Sunday, January 10, 2010

Officially: "Just a College Student"

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

Saturday, January 9, 2010

AWESOME Saturday!

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

Friday, January 8, 2010

Life As of Now.....

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


Friday, December 11, 2009

The Life of the Unemployed...

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.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Drumroll please.....

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

Monday, November 9, 2009

I want to be Beach Bound....

Seriously. I need a vacation.

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

I'll write more later.

-BB

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

No Hiatus Here.....

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

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Florida

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

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Just don't have time....

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

Monday, September 28, 2009

Maniac Monday!

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

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Goals

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

Monday, September 14, 2009

Just another lazy Sunday......

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

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Catching A Break

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

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Happy and Hectic!

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

Saturday, August 29, 2009

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

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




Thursday, August 27, 2009

So far....

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

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Signs

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

Monday, August 24, 2009

Organization is Key

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

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Preparation for the Semester

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

Friday, August 14, 2009

Water ski? Oh my!

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