Goodbye 30 Pounds!

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:

1. 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)
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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

News.....

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

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

I Love a Good Compliment!

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

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

Quality Friends

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.

Random Tuesday Tidbits

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

Reminiscing

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

The Infamous Never Ending To-Do List

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

Relationships

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

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

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

Realization

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

Beginning of a Journey

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

Habits

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

The Beginning

Hi! I'm Miss. Beach Bound. Glad to meet you!

This is my first post, and my first blog! I decided to start a blog because I love to write, and I thought it would be neat to have a place where I can share new things I find or learn, and converse with other women much like myself.

First, I should probably tell you a bit about me.....I am a 20 somethings female from Charlotte, NC. I am working on a Degree in Elementary Education, and working full time. Crazy, eh!? No boyfriend, don't have time for that....although the thought is appealing. I love simple things like reading, writing and relaxing. I truly believe in retail therapy, that is - shopping until I drop. I love to shop, but I only buy something if I think its a good deal. I am obsessive about using lotion, getting A's in all my classes, and staying organized (my own version of organized). I have some very good friends, most of who are old then me and far more established. I am not very fond of the bar scene, although I do go every once in a while.

I am really excited about finishing my degree, and getting into the classroom. I am nearly finished, with only about a year and a half left until I get the coveted piece of paper, that is a degree.

Lastly, I'm excited about starting my blog! I have read lots of different blogs (Mommy Blogs, New Wife Blogs, College Student Blogs, etc) and I think I have what it takes to be "faithful" to my blog, and my readers!

-BB