Rude Awakening

I was just stunned on my way to work this morning. In Bedford, the gas has already risen to $2.79, and in Las Colinas it's $3.05 (for premium, but still!). It's just unreal! I'm so glad I am not living on the west coast anymore! I don't think I could afford it! I was listening to commentary on NPR and the guy is right...we have no recourse. Our public transportation sucks, so we have no real alternative. So we just have to pay it, and my income isn't rising to match the cost of living. What's a single income girl to do?

On another note, I have decided to take a break from the news. It's breaking my heart to see what's happening on the gulf coast and I feel so helpless. I've been in tears watching all that footage on TV, so in order to keep my sanity, I am just going to get updates online and that's it. I have a bunch of clothes I can donate to local shelters that are housing hurricane refugees, and my company is doing a fundraiser next week and they will match all employee donations dollar for dollar, so I'll give money then.

On a less civic-minded note, I worked out my legs last night. HARD. I was able to run on the treadmill a lot longer, and I did 105 lunges! (I'm really proud of that!) I'm not feeling the pain yet this morning, but I typically feel it by mid day after I've been sitting for so long. My poor co-workers that have to listen to me groan!!

I stopped at Starbucks last night and got checked out by two hot guys...nice little ego boost for me, but also a good reminder why I should always look my best when I leave the house. (Last time I went to Blockbuster with Angela, there was a very attractive man there and I looked AWFUL!) So that's my advice for the day...just always look your best. You never know!

That's all for now. Have a good Wednesday!

Interesting Blog for Hurricane Info

I found a blog being updated by a woman in Baton Rouge. She's not in the thick of it all, but has documented interesting experiences. She at www.hurricaneupdate.blogspot.com. She's definitely worth checking out.

An Evening to Myself

After working myself out hard at the gym, I went home last night and just completely relaxed, and it was WONDERFUL! I made myself dinner and took it easy. However, I took it a little too easy, so I am glad Mom called last night and woke me up. (I fell asleep on the couch) It was a pretty uneventful night, but that's a nice change for me. I am trying to have more nights like this...it keeps me balanced.

I worked out hard at the gym. Between running on the treadmill and making myself lift some weights, I was pretty worn out last night, but it's such a feeling of accomplishment! Tonight we work out my legs, and I am looking forward to that. I usually end up sore, but it's a good kind of sore. :) Who ever thought that this would be something I enjoy as much as I do?

I'm feeling rather blah today. I wish I would win the lottery so I could do something besides work. I'd actually like to go to nursing school. I'm still trying to figure out how to make that happen. I'd also buy a condo if I won the lottery. I even have it picked out! It's not huge, and it's close to where I live now. They've just built some brand new ones and I love the outsides. Just for fun, I may have to go take a tour and see the insides. I'd also buy a BMW 325i. That's my car. So I have it all figured out. I guess I actually need to just buy a ticket now. I never remember to do that.

So that's about it. I am looking forward to a three day weekend coming up. No plans, just need to rest.

The Most Fun I've Had in a While

Starting with last Thursday, this weekend has been the most fun I've had in a while! (You all can read about Thursday night, so I'll start with Friday...)

Friday night, I went with the two Kims to the Greenville Bar & Grill, and it was a ton of fun! As usual, Elvis T Busboy was awesome! We stayed there until last call, and Kevin even came up and joined us for the night! (He had to stay a little longer to be sure he was ok to drive.)

Saturday was great. Gran is doing ok, but she's still a bit down. Hopefully she will make it to her PT today. Saturday night was my "Cooking Class for Singles" at Central Market in Ft. Worth. It was fun, but not quite what I expected. There were absolutely no men to be found there. I also got a glimpse into my life if I am still single at about 45. It was a little scary, but Kevin reminded me that it really is better to be single than married to some jerk and be miserable. (He's very right!) But it was fun and the food was really good. I may need to make a few things and have everyone over for dinner sometime soon.

Sunday was relaxing. Got up and went to the gym, then went to Weight Watchers. I gained .5 pound, but I am really not worried about it. I am chalking it up to the heavy meal Saturday night, so that .5 will be gone by next week. :)

Hope everyone else had a good weekend! Please say prayers for all our friends on the Gulf Coast...they're in for a rough day.

The Morning After

I had such a great time last night! First, I met Joseph for dinner at Deep Sushi (great food, BAD service!). It was fantastic getting caught up with him. We laughed and had a marvelous time! Then we caught up with Mia and Brian since they were pretty much across the street from where we had eaten. Brian had to get back to Club Clearview, but Mia and Joseph and I went to the Velvet Hookah and had a few martinis. Me, who just about never drinks anymore because I don't want the calories had a couple of chocolate martinis, and let me tell you they were so worth it!! The three of us had such a great time. Joseph looks happier than I have ever seen him and it seems that his life is really going very well. Mia and I are so happy for him! The three of us are going to plan to go dancing sometime in the near future. :)

So Saints and Sinners played last night and it was another great show! They sound fantastic!



The drummer's friend, Robin, has a boutique and does monthly trunk shows and she is going to put Mia and I on her list to be invited to one. (That's so right up our alley!)

So after a very late night, I am pretty tired this morning. I am working out with Jacqueline at 5:30, and I am hoping to have a second wind by then! Afterwards I am going to take a shower and a quick nap, and then off to Mia's so that we can go see Elvis T Busboy tonight. I think it's not going to be too late of an evening for me, though. I have my cooking class at CM tomorrow night, and that ought to be fun as well.

So everyone have a good Friday!

Such a Lovely Problem!

So I went to go buy a new pair of jeans last night after visiting with my Gran. I found a great pair of Levi's low rise slim fit jeans. I never try anything on in the store, so I just paid for them (and 2 great fall sweaters) and headed home. I decided to try everything on, and nothing fit...everything was TOO BIG!!! I did a very comical version of the happy dance all over my apartment!! However, I now have to take everything back and exchange it...for a SMALLER SIZE! (woo-hoo!) So that totally made my day. (I didn't even have to unbutton the jeans to take them off!)

Other than that, no big news. Gran is feeling really down about still being unable to walk. It's so hard for her, and it's hard for us all to see her so sad. She continues to try and do her therapy, but some days are just harder than others. They put her back on O2 yesterday because her levels dropped a bit. I am hoping it won't be for long because she just hates that O2 tube so much.

I'm having dinner with my long not-so-lost friend tonight, and I am looking forward to seeing him. It's been forever! Brian's band is also playing at Club Clearview later tonight, so I may head over there after dinner. Maybe JDM will come along and make a night of it? We'll see. It's nice to reconnect with friends. And if anyone is in the neighborhood, you should totally check out the band tonight! (Saints and Sinners) They're really good, and it will be a good time.

So that's it for now. Have a good Thursday!

Out of the Blue

I had the best surprise yesterday! I got an email from a friend I had not heard from in months, and it was really great! Lots of things going on for this friend, and I am happy they would email me to say hello. So hello to my long lost friend, who is no longer lost! :)

Worked out with Jacqueline last night. Just when I thought I had mastered the lunges, she throws me a curve...I am now working on backwards lunges. Those are HARD! I thought I was coordinated, but these are proving me wrong. Man, these things are going to take some work!

I am going to a cooking class at CM Saturday night. It's a cooking class for singles, and I am going to learn to make a Tuscan feast. I think this means there may need to be a dinner party in my future. I used to hostess them all the time in Seattle, but I haven't done it much here. I need to do that more, because I really do enjoy entertaining. It's nice to spend an evening with friends like that.

Tonight I am going to see Gran. Mom saw her last night and she wasn't doing that well. She's a little more depressed and isn't doing as well in therapy as she would like. She apparently was rather quiet and didn't seem as interested in things as usual. I am going to take her some flowers tonight and hopefully that might help cheer her up. As much as she has been through it would be hard for me to feel very cheerful, too. If only she could get strong enough to walk so that she could get out of that nursing home.

So that's about it for today. Hope everyone has a great day. Remember, the week is halfway over now!!

Back on the Treadmill

I got back to the gym last night, and it was great! My back is feeling much better, so I got in a good workout. I can tell I hadn't been to the gym in a few days, so training tonight should leave me a bit sore. However, my muscles are rested and ready to go!

I went to Target last night to pick up a couple of things and found a shirt I liked...in a SMALLER SIZE!! (I am one happy girl!) I didn't wear it today because I thought I had a meeting and want to look a little dressier, so I am saving it for a more casual day.

It's a little stressful today as we have several people out, but it's going to be ok. But needless to say, I am keeping this short so I can get back to things. Hope everyone has a good day! :)

Back to the Grind

Well, it's a Monday and I am back after a long weekend. I would love to have had a few more days off to relax! It appears we had some system trouble here at work on Friday...glad I wasn't here for that!

Nothing new to report, really. Still feeling good about my 4.5 pound loss yesterday. :) Big thanks to Holly and her mother-in-law for fixing my glasses for me! (I don't wear them much but I hate not having them in case I need them!)

My back is MUCH better today so I am planning to hit the gym after work today. I haven't been since Thursday since I jacked up my back, but I am feeling good and want to get back to the routine. It's funny how much I have missed it!

So that's it for today. Have a good Monday!

The Scale is My Friend Today

So after a few weeks of struggling with muscle gain, I lost 4.5 pounds this week for a total al 70.5 now! I feel like I am floating on a cloud! :) It's been a great day, but mostly because of my friends at my WW meeting. What an amazing group of friends I have there! It's nice to be supported and give support to others!

Friday was a great day. Mom and I got manicures and went to a cooking class at Central Market. We visited with Gran for a bit and then wandered around the University Drive shopping area. It's fun to just wander around. It was very relaxing! At some point during the day I managed to turn wrong and I pulled some muscle in my side so I haven't worked out in a couple of days, but I am ready to hit the treadmill tomorrow.

Friday night was very musical. My friend Kevin and I went to go see one of our favorite local artists, Robin Hackett, who was playing in Dallas, and then we drove up to Denton to catch Mia's husband's band, Saints and Sinners. They were really good! They're playing at Club Clearview this Thursday night, and I think I am going to try and go up there if they don't go on stage too terribly late. If you can, you should check them out!


















This Friday is Elvis T Busboy at Greenville Bar & Grill, and as always, that should be an awesome show. I am all about the local music these days!

It's been a good weekend. Not quite ready to go back to work, but we'll have another 3 day in a couple weeks for Labor Day. I want to really do something fun, but I have plenty of time to plan. There's a cooking class for singles at CM this coming weekend, and I am thinking of checking that out. Might be a nice way to meet other singles! :)

Everyone have a great day!

My Equivalent of Friday

I am taking the day off tomorrow, so this is like a Friday for me here at work. (Yay!) My mother and I are going to get manicures and go to a cooking class tomorrow, and I am really looking forward to that. Then tomorrow night, I'm going to see one of my favorite local musicians, Robin Hackett. She's incredible! And after that, I'm heading up to Denton to see Mia's husband's band (Saints and Sinners) play. They're really good! I'm going to take the digital camera so I will have some new pics to post. (Both of the bands and of me!)

I conducted my first team meeting as the Team Lead. It went well, but I wasn't expecting any problems. I get a little nervous speaking in front to people, which is odd because I started out in college as a vocal performance major and have sung in front of lots of people and it never bothered me. But I was pleased with the meeting and the team seems to respond well to me, so I am feeling good. I'll feel even better when my raise shows up on my next check (It will be retro to August 1st, so it's going to be a nice check).

I am working out with Jacqueline tonight instead of tomorrow since tomorrow is my day to play. I've been printing her wedding invitations for her, and I am pleased. They look really nice. I got everything done and will be able to hand it off to her tonight. I know she's excited. (She is engaged to the owner of the gym)

That's it for today! Thanks to everyone who submits supportive comments here. It's really nice and sometimes reading your "pep talks" really does help me keep going.

Have a wonderful day!

It's Really NOT About What the Scale Says!

So I worked out with Jacqueline last night and we decided to take my measurements since it had been a month since we'd done that. I've lost a bunch of inches!! So all of you wonderful people who took the time to remind me that it's not just about what the scale says were exactly right! And thank you for reminding me of that. It's so easy to get caught up in a number, and although I want to see the pounds coming off, it's so nice to see the inches going away, too! :)

I'm trying to find a copy of this month's Vanity Fair magazine, because I would like to read the Jennifer Anniston interview. I went to 3 grocery stores and Barnes and Noble last night and was unable to find a single copy! If any of you have that magazine or see a copy somewhere, please pick it up for me and I will be more than happy to reimburse you for it! I'm tired of looking for it! (I had no idea it would be so popular!)

In other news, I am wanting to go back to Paris so bad! Kim mentioned it to me yesterday and really made me want to go! We're taking a girl's trip to NYC next May, so it might be hard to do. However, my friend Wendy found a good deal to Paris a few Januarys ago just looking through the paper, so maybe I'll set money back and keep my eye out for a trip over there. I'm really wanting to go back. There is still so much to see and do, and I would love to just go walk around Paris for a few days. I'd want to stay at the same hotel and go visit some of the places in the neighborhood. Maybe check out some of the more bohemian neighborhoods and watch some of the artists on the streets. *sigh* Kim, we have GOT to go back!

Enough daydreaming. I have a bunch to do today, so that's all the blogging for now. Have a good Wednesday!

Stuck in the Rain

Last night I did my grocery shopping. When I got to the store, it wasn't raining. However, as soon as I finished up, I was checking out and I thought I could hear it raining but I never expected it to be raining so hard! I couldn't get out to my car! I had to stand under the awning with everyone else and wait for it to let up. After about 15 minutes it let up, but just a little. I decided I was really ready to get home, so I rolled up my pants and took off my flip flops and made a dash for it. In just the minute it took me to get to my car, I got completely soaked! Which led me to think that there needs to be some sort of service that roams the parking lots in bad weather taking people to their cars! (I would totally have shelled out a few bucks for a ride to my car!) Good job idea for high schoolers, I thought!

This morning when I woke up, I hopped out of bed to turn off the alarm clock, when I heard a small crunch sound. Apparently I fell asleep with my glasses on, and at some point last night I took them off and they didn't make it to the nightstand. Yep. I stepped on my glasses. So now I have to budget that in as well. I was really wanting to buy new shoes this pay period, but that may have to wait a little longer. I don't wear them too often, but I like having them in case my contacts aren't doing well for me. (like yesterday...my eyes were burning with all the stuff in the air, so I had to wear the glasses) It's always something, isn't it?

So that's about it for today. Hope everyone has a good day!

Things to Not Ask Me About Today

My weigh in didn't go well yesterday. I gained a pound, and again, it came as a surprise. Everyone keeps telling me it's muscle, and I know it's not what I'm eating, but damn! So I am hoping to get through the day with as few people as possible asking me about how WW is going.

I had a relatively uneventful weekend. The ice cream festival Saturday was a bust...they ran out before any of my group got any, which is just as well for me! But it was a long day of driving around and that got old for me. I think I'll pass next time they invite me to go. But I did get to go see Elvis T Busboy Friday night and that was great!

So that's my weekend pretty much. Hope everyone has a good Monday!

Big News For Me!

Just a quick update...I just found out I got a promotion! :) I'ts not a huge one, but it comes with a pay increase, so I am a happy gal!

Just had to shout it from the rooftop! Have a great Friday!

TGIF!!

I am so glad it's Friday! It's been a very long week, and I'm ready for a break. I saw March of the Penguins last night, and it was too cute! (Who doesn't love penguins?) I had no idea that penguins court one another and cuddle! And the baby penguins are so precious! Anyhow...it's a good documentary and I really enjoyed it. It was a nice diversion from the stress of the workday.

I got a good workout in last night as well, so I am a little tight in the hamstrings today. However, it's arms night tonight so it shouldn't be too bad. After that I am going to go home and clean up and head over to Kevin's. We're going to go see Elvis T Busboy tonight!! I am very excited about getting and relaxing this evening.

Tomorrow I am going with the family to "Crankfest". It's a home-made ice cream festival. I am going along for the free lunch, but am skipping the ice cream. It's going to be tough, but I am determined to have a good weigh in this week. :)

So that's the scoop. Sorry for the lack of posting yesterday, but I figured you've had enough of "Nothing new with me" so I thought I would take a day off from posting. One more thing....Gran is doing really well! They've had her up and using a walker to get around, so she is making big progress! I am hoping she will be home before the holidays!

So have a good Friday!

Halfway to the Weekend!

It's been a long week, and it's only halfway done! (Ugh!) I am so sleepy today and I can't seem to get going. I think a cup of coffee may be in order. I worked out hard last night, so I am a little sore today, but nothing like last week!

This week has been pretty uneventful for me. Got my car back from the shop, and it's doing great. Tonight I am going to go see Gran. She's doing really well! She is making big improvements in her therapy and she wants to be home before football season gets too far along. (I didn't know she was such a fan!) Tomorrow night I am going to go see March of the Penguins. I can't resist it! The commercials are too cute, and I always like things Morgan Freeman has anything to do with, so I bet it will be good. (And penguins are SOOOO cute!)

I am getting Anchorman on DVD (thru Netflix) today, so I am saving it to watch Friday night. Now everyone that keeps telling me to see it can leave me alone. And if it sucks, I am sending an email to all of them to thank them for recommending a crummy movie! (But I do like Will Farrell)

So that's it for today. Have a good Wednesday!

Welcome Home, Discovery!

It's nice to start the day with good news! Space shuttle Discovery and the entire crew are home safe, and it was wonderful to watch! I found myself feeling anxious as I watched and waited for them to make it through re-entry, and part of me wanted to jump up and cheer when we heard Commander Eileen Collins' transmission that the shuttle had come to a complete stop. What good news that they're home safe!

In less important news, my car is in the shop. :( It started hemorrhaging coolant, so I am have some hoses replaced. (Big fun!) It's also leg night, so rest assured I will be a bit sore tomorrow. I need a good workout tonight! (I took last night off)

No big news for me personally. I'm just happy our space shuttle crew is home!

A Peaceful Weekend

It was a nice weekend. I got to relax on Friday night with Kim and Mia while we watched a little Sex and the City and got caught up on the latest gossip. Saturday morning, went to see Gran (who wasn't feeling just great, but is doing better), and then spent the afternoon lounging at Angela's pool. Then she took me to dinner at Mi Cocina's in Southlake where they were having "National Night Out" and the Southlake firemen and paramedics were out showing off their trucks. Naturally, Angela and I had to go take a look! We chatted with a fireman, but he had a ring on so we did a little more window shopping but it appears that all the Southlake boys are married! So off to dinner we went. Mi Cocina's makes very good grilled chicken and veggies, for those of you watching what you eat. After that we wandered around and looked in the store windows and then Angela brought me home. It was a nice evening and it felt good to get out.

And then there was Sunday. I worked out for 45 minutes on the treadmill, doing 60 seconds of running and then two minutes of walking and alternating back and forth. I was looking forward to my weigh in since I had been so good this week and got in 6 nights of exercise. So you can only imagine my shock and dismay when I got on the scales to find that I had gained .5 pound. This was so disappointing! I'm so close to the 75 pound mark, and my body went the other way! I know it's probably because I am gaining muscle, but come on!! It's just frustrating. I know many of you might suggest I get over myself and it's only a half pound, but as hard as I work out and as careful as I try to be about what I eat, this was a big disappointment for me. So after WW I went home and changed clothes and walked/jogged to mom and dad's for dinner. After that we visited for a while and then I went home to get a good night's sleep.

So that was my weekend. I got to relax, and this week will hopefully feel less stressful. Have a good Monday!

Finally! I Feel More Relaxed!

I managed to get some rest last night and I feel so much better! After work, I decided to go home and rest for a bit. I made dinner for myself (something I haven't had time to do in forever!) and soaked my feet in a rejuvinating, bubbling foot bath. Afterwards, I cleaned the kitchen and enjoyed some quiet time watching a little tv. Then I decided to go work out, and it felt good! My legs have been so sore and it felt good to stretch those muscles out.

After that, I stopped by my parents' house to visit, but at 9:12pm they were fast asleep! So I dropped by to visit my friend Cindy and her family and stayed a little late, but it was good to laugh and visit with them. I got home around 11:00 and went right to bed and slept to so well! I've been in a much better mood today, and am looking forward to working out tonight. After the workout I am going to Mia's to hang out with her and Kim, and I am really excited about that! We need a girl's night!!

It's a bit crazy here at work today, but I have comfort in the knowledge that I am out of here at 4pm.

Have a good day everyone!

Being Refreshed

Lately it seems that I can't find a way to really unwind. I've been stressed and tired and not sleeping as well as I would like. It's hard for me to find a way to refresh myself, so I am going to spend time tonight indulging myself. My plan is to (and I HAVE to do this today) stop and get my oil changed and then go to the gym. After the gym begins the real relaxation (I hope). I am going to pick up my favorite WW friendly dinner from Chili's (the Guiltless Grill Black Bean Burger) and then head home. I"m borrowing my mother's foot bath and soaking my oh so tired toes in this wonderful minty-fizzy stuff from Angela as I enjoy dinner. I have a paraffin dip, so I am doing my hands and feet, and then giving my toes a good polishing. I'm also going to give my skin a good toning and cleansing. I just need to de-escalate from the week and I think this will help me feel better. I would go shopping, but the budget is a little snug until the 15th, and I hate to window shop. :)

What do you do when you are stressed out and need to unwind? I really would love some suggestions!

What People Say When They Think You Can't Hear

Ever wondered what people say about you when they don't know you're listening? I found out yesterday. I went to the gym after work, and I went into the ladies' locker room to change clothes. The locker rooms are designed so that there isn't a door but no one can see into the room, which means you can hear people talking in the hallway. I had finished changing and sat down to put my shoes on, when I hear Doug, the owner (and my trainer's fiancee), talking about one of Jackie's clients who has lost a significant amount of weight. This piqued my interest, as I am always interested in other people's success stories, so I listened a little closer. He went on to say that he knew this girl was going to reach her goal, because he had never seen anyone with this kind of drive and determination. Again, I found myself thinking how great this girl must be doing! So I get ready to work out and walk around the corner, and there's Doug and two of his clients. Doug looks at me and says "speak of the devil!" Me! He was talking about ME!!! So the guys were very interested in how I had lost weight and how long I had been working out. I answered questions and then went on to go work with Jackie. A little later, Doug came by and thanked me for "lighting a fire" under his clients, and he had hoped he didn't embarrass me. Embarass me? Who wouldn't love a pat on the back like that? That made me feel like a million dollars. So now I know what some people say about me behind my back. And it makes me feel good!

Back to the Usual

Yesterday I left work because of a headache, but I'm back to "normal" now and feeling good. I mostly slept yesterday and when I started feeling better, I went to the gym and worked out. It's amazing how much better I feel after working out! Went to dinner with the folks for their anniversary last night. (Man, I love the grilled shrimp at Saltgrass!) Other than all that, I don't have much news.

If anything exciting happens to me today, I will certainly update the site. Otherwise, have a good Tuesday!

Getting Closer

It was a busy weekend, but the big news first...I lost another 2.5 pounds for a total of 68! This means only 7 more until I hit my next goal of 75 pounds gone! This was very exciting for me! :)

In other news, Saturday was insanely busy. I went to see Gran, whose spirits are great and she is really ready to get back into her PT. She starts that again today, so I am excited for her and cannot wait to hear how it went. After I saw Gran, I went to go see my friend Anne, she was having a good day and not having a headache. We watched Legally Blonde and had lunch, and then I had to head on. I needed to stop and get a birthday gift for Christy and a housewarming gift for Jessica and Joe. After getting that done, I ran home and got ready to hit the party circuit. You know, I don't have that many parties to go to, so why the two I had this month ended up on the same night is beyond me!

So off to the party. Jessica's housewarming was first. Her house is gorgeous! Our little work clique was there, so we laughed our heads off until about 8:30, and then those of us from the office all had to head our separate directions. I went on to Christy's birthday gathering at The Pour House. Kevin went with me, and we got there around 9pm. Rich had taken Christy to a nice dinner at Del Friscos, and he got a room at The Worthington for them as well. We got there and hung out until about midnight, when my head had really started to pound, so I needed to go home. We said the goodbyes and Kevin dropped me off at the apartment. I was so tired that I just crashed out when I got home.

Sunday was uneventful. Got up, cleaned house, worked out, went to WW, did the grocery shopping, took a much needed nap, and then got some dinner. It was late when I ran up to Subway, but I didn't mean to take such a long nap. I pretty much ate and then went to bed. I have got to manage my schedule better!

I have a slight headache today...residual from the weekend I think, but hopefully it will pass.

Oh, Happy 36th Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Here's a picture of me from Saturday night. It's not the best, but here it is...



That's it for now. Have a good day!