lexi for letting her stay so we wouldn't have to go get her at 5am.  Appreciate that! :)  Natalea's dress only cost $20 and her shoes were $29.95.  Best investment I ever made.  Now to save up monies for next year when I have both going to WEM's prom.  Looking forward to it. :)

Erik took Briana Adank to WEM prom this year.  She told him he would have to be creative in how he asked her.  He came home and asked his sisters (of all people) for some ideas.  They came up with blow up a balloon, write PROM? on it with a box for yes and a box for no.  So that's what he did.  He put it in her locker and she attached a post-it note with a check mark on it and put it on the "Yes" box.  I have to take credit for the creativity of my children.  They come by it natural from both of my grandma's who were quite crafty.  They all had a great time at the Vintage Ballroom above Bernie's Grill in Faribault and then partied at the post-prom until 6am.  Erik's tuxedo was $98.  Sweet, simple, and he picked out the black shirt and wore his rebel flag suspenders under his vest.  Yes my kids clean up nicely when they want too.  I am super duper proud to have such great kids, even with all their flaws and backtalk, they are mine and I love them all!!!!!. :)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Since the last posting about my surgery, I have managed to buy 2 pairs of jeans.  That actually fit.  Size 16 and they are starting to get a little loose.  I can wear a medium t-shirt/sweatshirt and a large shorts. 

I have managed to lose 56 pounds since surgery and 8 inches off my hips, 6 inches off my waist, 8 inches off my chest, 4 inches off of each thigh, and 2 inches off of each arm.  Amazing.  And I feel great.  Other than not being able to finish a whole meal, it's been a pleasant ride.  I just have to get used to the idea that I don't have to finish it all and I CAN throw it away afterward (unless it's enough for leftovers).

Thank you to all my family and friends who have been so supportive over the last year!

Love,
TT

Today

Today is the 3 month mark. Today I weigh 200 pounds.  (Yesterday at the Dr.'s office I weighed 199!)
Today my measurements are as follows:

Hip:  47 (down 2 from last month)
Waist:  36 (down 2 from last month)
Bust:  38 (Chest is 35) (down 2 and down 1 from last month)
Thighs:  R-28 L-29 (both down 2)
Arms:  R-16 L-15 (left is down 1, right remains the same)

Now to put this all into perspective.  The last time I weighed 200 pounds was in 1988.  I had just graduated high school and was about to embark on a wild rollercoaster of an education and friendships at the Model College of Hair Design.  For then it was my dream to be the hair stylist for Days of Our Lives...just so I could work with that hunk Tony Dimerra.  I should have went for it, but fear of failing stopped me. 

Today, I try not let fear get in my way of my dreams.  If I want something I go get it, even if there is a price to pay.  Life is too short to not take that chance on your dreams.  One day, all my dreams WILL come true.  Only I can make that happen.  This I know.

Today, I am proud of my accomplishments and failures.  I know you are probably sick of me posting about my weight loss journey, and that's okay, but I do it so I have a journal to scrapbook one day.  It's part of my history.

So with that, Happy Friday y'all!!
Love,
TT

P.S.  GOOD LUCK TO MY NIECE MEGAN MARLAR AND THE FARIBAULT EMERALDS DANCELINE THIS WEEKEND AT THE STATE TOURNAMENT!!!  SHINE ON LADIES!!!

2 Months Post Op

This post is a bit late for the 2 month mark.  But here is a photo from January 19, 2012 in my bathing suit.  I should have taken a photo of me in my suit the day before surgery, but I didn't.  I do have one from the doctor's office from back in December 2010 with my sweats on, but you can't really tell just how big I was because they are so baggy.

 

I took my measurements on January 18, 2012 and at that time I weighed 215 pounds. (I weigh 207 today!)  They are as follows:

Hips:  49 inches

Waist:  38 inches

Bust:  40 inches (36 inch chest)

Thighs:  R-30 L-31

Arms:  R-16 L-16

All I can say is....Victoria's Secret here I come! :)  And I feel good. Physically and otherwise.  I do plan on joining the gym here in the next couple weeks to tone up and get some muscle.  I want to avoid the saggy skin syndrome most often associated with bariatric surgery.  If I want to look good, I have to work hard.  Lots of that going on these days too! 

I switched houses within the MSOCS organization so now I work in Faribault with my bestie Cheryl Benzick.  So excited for her to come back to work full time and actually work together. 

And in order for me to advance in my career and become a Supervisor, I have to have a Bachelor's degree.  So back to school I go!  I was partly inspired by a good friend of mine, Ricky Webb, who is attending Rasmussen College in Eagan and I followed him there.  I will be taking my classes all online however and they will start a mock class tomorrow with real classes starting next Monday. 

So go me.

I just can't give up and have to keep on trying and work hard!

Until next month,

Love,

TT