Journey Into The Big WW

This......

Plus this......

in June =

That's right. I'm attempting Weight Watchers Online.

See, I'm really good at counting calories. Super at it. But, after a while, it becomes monotonous.

So, I'm trying something new.

I am currently using the free week trial, but will most likely go ahead and do the 3-month special. That will take me right to the wedding I'm in on June 25th.

Also, I *am* still using my calorie tracker. Just for my own education. Plus, the calorie tracker tracks all nutrients, which I like. I can get a rough idea of which vitamins or minerals I need to pay more attention in eating.

Like I said, I'm only doing it for my own education. I'm living by the points, but also keeping an eye on what I'm doing in calories/nutrients, each day.

What I like, so far..............

• My morning banana is zero points, whereas it's 120 calories. It's nice eating something without it necessarily counting against you.

• Adding on to the above, I do feel WW encourages good choices. A banana may be 120 calories..... and so may a cookie. Sometimes, in calorie counting, the cookie wins out. However, by points, I'm "rewarded" for choosing the banana.

• I feel like I get to eat more. Beyond my banana situation, I feel like WW allows me more food. Honestly, I'm eating on the high end of what I do for calorie counting. There have been a couple nights, even so far, where I'm past my normal calorie allotment, but I still have points left for the day. It's kind of nice to be able to eat a snack without worrying about the calories.

• Weekly Points. I love that I have that cushion. Where I can splurge and not worry so much.

• Activity Points. I love that I get more points when I exercise. When I'm calorie counting, I *do* get to eat more when I exercise, but I do stress a little more. It's nice to have the Activity Points as a back-up for the Weekly Points, lol. As of now, it doesn't even look like I'll use those APs this week, but it's nice to have them.

What I don't like, so far......

• Nutrient-lost. I really would like to have a firmer idea of where I'm at with my various vitamins/minerals. They have a little food group checker, but it's more up to you to decide. You could get all the points, but be seriously lacking in the nutrient department. This is one of the main reasons I am still using my Calorie Counter.

• Not as many brands/establishments. I've noticed in the food searcher that there are A LOT of brands and restaurants that aren't in their system. Thankfully, the Calorie Counter does have a lot of them in their database, so I can get the points calculated. I eat out. A lot. I just do. So, I need to be able to find those items and be able to get a rough idea of the content/points.

So, that's where I'm at. I figure I can try it out for the next 3 months..... get me to the wedding.... and then I can re-evaluate.

I'm new to this WW world, but I know tons of people have been doing this for years.

What about you? Have you done the WW thing before? Any advice? Tips? Warnings?

I'm not much of a chef, but any recipes I just have to try?

Sunday Questions

the q's.

1. what inspires you?

Family, Friends, A Good Song

 

 

2. what was the last thing you bought yourself?

Oh, oh, oh!!!! I received some money for Christmas and I was all excited to use it when the new Vera patterns came out in mid-January (I have a strict policy to use gift cards and money given to me as gifts on purely frivolous things). Only, when they actually came out, I wasn't thrilled with my options.

So I saved the money and waited until the summer patterns came out. On Thursday, I went to the store to take a look. Then, I considered my options for a few days. Today, after lunch, I went back and made my buys........


Small Duffel in Deco Daisy
(I've been in need of a new gym bag)

Pocket Cosmetic in Watercolor

(I love the Medium Cosmetic, but I'm always searching for my brushes, etc. This has pockets on the inside for smaller items. I'll be utilizing my Medium Cosmetic in the new gym bag.)

Then I received a little coin purse for free! I got it in English Meadow.

 

3. would you rather watch a movie in a theater or from the comfort of your own home?

I'm a fan of both. Going out to the movies is one of my favorite things to do, but I also like curling up on the couch for one.

 

4. household chore you don't mind doing?

When the mood strikes me, I honestly don't mind cleaning the bathroom. Also, I'm not against vacuuming.

5. coffee or tea?

I usually drink one cup of coffee, in the morning. The rest of the day, I switch to iced tea or water.

 

6. what could you eat every day and not get sick of??

Boiled peanuts. I am highly addicted to them.

Also, watermelon. That's one of my five things I like about summer. I could eat it all day, every day.

Do I sound Southern?

 

 

7. what's the last book you read?

The "Above The Line" series by Karen Kingsbury. I made a goal at the beginning of the year to read at least 12 books. Then, I read 4 in January. It's a good thing, too, because I haven't read any since.

8. do you think you look you "look" your age?

I guess. A lot of times, people guess younger. Then again, they sometimes guess older. It's rare that my actual age is guessed. I think it depends what situation I'm in. My intern told me the other day that she thought I was "way closer" to her age and "was surprised" when she found out my age. She's 21 and I'm 27. *SIGH*

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Sunday Stealing

26. Who has done something today to show they care about you?

My step-dad drove around a parking lot while I shopped in the Vera Bradley store. That was nice.

27. Do you have a lot to learn?

Yes. Don't we all?

28. If you could learn how to do three things just by wishing and not by working what would they be?

I wish I could learn to eat well and not crave lots of bad foods.

I wish I could learn to play instruments and sing.

I wish I could learn to play sports and like it.

29. Which do you remember the longest: what other people say, what other people do or how other people make you feel?

All of the above.

30. What are the key ingredients to having a good relationship?

Trust and communication.

Oh, and for any relationship, the ability/decision to just accept the quirks.

31. What 3 things do you want to do before you die?

Get married.

Have a baby.

Travel to Italy.

32. What three things would you want to die to avoid doing?

Um, that's dramatic. So, my answers would be very intense and dramatic.

33. Is there a cause you believe in more than any other cause?

I truly believe in St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

34. What does each decade make you think of:

80's - Being super young and having bad hair/clothes.

90's - Fun music (even though people say that 90's music was horrible, it's what I grew up on) and being young.

2000's - The growing up years.

35. Which decade do you feel the most special connection to and why?

The past ten years, most definitely. It's the greatest combination, so far, of the good and the bad.

Adventure, loss, love, death, travel, job, and so much more.

36. What is your favorite oldie/classic rock song?

This isn't classic rock, but I love Frank Sinatra. He's considered oldies.

37. What country do you live in and who is the leader of that country?

I live in the United States of America. Obama is the elected leader of the country.

If you could say any sentence to the current leader of your country what would it be?

"Politics aside, Mr. President, you have two very adorable little girls who clearly love their daddy. You must be proud."

38. What's your favorite TV channel to watch in the middle of the night?

Usually my recorded programs or On-Demand

39. What Disney villain are you the most like and why?

Oh, this is a tough one. I have no idea.

40. Have you ever been a girl scout/boy scout?

I was a Daisy for about five minutes. Other than that, no.

Although, I've been told I should be, since I'm prepared for everything.

41. If you were traveling to another continent would you rather fly or take a boat?

I'd like to take a cruise ship. When I went on my cruise, one of the ladies we became friends with took a TransAtlantic cruise from London to New York. That would be fun.

Otherwise, I'd like to fly and perhaps cruise around the different countries.

42. Why is the sky blue during the day and black at night?

I think it has something to do with the way our brains process the reflection of the sun. Or, something like that.

43. What does your name mean?

"God Beholds" or "He sees"

44. Would you rather explore the deeps of the ocean or outer space?

Neither, really.

45. Word association

What is the first word that comes to mind when you see the word:

Air: Hopefully clean

Meat: Well-done

Different: is ok

Pink: pretty

Deserve: nothing

White: fresh

Elvis: dead

Magic: Harry Potter

Heart: Love

Clash: Not fun

Pulp: Yummy Orange Juice

46. If you could meet any person in the world who is dead who would you want it to be?

My great-grandpa. I never met him, but heard he was a great man.

47. What if you could meet anyone who is alive?

JK Rowling. I'd love to talk with that woman.

48. Is there a movie that you love so much you could watch it everyday?

Sweet Home Alabama

Steel Magnolias

49. You are going to be stuck alone in an elevator for a week. What do you bring to do?

You mean, I know I'm going to be stuck there? And, I still choose to go in the elevator?

Ok, then......... a pillow, a blanket, my IPod, a couple books, some clothes, LOTS of wet wipes, water, snacks, and a pot (sorry to be gross, but let's be real).

50. Have you ever saved someone's life or had your life saved?

The doctors saved my life when I was a baby.

My mom saved me when I jumped in a pool and was stunned. Like, I knew how to swim, but the way I hit the water shocked me and I was struggling to gain control of myself. She ran and jumped in the pool with all her clothes on, lol.

When the two coolest people in the world are in the same state......

This is about a month late, but oh well! Thus begins a series I like to call

"Watch Out Florida..... Too Much Awesome For One State".......

For years (and I do mean years), my cousin Heidi and I have been begging, threatening, crying, yelling, blackmailing asking her husband to plan a trip with their family to visit Florida. This is where Heidi was born and our family is from. About three years ago, he sent her on a vacation by herself to Florida. It was glorious fun, but still left us wanting. See, I've been promising her children that I'd take them to Disney World for years. And, we wanted to make good on that promise.

To be perfectly honest, when they said they were coming, I didn't believe them. It wasn't until they actually got into their car and started driving from New Mexico that I really started to let it sink in. When I talked to Heidi on the phone and we hung up by saying, "See you TOMORROW!!!!" I was over the moon.

Friday, February 18th, our day came :) My poor coworkers had to put up with my mileage and hour reports. Finally, they were in town and ready to meet up!

We decided on meeting at Ninny's apartment, both because it was a central point in town and because Ninny was about as excited to see them as I was.

I'm pretty sure that all of Central Florida heard the squeals of delight when we finally were able to hug each other's necks, lol. I, of course, forgot to bring my camera, so the first pics were on my cell and her camera.

Heidi and I

Noah

Anthony - Birthday Twins

Bella Boo

It took almost 9 years, but we finally got him here!!

Ninny and Bella

Ninny and Anthony

Ninny and Noah

Loving on her great-grandchildren

After visiting, we went to my house and the rest of the celebration with the family commenced. We did stop at Publix, first, and spent our time there trying to show Mike why it's the best grocery store he's ever been in (he's never been in a Wegmen's, so Publix rules....... I love me some Publix, but the other chain clearly rules). Bella suckered me into getting some popcicles (tough sell, I tell ya).

Lydia was beside herself with the sudden appearance of playmates and we all had the best time catching up. We tried to call it a semi-early night, though, because we had BIG plans the next day.............

The Ugly Post

Warning: This post is full of ugly.

So, have you ever known a person that just annoys you by breathing?

I, sadly, do.

Let me back up by saying that I try very, very hard to be a good, kind person. It's kind of a track record of mine that the one person in a room/group/universe that annoys the living hell out of everyone else will gravitate towards me. Because, for the most part, I try to find something about them to which I can relate.

I try. Really, I do. And, 99% of the time, I don't have to try very hard because I generally like and can get along with people.

So much so that I'm accused of being fake. "Because you can't possibly like or care about everyone."

So, 99% of the time, I'm a nice person who gets along with everyone.

Except when I don't.

Because, there are those rare occasions (about a handful of times in my whole life) where I just don't like a person. Where something about them just irritates me to no end. Where, when I'm not around them, I can understand where they are coming from and why they are the way they are. Intellectually, I can do that. Then, I get around them and all I want is for them to go away.

I have a coworker that is on this list.

Full Disclosure: He took over TG's job, when TG left. Knowing that the new person would have unreasonable shoes to fill, I immediately tried to like and get along with him. He wasn't TG, but that wasn't his fault and I would get along with him.

Then, when other people started to comment on quirks, I tried to like him even more.

Until now. Because 18 months into this, I just have to face the fact that he drives me batty. And, it's getting worse with time.

He's like a dog with a bone and a slick car used salesman, rolled into one. Which is ugly to say, but is a fitting description.

I've gotten to the point that anytime he calls or comes to me with, "Hey, friend!" I ask him what he wants. He then play the whole, "Why do I have to want something in order to come say Hi?" card. When I say, very matter-of-factly, "Because the only time you ever talk to me is when you want something." then he'll get to the point.

No joke, he once compared women to a smorgasbord. "You can't have one main dish. You have to try out all the options."

Anyway, today, I hit my tolerance quota.

I was talking to a coworker/friend and he barged into the room........ completely interuptting our conversation. I was toying with the idea of asking him to leave, so that we could finish our discussion, but made small talk in hopes he'd just leave on his own after a few minutes. Nope. He then sat down. At that point, I was trying really, really hard to be polite.

Until he asked me a question about a procedure we have. I answered him and he kept pushing. I kept with my answer. He pushed harder. I stood my ground. Then, he decides to "explain" his point by saying the same thing in 15 different ways. I shut him down.

He went so far as to compare us to competing stations and insinuate that maybe I should start doing what they do. I told him that we weren't the other stations and we do things the way WE do them.

Finally, M had to leave and it ended the conversation. As he walked out of the room, M could only shake her head.

30 minutes later, he's walking around the building and I'm still annoyed with him.

Like, I'm physically having a hard time not scowling at him. 

I will try to not be ugly, anymore.

Sunday Questions........

I am SOOOOOO happy that Keely has brought back "Getting To Know You Sunday"!!!!

1. if you won the title of miss america, what would your platform be?

Pediatric Cancer Research

2. outdoorsy or indoorsy?

Definitely indoorsy. Unless it's one of those perfect days..... sunny, but not too sunny. Cool, but not cold. Yesterday was one of those days..... at night, it was absolutely perfect.

3. pajama's out in public..classy or tres tacky?

Weird. I mean, sweats and a shirt/tank is fine. But, actual PJs? Nope.

4. what's your favorite room in your house?

The Living Room

5. nook, kindle, or book?

I still like turning the pages in a book.

6. would you rather wear the same outfit for a week or not brush your teeth for a week?

I'd rather wear the outfit. I'm so scared of rotting teeth and gum disease.

7. what's your favorite blog at the moment?

Look to your left. Those are my buddies and my favorites.

8. lately i've been daydreaming about.........?

A vacation. The past month of work has been nonstop.

Being skinny. I haven't made it to the gym in a week and a half (part because of illness and part because of work). I haven't been tracking any of my food. I have no idea if I've gained, lost, or maintained.

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Sunday Stealing

 

1. Who are you?

 

A girl who wants to be loved. A girl who tries really, really hard to be a good, kind person. A girl who isn't always nice, even though she wishes she could be. A girl who tries to have "it all together" and people think "has it all together", but really doesn't. A girl who loves Jesus, but could really love Him more. A girl who is both lazy and hardworking. A girl who sometimes most times doesn't think a guy will ever be interested, and then, they aren't.

2. What are the 3 most important things everyone should know about you?

The important stuff is above, so here is the important trivial stuff.....

1) I'm a particular eater. I just am. I try not to be rude, but I most likely won't eat something I don't like.... because I'm sure my expression if I eat it will be ruder than me not eating it.

2) I like TV and movies. And, just laying around doing nothing. I don't really apologize for it.

3) Oh.... this is important.... I get very serious and intense when I'm busy or thinking about something. Most people take my expression to mean I'm angry, annoyed, or miserable. I'm really not. I'm just concentrating very hard.

3. When you aren't memes like this one what are you doing?

Working, perusing FB, chilling.

4. List your classes in school from the ones you like the most to the ones you like the least (or if you are out of school, think of the classes you did like and didn't like at the time).

I'm out of school, but I always enjoyed my communications and journalism classes. I disliked science.

5. What is your biggest goal for this year?

To lose the weight I want to lose and to be as clutter free as humanly possibly.

6. Where do you want to be in 5 years?

Married.

7. What stage of life are you in right now?

I'm at that stage where I've got my career going and I've got a good life, but not quite a complete life. I want my own family.... my own husband and kids.

8. Are you more child-like or childish?

More child-like. I can sometimes be too serious and businesslike....... so, I try to keep as much child-like joy and wonder as possible.

9. What is the last thing you said out loud?

I actually don't remember. Isn't that sad and pathetic, lol?

10. What song comes closest to how you feel about your life right now?

I'm not sure, lol. Pick something by Lady A or Colbie Caillat.

11. Have you ever taken martial arts classes?

Nope

12. Does your life tend to get better or worse or does it just stay the same?

Better or the same..... depends on the day, lol.

13. Does time really heal all wounds?

Heal? Maybe not. But, it does help them become easier to manage.

14. How do you handle a rainy day?

I *love* rainy days. In a perfect world, I can spend them on the couch with a blanket, hot cocoa, and a good movie/book.

15. Which is worse...losing your luggage or having to sort out tangled holiday lights?

Losing my luggage. As long as there isn't anyone around or any pressure to "get the job done", I actually don't have a problem untangling lights. 

16. How is (or was) your relationship with your parents?

With my mom and stepdad.... good.

My bio-dad.... non existent.

17. Do you tend to be aware of what is going on around you?

Yes. Overly aware.

18. What is the truest thing that you know?

The Jesus loves me.

19. What did you want to be when you grew up?

I've always wanted to be in the entertainment business. I've also always wanted to be a mom.

20. Have you ever been given a second chance?

Everyone has.

21. Are you more of a giver or a taker?

Both. We all are, really.

22. Do you make your decisions with an open heart/mind?

Both. I feel a lot, but I try to be logical. Sometimes, I'm too logical.

23. What is the most physically painful thing that has ever happened to you?

When I was 12, I had an abdominal obstruction stemming from my condition as a baby. I literally thought I was going to die.

24. What is the most emotionally painful thing that has ever happened to you?

The whole situation with my dad. And, this time last year.

25. Who have you hugged today?

My mom, I think.

ABCs of me

This one is going around the blogosphere...... so, I'm game.

A. Age: 27..... I'm getting old.

B. Bed size: Full

C. Chore you dislike: Washing dishes..... it grosses me out to no end to have to touch dirty plates and don't even get me started on dirty dishwater.

D. Dogs: Bichons

E. Essential start to your day: Make my bed and then shower.

F. Favorite color: Blue

G. Gold or silver: Silver

H. Height: 5'7"

I. Instruments you play(ed): None...I suck at playing ANY instruments.

J. Job title: Promotions Director for a group of Radio Stations

K. Kids: None that I gave birth to or am responsible for.... however, many that I dearly love.

L. Live: The Sunshine State

M. Mom’s name: Beverly

N. Nicknames: Jess, J

O. Overnight hospital stays: A lot when I was a baby..... when I was 3 or 4 and got my tonsils/adenoids removed..... when I was 4 and broke my arm.... when I was 12 and broke my shoulder.... when I was 12 and was having stomach issues.

P. Pet peeves: People who have NO consideration for the people around them.

Q. Quote from a movie: "Leave the gun, take the cannoli." - The Godfather

S. Siblings: 1 half-brother, 4 step-sisters, and 1 step-brother

T. Time you wake up: 7/7:15 on the weekdays, 8/9 on the weekends

U. Underwear: Bikinis

V. Vegetables you don’t like: Pretty much all of them except brussel sprouts

W. What makes you run late: My personality. I am always late.

X. X-rays you’ve had: When I've broken my arm/shoulder. When I've sprained my ankle. When I went to the chiropractor for my messed up hips.

Y. Yummy food you make: I bake. It's yummy.

Z. Zoo animal favorites: Elephants and giraffes.

On Meeting My Twin

They say everyone has a twin out there.

Mine is a cosmic twin....... not necessarily in looks, but everything else.

Marianne and I found one another's blogs and quickly formed a friendship. We are so weirdly similar..... we continuously email each other with "cue the Twilight Zone music." I can't even start to tell you all the ways we're alike.

We've been dying to meet one another for close to a year, now. When the chance finally arrived in early February, I was giddy with excitement.

After weeks of emails and texts, we formulated a plan and were able to meet face-to-face!!!

An added bonus was getting to meet another blogger who is good friends with Marianne and whose blog I've followed for a while now (before I even "met" Marianne..... again, weirdly similar).

Marianne and her family were everything I thought they'd be.... absolutely wonderful. Warm, funny, sarcastic (I love me some sarcasm), and soooooo easy to talk with.

Jenna is a doll. I want to hate her, but I can't. Beyond the fact that she's probably one of the nicest people you'll ever meet, she's drop-dead gorgeous...... and a mother to quads. Yes, quads. She's had four humans in her little body, at one time, and has a better body than 99%  of the people I know.

We enjoyed a yummy brunch, great conversation, and a nice walk around downtown St. Petersburg.

 

When the time to leave was upon us, we hugged, promised to see one another "soon", and grabbed pictures like any good Bloggers would.

My afternoon was further proof that Bloggers just plain rock.

Marianne, me, and Jenna

Twins

Jenna and I





Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing

17. Who would you like to show up at your door to say they love you?

This answer should be fairly obvious. Just because I'm not hoping, doesn't mean I wouldn't like it.

18. Last furry thing you touched?

A blanket..... It's one of those super soft and fuzzy blankets.

19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days?

Illegal.... none.

And, despite being ill, I haven't taken anything but Vitamins and Emergen-C.

20. Do you miss film or does digital work for you?

Digital works for me.

21. Favorite age you have been so far?

25...... 25 was truly my Golden Year, so far. My birthday is August 25th, so I should have seen the goodness coming. It was an excellent year.

22. Your worst enemy?

I don't want to call her my enemy, because I'm truly working on letting my ugly feelings go. There is a girl I used to work with that slept her way around our building. Then, when certain males lost respect for her (and got kind of nasty about it), I became the bad guy. Since she moved onto another job, we've had some interesting run-ins.

It's interesting because my dislike for her was actually retrograde. I tried to like her and attempted to be friends. Then, I found out a lot of stuff that was going on behind the scenes and distanced myself from her. At one point, I tried to warn her that people were talking.......... from then on, I was the bad guy. Since she's left, I've found out a few other things that made me like her even less.

Eventually, I had to come to terms with the fact that even though I hate that her behavior hurts people, she's not actually hurting me. It's none of my business, really. And, my dislike for her was only hurting me. Over the past few months, I've been letting it go. I can't say that we'll ever be friends, but I don't need to harbor ugliness.

23. What is your current desktop picture?

On my laptop, it's just a pink background that came with the computer.

On my work computer, it's a pretty purple flower.

24. What was the last thing you said that was funny?

I don't know. I haven't been funny, lately.

25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be?

A million bucks.

26. Who can't you say “no” to?

I have a hard time saying "no" period. I'm definitely a "yes girl."

I'm working on it.

27. The last song you bought or downloaded?

I downloaded a bunch of Katy Perry songs, during the Grammy's.

Not Like The Movies makes me cry.

28. What time of day were you born?

Like 2am, I think.

29. What’s your favorite number? Why?

14 - I don't know why, I've just always liked it.

25 - I always associate it with good dates and things.

30. Where did you live in 1987?

Same city I live in now.

31. Are you jealous of anyone?

Skinny girls.

Cute couples.

32. Is anyone jealous of you?

I don't think so, lol.

33. It's been almost a decade. Where were you when 9/11 happened?

Soooooo hard to believe it's been almost ten years.

I was at school (college) and had just left Freshman Seminar. I was in the mailroom and heard women talking about a plane hitting the WTC, so I walked over to the building that had the Commuter's Lounge. I entered it right as the 2nd plane was hitting. About 15-20 of us just sat there for hours, watching everything happen.

Saturday Blurbs

• I currently have SO many posts to post. However, I have NO motivation to do it. I don't know why, because it's fun stuff to talk about. Just no motivation. So, you're stuck with these crappy posts.

• The pile of drafts in my folder remind me of my Lenten challenge. It's been a slow start to decluttering, I'll admit. My goal for today is to move a few storage boxes that are sitting in my room to a proper place (not on the shelves). That way, I can eventually move the piles of books on my floor to the shelves. Not today, though. My goal for today is to just clear the shelves.

• The creepy crud had been moving through my office and house over the past couple weeks. Our pollen count has been ridiculous, so people are quickly dropping like flies. My mom was even in the hospital over it, for five days, last week. I, however, thought I'd escaped it. Nope. I awoke on Thursday sounding like Demi Moore. After skipping the gym and resting on Thursday, I still felt like crap on Friday. So, I skipped the gym and rested last night. I woke up several times throughout the night with a painful cough and still feel like crap, today. My evening plans have now been scrapped and I've officially done nothing but sit on the couch, watch movies, and sleep, today.

• I'm hoping for a quick turnaround. Not only do I not want to miss church tomorrow, but I have a date with Lady Antebellum, tomorrow night. I've been looking forward to this for months. Any suggestions? It's not upper respiratory. I'm breathing through my nose, just fine. It's all in my chest.... which is weird because it usually starts upper and moves lower. This time, it went straight to lower. So, again, any suggestions?

• This week is perhaps going to be one of the craziest, yet. I have two HUGE events, for two different stations. One on Thursday and one on Saturday. Both of them are my creations..... and, I'm freaking out. Literally having nightmares about what could go wrong. Radiothon is intense, but it's clockwork. We've been there and done that so many times that it's just the workload that gets me. These two events, however, are stressing me out. Please, please, please pray for me over the next week. I'm praying that everything goes off without a hitch, that the events are successful, that everyone has a good time, and that I can go home at 2am on Sunday (yep) knowing I pulled it off. Otherwise, Monday may not be so fun, lol.

• I need to get back into my exercise groove. I was doing just that when I woke up ill on Thursday. It irritates me.

• Florida just won against Vandy. YAY!

• Is anyone watching Off the Map? I like it. Apparently, I like anything Shonda Rimes creates. Although, I was like 5 episodes into it before I found out that the blond chick is Meryl Streep's daughter. I always thought she looked familiar, but couldn't place it. Now, it seems so obvious.

• I'm not sure how I feel about American Idol, this season. I just don't feel connected to any of the contestants, so far.

• I just recently found out that Emily from The Bachelor once dated Jerrod Niemann. That girl has really good taste in men. I'm kind of jealous, actually.

• TV and work. This is what I talk about. Clearly, I have an exciting life, lol.

I Give Thee Up

Today is the beginning of Lent.

If you're Catholic, like my lunch buddies are, that means not eating meat and the start of a 40 day fast from something.

If you're Protestant (like me), then Lent is a little more optional. And, I certainly ate chicken, today.

Truthfully, I don't always give something up. I haven't in a really long time, actually.

This year, however, my Sunday School teacher is doing a study on Lent and prayer. He challenged us all to find something in our lives that we need to give up, in order to gain better. The idea is that if you spend 40 concentrated days out of each year to become a better person.... the person God wants you to be.... then imagine what you could do in 20 years of practicing. Anyone can take 40 days to focus..... it's just over a 12th of the year.

His main point was that we not just give up a food item, etc. That if we're giving up a food item or something material then we need to recognize what Spiritual goal we're trying to accomplish.

So, I'm participating.

It got me thinking about what I need to alter.

 

In the past, giving up soda (which my brother does every year - and this year he's adding FB to the list) would have been major. However, I've gradually done that over the years and pretty much finished off this summer. I went from regular sodas to diet. Then, this summer, I basically cut that out except for rare occasions. Now? I may have a soda once or twice a month. I'm comfortable with that.

 

I could try to give up sweets, but I'm already trying a modified version of that. I mean, I count every calorie that goes into my body, as it is.

 

I can't really give up FB, because part of my job is to maintain our stations' pages.

 

Then, I started thinking about the past month or so. I've been super overwhelmed.

 

Too busy, too stressed, too distracted, too frazzled.

 

I then attributed it to one thing.......... clutter.

 

We've talked about this before. I'm a messy organizer. I started my process of decluttering in the Fall (and did well), but have fallen off the wagon since the Holidays.

 

Really, I need to straighten up my physical space.

 

Too often, lately, I've been misplacing things (so unlike me), spending too much time searching through my piles (another anomaly), and basically just not focusing. It tends to make me short with the people around me, too.

 

So, I'm giving up clutter. I'm going to spend the next 40 days going through every area that is mine to clear it out. Each day, I will take the opportunity to declutter something.

 

I hope to gain some clarity, peace, time, and most of all pleasantness with other people.

 

What about you? What are you giving up and hoping to gain in the next 40 days?

Creature of Habit

I am a creature of habit.

I drive the same routes.

I put certain things in the exact same place, always (so much so that if other people lose theirs, they know where to steal borrow mine).

I shower in the same order, every shower.

You get the idea.

Most importantly, I eat the same things off the menu, every time I go to a restaurant. There are very few places in which I have more than one or two dishes that I'll eat. And, even if something sounds good, I'll usually try to convince someone else to eat it first, for fear that I won't like it as much as my standard favorite.

What can I say? I know what I like and I stick with it.

Some people call it boring. I call it stable.

Some people call it a rut. I call it loyalty.

This morning, my favorite frozen yogurt place texted me a code to get 20% off my purchase for Fat Tuesday. I really don't need much convincing to go there, so after lunch, I walked over.

Much to my dismay, my favorite wasn't working. Every single time I go in there, I'll taste-test the newer flavors and then get my standard.......... Original Tart with either Fresh Fruit or Frosted Flakes.

This not being an option, I had a choice to make. Get something different or just leave. Not wanting to give up my 20% discount or treat for the day, I went with something different.

Ladies and gentlemen................ I walked back into work kind of sad. It wasn't the same. At all. It didn't taste horrible. It just wasn't my Original Tart.

So, to those of you who encourage those of us to "try something new"..... "shake it up a little"..... "you never know, you may like it better."

I assure you, we won't.

We like what we like. We're confident in that.

Some of us in this world know what we want. We get it. We like it. We have no desire to branch out, because we're pretty sure that what we have is the best.

Then, there's another sect that need to go searching to make sure that there's not something better.

It takes all kinds.

Me? I'll stick with my Original Tart.

I like him better with thet short hair...........

While I'm working on my recaps of the past couple weeks, let me tell you about something that happened in January. January 19th, to be exact.

Michael Bolton was set to be in town, so I scored my mom and I tickets, as a Christmas present for her. I grew up listening to him (thanks to her), so it was neat to see him live.

Not only do I prefer his hair short, but I definitely prefer him live. His voice is amazing!!!

After the show, we had the opportunity to meet him!

Me and Mom, waiting to meet Michael Bolton.

Mom, Michael, and Me!

Still Alive

I cannot believe I've gone two weeks without blogging.

Insane.

Just checking in to let you know I'm alive and well. I just had the best two weeks, filled with my favorite events and people :)

Lots to blog about, but until then, I'll leave you with this..........

Sometimes Dreams Do Come True