Miss. Beach Bound

Officially: "Just a College Student"

2010-01-10T21:47:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow is my first official day as "just a college student". It has been several years (like more than 5), since I graduated from high school. It took me 3 years to get my Associates Degree, and now I am working toward my Bachelors degree. I will graduate in May 2011, so I am making decent progress being that I have been a part time student until this past semester.

Tomorrow will be my first full day (9:30 - 5) of college. I have always taken 1 or 2 classes a day, but never a FULL day. I'm planning on being completely exhausted, especially since tomorrow will be extra long with a night class that ends at 8 pm. I am not working yet, and it looks like I won't be working anytime soon, as I don't have any prospective employers banging down my door from the 30 something applications and resumes I have submitted.

I am looking forward to focusing on school more, and a job less. I'm excited about the opportunities I will be afforded with my new found free time.

Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend!
-BB

AWESOME Saturday!

2010-01-09T22:26:00.004-05:00

Today was an awesome Saturday! Besides the obvious that I have my health and my family, it was great because it was stress free and relaxing, and I managed to slip in a late afternoon nap.

I had to be up early to do some employment testing, cross your fingers for me. I don't have to work, but honestly - I get bored at home. I did well on my test, but now I have to see if they think I am "capable" of doing the job - whatever that means.

In the afternoon I went shopping at my favorite store, Kohls. If you don't have a Kohl's in your neck of the woods, you seriously have no idea what you are missing. I would venture to say that 98% of my wardrobe is purchased in that store. After shopping we ate at my favorite restaurant, Cracker Barrel....yum! Chicken and Dumplings, fabulous! Then, a quick trip to the grocery store and home to watch the Dallas/Philadelphia game.

I'm not a fan of either team, but darn...can the Eagles do something?!?! It's not over yet, but I think it's safe to say Dallas has it.

Tomorrow I'm going to whip up a big pot of White Chicken Chili and watch football and get my money's worth out of the Wii. Fun fun!

It has been far to cold here in the south lately. If it's below 30 again tomorrow, I'm not leaving the house, for anything! It's too cold to start the car and get out of the car, and then have to warm the car up again. It is just too cold. Hello Mother Nature? Do you hear me? It's too cold! Bring the sun back to the south, warm it up.....50 would be fine with me, heck - I might even settle with 45!

-BB

Life As of Now.....

2010-01-08T15:20:00.000-05:00

So, whats new with me? Well, for starters I have gotten really good at neglecting my blog. I plan to rectify that, and spend more time updating my blog. I really enjoy blogging, so I'm not sure why I don't do it more often.

Right now I am enjoying a break from school and find myself getting bored. It only takes me one day to clean the house really good, then the rest of the week I pick-up in the morning and I am bored for the rest of the afternoon. I need to find a hobby or something! I bought the supplies to make a knot blanket for a friend who is having a baby in March. I haven't started it yet, because I'm nervous! I just don't want to mess it up. I need my Mom to help me get started, then I will be OK to do it on my own. Other than that, nothing new is going on.

My weight loss is progressing and I feel better than ever. I am trying to get on an exercise routine, but I've been lazy. It's too cold to go to the park and walk, which is what I really love to do. I have a Wii Fit, but exercising in the house isn't any fun, so I put it off every chance I get. After school starts next week, I plan to get into a routine and then start exercising.

That's all for now.
-BB

The Life of the Unemployed...

2009-12-11T13:00:00.002-05:00

The end of the semester came up quickly, I am very grateful for that. I am finished, except for 1 exam next Thursday. I am enjoying a little break until then. Yesterday and today I busied myself with laundry, dishes and baking. This morning I had some errands to run, and floors to wash. Of course, I enjoy some down time now and then.

TiVo is amazing! I love the Real Housewives of Orange County, and Jersey Shore. Let's be serious though, who takes their daughters who can barely walk and talk to get manicures and pedicures? Crazy! These people have too much money!

I'm ready for Christmas. Our house is decorated, and all the gifts are purchased and wrapped. I'm planning to try some new recipes, which is exciting. I actually have time to try recipes, because I am home to make them!

That's about all that's been going on.

Drumroll please.....

2009-12-01T17:46:00.002-05:00

I quit my job! There is a long story behinds the entire situation, but the bottom line is - I got fed up with the lying and how it was affecting my health. I was literally stressing so much that it was affecting my well being, so I quit. I just up and walked out on November 19th and it felt so good!

On another note, I am enjoying my time at home with the little man until I can find a part-time job. I was going to leave in January, but I was going to give notice and be more professional about it. However, circumstances prevented me from being entirely professional and I packed my office in record time....didn't even shed a tear!!

I hit my 50 pound goal last night at Weight Watchers for a total of 51.4 pounds, and next week the semester will be over!

That's all for now!
-BB

I want to be Beach Bound....

2009-11-09T16:42:00.001-05:00

Seriously. I need a vacation.

Big changes coming...... work decisions.

I'll write more later.

-BB

No Hiatus Here.....

2009-11-04T12:40:00.004-05:00

I'm still here, I've just had a lot going on that has prevented me from sitting down and writing anything worthwhile.

I'm happy to report that the little furry guy is doing great, and growing like a weed. I took him to get his pictures professionally made in his Halloween costume. They came out great, as soon as I get access to them I will post one. It's obvious that I have no children, because if I did - I would not be spending money to get professional pictures made of my puppy! He is like my child though....

Next semester is still unknown. I am having a lot of trouble at work with unrealistic expectations and crazy demands. It seems as though the "boss" thinks I am not worthy of receiving an education, therefore she is trying to make it nearly impossible for me to take classes next semester. I'm determined to win, and I'm fighting hard - so wish me luck. I am supposed to register for classes on November 11th. I'm planning on registering for the ones I want to take, and hoping that it all works out.

The next couple of weeks are the down-hill slope of this semester. I have several assignments due that will take up most of my free time. I am very relieved that this semester has flown by so fast, because the stress was starting to get to me.

My weight loss is still progressing. I am now down a little more than 47 pounds and wearing a size 10. Yes, you read that right....a SIZE 10!!! I haven't worn a pair of pants this small since I was 15 years old, and it feels great!

Happy Wednesday. I'm on the countdown for Friday! :)
~BB

Florida

2009-10-21T08:43:00.005-04:00

We've been back a week, and I just now have time to update. We had a fabulous time!

The weather was perfect, except for the humidity - but that was expected since it was Florida. We were fortunate to be able to take the pup with us everywhere, with the great weather we sat outside at ate everywhere we went.

Dozer enjoying some Florida OJ

Riding in the car

We had a great time, I can't wait for another road trip!

-BB

Just don't have time....

2009-10-07T16:31:00.003-04:00

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! Ok - I feel better now. Kinda.

Things have just been so crazy around here, I haven't had time to blog about any of it. It makes me sad, I hate neglecting my blog.

I also hate lists, but since I'm in a hurry - I must do a list....

My job is changing, big time. It's not a bad thing, because my pay is not decreasing. It's not increasing either - but that's another complaint for another time.
School has been going good, I just turned in a big, long paper on Tuesday night . . . hopefully that means I will have more time to blog.
I'm going on vacation Friday through Tuesday, and I'm soooo looking forward to it.

Here's a new picture of the baby to hold you over until I have more time to write a way better post...

-BB

Maniac Monday!

2009-09-28T09:42:00.002-04:00

Today, it's just another day. Right?

I got to work to find out that the "manager" of the department, whom I do not report to, has failed to follow the rules and effectively communicate once again. She's an idiot. I told her my very own special way, by reply e-mail - stating the rules. Which she should know....since she's a manager. Ugh.

I have to finish writing my paper. I am 3 pages into it, with only 2 to go and I absolutely cannot find my motivation. I better find it today, the rough draft is due tomorrow. It's optional, but I want an A, so I'm doing it.

Weigh in is tonight. I don't feel any lighter this week. Hopefully the scale reads otherwise!

That's all. It's Monday and I'm missing motivation!
-BB

Goals

2009-09-17T11:06:00.003-04:00

As most of you know, I started Weight Watchers on April 1st. In 5 short months, I have lost 40.8 pounds!

When I started weight watchers, I:

was slowly losing confidence in myself
was gaining a negative self image
despised shopping for clothes, especially shirts
knew if I lost weight, I would be happier with my body
wore a size 20 pants, and a size XXL shirt

5 Months Later, I:

have gained a lot of confidence, so much that I do not wear such baggy sweaters
like to look at myself in the mirror and view the transformation my body is going through
love shopping for new clothes, but I have more to loose - so I'm not shopping a lot yet.
am a lot happier with my body
wear a size 12 pants, and a size L or XL shirt - depending on the brand

Hitting 40 pounds was big for me because I was a member of Weight Watchers several years ago, and I lost 35 pounds and just gave up. This time is different, I made it to 40 and I'm taking it one day at a time....just wait until I hit 50 pounds....boy what a celebration that will be. No cake though!

I have found losing weight to be so much easier this time, mainly because I plan ahead. I buy fruit on the weekends and bag it individually and place it in the fridge. Every morning on my way to work I grab 2 bags of fruit to take with me. I also mainly eat Lean Cuisine entrees for lunch, because I have to eat at my desk since I am taking classes. I used to think there was too much sodium in Lean Cuisine, but it's not affecting my weight loss. In fact, Lean Cuisine has the Weight Watchers points value printed on the box!

Eating out is not nearly as hard as I thought it would be. A lot of restaurants offer healthier options. At McDonald's I can generally eat a 6 piece Chicken nugget for 6 points, and apple dippers for 1 point. Sometimes, when I'm really hungry, I'll get a fish fillet for 9 points and apple dippers for 1 point. Wendy's, Chick-Fil-A, and Jack in the Box have healthy options too.

Grocery shopping is important. The menu for dinner is planned in advance, then I know how many points I can eat during the day, so I have enough points left for dinner and a snack late in the evening if I'm still hungry.

I'm happy, and that's what is important. I can't wait to reach 50 pounds and tell you all how happy I am then, too!
-BB

Just another lazy Sunday......

2009-09-14T08:04:00.004-04:00

I really enjoyed my Friday off, and I got a lot done. On Friday and through the course of the weekend, I managed to almost finish my book. I have 4 chapters to read tonight. On Friday, I spent a lot of time playing with the pup, and doing laundry. I manged to get all the laundry done!

Saturday was spent running errands, and shopping - it's a compulsion! Ha.

And Sunday was just a lazy day....the Eagles stomped the Panthers. This is how Dozer spent his Sunday:

I'm not going to say much about the Taylor Swift / Kanye West thing, except that Kanye is a dirt bag and I felt like Taylor handled it very well. If you're not sure what I'm talking about....go here.

That's all for now.
-BB

Catching A Break

2009-09-10T15:11:00.005-04:00

I have several assignments due in the next 2 weeks, this has driven me into full on planning mode. I have had my highlighters and my planner out, and I decided that I need to take a day off to get some things done....tomorrow is that day.

I have a chapter book to read for my Children's Literature class, I plan to start it tonight and finish it tomorrow. Next, I have to write a 3-5 page paper comparing a character in the chapter book to a character in a fairy tale. So, after I read the book I will begin working on constructing my thesis statement. I love writing that interests me, this doesn't really interest me - so I'm dreading it. However, my professor is willing to read our rough draft and comment before the actual paper is due, which I am thankful for. Ideally, I would write the paper over the weekend, and e-mail it to her on Monday, but we all know that isn't going to happen. I tend to procrastinate on the weekend, especially when there is a paper to be written! I have 2 weeks to get the rough draft to her, so I'm going to take my time and make sure I have something really good before I submit it for review.

I have other small things like documents to create, and journal entries to write - but they are easy compared to this reading and paper writing. I hope to spend my day tomorrow being productive, not lazy. I really need to take advantage of the quiet house!

It's my Friday!
-BB

Happy and Hectic!

2009-09-06T11:51:00.002-04:00

My days have consisted of working, class, homework, and potty breaks. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I have wanted a Boston Terrier puppy for quite a while, and I finally broke down and bought one last weekend. He is so loving, and adorable!

Last night I went to the Taylor Swift concert, and Dozer had to go to my brothers because we were going to be gone to long to leave him in his pen. He was good, but I missed him while I was gone!! I couldn't wait to get home to see the little guy.

Today I'm being lazy, and he's doing a fabulous job as well. I've folded 3 loads of wash, and I have one in now. I'm watching Carolina and blogging while he's laying next to the chair in his doggy bed sleeping. He's such a sleeper, we are on hour 3 of his nap right now!

Sometime this afternoon I'm going to go do a little grocery shopping, and visit some friends. I'm off tomorrow for the holiday, thank goodness! I have some homework to do.....I have to stop procrastinating!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day holiday.
-BB

I've got a new man in my life.....

2009-08-29T21:38:00.002-04:00

Meet Dozer.
He's only been in my life 4 hours, and I'm in love!

So far....

2009-08-27T21:29:00.004-04:00

The beginning of the semester has been hectic and fun. I have 4 very good, energetic professors who seem passionate about the respective subjects they are teaching.

This is a good thing! Professors who lack excitement about the material can make me fall asleep in a minute. However, professors who teach without referring to the book or notes are amazing educators.

I have definitely hit the jackpot this semester, and I am excited about my luck!

I also have to tell you how proud I am of myself. I have managed to stay organized and keep my nerves under control. Generally, at the beginning of the semester I am worried about everything, which makes me about unfit to be around. This semester was different. I planned my day in advance, and made sure I had everything prepared and sitting on the counter the night before. Preparing the night before made mornings much easier. I also managed to get up 10 minutes earlier everyday, and get to work about 20-30 minutes early everyday.

This week was a success, and I am happy about that! I have to work tomorrow, but I don't have any classes, and I get to go to lunch with the girls for the first time this week...I need some girl talk!
-BB

Signs

2009-08-25T11:23:00.002-04:00

Apparently I have signs posted all over my car that I didn't even know existed. They say things like:

"Here Doggy, Doggy!"

"Pull out now. Go at least 15 MPH under speed limit!!!"

"Blinkers are useless"

"Go 30 MPH over the speed limit to pass me, even though I'm doing the speed limit. Then, jump in front of me and slam on the breaks because you see a cop in the distance."

I'm not sure why I can't see these signs, but all the other drivers can see them.

Ok. Off my rant.
-BB

Organization is Key

2009-08-24T08:36:00.002-04:00

In order to be successful, and have the minimal amount of stress possible.... I must be organized.

I feel like I'm organized. Last night, I made a list of everything I needed to remember to bring with me to work today. I managed to bring everything on my list, imagine that! An unorganized Monday is bad enough, but an unorganized Monday and first day of the semester is disastrous!

Of course, the menu is planned for the week as well....

Monday - Dinner Out (Japanese, yum!)
Tuesday - Class Late. Chicken Nuggets & Apple Dippers from McDonald's
Wednesday - Grilled Chicken Sausage with Artichokes & Mozzarella, Au Gratin Potatoes, Corn
Thursday - Class Late. Fish Fillet & Apple Dippers from McDonald's

Do you see how busy = no cooking? I don't have time! I wont be home until after 9 on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. On Monday evenings we go to Weight Watchers and don't get home until 7 or later. It looks like Wednesday will be the only night to cook a good meal and relax. Of course, there is always Friday too. Usually on Friday, we eat the leftovers in the fridge from Monday - Thursday. This week, it will probably be pancakes or something quick and easy!

Don't get me wrong, I'm excited about starting this semester and completing 4 more classes. But, man...is it going to be a slow wait for finals in December!

-BB

Preparation for the Semester

2009-08-20T13:15:00.004-04:00

The fall semester starts on Monday, therefor I have done everything I can think of to ensure that I am prepared. Of course, after the 1st week of classes, there will be some things that I will need to purchase, but of course - I must wait for the class syllabus before I know exactly what I will need.

I've done a lot of pre-planning. I have all of my books, I bought a new messenger bag, and I have updated my planner. I need to go grocery shopping this weekend to get some things to pack my lunch and have at my desk so I can eat on the go and continue my weight loss journey.

I'm feeling pretty confident about this semester. I am working 40 hours a week, and taking 4 classes (2 during the day, 2 at night). The perk....I am employed by the college, so I can literally walk to class. I must admit when I signed up for 4 classes I was a bit scared. I wondered how I was going to juggle work, school and a social life. Then I remembered, my social life is not all that important right now....getting my degree is. When I have that very important piece of paper, I can be as social as I want to be...but until then, I must remain focused on the goal!

I hoped to have some relaxation before the semester started, however I will only get Saturday and Sunday. I didn't want to take any vacation days, and we had company last weekend so I was constantly on the go.

I am looking forward to rest and relaxation. And no, I did not attempt to water ski or knee board. I floated in my tube and played with the dogs, it was wonderful!

-BB

Water ski? Oh my!

2009-08-14T15:07:00.003-04:00

This weekend is going to be busy and fun. Friends of my brother and I are coming to visit. They should be arriving about the time we get home from work. We don't have any definite plans tonight, that I know of - but I'm sure we will do something.

Tomorrow we are planning on spending the day on the lake, trying to water ski. I haven't tried in years, knee boarding was more my thing. We'll see how that goes. I'll probably be agonizing about the pain I am in on Monday!!

I'm also going through 'SIW', a.k.a. Sever Ikea Withdraw. I absolutely love Ikea, but I haven't been there in a couple of months. I intend to rectify this situation this weekend. I could buy that store out....if I had the money. It's cheap though, so I could buy a lot of it! Ha ha.

I'm just glad it is Friday and I have 2 days to relax and enjoy my life.
-BB

Meow

2009-08-13T09:16:00.006-04:00

This little girl showed up last weekend, and she's still hanging out.....
I can't keep her, because my dog thinks she's a snack. I have to bring her in to let him out. It's really just a zoo around my house right now. I have been feeding her, and we gave her a flea bath the other night. So, she smells good and is well nourished for her new owner. Hum...not I just have to find her a suitable home!

Weigh in was great on Monday night, I was down 1.8 more pounds - for a grand total of 36.6 pounds lost so far!!

Tomorrow is Friday!!
-BB

Monday Madness

2009-08-10T09:06:00.004-04:00

I had a busy weekend, and I am paying for it! Two days at the lake makes for a sore, sore body on Monday morning. I have a bit of sunburn, even though I applied plenty of sunscreen. I can't ever win that battle. After tubing and swimming for hours, I have sore muscles that I have never felt before, seriously! Each and every muscle in my body was used this weekend, I assure you. We had some family visiting, and really enjoyed ourselves. I should have taken today off to recuperate.

School goes back in 2 weeks. Am I ready? More than you know....I just want to get it over with. I hate waiting for things to happen, I'm ready to start today.

This week is going to be nice and relaxed, with no appointments or after work meetings. It will be nice to go home, cook dinner, and relax. I need to catch up on my laundry and house cleaning from the weekend, as it was neglected to enable me to partake in fun activities. I was glad to get some grocery shopping done last night, and plan the menu for the week:

Monday - Take Out/ Eat Out (the decision will be made on the way home from Weight Watchers tonight)

Tuesday - Crab Cakes, Scalloped Potatoes, Green Beans (7 points to total)

Wednesday - Turkey Cheddar Brats, Mashed Potatoes, Sauerkraut (5 points total)

Thursday - California White Pizza, Salad with Tomato Vinaigrette Dressing (8 points total)

Friday - Spinach Filo Pie, Sweet Corn (8 points total)

Because we work so far from home, we rarely have time to make anything from scratch. Although, I did buy the new Hungry Girl cook book (200 Recipes Under 200 Calories), it should arrive in the mail on Wednesday, so next weeks menu may contain actual recipes, I said may.

The crab cakes are from Wal-Mart, and they are only 4 points each. The Turkey Cheddar Brats. are also from Wal-Mart, and are made by Johnsonville. They are 3 points each. The California Pizza Kitchen White Pizza is store bought, frozen thin crust pizza, at 6 points for 1/3 of the pie. It's delicious, and quite filling. Lastly, the Spinach Filo Pie is a Trader Joe's product. We haven't had it before, so we are looking forward to trying it.

Weigh in is tonight, I'm hoping to hit the 35 pound mark, I only have .2 pounds to loose to get there. Cross your fingers for me!

Happy Monday!
-BB

A Rut....

2009-08-03T09:06:00.003-04:00

I have been in a bit of a mood all weekend. I guess I am just feeling sorry for myself, and it's really all for no good reason. I'm young, able bodied, and outgoing. However, I'm not really into going out to bars or clubs and staying up all hours of the night. I'm not a drinker, only on special occasions. I prefer low key gatherings with a few friends, not crowded noisy parties.

I think I'm too finicky. I need to be more outgoing, to reach far inside and pull out my inner extrovert and conquer my fear of talking to a stranger.

I mean seriously! I need to get out of the 'circle' of people I know, and meet someone who doesn't live town. Who knows? Maybe I will meet someone that intrigues me, and can keep my interest. What an idea!?!

The problem is, I don't know where to begin? I'm terrified of going out by myself, I think there is safety in numbers, plus having a friend with is always a good confidence booster.

I have to admit, my biggest fear is growing old alone. I want to be married with children one day.

Any ideas? Advice?

-BB

I'm Water Logged Over Here

2009-07-29T08:27:00.003-04:00

Rain, rain....go away!

I've been up the last 2 nights past midnight with two very stubborn dogs. We are dog sitting my "nephew", who is a 150 pound Great Dane, and we have a Boxer of our own. They are both terrified of thunderstorms. On Monday night they irritated my Mom more than me, but last night they camped out in my bedroom. Usually they know better than to come in my room, it's off limits to them - but last night was an exception. The thunder and lighting was constant and their nerves were tore up. I laid a blanket on my floor, and they finally laid down together and fell asleep. If it thundered really loud, they'd start panting and I would say "It's OK. I'm here", and they would calm back down. It was precious!

The Skynyrd/Kid Rock concert was great! We left a little early because they were calling for rain showers, and we were ready anyway. It was fun, but I was really out of my element with the mixed crowd that was there.

This Friday I have tickets to go to Nickelback, hopefully it doesn't rain. They're calling for rain every day, all week! Ugh.

I'm glad it's Wednesday, the week is half over!
-BB

My Weekend

2009-07-24T15:38:00.002-04:00

I'm looking forward to enjoying some time with friends and family this weekend, it will be nice to just be around the house and not traveling.

Tonight after work the plan is to grab a bite to eat, and head to the mall for some shopping. Tomorrow I'm going to stick around the house and do some cleaning, then in the afternoon I'm going to a baby shower with a friend. I don't have any plans for Saturday night, but I'm sure I will end up doing something exciting. Saturday nights are always elusive and last minute, which makes them fun!

On Sunday my Mom and I are going to the Kid Rock & Lynyrd Skynard concert. It should be a blast, although I've never been to a concert of this genre before - so I'm not really sure what to expect.

I took a vacation day on Monday to recuperate from our late night on Sunday. I'm planning on vacationing on the couch with a book in one had, and an ice cold drink in the other!

Please take a moment to stop by Jessica's blog at This, that & my blog. Jessica is around the same age as me, and lost her father early this morning. She needs our payers to lift her and her family up right now.

Thank you all.
-BB

Taking a Time-Out

2009-07-22T09:32:00.002-04:00

I'm incredibly busy at work today, but I'm taking a quick time-out to blog. I'm bad, I know!

Vacation/Surprise was very nice. Everyone was surprised and happy to see us. We rushed home on Monday, just in time to weigh in at Weight Watchers. After a 4 day vacation, I am proud to report that I am down 3 more pounds. It wasn't hard staying on track while we were away, I actually found it to be easier.

On another note, McDonald's had the teeny beanie babies that I think are absolutely adorable. I can tell there are a lot of happy meals in my future, yum! Chicken nuggets and apples!

Happy Wednesday everyone! I'm counting down until Friday!!
-BB

Secret Revealed

2009-07-18T12:00:00.000-04:00

I'm in Pennsylvania!

What were the pictures???

Picture #1 is the Liberty Bell located in Philadelphia, PA

Picture #2 is the beautiful Appalachian Mountains

Picture #3 is the Pittsburgh Steelers team logo

I'm not in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, but I am in the mountains for a family reunion. I haven't been in 4 years, and Mom hasn't been in 9 years. I am looking forward to seeing all my family that I haven't seen in many many years, and enjoying some time away from home. Of course, it is a 9 hour drive from North Carolina, which is the downside to the entire trip. But, it's good Mother/Daughter bonding time, and we love to spend time with each other so it is FUN!

Oh, as as for those relatives *ahem* that we don't care to see - we're hoping they don't attend the reunion. One can only hope!

See ya Tuesday!
-BB

Shhh.... Secret Vacation!

2009-07-17T10:27:00.007-04:00

I'm going to be out of touch for the weekend. It's going to be great fun not having my laptop, not! I'm probably going to go through withdraw, but I decided I didn't want to have to keep track of it while I was trying to enjoy my weekend.

At Noon, Mom and I are headed on a girls trip until Monday. The secret is, nobody knows that we are coming. It has been top secret because we have certain family member *ahem* whom we do not particularly care to spend time with whilst trying to enjoy our vacation. Where am I going?

Here are a couple of picture hints:
(Note: These hit at the state, not the town)

Picture Hint #1

Picture Hint #2

Picture Hint #3

Guess away in the comments!
I have a scheduled post to go up on Saturday at Noon with the answer!

I'll be back on to regular posting on Tuesday!

-BB

Goodbye 30 Pounds!

2009-07-14T16:06:00.004-04:00

It is hard to believe that on March 30th I weighed 30 pounds more than I do now, it was only 3 1/2 months ago. I can tell you this though, it feels great!

I am very self conscious about my personal appearance, so when people compliment me I don't know what to say. Don't get me wrong, it's nice - but I'm not a very self-gratifying person. I don't stand in front of my bathroom mirror and say "Damn, I'm hot!" You know what I mean? So when someone says to me "You look fabulous!" or "Wow, you are lookin' good slim!" I have no idea what to say. I want to say "It's hard work", but I don't want to be negative either. I generally just resort to the normal "Thank you".

I thought about what I wanted to share with this post. I decided that I wanted to give people a reason to decide to take a chance and attend a Weight Watchers meeting. When people ask me how I'm doing it, I always tell them that I'm attending Weight Watchers meetings. The normal response is "I can't do it" or "I don't have time" and my personal favorite - "It's too hard." First, let me tell you this, if I can do it - anybody can!

There are 3 reasons I decided to join Weight Watchers:

I wanted to improve my self-image and gain more self-confidence. (A.K.A. I didn't want to feel ugly in a bathing suit)
I wanted to learn how and what to eat. This one is especially important, because in order to loose weight and maintain your new healthy lifestyle - you have to learn to like and eat healthy foods.
I wanted stress relief. I know it sounds silly, but I stress about everything - even things I cannot control. Weight loss was something that I could control, so it seems to be a stress reliever for me. Every time I step on the scale and I loose a little weight, I feel more confident, energized, and less stressed. Of course, if I ever gain I will stress. But I won't give up!

Part of the success I have experienced is due in part to my Mom. She is also attending Weight Watchers meetings. I have found that the "buddy system" truly works. It is nice to be able to talk to her about my frustrations with what to eat or how much to exercise. She has been a very positive influence on me because I have seen her shed weight and look fabulous - so I know it can be done. She doesn't have as much to loose as I do, but she doesn't let that deter me or her. She is always pushing me to do my best, and I am doing the same for her. Having a buddy to do Weight Watchers with you is motivating. To date, my Mom has lost 25 pounds.

So, I am going to end my 'sales pitch' here and thank all of you who have encouraged me and continue to encourage me. My journey is not over yet, in fact - I have 43.2 more pounds to loose. I am looking forward to the day I hit my goal weight!

Loosing weight makes shopping fun!
-BB

Blogging Interruption

2009-07-13T08:55:00.002-04:00

Sorry about that! I have no idea what happened, but I submitted my issue to the Blogger help team, and I'm back!

It's sad, but without my blog, I felt a little out of the loop! I couldn't read my regular bloggers, and I couldn't post anything.

Now that I'm back I'm going to do a little Weekend Update.

After last week, a.k.a. the week that felt like FOREVER, I needed to rest this weekend. Friday night was nice and quiet with a quick trip to Taco Bell for some yummy fresco style low-fat tacos, and a stroll around the grocery store to grab a few necessities.

On Saturday we had doggy doctor (vet) appointment bright and early. The worst part was it was hot and the dog cannot ride in the car with the windows up. He is a Great Dane. Big, huge, slobbery dog! Eh, but I love him anyway! In the evening I had planned a night out with friends, and as expected - it was fun! With all of our busy lives, it seems like we never find time to get together and just hang out anymore.

Sunday was a lazy/busy day. It was supposed to be lazy, but it ended up busy with some shopping that needed to be done for an upcoming trip. Yes, a "vacation" of sorts.

On Friday, my Mom and I are driving 9 hours to the north (our hometown) for a family get together. We're not telling anyone in our family because we want it to be a surprise, and even more so - if we tell them they will all want to make dinner plans, and our "vacation" will turn into a busy whirlwind weekend with no rest and relaxation. And, if I recall correctly, aren't you supposed to rest and relax on your vacation?

I'm sure it will be fun, hectic, and exhausting! I called and made the hotel reservations today, and sometime this week I will need to find the time to do laundry and pack a bag.

Hustle Bustle, as always! Weigh-in tonight!!
-BB

I can't see my blog

2009-07-10T10:01:00.001-04:00

What's wrong?

What a week, it's a blur....

2009-07-06T15:57:00.004-04:00

Monday was a horrible day, I'm just going to be honest.

I had the hardest time making it though the day with a slight headache and an urgent need to sleep. I barely kept my eyes open until 5 pm, then Mom and I went to Weight Watchers.

The best part was that I was down 1.2 more pounds, for a total of 29.4 pounds. I am now able to fit into some jeans that I absolutely love, and it's very obvious that I have lost a good amount of weight.

Friday we went to Sam's Club and bought lots of fruit and bagged it in individual 1 cup servings. Yum! It makes the best snack ever. We bought Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Watermelon and Strawberries. If you're watching what you eat and trying to loose weight, I recommend having fresh fruits and vegetables prepared and ready to eat, otherwise you may be tempted to eat something fattening, that's quicker to prepare.

I absolutely could not pry myself out of bed yesterday, I still had an intense headache. Then, there was the lack of sleep from having such a headache, so to top it all off I was sick to my stomach. I called in and slept until 10 am. Then it was time to get up and go to the chiropractor for an adjustment, which finally alleviated my neck/headache pain. He didn't seem too surprised that I was in a pain, and he was able to pinpoint exactly where the pain was the most intense. It gave me hope that he will be able to help me, and one day I may not have to pop Excedrin like it's candy. I hate taking medicine, I know how bad it is for my liver, not to mention I have a very hard time swallowing pills. After the doctor, I came home and laid on the couch all afternoon with ice on my neck. It was nice to relax, just me and the dog.

I'm back at work again today, getting a lot done too. I feel much better, I'm still very tired - I don't think I'll ever get enough sleep.
-BB

Worn out...

2009-07-06T08:22:00.002-04:00

I am completely spent, no energy whatsoever. The good news is that I did make it to work today!

Because I'm so tired, I don't have the slightest attempt at a post this morning.

Sorry!
-BB

My week so far.....

2009-07-03T18:45:00.002-04:00

I'm proud to say I have not succumbed to any of the sugary, tasty substances!

2009-06-29T09:40:00.003-04:00

The weekend totally flew by. There just isn't enough time in 2 days to do everything that needs to be done. However, I did find time to play, even though I have a final exam on Tuesday that I should be studying for, and a very hectic 6 days coming up.

This weekend I....volunteered to be the official photographer at the local 5k event and got up at 6 am to carry out my duties. I spent my entire morning standing in the sun taking pictures of people running, then rushed home and published aforementioned pictures on the website. I made a mandatory trip to get the oil changed in my car, and took a leisurely stroll around the mall shopping and sipping a Starbucks drink, I warn you - shaken iced tea lemonade (black tea, unsweetened) - is addictive! I spent Saturday evening making a Coconut Cream Pie using a Cool Whip recipe, which I substituted mostly sugar-free, and fat-free ingredients (except for the coconut) to make it Weight Watchers friendly! Yum! I ate it while watching the movie Fireproof, which was fabulous and made me shed quite a few tears. Sunday was all about relaxing in the morning, and then a mid-afternoon lake trip which caused the burning of my forehead, which just adds a little color to my face....right? I rushed home after the lake to shower and go do a radio interview to promote our local 4th of July event, which I am helping organize. I left the radio station and rushed to Wal-Mart to buy groceries to pack my dinner all week, yes you read that right, not lunch....but dinner. I went home to get ready for work today, and lay on the couch...but nope. I had telephone calls coming in, things I was requested to do, and to top it all off - something I ate made me very sick and had me running back and forth to the bathroom most of the night. Yuck! TMI - I know.

Today is the only "down time" I'm going to get this week, and I'm at work. I have to leave here early for a doctor's appointment. Then it's hope to ignore the phone, take a bubble bath and watch TiVo'ed shows. Tomorrow I'm working 1/2 a day, going to watch a friend defend her dissertation (Congratulations M!), and taking my final at 3:30. Then rushing home to work the 4th of July event from 5 - midnight. Then Wednesday, I'm getting up early, coming to work for 1/2 a day, going to another doctor's appointment, and rushing home again to work the 4th of July event from 5 - midnight. I'm off Thursday through Sunday, but I'm going to be working the 4th of July event every night, and all day Saturday, from 6 am to after midnight. On Sunday, I might just sleep all day to catch up on my sleep.

So....if you don't hear from me for a day or 2...it's ok. I'm alive and busy as ever!
-BB

Sadness

2009-06-25T22:24:00.001-04:00

It has been a week. First Ed McMahon, then Farrah Fawcett, and now the King of Pop.

I pray for all their grieving families, and most importantly - their children.

-BB

Ouchie.....

2009-06-23T09:07:00.004-04:00

My doctors appointment on Thursday went well. They took x-rays at all different angles and determined that I have some alignment issues. I am going to see a cervical spine specialist today, hopefully they will be able to help me find some relief. While I was at the neurologist, they went ahead and did a steroid injection into my neck muscles. It was 3 different sticks of a VERY large needle. Ouch!!! It was painful, but I had relief all weekend, until this morning. I'm glad I'm going to the specialist this afternoon! In 4 weeks I go back to the neurologist for a check-up, and if I haven't gotten relief, we are going to explore other avenues, including doing an MRI. I really liked the neurologist, he seemed genuinely concerned and ready to do whatever was necessary to make me feel better, and better yet - he didn't just hand me a prescription and send me home...he ordered imaging, and referred me to a specialist! This has been going on for 4 years, and I finally think there might be a light at end of the tunnel!

I have to tell you again how amazing Keith Urban is. If you like country music, you absolutely must go to one of his concerts. If you don't - you are definitely missing out.

My summer class is over this Thursday, and my exam is next Tuesday. Can you say excitement?!?!? I have 2 big assignments due on Thursday, one is 3/4 of the way finished, and I haven't even started the other one - I'm such a procrastinator. It will all get done in time though, I am sure of it.

Mom and I weighed in last night because my class got out early. I lost 1.6 pounds for a total of 26.2 pounds. I was so excited to hit 25 pounds, I nearly cried. It is exciting to hit a milestone. My next "goal" is to loose 10 more pounds, and go from there. It seems like setting small goals helps me stay focused on the prize...which is - wearing at least a size 10, or smaller. I'd love for it to be smaller.

That's all for today, nothing too exciting - just a quick update.
-BB

I had an AWESOME time....

2009-06-19T12:24:00.003-04:00

Keith Urban is seriously sexy!!

If you have never been to a Keith Urban concert, you need to go. He is an awesome entertainer. He went out into the crowd and played several songs, he truly loves his fans. I cannot even begin to explain how awesome it was....you just need to go to a show to see for yourself.

News.....

2009-06-18T08:11:00.005-04:00

I have to tell you all something, but first - I want you to promise me you will not get jealous! Oh goodness, who the heck am I kidding!?!? Be jealous!

I'm going to see Keith Urban tonight!!!!

I am so excited, it might be hard for me to concentrate today! I've had the tickets for months, and today just seemed to creep up on me. As I was leaving the house this morning I checked to be sure I had the tickets, and I pulled out of the driveway. Then, I realized I didn't have my camera. Of course, I risked being late to work to turn around a get my camera, because I must have photographic evidence of this gorgeous man singing before my very eyes. Lots of pictures to come, I assure you!

On another note, I have my doctors appointment this morning. I have to leave work at 9:45 and drive about 30 miles. I'm really not looking forward to it. My Mom is going to go with me to make sure I talk to the doctor about all my concerns. The basic point of this appointment is to hopefully get an MRI done on my head, because I have very painful headaches. The issue is that I've had them for 4 years, and nobody has taken an MRI. They all just fill me with medicine that could eventually damage my liver, and tell me to stretch my neck more. I want them to take a picture of my head and rule out any... ahem...tumors. I fear the idea of having a tumor.

Mom and I both took a vacation day tomorrow to recover from the concert. It's going to be nice to have a day home with her, and just relax and hang out.

I'm skipping class tonight to go to Keith Urban, and I don't care. Keith is soooo worth missing class for!

Until tomorrow....
-BB

I've got a list

2009-06-16T11:52:00.005-04:00

I am going to be a terrible blogger today and do a bullet post.

Here's my quick recap.....

I got burnt at the pool. Yes, I wore sunscreen. Apparently not enough, and now I am paying for it. I'm miserable and it hurts to wear a very important undergarment - a brassiere. TMI - I know. But the good news is, I'm wearing one!

My Mom is amazing! She washed and waxed my car on Saturday while I sat in a lawn chair and watched her because I was feeling so yucky. I think I ate something that didn't agree with me.

I have to do a clinical assignment today, so I'm leaving work early to go to Math Camp! Y'ay!!

I read a really good book by Debbie Macomber , it's called "Shops on Blossom Street". Great book!

I've got a medical issue to take care of on Thursday, noting gross. I'll spare you the details until I know more, no need to panic right now.

I've decided to give up on First Thing Friday. It's not really catching on and it's become work, instead of fun. I want fun!!!

It's a 4 day week for me! Off on Friday!!!

That's all for now. More work to do.....
-BB

Sunday Post?!? What!

2009-06-14T11:09:00.003-04:00

I had a bit of free time, so I thought I would make an attempt at a Sunday post.

I've already walked/ran for a good while this morning, I'm not sure of the distance because it is not marked at the park - but it was long enough for the dog to decide he needed a nap. He's laying on the floor next to my chair panting. He is so wore out, he doesn't even want a drink of water - poor guy! I guess I'll have to leave him home next time. I remember when I first started going to the park, I felt like that too. I'm glad I've gotten my body in better shape and I can handle a little walk/run without being absolutely worn out.

I'm getting ready to eat a quick bite for lunch, then I'm headed to EBF's house to lay by the in ground pool and soak up the sun for the afternoon. There is a perk to maintaining a friendship with the Ex's family, and in this case it happens to be that his Mom and Dad love me, I'd venture to say a little more than him - and they practically beg me to come swimming in the summer. I rarely ever take them up on their offer, but it's hot today - and I'm ready to swim!!

I'm off to get ready!
-BB

First Thing Friday - #5

2009-06-12T08:18:00.006-04:00

Wanna Play?

Visit Miss. Beach Bound's blog on Wednesdays
Get the First Thing Friday Words, and get to work!
On Friday - post it!
Comment on Miss. Beach Bound's FTF Post so everyone knows you participated!

It's a great way to make new blogging friends!

1) Imagination

When I think of imagination, I think of using your imagination and the way in which kids use their imagination. It amazes me every time I have an interaction with a child who has a big imagination. I can't wait until I get into the classroom and learn from these kids. I'm ready to be a teacher!

2) Fancy

Monogram, monogram, monogram! Get it? A monogram makes anything look fancy. I absolutely love anything that is monogrammed. My mouse pad at work (Yes, I blurred out so of my initials) is monogrammed, and I even have memo sheets that are monogrammed. If you want your own monogrammed memo sheets, I suggest A Touch of Whimsy, their stuff is fabulous! I have the citrus daisies memo sheets.

3) Burlesque

Las Vegas! Showgirls are the epitome of Burlesque. I could careless about going to see them, but I'd love to go to Vegas! I've never really been off the east coast, a trip out west would be a welcome change.

First Thing Friday Words - Week 5

2009-06-10T16:04:00.001-04:00

Words

Alright, is everybody ready!? This weeks First Thing Friday Words are:

1) Imagination
2) Fancy
3) Burlesque

Want to know the rules? Read this!

Have Fun!
-BB

Feels like an "Off" week....

2009-06-09T09:20:00.002-04:00

For some reason, I just can't get in the mood to work this week. My mind is everywhere but where it should be.

I had to leave about an hour early yesterday for a school project, then I had to come in an hour late this morning due to a doctors appointment. I don't know what it is, but I can tell you I have been day dreaming since I walked in the door!

Maybe I need a vacation....somewhere tropical would be nice! There isn't any time for a vacation, I need to get this work done and start the Friday countdown!

I plan to make a dent in the piles of filing and paperwork on my desk today. In order to do that, I have to get off my blog and work....

Don't forget - FTF words will be posted tomorrow!
-BB

Made it through the weekend....

2009-06-07T22:27:00.005-04:00

Where did the weekend go? Seriously, it went by way to fast. I didn't get half of the things accomplished that I had on my "to do" list.

Friday night was an uneventful dinner out and mandatory Wal*Mart shopping trip for necessities, such as nail polish and foot creme to give myself an at home pedicure. It was nice, and much cheaper than going to the salon. Of course, it was work! I wear sandals or flip flips almost everyday, so it is very important that I have pretty feet. I have a foot soaking machine that vibrates and has rollers to massage my feet. It seemed like a silly purchase at the time, but it was worth it - my Mom and I both use it a lot.

Saturday was a nice, relaxing day. A good friend brought her little girl over. We had a girls lunch date, along with a trip to the park to feed the ducks. In the afternoon I went to get my eyebrows waxed by my favorite hairdresser, and while I was there I made a long overdue appointment to get my hair cut for real, like 1 inch or more. Seriously, it is getting so long that the split ends have a style of their own. It doesn't look too bad, but that is only because I'm a 'magician' when it comes to styling my hair, and concealing all the ugly parts.

After my eyebrown appointment, my brother, SIL, EBF, and I went out on the lake for a few hours. It was nice and breezy, and the sun was out so I had a chance to work on my tan. I am as white as I've ever been, this is the first year I haven't laid in the tanning bed to get a base tan before spending weekends on the lake. Saturday night was just lazy. I napped, watched recorded shows on the DVR, and cleaned up a bit.

Then today started with an early trip to the mall, and home to take an afternoon nap to sleep off the headache I developed. My throat was sore most of the day, and the headache still won't let up. I gave up on sleeping it off when it only got worse and made me feel sick to my stomach. I ate a light dinner, then my parents and I headed to the park to get in some exercise.

Notice I haven't mentioned homework yet? Yup. I didn't do any of it until late this evening after doing some grocery shopping for the week. I sat down and started on it, but I didn't get it all done. Tomorrow is another day.

I'm still sad that the weekend went by so fast. My car didn't get cleaned, and I didn't get as much homework done as I wanted to. However, it was nice to spend a relaxing day on the lake Saturyday, and buy some smaller clothes today.

I'm weighing in on Friday's now since I have class on Monday night. I lost 4.4 pounds last week to bring my total weight loss to just a little over 23 pounds. I've officially lost a great percentage of my total body weight, and I am down 2 pants sizes. I'm not going to go buy all new clothes, I will just look like a "bag lady" for a while, wearing all my larger clothes. I don't want to splurge on a new wardrobe when I have more weight to get rid of!

Better get to bed, morning comes far to early!
-BB

I Love a Good Compliment!

2009-06-04T15:05:00.004-04:00

I'm alive. I'm here. I'm still busy, but I'll quit complaining about that.

I got an awesome compliment from my professor last night. We had a report due this past Monday, and I was quite embarrassed when I turned it in because everybody else scribbled something on notebook paper and turned it in. Then, there is me....I typed a cover page, made copies of my supporting documentation, and typed all my answers. I even had it neatly arranged and stapled together.

Last night when she was passing them back, she asked me if she could keep mine when I was done looking over for it. She said she wanted to use it as an example of what she is looking for in the future! Compliment....woo hooo! Of course, I let her keep it - need to take credit for being amazing every once in awhile, right?

Moving on....I am making big plans for the weekend. They include:
- Going to bed by 9 pm on Friday
- Sleeping until 10 am on Saturday
- Homework a majority of the day Saturday
- Afternoon nap on Saturday
- Going to bed by 9 pm on Saturday
- Sleeping until 10 am on Sunday
- Homework for a couple hours on Sunday
- Nap on Sunday afternoon
- Going to bed by 8 pm on Sunday

Notice the pattern? I'm going to sleep as much as I possibly can. I need to. I feel deprived from sleeping, my bed misses me, I absolutely, positively need to sleep for at least 8 solid hours 2 days in a row. I have to, or I'm going to go crazy. Unless, I already am. I don't think I'm there yet, but I will be sooner rather than later if I don't get some sleep.

Back to work, then class - and rushing home for my lovely Thursday evening meeting.
-BB

Buried

2009-06-03T11:17:00.011-04:00

That's right, I am buried under piles of stuff. Stuff to do, stuff to see, stuff to make, stuff.... lots of stuff.

On top of being crazy, insane busy, it is also crazy insane hot here, see Exhibit A:
The reason I am so busy, is entirely my own fault. You see, I decided that I would take a 4 week summer class that meets every evening Monday through Thursday. I did not expect the instructor to cram an entire semester into 4 weeks, but she did. I'm doing the work and neglecting other things - like my blog.

Then of course, I have volunteer work that I do. We have a big event coming up next month, and I am doing a lot of the pre-planning. Naturally because the event is in 4 weeks, I've got a lot of loose ends to tie up and meetings to attend every Thursday night after class. When I have a meeting after class, I have to literally run from my class, to the parking deck and drive exactly the speed limit all the way home to get there on time (I don't speed, it's dangerous).

Then, there is life in general. You know - showers, sleep, food, and socializing with friends and family. I have to actually plan my evening so I can get a shower and get in bed before 11. I have planned to work on homework every single Saturday this month until the class is finished, and on Tuesday nights - I plan to lay around in my pajamas and do NOTHING. Yup, I have to plan stuff like being lazy and showering. That's how busy I am. Pathetic - I know.

I got fed up with being busy last night and rebelled. I went to visit EBF's Mom, who is like my second Mom. Her sister is in town visiting and I just adore them. They are so laid back, unscripted, and a breath of fresh air. Sitting on their porch in the wicker furniture with a glass of tea eating Amish Friendship bread was the best hour of my week so far. They really helped me relax. I didn't tell them I was feeling overwhelmed, or even talk about my life. We just talked about shopping, dogs, shoes, and other random stuff. We relaxed and enjoyed each others company. It was nice! I need to make time to do stuff like that more often.

They are night owls and could sit up all night and talk - the even mentioned staying up to watch reruns on TV Land. But, I had to go, it was 10:30 and I had to get up early this morning for work. My brain wouldn't shut down so I stared at the ceiling in my bedroom until 3 am, then I got up at 6. Now I'm sitting here trying to stay awake with black rings under my eyes.

The good news is that I'm wearing an outfit today that I haven't been able to wear in quite a while. I'm officially down 1.8 more pounds for a total of 19.2. I can't wait until Friday to see if I hit the 20 pound mark!

No FTF this week, too much going on.

-BB

I'm not M.I.A.

2009-06-01T16:21:00.003-04:00

I intended to write a ~~brilliant~~ post this morning, then before I knew it - it was time for lunch.

Then, after lunch I intended to work on aforementioned ~~brilliant~~ post, and then it was now!

I'm running to class for the evening now, literally running - I'm late.

~~Brilliant~~ post to come tonight, I promise!

-BB

First Thing Friday - #4

2009-05-29T08:10:00.005-04:00

Wanna Play?

Visit Miss. Beach Bound's blog on Wednesdays
Get the First Thing Friday Words, and get to work!
On Friday - post it!
Comment on Miss. Beach Bound's FTF Post so everyone knows you participated!

It's a great way to make new blogging friends!

1) Weather

It rained here all week. It was so bad, that on the way home from work last night I had to drive with my 4-ways on, about 10 miles an hour under the speed limit. Of course, there were still people passing me, pretending they could see the lines in the road - but I couldn't and I wasn't taking any chances!

2) Car

I have decided that I am completely in love with the new 2010 Camaro. I've always been a fan of Camaro, and I actually got to see one up close this past weekend. I need one. Of course- I can't get one because the next big purchase for me needs to be a house. My current car was brand new when I bought it 2 years ago, so I can deal with it for awhile longer.

3) Butterfly

Butterflies remind me of Spring, which is my favorite season. We have a community park near my house that we go to quite a bit to get a little exercise. I could sit on the bench by the pond for hours and just watch the butterflies. They're amazing and beautiful.

First Thing Friday Words - Week 4

2009-05-27T09:43:00.001-04:00

Words

Alright, is everybody ready!? This weeks First Thing Friday Words are:

1) Weather
2) Car (or Automobile)
3) Butterfly

Want to know the rules? Read this!

Have Fun!
-BB

Quality Friends

2009-05-26T09:34:00.005-04:00

Do you have any idea how hard it is to find quality friends? Hard! I do not think I am hard to get along with, but one thing I must have in a friendship is honesty. If you cannot be honest with me and you decide to discuss my personal life behind my back, you are not a friend. You are a traitor.

I have a "friend", and I use that term loosely, who is roughly 21 years older than me. So, yes- she is old enough to be my Mom. I get along with her well, and we are involved in a lot of the same activities. Except, she constantly talks about other people behind their back, tells small lies, and exaggerates things.

I started noticing her talking about people behind their back as soon as we became friends, and it was a definite red flag. You know the saying "They'll talk about other people to you, then they'll talk about you to other people." I don't have a lot of 'skeletons' in my closet, and I am careful not to tell her things that I don't want other people to know. I thought I had that potential problem taken care of. Then comes the lying.

She got mad at me over money. She was working a charitable event with me, and her money came up short at the end of the day. When we were discussing it, she made it very clear that she was not going to take the blame. I asked her how she wanted me to handle it when it came time to turn in into the treasurer. Being a friend, I didn't want to tell them that is was her mistake, etc. I wanted her permission to turn it in, since it was my responsibility. If it were me, I would just put the money in, it was a minimal amount. I'd rather turn it in even, then try to figure out what happened to a couple of dollars.

She got mad at me, but instead of telling me, she tried to "uninvite" me to an event at her home. I got sick and didn't come anyway - she was perturbed because I didn't have a reaction to being "unnvited". You see, she invited me, but when I called her to tell her I wasn't coming, she wouldn't answer her phone or text me back. I felt like a bad friend, but I made an effort to let her know I wasn't coming.

She made a huge deal out of it. She even invited friends of mine that barely know her. They were thoroughly confused as to why I wasn't at the event, but they were invited. Of course, when they called me - I told them I was sick and I tried contacting her. When they told her I was sick, she said "Well, she was invited".

The invitation went like this; "We're having a cookout this weekend, you can come if you want to." No time, no date, just "this weekend" and "you can come if you want to". I sensed some animosity in the whole conversation, but I choose to ignore it thinking maturity would prevail.

When I called, I think she thought I was calling for a time or date, but I was really calling to tell her that I appreciated the invite, but I wouldn't be able to make it because I was ill. The cards didn't fall her way, and she was mad.

Of course - I wasn't privy to her scheme until after it all unfolded and I was left standing with my mouth hanging open wondering what the heck just happened. But the point is - she was inconsiderate of my feelings, I have friends at the event who said she was rude when speaking of me, and made some pretty off hand comments.

I sent her an e-mail explaining that I was frustrated with the situation and how she was choosing to handle it, especially because in my opinion, it was over a few dollars. I sent her the e-mail yesterday afternoon, and late last night she choose to respond. She sent me an e-mail that was so off the wall and had statements about other friends in it, that was unrelated to the argument to begin with.

In all - I learned a valuable lesson. That is, pick your friends with a clear mind, and your battles too. Make sure your friends are a positive reflection on your person, and they bring out the absolute best in you. Your self image and your public image are important to your character and trust, and only you can protect it. Don't let someone who has baggage of their own, push their issues off on you - it's not your fault.

She has it in her to be a nice person, but for some reason - she chooses to act irrational and say irrelevant things. I am a nice person, and I choose to ignore the animosity and move on with my life. I have a great friend in God and my family, I don't need drama and lies in my life.

First Thing Friday - #3

2009-05-22T08:35:00.007-04:00

Wanna Play?

Visit Miss. Beach Bound's blog on Wednesdays
Get the First Thing Friday Words, and get to work!
On Friday - post it!
Comment on Miss. Beach Bound's FTF Post so everyone knows you participated!

It's a great way to make new blogging friends!

1) Lotion

I love love love Victoria's Secret lotion, body spray, and perfume. I am particularly addicted to the PINK Soft and Pure lotion. I have one at work and one at home.

2) Work

Paperwork! Seriously - I feel like that's all I do. I wish we could just go paperless! A lot of our processes are, but most of my job is not. I despise filing, but I do a lot of it.

3) Communication

I am seriously addicted to my BlackBerry. If I were to leave it home, I'd panic. It is my "link" to my home life when I'm at work, and work when I'm at home. It helps keep me unbelievably organized, which is very important considering my hectic class schedule, job and extracurricular activities. If you don't have a BlackBerry - you need one!

First Thing Friday Words - Week 3

2009-05-20T07:30:00.000-04:00

Words

Alright, is everybody ready!? This weeks First Thing Friday Words are:

1) Lotion
2) Work
3) Communication

Want to know the rules? Read this!

Have Fun!
-BB

Time Management

2009-05-19T16:30:00.002-04:00

The older I get, the worse I am at properly managing my time. There never seems to be enough time in the day to fit that nap in that I crave - when I was in High School, I always had time for a nap when I got home. Now, I run in the door at 6 pm or later, and I'm ready for bed by 8 - but force myself to stay up until 10 so I can get some stuff done around the house, and feel like a contributing member of the household. I know I'm not the only one in the house who feels like that - but darn! I wish I had more time to just relax!

I was planning to go for a walk tonight, and burn off some excess calories, but I have a meeting after work that begins at 7:30. It's my own fault, yet another one of my "extracurricular" activities. Now, I have to rush home, eat dinner, change clothes, and go to my meeting. Then, the meeting won't be over until 9 or 9:30 - I will have to rush home, get a shower, prepare for tomorrow and hopefully get into bed by Midnight. I just hope I have enough time. I cannot procrastinate between now and 7:30. I must leave work promptly at 5, hope and pray that some impatient driver hasn't caused yet another accident during my 40 mile commute, and prepare dinner, eat and clean up all before 7. Then change clothes, and relax for 10 minutes before running out the door! Whew. I am winded just thinking about it.

Good news? I lost 0.8 pounds last week. I was elated to have lost because I have been loosing at least a pound every week - so I figured it is bound to catch up with me, and one of these weeks I'm going to stay exactly the same in my weight. The even better news is, that I am wearing one of my smaller sized skirts today and a lady who works in my building, but not with me, commented that she thought I looked different. I proudly told her that I had been watching what I'm eating and trying to shed some weight for summer. It was nice to be recognized!

I'm off to work my butt off until 5, then home to run around like a chicken with my head cut off!
-BB

Monday? Already?!?

2009-05-18T09:25:00.002-04:00

The weekend went by far to fast. It feels like it was just Friday, and now it's Monday!

I had a very relaxing and eventful weekend. First, it rained off and on all weekend, so I didn't get a chance to clean my car very well. I washed it, then 20 minutes later we got a downpour, then the sun was out again. Welcome to the South!

On Sunday I went downstairs to the basement and went through bins of clothes that were from my skinnier days. Nothing like a little motivation! I had several pairs of pants that now fit me, so I brought them up and washed them. Then I cleaned all the "bigger" clothes out of my closet and moved them to the basement. It felt great!

Other than that, I did a lot of shopping and only bought a pair of shoes, sunglasses, and a shirt. Nothing too exciting!

I weigh in tonight - wish me luck!
-BB

First Thing Friday - #2

2009-05-15T08:06:00.005-04:00

Wanna Play?

Visit Miss. Beach Bound's blog on Wednesdays
Get the First Thing Friday Words, and get to work!
On Friday - post it!
Comment on Miss. Beach Bound's FTF Post so everyone knows you participated!

It's a great way to make new blogging friends!

1) Summer
I have a friend who has a very nice in the ground pool. A group of us have been known to spend the entire day at her house, floating in the pool. It's one of my favorite parts of summer, aside from spending Saturday afternoons on the lake with the dogs. They love to jump off the boat and go for a swim. It's fun!

2) PinkI may have mentioned this before, but I'm going to mention it again - I love Vera Bradley's Spring 2009 collection. I have 2 of the prints pictured, which are the 2 in the very back containing the most pink. The one all the way in the back is Cupcakes Pink and I have the large tote to carry my school books around. The one in the middle is the Hope Garden print, and I have that in the Tic-Tac tote, which is a perfectly sized purse that carries all my girly necessities. I love the mix of bright colors and all the pink. After all, pink is my favorite color!

3) Drink
I bought Diet. Dr Pepper Cherry last week because it was on sale. I love Diet Dr. Pepper, because it seriously tastes just like regular Dr. Pepper. Let me be the one to deliver the good news - Diet Dr. Pepper Cherry is amazing! The cherry adds the perfect touch to an already tasty drink! I think Coca-Cola should pay me to be their spokesperson for Diet Dr. Pepper. Or not.

The Summer Clothes Dilemma

2009-05-14T10:32:00.002-04:00

I am pretty sure most of you can agree with me, we all have the summer clothes shopping blues. Generally, I despise trying on my shorts and tanks from last year, but since I lost 16 pounds, I don't mind it. Except....nothing fits. It's all too big, which I suppose is better than too small!?!

I really do not like shopping for new pants, it is such a chore for me. I can't ever find anything I like, that fits me correctly, and is the right price. Old Navy generally has clothes that I can wear to work, but nothing for the weekends at the lake. Their denim is severely lacking. Gap is my source for denim shorts and Capri's. It's durable, and if you can catch a sale - a bargain.

This week we have had 80 degree weather every day, and my wardrobe is still Winter. I plan to switch out my clothes this weekend. I know I have some clothes that will still fit me, but I also know I will need to get shopping so I have decent clothes to wear to work, without them falling off me. Ugh. I'm not looking forward to it. I don't want to buy too much because I am still losing, so it would be a waste of money.

I'd like to loose about 30 pounds really quick so I can go shopping with a smile on my face! :)

-BB

First Thing Friday Words - Week 2

2009-05-13T08:02:00.009-04:00

Words

Alright, is everybody ready!? This weeks First Thing Friday Words are:

1) Summer
2) Pink
3) Drink

Want to know the rules? Read this!

Have Fun!
-BB

Random Tuesday Tidbits

2009-05-12T07:53:00.004-04:00

The beach was fun, but it's back to reality!

I'm out of school for 2 weeks, then summer classes start, and I'll be back in school for a month before another short break. It will be nice to get my summer class over with and out of the way. I got my final grades for the 2 classes I took this semester, I got an A and a B. I'm very happy with those grades, even if 2 A's would have been better. I'm just glad I'm done with those classes!

More about the beach....the weather was beautiful, and the water was cold. However, our hotel had several heated indoor and outdoor pools that were very nice, and we got a lot of use out of them.It was a very fun, relaxing trip.

Today I have long list of things to do at work,and at home. I'm off to clean and organize my office and our storage room. Hopefully I get everything done today so the rest of the week is relaxed....wishful thinking!

I weighed last night, I was down 1.6 more pounds for a total of 16.6!

It's Tuesday! Only 3 days until Friday!
-BB

First Thing Friday - #1

2009-05-08T09:00:00.000-04:00

Wanna play!?

Visit Miss. Beach Bound's blog on Wednesday's
Get the First Thing Friday words and get to work!
On Friday - post it!
Comment on Miss. Beach Bound's FTF post so everyone knows you participated!

It's a great way to make new blogging friends!

1) Travel

When the EBF graduated from High School, we went to the beach for a week. While we were there they had a sandcastle building contest. It has become a tradition, every May when I go to the beach - I look for the winning sandcastle. They leave it up for weeks and keep it guarded 24/7 so everyone has the opportunity to enjoy it. I hope I get to see it this weekend, but I think it may be too early. It's generally Memorial Day weekend when they build the monstrosities.

2) Shop

I am addicted to Ikea. There - I said it! Seriously, this is by far the greatest home decorating/remodel/furniture store ever. They have everything you could imagine for your house, and it's inexpensive! I shop there a lot

3) Entertainment

This past November, I was fortunate enough to attend the Reba McIntyre / Kelly Clarkson concert in Charlotte. I had 4th row seats, and it was an amazing concert. I'm going to Keith Urban next, I'm not sitting nearly as close - but I'm sure his Aussie Hotness will be radiating all the way back to my seats! :)

Randomness - Garbage Post

2009-05-07T10:42:00.004-04:00

Yes, this is a very random, garbage post of a whole lot of different topics. Why? Because I'm just in one of those moods today! Wanna know what else? I'm going to use bullets to keep my post organized, because I'm obsessive about organization like that.

End of semester exam stress has been lifted. I took my last final exam this morning, and while I know I didn't make a 100 because there were some questions I just wasn't sure about, I know I did well. I am thoroughly excited that the semester is over, and I can now focus on getting ready for the Summer semester, buying books, cleaning out notebooks, and reorganizing my desk in preparation for the ever busy Fall semester in which I will be taking 4 classes and working full time. Am I crazy? Yes. I am. I've accepted it.

I am leaving for the beach tomorrow, I know I've said this like a million times, but I'm excited. I haven't had a chance to pack. I studied for my exam last night, and I intended to pack tonight - until I received an e-mail last night that said "We have a **** meeting tonight, and immediately after that we will have (name of special event) planning meeting. Guess who leads and organizes the (name of special event) planning meetings? Me! Yes- they asked me if they could do that, and yes - I told them they could. So now, I have no time to wash clothes and pack an organized suitcase, which will include a toothbrush (my biggest fear is getting someone on vacation, and not having a toothbrush).However, I took tomorrow off, and we're not leaving until after lunch. I am planning on getting up early enough to do my workout, wash clothes, pack and shower just before hitting the road. Moving on to the next bullet....

I actually look forward to using the Wii Fit. I think it's because every time I get on it and do a body test, my BMI gets closer to the "healthy" range. It even congratulates you for losing weight! Who doesn't like a pat on the back by a cartoon character on your TV? I will take all the kudos I can get! Oh, how I love thee Wii. (Corny)

I have come to the conclusion that work is overrated, and not a lot of fun. Now, don't get me wrong - I love my job. But what I hate is when the "big guys" at the top release a memo that is so poorly written, that it requires me to write a memo about the memo to clear up all the confusion and fight of the mass amounts of questions about said memo. I wish they would get a little input from minions (i.e people like me) before releasing a memo that makes it sound like people might loose their jobs! Goodness gracious...

Alright, I'm off now to organize and file the piles on my desk and surrounding areas, so I can go on vacation with a clean conscience.

Don't forget about First Thing Friday! :)
-BB

First Thing Friday Words - Week 1

2009-05-06T08:11:00.003-04:00

Words

Alright, is everybody ready!? This weeks First Thing Friday Words are:

1) Travel
2) Shop
3) Entertainment

Want to know the rules? Read this!

Have Fun!
-BB

First Thing Friday (A.K.A FTF)

2009-05-05T14:59:00.009-04:00

Allow me to introduce. . . . . . First Thing Friday!

I thought it would be neat to come up with some sort of picture and/or word post that included a day of the week. I thought about catchy titles, and all that goes along with creating a Daily Post Topic, and I have finally come up with something I like. It is called First Thing Friday.

What is First Thing Friday?
First Thing Friday is a way to share with your blogging friends either creatively using pictures, or generically using words.

How does First Thing Friday work?
On Wednesdays I, Miss. Beach Bound, will post 3 First Thing Friday Words. Then you, the blogger, will take those 3 words, and post the first thing that comes to mind when you hear them. Your post should be posted on Friday, you will have Wednesday, and Thursday to draft it. Finally, you comment on my (Miss. Beach Bounds) First Thing Friday post (to be posted every Friday morning at exactly 7:30 am), and let other FTF blogger friends know you participated.

Can I have an Example?
Sure! If the weeks words were:

1) Beach
2) Ice Cream
3) Calendar

First - You would create a post titled First Thing Friday # (the number it is for you, the 1st one you've done, etc), or something like that.

Second - You would post about each word.

Beach

My mom and I took an amazing trip to the beach in April. We had a fabulous time relaxing. It was exciting to get to spend a girls weekend away reading our favorite novels, walking on the beach early in the morning, and swimming late at night.

Ice Cream

I love Dairy Queen ice cream! I think I like the way the ice cream looks on the cone the best. It's so neat, it never leans, and it always tastes fabulous! I especially love the chocolate dipped ice cream cones. Yum!

Calendar

I have a 19 Month Planner from the Jacqueline Savage McFee Hot Chocolate Collection, and without it - I would be lost! I love this collection because it is stylish and cute. They make binders, folders, journals, notebooks, post its, and a whole lot more. Check it out!

Third - Return to Miss. Beach Bound's FTF and leave a comment so I, and all the other participants know you participated!

Get it? No? Yes!

If you have questions, you can comment on this post and ask away

or e-mail me at miss.beach.bound@gmail.com

Here are some header images for you to use.
Please save them to your computer.

Reminiscing

2009-05-05T10:14:00.004-04:00

Sometimes, when I get bored I read old posts. You see, I have been blogging since 2006, just not on this blog. My other blogs weren't very private, so I decided to start this one and keep it completely private and not reveal my identity, so I don't have to blog in fear.

For me, blogging is like writing in an online diary, except you get feedback from great blogging friends, and advice from people who don't judge you based on the way you look or the house you live in. Get it? I love blogging.

Anyway, reading old posts made me feel good about myself. I could see myself then, and where I am now - and I truly believe I have accomplished a lot. Including getting EBF out of my life~~, and on to another poor unsuspecting victim~~.

Speaking of accomplishing a lot....I am moving along on my never ending list. I need to get a lot accomplished at work today since I am only working 4 days this week. I got one of my final grades this morning, it was an A! I take my last final on Thursday, and I'm hoping to get my final grade by Monday morning.

On the Weight Watchers end of things, according to the scale last night I am down another 3.6 pounds, for a total of 15 pounds.

I don't notice it as much as I would like to, I am one of those people who always want more, but in reality - I'm not going to fit into a size 6 overnight. However, my jeans are fitting a lot looser, and people are commenting on how you can really see that I've lost weight mainly in my face. Apparently I had a fat face, which is now disappearing. Hum..I'm not sure if that's a compliment or not. Ha ha.

I'm off to get more done at work, then lunch with a group of friends who I haven't seen in almost a year! :)
-BB

Manic Monday

2009-05-04T09:19:00.003-04:00

I got a lot of things on my list complete this weekend, however - it's never ending and in that fashion, I still have things to do.

I am supposed to go to lunch tomorrow with my friend who is moving, all I managed to get her was a card. I've got to find something good tonight, somewhere, or I will have a lame present. Any ideas?

One thing I accomplished this weekend, that I am proud of, is putting away all my laundry. Every last piece has been hung in the closet, no more living out of a laundry basket.

At the end of every semester I go through this panic mode and only do things related to school and sleeping. I fail to get housework done, until it's so bad I cannot stand it anymore. Considering my last exam is not until this Thursday, it is pretty impressive that there aren't piles of laundry placed in various baskets throughout my bedroom.

I'm only working 4 days this week, then I'm beach bound for 3 days of pure bliss!
-BB

The Infamous Never Ending To-Do List

2009-05-01T15:53:00.007-04:00

I am one of those people who is ~~a little~~ obsessive about making lists and sticking to them. I honestly think a list keeps me organized and prepared, for me a list is the smallest effort to accomplish everything I need to do.

Because it is the end of the semester for school and the beginning of the month at work, I have more to do than time to get it done. Seriously! A co-worker walked in my office this afternoon and said “Wow, I can see the wood on the top of your desk”. Sadly, he’s right – my desk has been covered for weeks, and today I organized my mess into neat little piles. I didn’t get a lot accomplished, but hey – there is always Monday. At least I can see the wood on the top of my desk, right?

I combine my list for home and work on one sheet and carry it in my purse for convenience. That way I can look at it over the weekend and ~~dread coming to work on Monday~~ add things that I suddenly remember while watching TV and relaxing.

My list, which I started today, looks something like this:

~~Clean/Organize desk~~
~~Process ***** paperwork by 3 pm~~
~~Draft and send e-mail to pesky employees about nagging situation~~
Process and approve April time cards
~~E-Mail exam # 2 study guide to home e-mail account~~
~~Call **** and ask random questions regarding extracurricular activity that I am planning for my volunteer thingy I do.~~
Take Exam #1 by Friday night at midnight
Study for Exam #2
Grocery Shop
Dust and Sweep
Laundry
Grocery Shop
Wash/Wax Car
Buy present for friend that is moving away
Clean junk out of car
Go to Ikea and Barnes and Noble
Update Process Manual for ******* **** Paperwork
Start preparing tables and fields for new fiscal year database
Write Memo for **** & ****** time card explaining situation to Payroll
Update database with new entries online

Sorry about the asterisks, you know I have to protect the every famous identity. I’m just kidding about the famous part. If I was famous, I wouldn’t be making lists, my personal assistant would.

Yep, I’ve got a lot to do this weekend, and yep – I’m boring. I know.

-BB

Menu Planning...

2009-04-30T08:16:00.003-04:00

Adventurous is going to describe my Menu. That's right, I know it is Wednesday and planning your Menu and Grocery list in the middle of the week is a little strange, but I got paid today - hence the reason for a menu, I can now afford to go to the grocery store! :)

Wednesday
Kashi Pancakes
Turkey Sausage

Thursday
Hot Dogs
French Fries

Friday
Dinner Out

Saturday
Scrambled Eggs, Turkey Sausage and English Muffins for Breakfast

Slow Cooker Chicken Burritos
Southwest Style Corn

Sunday
Wild Blueberry Muffins for breakfast

Pasta with Spaghetti Sauce, and Turkey Sausage
Salad with Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette Dressing

Monday
Dinner Out

Tuesday
Marinated Grilled Chicken
Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans

Wednesday
Dinner Out

Thursday
Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs
Rice

This is the plan for the next week, then I'm beach bound, yet again, for three glorious days!

If you want any recipes, e-mail me at miss.beach.bound@gmail.com and I will gladly e-mail them to you. I have them all saved on my computer for easy access. I'm one of those people who has to cook with the laptop on the counter, away from the liquids, of course!

It's supposed to rain here for the next 4 days! :(

-BB

Changed Woman

2009-04-28T08:31:00.004-04:00

After 6 years of wearing glasses, very fashionable glasses, I have switched to contacts. I love them! I always feared I wouldn't be able to get my finger close enough to my eye to get the contact in, but so far - I haven't had any trouble. It takes a little bit of patience, but with each passing day it gets easier. If you have glasses, and you are thinking about getting contacts - go for it! They're great!

I can wear regular sunglasses, and even better - I don't have a glare on my computer screen anymore. :)

The beach trip was awesome. We really relaxed and just enjoyed it. We didn't see anything related to the wildfires except for a few helicopters. The area of devastation was mainly a gated community, so you couldn't get in to see anything. I enjoyed it so much that I am planning another trip in 2 weeks with a friend. I love the beach!

On another note, I was down 1.8 last night, for a total of 11.6 total! :)

Hope your Tuesday is Fabulous! :)
-BB

Weekend Trip

2009-04-24T10:35:00.006-04:00

I have been excited all week about my trip to the beach with my Mom this weekend.

Remember this post on Wednesday? Some of you may have realized that I live in the Carolinas' and I would likely be heading somewhere near Myrtle Beach, SC. BINGO! That is exactly where I am going.

Guess what? On Wednesday (the same day I wrote that post) a wildfire started and it has been a raging inferno since then.

This is what a raging inferno looks like......

(All photos courtesy of The Sun News)

We are still going, however; we are taking the long way around the closed roads, and not heading north of our hotel until tomorrow, when hopefully it is more under control.

Some the recent reports I have read say that over 15,000 acres and 70 homes have been destroyed. Entire communities have burnt. I do not believe the cause of the fire has been determined. During this time, I encourage all of you to keep the families of those affected, and the emergency workers responding to the calls in your prayers.

I'm leaving work at Noon (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes) to head that way, and I'm not taking my laptop. I am going to liberate myself and leave it at home, of course I will have my Blackberry - so I will definitely be posting on Twitter.

-BB

Living Happy

2009-04-23T07:47:00.000-04:00

Lately I have had the unfortunate opportunity of being around negative people.

I have been contemplating writing this post for quite some time, then today in class I decided it was time.

A girl walked in a few minutes late and sat down. She is a very sweet girl, and she obviously is trying very hard to work her way though college. Most days she isn't put together, but she is clean and she smells good, so that counts - right? Today when she walked in, a group of girls in the corner sitting by me started giggling like teenagers and pointing at her outfit. It hurt my feelings for her, because it was rude, and very childish for a college student.

Note: Names have been changed to protect their dignity - what is left of it. :-)

In my opinion these negative people are defined as:

the people who gossip about someone they have never had the pleasure of meeting or even holding a conversation with

the people who knowingly start drama, or just do not think before speaking

the crazy fast driver who cuts you off in traffic and nearly causes you to wreck

the people who live in their own fantasy world and thinks their life is perfect....way more perfect than yours can ever be - and they let you know it!

I am friends with a great many of the persons listed above and I would love to share with you some real life examples of just what I am talking about.

The Gossip Queen
I have a friend who is this, she will tell you she isn't, but after 20 minutes around her - you know she's lying. I love her to death, but her constant gossip drives me insane.

Every time, every single time she calls me the conversation starts like this "Oh my God! You are not gonna believe this!!" (Can you hear it in her voice? Yeah?)

Then, she goes on about Tammy's sister's ex-boyfriends family who are "nasty people" and they are so mean to Tammy's sister. Guess what? I don't know who Tammy is, let alone her sister or the ex-boyfriends family - so why do I care? Please, remind me because I seem to be missing the point!

My favorite is "I heard that Tom and Maria were getting divorced". Oh really? Because Tom works with my Dad and he hasn't mentioned it. In fact, just last week Maria was telling my Mom that they were thinking about renewing their wedding vows for their 25th wedding anniversary. Then she says "Oh, well that's just what I heard".

She will never tell you who she heard it from.

Drama Starter / Insert Foot In Mouth
The people who start drama do it intentionally. We have all met them, they are the people who say snippy things in an attempt to get you to say something they can use against you later, or the people who make a big deal out of nothing. I encounter both types almost daily, and I've gotten pretty good at ignoring them.

The people who do not think before they speak are just idiots. Didn't their Mom tell them when they were little that they needed to "choose their words wisely"? My Mom did, maybe she should give lessons or something.

I encounter this all to often. A certain co-worker of mine is infamous for it. A lot of what we do deals with confidential personal information, but she talks about it to other women in the office. Then one of those women, usually one of those Drama Starters, will go tell the boss and "Little Miss. Innocent" (AKA I don't think before I speak) gets reprimanded and pissed off at everyone in the office.

I just stay in my little office and act like they're all crazy (because they are). I want to say "Just do your job and go home. Don't bring home to work or work home, it's a waste of time!"

Reckless Driver
People who have no regard for my safety or their own safety infuriate me. I am one of those people who drive ahead of myself, so if I see a tractor trailer 1/4 mile ahead I put my blinker on and get over. I don't jam on the gas and pass as many cars as I can then throw my car, without a blinker, in front of one of the cars I passed, just so I can avoid hitting the tractor trailer I knew about before I ever decided to pass. Get it? And if you're one of those people, don't tell me - because I won't like you and I want to like you all!

Perfect Fantasy
These people make me laugh. I have to assume they only act the way they do because they are trying to compensate for something else. Like, maybe they tell you how perfect their children are all the time because really their not.

I have a perfect example: My Mom works with a lady who she is also good friends with. Cindy has 2 daughters, Amanda and Patty. Amanda is 20, but her MySpace page says she is 23, and on it she boasts about getting into bars with her 'awesome fake id', she also posts status updates related to the use of illegal drugs. Then there is Patty, who is actually 23, and dated the same loser without a job for a couple of years. Then she decides that she's tired of him and gets a new boyfriend, and moves back in with Mommy and Daddy. After moving home and dating several different men, she discovers that she is pregnant. Oops! It ends up being the losers kid.

How do I know all this about Cindy's children? Because Cindy is friends with my Mom outside of work and she tells her, plus I do a little MySpace searching (stalking is such a terrible term).

When we go to lunch with a bunch of women from work, you would swear Cindy raised saints. She talks about her 'girls' and their lives, and how they like to attend church (they don't), and how they like to all do things together (never).

Get it? Cindy wants these people to think she raised great kids, because she knows she didn't and she feels guilty for it. She has told my Mom that, yet she finds the need to lie to people about them. I can't stand it. I avoid the situation totally.

Here is my point about all these people: They do not seem to realize how short life is, or that life should not be taken for granted. We should savor the times we have with our family and friends, and be grateful for all of our opportunities.

Just my opinion though. What do you think?
-BB

Counting Down

2009-04-22T09:03:00.004-04:00

In order to adequately heal from my foot injury, I have decided a beach trip is a necessity. I'm kidding - we had planned it before I got all clumsy and tripped over my own feet.

However, I think the beach trip will be a great source of relaxation, and give my poor foot some much needed rest. I've been good about babying it, and putting ice on it. I have even been attempting to sleep with a pillow under it.

My Mom and I are going to be beach bound Friday after work. I am so excited for the opportunity to read a book, and relax with my feet up for the entire weekend. We got a room at a nice resort that has several indoor pools, hot tubs, and lazy rivers - hopefully there won't be an old men in Speedo's overcrowding problem with all the pools they have.

Eek! I was just commandeered into a meeting. Gotta run (not literally, trust me)!

Before I go - I lost 1 pound this week, for a total of 9.8 down. Wooo hooo!

-BB

Pray for Stellan

2009-04-21T09:04:00.000-04:00

Pray for Stellan today, he is undergoing surgery.

We love you Stellan!

(For more information, visit www.mycharmingkids.net)

Ouch!

2009-04-20T08:14:00.002-04:00

My foot fell asleep while sitting at my desk on Friday. I got up to walk out of my office and didn't realize it, until I was laying on the ground in pain. I lost my footing and sprained my foot.

I took a picture to share, but my pedicure needs serious help. I cannot bring myself to post it. Just picture this, it is 2 times the size it is supposed to be and purplish-black. Ouch.

So yeah, I'm in pain and any post I would attempt to write would just be whining.

-BB

Relationships

2009-04-15T08:13:00.018-04:00

Before I begin this post, I should tell you that I mulled over writing it because I do want to maintain my anonymity. I have to, otherwise I would not feel comfortable writing. I decided to write it because I really want my readers to have a 'clear' picture of who I am and the struggles in my life, specifically with my ex-boyfriend who never seems to go away.

I warn you, this is a long post. I may never talk about him after today, but I just needed to get it out there.

I have an ex-boyfriend, to be referred to as EBF from now on. We dated all through high school without a single argument. Seriously, he was the closest thing to a perfect boyfriend I have ever had. He was 1 year ahead of me, he treated me like a princess,and he respected me. I adored him and his family, especially his Mom. Over the years we dated, I became very close to his family, and he became very close to mine. When he graduated he was supposed to go on to a technical college and settle into a career. We never really discussed marriage and the future in depth, but it was just sort of assumed that we would be together.

The summer after he graduated he decided that a job and college weren't really for him. He quit college before he even started, then he quit his job. For 2 months he sat at home and did nothing. His parents were understanding that he suddenly had this epiphany and didn't know what he wanted to do with his life. It was almost like turning 18 had been a wake up call, he had this new found freedom of choice, and he was going to exercise it.

He became withdrawn from me. We started arguing a lot, then he started lying about what he was doing and who he was with. It was small, idiotic lies, like when he had to work, or if he was going to call or not. He wasn't cheating, he just didn't seem to think it mattered whether I knew where he was or what he was doing.

When we would get in an argument he would always be the first one to apologize and work to make it up to me by doing something sweet. One time, we got in an argument over a misunderstanding. We had been having a rough week and I told him that I thought we needed to spend some time apart, not break up, but spend some time with friends and clear our head. He took it to mean that very night, even though we already had plans. When he didn't show up to pick me up for our plans, I was livid. I called him and let his voicemail have it. The next morning he showed up at my house bright and early, crawled into bed with me and told me how much he loved me and that he hated fighting with me. We spent the whole day together and it was a real bonding session for us. Things seemed to be perfect again.

It wasn't long though, and I caught him in a lie again. He told me he was hanging out with a friend and they were going to go fishing. I went to town to run some errands and the friends truck sat at the movie theater. Being the crazy spastic girlfriend that I admittedly was, I waited until the movie let out and observed him walking across the parking lot with the friend and another female (the friends much younger sister, like 16). I knew there wasn't any worry - she was jail bait for goodness sakes, but why lie? Why didn't he just say, I'm going to the movies with B and his sister, I will call you later tonight? I wouldn't have cared, I just wanted the truth. I didn't even go looking for him to prove he was lying, we just happen to live in a very small town and when your friends large pickup truck that sticks out like a sore thumb is parked in front of the movie theatre - its kind of obvious that you are not fishing. He saw my car, and he immediately looked the other direction.

After that night, I drove home and cried in my pillow for hours. I refused to speak to him and I dove head first into work and enjoying my summer. For the next 3 weeks he called me everyday, and by the 4th week he had given up on the phone calls. I got e-mails and he randomly showed up at my house to go do things with my brother. I avoided him at all costs, and must say - I was good at it. One night, I was driving home from work and I called his cell phone. He didn't answer, so I left him a voicemail to the effect of "I love you, and I hate it when we fight. We have been through so much, and I can't just walk away from you."

It wasn't 2 hours and he was at my house. We cried like babies and agreed to work on us. We needed to get back to the happy couple we once were, 4 years was too long to give up on. That only lasted 2 weeks. The week before summer was over, we broke up over the phone. I remember it went something along the lines of him telling me he didn't feel like he could make me happy anymore and he knew I wasn't happy. I said "Are you saying you think we should break up?" and he said "I guess". I hung up the phone and I didn't look back for 6 months. I avoided him and spent all my time with my friends.

My senior year of high school was miserable without him in my life. I was determined to change my life and learn to live without him, even though he was the only guy I was ever that close to. I turned down dates, and avoided hanging out with friends who had boyfriends. One night while I was at work, one of my co-workers who never met him before came inside the store (I worked at a grocery store), and said 'There is some kid in a Corvette in the parking lot looking for you'. I just laughed. I knew it was him, he drove a shiny red Corvette from the day he got his license, he was spoiled - obviously. I was an office person, so I had the freedom of walking outside. I went out there and he was just there to see me, even if I wouldn't talk to him. He didn't go into his usual spiel about how much he loved me, or missed me. He just talked like nothing was wrong and said he wanted to go to dinner one night. He had started a new job and seemed to be doing good. He was working 3rd shift, and he looked really tired. I agreed to go to dinner with him the following week. It wasn't the same. There was obvious tension, but he gave me a hug and a kiss and left.

That started a series of nights out and time spent together with no commitment. No title, or reason for me to expect him to call me and care about my feelings. It was almost like I gave him the freedom to see me and love me when he wanted to, and to avoid me and treat me like last weeks garbage when he wanted to. Eventually he realized he could pretty much walk all over me and I would take it.

For 2 years we went back and forth. When I graduated from high school I moved into my own apartment, and he stayed over a lot. He made an effort to see me at least once a week, and avoid me the other 6 days. I noticed a pattern, and part of that pattern was not spending any weekend days with me. I started to take notice that he would go out with the guys on the weekends, be out of contact and avoid me like the plague. I had a best friend who got married the year after I graduated. She knew about love and life, she told me I deserved better, and I was wasting my time with someone who didn't seem to have any ambition. After hearing it from her, then my Mom, and finally my brother - who was also friends with him - I decided it was over. I told him I was done, I didn't want him in my life, and I needed to move on without him.

I took down all the pictures of us, I packed up all his stuff and took it to his parents house and dropped it off. I spent lots of sleepless nights crying and feeling sorry for myself. One night, I decided I was done. It was when my brother met his now wife. I started making trips up North to visit family, and spending weekends at home with the girls. I poured my time into working full time, going to school part time, and living life with little sleep the rest of the time.

A guy who was a great friend for all the years I dated EBF returned to the picture. He started coming over for party nights at my apartment, and asking me to go do things with him. What started out as innocent friends hanging out, turned into a full blown crush. Before I knew it, I was head over heels for D. We spent evenings together, cooking dinner at my place and going out on the weekends. One night when he was at my house, EBF was texting me. Since D never admitted he had any feelings for me, I assumed we were just friends. I didn't see any harm in texting EBF back or allowing him to stop by for a quick visit. It had almost been a year since we went our separate ways, there was no harm. When I told D that EBF was going to drop by later, he flipped. He got up and walked out of my house, mumbling something about me being stupid and deserving EBF. I think that was the first time I realized that D liked me. I called EBF and told him not to come, I had plans and it wasn't a good time. Then I went to bed.

The next day D called me and acted like nothing was wrong. It sent me for a loop and confused me tremendously. Maybe he didn't really like me. Long story short, D and I started dating 2 weeks later and I had to tell EBF that I just could not communicate with him and maintain a happy relationship. I was happy with D and I needed to walk away from the past. EBF respected my wishes and quit calling and texting me. D and I dated for 3 months, until it was evident we were better friends. It was a mutual break up, and I discounted it to him being the "rebound guy".

One week after D and I broke up, EBF got word through the grapevine and reappeared on Valentines Day. Then, he disappeared for a year. I heard he had a girlfriend, who was much younger than he. I heard he was a deadbeat and not working again. His car broke and he didn't fix it, he was driving cars borrowed from his parents and still living at home. I was relieved he was out of my life.

Then, one weekend last summer - he reappeared again on a boating trip with my family. My brother didn't tell me because he didn't want me to skip because of EBF. He just hoped that I wouldn't mind. How could I? We were 20 miles from home, and on a boat in the middle of the lake. EBF was standing on the dock and hoped on the boat when my brother pulled up. I was OK, but I was scared. It was purely friendly that day, then that evening - he started texting me again.

I haven't talked to him since that day last summer. Once in a while he texts me, and that's all. Back in March he invited me to go to an event with him. I'm stupid and I went. It's back to what it was, him calling and texting. Us talking and hanging out. He's no different. He works full time now, but he doesn't really have any ambition. He has a vehicle, but it's nothing compared to what he had and gave up. He's not the same guy I loved for all those years and a huge part of me wants to tell him that and walk away - and another part of me thinks he might grow up one day and still be my night and shining armour.

Weight off my shoulders? No. Do I feel better about telling the blogging word this story? Yes! I feel like I have vented to a good friend who just listened and didn't give any advice, which is sometimes what I need. Just to talk.

-BB

It's a Journey

2009-04-14T08:01:00.003-04:00

I weighed in last night, I lost 3 pounds in the last week. I was so excited. I know that every week won't be like this, and I am prepared for it. One thing I have done this time around (because I've dieted before) is plan ahead. I know what I can eat for the next 2 days, and what will not jeopardize my weight loss success.

Healthy habits are really important to my success, I've learned that eating fruit and vegetables will help me shed the pounds. I eat a piece of fruit for breakfast and lunch everyday. I also eat a vegetable or 2 for dinner. I try to get in 5 fruits and vegetables every day.

Last night I did a 30 minute work out on the Wii Fit. It's amazing how much exercise I got. In 30 minutes I had broke a good sweat, and was tired! I did aerobics, which made me sleep really well....probably because I'm so out of shape it made me tired.

Anyway, I have my motivation to carry through to the next week, and meeting my 5% goal of losing 11 pounds. I absolutely cannot wait! Only 1.2 lbs from my first goal!

Do you have any healthy eating tips? Anything you'd like to share? I love new ideas!

-BB

Playing Catch Up

2009-04-10T10:37:00.002-04:00

I have been slacking on my school work because most of it isn't due until the last week in April. Since I am a procrastinator, I will probably wait until the day before it is due before I do anything. To avoid any mad dash to get work done, I am going to devote a better part of my afternoon to working on said homework.

Sorry - I'm a loser today!
-BB

Because I'm Lame and I like Lists ..... About Me

2009-04-09T08:16:00.001-04:00

The object is to give readers a glimpse of who you are. Then, tag a couple fabulous blogger friends who you think would enjoy doing a post such as this and you are done! How easy is that?

5 Things I Cannot Live Without

1. My Blackberry. I'm addicted to it. However, I did take the e-mail function off of it because it was starting to affect my sanity.

2. My laptop. I am a technology nerd, it is a requirement of my happiness that I have the ability to sit on my porch, sip lemonade and blog at the same time. Without my laptop, I couldn't do that.

3. Coke Zero. Is that not like the best drink ever? I love it! It tastes much better than Diet Coke, and it still contains no sugar.

4. My Mom. She's my rock, my saving grace and my best friend. I am a Mommas Girl.

5. God. He is the one who we need to look to for answers, forgiveness and truth. Each day I learn more and more about Him, and Wow! What an amazing journey it has been.

5 Quirks I Am Aware Of

1. I am impatient and I tap my foot nervously because of it. I cannot stand to wait for anything. It's really just a bad habit.

2. I have to have the SAME routine every morning. If my routine gets changed without my prior knowledge and consent, I have a terrible day and nothing goes right. I know this from experience.

3. I am obsessed with cute pink stuff. Anything really, post it notes, purses, shoes, clothes, pens. You name it - if it is Pink, I want it or have it.

4. Decorating my office door is like a sickness for me. Seriously, I have to have something up for every holiday, otherwise my door is so boring or plain. I buy cute little decorations 1/2 price at Hobby Lobby or Kohl's and display them proudly for every holiday. Right now I have my Easter welcome sign up with Easter Eggs on it. I will leave it up for a week after Easter, then the Memorial Day flag decoration is going up. I'm going to have to purchase something cute for the month of June that is related to Summer....I'm thinking something with flip flops on it.

5. I have to match, regardless of the circumstances. Even if I'm going to bed, my pajamas have to match. I know you're probably thinking, seriously? Yes. I just can't risk having my house catch on fire and running outside with Purple GAP sweatpants and a bright blue Dick's Last Resort t-shirt. Just can't do it.

5 Places I Have Visited
1. St. Augustine, FL
2. Bahamas
3. New York, NY
4. Myrtle Beach, SC (Ooohhh Ahhh, not)
5. Jersey Shore

5 Places I Want to Visit
1. Hawaii - any island would be fine
2. Paris
3. Los Angeles, CA
4. Texas or somewhere out west.
5. Massachusetts

That's all blogger friends. I'm not going to tag anyone, if you want to do it - go ahead. Leave me a comment and let me know if you did, then I'll go read yours!

-BB

Please Excuse My Unscheduled Break

2009-04-08T10:27:00.003-04:00

I was a bad blogger yesterday. I didn't post or read. My excuse? It is the end of the semester, so I am swamped with papers to write, exams to study for, and I still have to work. I am juggling everything just fine, except for my blog. I forgot yesterday. I promise, it will not happen again!

I ordered a mouse pad awhile back (see this post) from LindyHop Designs. It came in the mail on Monday! It looks fabulous on my desk at work. I just love it!

Mine looks like this, except it has my initials on it. This is just the sample picture from their site. If I wasn't so lazy, I would take a picture of mine and post it here. Ohhhhh, more good news. I weighed in on Monday night and I lost 1.8 lbs. My total weigh loss so far is 5.8 lbs. I am really excited about this. Every little bit helps, I cannot wait until I start to notice it in my clothes! I always need a good excuse to shop.

On Monday while we were at out Weight Watchers meeting I purchased some of the their Chocolate Smoothie mix. I am not a fan. I'm not sure what it was, but it is not good. It was like drinking chocolate pudding through a straw, ick! I rarely ever buy things like that, but I thought I would give it a try....so much for being adventurous! I also tried the Sugar Free Marshmallow Peeps, I'm not a fan of them either. The real ones are much better!

I'm off to get some work accomplished before lunch!

Happy Hump Day!
-BB

Missing Motivation

2009-04-06T10:26:00.004-04:00

My motivation to be an excellent employee and clean the piles off my desk today is Missing in Action. I cannot seem to muster up the energy to do all the paperwork that is loudly calling my name. I just do not feel like it, simple as that.

I did come in to work at 7:30, which is great for a Monday. Usually I'm here right at 8, and not a minute before. I managed to get all my filing done this morning, filing is the task I despise the most - so glad that's out of the way.

This afternoon I'm going to work on organizing and de-cluttering. After I get my organization skills in high gear, I might just have the ambition to do actual work that needs to get done.

I weigh in tonight. I am excited to see what the scale has in store for me. We cooked out and had a little Wii party on Saturday evening. I was a good girl! I made all the food, and it was all low-fat. I didn't tell anyone! :)

Here is what I made, with the recipes:

Turkey Sausage Balls
1 1/2 cups Bisquick Baking Mix
1 pound of Jennie-O Turkey Sausage
2 cups Kraft Fat Free Cheddar Cheese

Mix all ingredients together, roll in small balls. Make 48. Place in parchment paper lined baking pan, and bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.

They are 1 Point each if you are on Weight Watchers.

Fruit Dip
1 12 oz. (large) container of Light Cool Whip
1 large package of Sugar Free Strawberry Jello

Mix Cool Whip and Jello together, chill. Serve with sliced apples and bananas.

I didn't figure up the points on this, but I am sure it is very low. You could use other flavors of Jello, I just prefer Strawberry.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Fluff
1 package Chips Ahoy Reduced Fat Chocolate Chip Cookies
2 1/2 cups 1% Milk
1 small package Sugar Free White Chocolate Pudding Mix
1 12 oz. (large) container of Light Cool Whip

Mix pudding as directed on package (using 2 cups of 1 % milk). Add Cool Whip to pudding and mix well.

Next, dunk a cookie in the remaining 1/2 cup of 1% milk and line bottom of 9 X 13 baking dish. It should take 24 cookies to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the bottom of the pan is covered, put a layer of Cool Whip mixture over cookies. Line top of Cool Whip with 24 more Chocolate Chip Cookies dipped in milk, and top with remaining Cool Whip. Chill in fridge 30 - 45 minutes before serving. Before serving, crush 3-4 cookies and sprinkle over top.

1/15th of the pan is 4 Weight Watchers Points.
NOTE: The recipe calls for 2 boxes of White Chocolate pudding mix, but I only use 1 to make it less points.

My SIL brought Cucumber Salad, which was very good. I will have to get the recipe from her. I know it had cucumbers, onions, dill, vinegar and a little bit of sugar. It was a big hit.

Well, I'm off to work on finding my motivation!
-BB

Day Off

2009-04-03T12:20:00.003-04:00

I left work early yesterday to get my car inspected. I did not realize how hard it was to get a vehicle inspected. My car is 2 years old, yet they kept picking things apart and wanting to charge me an arm and a leg to fix something that wasn't really broken. I got new windshield wipers about 2 weeks ago, I took the car to get inspected last Saturday, and the guy told me I needed new windshield wipers, they would be $54, that included instillation. I wanted to say "Excuse me, can you tell me if the word idiot is written on my forehead?" Windshield wipers are generally $20, so is the other $34 considered labor for a 15 minute 'job' I could do myself? I really, honestly think that they thought because I was a girl, I would just pay to have it done. WRONG! I'm a strong willed woman, and I will not be taken advantage of...thankyouverymuch!

I found a nice little garage yesterday, and the man was finished inspecting it in 15 minutes - it was painless and I was relieved! After leaving the garage, the only suitable way to relieve stress that came to mind was a manicure. :)

I took today off too. I slept until 10 am and cleaned up a bit. I'm getting ready to go to a new gift shop in the neighboring town to see if I can find my SIL a birthday present. Tonight we're all going to dinner and drinks to celebrate. Then tomorrow I'm going to really clean the house good, like full on makeover. I'm having a dinner/Wii party, and friends are coming that haven't been here before, I want them to think I'm not a slob!

I'm off to take my time getting ready because I have all the time in the world, how fabulous!?! I rarely ever have a day where I can lounge around, without a million and one chores and errands to run.

-BB

Realization

2009-04-01T08:14:00.005-04:00

When I was in community college, I planned out my entire 2 year degree on an Excel spreadsheet according to semester. I wanted to be able to sit down, look at my class plan and know when I was going to graduate.

I'm in my mid-20's - so in reality, by now I should have a 4 year degree. I can't tell you too much about my about my real age (I have to keep my identity a secret, otherwise I wouldn't feel comfortable blogging - I have way to many nosy extended family members). I have always worked full time and taken classes part time so I could afford other things, like a new vehicle and several years ago, an apartment.

Anyway, back on topic, the idea of charting out my degree was to make myself feel comfortable about where I was going and the progress I was making. I graduated in May 2007 with my associates degree and transferred to a 4 year institution. I have been attending this college since Spring 2007, so roughly 2 years.

About 2 weeks ago I had an appointment with my academic adviser, during the appointment she helped me plan out the classes I needed to take to complete my degree. In my usual, anal retentive, have to have everything planned out attitude, I had a copy of my spreadsheet that has my classes planned out in order to graduate. My projected graduation date was May 2012. Her projected graduation date was December 2011.

Guess what? I am going with her plan.

She helped me figure out what classes I should take together, and which semester I should take the classes. To graduate by December 2011, I have to take 3 classes in the Spring and the Fall, and 1 in the Summer. It is entirely possible to do this, it will just keep me busy until December 2011. However, I am an education major, so 1 year of my degree (Spring and Fall 2011) will be me spending my days in the classroom, learning from another teacher - so I won't actually be on campus.

I was elated to find out that I could graduate in December 2011, because my car will be paid off in October 2011, so after graduation and a secure job - I can begin house shopping! Now that's exciting!

I register for classes today, and I am feeling a bit nostalgic because I hear students all over campus talking about registering for their introductory English and Math classes, and here I am registering for Junior level classes. Next year when I register for Fall 2010 classes, it will be my last semester on campus taking a seated class, I believe it might make me a bit sad. I'm sure I will have to post about it when the time comes.

I read a great quote from Theodore Roosevelt that I really liked and it reminded me that I'm putting all this hard work in to reach a goal that I have dreamed about since I was a little girl, and WOW....that was a long time ago!

Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort. - Franklin D. Roosevelt

-BB

Test Time

2009-03-31T08:14:00.002-04:00

I have an exam this morning at 9:30.....I didn't study. I'm going out on a limb here, it is about social problems. I think I'm pretty aware of them - gender discrimination, racism, and poverty. I think I can use common sense and pass on that alone. I hope!

I lost 4 pounds this week! Wooo hooo! The meeting leader asked me how my first week was, and I shared with the group that I'm having a hard time using all my points. They told me I'm in the 'honeymoon' stage of the diet, I will eventually be trying to find a way to eat less points so I don't go over my allowance. We will see. I am trying very hard to eat balanced, with fruit and vegetables in as many meals as possible. I eat grapes everyday, so that gets one serving of fruit out of the way. I try to eat a banana at night, and at least one serving of vegetables at dinner. I'm starting a new week, and I am determined to make a difference on the scale again next week.

Let me share a new rant with you, because you all know I love to complain about things I cannot control. Air Conditioning. Why is it that it is 65 in my office? I have to run my electric heater all day to keep my office at a comfortable 73, or higher - depending on the amount of work I'm doing. If I'm moving around a lot, I don't need it as much. But when I'm just sitting down working on the computer, I freeze! I wish I could move the thermostat in the suite to make it more comfortable, but it's just there for show - the control it by a computer in a "remote location". Great! I'll just freeze then, since nobody seems to know where the "remote location" is.

I hope Tuesday is good to you!
-BB

And it's Monday again....

2009-03-30T09:31:00.003-04:00

I did something this weekend that I always say I'm going to do, but never do. I relaxed. It was great too! I slept until 10 yesterday and I didn't change out of my PJ's until 4 pm when I had to go grocery shopping. I was with friends on Saturday evening and I didn't get home until after 2 am, so naturally I took a shower and couldn't fall asleep. My insomnia and shower wake up kept me up until 4 am, so sleeping until 10 was warranted!

On another note, I have a big exam tomorrow. I worked on the study guide yesterday and I got it completed. Now I just have to read and review it until I can spit out knowledge about social problems like my life depends on it. Did I mention I'm not a fan of testing? Hate it, but it's a requirement of any education...so I better get used to it!

Tonight is the big weigh in. Mom and I are going right after work today, she is joining this week so she won't find out if she lost anything even though she followed the plan with me all week. We went grocery shopping last night and bought lots of healthy items for dinner this week.

Hope everyone has a fabulous Monday. I have meetings most of the day. I don't like meetings almost as much as I don't like exams.

-BB

Strange, don't you think?

2009-03-27T08:26:00.008-04:00

I'm looking for opinions today. This post has been in the works, brewing in my mind for about a week or so. I am interested in what you all think of it.....

My SIL's sister became of legal drinking age on Wednesday. My brother and SIL had to go to see her (yep, she pretty much demanded it), 9 hours from here, for her birthday. They left on Wednesday and aren't coming home until Sunday. Why did they leave so early? Because the bratty sister wanted to party for 3 days straight. Yes, you read that right! Don't you think that is a little much? She's a college student and she hold a semi-full time job (I say semi because she changes jobs like underwear, so you never really know if she's working full time or part time).

It seems to me that is selfish ask your sister and her husband to take 2 1/2 days off from their jobs and drive 18 hours round trip to drink for 3 days. Even more interesting - my brother doesn't drink at all. He's pretty much along for the ride. He said he didn't want to go, but it was just one of those things that he has to do, so he was going to go.

A little background on the sister? Yes, she is now 21, however; she acts like a spoiled 5 year old. She doesn't have many friends because she can't get along with anyone, and she is trashy - not in the 'sleep with everyone' sense, but in the foul mouth, talk like a perverted trucker sense. Did I paint a clear enough picture?

Yep, she's not my favorite person. I avoid being near her at all costs, especially in public. I don't want anybody to think I condone her masculine, atrocious behavior. She definitely does not impress me.

Opinions? Don't you think partying for 3 days straight is asking for alcohol poisoning? And what about the cost? Holy crap! They're renting a van on Saturday night that someone (not my brother, he already made that clear), is going to drive around with all the drunks in it (including her parents). My brother told them he is not participating, he will be hanging out with friends while he is there. He's not really a fan of her either. The parents are self proclaimed alcoholics....it's a very long and interesting story that will leave you with your mouth hanging open - trust me!

You don't even want to get me started about what she did for my 21st birthday, that was several, several years ago - and I'm still pissed.

Rant is over. You can now go back to your normal lives. Thanks for reading! :)

-BB

Sick-o In the News

2009-03-26T08:34:00.003-04:00

Have you all read the article about the pervy 34 year old man that tried to break into the Dancing with the Stars set? He apparently is a bit on the crazy side and has a huge crush on 17 year old Shawn Johnson. Scary!

I feel bad for the poor girl, she is just a teenager trying to live her life and this man is obsessed with her.

Ick.....

Dreaded Weather

2009-03-25T08:01:00.002-04:00

Last weekend (like Sunday), I was looking at the weather report and I was delighted to see that it was Capri and cute-little-sandal weather, until I got to Wednesday. It's cold and rainy, and it is supposed to stay cold and rainy until Friday.

Everything is affected by this mild chilly and wet weather. My hair goes from cute to frizz and/or flat. I have to wear pants that do not come any where near a mud puddle, or I will have splashes up the back of my legs. I'm short, so that's a feat in itself. I have to plan my route to class to avoid the walkways with construction, otherwise "Hello Mud!" It's just tragic really, rain ruins what could have been a fabulous day!

On another note, I went grocery shopping last night and I am pleased to say that I only bought items that were low calorie and had a reasonable Weight Watchers point value.

I had every intention of getting up an hour earlier than normal and working out this morning, except I forgot to turn the alarm on. Oops! Luckily my internal clock screamed "peeeee" at 6:30 or I would have been very late for work this morning.

Sadly, I made it. I trudged to my office in the rain, and I'm out of refreshments. Thank goodness there is a cafe in this building, I'm off to get some fresh java. No sugar or milk though....too many points!

-BB

And it starts today...

2009-03-24T08:13:00.002-04:00

I attended my first Weight Watchers meeting last night, and I left feeling rejuvenated. It is really important for me to understand and be able to relate to the meeting leader. If she's some 95 pound woman with an "it's easy to loose weight" attitude, I can't see eye to eye with her. However, this meeting leader struggled to loose her weight and she works hard everyday to maintain her weight. She is in the same "boat" most women deal with each and every day. She's real - I like her.

After the meeting I stayed and she explained the plan to me and answered my questions. She told me she understood it was a struggle and that she was not there to monitor or criticize, but to motivate. She wanted to see each and every person succeed.

I'm feeling good about this. I had my Low-Fat toast for breakfast, and my Lean Cuisine is in the freezer for lunch. I even packed a bag of grapes and a dish of fruit salad to satisfy any hunger pains I might encounter throughout the day.

Wish me luck!
-BB

Beginning of a Journey

2009-03-23T08:55:00.003-04:00

Today marks the beginning of a new journey for me. I am going to begin attending Weight Watchers meetings after work on Mondays. I have done Weight Watchers before and had success, but I lost my focus and gained all my weight back. I only hope I have the determination I need to meet and exceed my goal this time.

I am ready to feel more comfortable in my own skin, and more confident in a bathing suit. I really do not eat a lot of "bad" food, I just don't eat in moderation. I constantly snack, and that is what is hurting me.

Over the weekend, as a treat, I made Philly Blackforest Stuffed Cupcakes. Mrs. Newlywed mentioned them on one of her Menu Monday's awhile back and I decided to try them. They were awesome! The recipe is from All Recipes.Com.

On Friday night I went grocery shopping to get some healthy options for lunch this week. I think lunch at work is my biggest obstacle because I am usually in a hurry and I don't want to take the time to prepare anything. I read lots of articles with good ideas, and I made myself a list. I bought Peanut Butter that was lower calories and fat, and low-fat bread so I could make myself a Peanut Butter sandwich. I bought grapes and pretzel sticks, and all the ingredients to make a great fruit salad. I also got a can of Progresso Reduced Fat soup, which is 0 Weight Watchers Points. I believe I am prepared. There isn't anything too fatty or high in calories in the cabinets at home, so I don't have any challenges, hopefully!

Wish me luck!
-BB

Headaches and Happiness

2009-03-20T08:29:00.002-04:00

As promised, I am back. It has been a rough week!

It all started Monday morning with a little headache and an all over body ache. I called work to let them know I would be late and slept until 10 before dragging my butt in for a half day. Tuesday seemed to be better, but the headache was still still there. I went to class and came to work, but when I started reading e-mail, I realized I couldn't see correctly. Apparently I had something similar to a cluster headache and it was affecting my vision. I called the chiropractor and my Mom drove me to an 11:30 appointment. After some therapy and a good adjustment my vision was normal, but my headache was intense. I went home and slept from 1 pm - 6 am the next day.

Of course, because of Monday and Tuesday I was behind at work so I spent Wednesday dragging through the day and playing catch up. Yesterday was the first day all week I felt like myself and I looked normal, not like death.

At any rate, I'm glad to be back in my routine!

Now, I'm off to catch up on my Google Reader and comment on all your fabulous posts that I have missed!
-BB

Lost

2009-03-18T12:22:00.001-04:00

I'm not lost, just sick. A sick brain is a bad brain, I can't think to formulate a post worth reading. How pathetic is that?

I'll be back.

Habits

2009-03-12T16:22:00.003-04:00

I have bad habits, and I have good habits. I just started thinking about my habits, and the ones I want to and need to change. Here is my list:

BAD Habits

Biting my fingernails. It's such a nasty habit, and an ugly habit. It's also kinda expensive because it requires more frequent manicures than the average person.

Tapping my foot. When I'm impatient or nervous, I constantly tap my foot. It irritates me, I can't imagine how people around me feel when I'm doing it.

Procrastinating when it's time for bed. I am like a small child when it is time for me to go to bed at night. I think of things to do, until it's nearly midnight and then I go to bed, only to drag my half dead rear end out of bed in the morning.

Making my bed. I never make my bed in the morning. I always make it just prior to getting in it, what's the purpose? I don't know.

GOOD Habits

Cleaning up after my self. I am obsessive about cleaning up something when I am finished. I think it comes from years of getting yelled at by my Mom for not doing it.
Keeping my car clean. I loose sleep when my car is dirty, seriously. I'm crazy - I know!

The bad far outweighs the good!
-BB

Shop till ya drop!

2009-03-09T12:53:00.004-04:00

During the entire bathroom remodel process I had the opportunity to search for different things I wanted to use to decorate, etc. In the process of my shopping, I got a bit sidetrack and made some purchases not related to the bathroom at all!

Oh, the bathroom is done. Read about it here.

Anyway, as I was saying I bought some things that weren't on my shopping list. Oops!

I needed a tote to carry textbooks and notebooks in for school, and for my future career of teaching. I really wanted a cute but sturdy tote. I got just that from L.L. Bean, it is the Polka-Dot Boat and Tote, very cute! I got the bright navy/deep fuchsia, with my name on it for only $40 (including shipping).

Then I looked at the Vera Bradley Spring 2009 prints, and I immediately fell in love with their Cupcakes Pink print. If you don't know, I am a huge fan of pink. Shortly after "falling in love", I got on EBay and started searching. I got a dry erase board for my office, $9 (including shipping), and a tote for $30 (including shipping). Now I just need a wallet and checkbook cover, then I'll have my summer purse!

And lastly, I ordered a monogrammed mouse pad from Lindy Hop Designs.I love their site, you should check it out.

I'm done shopping for awhile, I've spoiled myself enough for now...or at least a day or two.

-BB

Missing In Action = Busy Lady

2009-03-08T11:05:00.013-04:00

The bathroom remodel project is complete. I can now assume my regularly scheduled blogging! :)

Yesterday was a full day of Bathroom Remodeling, from 9 am to 11:30 pm. It is now complete!

Here is what it it looked liked before.

Here it is now......

New white vanity top, with cabinets, Q-Tip Jar, and blow dryer holster. My favorite part is the faucet, it sticks out far enough that when I wash my hands water doesn't splash all over the wall! I found the rug in front of the sink at Wal-Mart, and I love it because it has the brown of the floor on it, and the also the black of the cabinets, so it pulls everything together nicely.

This is the new Linen Cabinet (ignore the white spot, something on the camera). I love the candle holders, and the shadow boxes, they're from Ikea, as are the rest of the decorations. The shadow box on the left is full of white silk rose petals, the one on the right has a print in it. I am going to get a picture printed in black and white today to put in it. The linen cabinet it awesome, it has 2 doors (as pictured), you push them and they pop open, and there are 2 shelves. Below the doors are 2 drawers that open the same way. I have a lot of room to store and organize things now. I love the space!

This is the new white commode, complete with free standing toilet paper holder and accent mirror (also purchased from Ikea).

And finally, here is the new shower curtain, and towel hooks. It is a bit hard to see, but the curtain has a lot of the blue wall color, and a stripe of gold/yellow here and there so it picks up the shower and floor color.

I am relieved that everything is complete, and now I can start organizing and putting things away. I'll do that later today, now it's off to the grocery store to grab a few groceries to make a fruit salad, and head to the park for a picnic with friends!

-BB

Slow Moving.......

2009-03-05T08:18:00.002-05:00

The bathroom renovation project is taking a little longer than I thought. Apparently 13 degree weather and paint do not go together. We painted the drawers to the vanity last night and the paint was not wanting to stay in one place, forming ugly runs all over the place. We gave up until today, it's supposed to be warmer this evening. The good news is that when we checked them this morning, it appeared that we had done a good job of 'fending off' any runs, so there isn't any sanding in my future. Thank goodness! Sanding is messy.

On a much happier note, they are calling for mid-70's temperatures all weekend! Can you hear me screaming loudly over here? Oh yeah! I am excited to open up some windows, do a little spring cleaning, and give my car a good cleaning too. It will be so nice to be outside without a jacket on, and getting some much needed chores done around the house.

Oh, and before I forget...stop by Mrs. Newlywed's blog and enter her fabulous giveaway for a great prize! HINT: It's a tote! I love totes!

-BB

Drama Be Gone!

2009-03-04T08:21:00.002-05:00

I work in an office full of women. There are 6 of us, and they have their little groups or 'clicks'. Problem is, I do not participate and it drives the 2 biggest gossips in the group crazy. I do my job, pretty well might I add, and I go home at the end of the day.

On the other hand, they stand at each others cubicles (outside my office door) and whisper for a good 45 minutes every morning, and various times throughout the day. I find it to be very inappropriate, and rude. I do not care who or what they are talking about, I think whispering is rude in general. It is more distracting than loud talking.

I found this great article about Office Etiquette, I wish I could pass it on!

On another note, the bathroom remodel project is going quite well. Pictures coming soon!

-BB

Goodbye, Good Riddens!

2009-03-01T16:17:00.005-05:00

It has been nothing but a wet rainy day, it's a mess outside! This morning we went to Lowe's and got everything we needed to do my bathroom. Hopefully if it snows as forecast, I will get a good start on my bathroom tomorrow.

This is ugly old yellow sink top and vintage vanity! The mirror, and sink top are going. The vanity will be re-painted satin black with brushed nickel handles and knobs. The mirror is being replaced with a black cabinet, with mirror type doors from Ikea (very cute), and the new top is a crisp clean white.

Of course, this is the ugly yellow toilet, complete with cream colored seat. (Don't mind the junk next to the toilet. It's some of the stuff I am going to need for the next week while we're working on the vanity). The new toilet will be white.

That's all I'm telling now. I can't want to get to work on it, and be able to post "after" pictures.

-BB

Snow!?

2009-03-01T02:34:00.004-05:00

Yes, I am still on a rant about the weather. Bear with me, I hope to have something really great to blog about on Monday.

However I just read the weather report and they are still forecasting snow for Sunday evening, and as of Saturday afternoon, they're expecting 4-6 inches. Why do we have to get snow? I just don't like it. Snow was a big reason why we moved to the south. Ugh! I guess I can't stop it, so I just have to wait and see what happens.

I can tell you this, if it snows on Sunday evening and work is cancelled on Monday I will be doing this.....
Isn't he adorable? He's my baby and he loves a good nap. (The date on my camera is wrong, I took this today....)

-BB

Rain Rain, Go Away!

2009-02-27T13:06:00.004-05:00

I know all the facts about how good rain is, and how we need it and the water table and all that blah blah, but seriously....I hate it.

I was in this really weird mood this morning, I was actually quite chipper for a change! I decided that I would straighten my hair. My hair is naturally curly, so straight looks a lot different on me. I went to the trouble of straightening it and today when I went out for lunch it was raining. Now I have semi-straight, kinda curly hair. I had an umbrella, but the humidity just killed my hair. Oh well.....at least I made the effort.

I checked the weekend weather, and its not going to get any better. It's actually supposed to snow on Sunday night! Tell me how that works? How is it 60 outside and raining right now, and snowing on Sunday night?

I guess it's a good thing Meteorology is not my major, I'd be in a crappy mood all the time!

-BB

Rantings and Rubbish

2009-02-26T11:50:00.002-05:00

Drum roll please.....my pinning ceremony went perfect. No tripping and embarrassing myself in front of a room full of future colleagues. Thank goodness!

On another note, as I was walking across campus today on my way to class I was observing the scenes around me and I had this wonderful idea for a blog post....my rants about college campuses, and more appropriately the behavior of college students.

Construction equipment randomly placed near sidewalks. I realize construction is an integral part of a growing campus, but must it be parked on the very edge of the sidewalk so when a Facilities utility cart goes buzzing by you practically have to climb it to avoid being run over?
Conversations that do not need to be overheard. I swear to you, yesterday on my walk to class I heard one girl say to another "She used all my frickin' tampons and didn't even replace them. I mean seriously, how you gonna disrespect me like that? I was sitting on the toilet and didn't have a damn tampon!" Did she think me and the other students traveling down that sidewalk wanted to hear her tampon crisis? I especially did not want to picture her sitting on the toilet searching her trusty bathroom vanity for a tampon.
Lack of respect and appropriate dress. We had presentations yesterday in my class, the assignment was to present an activity to the class which you would do as a teacher with your elementary school students. One of the girls who presented came into class late and made a ton of noise while another student was presenting. Then when it was her turn to present she stood up in front of the class in her Ugg boots and sweatpants, with her belly button piercing hanging out of her three sizes too small shirt. Lets not mention that her bra was a dark color and her shirt was a very light color. She was totally unprepared. It was evident that she did not follow directions or put a lot of thought into the assignment. She didn't even have enough copies of the material for all the students to participate. Do we want her teaching our kids?
Temperature. They just can't seem to get the temperature right in any building. If it is the dead of winter (in Charlotte, NC that is like anywhere between 30 and 40 degrees), they the the temperature in the classroom set like as if it were 100 outside. The AC is blasting, and while I'm shivering and my lips are turning blue, instead of listening to the teacher I am trying to decide if it is colder outside or inside.
General Manners. I could write about how most of the college students are rude, but that is not completely true. However, there are quite a few who see you with your hands full and let the door close in your face. Then there is the Library, there are 4 doors to enter and exit. They will be approaching the entrance and see you coming from inside the lobby approaching to exit. Instead of waiting for you to come out the door, they grab it and try to slide in before you are completely out. Maybe they don't see the other three doors. Is that even possible? My personal favorite happened today. I was sitting in the back of the lecture hall listening intently as the professor lectured about different social problems. A girl came and sat at a desk that was randomly sitting in the hallway and began reading out of her notebook. It was fine, until about 10 of her friends showed up and they began having a loud conversation that involved a lot of laughing and no regard for the lecture hall of 150+ students that were trying to learn something. I gave them one of those looks that says 'Um hello, use your common sense', and they got the hint and lowered the volume. I would have closed the door, but I feared being frozen to my seat by the temperature in the room.

That's all. I think 5 is a good number to stop at. I am the average age of a college student, and to be honest - some of the things I see on a daily basis just baffle me!

-BB

A Good Day turns into a BAD DAY

2009-02-25T09:01:00.000-05:00

I have a confession to make. I was a bad student yesterday, I skipped class. I have better reasons than the fact that is was too cold. I had some work that needed to get done, and somewhere along the way I forgot about getting prepared for class. When I eventually realized I needed to get ready, it was too late and I would have been walking into class right in the middle of her lecture. I am not too much for public embarrassment, and considering how my day ended up yesterday - I probably would have tripped over my own feet and landed head first in front of the entire class.

Yes, yesterday was a good day that ended up being just another plain old crappy day! I had a horrible headache before lunch so I called my ever trustworthy chiropractor and moved my Thursday appointment to yesterday afternoon. I left work at 3:30 and was in and out of his office in record time. I decided that I would do a little shopping at Target before heading home. I was full of excitement after snatching a beautiful brown bed skirt for only $7.98, and 2 tie-up shades for $14.99 each, along with 2 faux leather storage totes for "neat and tidy" organization on clearance for an unheard of $8.98 each, normally $29.99. I was overcome with excitement while driving home thinking about my great finds, and finishing up my bedroom.

I got home and unloaded the car. My Mom and I were talking as I was cutting the little plastic thingy that held the zipper shut on the bed skirt. I unpacked the bed skirt and admired the deal I got and laid it to the side, as it had a considerable amount wrinkles. We started with hanging a curtain on each window and steaming the creases out of them and attempting to tie them up. Do you have any idea how hard it is to tie the nice little bows in the tie up shade? My rendering looked nothing like the cute little picture on the package, which I have now decided it never will. We ended up taking them down and deciding they were going back to Target, it was ridiculous to think that bows could be tied correctly with strings that run vertically! Right? Or am I the only one who can't do this?

By now Mom and I were starving, we decided to run out for a quick bite and a trip to the grocery store, as we both needed to bring birthday goodies for co-workers. When we got back home I decided to start working on the bed skirt. I was collecting all the packing materials and the curtains, which we so casually tossed aside. When I picked everything up I realized the scissors were laying on the bed. I picked them up, and to my surprise there was ink all over my new comforter. There was about a 4 inch spread of dark blue ink spots. Apparently the scissors had been shoved down in the pen container on my desk, which I now know is home to a leaky pen. I freaked....like blood curdling scream, tears....the whole nine yards. My Mom came running in with a trusty can of hair spray, and the ink is almost all gone. There is one little tiny spot that only I can see, but nonetheless - I know it's there.

I got nothing accomplished. After feverishly cleaning the ink Mom went to work on her Banana cake while I vegetated on the couch and watched TiVo'ed episodes of my favorite shows. Around midnight I realized it was way past my bed time and I hadn't even made my cupcakes for work. I gave up.....I sulked to my bedroom only to find that the dog had puked on my freshly cleaned rug. I was ready to boil over the edge. He's a good dog, he rarely ever misbehaves. I didn't get mad and yell at him. Mom and I cleaned it up. Then I decided to give the curtains one more try. I laid a curtain out on my bed, folded it how I imagined it looking and tied bows that looked pretty good. I pulled the rod down and hung the curtain up, and it looked great. I had finally accomplished what I had set out to do 6 hours earlier. I crawled into bed, and crashed. The next thing I remember was waking up this morning.

Of course, on the way to work I had to stop and pick up a dozen donuts. I have a co-workers from another country (not to be mentioned). Apparently in the "not to be mentioned country" they do not practice being tactful and having manners. One said "Oh, I thought you were bringing cupcakes?" I said 'No, time got away from me so I had to improvise'. Another co-worker who is very American, if you get my drift, made a nice little comment about how she hoped someone else didn't bring doughnuts too. I really wanted to say "Why? It looks like you don't have a problem shoving food down your throat", but that would have been mean, right? There are 6 of us in this office, and we are celebrating 2 of their birthdays today, that means 4 of us had to bring food, and we all told the other what we were bringing - nobody told me they were bringing doughnuts, so you know what? I don't care.

Today better not involve any ink stains, puke or crying. I just don't think I can handle it. I have my official Teacher Education pinning this evening, say a prayer for me, the rate I'm going I just might embarrass myself on stage!

-BB