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

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

My Weekend

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

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

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!

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

Blogging Interruption

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

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

Feels like an "Off" week....

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

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

Manic Monday

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

Changed Woman

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

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

Counting Down

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

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

Day Off

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