Go check out my fat blonde self in the departmental newsletter.

Thank God It's Thursday

I'm glad to have it be Thursday, and glad it's nearly over.

I didn't get in the wonderful workout I wanted to yesterday. I did my strength training and a one mile walk. Then I went to bed with a headache. Slept the whole evening through (7pm-6:20am). With the exception of the husband coming home and telling me to get up and eat supper. Which I didn't do.

Today I feel much better. I have some errands to run, but I will get my workouts in as well.

My friend is trying to win a contest over at The BenSpark. Go over there and vote for Raesmom on the right if you have a couple of spare minutes. I'm not sure when it ends, but you can vote every day.

OH! And I found out something interesting at lunch. One of my friends spent the last week out of town. And found a copy of the last Harry Potter at a used bookstore. Needless to say he purchased it. And said he'll kill anyone who tells him anything. I told him that people die. He laughed at me. I also heard a story about something I missed when I bought my book. Apparently just after I got in my car (because I missed this, but I saw my friend Dee looking at something) some guy stood up on a car with a bullhorn and started reading the last page of the book. He jumped off after a lot of people starting coming towards the car. But I still thought it was funny enough to share.

Y'all have a wonderful afternoon!

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You By: Ally Carter

I haven't been reading a lot of young adult books lately, but I had been told that they were getting better. So, I decided to leave my traditional reading for a bit and check out this book by Ally Carter. It came out in May 2006, so it had been around the block at my library. I actually had to put in on hold and wait. While it did make some cool lists (2007-2008 Texas Lone Star reading list and 2007 Amelia Bloomer list) and won the 2007-2008 Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Reader it hasn't made a best seller list. I'm actually a little surprised. At 288 pages, it's one of the quickest reads I've had in a while. It was very enjoyable, and I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel.

Ally Carter introduces us to the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a school everyone thinks is for rich heiresses. Actually it's a spy school for teenage girls. And guess what they don't prepare you for? Falling in love. Especially with the boy next door! And that exactly what happens to Cammie Morgan on her first covert operations mission. Cammie's friends come up with some terrific exploits to find out if her normal boy actually is interested in her. Not that hte traditional G.A. students have a clue hor to figure that out. Good thing they have a new roommate!

The book goes on to tell of Cammie's dates, her worries, and exactly what happens when it comes out that she's been lying about being a Gallagher girl.

Big Thanks to all the great people who put together the Hidden Treasures Summer Reading Contest. I'm thrilled to have been introduced to Ally Carter's work, and just might have to start spending more time in the young adult section of the local library!

Wednesday!

Gained a half pound. I'll update my tracker later. I'm glad it was only a half. It could have been much worse.

I did two walks yesterday for a total of 3 miles. I did a mile at lunch and two miles in the evening. I did a mile on the indoor track at the gym. I hope I never have to do that again. My time was 16:35. 1:20 seconds shorter. I'm sure it was because it was on that track, but it hurts me to walk on it. It's boring. And I was suffering from shin splints less that 1 lap in. (8 laps/mile). I'll suffer a longer time on the outdoor track. I tried to get a full mile in on the outdoor track, but I didn't make it. I was hurting too much and it was incredibly hot outside. I'll be glad when it cools off a bit. I have another walk planned for today, but it will be after it has time to cool down. I'm also planning to pick up my Tae Bo videos again, assuming I can keep my husband away from the tv.

The new Guitar Hero game came out last night. I beat it on medium before I went to bed. He was disappointed because there is very little to unlock. Of course, I think he was also disappointed because the release date for the new L5R edition was pushed back AGAIN from Tuesday until Friday. Ah well....

I think I've gotten a decent start off to Tigerlilly's little challenge. There are four of us participating and I think it will be awesome. I was good on my eating yesterday, JUST got in the water, and the two workouts. I'll do my picture when I get home tonight. (I have to do measurements too!) I still haven't figured out what recipe I will submit, but I'll think of something awesome!

Y'all have a wonderful Wednesday!


--OH YEAH! I had 13,120 steps yesterday too!
I'll finish editing this post eventually. I had a mental NSV this morning. I was brushing my hair in the bathroom and I actually looked in the mirror. (Yes, not something I normally do!) And I startled myself. I noticed that I actually look smaller than I used to. So YAY! If I'm not dressed, and I'm willing to look in a mirror, I CAN tell that I've lost a little weight. LOL

A Tan? On Me?

I just realized that I have what is, for me, a pretty good tan on my lower arms. I sat outside with my mother-in-law for about 20 minutes of so Sunday in the sun. Of course, I'm sure most of it is all the walking to work. All the sunny days here. I need to get me some sleeveless shirts to wear outside so I have have nice upper arms too. I normally don't worry about it, but the length of my shirtsleeves varies a lot for work. (Of course, if I changed into a sleeveless shirt when I'm walking, then I wouldn't have sweaty work shirts all day either. This might be a good plan!)

Anyway, just wanted to share about my tan!!!!

Nothing Really....

I don't have a lot of anything really. I sat around yesterday. Did my library run. I'm currently reading Almost a Gentleman by Pam Rosenthal. I've really enjoyed it so far. I'm planning to read Prior Bad Acts by Tami Hoag next. Unless something else jumps into my hands first.

I have walking class tonight. I think I'm going to try for three miles. Definitely plan to get in two miles anyway. I don't know that I will shave much time off my timed mile though. I was thinking about that on the way to lunch. It takes me a while to really get warmed up. Over half a mile. So I think I'm going to try and get a stopwatch. Then I can see the difference in my second mile. That might be something interesting to keep track of. I've been thinking of hitting the C25K program. I haven't succeeded with it yet. I think it might be because it takes me longer to get warmed up. I'll see what I can do on my own in the next few weeks.

My friend Tigerlilly had decided to run a one-week challenge. She's put together some interesting challenges on it. It's going to kick my butt. But it easily falls in line with the other things I'm doing (exceeds them!!!) so I think I'm going to try it out. Means I have to go shopping after my walk tonight though. At least I have a little extra cash. It should also get me back to cooking again!

Well, I think that's it. There isn't really anything major going on in my life. No final for my class, no deadlines at work. (Although they did order my laptop today.) Y'all have a wonderful evening!

Whose your Vampire personality?

I saw this over at the Midnight Moon Cafe and couldn't resist taking the quiz. Maybe all the Anita Blake reading I've been doing lately...

You scored as Armand, Your the mysterious type only those close to you know the truth about who you really are
Whose your Vampire personality? (images) created with QuizFarm.com

Monday Again!

I'm depressed this Monday. I guess that is a start for a week.

I wasn't all that good diet-wise this week. Next to no exercise and lots of snacking.

I read Harry Potter on Saturday. Good book. Had a very boring long bit towards the beginning. Loved the end. I'm going to wait about a month, then read books 6 and 7 back to back. They are the only ones I haven't read twice. (And the only ones I have at the apartment. The other 5 are boxed up with most of my books in Columbia.) It was a really good book. It had some great action scenes. I got misty eyed a couple of times. I won't say what parts because it would really give stuff away. Since my friend Dee has finished it I can't wait to see her so we can talk about it.

I read some other books this weekend but nothing I would call important. I'm trying to finish Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews this afternoon, so I'll catch on blogs later. I want to finish it so I can return it to the library on my run over there after work. That will leave me with just two books, and the one I have to pick up when I'm there.

I have a new windshield now. It took all morning. I was there before 8:30 and it was 11 when I got my car back. I still managed to get an inspection sticker, eat, and get to work by noon though. I think that's pretty good. The morning at the glass shop allowed me to almost finish that book. I should finish it at work today.

I think I'm also going to take a small shopping trip. I want to pick up a couple of new shirts. With the exception of a few t-shirts, all my shirts are either too small or too big. I want a couple that fit!!!!

Friday Looks UP

The glass place will have my new windshield on Monday, so I'll be coming to work late that day. And I'll only have to pay $100 on it. I just wish they had been right when they said they had it in stock. Friday afternoon is better for taking off than Monday morning. Because I won't be able to sleep in on Monday, and I was going to manage an hour of FREE time taking off this afternoon. :( Oh well. That's life. At least I'm only out $100. And I have it now to spend.

I'm waiting on pins and needles for Harry Potter tonight. I'll nap after work, and head out to the bookstore around 10pm. That's when my friend Dee should be getting off work. Her man and Josh are going to spend the evening playing L5R at the gaming store and then we'll meet. I'll be opening the book as soon as I get back home. Hence the nap. I brought book 6 to work with me, and I'm considering skimming through it this afternoon. Just to remind myself of some of the goings on it in. Just don't know if I will actually make it that far or not. The whole car thing destroyed the morning for me. But at least it's settled.

I kinda dread the HP party tonight. Our BAM moved into a newer but much smaller location and it will likely be PACKED. The old location had the same number of chairs, but more open space to sit on the floor. The new one doesn't. I think it has 6 chairs, maybe 15 in the coffee shop, and no spare space. But oh well. I intend to have the book, so I will just have to suffer. :)

It might even be worth it. I will probably post a brief review of the book after I finish reading it, but I promise to avoid any real spoilers. I won't say much because I know a lot of people won't have read it yet. Or at least not finished. it.

Y'all have a fantastic weekend, and happy reading to anyone who plans to pick up the last book!

Friday, And it sucks....

Today seriously sucks. And it's not even 9 yet.

I drove to work today because we are supposed to be taking pictures for the dept. newletter. So I'm slightly dressed up. Hair is down, makeup is on. Nice shirt (Stuck with jeans and sneakers anyway!). The guy came to take the pictures yesterday afternoon and I told him to come back tomorrow. I looked like crap. I don't wear makeup when I walk to work because I end up sweating so much. Way to hot outside.

I discovered a 2-foot crack in my windshield this morning. I'm a bit upset. I'm calling our insurance agent a little after 9 to "get reccommendations". That's what Josh's dad said to do. And to find out what our deductible is. That would be good knowledge at this point. :) He needs to hurry up and open his office.

I'll admit that when I drove on Wednesday I thought that the splits off the starburst in my windshield were a bit longer. But I decided it was my imagination. I'll admit to being a bit paranoid. (Actually, a bit might be an understatement.) So, not a good day so far!

However, on a slightly happier note, the Skinnie Minnies lost a total of 15.6 pounds this week. Good job everyone!!!!

Your Lucky Love Color is Purple

When someone gets to know you, the first thing they notice is how romantic you are. The most romantic of all the colors, in fact. You are a big flirt and a total tease. Your antics get you in trouble, but they also get you what you want. And unlike what your color might suggest, you are not a princess of any sort. If anything, you make your man feel like a prince. Your heart is dreamy and open. You don't put restrictions on love - because you never know what can happen.

What Does Your Lucky Love Color Tell Men?

Just because my head is screwed up...

I hadn't read ANY of my sparkpeople messages for several days. So I was going through reading the articles and exercises and things.

One of the messages was talking about portion control. And it gave the example of cheeses. For an ounce of regular cheese it said it was the size of two dice. I guess for most people this would probably be simple.

However, I couldn't help but wonder for a minute "What die?" Are they talking a d20, a d12? Are they talking normal size? Or tiny? THIS IS TOO HARD!!!

After a minute or two I realized that they were not righting the article for gamer girls. They OBVIOUSLY meant that it was the size of two normal d6s. But man did it blow my mind for a minute or two!

Hump Day

Well, today I definitely have a hump to get over. Today is probably going to suck.

I had some nerves burned off in my lower back yesterday. I don't remember it hurting as much the first time as it does today. It SERIOUSLY hurts. But I'll live.

Even though I was drugged out of my skull yesterday, I went to fitness walking. I had shaved 5 seconds off my mile from the first one. I hope I can have a bit more off my time next week. However, walking really wasn't a good idea. I only walked out in front of one car, but it was all I could do to make it back home. My face didn't lose it's redness for nearly an hour. And I don't really get red-faced from that little. But I did it!!!!

I lost 2 pounds when I weighed in this morning. That's 10%!!!!! I'm happy about that. I'm going to try to do better this week with eating and exercise, I didn't do so great last week. But today I'm taking it easy. I'm still a bit out of it this morning. :)

Y'all have a wonderful day and I'll try to get caught up with everyone!

It's Friday Again!

I like Fridays. It's the last day of the work week. I know that there is a break coming, and I LIKE that.

Today I haven't done my blogging because the screen is bothering my eyes for some reason. That's ok. I'll catch up on everyone either over the weekend or on Monday.

I walked two miles on the track last night. My time was a little slow, but my calves cramped up really early, and then shin splints, but I just kept going. And I finished, so I'm happy. I feel much better about things today. We'll see if I've really got my motivation back on Monday though. I plan to follow through on everything this weekend though!

I just finished another good book.

Now, the reason I have included the cover here is because I have finally found the perfect tattoo for myself. I've been wanting on for YEARS! I just never could find the perfect one. Well, I want to get the roses on that lady's leg. You can't see it as well in the pic as you can on the hardcover book. I'm going to make that tattoo my reward for when I am really happy at my weight. I don't know exactly what that weight will be, but I'll know when I'm happy. And now that I have my reward chosen, maybe I can stay more focused!!!

Everyone have a wonderful weekend!!!

Getting Going Again

For some reason I have lost my wonderful Get-Up-And-Go from last week. I have no clue where it went. But I'm insisting on finding it, or getting a new injection of the stuff!

I have barely walked at all today (just over 1000 steps) and feel bad about it. I couldn't make myself get in all my walking yesterday either. But I'm going to my walking class tonight with plans to do at least 2 miles, and I will be walking to work tomorrow. No more driving! (Although I've only driven one extra day this week...)

I'm planning to finish cleaning up my living room tonight. I have to get the floor cleared up of Josh's junk so that I can work out inside. I would really like to do some of my dvds instead of depending only on my walking to met my requirements. It's way too hot to spend too much time outside working hard. And I don't like getting too much sun either. I burn WAY to easily. I got a sunburn on my honeymoon even though I used liberal amounts of sunblock!

So, I'm in Kim's 12 week challenge, and I'm on Jodi's team, Skinnie Minnies. This is not to say that I'm not still doing my stuff for the Make Yourself a Priority in 2007 Challenge. I hate that Michelle is MIA, but I'm continuing on my way, and plan to succeed in that. However, I think this other challenge will help me out as well. And my success with it is going to be an awesome birthday present to myself come October!

So, tune in tomorrow to find out if I've found my lost go juice!!!

Debt Comes DOWN!!!

Ok, I just had to have another post today. I went and checked my campus mail box and found a letter from American Express! Sound awesome info in that letter (see below!)

We are pleased to inform you that you have successfuly completed the debt management IRW plan with American Express.

So, I called my credit counseling firm, Federated Financial, and told them about it. She informed me that it was my last bill in the program (DUH!) and congratulated me on completing it. I have faxed her the letter for their records as well as the paperwork to cancel the monthly debit. I'm THRILLED! Now, I can easily get some of my other cards paid off this year!!!!

Now, I won't be completely out of debt by Christmas, but I will be a LOT closer. So I'm going to go jump around the office in celebration a little more.

I'm so happy! SO SO happy!!!

Weigh In Day

Well, I lost another pound!!! Not quite to my 10% yet, but getting closer. My little weekend snackies didn't exactly do good thing for my weight loss this week. But that's ok. Josh finished those off so I'm safe again. The scale was actually messed up at the center, but we got it fixed up. Which is too bad. It had said I lost 4 pounds instead of 1. But better it be correct now than correct next week and wrong today!

I feel good today though. I finished The Good Guy by Dean Koontz last night. It was an AWESOME book. I really enjoyed it and almost wanted to read it again immediately. It had a really clean feel to it that attracted me. I'm much more used to his older books, which never had a clean, crisp feel to the words. This one is definitely worth reading if you have a little time! (And the hero will surprise you!)

Well, I hope that everyone has a wonderful day. I don't really have anything else to talk about now!

Tuesday!

I'm glad it's Tuesday, and that I don't have class this afternoon. It's entirely too hot outside for lots of walking around.
I got in 9,027 steps yesterday (before I took of my pedometer. I didn't walk around too much after I took it off though.
There are only two reasons I don't shave my head.
1. I don't think I would look good that way.
2. I would end up with a horrible sunburn up there.
And one of my main goals for the summer is to avoid UV poisoning. If you've never suffered from it, you are lucky. IT SERIOUSLY SUCKS.

Ok, now I think I'm done with all that. I'm a bit tired this mroning, but I'm sure I will recover. I was planning to go to water aerobics tonight since I don't have class, but I forgot to pack my bag for it. Oh well.

I'm eagerly awaiting my weigh in tomorrow morning. Unless I REALLY screwed up this past week (and I don't THINK I did) I will probably hit my 10% target. And that makes me really happy. :) It's time that I start really thinking I'm getting somewhere with this. I did a bunch of measurements last night, and I have lost inches since the last time I did them. Too bad I didn't write down the DATE I did the measurements. Just what they were. This time I took just about every measurement I could think of. The only ones I DIDN'T do were shoulders, wrists, and ankles. LOL Sometimes I amaze even myself. But since I'm participating in Kim's 12 week challenge, I figured I would go ahead and do them all. I'm not sure which ones we'll actually be doing for that, but I figured if I'm doing some, might as well do them all!!!

Y'all have a wonderful day!!!


Edit: My sister has posted some awesome pictures of the girls, if anyone is interested! And my new boss had some terrific news for us today. He's going to be a DAD come February! Just thought I would share!

I have NO clue why I can't type in the title box for this post, but I know it hasn't been just me on this either. (Although I've honestly forgotten who said they had the same problem.)

The weekend wasn't too terrible, although I did give in the the munchies. Between Saturday and Sunday I ate two swiss cake rolls. But I don't feel bad about it. I did pretty good on my eating anyway. And what's life without the occassional snack???

I saw Transformers on Sunday. It was awesome. I really enjoyed it. I would probably go see it again in the theatre if I could afford it. But with Harry Potter coming out this weekend, money is at a premium. And that's ok! It's definitely a fun movie to see, but not deep. Very fun though. With eyecandy!!!

I read a good book over the weekend. I'll be posting a review of it later this week. I'm reading a Mary Higgins Clark novel as well as another Anita Blake book right now.

Well, I think that's all I've got for now. I've been reading a lot of blogs this morning, even did some comments. I'm just not really feeling it today for some reason. Y'all have a great day!!!

Friday!!!!

I love Fridays. Except for the having to work part. But I guess I can survive through a few hours of it today.

Walking class went okay last night, I guess. We walked for 20 minutes on the indoor track. Putting the 15 of us plus anyone else in the gym on the 1/8th mile track was tight at times. I walked a little over a mile. Had got a shin splint from hell. But I pushed through it. Out midterm assignment is a 6 sentence paragraph on how we can incorporate more walking or jogging into our daily life. I'll probably do it this afternoon. No sense in putting it off. Especially when it's that easy! (AND she cancelled class on Tuesday for us to work on it. Kinda strange...)

Anyway, I racked up 11,343 steps yesterday. I feel good about that. Don't think I'll hit that today though. I think we'll actually be eating out with the inlaws for supper. That almost scares me. It will probably be either TGI Fridays or Olive Garden. I'm hoping for Olive Garden, then I can do unlimited salad!!!!

I feel really good about myself today. I was actually feeling a little down yesterday because I don't really see a change in myself when I look in the mirror. But this morning I'm wearing a pair of jeans that used to be so tight I couldn't wear them for very long at all. And I'm wearing them at work!!! They're still tight, but they are stretch jeans, so they are going to be a littlw fitted. :)

Anyway, I hope that everyone has a fantastic weekend!!!