Landmarks

It's funny how we tie ourselves emotionally to certain things. I watched the demolition of Texas Stadium Sunday morning (from the comfort of my own bed), and as we watched it happen, David and I help hands and didn't even speak. I felt a lump well up in my throat, and my eyes welled up a bit, although neither of us cried...outwardly. It was sad to watch an iconic building reduced to rubble in 60 seconds. I've seen countless concerts there, the last one being the Dave Matthews band with my friend Karen, who passed away about six years ago. I always thought of her when I drove by there and remembered how being at that concert with her was the last time I got to spend with her before she died unexpectedly. I've been to corporate team buildings there, and stood proudly on that star in the middle of the field. You look up at that massive ceiling and felt so small because everything else there was so big! Somewhere I have a picture of that...I just have to find it.

While I never went to a Cowboys game there, I saw my share of high school playoffs. (Go THS Trojans!) And the legends that walked the field...Staubach, Lilly, Aikman, and most importantly Tom Landry. None will ever be forgotten.

So the Cowboys will play on in the House That Jerry Built. It's lovely. I know, I've been there a few times. But I will always have fond memories of Texas Stadium. Nothing replaces the original!

(And on a completely different note, this posting is my 800th blog entry!! Is that crazy? 800!! Stay tuned and see what happens during the next 800!)

Finally! Friday Has Arrived!

I am so glad it's Friday, and I bet you are, too! I am looking forward to relaxing tonight. Well, I'll be making myself dinner and doing homework. I guess that isn't really relaxing, but I don't mind. In high school the idea of being home on a Friday night doing homework was awful! I guess being 37 and staying home to do homework simply makes me responsible, right? :)

I work out with Susan again today. My arms are sore from yesterday but my legs aren't too bad. I suspect they will be after today! We're going to try dips today. We'll see how that goes! LOL!

Tomorrow morning I am going to get up and go for a 3.2 mile walk/jog. I'm looking forward to it since the weather will be nice. I want to get it done early to that I have more time to do homework. Yes, I plan to be doing it tomorrow, too. But I'm also getting my hair done in the morning and since color will be involved I have to get my exercise in beforehand. I can't wash my hair for 24 hours after its colored so if I plan to burn any calories it needs to happen around 7am. And yes, for me that really is sleeping in!

This upcoming week I am going to challenge myself to take a class at the gym. I don't know what it will be, but that will be my big challenge for the week. I'll be looking at the schedule today so I'll commit to it here and you'll know about it. And then you can help me be accountable!

I think that's about it for today. David will be home Saturday night, but I'll be out so I won't see him until after I get home. However, we have Sunday together, and he doesn't leave town again until next Friday. He'll only be gone one night, so that's not too bad. But a week from tomorrow is my 5K with Kim and I am looking forward to it. :)

Stay strong and focused, friends! Whatever your goals are, keep your eye on the prize!

Fun Fact

Just as a silly side note, today is my 5 year blog anniversary! Who knew I would ever have 5 years of things to say? I know it hasn't always been important or even interesting, but I'm glad you stop by to read. :)

So happy anniversary to my blog!

Challenge Yourself

So what exercise did I do last night? Mom and I walked at the mall. Probably didn't get my heart rate up as much as I should have, but we did get out and move, which is what I needed. Today I worked with Susan and I did 3 sets of 9 push ups! (Last week it was 3 sets of 8!) And these were hard...push ups on a bar laid over a Bosu ball...tough stuff!! So yeah, feeling good about that!

Tomorrow I work with Susan again, and I am going to try something new. I want to use the machine that you do dips on. I don't know what it's called, but maybe I can find out tomorrow. I've never tried it, and I want to push and stretch the boundaries of what I could do before. This is the new me, and I'm rockin' it! I weighed myself today, and after a week of doing just okay (Easter foods, some fast food thrown in for good measure) I maintained this week. I'm okay with that! But only for this week...this girl wants to make the scale move! I've started weighing myself weekly (Thursdays) in the gym here at work and I like the accountability.

The 24 Hour Fitness website has a section you can click on to find new ways to challenge your workouts. I'm doing 2 this week: I signed up for a 5K and I am trying a new machine in the gym. You should go to www.24hourfitness.com and check it out! It's not groundbreaking or anything, but it's fun to see what they suggest you try. I think this helps me. I like goals and challenges, so this is a fresh way for me to keep it interesting.

What will you try? How will you challenge yourself? Pick one thing. Just one. (Unless you're up for more than that.) But it only takes one small thing to make a big difference. And you can do this! How do I know? Because I can do this. More importantly, WE can do this. Whatever your struggle, you're not alone. That's the biggest lesson I have learned so far...no one can do this alone. No one should have to, either. I know I said a lot of this yesterday, but I think it bears repeating. We are all wonderfully made and we should celebrate that! Give yourself permission to be the person you want to be. And make mistakes or eat something cheesy or chocolaty and don't feel bad! Because guess what? As long as we are breathing we have the chance to pick up and move on to our next victory. And we need to see our lives as a series of victories. Sure, in between I know I have tough times, but I can look back and truthfully say that my victories are that much sweeter because of my tough times.

So celebrate how fabulous you are and make a decision right now...what one thing will you decide to challenge yourself with this week? Whatever it is, you can do this and you aren't alone!

5K Days Are Here Again

So I have signed up for the 5K at the Ft Worth Zoo! I am so excited! Kim and I are going to do it together, so that makes it even more fun! (Oh, and we get a free ticket to the zoo for participating!) I am really looking forward to getting back to doing these 5Ks. They were good for me and kept me moving and competitive. My competition was always my last best time. I've not done one in quite a while, so I doubt I can best my last time, but that's okay...I'm going to start training hard, even though I only have a week and a half. I don't mind...no matter what I am excited to be back and doing these again! I need to start looking for the next one now. My half marathon is 16 weeks from this Sunday. I would be a liar if I didn't say I am scared. 13.1 miles is a long way, and when you're not a thin person, that's a lot of weight to carry with you. But you know what? I'm going to give it everything I have. I may or may not finish, but I really hope I do! I'll be doing everything I can to drag myself across that line in under 3 1/2 hours. (You have to finish in 3.5 hours...they close the course after that!) Basically this means I need to be at about a 15 minute mile. Sounds easy for most people, but I had been at about a 17.5 minute mile. (Let's remember I am more of a walk/jog kind of gal.) So I have to step it up. That scares me a little bit, but I have time if I really focus. So I have my trainer to help with my strength building, and I have me for the distance/time training. I have a lot of work ahead of me! I'm going to start by walking daily. I can pick one day a week to rest, which will most likely be Fridays since I will have worked with Susan on Wednesdays and Thursdays. I need that one day to let my muscles rest, but Saturdays and Sundays HAVE to be hardcore days from now on. When I say hardcore I mean that I need to burn 1000 calories on those days. This is going to have to include a lot of cardio (aka speed walking and jogging) and maybe even a SET class at 24 hour. This feels intense and I am excited about getting hardcore...scared, but excited! I'm going to start fueling my body with mots of lean proteins and veggies, and really monitor what goes in. I need to learn to think of myself as an athlete. I know, you wouldn't think that if you saw me, but I want to have that visual. If I can see it, I can make it happen. I always know something is attainable if I can imagine myself in the moment. I need to work on visualizing myself at that finish line in Chicago.

So I am going to start reporting daily what I did to train. We'll take this a step at a time, and I will be training for the 5K. My goal for the 5K? I'd love to say 45 minutes but I am a realist. Let's shoot for 52 minutes on that one. No matter what, I am going to give it my all.

So tomorrow's post will include a summary of today's training. If you don't see it, call me out on it!! (Trust me, you'll see it!)

What will YOU do to challenge yourself? It doesn't have to be running related. Maybe it's a small step toward a bigger goal. Maybe today you go the whole day without a soda. Or one less soda. Share your goals here...I want to cheer for you!

Whirlwind!!

Wow, what a busy weekend! Friday night David and I actually got to have a date. We saw Clash of the Titans and then went to our favorite sushi place. They know us there, and I love that! They have the best sushi, and I love getting to support a local business.

Saturday was crazy. We were going to get up and walk, but we had to hit the ground running. David was smoking a brisket and I had to run to the store, and ended up going to about 4 places to get all the stuff I needed. We cleaned house and had our friends over that we're going to Europe with in December. We hadn't seen them in ages, and we try to make sure we're making the rounds and getting to see everyone at some point! The brisket was amazing, and it was a lovely evening.

Sunday was Easter, and we we got up early and went to church with my parents and grandfather and his wife, Ann. (She's so lovely, it makes it sound like I don't have a bond with her but I just can't call her my grandmother out of respect for my Gran.) We had lunch at Buca di Beppo, and I made some pretty good choices! We shared a very thin crust margherita pizza and some salad. YUM!! Then it was home long enough to change and then head to the other side of the world (Allen) for Easter dinner with David's family. We got home at a decent time, which is nice because I got to go to bed at 9:30! (Remember when that was a bad thing? Going to bed early?)

Yesterday feels a bit like a blur between a full day at work and then school. When I got home from school, my wonderful hubby had made dinner (baked chicken with cous cous - a WW favorite of mine!) and I even have leftovers for tonight!! After dinner it was more homework, and I finally got to tuck myself in at about 11pm. David wasn't too far behind...he'd been up working on reports. Mondays are so busy for him, especially right now. He's already on his way to New Orleans for the week and won't be home until Saturday night. However, I think his travel is light next week. (I hope!)

Just a month left of this semester, and lots of homework projects to work on. I will really be spending the bulk of my day Saturday doing homework so that I can spend Sunday with David, uninterrupted. It's going to be a good week, though. School tonight, dinner with the family tomorrow night, Thursday is my walking day with my new friend Debra, and Friday...well, not sure about Friday yet, but I may try and keep that one just for me. :)

Wednesday and Thursday at 10 I meet with my trainer, Susan. I think today after school I am going to go to the gym and try and get 30 minutes of cardio in. She and I do heavy duty weights together, and I need the cardio balance. I've had a rough time getting up in the mornings, so the AM workouts aren't really happening, and I need to find that balance again. But working out with Susan is my step in the right direction. I have all the confidence that this will help me move in the right direction.

So everyone have a great Tuesday! I'm still plugging along one step at a time, and I'm going to get there. I hope whatever you're working is getting you where you need to be, too! Remember, no matter what your struggle, I promise you someone else is sharing your burden. Be sure to lean on those around you when you need it. Asking for help will give you what you need to keep going!

Easter Baskets

My dear friend Kim and I were talking about Easter baskets the other day. It was so fun to get one when I was little...hunting for all the Easter goodies, coloring eggs, and eating the ears off the chocolate bunnies.

Easter is different when you're grown up. You understand just what it's about, and suddenly the chocolate bunnies and the eggs don't mean so much. As a Christian, this is an incredibly important day. And I am so thankful to God for everything that it means.

One question: Even though I love the true meaning of Easter with all my heart, does it mean I can't still want a basket? Honestly, I would love to spend the evening tonight coloring eggs and making treats. I have little Easter treats for all the nieces and nephews, but I can't help but think it would be cool to have one, too. I guess I'll always feel like a little kid inside. I think that's a good thing. :)

So what would my basket have in it this year if I could have my way? Hmm...a little bit of chocolate, maybe some gum, cute pencils, a pair of fun earrings...silly stuff! Hey, a girl can dream!

All the silliness aside, I hope you have a most blessed Easter weekend. And remember, He is risen! (He is risen indeed!)

The Pain of Success

After round 2 with Susan today, I am officially sore all over. She worked me HARD today! There was a point that I thought I might actually barf on her, but happily that moment passed. She really is channeling that inner Jillian Michaels...which is a good thing for me. She had me doing all kinds of stuff today, and as tough as it was, I powered through and did it all! I'm really proud of myself. Tonight I am meeting my walking buddy, Debra, at 5pm and we'll walk for a couple of miles. (She's the one I met through my Today Show experience.) After that I really want to go get my nails done. Not to be too girly, but this is becoming a necessity!

I ordered a few new things from Old Navy Online yesterday. The skirt I wore was too big and it was getting on my nerves, so I ordered a new one and a couple of tops. I am going to wash and press the skirt and take it, along with some other things, to First HAND in For Worth so that I can donate it to people who need clothes. I have heard that larger women's clothing is always in demand, and I have lots of nice things that could use a good home. I'd like to think they will get a new life with someone who might really enjoy them.

Food choices today have been good! I am reaping the rewards of bringing my lunch every day, both health-wise and money-wise! I've decided it's safer for me to bring my lunch to work. It's all stuff I put together, and I bring lots of fruits and veggies for snacks. I think that's been my saving grace...I pack for a whole day. I bring breakfast, lunch, and two snacks to keep me going. And it's stuff like Wheat Thins, or cherry tomatoes, or strawberries (which are awesome at Kroger right now!). So I am still on a roll!

I think that's it for today. Everyone have a great Thursday!

I Think My Arms Are Going To Fall Off

I started back with my trainer, Susan, today. I asked her to channel her inner Jillian Michaels, and she was good on her word! Now my arms are killing me! But that's OK...it feels good to work that hard in the gym again! It's also nice to have a gym with a trainer here at work...it solves the dilemma of not being able to get up so early right now. However, I still need to get back in the gym on the days I don't work out with Susan, but it's all coming together.

I got a wonderful night's sleep last night, so I am ready to take on the world! I opted to take my sociology test tonight so I could be well-rested. I'm having dinner at Grampa's tonight but will be coming home around 7:30 to get my test done. It's going to be a busy evening, but I think this was the best way for me to go.

Also, I think my food choices are falling back in line! I've been a good girl and brought my lunch all last week and this week, and it's really helping. It's also a money saver, so there's an extra bonus! Getting healthy and saving money? Yeah, that's good stuff!

I think that's it today...have a great Wednesday everyone!

Exhausted

I am bone-tired today. After an evening with a rough headache and a night with no sleep, I am beat today. And of course it's a long day with school and then a sociology test after I get home, so no going to bed early. Right now it's hard...full time work, full time school, and then a summer full of summer school again, and then on to another 12 hour semester. It's hard to see a light at the end of the tunnel right now. I know it's there, it's just far away. And without much of a break anywhere in there either. Somewhere in all this, we want to buy a house, too. I don't know how all that will come together. I think there are more moments in my future where I will need to lean on those around me again. It's hard...doing all of this and trying to find time to work out and lose weight. I think I am supposed to be some kind of superwoman, but I'm not feeling very super right now. I just feel like I am bearing a lot of responsibility and I am tired.

I'm okay, just tired. Mentally exhausted might even be appropriate here. But I'll keep on pushing. The semester is almost over and I'll at least have a week or two before summer school starts. Who really needs more than that, anyhow? (did you catch the sarcasm?)

Putting It Out There

So I haven't had much time to write in my journal at home, and since I promised I would follow Joy Bauer's suggestions, I am going to take some time to journal here. After all, what else is this silly blog for?

Yesterday was a good day. I ate french toast for breakfast, but I didn't go overboard and I ate healthy all day after that. I didn't get any exercise in, but I had a lot of homework and housecleaning to do and those things have been ignored this week. So far today has been good. Drank a breakfast shake this morning and I am being a good girl and brought a healthy lunch. I'm set for success! Dinner might be dangerous...I am picking up Taco Bueno for dinner since I have school and David is swamped with work. However, if I order 2 chicken tacos with no cheese and a toastada with no cheese, I get plenty full and have kept within my points for the day. It's not my first choice, but it's not a bad choice.

Tomorrow during lunch I am finally going to go get my brows waxed. All my maintenance has fallen to the wayside and I am a bona fide mess! After I get home from school tomorrow I have to take a Sociology test, and Wednesday I am going to Grampa's for dinner and to work on his computer. Thursday is finally a free day for me, so I am going to get my nails done that night. (Also long overdue, and my nails look AWFUL!) Maybe I can talk David into getting a manicure with me...hey, I have a hubby who enjoys personal grooming, so I bet I can. :)

It's Easter weekend so I need to put little baskets together for the nieces and nephews. We'll be seeing them Sunday! Friday night is one of my favorite church services...Tennebrae. AKA the service of darkness. It's emotional, and I appreciate the reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made for all of us. It makes Sunday morning's service that much more joyous!

So it's a busy week, and in all this I will have homework to do. I'll need to be super careful about not stress eating...we all know that's a problem for me. So I'm going to pray for balance for myself...balance, strength, and peace. (But I always pray for peace for us all!)

Have a good one, everyone!

Wait...Where Did The Weekend Go?

Wow...time sure flies! It was a good weekend. Friday night David came home and we made a yummy dinner and just hung out. We haven't gotten to do that in a while and it was great! Saturday Chris was supposed to come to town, but she and her family are all sick, so it was a no-go. Instead we ran errands and then ran by David's friend Fred's house that they renovated and are flipping. it looks great! After that we had a quiet dinner date at Houston's. We got a gift card at Christmas so we finally used it and had a very nice dinner.

Today has been lazy...slept in, went to brunch at Le Peep's, and then came home and did homework and cleaned house. Next weekend will be a little busier. It's Easter weekend and we have plenty of family to see!

I hope you all had a good weekend! I start back with my trainer, Susan, on Thursday. And she promised to channel Jillian Michaels. I think I might be a little scared...

Great Day!

So I met up with someone who saw me on the Today Show and we're going to be walking buddies! She's a retired lady who is really nice and I really enjoyed meeting up with her. We're going to be walking a couple of times a week as time permits, and I'm looking forward to it!

I feel good today...like I'm really getting it together, you know?

That's about all my news today. I'm going to make a healthy dinner and then do homework. Have a great evening!

Just Another Ordinary Day

Back to reality this morning. I don't feel famous today...boo! Oh well. (Hee hee!) But I had such a fun day yesterday! I think I forgot to mention that during the sound check Al Roker joked with me a little and that was cool, too! So after a very exciting morning, here I am in my cube at work doing my thing. But you know what? I got an email forwarded by the Today Show from another woman in Bedford who wants a walking buddy. She has 100+ pounds to lose, so I emailed her last night. I can't help but wonder how I got to be so blessed! I mean, think about it...I'm just a regular girl battling weight. I don't have a special job or anything incredibly remarkable about what I do or who I am. And yet things like this fall into my lap! I find that when I need help and I finally decide to actually seek help with things like weight loss that God sends me what I need in abundance. I think he waits for me to ask so that I learn the value of being humble and asking for help. And each time I am rewarded in wonderful ways.

So now I find myself wondering if maybe this is an area I should think of specializing in when I am a therapist. Weight related issues and self esteem are things I know all about. I'm going to ponder that one for a while.

Tonight I am having dinner with the family and then going to work out. Yes, it's a later workout but I am glad to be going. And the best part? My parents are going to the gym, too! (Yay! We ALL need it!)

Everyone have a great Wednesday!

0:15 of Fame

So I did my teeny little Today Show spot this morning! It was fun, but I was nervous...I was live on national TV! I was nervous, but it was fun and I'm glad I did it. Joy Bauer was really nice, and I think when I get to goal I might get to be part of her Joy Fit Club for people who lose more than 100 pounds. I have a ways to go (and more than 100 pounds to lose so I'd qualify!) but I think this might have been good motivation. She offered some good mental advice...I need to take this in much smaller chunks...set 5 pound goals and remember to reward myself. And I need to journal not just what I eat, but how I'm feeling and document my journey. I think these are easy to do and I promised myself I would follow Joy's advice, so I'm going to do it. I think this blog is part of it, so you may start really getting more blogs about the daily struggles and victories. But that means YOU are part of this journey, so come along! I need the support and encouragement, so if you have any thoughts or encouragement to share, I welcome it!

Have a wonderful Tuesday, dear friends!!

UPDATE: Here's the link to the Diet SOS segment! http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/36000195#36000195

Back To Monday

Where do the weekends go? Does time somehow speed up?? I don't understand! But this one flew by. Friday night I had dinner with Kim at Fireside Pies. It was so nice to kick back and enjoy some very yummy food! After dinner we tried out this place in Grapevine called Chill. I think we're going to call it Lame. Nuff said.



Saturday I went to WinStar casino with Sandra and Patti. Can I just say that I thought I was a rock star because I was up $100? I'm not a big gambler but I have fun going. Sandra and Patti are more hard core than me, but I had so much fun hanging out with them! Oh, and Patti hit a jackpot on a slot machine!!! It was the coolest thing to get to see that happen to someone I know! AND she's a nice person, so it's even better! (It would have really been cool if it had been me, but I'm happy it happened to her!) So that was awesome! We got home super late because we didn't leave there until after midnight and we drove home cautiously in the snow. Honestly, I am so over all this snow! I live in Texas!! Can I please break out my capri pants and flip flops now?



Sunday David was home so we went to brunch and then to Central Market. We got to enjoy relaxing and just hanging out. I'm sorry spring break is over now, but it's back to the grind and moving toward the end of the semester!

Have a good week everyone!

Today Show!!

So everyone be sure to tune in to the Today Show next Tuesday the 23rd! I'm a call-in guest for Joy's Diet SOS segment! Now just to be clear, I am calling in with a single question, I'm not being interviewed or anything like that...I just sent in a question I wanted to ask and I was one of a few people who got picked. It's pretty cool! Anyhow, I just got off the phone with the Today Show producer and she ran over the details and let me know how it works. They'll be calling me, and then I get to ask my question. When I'm done, I just hang up and that's it. So really this is only 15 seconds of my 15 minutes of fame. I still have time left to be a star! LOL!

All this to say, it's still pretty cool. I'm just a little nervous because I don't want to stumble over my words. I'm going to write my question out and that way I don't have any stray "ums" or "uhs". Of for "How I Met Your Mother" fans, "but, um..."

Anyhow, I'm excited! Hopefully it will be posted online and I can post the link afterwards. While I'm calling in, I did have to send a picture for them to post on the screen while I'm talking. So it's kind of like being on TV!!

Enjoy your Friday everyone! It's nice today, but crappy tomorrow! (And I'm headed right for it...going to Winstar with Sandra and Patti!)

Better

So after starting out the day in such a rocky way, I am better now. Evidently I had so much pent up frustration with myself that it just erupted. I'm glad I was with two good friends who care a lot about me. (Thanks, Sandra and Shanna!) They shed tears with me and talked about their own weight frustrations. I love them both so much...they are beautiful women and I am so grateful. And then Kim came through for me via email...she sent funny pictures and encouraging words. She is another beautiful and wonderful friend who means the world to me. I am a very lucky girl to be surrounded by so much unconditional love. :)

I haven't done much this evening. And that's okay. I gave myself permission to veg out. Tomorrow is Friday, and I am so glad about that!!! I'm looking forward to going to WW Saturday morning. I need the meeting.

Have a good evening everyone! I am sending you all big hugs through the universe!

Warning: Not A Chipper Post

I am not in a happy feel good mood today. As a matter of fact, I am feeling pretty rotten. I think I am so frustrated with myself over not being able to get myself back on track with WW that it finally came to a boil this morning. My two work BFFs invited me to go up to the break room for a beverage, and I just burst into tears and told them I was too fat to go upstairs. What is wrong with me? I think I've just gotten to that point where I am so fed up with being angry at myself that I just exploded. I feel angry because I'd like very much to feel normal and not have to fight this so hard. Why was it so much easier (not easy, but easier) a few months ago? What happened to make me just fall overboard like this? I know I am stressed out with school, and honestly I don't love my job (I don't hate it, but it's not what I want to do forever) and that creates stress, but shouldn't everything else create some balance? Perhaps not. Needless to say, my co-workers were wonderfully sympathetic and very kind. I love them dearly and I don't know how I would have handled this if they hadn't been there.

Anyhow, this too shall pass. I think I just needed to get this out. I think I might be feeling marginally better now. As for my "Rome wasn't built in a day" metaphor several posts ago, I think I knocked some bricks off my wall. I guess I need to pick them up and try again. *sigh* And again...and again...

Pictures

Here we are on our trip to Choctaw Casino...

Oh, and here's me at the Dean's List reception last month...

Precious

So Mom came over last night and we watched the movie "Precious". I hadn't seen it yet, and I thought it was really good. It's a heavy film to watch, but well worth it. Mo'Nique really did earn her award. I even thought Mariah Carey was good in her small role. Honestly, lots of impressive performances.

Today is St. Paddy's Day. No big drink fest for me. Just not that kind of girl I guess. One of the bar/restaurants by me is doing a big party with a live band which sounds fun in theory, but I know I'd be miserable in the big middle of it if I went. Not a big fan of large drunk crowds. I guess that's the 37 year old in me. Going to go to Grampa's with the parents instead for dinner.

Really, I have no other news. It's a slow day. I am working on a project at work that involves endless data entry of line items off of invoices for a hospital pricing study. This is a total beat-down. I think I am going to have to get out at lunch to get away from it! UGH!!

Be sure to wear green today or you might get pinched!!

Can I Please Have My Hour Back?

Oh my goodnes, I am SO SLEEPY! This time change is a really tough one for me. I am glad it's spring break so I don't have to worry too much about school right now, although I have plenty of homework to take care of.

David is off on the road again. I miss him already...this trip is a longer one. He won't be home until Saturday night. To pass the time, though, I am going to Winstar Saturday with my friend Sandra and her friend Patti. They invited me to go with them for the day, and it should be a blast. I'm not a big gambler, but I do enjoy the people watching, so this will be a lot of fun for me. :)

I walked down the street for lunch today and ran into my old boss. The one that was mean and tacky to everyone. Anyhow, it wasn't awkward or anything, but it was kind of funny. I'm really glad she's moved on. She decided to be a stay at home mom, which really is a cool thing. It's good for her kids that she can do that, so I am all for it. The bonus was that she wouldn't be at my office any more, and that my friends is a wonderful thing. So it was a win-win for all! She looked happy, and even though she isn't my most favorite person, I do wish her well.

I still have pics from mother-daughter weekend to post...perhaps I will try and get to that tonight. Guess what else I am going to try and do? Get my tushie to the gym! I am not doing well at getting there in the mornings, so I am going to try for this evening. And I am going to do something different. I am going to the gym with the pool. I like swimming so maybe that will be a fun way to get back to it. There is also a SET class tonight, but seeing that I haven't been a good girl and lifted weights, I think it might just kill me. Maybe next week. I also have Jillian Michael's new DVD Yoga Meltdown. It's a 30 minute intense workout incorporating Yoga, so I can do that, too. Lots of options, so I need to pick one and do it. I promise to report in tomorrow about what activity I did. If you don't see it on here, call me out on Facebook!!

I am cooking for myself tonight, so I am also going to search the WW site for something new to make. I love to try new things, so I figure that might help light the fire under me! (And give me some healthy leftovers for lunch tomorrow!) I am swearing not to eat out for dinner this week. No fast food, no junk food...just yummy stuff I make at home. This is step one this week of getting back on track. (How many times is one girl going to have to get back on track? As many as it takes!)

My blog-friend Kim posted several lists of things to eat/not eat that she got from Alton Brown. Great lists!! I think tonight I am going to sit down and make my own list. It's going to be the grocery list that gets me back where I need to be, and I'm ready!! I think I've eaten enough crap food now, and my body is ready to get it together. Besides, I am still doing that 1/2 marathon, and I need to get my act together now. Seriously, I am going to WW on Saturday. Haven't been in a long time, but I'm going. And no, I'm not getting on the scale. But I'm going to get that much-needed support. Clearly I need that and the best place to get it is at my meeting. I guess I am the equivalent of an alcoholic. I am always going to need to go to those meetings. I can't do it alone, and people there really know my struggle. So I'll check in on Saturday morning and let everyone know that I went.

Honestly, I think the well has run dry now. I hope everyone has a great day! Remember, one week from today is my 15 seconds of fame as a call-in person on the Today Show! I'll post the deets again when it closer to time!!!

Girls Weekend Was Awesome!

On Friday afternoon, Mom and I packed the car and headed north to the Choctaw Casino for some fun! :) We really enjoyed ourselves and didn't lose much money, either! Mom broke even and I only lost $10, so I call that a win! We played a slot machine called "Glitter Kitty" because the name made us laugh so hard! Sandra, I think it's the equivalent of going "Hog Wild"!! Anyhow, we had so much fun, and let me tell you, this casino was really nice! Great customer service, great room, and delicious food! We splurged one night and ate at their fancy steak house, and it was absolutely delicious!! The pool area at this resort is incredible, and David and I are going to have to go during the summer. It was lit up at night with tiki torches, and it's so tropical looking! It has little water features everywhere, cabanas, and lots of landscaping. I bet you could forget you are in Oklahoma pretty quick!

Anyhow, after getting home yesterday, Dave and I headed over to Joe T Garcia's for lunch/dinner. We enjoyed strawberry margaritas and fajitas, and came home stuffed! I finished up my homework and called it a night. I'm excited that it's spring break! Not that I'm going anywhere...I just get a break from going to school at night this week!

So here we are on Monday morning. I hate this time change, but I'll adjust. Have a good one!

Friday Finally Makes It's Appearance!

TGIF, friends! It's been a busy week, and now I am ready to start the weekend...just have to get through the work day first! :) Mom and I are heading out for a fun weekend tonight! Look out, casino...here we come! Not that we're wild gamblers, but we're just ready for something different so we can cut loose!!

I took my second Algebra test last night and did marginally better. I made a 75, which for other people might be low, but for me is pretty darn good. While I make A's in other classes, math is a tough subject for me. I am maintaining a B average in there right now because my homework scores are good. Just about 6 more weeks and I am done with this semester, so as long as I can keep this up, I'll be okay. My other classes are going well, but I am going to be glad when the semester is over. Summer is going to be tough, though...I'm going to summer school again. All summer. I'm taking Biology and hopefully History and Systems of Psychology. I'm going to have to beg and plead my way into that one, but since there are so few choices for fall for psych majors, I think they'll let me. This one is being offered online in summer school, so cross your fingers! I don't think this is how I really want to take this class, but I need to take what's offered when it's offered at a time that works for me. It's going to be a busy summer!!

So that's it for today. Everyone have a great weekend!!!

Cool Stuff Alert!!

Okay, so in my efforts to reach out for help when it's needed, I emailed the Today Show's Joy Bauer (Nutritionist) a weight loss question. Guess what? I am now scheduled to be a call in guest on March 23rd at 8am!! Now, understand that this is me calling in with one specific question, so it's not an interview or anything like that, but they will be showing my picture while I get to ask my question! I'm still super excited, so be sure to watch the Today Show on Tuesday March 23rd at 8am Central time for the Diet SOS segment!! :)

That's about it for today...it's been pretty exciting working with the producer of the Today Show getting this all ironed out this morning!!! You'll have to tune in to the show to hear my question!!

Slow News Week

Not much is going on this week. Lots of homework and school, but nothing too noteworthy. I am fighting a scheduling battle at school because for some reason they decided not to schedule any upper-level psychology courses for the fall during evening hours, and this is a real problem for me. So I have been spearheading a movement within the psych department to get more classes on the schedule for 4:30 or later. Cross your fingers! I don't know if I can do anything for fall, but I am sure they will make some changes for spring!

We saw Alice last night...good movie! The makeup and costumes alone were worth it! It was a nice treat to get to go to the movies last night. We hadn't been in forever! Since I will be out of town this weekend, it was our little date for the week.

Speaking of being out of town...Mom and I head out for our girl's weekend on Friday! Look out casinos...here we come! Not that we're big spenders or anything, we're just two gals out and about and ready to relax!

So that's really about it for today! I'll be going home and studying...algebra test tomorrow. Ugh.

If Only The Weekend Was Longer

I could really use just one more day in my weekend! I am so tired this morning, but that's my fault. I stayed up to watch the Oscars last night. I really love watching the beautiful dresses, glamorous hair and makeup...it's like getting to watch a fantasy! I told David that we need to find some fancy occasion where he gets to wear a tux and I get to buy a fancy dress! (Yes, I know we had a lovely wedding, but now I want to wear something very glam and colorful!) Maybe we'll try and wheedle our way in to the Margarita Ball one of these years! (Not until I have lost my weight!!)

It was wonderful to have David home yesterday! I hadn't seen him since last Tuesday, so I was thrilled he was home! Of course, it wasn't until around 6pm when he got home, so I still feel like I haven't seen him. And then of course, I have school tonight and tomorrow, and he leaves Thursday. I'm sure we'll get some time in together! Mom and I have our girls' trip this weekend. We're going to head out Friday night to go gamble and enjoy the new Choctaw Casino. I think it's going to be a riot! We'll be back Sunday...hopefully with a few bucks in our pockets! (Not likely, but we can dream!)

I truly spent my whole weekend doing homework. I had a lot that was due this week, so I needed to get it done. I had dinner with Kim Friday night, and Saturday morning my parents brought me coffee from Starbucks. Other than that I saw no one until Sunday evening when David got home. That's kind of pathetic, but necessary.

Did anyone watch "Who Do You Think You Are?" on Friday night? GREAT show! I think it's a new favorite, and if you missed it, be sure to watch it this coming Friday night. It traces family lineage for several celebrities, and it was wonderfully interesting! The first one was Sarah Jessica Parker, and I really love her. She seems like she's so down to earth! I'm sure we'd be friends if she knew me! LOL! But in all seriousness, it's worth watching. This Friday's episode traces Emmett Smith's family history. It looks like it's going to be good, and I just love Emmett anyhow... he's a real class act.

I hope everyone has a good Monday! :)

Recipes and Weekly Wind Down

Good morning!! TGIF, right? I am so looking forward to Sweet Tomatoes with Kim tonight...they have tomato soup tonight and I am all over it! :)

I thought I would try and start posting healthy recipes from time to time. Here's one of my favorites for today:

Layered Mexican Chicken Casserole

1 serving olive oil cooking spray (5 one-second sprays)
2 pound uncooked chicken breast, boneless and skinless
30 oz canned black beans, rinsed and drained
3 cup fat-free sour cream
2 cup shredded reduced-fat Monterrey Jack cheese, or Mexican-style cheese blend
8 oz chopped green chilies, two 4-oz cans
2 tsp ground cumin1/2 tsp black pepper12 medium corn tortilla(s), cut into 2-inch strips
1 cup salsa, mild, medium or hot

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat a lasagna pan with cooking spray.Place chicken in medium saucepan and fill with enough cold water just to cover chicken. Set pan over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes; drain. When chicken is cool enough to handle, cut into 1-inch pieces.Transfer chicken to a large bowl and add beans, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheese, chilies, cumin, and pepper; mix well and set aside.Arrange half of tortillas in bottom of prepared lasagna pan, overlapping pieces to cover surface. Top tortillas with half of chicken mixture, layer with remaining tortillas and then top with remaining chicken mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cup of cheese.Bake until filling is bubbly and cheese is melted, about 30 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing into 12 pieces. Serve with salsa on the side.

If you follow Weight Watchers, this is 12 servings and is 6pt/serving. I ALWAYS cut this recipe in half because it makes a LOT!! It's really good comfort food and isn't hard to make. David and I always enjoy this so much!

So this weekend, I am doing homework. ALL weekend! I have quite a bit that's due next week, and also an Algebra test (gulp!) so I need to get that stuff out of the way. And Sunday is the Oscars!! We always have our special brie and chicken nachos, so that will be my big cheat meal this week. BTW, I am getting up in the morning, going to the gym, and then going to WW. I need to get back into this routine before a few gained pounds becomes a lot of extra pounds.

I hope everyone has a great Friday! It looks like beautiful weather today!!

Feeling Weary

I am glad the weekend is close...I am tired! It's been a busy week at work, and I have had plenty of homework to do. David has been travelling and will be home on Sunday, so I have lots of time to get homework done before he gets home.

I had to decide to drop choir this semester. It was a fun thing, not for a grade, and I just feel like I have taken on too much since I am taking 12 hours on top of a full time job. I hate to do it, but I think I need to. It's not forever! Just for the semester.

My eating has been better this week. We won't call it perfect, but it is definitely better, and this is a good thing. I'm really trying to get back on track. I am going to the gym after work today. I've just been so tired that mornings have been nearly impossible, but I'm going this afternoon. I haven't been doing as well with the exercise, and that is key for me. So following in my "Rome wasn't built in a day" theme, I'm laying brick number four today. It's going to happen, just one brick at a time. :0)

I don't have much news...just waiting for the weekend. I'm having dinner with Kim on Friday...I can't wait for dinner at Sweet Tomatoes! She ordered Girl Scout cookies from my niece, so I am delivering them and we thought it was a good excuse to visit the best salad place ever!

I hope everyone has a great Thursday!

Looking For Calm

Yesterday ended up being a tough day for me. While I am fine, I am watching sadness and heartbreak all around me. My co-worker and friend, Ron, lost his father-in-law yesterday morning. While it wasn't unexpected, it was heartbreaking just the same. Then I spoke with my mother who let me know that my grandfather's wife is doing better (that's great news!) and was being moved to a rehab facility to help her get her strength back. Why is this difficult? Because she was being moved to the place that my Gran was staying when she passed away. It's difficult because I cannot ever imagine walking through those doors again. I know it is just a building, but not to me. However, mother did let me know that the powers that be in the insurance world decided that Ann was too well to go there, and she is now home and will be visited by cardiac rehab nurses. This is good news, but it didn't come until last night. I am so grateful!

Then mom told me some very heartbreaking news. Their precious kitty, Maddie, is missing. She hasn't been home since Saturday, and this is really not like her. She is such a little angel, and we are all so heartbroken. We are hoping someone might have thought she was a stray and took her in, so mom and dad will be posting signs in their neighborhood. In our family, pets aren't just pets, they're one of us. This is so hard for us all, so please pray for Maddie's safety and that she will make it home to us. We love her so much, and this is just devastating for our family.

I am praying for peace today. Peace for Ron's family and for my family. I am praying for continued wellness for my Grampa's wife...she's just so positive and determined to get her strength back. She is such a lovely lady, and we are fortunate to have her in our family.

I think the sun will be shining today, and I know I need it. The dreariness of the weather yesterday just compounded all the sadness I was feeling, so I am looking forward to sunshine. The weather this weekend looks like it will be very nice...I want to make the most of it!

I think WW is going better today. I have been unfocused and honestly, just lazy and I stepped on the scale yesterday and saw what all that got me and I didn't like it. I mentioned to my blog friend Kim that Rome wasn't built in a day, and that I was going to have to get myself back on track one brick at a time. I laid my first brick yesterday, and I'm laying the second one today. It's slow, but who would I be racing anyhow?

I hope everyone has a beautiful Tuesday!

The Weekend In A Nutshell

Whew! It was a busy one, but a good one! Friday night, I went with my parents to go see my Grampa and take him some dinner. Mom had made meatloaf and I made mashed potatoes. We enjoyed a great meal with him, and then we stopped by the hospital to see Ann. That woman is amazing! Her color is great, and her attitude is incredible...we should all live with such positivity! Her faith is strong, and before we left, we prayed together for her continued healing. She will most likely be moved to a rehab facility this week to build up her strength, and then she can go home. I know she misses being with Grampa at home, and he misses her, too. :)

After I got home, Chris called and they were in town so I hopped in the car and headed over! We had wine and visited until close to 2am!! The next morning we got up and went to the 3-Day meeting. Now, we were both very gung-ho to do the 3-Day for breast cancer, but I think we're not going to do it. You have to raise $2300 each, and if you don't hit the mark before the event, you have to provide a credit card to guarantee the remainder of what you didn't fund-raise. Neither of us can do that, and with the economy still on the mend, we think we're going to funnel our efforts into the 5K Race for the Cure. And also, if we do the 5K, more friends can be part of it and the more the merrier. So after all that, we hit the mall. Oh boy, did we hit the mall! Dillard's was having a big sale, so I ended up with a couple pairs of shoes, and a bunch of new shirts and sweaters. This is a miracle of sorts, because I never find anything there!! After that? Lunch and then on to Target where we proceeded to do more damage. Honestly, I spent quite a bit on clothes for her girls since their birthdays are coming up. I also bought for my friend Christy's daughter since her first birthday is coming up, too. Oh, and then I bought a couple of handbags. So yeah, there was a lot of fun shopping going on !

We were going to go out to dinner and bring the hubbies, but poor Chris managed to get sick with some sort of stomach issue, so dinner was a no-go. David and I ended up going to Texas Roadhouse for dinner and had a good time. Sunday was spent having lunch with Sandra and helping her shop for something to wear to a wedding. After that? Homework city! I have a test this week in Sociology, and I think it's going to be a challenging one.

So now it's a rainy Monday. I didn't get to the gym this morning, but I am going to try and go after school tonight. I know I always say I will do that, but the gym bag is in the car and I don't even have to go home first. I am really going to try and make that happen. I need to for sure!

Try to stay dry today, everyone!

The Wrap Up

TGIF everyone!! I thought Friday wasn't ever going to get here. It's been a week full of meetings at work, and lots of homework and a sprinkle of drama. But all is well. Highlights for the week include the Dean's List reception at school on Tuesday...always awesome! Let's see...got my hair done and very happy with the results (as always!), and had a great dinner with Kim on Wednesday. It's been a good week!

Chris and her hubby and darling twin girls are in town tonight, and I have been counting the days! We are working out in the morning, and then going to the info meeting on the 3-Day. After that? Lunch and shopping! We're taking our hubbies out on the town Saturday night, so that should be lots of fun...not to mention her twin girls are way too cute for words!

The drama this week has been my step-grandmother. She had an episode of congestive heart failure, but she is really doing quite well. She's got a great attitude and is eager to build her strength back up and get home! I worry about the stress on my dear Grampa. He's 90 and this has to be tough, but he is wonderful and I think he's doing ok. Mom and I are making dinner to take to him, so I am looking forward to hugging him.

We booked our hotel for the Paris leg of our December vacation! Found a great deal in a little hotel by the Eiffel Tower! I wanted to stay in the same hotel Kim and I stayed in 5 years ago, but they must have decided to renovate the rooms in 14 karat gold. They wanted close to 300 Euro/night, and we're not paying that. So we found a great little place for $107, and it gets good reviews from other travellers. I think we found a gem! (I'll let you know in December!) Now we just have to book our London hotel, which we're using Hilton points to cover the room, and one night in Munich. (The Munich stop is so we can tour the world's oldest beer brewery before we head to Paris! Cool!)

I think that's about it for now. Have a fantastic Friday, everyone!! I know on Sunday I will be burying myself in homework, so I'll come up for air on Monday, and hopefully have fun pics to post from the weekend!

Sleepy!!

I am a sleepy gal today! I had such a great evening yesterday...Christy did an awesome job with my hair, and then I met Kim at Victory Tavern for a VERY yummy dinner! I took the train there and back, so I got home around 10, but then David and I were silly and sat up and talked for a while. When we went to bed it was almost midnight! But you know, I'll take being sleepy today for all the fun I had yesterday evening! :)

I am still a big congested, but I am definitely on the mend, and I am very relieved about that. However, I am asking for your prayers again. It's for my Grampa's wife, Ann. She had been doing well since she had a small heart attack a few weeks ago, but she had another one yesterday and is back in the hospital. They plan to keep her there for a few days and then move her to a rehab facility to help her gain her strength back. I worry for both her and Grampa. So please, when you say your prayers, please think of Grampa and Ann...I love them both so very much!

I think I'll end there today. I hope you are all feeling blessed and loved! Have a beautiful Thursday!

Monday Again?

Ugh...I really could use one more day in my weekend. (I usually feel that way, though.) It's just been exhausting. I am still feeling icky thanks to my allergies. I feel like somehow the weekend got away from me. I spent the better part of my day yesterday doing homework, and that usually takes up a chunk of the day. Hey, at least it's done.

We bought a new vehicle this weekend, so that was exciting. We replaced David's Jeep so he is a very happy camper. It will be another year before I get anything new, so I'll just have to wait. My little Civic and I get along just fine! :)

My 15-year-old cousin spent the night with us Saturday night. She was in town for a cheer leading competition and she had dinner with us, which is always fun. She's a great girl and I love spending time with her. I always wish we had more time!

Chris and her husband and kiddos are coming to town on Friday, and I am VERY excited! I haven't seen her since Christmas, so we have some catching up to do! Actually, we're in constant contact, so rather than catching up I guess we're really just getting together to be silly. We're going to work out, going to the meeting for the 3-Day, then going shopping! She and her husband are excited because her Dad is watching their girls so the four of us get to go out for the evening and we are a very excited bunch!

I am also having dinner with Kim this week to celebrate her birthday. (Yes, it was a week ago!) I'm looking forward to getting to enjoy an evening with her. :) I haven't gotten to hang out with her in a while, so this is going to be fun! (Wow, I am going to have a really good week!!)

So I think that's it...I need to get my day started. Let's get this Monday over with!!

Thank You, Mountain Cedar

Because the air is full of allergens, I am all congested and stuffed up. And not having much fun with that! It's not getting worse, but it's not really improving. My nose is stuffed up, I am sneezing and have watery eyes...ugh!!! I hate this! And even though I go to bed at a decent time, I am waking up tired and I look craptastic. Lovely.

But on a positive note, our tax return was deposited today and that was some great news! This means tomorrow I get to put my car in the shop for all the little maintenance things that it's time to do. As much as I hate spending money on that stuff, it's just necessary. I'd much rather buy shoes or lip gloss, but that's just not how it works. :)

We are looking forward to having my cousin Ashley over this weekend! She's 15, and lots of fun to hang out with, and always love having her with us. She is so sweet and well-mannered, and lots of fun for us to take out. She lives with her mother in south Texas, so having her with us is a treat! We'll have to think of somewhere special to take her for dinner.

I think that's it for today. TGIF everyone!!

The Stress Fog Is Lifting

In my psych class last night, we were due to get our tests back from last week. While I felt like I had done fine, I am always a little nervous when it comes to getting my grades. (Are we all clear on how OCD I am about my grades?) Anyhow, my professor decided to throw out the test because he thinks the material is more important than the tests. He gave us all an A on the test, and from here on out we just have to write 1 page summaries for each chapter. This is a piece of cake for me! Seriously, this removes a LOT of stress, because now I will only have tests in my algebra and sociology classes. YAY!!!! I think this semester is going to be okay after all! And even after bombing my last algebra test I still have an 87 average, so all will be fine! :)

The bummer about today is that I woke up feeling very congested. I am hoping not to get sick and will be eating lots of oranges and taking my vitamins. Cross your fingers!

On a final note, our tax return is deposited on Friday!!!!! I am so excited! This means we will be buying our airfare for our vacation in December! (Tickets to Europe are not cheap!!!)

I hope you all have a great Wednesday!!!

Best. Husband. Ever.

So I get home after school last night and David is walking over to me across the parking lot. What did he have in his arms? A foot bath and a bag of foot goodies from Bath and Body Works. That's right, I got a pedicure from my husband last night!! And it was awesome! My feet look lovely and are so nice and soft!! This was a wonderful treat!

He also picked up sushi for us for dinner from our favorite little sushi place, so I was a very happy girl. I guess this is my reward for birthday week! :) So it was a lovely evening and I feel like a princess today.

Yes, I think I have the best hubby in the world!

No big news for today...school tonight and then home work when I get home. Chris isn't coming to town this weekend because we didn't realize that the 3-Day Get Started meeting requires an RSVP, and it's full, so next weekend she'll be here. I can't wait!!! :)

Have a great Tuesday everyone!

Catching Up

Whew! It's been a very busy week! It started out with 3 tests, one of which was my Algebra test. We'll just say it wasn't my best grade and thank goodness the lowest one gets dropped! My Sociology test was fine, and my psych test went fine, too. I don't have my grades on those yet, but I don't expect any surprises. On Wednesday I left for San Antonio to sing with the Texas All-State Alumni Ensemble. We performed Thursday morning, and right after we finished I headed right back home to make sure there weren't any weather issues. I couldn't believe all the snow!! I didn't have to work on Friday, so we had an epic snowball fight and went for a walk. And I learned that you shouldn't make snow angels because you'll get your jeans wet and your booty will get cold!! Friday night we went to Fireside Pies for dinner, then on to the Tap In for drinks and just hanging out. We had a great time!!

Saturday morning we went and had brunch at Mimi's, which seems to have become a ritual for us. We have the same waiter every time, and he's a really cool guy named Justin, so if you go to Mimi's in Grapevine, be sure to ask for him...great service! Anyhow, after brunch we headed over to Central Market. I don't usually like going on Saturdays because of the crowds, but it was the chocolate festival, and I had to go! Surprisingly, I didn't eat much chocolate...nibbled a little bit, but mostly enjoyed the shopping. David had a custom floral bouquet made for me, which was very special! (And incredibly gorgeous!) Saturday night we made homemade chicken tacos (my recipe? a few chicken breasts and salsa in the crock pot until the chicken falls apart...about 4-5 hours). I found some whole wheat taco shells which were AWESOME, so we had healthy chicken tacos, fat-free spicy beans, and for dessert? Strawberries and chocolate and wine!!! :)

Sunday was lovely. We went to yoga, which was awesome! Came home and David began getting things ready to grill. I spent a few hours doing homework while he grilled, and when dinner was ready, David made me the best ribs and mashed potatoes ever! It's our traditional Valentines meal...I don't know why, but it is. And it is A.MA.ZING!!! And then we had a little bit of heart-shaped cheesecake with strawberries...YUMMY! We watched Star Trek (not the typical Valentines movie, but we both like it!), and then went to bed. It's been a wonderful weekend!

So how is WW going? Not well this week, for sure. But we are getting back on it. We didn't work out this morning since we went to bed so late, but we WILL be there tomorrow and sweating off some of this food. We've eaten so poorly, but it's been delicious. Now it's time to get serious again, and so we will! I'm looking forward to this weekend, as my friend Chris is coming into town. I think she and I are having a girls' night Saturday night, and I can't wait! Sunday we're going to a meeting to learn about doing the 3-Day. We're not sure about doing it yet, but we're going to check it out. :)

One last and very important note...Happy Birthday to my dear friend Kim!! You are thirty-fabulous, so enjoy your day, dahhhling!! We'll celebrate together soon!

Everyone have a wonderful week!

Rainy Monday

It very blah outside. Just perfect for my mood this week...although I am not so much blah as I am stressed. Three tests. Three of them! And a quick trip to San Antonio to sing with the All-State Alumni Choir. Seriously, I am worried about getting through the week with my sanity intact.

So much to do and so little time seems to be my motto. However, I am slowing it down this weekend. David is making our traditional Valentine's meal of ribs and Dave's Creamy Dreamy Mashed Potatoes. WW friendly? Nope. But it's a special day and I am planning ahead, so it will be okay. This week I am determined to do well, and I think I can. I made lots of healthy WW recipe snacks for the big game yesterday (And here's a shout out to the Who Dat Nation!) and so I think I did fine. Oh, except that my friend Alma made homemade queso. REALLY good stuff! But I didn't eat it by the bowlful...however I think I could have!

I don't have much news. The blogging will be sparse this week, as I am going to be bogged down with trying to get everything done. Please keep praying for my Grampa's wife...she is still in the hospital and we don't have any more info than when she went in.

Stay warm and dry, my friends!

Can We get Some Spring Weather Please?

I don't know about anyone else, but I am ready for some 72 degrees and sunshine! All this dreariness and rain has got to go. I left Seattle for a reason! Anyhow, hopefully it will be nicer than it's been...I'm tired of the hem of my pants being damp from all the puddles!

My knee is much better, so I think I can get back to my grind. I have not done well this week at all with the food or the working out. This will change tomorrow. Tomorrow is homework/workout day, and I am very serious about that. I am taking a tip from a friend and Saturdays and Sundays are known from here on as "1000 Calorie Days". Not because I will be ingesting tons of food, but because I am going to try and get 1000 calories burned each day. Right now, this isn't as hard as one might think. That's about 2 hours of good working out. I can burn almost 600 walking for an hour, so I figure the 9:45am water aerobics class and then an hour of walking should do what I need on Saturday. Sundays will include an hour of walking and an hour of yoga. The hour of walking may need to turn into an hour and a half, but we'll see. I have a heart rate monitor that lets me know what I've burned off, so it's all good.

I am really looking forward to WW tomorrow. I will tell you now that I am not stepping on the scale tomorrow. Tomorrow is for getting myself BACK on track..again. But that's okay...I'm doing what I need to do, and it's going to be a good week.

Please pray for my Grampa's lovely wife! She is in the hospital with a bowel obstruction. While we are told it isn't life threatening, it is still serious. Ann is in her mid-80s, and Grampa is 90. I know this is worrisome for them both, and I just ask that you pray for God to provide comfort to them and to take care of them as he always does. God truly is good all the time, and I trust in that completely.

On a different and far more frivolous note, I had to post this picture from David's dinner last weekend...

Is it okay for me to love this picture? I look smaller! :)

So that's it for Friday...everyone have a great weekend! Go Saints!!

My List Of Things To Complain About Today

Hold on to your hats, folks. I am a bit whiny today. My stomach is feeling icky this morning. This is wholly due to what I ate for dinner last night. Go me. I ate nachos and I am now paying the price. Ugh. I would like very much to get on the treadmill to make the nacho damage go away, but I woke up this morning with my knee feeling a little wonky so I opted to rest it today. Let me be clear, I am not limping or in pain, but it feels a little tight like there might be some fluid buildup on my knee. So I have my gym bag packed and will be working out in the pool tonight. Yeah, I'm not letting my knee get the best of me. Also, I am super tired. I can't seem to get my fabulous self into bed at a decent time. Or if I do, then I am reading some textbook in efforts to be working on getting studying done. So much to do, so little time.

Okay, I think I am done with the bitching this morning. It really is going to be a good day! I am having dinner with the family tonight. David is out of town but will be home tomorrow, so there is yet another good thing. :) See? Today is shaping up already! I don't think I am going to be awesome on the scale Saturday morning at Weight Watchers, but that's okay. I am working my way where I need to go, and as long as I am staying focused, it will all be fine.

So now I am going to use some of my time to work on Algebra some more. Why do I have to be 37 years old and taking Algebra?? Ugh!!

It Has Been Decided

The next 5K on the agenda is the Dash Down Greenville on March 13th. It benefits the North Texas Food Bank, which is a group I really love. The Food Bank does so much here in North Texas, and I am happy to participate to give back. Anyhow, this is the open invitation to anyone who wants to do a 5K to come and join me and my girl Kim. Afterwards we are going to clean up and enjoy all the St. Paddy's fun at the parade. I think this will be a blast! So anyone who is interested, here's the link:

http://www.dashdowngreenville.com/

I hope you will come and participate! The Food Bank really needs to the help right now!

On another note, school is really going well this semester. I was telling Kim this morning that I think I am really managing my homework time and class time really well. So far, I don't feel too stressed out, although I do have a Sociology test next on the 10th. However, I should be fine. I have a psych test next week, but I am really not sweating that, so it's all good. :) I am enjoying all my classes. Okay, I am not enjoying Algebra, but it's not horrible. My friend Sheila is good at math/science, so after class tonight we are meeting so she can work with me on some of the Algebra that isn't clicking in my head. I think I'll get it, it's just been a LONG time since I was in a math class of any kind! But you know what? I still feel confident that I am going to do well this semester! David promised me a Coach bag if I stay on the Dean's List, and I already have the bag picked out! However I have to say that when it comes down to it, with all we are trying to do this year I don't know if I can actually go through with buying one. They are so expensive, and we're already going to Europe in December and trying to buy a house this year. A bag doesn't seem like a smart purchase. However, maybe one of those cute wristlets might be okay...there is one on the Coach site I love and it's $69 I think...that seems like a good reward to me! Even a couple new lip glosses would be a treat! So I think I am going to tell David that as much as I would LOVE a Coach bag, I just can't let him spend that. It's just too much money! I'd rather save it to put toward a refrigerator or some All-Clad cookware!! (Now I know I'm growing up!!!)

So I guess that's it for today. Feeling good after my early workout this morning!! I just need to kick it up this week! Have a great day, friends!

Weekend In Review

I'm going to be fairly brief, as I am so very sleepy this morning! It was a great weekend, and thanks to all who helped make it great! David was surprised Friday when we went to Buca di Beppo in Dallas for dinner. There were about 29 of us, with all the family and some of David's closest friends there to celebrate. The food was great, and the cake I got from Society Bakery was A-Ma-Zing!! Good stuff! Afterwards Dave and I went and had a celebratory drink to cap off the night. Good stuff!

Saturday we went out for breakfast and then did some shopping in Southlake at the Town Center. I dropped David off at The Boardroom, which is a men's day spa. He got a hand/foot grooming treatment (mani/pedi to us girls) and he loved it!! I love that my husband likes to take such good care of himself! And seriously, he has the softest, nicest looking feet you've ever seen on a man! Saturday night we met our friends Anne and Jason and their 2 kiddos for an evening of bowling, and let me tell you, we had a BLAST!!

Sunday was more subdued...brunch at Fearing's in the Ritz-Carlton in Dallas. If you've not eaten there, you absolutely must. (Save your pennies, though...not cheap!!) We'd been there before and loved it, so this time we met both sets of parents there for the birthday weekend wrap-up. It was such an incredible dining experience!

So now birthday week has come to a close. I hope David can come back down to earth after his week of Rock Star treatment! I was ready to make dinner at home last night to kick back and relax, but apparently my stove/oven decided to quit working. (Not happy about this!) So we reheated leftovers from Friday night's dinner. I left the apartment complex a terse message. They have a history of not acting on maintenance requests in a timely manner. (I called one in on August 27th because the master bath linoleum is coming up and I either trip on it or it hurts if I accidentally forget to step over where it's coming up. Still not fixed and it's February 1st??) Hopefully they will get to that quickly. I guess we'll see!

Tonight is my English class. I need to spend my lunch hour finishing up reading for class tonight...I was just too tired to finish the reading last night!!

Happy Monday everyone!

Happy Birthday David!

David is 40 today!! I'm taking him out to dinner, but I'm not telling him where. I think he's going to like it! I gave him his special birthday shirt this morning. He's a good sport and put it on right away. It's a baseball-style shirt with the number 40 on it, and it says "Birthday Boy" on the back. :) Yeah, I'm silly like that! We've got fun stuff planned for tomorrow, and brunch on Sunday, so I think he's had a good birthday week. :)


Today two of my co-workers and I are going to fill in for our customer service team for about 4 hours. One of their colleagues passed away Tuesday (she had pancreatic cancer) and the services are this morning. So three of us who came from the customer service team here are going back to fill in so that the team can all go to the funeral. I'm not really looking forward to it, but it seemed like the right thing to do. I've got good friends over there, and I think they need to go and get some closure and say farewell to a good friend. I know it will be a tough day for them.


Dreary weather today, huh? I wish it wasn't so cold and rainy, but it won't be ruining the birthday fun! I hope everyone has a wonderful Friday!

Already A Great Day!

I'm having another one of those days where God is making sure that I know I am loved and encouraged. I've had two separate people take the time to tell me I am looking great and to keep up the good work. I wonder if these people know when they take a moment to encourage me just how much of a difference it makes in my life? I think I need to take time to tell them. (One is a co-worker who is a very cool gal, and the other is a really nice security attendant here in my office building. Both are beautiful women with the most cheerful personalities!) I feel so honored that they take the time to notice my progress.

It's just one of those days where I woke up feeling strong. I got a good workout in at the gym this morning, and am ready to take on the day. I have school tonight, and then dinner with my friend Kim Hightower. She is the mastermind behind the whole 1/2 marathon idea. She's a friend from WAAAAYYY back in high school choir days, and we reconnected on Facebook. She has really been a big cheerleader for me, as she understands the struggles of weight loss. She's lost 120 pounds and now regularly runs marathons and leads a very active, healthy life. One of these days, someone will say the same about me! :) Anyhow, she is in town on business and this will be the first time I have seen her since high school! Pretty cool!

Last night we celebrated day 2 of Birthday Week for David. I got him a gift card to Home Depot, and we had strawberries and champagne. I originally wanted to do cupcakes, but then I reigned myself back in and remembered David is really one who enjoys fruit more than most desserts. I'm afraid I'm the bad influence there, so I did good and got some very delicious fresh strawberries. We had fat-free Reddi-Whip that I decorated the plate with, and little "Happy Birthday" picks that I stuck in the berries to make it extra festive. It was very delicious and guilt-free! Tonight's treat is very low-key, and he'll get his little surprise when I get home tonight. I love doing this for him! He's a wonderful husband and my best friend. I couldn't ask for more.

So that's about it. Everyone have a great day!

David's Birthday Week Begins!

So today is the official start of "Birthday Week" in our home. I think birthdays are a very big deal, so I like to make a fuss. And especially since this is a landmark birthday, I really wanted to make the most of it! It wasn't supposed to start until today, but I opted to start it last night. David has had to work all weekend, and when we weren't working, we did family stuff, so the weekend was gone in the blink of an eye. So I gave him his first present last night, which was an iPod shuffle. It's a blue one with a special note engraved on it for him. I think he loved it! It's perfect for working out. He was tired of having to use his iPhone at the gym, so this is much lighter and better suited for gyms and half marathons. :) I'll tell you about tonight's birthday activities tomorrow...I don't want to let the cat out of the bag!

Tonight is also my first night of my English class, which is actually a writing class. We'll be learning about writing grants, proposals, and a bunch of other stuff. I don't have to rush since class begins at 6pm, so that's nice. I am finding that I am having a lot of homework already, so I am a little worried about balancing everything, but I'll get it figured out. Hopefully my English professor will have a little mercy!

And on a very frivolous note, GO SAINTS! What a great game yesterday! I had to watch it alone since hubby was working, but as I folded laundry I got to cheer on Drew Brees and the rest of the Saints in a very exciting game! I am looking forward to the Super Bowl!

That's about it today. I need to cut up my grapefruit and have a little breakfast so I can start my day. I hope everyone's Monday is manageable!

Proof That I Have My Act Together

Let me recap the week with regards to focusing on being back on track:

I worked out every morning at 5am, except for Friday. Friday I was tired, so I slept a little later and David and I walked for 3.2 miles that evening. Still a victory! Got up this morning and worked out, too! I was pretty good with what I ate this week, but there were a good handful of questionable choices in there. So how did I imagine my weigh in going this morning? Honestly, I thought I would maintain, maybe even gain a little bit. But my body chose to reward me for making a better effort than in weeks past - I lost 4.2 pounds this week! So I now only need lose a couple more to have the holiday pounds off forever. This is a very good thing!! I am feeling really victorious about this, and I think this only serves to motivate me further.

I mapped out a 3.2 mile walking path for myself, so we tackled it last night. One of my socks wore out so I got a little blister on the side of my left foot, but I didn't let it deter me at all. However, I will be going to Dick's Sporting Goods today to get some different socks, for sure! Kim has only told me about these a few times and encouraged me to pick some up. I listened! I just never got around to it...now I will!! Blisters aside, I feel great and am planning to tackle the path again in the morning before I go to Yoga.

I have spent a good part of my day working on Algebra. I am getting it, but got frustrated with one problem and have had to walk away for a bit. I'd love to go shopping, but I think I will stay in since it's rainy outside. I am waiting for David to get home from the Market Center in Dallas so we can get ready for a busy evening of family stuff. :)

I also have a special dinner with a friend this week. My friend Kim H. from Houston is in town and we are meeting up after I get out of class on Tuesday. She has also been a very special cheerleader, and she is the one who planted the 1/2 marathon seed. She's part of my support system going to Chicago, so it's going to be fun to have dinner. After all, we haven't been face to face since my senior year of high school!!

I have to wrap up now...Algebra awaits, and I also need to wrap some birthday presents. Have a wonderful Saturday, friends!

4:20am Was A No-Go

When the alarm went off this morning, I absolutely couldn't do it. My body is tired from adjusting to my morning routine, and I needed the extra sleep, so that's what I did. The trade off? When I come home from work I am changing clothes and going for a walk. A nice long one, too. It's going to be nice to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Besides, this will be good for my training. :)

So how will my weigh in go tomorrow? Not sure yet. I am retaining water, and have had some stumbles in my eating this week. I'll get on the scale at the gym when I go for my "Last Chance" workout in the morning before WW, but right now I just don't know. The good news in this is that I really have done better this week, and I am proud of the activity I have gotten in. So it's baby steps for me right now. But you know what? I'll get there!

Next Monday begins "Birthday Week" for David, and I am excited! I have daily treats/activities planned to celebrate...it's his 40th!! His birthday is actually the 29th, but I am making it a week long event. :) Good wife? I think so! I'll be taking lots of pictures and will be posting here. Look out for all the birthday fun! Each day has it's own theme tied to a treat, gift, or fun thing we'll be doing. I've really been planning this and I can't wait to spoil him!! (Hey, this man spoils me so I am excited to return the favor!)

I think that's about it for today. I hope everyone has a great day! Just a quick thought...although it's important to remember those in Haiti right now, please don't forget that we have so many people here that go hungry every day here in our own hometowns. If you can, please make a donation to the North Texas Food Bank. They do so much for people here, and the recession has really affected donations.

Have an awesome day everyone!!

Whoa Nelly!!

So three of my four classes began yesterday, two of which are online. My Foundations of Psychology was great, of course. My favorite professor is teaching, so it will be a good class. My online Algebra class is scaring me just a bit, but I need to stop and breathe and it will be okay. My online Sociology class is going to be a good one, I think. All of my professors seems good, and I have gotten welcome emails from my online profs and they seem very accessible and easy to communicate with. This is going to be a very difficult semester, but I think it will be a good one. Just as a side note, I get to go be extra nerdy and buy a graphing calculator. I think I will treat myself to a new notebook, too!

I am totally back in my workout groove now, as evidenced by the fact that even with David out of town I was able to get out of bed and get to the gym this morning! I am working hard to get back on the losing track, and with the 1/2 marathon coming, I have a lot of work to do. I spoke at length today with my friend Knox at the gym. (He's my cheerleader there, and he says good morning to me and David all the time...we love this guy!) We talked about motivation and encouragement, and he told me he is really looking to see great things from me this year. I love knowing people have faith in me! It makes me want to work harder! So it's going to be a good week and I am celebrating my recommitment to the 5am workout!

I am looking forward to dinner with Christy tonight. We haven't had dinner since...um...I think it was before the holidays so we are overdue! She is my only friend who will go to Red Lobster for dinner (and vice versa) so we are looking forward to dinner together! :)

That's it for now...I need to cut up some strawberries for a snack. Have a GREAT day, friends!

Everything Back In Full Swing

So today is the day that everything starts again! I am back to my early morning workouts, school starts today, and David hits the road again. It's a busy day! I am so ready to get back to class, though. I like the feeling of moving forward and working toward my degree, and as much as I love the winter break, I love getting back to the classroom. Yeah, I'm a nerd. It's all good!

Cool thing of the day? Yeah, it's 8:47am as I write this and the best thing of the day has already happened. There is a gentleman at my gym with whom David and I have become friends. He used to play pro football many years ago, and now teaches at the community college. We met back in the summer when he came up to me and told me he saw how much progress I was making with my weight loss and told me he'd be rooting for me. Since then, he has told me that in one of his classes where he talks about goal setting and motivation, he uses me as an example. So his class knows about me and my progress, which makes me feel a little like a celebrity. :) So today, since I haven't been working out in the mornings since the end of last semester, he tells me he has a card signed by his class for me! This might be the coolest thing ever! He's going to bring it tomorrow and I can hardly wait to get it. This is my new piece of motivation. A bunch of people who don't know me and never met me want me to succeed. Aside from feeling so good about this, it reminds me how great people can be. For any time I might feel discouraged, there might be someone sending me good thoughts and wondering how I'm doing. I'm pretty sure I'll be thinking of these people somewhere along the 13.1 mile 1/2 marathon in August! I'm so honored and flattered. And most importantly, I am humbled. It really takes a village to do something big, and I couldn't go on this journey alone. I need that community of people in the gym in the mornings, my friends, family, and co-workers. I am supported by people everywhere I turn, and I am proud that they believe in me. So next time I feel like I am struggling and alone, I need to remember that I'm not. I stand on the shoulders of all those people who believe I can, and most of all, I believe in me. I know I can do this.

How lucky am I to be surrounded by so many good people? I am so grateful for all of you! I just want to say thanks to everyone who has ever sent me a kind thought, comment, or put good things out into the universe for me. Thank from the bottom of my heart. And now this journey kicks back into high gear and we're going to push forward and celebrate success together!

Weekend Wrap-Up

So it's been a rather quiet weekend...nothing big. My weigh-in was not great, but I'm working on that this week. I had the day off today for MLK day, and honestly have not done anything productive. I flipped through my algebra book for my class and now I am worried that I might be a little impaired because I closed that book as fast as I opened it. I hope it comes back to me!! Some of it looked like a foreign language. *sigh* I think this is going to be a tough semester.

So here I am, eating blackberries and pondering school. I really am ready for class tomorrow. I have my Foundations of Psychology tomorrow night, and both my online classes (Algebra and Sociology) start tomorrow, too. My writing class is on Mondays and starts next week. 12 hours...what was I thinking? Oh yeah...that I want to get this degree out of the way so I can move on to grad school! If all goes well, I am hoping to graduate in December of 2011...it just depends on the school offering stuff when I can take it. (Hello, Statistics!! Please start offering that when us working folk can take it!)

Tonight Angela is joining me and David for a Stars game. Hopefully they'll win!!

Have a good evening, everyone!

Determination

So after a less than stellar weigh in this morning (water retained from Chinese food, and honestly a little junk food in there for good measure), I hit the gym with a renewed fervor. I hit the treadmill hard and am feeling great for doing it. I will have a good week this week and get myself truly back on track. While I did better this week than in past weeks, I still made some choices I should have steered clear from. But guess what? I refuse to punish myself. Nope, instead I am being positive and affirming that I CAN do this. Because I really can! And besides, I have a 1/2 marathon in my future and I am going to finish it!

So it was a good day. Went to WW, worked out, cleaned up and then ran errands with my parents. Now I am having a hot date with myself. David is out with the boys having wings and watching football. I am making myself a health dinner and watching my Sex and the City DVDs and having a glass of wine. I am a content girl!

I hope everyone has a wonderful evening! I am looking forward to Yoga tomorrow, and then hopefully on to a Cowboys win! Go Cowboys!!

Tuesday's Pain Postponed Until Today

We were so beat from lifting weights on Monday that Tuesday's SET class didn't seem like a good idea. So rather than weenie-ing out and not going at all, we're going tonight. So I'll be lucky to be able to move tomorrow!! I'm still fairly sore, but I'm okay for class this evening. It really needs to happen! I also got up and had a good 5am workout yesterday, so this has been a much more successful workout week for me. I'm going to be glad to sweat tonight because I feel like I have had a higher salt intake than usual this week and I really need to sweat that water out!!

I am so glad it's almost Friday! It's been a long week and I am ready for the three day weekend! I don't want to wish it away, though! I think I might have to get my nails done, though. That will be my pampering treat for the weekend. :)

Truly, I have no news. It's a quiet day at work and I am ready to call it a day. I hope everyone has a good one!