Hump Day!!!!

And it's a good one!

I weighed in this morning and have now lost the 2 pounds I had gained in the past two weeks. I'm very happy about this. I'm slowly getting there!!!!

I got a call from the library this morning. They have one of the books that I placed a hold on ready for me. They must have just gotten in a new copy. I'll go pick it up at lunch, and take back the book I read last night. I may even pick up a couple of other books. There were two that I was going to place holds on, but then when I went to do it they said they were in. And since I had already checked out my books (and I'm sure they hadn't checked in all the books I returned) I decided to wait. But I might get them now.

And yes, this means that I did not study last night. I will study today at work. I promise!

Let's see, work has been busy this morning. But not terrible. It's finally slowing down. We just had a lady that insisted on putting in 10 work orders for different computers. I really hope the tech can get them done quickly. (It's for one of the grouchier departments on campus, although the secretary that actually put them in is really nice).

Ok, I think that takes care of the news. Head on over to the Midnight Cafe to see the Hump Day Hunk!

Well, to be perfectly honest I have nothing of incredible interest to report today. What a shock! :)

I've decided to forget about water aerobics since I'm having so much trouble with my back. I've tilted the seat of my work chair a bit. I'm hoping that helps some.

I'm finally starting to get into Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison. I had tried to get into it before, but I just it just wasn't the right time. It sort of clicked for me last night. I'm 64 pages in now instead of 15!

My management teacher decided to skip some slides last night and let us go "early". It was still the latest we had stayed before. Our test is tomorrow, so I have to get some studying done tonight. Don't wanna though! And, on a side note that may or may not interest you, I can't decide if my teacher always has a hardon in class or if he's just that well endowed.

In other news, I'm making my library run tonight right after work. And I'll be returning The Phantom of the Opera. I haven't watched it yet, but I got Josh to rip it for me. Now I can watch it whenever I want!

Y'all have a wonderful afternoon and evening!

Rises the Night by Colleen Gleason

The glorious nineteenth-century city of Rome gives rise to a new threat from the Immortal Undead...

I don't want to tell much more than that. A lot of the online stuff I have read give away a little more than I want to!

Colleen's first book, The Rest Falls Away, was a fantastic debut. This Buffy the Vampire slayer meets Pride and Prejudice series is enough to grab anyone's attention. While the books are marketed as romance, they don't really fit that perfectly to me. But, I don't really care what the publisher classifies a book as, as long as it is a good one. And Colleen definitely delivers a terrific story. And keeps you wanting more!

For readers of the first book, there are more fight scenes, and more carriage rides in the second installment. And more information on the Venators.

So, run out and pick up these two books!! Now! Even if you don't read a lot. And check out Colleen's site. She's got some great info up, and writes a terrific blog.

Monday Again

I dread class tonight. My back is to the point that sitting for long becomes agony. I'm not sure if I don't know HOW to sit, or if it's something else. But I WILL make it through class. Even if I don't retain very much!

I finally stopped being sick yesterday. Too bad the back pain didn't go along with it. Luckily the pain from my canker sore did. Maybe that's what was causing me to be sick? I barely feel it today!

I'm going to hit water aerobics again tomorrow, or I plan to anyway. We'll see after another session if I'm going to have to bow out for the summer or not. I'm planning to take a walk before class tonight. I'll drive over there after work and leave everything in the car and walk around for a while. At least I'll get some activity in. I didn't walk to work today because I didn't want to have to carry so much weight around. I'm not expecting excellent things in my weight over the next few weeks. I have a feeling I'm not going to be doing a ton of exercise.

I'll be making a library run tomorrow night after water aerobics. I have a list of things to pick up. Half the list is books I read in high school that I want to read again. Other than that, I'm picking up Lunatic Cafe by Laurell K. Hamilton, Bitten and Smitten by Michelle Rowen, and Darkfall by Dean Koontz. I haven't read a lot of Koontz lately, and he was one of my favorite authors in high school. I may even pick up a Mary Higgins Clark book that I haven't read before. Those are two of my FAVORITE authors, I just haven't bought anything by them lately. I even wrote a paper in high school comparing the Master and the Queen of Suspense!

Well, I hope that everyone had a terrific weekend. The only thing I can say about mine is that I did some reading!

What Tarot Card are You?

You are The Moon

Hope, expectation, Bright promises.

The Moon is a card of magic and mystery - when prominent you know that nothing is as it seems, particularly when it concerns relationships. All logic is thrown out the window.

The Moon is all about visions and illusions, madness, genius and poetry. This is a card that has to do with sleep, and so with both dreams and nightmares. It is a scary card in that it warns that there might be hidden enemies, tricks and falsehoods. But it should also be remembered that this is a card of great creativity, of powerful magic, primal feelings and intuition. You may be going through a time of emotional and mental trial; if you have any past mental problems, you must be vigilant in taking your medication but avoid drugs or alcohol, as abuse of either will cause them irreparable damage. This time however, can also result in great creativity, psychic powers, visions and insight. You can and should trust your intuition.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

It's Friday!

And wow, with my wrist brace I managed to post absolutely nothing! Stupid bulky thing!

Anyway, I fell like crap today. Don't know why, just that I do. Guess I'll spend another evening in bed trying to get over whatever it is I have.

And my wrist decided to join the pain party with my back. I think my body just hates me right now. Luckily it is only by right one. While having my primary hand in this thing makes work very difficult, it's even worse if I have both braces on. And my left wrist is giving me problems too, just not quite so bad.

I'm supposed to go to a wedding tomorrow, but if I'm still sick I will be staying home. It will really suck because I like the couple. But I certainly don't want to pass around a bug. That would just be cruel of me!

I drove to work today since I felt bad. It's a good thing. Right now I don't think I could walk to the closest intersection, much less all the way home. But at least it is after 1, and I have less than 4 hours left to suffer at work.

I may read some this afternoon, but I'm not sure. I guess it just depends on how busy we are.

Books

I finished reading Circus of the Damned by Laurell K. Hamilton. I loved this book. Of course, I loved Guilty Pleasures and The Laughing Corpse as well. These are fantastic books. However, I've heard of Anita Blake before, and these books just didn't really mesh with what I had been told.
When I finished the book last night, I saw that there was an afterword from Ms. Hamilton. After reading it, I realize that I'm about to start reading the stuff I've heard about. After this book things really change for Anita. There's not good and bad, but things in the middle as well. Or, at least, that's how I feel after reading the note.
In the first three books Anita is still innocent. She would never tell you she was, but she still really believes in good and evil at this time. She believes that she is the good guy and that vampires are the bad guys. I've really enjoyed reading her story. She's a bit like a breath of fresh air after reading the last book of the Merry Gentry series.
However, I'm glad to know that things will be changing for her. I don't think I would enjoy reading more about her without her growing up more. Her innocence would get old after a few more books.

If all goes well I'll be heading to the library to pick up the next book tomorrow. If not, I'll be doing it on Tuesday (more than likely). I really can't imagine waiting longer to pick up the next piece of Anita's story.

Since I finished the last of my library books I picked up Rises the Night this morning. I'm thrilled to be starting it finally. As of now I'm not further than what I had read on Ms. Gleason's website, but I intend to change that. I might even find some time to read at work today. I've been avoiding that at work because we got in a new boss, but he didn't say anything when I was reading it before work this morning, and didn't say anything about me having the Hamilton book sitting on the counter most of yesterday. Of course, I would be better off studying my management notes. But Ms. Gleason's writing is SOO much more entertaining!

Friday's Feast!

Appetizer

What do you consider to be the ultimate snack food?

Anything Chocolate

Soup

On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 as highest), about how popular is your last name?

8 or 9? I honestly don't know a lot about the sirname Williams. However, Smith, my maiden name, ranks a 10.

Salad

Who is your all-time favorite sitcom character, and why?

Uhhh....I don't really watch a lot of sitcoms...

Main Course

Do you shop online? If so, name some sites you like to browse for goodies.

I shop Amazon.com a lot. I can't think of anything else off the top of my head.

Dessert

Fill in the blank: I think ___________ should be ___________.

I think June should be a cooler month. Sorry, the heat is really starting to get to me!


Get the code for Friday's Feast!!!!

Thirteen Books I Cannot Wait to Read 1…. Rises the Night by Colleen Gleason (I have it, but I have to finish another book first) 2…. The rest of the Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton (I am reading the 3rd book now) 3…. Unmasqued by Colette Gale (I think it comes out in August) 4…. No Humans Involved by Kelley Armstrong (I pre-ordered this book from Amazon, but one of the books I ordered with it ended up backordered and I haven't gotten it yet.) 5…. Safe Harbor by Christine Feehan (It comes out at the end of this month!) 6…. Dark Possession by Christine Feehan (It comes out in August. While I agree with many people that the first books aren't wonderful {TSTL heroines} but the latest books have been wonderful!) 7…. The Bleeding Dusk by Colleen Gleason (Comes out in February. Yes, I already cannot wait to read the book that comes after one I haven't read yet!) 8…. A Lick of Frost by Laurell K. Hamilton (Comes out in October. It's the latest Merry Gentry book.) 9…. Storm Front by Jim Butcher (I cannot wait to read the entire Dresden series, but best to start with the first one!) 10…. Personal Demon by Kelley Armstrong (Comes out in 2008. Yes, another one after one I haven't read yet. But when you really love an author, it's allowed!) 11…. Bite by Laurell K. Hamilton and others 12…. Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale by Holly Black 13…. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows by J. K. Rowling (I don't think there are that many people not eagerly awaiting this book. July seems a long way time to wait.) Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

And now for the update...

Since I posted about a news item earlier, I'll do an update post for you now.

On my back, it does feel a bit better today, but I don't think I can take my prescription painkillers at work. They make me entirely to loopy. So I'll suffer with Aleve, and take the other before bed. I only need to knock the edge off the pain to function anyway. However, I'm going to skip water aerobics tonight since it was right after the class that it REALLY started to bother me.

I decided that I wanted to watch The Phantom of the Opera. And the library is closed until Saturday. So I decided to rent it (although the hubby says I should have waited). It was a free rental since I had to create an account at Movie Gallery. I'll hopefully be able to make it to the library on Tuesday. I'll need new reading by then. And I can hopefully pick up a couple of audio books to listen to while I walk.

I also discovered at lunch that one of the tires on my car was almost completely flat. It made me 15 minutes late coming back from lunch. But, I had more than enough overtime in to cover it. (I'm looking at at least 1.5 hours of overtime this week!)

In other news, I could potentially finish Circus of the Damned by Laurell K. Hamilton tonight. Depends on if I actually watch Phantom tonight, or wait until the weekend. And I'll actually have to study for my next management test. It should be easy, but I'll need to study because it's actually some new material for me. And I've decided that I want to get a real gym bag. I've been using a Books-A-Million book tote. And it really just doesn't cut it. I guess I'll ask for one for a birthday present of something.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful day (and if I come up with something good, I'll even post a Thursday Thirteen later!)

New Medical Condition???

CNN.com reports today on the idea of Wiiitis. This is a medical condition related to spending too much time on your Wii. It presents itself as the sports injury most common to the sport that you spend time playing in your livingroom. So, if you play tennis on the Wii, and feel like you might have tennis elbow...Now you have Wiiitis.

Not the first video game related condition, but the first that I might eventually suffer from. If I ever have time to actually play.

The fix...take ibuprofen and leave your Wii turned off for a week.

Post Lunch Post

Wow, me doing two posts in a day. This doesn't happen often, but I remembered stuff.

I had gained a pound today. It doesn't bother me though. I can live with it. And it should be gone next week if I keep up my workouts.

I logged 16,587 steps yesterday by the time I factor in my water aerobics class. That's TWICE my previous max since I started wearing the pedometer. Luckily the WOMAN challenge I'm participating in had a chart for converting some activities to steps.

I went home for lunch and did some chores. I took out the trash, loaded the dishwasher, and straightened up the freezer. And realized just how badly I need to go grocery shopping. But our balance in the checking account is $18. But Josh gets paid on Friday, and as long as he remembers to deposit his check at lunch we should be able to go shopping that evening. At least I have hamburger meat in the fridge so I can cook some supper! I even left the car at home and walked back to work. I know that's the only way I will hit my 5,000 step goal today.

I think that might be it for today. Y'all have a great afternoon and stuff!

News...Good and Bad

Ok, First, I went to water aerobics last night! It was fun, but a small class. Things had apparently come up at the last minute for several of the ladies that were planning to come. But it was really nice to get in the water again. Rosy (my preferred teacher) is teaching both classes this summer. It's somewhat disappointing that I will only be able to participate in half the classes. She's also teaching Cardio Variety on Monday nights, so I may take up that class in the last half of the summer.

Of course, water aerobics lead to a decision I've been avoiding. I've been having trouble with neck pain (bulging disc) and lower back pain (not really sure what that problem in) for the past few weeks. It's been bad enough to bother me, but I don't really want to go back to the doctor. It's going to be VERY expensive, and we don't really have the money. However, my lower back on the left started hurting pretty bad during class. But I made it through and it wasn't bothering me after I got home. However, we I went to wash my hair last night it got REALLY bad. So bad that I thought I might just not rinse out the conditioner. And it started spreading across to the right side. Needless to say that was the last straw. I'm going to see my back doctor, Dr. Folse, on July 3rd. I hate that it's then because I am supposed to have a Staff Council meeting, complete with a meet and greet for our new university president, Dr. Saunders. But it's then or wait an additional two weeks to get in. Oh well, I'll just miss the cool meeting....

After water aerobics I went to Books-A-Million. I just had to buy a copy of Rises the Night by Colleen Gleason. I actually paid for it at Joe Muggs (their coffee shop) because I didn't want to wait in line (and a mocha sounded good!) The barista laughed when I asked her to take my picture for a contest. I entered sent it in for the contest over at Stainless Steel Droppings. Which is a pretty interesting blog. I can honestly say that I've been finding some cool blogs to read just following Colleen's interviews. (I won the book, but I just HAVE to support her on this release). I'll be reading it later this week. First I'm going to finish the third Anita Blake novel so I can make a library run first. (Yes, I find it hard to believe myself that I am putting off reading a book ONLY because I had read a couple of pages of another one first!)

And last, the grade for my test Monday night has been posted. I made a 97.5! The only question I missed is the one that I KNEW I had missed when I walked out the door. I was one that I wasn't sure about that. I found the right answer when I checked my notes. It drives me crazy because I ALMOST chose the right one. I almost had a 100. But that's ok. I just hope I can keep my grade an A in the class.

Well, I'm going to leave my post at this for the moment. It's time for me to go to lunch, and I don't recall for sure if I had anything else important to post or not!

Win A Book!

No, it's not me giving it away. A few months ago a picked up the book The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason after reading about it online. It's an awesome book! I immediately feel in love with it, and even read the author's blog on a regular basis.

Well, the sequel Rises the Night just came out, and Twisted Kingdom is having a contest! It's a scavenger hunt, and the prize is an ARC of The Bleeding Dusk!

So, if you love a good book, and love checking out new ones, go over there and check out the contest. Also, check out Colleen's blog for some other contest going on right now.

It's a Monday

The weekend wasn't HORRIBLE, although it certianly could have been better. I ate out Friday night (did fairly well though).

Saturday was DnD, and my character died. It kinda sucked. I really liked her. But they might actually try to get her resurrected later on. That just depends. I'm planning to build her twin sister and bring her in. It'll be a month before we play again, so I should have her finished. There's just no clue HOW she'll meet up with the party.

We also watched The Rise of Taj. I really liked it. It was a great movie. It had some awesome scenes. A lot of people say it isn't as good as Van Wilder, but I honestly liked this one more. But I'm odd anyway, and we all know that!

Yesterday I had a serious migraine and didn't do ANY studying for my exam tonight. I'll do that this afternoon at work. I did go over the first chapter Saturday night at the game though. Hopefully I will do well. Since I still have remnants of my migraine today I'll make that my excuse if I don't do well. ;)

I'm feeling ok going into this week. I weigh in on Wednesday, but I'm not really expecting good news. However, I do start Water Aerobics on Tuesday. For the next three weeks I'll be able to do that twice a week. Then I'll have to find something else to keep me going for the rest of the summer. I've been wearing a pedometer the last couple of weeks, and I can hit 7,000 steps on a good day. I just have to start working on the bad ones more!

The Challenge

Joy wrote on her blog about the past month in the 2007 Challenge. She wrote something that I had noticed throughout the month as well. We didn't communicate with each other nearly as much as we have in the past. Now, I know that people have been away from their blogs with vacations and such, but I also know that I haven't been nearly as supportive as I had been.
Many of us found May to be a difficult month in our weight loss journey. We ran in to obstacles that we weren't prepared for. We had those vacations and other celebrations that tend to be a small setback. I know I didn't follow any good plan while I spent four days celebrating my anniversary. I think that since June is here now we should all just take a deep breath and try to expel all the negativity from last month. Many of us are still struggling a bit with our troubles, but we can't let them consume us.
In January we decided that 2007 was going to be our year. We've all made a ton of progress. We've learned new habits, even if we haven't kept to them all the time. We've all learned that we feel wonderful when we go to the gym (or where ever we exercise). We've also learned that it doesn't feel as great to eat all the junk food we were accustomed to before.
Lets not let the first half of the year end on a low note. Let's all refocus, and begin again. We have succeeded this year, there's no reason not to continue that success!
And don't forget that we all need support. Remember to post and inspire your friends. Remember to encourage them. I'll be the first to admit to a lot of reading and non-commenting in the past month or so. Let's not let that continue. We need our friends so much, and there's no way for us to really show each other just how much the support and well-wishes mean. Just the few moments it takes to say Congrats, to say Good Luck, to say I'm here for you, are a small thanks that could mean the difference between success and failure for a fellow blogger.

Weigh In...

I gained a pound. I can live with that! Especially considering that everyone knows my weekend consisted of food and lazy. But I enjoyed it.

As far as my May goals, I haven't done so well. The walking bit went great. The fruit and veggie bit, I always got one or the other! On the multivitamin, I forgot more often than I remembered. And on tracking, I didn't meet the goal, but I did do fairly well. Much better than absolutely none at all.

For June I will probably just make a goal of keeping going. I would love to lose 4.5 pounds, or even 7, but I don't want to make goals like that. They always backfire on me! But I would love to hit 20 pounds in June, if not my 10%. That would be a great way to spend the month. BUT, I'll just do all the right things and see what happens.

OH, and I just had a coworker come in with an almost funny story. He came back to work from lunch and saw a lady (about 30 years old) sitting on her car crying. He asked her what was wrong. She said that she had a flat tire. He asked her if she had a spare and stuff. She said that she had everything, but she didn't know how to change a tire. Obviously, he changed her tire for her. Then proceeded to come in the office looking slightly dejected, and ask me if I knew how to change a tire. Then, when I told him that I knew HOW, but never could break the lugnuts loose he proceeded to laugh. But said he could understand that!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!!!

I Love Holidays!

I really enjoyed my time off. I took it as a 4 day weekend to celebrate my anniversary. Sometimes it's hard to believe that Josh and I have been married for a whole year.

Friday night we went to see Pirates. It was an awesome movie, definitely better than the second one. I want to go see it again, I enjoyed it SO MUCH! Then again, what's not to enjoy with all those beautiful people AND sword fights.

I read the Merry Gentry series by Laurell K Hamilton this weekend. Josh bought me books 3-5 as an anniversary present. They are wonderful books, and I can't wait for the 6th one to come out in October.

Saturday we went out to eat at Olive Garden, and watched some Lewis Black standup that we had on dvd. Nothing major.

Sunday (THE day) we ate lunch with his parents, and supper with some friends. And we watched Pan's Labyrinth, Epic Movie, and Next. The first was incredibly good, even if it was subtitled. I've never minded watching subtitles anyway. Comes from being an anime fan, I guess. The second was a one time watch only. I think it was funnier to most of us because of a friend's reaction to it. And Next was very awesome. I'm going to have to watch it again sometime when I'm not half-asleep!

And Monday was for lazying around, and then going to class. Which wasn't too bad, other than the packed hallway of people waiting for teachers to open classrooms. Of course, it won't be quite so easy after this. We'll be covering 2 chapters a night with an exam every third night. Quite a quick class, but I'm sure I'll do fine.

Today at work has been a bit busy, but it's starting to slack off a bit. We have students needing passwords, students needing e-mail addresses, and students wanting to activate wireless service.

I'm not really looking forward to my weighin tomorrow morning. I didn't exactly follow a terrific diet over the weekend. I wasn't too terrible, but I didn't exactly get in a lot of exercise either.

Y'all have a great week!

Graduation, and the other thing...

Josh and I went to his cousin's high school graduation tonight. It was out on the football field, VERY hot, and there were 288 seniors. I thought it would never end. And the two girls that sung the Alma Mater nearly busted my ear drums. But it was great to see some of the family, and a very happy time for the family. Aunt Denice has cancer (I forgot what kind) and when she was diagnosed she said that she was going to make it to see her son graduate. There have been several times in the past couple of years that we thought we would lose her, but she made it through. And of course, I learned tonight that Ben is short for Benton. I figured his name was Benjamin...

Josh and I have enjoyed the beginning of our anniversary celebration. I got up at 8:30 and sat around reading until Josh's alarm clock went off at noon. Then I went and crawled back in bed with him and kept him there for over an hour. We're planning to see Pirates tonight. I've already heard that it is a great movie. Tomorrow sometime we are going to go eat at Olive Garden. I'm not sure what else we will be doing, but I'm sure it will be memorable... ;)

Wednesday Update

I just realized that I hadn't posted today. I stayed the same at weigh in this week. And that was acceptable.

Sorry, I'm just not feeling talkative today. I think Robin's memorial service brought a lot of really old memories to the surface, some of those are ones that I really haven't dealt well with yet. But that's ok.

I bought myself a nice pedometer to try and get myself walking more. Not to mention that will give me a better idea of my times when I'm walking. It's an Omron and I picked it up at wal-mart. It's supposed to be REALLY accurate. So far it has been much more accurate than any of the cheapos I've bought. And it has a clock, so I know the time. And it has a seven day memory, whish if really cool.

Well, I might be feeling more talkative tomorrow, who knows! Also, my anniversary is this weekend. If anyone has a great and cheap celebration ideas I would really like to hear them!

Y'all have a great evening!

Weekend Update

So far my Monday hasn't been horrible. The coworker has barely spoken to me, but she has responded when I talk.

The weekend wasn't too terrible. Friday night we went to Keg & Barrel and drank to Robin. Then ate at Wendy's with my friend Stimpy. It was the last time we would see him before he headed to DC for the week. He's doing some training up there. Then we went and hung out at Shay and Dee's house. I finished reading Kitty and the Midnight Hour. I wasn't terribly impressed. I probably won't read anymore of those unless I go insane. My friend Dee loaned me A Kiss of Shadows by Laurel K. Hamilton. I've never read any of her stuff, and this seems pretty interesting so far. I also read Stolen by Kelley Armstrong this weekend. It was a pretty good read. I will eventually pick up a copy to keep since I checked it out at the library. I'll be returning my books Wednesday and possibly trying to pick up a few more.

Saturday night we played DnD at Shay and Dee's and my character came close to dying. Not nearly as close as some of the others, but closer than she has before. They grilled some awesome steaks. Well, Dee grilled, Shay played Guitar Hero between cooking chicken on the stove. And I stood around the grill and just enjoyed some girl time. We watched Smoking Aces. It was a great movie. I really enjoyed it. We had watched Night at the Museum the evening before. It was also a decent movie.

Sunday Josh and I just lazed around and did next to nothing. We did catch up on Bleach and Naruto though. We had two episodes of each to watch. They were pretty good.

On the weight loss front I'm not expecting anything but a gain this week. But that's ok. I'll live through it.

On the school front, I DREAD starting class next Monday night. That will seriously suck. But it's just part of life.

Y'all have a great Monday!

TGIF

I'm so glad that it is Friday. It's the end of the work week, and I'm excited about it.

We're supposedly having a drinking party for my boss at the local beer bar right after work. It will possibly extend to his favorite bar, where he worked as a dj part-time. I may go for a little while, and I wouldn't mind going out to Shenanigans afterwards, but I already have a committment for the evening. And they will probably be at the Keg and Barrel for a couple of hours before re-locating. Oh well!

Today has been going fairly well. The coworker is still ignoring me as much as possible. And being snotty when she does speak to me. But I really don't give a damn today.

I went to JC Penny last night and discovered that I've been wearing the wrong size bra. Not a shock, that's why I went. I bought some fancy undies too. Then did the shopping.

I finished reading Bitten last night. Awesome book. Right now I'm reading Kitty and the Midnight Hour by Carrie Vaughn. It's alright so far, but I only started it this morning. I'll be reading on it at lunch though since my husband just informed me that he cannot meet me for lunch as planned.

Well, y'all have a wonderful day, and a wonderful weekend!!!

Thirteen Things about Shopping For Schoolbooks 1…. I hate it for the summer because the bookstore is only open 8-5 Monday-Friday. 2…. I simply hate our bookstore on principal. 3…. We have a Barnes & Noble, and I have to be careful not to look around while I'm there. 4…. Books cost too damn much. 5…. For some classes they ONLY have used books. And usually for the ones I would prefer new because I will be keeping them. 6…. For some classes they ONLY have new books. And usually for the ones I would prefer used because I won't be keeping them. 7…. The bookstore was fairly empty since it is the summer semester, and it's still technically intersession. 8…. Since I'm here all the time anyway I can buy my books before the rush. 9…. Since it's the intersession they had MINIMAL staff. 10…. I just spent $177. For school stuff. For summer. 11…. I could charge it to my account with the school because I bought it at the school bookstore. 12…. That means only $50 a month all summer to pay it off. THEN I start it for fall. 13…. At least the school charges MUCH less in interest than a credit card. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Why isn't it over yet?

I'm so ready for this week to be over. I want weekend to get here, not that it will be anything fantastic. But it will not be me coming to work. And that is always appreciated.

I lounged around and did a whole lot of nothing yesterday. And don't feel guilty about it. Apparently my wonderful coworker is pissed at me again. It really got to me yesterday when she was not only not speaking to be, but getting pissy with me for calling her out when she didn't do her job properly. But I digress. I'm not talking about her. I refuse to.

I'm reading Bitten by Kelley Armstrong right now. I picked it and Stolen up at the local library. I'm really enjoying it. I have read the entire series with the exception of these two and the newest one. I have the new one on order though. I ordered it on amazon with another book coming out soon. I may be posting my thursday thirteen on the library later today. Either that or my experience buying textbooks at lunch. An experience that I seriously dread.

As of thirteen minutes ago I was completely caught up on my blog reading. Wish I were caught up on e-mail, but that will take longer. When you spend four days almost completely away from the computer it will pile up. Rather quickly.

I never gave the news on my grades. I got those Monday afternoon. I got an A in my Intro to Computers course (you know, that thing I do for a living!) and a B in Business Ethics. If I had a half-way competent teacher I would have gotten an A. But oh well. My overall gpa is now a 3.6. I hope for it to go up again this summer. Guess we'll just have to see what happens!

Y'all have a wonderful day, and I'll check in again later!

Back from the Migraine

I woke up with a migraine yesterday. Made for a sucky day of sitting at home wimpering in pain. But the break was kinda nice.

I almost forgot about weigh in this morning. That was kinda scary. I was rushing to finish getting ready and get there. Good thing too! I lost 2 pounds! That's right, 2! That puts me past the 15 pound mark. Now I just need to try not to get stuck there again.

To be honest, and I might as well since I just made the comment on Joy's page, I've been feeling discouraged lately. I've been fighting the same few pounds, and it was really seeming to not be worth it. I had considered giving up, but I decided that I would just be too stubborn to actually give up. Eventually it will get easier again. Maybe these 2 pounds today will help. Hopefully they won't hurt!!! I may take next month as "Just keep chugging along" month. I think that with a few things that have happened this month that I might have bitten off more than I can chew and need a break. So Joy, you know you aren't alone. Just keep doing your best and don't give up. Slow and steady wins the race. There's no need for us to rush along faster than we can!

What Clan Are You?

My husband has decided to take up playing L5R, Legend of the Five Rings. It seems to be a pretty interesting card game. He's been buying old cards off Ebay and splitting them with a couple of friends so that a few of them can have playable decks. I hope this works out for him because he really seems to enjoy it.

Anyway, he found an online quiz today to determine your clan. So I took it just for fun.

The Update

I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get in to update. I found out at 4pm (while on my way home) that it was confirmed that my boss Robin had died in a car accident.

I would have updated everyone when I got home, but I just didn't feel up to it. Instead I drank half a bottle of wine while attempting to remember what I was supposed to be packing. Needless to say, I was a bit of a wreck. I was on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster for the evening.

Right now I'm pretty grounded, but I know that I will still have spells of crying for at least the rest of the week.

Josh and I went to the funeral home for a little while this evening during the wake. I didn't really know what I was supposed to do. I had met his kids a few times, but don't really know any of his family. I've probably been through close to thirty funerals, but this will only be the second where I am not a member of the family. I really don't know how I am supposed to act or what I am supposed to do. I guess I will just have to follow the lead of others.

The funeral is tomorrow morning. I dread it a bit. I don't want to see his kids there. I know that his daughter is in denial, and his son has taken it pretty hard. He looked pretty down tonight, but he seems to be holding up. Everyone is fairly certain that he is going to go to court to not have to stay with their mom. Everyone is praying that he will succeed, and that the judge will allow his sister to stay with him. I assume that they will end up with Robin's parents.

Our office won't be opening until everyone gets back from the funeral. Several people are going to meet at our office and carpool over there. I hope that I don't have to drive. While I was able to hold up at the wake, I know that I will be a mess after the funeral. It's going to be really tough to sit through.

I think that I have a picture of Robin somewhere. I hope I can find it and I'll try to post something tomorrow. It will probably be tomorrow night though. Mini-session summer courses start tomorrow, there's the end of grade entry, and we won't be opening until in the afternoon sometime. We'll be rather busy once we open. Which will probably be a good thing all around.

I hope that everyone had a good mother's day, and y'all have a good day tomorrow.

Friday Drama...

Well, I'm going to see the parents. We're skipping graduation. The family decided that we shouldn't wait until 8 pm to head out.

Work started out fairly well this morning. We got a call that the boss's phone was being held by someone at a school about an hour from town. Later discovered that he had left it at the bar last night. Also found out that his ex-wife is giving him trouble again. He just got out of the last stuff.

Of course, that's nothing for me to really worry about. I got a call from the local sheriff's office looking for his next of kin info. That worried me a little, but then I decided that it was nothing. The judge had probably just put out another warrant and they are looking for him again.

BUT...a coworker got a disturbing text message (that's all he said) and my call worried him a bit more. About 15 minutes ago another coworker came through crying looking for the other one. She wouldn't tell me anything, just said she would tell me in a few minutes.

Now, I can think of two situations today that could lead to her in tears, but I'm kinda leaning more towards one than the other. I won't say which. The first is slightly obvious. It's what I've been talking about.

The other deals with another coworker. He recently moved his stepdaughter up here from her father's house to get her away from a drug dealer in Florida. Apparently he showed up at the house today, and he left to take care of that.

Easy to see why I'm concerned, huh? I'm supposed to be leaving work now, but I don't want to leave until I know what's going on. Otherwise it will just stay in my mind all weekend and I will enjoy none of my family time.

Well, keep them in your prayers, and I'll try to have some info to post on it.

PPS-Another situation was thought of. It could be her husband.


WOW! The updates come quick. It was our boss. He might have been killed in a car accident. Brandi is going to met his family at the hospital.

Thirteen Things about CORY 1…. I love walking to work. 2…. But I hate when my neck and back start hurting on the walk. 3…. I love having fresh fruit in the house again. Thanks Josh for picking up the apples! 4…. I need to work on my posture again. I've been letting it go! 5…. I love water. It's been my work staple lately. 6…. I'm thinking of taking 7 hours of classes this summer. I recentally realized the 3 hour course I signed up for is only for half of the summer. But I'm not sure if I would be able to pay for the books AND the extra tuition hour. 7…. I probably won't be able to participate in the University's wellness program this summer. It looks like it will be done during the noon hour, and I have lunch at 11. I hate it, but that's life! 8…. My favorite snack as of late is apples and peanut butter. Now that I have apples again I will be having this at least once a day! 9…. I bought a book to learn knitting. 10…. I have yet to start reading it and I bought it on Sunday. 11…. I just got a call to find out that my bc pills are $144 every three months. And that's with insurance! 12…. That makes me wish that my doctor hadn't decided to have my try this new stuff. The older version was only $45 and I could get it at the school pharmacy. 13…. I GET TO GO HOME FRIDAY NIGHT! I'm glad to get to see my parents again. I haven't been home for 1.5 months. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

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Goals and Pictures!

I tried to start the C25k program again. I again couldn't make it through day one. But I made it further than I had previously. I'm going to try it again on Wednesday and see how it goes. I probably would have made it if I hadn't been slacking on my workouts the past few weeks. I've been doing stuff, just not the high intensity stuff I had been doing. I'm going to get back on game this week. I can't lose the weight if I keep sitting still!

As far as my goals for the month I'm doing mediocre. I know I didn't make my activity point goal this week. I haven't tracked much this week, but I did it faithfully yesterday, and have a good start on today. I've taken my multivitamin more days than I haven't, and I'm well on game for walking to work. There's still room for improvement (LOTS) but at least I'm getting started.

A friend from work sent me some pictures he took at the concert. Josh tried to take some pictures with his cellphone, but didn't get anything other than a lot of dark. I'm glad my coworker was able to get some pictures!

This is the first band that played, Black Stone Cherry. They were pretty good. I had never heard of them before, but I enjoyed their show. However, the sound was not done right. I have no clue what the words were to any of their songs. But Josh has downloaded some stuff now. I just have to check it out this week sometime.

This is the lead singer for Saliva. They sound was great for their set and encore. Maybe that's why they took such a long break between the bands.

Anyway, they were awesome. The played all the songs I love, and the place cleared out enough for me to be able to really enjoy the encore. It was a bit crowded during the regular set.

Josh thinks he should grow his hair back out. He's probably right. But the hot pink strip down the middle was kinda neat. Matched his hot pink gloves!!!

Well, I hope that everyone has a fantastic day!!!

It's Monday...

And I'm done with classes. I'm glad to have the break. It should be really nice.

I went to see Saliva at one of the local bars Friday night. It was an awesome show. We should have gotten there early enough to get a table though. Standing from 8:15 to 12:30 kinda sucked. Especially since the place was packed!!!

I went to a small friendly Cinco de Mayo gathering at a friend's house Saturday night. I had a couple of drinks, chit-chatted, and we watched Casino Royale. It's a great movie. I like the new Bond guy. (I had seen the movie before. Went to see it in the theatre, but several of our friends had not.) One of our friends that hasn't seen it has been after us to watch it, but we always watched something else. I think it's funny that he wasn't there to watch it. I can't wait to hear the reaction on that.

I'm doing okay on my goals, but not great. I've missed some things a few times, but I'll keep working on it. Y'all have a great Monday!

Spiderman...

Went to see Spiderman 3 last night. Won't say very much other than that there were some scenes I could have done without. And that even if Sam Rainey doesn't like Venom, that's no reason to treat him that bad.

Now that I've ruined the movie for everyone, on to other things.

I'm going to see Saliva at a local club tonight. I wonder if their website has suggestions for parking... I've never been there, and it's downtown. I never go downtown if I can avoid it.

Well, I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Tech Support

I've worked in tech support for a few years now. You would think that since I do it for a university I wouldn't hear so many of the stupid things. But today's just got to me.

Student calls in because he can't get his temporary password changed. He can't make up a new one.

"Sir, the current password will be the temporary one we gave you. Your new password has to be at least 8 characters long, must have at least one number, and cannot be based on a dictionary word."

"All the words I know are dictionary words."

Ok, I had trouble formulating a response to that one. I finally told him to use all numbers. That worked out just fine for him. That one has just twisted me for a loop. I thought I would share it. At least the kid's password is changed now and hopefully he won't call me back!

Okay...News

Now that I have told all my stories that get their own post, time to move on to everything else.

I've decided to start weighing in on Wednesday AMs. Don't know why I made the change, just did. And I can do it and get to work so it's no major deal. I think I like the AM weigh in. She apparently opens the doors about 7:35 (posted 7:45) so I have time to wait AND get to work.

I lost a pound this week. I told her it was the blood I donated. It was probably the change from jeans to my normal skirt though. No matter though. I'm getting back on track here! I bought another 12 week journal. I journal more faithfully when I have one of them. I hadn't bought another one because I wanted to save money. Apparently that doesn't work for me. AND, since I'm doing an AM weigh in, I've decided to have my weigh day be the beginning of my week instead of the end. Not that it really matters, but I just thought I would share that.

I didn't exercise last night since I had decided to give blood, but it's ok. I had walked to work, although I had Josh pick me up. I hakd done a lot of walking throughout the day so I'm still going to count it as good. I drove to work today so I could make it on time. Good thing I gave myself that leeway in my walk to work goal, huh?

Josh's parents took us out to eat at Red Lobster on Monday. The food was okay, the service HORRIBLE. My glass was constantly empty...usually while I had a plate of food sitting in front of me. Our our waitress couldn't have smiled to save her life apparently. She got an awful tip I'm sure, and was told to share it with one of the other servers that kept filling our glasses for us. I don't think they will insist on eating there again! Thank goodness!

My challenge partners this month are Tigerlilly and Alana. Go check out their blogs sometime and cheer them on. They've been working hard and have really inspired me!

I passed out yesterday....

....after giving blood at an American Red Cross blood drive. It was awesome. I was laughing about it the rest of the day. I was perfectly fine until the lady told me I was finished and not to squeeze the ball anymore! Then I started feeling woozy. Then I decided that I would close my eyes.
Next thing I knew they had me flat on my back!!! It was great! I felt fine about a minute later.
I got a red squeezie ball, a cute cap, and a cool Pete t-shirt for giving blood. I'll have to post pictures later on it. The Red Cross lady was hoping for 55 people. Number 54 had signed up when they were finishing up with me. I hope she got that last person!!!

Anyway, even though I did pass out I feel great about donating blood. It was my first time and I think I will definitely do it again!

Don't Buy Gas on May 15th!

...in April 1997, there was a "gas out" conducted nationwide in protest of gas prices. Gasoline prices dropped 30 cents a gallon overnight.

On May 15th 2007, all internet users are to not go to a gas station in protest of high gas prices. Gas is now over $3.00 a gallon in most places.

There are 73,000,000+ American members currently on the internet network, and the average car takes about 30 to 50 dollars to fill up.

If all users did not go to the pump on the 15th, it would take $2,292,000,000.00 (that's almost 3 BILLION) out of the oil companys pockets for just one day, so please do not go to the gas station on May 15th and lets try to put a dent in the Middle Eastern oil industry for at least one day.


---My sister forwarded me the above e-mail about a week ago. I decided I would share with everyone today and do my part to be sure the word gets out. I personally think that this is a wonderful idea. It may or may not work, but I'm still going to participate!!!

Another Month, Another Attempt

So far I don't feel incredibly successful this year in my plan to lose weight. But I'm still working on it, which puts me ahead of most people of most people that started this year with the same plan in mind. So, at least I'm still here and trying.

This is going to be something of a slow month for me, hopefully. I take my final exam on Friday, and then classes don't start up again until the 29th. Of course, I have two graduations, Mother's Day, and my wedding anniversary to attend this month, but that should only account for a slightly busy weekend or two.

I have already talked about my goals for the month, but since it's the 1st, I want to post them again.

-Walk to work at least 3 days a week
-Track my points at least 5 days a week
-Take my multivitamin every day
-Get a minimum of 28 activity points every week
-Eat AT LEAST one fruit and vegetable every day

Now, I'll admit that I have a lot listed there, but they are all little things. I hope that I exceed all of these goals, but I wanted to give myself a little wiggle room! Life happens, and usually gets in the way of good intentions.

I have started the month off fairly well. I walked to work today, had my vitamin and fruit for breakfast. And I've been tracking. So I think I'm doing pretty well.

My boss is back to work today. I've only seen him for a minute, but it's good to have him back. And it means my scholarship form for this semester has been signed. I'll have to deliver it this afternoon so they can get evedrything processed. I really don't want to have to adjust my schedule again just because they can't do paperwork. That will cover my tuition so I will only have to pay for books this year.

Well, I should get back to pretending to work. Or at least read my school book. I can't get an A in my class, but I can at least work to keep my B!

It's FRIDAY!

I always love Fridays. Last day of the work week. Unfortunately, tonight I won't be home to see Painkiller Jane (unless something happens). Tonight we will be gaming again. But I'll be able to catch it later!

One of my coworkers got flowers from her hubby. She's having troubles at home (not helped by the flowers). So, everyone keep her in your prayers please.

I saw my best friend Dee today. I don't see her outside of all our friends very often, so it was cool when she came to see me at work about a computer problem. Which is hopefully taken care of now. She's attending a meeting of some sort at work today because she has been accused of not doing her job. She works security for a local plant, and they had someone on site threatening to shoot someone a few weeks ago. They don't have any special step-by-step plans for this scenario, so she's gotten in trouble for doing what any sane person would do. Apparently some lady with HR didn't want her to notify the security company she actually works for OR the plants corporate office. She finds out today if she still has a job. She's not to concerned about if she will or not, she's just ready to find out and get it over with. I'll be semi-patiently waiting all night for word on it.

I'm ready for things to be over and finished with the school semester. But that's normal for me.

It seems like this month and this year have gone by quickly. I kinda hope it continues to do so, but then again I don't want it to. Kinda wierd.

I can't think of anything else right now. I'm sure I had some great thing planned to write today (yeah, right!) but I forgot!

It is now official...

I cannot count. I was sent some staff council election ballots to count and I had to count the things 5 times because I kept getting different figures. I decided that the lady can have my fine counts and decide what she wants to do with the darn things.

I signed up for the Woman Challenge after seeing it on someone's blog today. I can't believe that I can't remember whose blog it was. Wait, I can't count, how am I supposed to remember something like this! Anyway, it seems like it will be pretty cool. I'm taking the Gulf and Caribbean Route, and can't wait for it to start.

I've been thinking about goals for May, and have decided that I will step it up a notch this month since I will be out of classes for most of the month. My final is on the 4th and classes don't start until the 28th, so I think I can try to do a little more this month. Maybe I'm not doing better at this whole weight loss thing because I haven't been challenging myself ENOUGH. (Although I did have another person today tell me that she could tell I had been losing weight!!!!)

MAY CHALLENGE GOALS
-Walk to work at least 3 days a week (This give leeway for bad weather and if I need to drive for other appointments)
-Track my points at least 5 days a week
-Take my multivitamin every day
-Get a minimum of 28 activity points a week
-Eat AT LEAST one fruit and one vegetable every day

I think that is plenty for me to work on. And I think it should be enough to keep me challenged. I'm going to try to do each thing every day, but I know that I will get seriously disappointed in myself if I challenge them all for everyday and then miss one. There's no sense in setting myself up for failure, and I'll feel even better about myself if I surpass my goals.

I have some books I want to post a bit about because they were really good. I'll try to do that this weekend if nothing happens. Hopefully nothing will happen. I probably won't do any major reviews because I'm not really good at those (I'll leave that to the major book bloggers) but I would like to share some stuff I've enjoyed reading lately.

Y'all have a wonderful evening and Keep Moving!!!

Thirteen Habits I Have To Work On 1…. I decide to work out at home instead of the gym, then don't. It has nothing to do with not wanting to go to the gym. I usually get sidetracked by something else. 2…. Not getting up when the alarm clock goes off. I don't hit the snooze, I just don't get up for another hour or so. 3…. I need to take strength training more seriously. 4…. I need to walk more. I enjoy lots of other cardio as well, but I really need to walk a lot more often than I do. 5…. I need to remember to take my multivitamin. If I'm lucky I remember to take it four or five times a year. 6…. I need to eat more fruit. 7…. I need to eat more veggies. 8…. I have tons of cookbooks that I never look at. I need to start using them and planning meals ahead of time. 9…. I need to vary my diet more than I do already. 10…. I need to start tracking my food and activity again to be sure I'm eating the right amount. 11…. I need to call my sister more often. We don't talk enough. 12…. I need to quit procrastinating on my schoolwork. 13…. I need to think about things before I do them. Then I might not have so many setbacks and extra lessons to learn over! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Mid-Week Update???

So, I'm trying to get back on track here. It may not be easy, but it's going to happen.

I went to water aerobics last night. And before long the class will end because of the end of the semester. But I'll figure out something good to do in the interim. I might take up my tae bo videos again for a few weeks.

I ate out again last night, but it was because I was out of groceries and it would be a REALLY late meal if I cooked after we went shopping. I didn't do horrible, but could have done better. But, I'll make up for it.

My amazon book order is supposed to be delivered today. They tried to deliver it on Saturday, and I called yesterday to tell them to deliver it. I hope they do. I tried to use the USPS's automated system, but the thing gave up on me. I was constantly repeating myself, and apparently it couldn't figure out my Southern accent. I could have told it that.

I showed a gain at my weigh in, but I didn't have any clean slacks and am wearing jeans today. Since it was only a pound, I'm going to call this week a draw. I weighed, but I'm just not going to think about it. I'll move forward, this will be an on-track week, and that's all there is to it.

Taking that into account, I have a specific goal for this next week. Track every day. Exercise every day (excluding a rest day!). Drink enough water every day!!! And if I can do that this week, then I can do it next week. And the week after. And so on and so forth....

Ok, time to get back to work. I'm sure there is something around here that I need to be working on, and if there isn't, then there's a book I need to be finishing! :)

Tuesday's Hell Beginning

The girls have started moving into the office. There are two full-time girls and two student workers. Complete with their phones that won't quit their obnoxious beeping. Ok, so only one of the two beeping phones has moved in so far. The other will get set up later this afternoon probably. It's enough to make me want to cry. :)

Oh well, that's life. I promised the hubby I would try not to take it out on him. I HATE things that beep. I hate them so much that I don't even have an alarm clock that beeps. But at least there is a door to their office. I have no problems closing the door on them. The evil coworker was talking earlier about how it was going to get even louder in here. In the past I've had to put people on hold and scream "shut up" to coworkers because I couldn't hear. I hope I don't have to again, but I might. We'll just see in the coming week.

Otherwise, I'm having a pretty good day. I have to go grocery shopping tonight, which I dread, but that's just part of life. We have to eat! I have water aerobics tonight, and I'm really happy about that. I want to play in the water for a while. :) I think that will go a long ways towards making me feel better.

Well, I hope that everyone has a wonderful day. I'm going to go lose my sanity now!

Just another week...

I was sick all weekend. Still not 100%, but definitly better this morning. I probably won't be doing any cardio tonight, but I am going to hit the circuit training room at the gym. Because I really do enjoy that. And I usually get to do some chatting with some girls from The Biggest Winners program.
Since I was sick, I spent a lot of time sleeping and a lot of time reading, and just a little bit of time watching tv.
I watched the second episode of Painkiller Jane on SciFi, and I'm hooked. This chick is awesome. She kicks ass, and she has just enough of a mental problem for me to fall in love with the character. If you haven't checked this out, and like action with a hint of scifi, you should really catch an episode of this.
I read the Raven duology by Patricia Briggs this weekend. I got turned off of it for about 30 pages fairly early on, but it caught me up again. And I couldn't set it down again. I'm SO GLAD that I had found both books at Hudsons. I would have had to make a trip to BAM sick or no if I hadn't had the second book.
I've also finally gotten caught up in A Game of Thrones. I took long enough! I was hooked after about 5 pages this time when I picked it up. And I remember what had been going on when I last put it down so I don't have to go back through those 70 pages. Sometimes you just have to be in the mood for a book!
I missed the mailman on Saturday since I was sick. So I don't get my book shipment until tonight. As much as I have been wanting to read Dark Legend, I'll probably wait until I finish A Game of Thrones.

Our boss has changed his mind again about where he is going to put everyone in this stupid office. And hasn't thought it through apparently. Of course, he's running from the law, so he isn't here to see the problems with it. AND, they are talking putting people in the breakroom that we've never had to solve the issue. Of course, that leaves me again with no place to eat lunch. This is so stupid. I change my lunch to 11 am to accomidate everyone, and they don't even have the decency to leave me a place to eat lunch. Oh well, I'll get used to it. As it is, I refuse to let it affect my day!
Y'all all have a wonderful week and I'll get caught up on blogs later today...probably...

Edit: My day just keeps getting better. One of my classes for the summer was cancelled. So, now I have went back and chosen new classes. I now have a night class in the summer and the fall, AND the evening walking class in the summer and a morning lecture in the fall. I HATE college...

The test is finished, although I'm not happy with my essay. I'm ready to go home and see what the weekend holds in store for me! Hope it's fun, hope it involves sleep, and getting to read a good book or two.

Y'all all have a fantastic weekend!

Feelin' Better!

Well, I still have twinges of my headache from yesterday, but it's definitely a lot better now. I went home and went to bed. Didn't even wake up to finish fixing dinner for Josh. I had started crockpot meal at lunch, and was supposed to add some stuff to it about 30 minutes before he got hom from Aikido. I didn't. And still slept unil nearly 6 this morning.

My evil coworker isn't here this morning. No one knows what's up because it isn't marked in the calendar. Our boss is out (warrant out for his arrest becuase of some divorce stuff, he's getting the short end of the stick there) so he might now, but didn't check in this morning with anyone.

Ok, I jut got a good laugh from one of my friends. He's apparently having major software issues at work this morning and wants to kill someone. While I hate that he's having issues, his response is amusing to me.

I forgot to make a snack for work this morning, so I'm starting to get hungry. But I promise not to hit the vending machine. There's not much in there I like, and nothing that I have enough change for!

Well, hopefully today will be a good day for everyone! (I'm reading at work, so how bad could it get? Just the big boss walking it, but that never happens!)

It's Just Another Day...

...but I lost those 2 pounds from last week!!!

Ate lunch at home because the hubby and I are flat broke after covering a friend for lunch for the past week. Boy needs to quit spending so much money on DnD Minis...

Made $5 at work today. Some guy whose computer I worked on insisted on buying me lunch, so he left me the money. That's awesome. I can afford to get coffee if I really want it.

I picked up a few books the other night. Our local Hudson's had a book stock in at 75% off. Most of the stuff I found that would interest me was stuff I already had. But I picked up a few books I wouldn't have otherwise and I've enjoyed them so far.

I went and eat at a new pizza place the other night too. It's a new place in dowtown that was pretty awesome. I still could only eat a slice though!!!

I have a test again on Friday and I'm totally not ready for. And I don't think I'll be getting ready for it today because I've recentally developed a killer headache. I hope it fades a bit, but we'll see!

Y'all have a great day!

Monday Update!!

I'm a bit hyper today, but not too bad. As long as I can keep it up through the afternoon and take it to the gym I'll be doing great! And hopefully I can, because I want to do an extra workout at home too.

I quickly read some good books over the past week. I need to slow down and read them again. That way I'll know what's actually there. I read The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason, and Moon Called and Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs. They are good books, and deserve for me to really concentrate on them. Which I didn't really do this past week. Maybe next week I can manage that.

Work is about to get more hellish. I can't say much (made a promise) but let's just say that I'm about to get an overdose of estrogen. Just what I need, and I hate being around women much.

We had some interesting times this weekend. As I was leaving the gym the campus tornado siren went off so I had to go straight back in. When they finally let us go, I drove through some deep water to get back to the apartment. And my husband had the nerve to tell me I should have gotten home before it. I almost tore into him, but had already said that some of our friends were coming over (they live in an old trailer) so I let it go.

Edit:
Now official, 2 full-time women and a couple of student workers are moving into our office. Please pray for my continued sanity.

FRIDAY'S FEAST

Appetizer
When you were a child, which crayon color was your favorite?
I really liked black and green.

Soup
On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being highest), how likely would you be to change jobs if it required you to move?
5 It would really depend on where I would be moving.

Salad
Take all the numbers in your birthday and your phone number and add them up, one by one. What’s the total?
64

Main Course
Have you ever “re-gifted” anything? If so, what was it and who did you pass it on to?
I've regifted a few wedding presents I didn't return. I gave some basic kitchen items to a couple at work.

Dessert
Name something you need from the store.
IcyHot. My husband is nearly out and he has to use it after almost every Aikido night.

I was entirely too bored to come up with something really good for my Thursday Thirteen. And I've been thinking about it all day. So...check out my desk below! I picked a combo of boring and slightly interesting items.

I picked up The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason last night. And read it before bed. I read it fairly quickly though, more quickly than I intended. So I will be reading it much slower sometime in the near future. It was pretty good though.

I WILL be attending water aerobics tonight. Then going to sit at home somewhat bored. Wonder what I'll do??? I'm sure I'll think of something.

I had gained 2 pounds yesterday. But that's ok. I'll lose it again. I also got my measurements done and have lost a lot of inches apparently. That or they don't teach these people how to measure. I think I'm going to start asking my friend Dee to do measurements on me. That way it'll be the same person each time and that should keep it fairly accurate. Once I can get copies of my sheets I'll let you know the actual numbers.

I've picked out a couple more books I want to read in the near future. But I don't have money. Maybe the local library has them. Then I'll just have to actually get there. Possibly Saturday.... I'm still trying on A Game of Thrones, but I'm not getting anywhere yet.

My friend Brandi gave me some pants yesterday. White dress pants. I decided to wear them to work today. I can't decide if I actually like them or not though.

Can't think of anything else at the moment. I've been reading some blogs today, and will probably continue to do some when work allows. We've been just a little busy this morning. I just hope the afternoon flies by!

Thirteen Things on My Desk at Work 1…. A ferris wheel picture frame that I've been two lazy to update the pictures in for about a year. 2…. My laptop and various accessories. The wireless mouse is probably the most important. 3…. A bottle Advil. The other people in the office take more of it than I do. 4…. My desk fan. It's essential!!!! 5…. The Greyhound. It's a ship and it's facecard from the Pirates game. 6…. A medium copper dragon that I got for participate in DnD day. Only here because I don't play DnD Minis. 7…. A Maxine daily calendar that I have been very disappointed in. 8…. A stress apple that I got from my insurance company at a health fair. 9…. A black and gold pom-pom because I have to show school spirit (it's hidden under the counter overhang!) 10…. A USM Student Clinic cup with a Forrest General Hospital bandaid dispenser in it. Also from the health fair. 11…. A stuffed dog, a stuffed rabbit, and a stuffed ostrich. I feel the need for toys at work. 12…. Bottle of water!!! A requirement for a good day. 13…. My Avaya phone and Plantronics headset base. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Hump Day!!!

I don't feel good about going to weigh in. I really want to have lost at least a half-pound so I can get to the 15 pound mark, but I don't think it happened. I'm pretty sure I've gained over the holiday. But, I don't skip weigh ins. I occassionally have to go at a different time, but I do it every week. And lunch today is the time. And I have no real reason not to go. So I go and see the bad news, then go eat at Pizza Hut. But I won't drown my sorrows in pizza. Promise! I actually don't eat pizza much anymore. I attack the salad bar, then have a couple of breadsticks and I'm done.

Even though I don't have news of weigh in, my friend Tee had some terrific and not so terrific news from her meeting. Check out her whole story here, and congratulate her on losing over 5 pounds!!!!

I didn't work out yesterday. I went to the campus post office in the afternoon and hobbled back to work on a knee that nearly made me cry from pain. I decided that working out would not be conducive to me feeling any less pain, so I went straight home from work and went to sleep. Seems like I'm constantly either sick, headachy, or suffereing from pain somewhere. Something has GOT to give.

I do the post-program data collection for Biggest Winners this afternoon at 4. No matter what gain it says I have from the Easter holiday, and the fact that I'm weigh in 9 hours later than normal, I will claim ten pounds lost for the program. It will be cool to get the measurements though. My friend Brandi tells me that she can really tell I've lost. I guess we'll see what the inches say this afternoon. I'm not going to be disappointed no matter what though. I did this to make me get up and start going to the gym, and it's worked. That's the most important thing. I know I would have done better if I had really worked hard on my diet, but I need to handle one thing at a time. Later this month I will seriously start on my eating habits. So I should see some really great changes over the summer.

Well, that's all I've got right now. After lunch I'll update the weight tracker up top. Let's see how far done the 14.5 falls!

Better Days!!!

Well, today I feel much better than yesterday. I just hope it stays that way.

I went to the gym and did a round in the circuit training room, then hit the ab and lower back machines again. I tried to do a cardio workout after I got home, but got sick again. But at least I did something. I've logged enough visits to the gym now to earn a water bottle, but they are out of them right now. I guess I'll get it towards the end of the week.

I'm slightly surprised to feel as well as I do today. I didn't eat last night becuase everything tasted awful. But I took some meds, and they were great. Slept until 7 this morning. I think I'll make it through work today, and then through water aerobics.

I may start babysitting on Wednesday nights. Not really looking forward to it though. One of my friends needs someone to keep his kids on Wednesday nights so he can go to Aikido with Josh. He has a babysitter for Monday nights, but not Wednesdays. So I'll have to start running home for the gym to get there and start watching the kids in time for him to get to his class. Not easy. My class ends at 6:20 and his starts at 6:30. But we'll manage something. :) And I guess I'll learn to live without that evening alone. If it all comes to pass anyway.

Of course, with the possiblity in the air I need to seriously clean the apartment, not that I didn't need to before. And I'll need to start keeping more stuff around the house. (snack-wise) Crap, this almost sucks. But oh well. At least we have a lot of video games that the boys can enjoy playing!!!

I took a look at Kailana's blog today, and found something I HAVE to get my hands on. She had a post up about Colleen Gleason, and her book The Rest Falls Away. I took a look at Gleason's page, and I just HAVE to read this book. I love historical novels, and vampire stories. So a book that basically puts Buffy the Vampire Slayer in a historical setting is a must read for me. Feel free to check out either of their blogs for some more great info.

Well, I'm off to do a little bit of actual work today. Hopefully it will go well. If not, I'll just pretend that it did anyway! Y'all have a great day!

Another Monday...

I'm not feeling so hot today, but I decided that I had to work anyway. I've read a few blogs this morning, but I'm not really capable of great comments at the moment. Hopefully I'll feel a lot better in the morning. (Or maybe this evening so I can work off some of these holiday pounds!)

Jackie has posted a bunch of great pictures of the girls. There are two posts, one of Easter pics and the other has some older pictures. Feel free to check out the girls. They are adorable.

I think I'm going to go eat with my husband and hopefully make it through the rest of the work day. Y'all have a great one!!!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everyone! I've done a little catching up on blog reading, but I'm no where near finished. So, don't be upset if you don't see a comment from me yet. I'll get there. Promise!

I had a great time at my parents' house, even if I didn't get to hold my new neice this trip. We had a house-full of relatives on Saturday. The girls were cute on their easter egg hunt. Both Ashleigh and Jayden (my little cousin) decided they would rather pick flowers. I picked up a ton of movies from Daddy, and a Walk Away the Pounds video from my sister that I am excited about. I'm going to try it sometime this week. I also got some cute nailpolish and lipstick from Momma, as well as some cute ponytail holders.

Josh and I came on home last night because we are eating with his mom's family today. We ate at Logan's last night. I finally tried the Roadies (little burger's on their sweet rolls) and they are delicious. I know that probably wasn't the best food choice I could have made, but I wanted a burger. I couldn't finish the three roadies after I ate a salad. (There's the good food choice of the evening!)

This morning I had some cute presents from Josh. I got a cure stuffed husky (one of my favorite dog breeds). He is adorable. I also go way too much chocolate. But I LOVE chocolate. I got a Dove bunny, a big Merlin's hollow bunny (my favorite) and two packs of cadburry cream eggs. Now, just how do I manage not to pig out? I think some of this will end up in the fridge and I'll be eating on it for a while. Cause I'm NOT pigging out on it even if it is Easter.

Well, I'm off on my way. I still have to get ready for lunch and pack a bag because I might work on my essay if things get boring enough over there. It's 2-4 pages, due tomorrow, and I STILL haven't started.

Feelin' Good!

My coworker still isn't talking to me, but she did fix the temp. Still hot as Hades in here though.

Talked to the president today. She is one sharp lady. It was really great to get to meet her. And she's a USM alumni AND a Hattiesburg native. (I don't think I stuttered!)

My really cool looking dress shoes rub blisters on my feet. I have to soak the footsies tonight to take care of that. At least I brought my old worn out crocs today so I don't have to wear those until I get home. I would probably go barefoot instead (which I'm actually doing in the office now!).

I love the little fan I bought myself last summer. It comes in so handy, and sits nicely on the counter!

I got an awesome Thank You comment from Susan. Y'all should check out her blog and read some outtakes!

I have an evening of sitting at home ahead of me, even if I do have some laundry and packing to do too!

I have three days off work. I get to sleep late tomorrow. I get to do all the family visitin' and movie gettin'!

Yeah, I think I'm feeling good about things right now! :)

Happy Easter Weekend! (I may not be online again before Monday, or I might be. Just have to wait and see!)

Thirteen Things I'm Thinking About 1…. Wheither or not I will stutter or stumble over my words when I talk to the prospective univ president. 2…. Will I actually lose any weight this next week? 3…. If I'm going to cuss out Cellular South when I call about my voicemail again. It never works. 4…. If my coworker is going to start talking to be again. She was fine when I ran to the clinic earlier, now she isn't talking to me. 5…. How I'm going to fix the skirt I'm wearing today. One of the front seams is coming loose. And I refuse to give up the skirt so it has to be fixed. 6…. The essay I have to write for Business Ethics. I haven't even started and it is due on Monday. And I can't wait until Sunday this time because of Easter. 7…. How to approach my best friend Dee about charging to make clothes. The lady working at the gas station this morning wants quotes because she loved the tunic I'm wearing today. 8…. While my cholesterol have gone done when I get my test results back next week? I hope so!!! 9…. What I will eat for lunch. It's almost time and I don't have a clue. Other than that I'm going to get something and bring it back to the office. 10…. How to approach my coworker, the one not talking to me, about the thermastat. It is entirely too hot in this office, but she stays freezing and isn't going to want it changed. At least I have a fan. I may just avoid the subject. (It's set on 78 F) 11…. How to not gain a ton of weight over the holiday weekend. Momma's on weight watchers again now, so that should help. But what about the other family dinner and the lack of exercise since I will be spending forever in a car!!! 12…. What book should I read next? And where will I get it? I've read everything I've got (other than A Game of Thrones which I'm still having troule with). And I have no money. 13…. When will Susan Helene Gottfried ever get published because I really want to read Trevor's Song!!! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Jenny 2. Amy 3. Meghan

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

April Partners!!!

This month at the Challenge we are doing cheerleader groups as opposed to pairs as we have been doing previously. We got our group assignments today!!! I'm incredibly excited to hear who I got teamed up with.

My team is full of motivation and successful examples for me. Amber, Christy, and Meghan have all lost a lot of weight. That reminds me that I can do it too! Meghan has lost an amazing 57 pounds!!! These are some amazing people to know and cheer on in April.

Everyone drop by and visit them if you have a minute and check out the awesome work they have been doing!

The Goodness!!!

Ok, this morning was not so much with the goodness but days can get better.

1st off, I had my first WW weigh in of the month. -2 pounds!!! That is awesome, I was convinced I had gained.

2nd, my boss finally got toner for the copier at work. Totally awesome that. I put the toner in so I could make copies. I'm now waiting for it to decide to print those. I give it twenty minutes before I try to kill it.

3rd, I was able to pick up gym clothes during lunch (my sports bra wasn't dry this morning) so I can go to step interval after work tonight if I want to. I'm just not sure if I'll be doing that or hitting the circuit training room. We'll just have to wait and see. Or I might even hit beginner yoga. I haven't done that in a while. I'll let y'all know what I decide to do! I probably won't decide until I actually get to the gym...

4th, I actually made it to my "beginners kickboxing" class last night. She decided to do a cardio variety thing instead. Only four people showed up, but we had a lot of fun.

I've really enjoyed my core training so far. I really like that I've gotten so into activity, even if it is a little bit of a pain sometimes. My sister has decided she's ready to really get into exercising to lose weight again. I'm going to loan her a bunch of my videos since I'm using the gym so much right now. She wanted to borrow my belly dancing videos (not an issue, I don't mind!) and I'm going to take everything with me when I go home. That way if she likes the looks of something else I have, she can borrow it too. I'm even going to loan her Yourself! Fitness since the brother-in-law has an X-Box. You can pick it up cheap right now, so if she likes it she can buy it.

Y'all have a wonderful day, a wonderful holiday (just in case I go crazy and don't post tomorrow), and keep moving!!!!

I came to work...

...But I barely worked! Today has been meeting day for me. It's pretty rare for me to even HAVE a meeting, much less have the two I've got to day. This morning I had a staff council meeting. 9:30-11:00. We didn't have time to actually cover everything on the agenda. Our potential new univ president (meaning WILL BE, but we'll let you meet her first!) will be on campus for interviews on Thursday. I volunteered to ask a question at one of the closed interviews. It's going to be fun (NOT!) I can't believe that I actually did that. I don't like bringing myself to the attention of people quite that high up the ladder! But, nothing I can do about it now. I just hope I have a nice shirt that fits. If not I might have to go shopping tomorrow night.
This afternoon we are having a departmental All-Hands meeting. It's going to be about 70 people, in a room not designed to hold nearly that many. But we have them every so often. It's from 3:30 until 5. So, after I take an hour lunch, that only leaves me working 5 hours today. And I had some weird stuff to work on, so I spent the first hour of that mostly sitting and waiting. And there will be nearly an hour of the day devoted to walking to these meeting, so about 4 hours WORKING, and a little over three of those ACTUALLY working. It's kinda neat.
I'm going to the gym tonight for beginners kickboxing again. I'm excited. I really enjoyed the class last week, so I hope it is just as good this week. Too bad it won't be continuing. BUT, it interfers with water aerboics (just too much for one day) so it's just as well. I really hope I make it to step interval tomorrow. I didn't make it last week, and I do really enjoy the class.
Biggest Winners comes to a close at univ next week. I think my progress has been abysmal. I have lost 8 pounds, but if the guy yesterday at my DEXA scan told me the number from the same column I had been told at the beginning, I have nearly 4% higher body fat than when I started. And I think my measurements might have changed a little, but I don't think they have changed very much. Which is really funny to me considering I have clothes that actually fit now. But, that's just the state of my head. It doesn't HAVE to make sense in there, it just is. :)
So, I'm really excited about April still. I'm convinced it is going to be a good month, even if I have to drag myself kicking and screaming into happiness over it. I will be active, I will eat some really good meals, and I WILL have at least one wonderful evening that is just the hubby and me. Those simply don't come often enough.

Everybody have a great rest of the week!!!

Starting a New Week...

I always hate the start of the week. It's always disappointing. There's lots of work to do, I didn't get enough time off, I need some more rest... They just suck!

Today isn't much of an exception to that. We're short a guy at work (the one that covers the overlap in lunches at the front desk), we're incredibly busy today, and I didn't do so well on the test I finally got a grade on. It will probably take more than a week to get the grades from last Friday's test.

I do plan to hit the gym today, but not for very long. I'm going to go hit the circuit training room for a trip around, then go home and do an ab video. I refuse to do an ab class at gym. They look like torture! And then I will clean. I have cleaning to do because the only housework I did over the weekend was laundry. Of course, we had a LOT of laundry.

I'm really excited to have challenged myself to ab work this month. I've spent today being very consious of how I hold my abs when I'm sitting and walking. And I've noticed something rather interesting. When I walk I tighten my upper abs, but have a tendency to stretch out my lower abs. This is something I'm definitely going to be concentrating on every day.

I'm also going to try once again to read A Game of Thrones. I have tried it three times now without getting hooked. It just keeps switching characters too often on me. If I can't get into it this time I may just give up and give it back. There are too many good, enjoyable books out there to be read for me to spend a lot of time reading something that doesn't grasp my attention.

And the Challenge is...

Core Exercise!!! After rolling the die I have been challenged to work on this portion of my body for the next month, and am quite excited about it. I have a tendency not to work it very much, but that will now be changing. For the next month I will be working this area 2-3 times a week. Some days I will do my Billy Blanks Ab Video, and others I will probably just do a series of ab exercises on my own while watching tv or something. That should give me some good variety. I'll also be keeping up my gym schedule, just because I love my classes. And I shouldn't ignore the rest of my body with this challenge.

I want to give a big THANK YOU to my March cheerleader Janice over at ThinkSlim because she has been wonderful. I couldn't have gotten along without you Janice. And congratulations on keeping up your running schedule. You did wonderful this past month.

I find myself excited to go into April because it means the semester is much closer to ending at school. I have an essay and only two tests left, and I'll be finished with my class on May 4th, although I probably won't get my grade until the 16th or so. But that's ok. I can live with that. Now, if only she would post the grades from the past two tests... I'm dying from suspense here!

I hoep that everyone has a wonderful April, and I can't wait to hear all about your experiences this month!