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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Randomness - Garbage Post

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

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

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

Ouch!

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

Please Excuse My Unscheduled Break

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

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

Test Time

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....

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

Dreaded Weather

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