Back in The Saddle Again

Okay...now that my blogging time for Woman's Day Magazine has come to an end, here I am trying to get back in the groove of my own blog. It has been a total whirlwind since January. While my job is changing, I am spared from being laid off. I interviewed today and feel like it went well, but I won't know for sure until I get (or don't get) an offer. I am optimistic, though, so I am hoping for the best. If I don't get exactly what I want, I will be very glad to at least still have a job.

School is keeping me busy. And by busy I mean that I feel as if I am hanging halfway out of a tornado. It's crazy! But I am getting through. What I love is that I am doing an internship with Hospice, and I just finished my training. Now I will get to start visiting patients and families, and my hope is to be able to help bring comfort to those who need it. It's my first step toward being in a helping profession, and I am excited. I am surrounded by people who are encouraging and uplifting, so I think I am in the right place.

Things at home a great! We are still loving our house so much! I'm ready for warm weather so we can enjoy our pool! Still doing the half-marathon relay at the end of the month with Kim, but I tell you...I am going to have to work hard to even be close to ready for that! One day I'll complete one on my own...someday.

So that's about it in a nutshell. It's been a busy first quarter of the year, and I am ready for the semester to end. As soon as it does, David is taking me to Las Vegas for a short vacation before summer school. I can hardly wait!

BRRRRR!!!

Okay, it's really cold here! Much colder than what I experienced in Europe! I've been home from work the last two days, and if things don't thaw, which they won't, I doubt I'll go tomorrow. The roads in my neck of the woods are a thick sheet of ice. Ugh!

However, I don't mind not going to work. While I have a job, it's not one I want. I should be careful of what I put out there, but it's true. But it will do until I graduate next year. Perhaps it will help me stay motivated with school.

I don't have much to share. It was supposed to be an exciting week here in DFW with the Super Bowl, but the winter storm has squashed that. We're going to try and go downtown to enjoy the excitement Saturday night, though. It's going to be a celebration on David's birthday, even though it's a week late. I was sick to my stomach on his birthday and couldn't eat, so we'll make up for it this weekend. The ice should all be melted by then. I hope!

Everyone stay warm! It's cold out there!!

A Lot on My Plate

Wow...my classes are going to be tough this semester. But I am most looking forward to starting my Hospice training tomorrow night. I think it's a good start for me since I will be getting my masters in counseling. I'm a little nervous, but I'm not afraid. David has expressed concern about how I will handle it emotionally, but I think I'll be okay. There is something about knowing that your job is purely to be there for someone and to help them and their family deal with end of life issues. I was there when both of my grandmothers passed away, and death isn't frightening to me. It's part of life, and since it's going to happen, I want to be there to help make it peaceful for others.

On a different note, I discovered that we're going to owe the IRS this year. UGH! I'm not happy about this, but I should have seen it coming since we took money from my 401K to put the down payment on the house. Oh well...it happens. Next year will be much better!

That's about it for me. I've got a Skype date with Chris...she and I are talking about recipes so I don't want to miss it!

Coming Up For Air

Wow! So I have been a busy gal! School is back in session, so I have classes, one of which is a counseling internship. This is really neat! I'm going to be working with Hospice doing home and inpatient visits, as well as learning to lead bereavement groups. It's not an easy job, but I am excited about taking a step in the direction I want to go. I think that while it's going to be a very busy semester, it's going to be very rewarding.

Still in limbo with my job. I'll be interviewing next week for a new position, so I hope it works out. Otherwise I will be employed until March 31st and then on to 5 months of severance. Seriously, I'm just feeling okay about all of this. I know that the right thing will happen, so as soon as I know about my current job, I can start to move forward however I need to. It's all good. :)

David's travel began again today, so after being together for a long time, it was hard to let him head out today. But he's back on Saturday, and I'm excited about that.

In his absence I am filling my time with family dinners and a Friday night date with Kim. :) Dinner and a movie are always a good night out with her! I had to cancel last weekend because I was feeling crummy, but I am back to good health and ready for some girl time.

I think that's about it for today. I'm still blogging for Woman's Day, and check out the spread in the February issue...I'm in there! (They have it on their website, too! www.womansday.com)

A New Year Is Coming!

Whew...after a 17 day tour of Europe, I am beat. Still having trouble with jet lag, but I think it's getting better. (Lord, I hope so!) I went back to work yesterday to find out that my team has been eliminated. Yup...If I don't find something else within the company, I'll be out of a job on March 31, 2011. I'll have a good severance package, too. This news stung a bit, even though I was kind of prepared for it. The good news is that I have a fair amount of time to prepare, and there are a few things within the company that I plan to apply for, and I think i have a good shot at. So while I am a bit stressed about this, I also feel like things will be okay. I'm not panicking yet. :) So any prayers you can spare will be greatly appreciated.

Our trip was amazing! I saw small Austrian and German towns that looked like they came right off a Christmas Card, and of course I was so happy to be back in Paris! It was wonderful! I swear, I just love that city! As I walked around I would think to myself about how Kim and I were here before. I told Kim we need a girls' trip to Paris again. Even for a long weekend...she and I just seemed to fit right in there!

London was lovely, but by the time we got there I was feeling a little homesick, so when the day came to come home, we were happy to head over the pond. Our precious kitties seem to need to keep us in their sights at all times...I love those little babies! They keep bringing David their toys and putting them in his shoes. It's VERY cute!

So I hope you had a beautiful and blessed Christmas, and that you will have a safe New Years! 2011 is going to be a great year!

MIA Again?

I know, long time no blog! However, I am currently on vacation and out of the country! If you want to follow my travels, go to www.schmoopiesabroad.blogspot.com. We've been running around Europe, and are currently in Paris. By the end of the week we'll be in London, but this is all following a week of Austria and Germany, so check it out! I've not been able to post pictures as I wanted, but I'll be doing lots of that when we get home.

I'll be back to blogging here in January! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Long Time No Blog!

If that tells you anything...it's been crazy busy! Work is a mess (going through yet another reorg...hoping to come out of it with a job I can at least stomach until I graduate!), school is frying my brain (finals next week!), and so much to do to get ready for our trip it's not even funny. I don't know how we're going to get it all in, but somehow we will. And somewhere in all this, I have to get packed for our trip. I haven't even had time to get excited about that! However, I was watching Christmas in Europe on PBS last night, and they showed a BUNCH of the places we're going and I did get pretty pumped up about that. :)

Right now I am supposed to be writing a paper that is due tomorrow. I am having trouble with that so I thought it might be nice to get caught up here. Thankfully the days of papers and tests and homework are coming to a temporary close. But the break will be nice!

We leave on vacation December 10th, and I'll post the link to our travel blog then. We're going to a lot of wonderful places, and I am excited to share them with you!

Be well, friends!

Thank You

This is just a quick post, but I want to thank all of our veterans. (My Dad especially!) What all of you do or have done has made sure that I get to have the freedoms that I do now. I am so thankful that there are women and men who are willing to go out there and fight for those in other places who need help. We are a very lucky country, and we often take that for granted.

So thank you to all those who have served in our military. God bless America!

Inspired

So I am working hard to feel renewed and energized. One of my fellow Slimdown bloggers suggested a Couch to 5K program to help me prep to conquer another 5K, and I'm going to put it into action this week. I'm feeling inspired by others around me, and this is good. :)

Kim and I have decided to do the half marathon next March as a relay. She'll do the 7.1 mile leg and I'll do the 6 mile leg. I think this makes the most sense with my fitness level right now, and it sure feels more manageable. Once we get that under our belts we'll look at a 13.1 mile journey together. For right now, this is going to be good. Besides, she's been the one to do most of the 5Ks with me, so it really feels like our thing, you know? So we'll be the two rock stars getting our groove on. I love it!

The house is good. We had our housewarming a couple of weeks ago, so now we're taking it easy. Our new dining table and buffet are due to arrive the day before Thanksgiving, which is good since we're hosting my family!

Also, if you haven't picked up the November 17th issue of Woman's Day magazine, you should! I'm in there on page 104. It's just a short interview about my weight loss, but hey, I made a national publication!

Have a great Tuesday, friends!

Nothing Like Feeling Less Than A Person

I don't know if many of you have read the recent blog post on the Marie Claire magazine website. There is a good chance you've heard about it. The blogger wrote a whole post about how disgusted she is by overweight people. I'm not linking to the article here because I don't care to ...just take my word, it's a mean article. It's great to find out that my mere presence in a room physically disgusts people, simply based upon the fact that I am not a size 4. Did I let this ONE PERSON bring me to tears? Yes I did. It hurts. It's painful enough to deal with being overweight, and it doesn't help to be reminded by outsiders who are unable to see a person for who they are. While I know she wasn't writing it about me specifically, I'm part of the population who is set in her target. And while I celebrate free speech and believe we are all entitled to an opinion, when is it okay to just flat out be so blatantly ugly to other humans?

I won't give her the satisfaction of saying how I'll show her and get the weight off. I'm already doing that on my own, she didn't light that fire. But she did open my eyes to the fact that size-ism is the last acceptable prejudice allowed. I'm losing weight because I want to do it for me. I agree that obesity is an epidemic, and it's unhealthy. I'm not arguing that point at all. But some people are completely happy at a larger size. I am all about loving ourselves for who we are, and no one has the right to take that away from us. This particular blogger must not love herself very much to be able to thoughtlessly spew that kind of venom out on her fellow man. So perhaps instead of being angry at her or being hurt by her words, I need to take a different avenue and pray for her. Maybe I need to show the compassion she wasn't able to show. If I don't, I am no better than she is.

So my point is this: Whenever we run across people who have no filter and feel free to say hateful things to others, no matter what it is, we need to show what love and forgiveness look like. Let's be the change we want to see. I'm tired of living in a mean world where people take others for granted and forget that people have feelings. Have I shed tears over this article? You bet I have. But I refuse to hate her. I'm angry about her words, but I am going to breathe deep and let go. And put good and healing thoughts out into the universe for that author. Because at the end of the day, if I carry a grudge I am only hurting myself.

And this girl is all about trying to enjoy her inner happiness. :)

It's The Little Things

I got a treat in the mail yesterday! I had ordered a new knit cap for winter (you know, the ones that keep your head warm when it's cold!) and it arrived yesterday!!! I love it because it's knit to look like a pink cupcake! LOL! Yes, I have a sickness when it comes to anything cupcake related. And no, I don't sit around and wonder why I have weight to lose! (I know why!) I got one for my friend Diane who is going with us to Europe in December. It will be a surprise for her...she loves cupcakes like I do, and I thought we'd have some funny pictures of us in our cupcake hats all over Europe! I can't wait to give it to her. :)

Tis the season for one of my favorite treats...honeycrisp apples!!! They've been on sale at Target for $1.50/pound, and they are delicious! Sweeter and jucier than regular apples, so if it's a healthy treat you're craving, grab one of these babies! They're delicious! (No, this is not a paid endorsement. I just love apples!)

I'm dying to decorate our house for Halloween except that we're having a housewarming party and I seem to be spending money on all the things for that. I have to finish ripping out wallpaper this weekend, and get the guest bathroom painted. It's halfway done (the wallpaper part) but I need to get to it. I'll work on that this weekend. I still need to pick out paint, but I think I want a new shower curtain first. I saw one at Bed Bath and Beyond that I like, so I will probably go pick it up Friday and get some paint matched up with it. Once I get that bathroom finished, I will be cleaning like a madwoman this week! With all these people coming over, I need to look a little more like Suzy Homemaker and get my laundry up off the floor in the bedroom!

I think that's about it for now. I have to finish a paper that's due tonight that I couldn't seem to finish last night. I had some major writers block, and I sat staring at my laptop trying everything I could to get inspired! Some days it just comes easier than others. *Sigh*

Have a great Thursday, friends!

Hello!

No, I didn't fall off the planet. I have just been swamped! Between work, school, and house, I don't have a lot of extra time. I am midway through the semester, and classes are good! I have all A's right now, so I am pleased. I am in the running for Psi Chi, which is the psychology honor society. If I'm not eligible this semester, I absolutely will be next. So I am happy! My official graduation date will be May of 2012, and I can't wait! I have all my courses planned out from now until graduation, and I am VERY excited that I do not have to go to summer school next year!! A whole summer off...my first one in a while, and my last one in a while, too. Grad school is year round, so for another 2.5 years after I graduate I will be a year round student, but at least I'll be working on my Master's Degree and then I get to pursue what I want to do...counseling!!!

The Woman's Day Slimdown challenge is going well. I wish I was losing weight faster, but I'm doing the best I can. At least I'm losing weight, right?

I have been going nuts working on the house. We have a gathering coming up soon, and I want the house to look great! We've been painting, hanging curtains and pictures, and cleaning. We still need a little more furniture, but that is just going to have to wait a little longer. (And I need that money tree to start growing!) But I am loving the house. I had something closely resembling an anxiety attack the day I paid our first house payment, coupled with the new and increased electric bill, cable bill...etc...not that we can't afford it, it's just more money than I am used to seeing flying out the window. But it's all good! We're going to have our credit cards paid off very soon, and that will put us in a VERY good spot, so I am very pleased. We have been using that Home Depot card, and now I'm ready to put it away!

So that's about it. I hope all is well for you all! We're gearing up for our big trip to Europe in December, so look out Europe! Here come the Willises!

Welcome Fall!

I am loving the fall weather! I'm sorry that pool season is ending and I have to say goodbye to my lovely suntan, but it's going to be much nicer getting out and going for walks. :)

David and celebrate our 3rd anniversary tomorrow! We're keeping it low key since we celebrated with Chris and Charlie over the weekend. Tomorrow we're grilling steaks and enjoying our beautiful new home. Two people couldn't be happier!

I am still going strong with the Slimdown Challenge. Are you following me? http://wdslimdown.typepad.com/wdslimdown/jennifer/ Feel free to comment...I need all the help I can get!

I have to keep this post short today...lots to do here at work and I need to prep my blog for Woman's Day. I hope everyone has a great day!!!

Whew!

It's been crazy lately! Between moving, car accidents (I'm fine!), school, and everything else, time has gotten away from me! The house is looking good, and we are almost unpacked. I'm finishing up painting but it will take me a little time to get to it with homework and school. It's been great having a pool to go jump into to cool off in the evenings. This may be the first time I have been happy for the hot weather...it keeps the pool water warm! (The solar cover we bought helps, too)

I'm finally getting back into my routine. The commute is longer and a little more difficult, but it's worth it to me. At least I have a new car that makes it a little easier! (I got an Altima with the 3.5 liter V6 engine...this baby has some get up and go!) Anyhow, things are well and I am happy.

The Slimdown Challenge has been that - challenging. I've been working to stay on track with all the chaos and while it was tough, I'm doing pretty well. It will be nice to be lighter when we go to Europe in December! I've also begun training for the half marathon. Since I couldn't get to Chicago, I am registered (along with some friends) for the Dallas one in March. Sandra and I began our daily workouts at lunch today and I was glad we did it. Shanna is going to start joining us, too, so we're going to get our fitness on and rock it!!

I think that's it for now. I know I should post pictures of the house, and I will...I just have a little down time and I'm going to take advantage of it!

Have a great evening, all!

Whirlwind

It has been crazy! We're moved into the house and I love it! Still have to go back to the apartment one last time today to finish up, but it's all good. For all the happy stuff going on, I did find my negative thing to balance it. I was on my way to school yesterday and got into a car accident (a guy slammed into the side of my car on the freeway) and naturally this jerk had no insurance. Oh, and he's not here in the country legally. Today I am a bit stiff and sore, but I'm ok. My car is going to need some TLC, though. *sigh*

But overall, things are really good. I just wanted to check in and say hello. I'll post more later this week.

Have a great week, friends!

I'm A Homeowner!

Yes, the house is now ours! (And the bank's, too) It's been exicitng buying paint, ordering furniture, and starting some projects at the house. We'll actually be moving in on Friday, but today I am doing some work at the house and having the carpets cleaned. Hopefully the yard guy will call back and then come out and mow and edge the yard...it needs it! It's been sad because David had to travel on business so he hasn't gotten to be at the house yet. I know it's hard for him during such an exciting time, but he'll be home Thursday and we'll go jump in the pool and open the champagne we've been saving for this. :)

That's my short update for today...thre is much to be done and I need to get going!

Today Is The Day!

We're closing on our house at 2:30 this afternoon! This is really exciting, and I can hardly wait. We couldn't sleep last night...it's like Christmas!

I had my first weigh in for my challenge. After only 4 days on the plan, I've lost 2 pounds. However, it's frustrating because David has already lost 4.5, and my BFF has already lost 4. So while I know I should be proud, I just feel somehow like I failed, which is dumb because I didn't at all. One of the other bloggers says she's lost 6 pounds. *sigh* I'm doing my best, and that's all I can do.

So I am focusing on the house today. I'm so ready to get moved!! The boxes are making me miserable!!!

Taking A Break!

I finished my second summer class yesterday, and got an A on my research paper! (Which means I got an A in the class...yay!) It was a tough four weeks, but it's over now. But I have a lot coming up...we're heading up to the lake house this weekend to see Chris and her family, and I can't wait! We should probably be home packing, but we need a break so badly! I also start the official Slimdown Challenge on Monday, and we close on the house a week from today. Whew! That feels like a lot! But I'll manage just fine. :)

I registered yesterday for the Dallas Rock n Roll Half Marathon. Since I didn't get to go to Chicago, I am going to do this one on March 27th of next year. I started training this morning...I got up and was at the gym in my office at 6:30 and did 30 minutes on the treadmill. I know, 30 minutes might not be considered training for many of you, but for me it's a start. I've not been faithful about getting on the treadmill, but that's all changing. And now I have to make sure to get my cardio in so that I can be successful with the weight loss challenge! So it's really two-fold.

I am getting so excited about the house! I'm ready to move in and get settled...and it will be our own little place in the world!! I have so many ideas and plans, and I can't wait to get a paintbrush on those walls! I'll be posting pictures as I go...I'll be steaming wallpaper off and painting as soon as I can get in there! So I am excited to share all of that here with you in the blog. :)

And please don't forget to follow me at www.womansday.com/slimdown!

Have a wonderful Friday, everyone!

Two Weeks and Counting

We close on the new house 2 weeks from today! It's just surreal...and I am so excited! I've picked out paint, planned to rip out wall paper, carpet cleaners are scheduled, utilities set to be turned on...it's really happening! I'll be posting pictures as we move in...the week before the movers come I will be getting the kitchen done and taking some things over a little at a time. It's exciting! Sadly, I am starting the fall semester that same week. I wish I could have a little more time before school starts for fall, but that's just how it goes. I still have to finish my research paper due next Thursday. I'll be glad to have this class wrapped up. While it is important to understand the history of psychology, it's not exactly riveting stuff.

My big plans this weekend? David and I are packing. We have to get a lot done because next weekend we are going to up the lake house to meet up with Chris and Charlie for a quick break. We've had this on the books for a while, and I'm looking forward to it. So we have to make a good bit of progress this weekend...and we have plenty to do! But we're having fun packing together and cleaning things out. It's really not so bad!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Try to stay cool, friends...it's HOT outside!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

41 years is something to be proud of...and I am proud that you guys are my parents. I love you both so much!

Here's to another 41!