The Girls are Here!!!

Had a busy weekend - my niece had her twins on Sunday. I have to say - I got the baby itch BAD when I first saw them but quickly remembered what it was like to be up at 2 am, then 5 am, etc. Plus, considering that I carry the same twin gene - I'm scared that baby #3 would end up being #3 and #4. Anyway - all of that aside, she's doing well. They decided to take the girls c-section because they were vertex breach. (one was sort of "wrapped" around the other is how it was explained to us)

Here are photos that my brother sent me. Because I had a birthday party for Maggie on Sunday I only got to see the twins for about 10 minutes after they were born. They were still being cleaned and evaluated so my photos aren't as "pretty" as these.

They look SO much alike! They're supposed to be fraternal but boy do they look alike. And they have our trademark Hasty nose - that little pug nose that makes us all look alike!



I could just snuggle them all day long. I'm heading down after work to give them lots of love!



So - that's the exciting moment going on for me right now. I weigh-in tomorrow but Aunt Flo is coming to town so I'm sure that any weight I lose will be a stretch. I've been a good girl, though. Hopefully that pays off. Saturday we leave for Florida and it can't get here soon enough. This time next week, I'll be sitting on the beach. (Hopefully people won't be trying to push me back in thinking I've beached myself!)

The Hills Are Alive With The Sound of Gossip

Ok - normally I don't pay attention to industry gossip because I've seen so much bs out there that it's almost funny. Someone grab me a shovel and some boots because here comes the shit. Literally, that's how it is. But, I had to post about a funny one. A friend of mine sent me a link to a thread yesterday where a girl posted that she had info from a "good source" that I would have product coming out soon with a new company. ????? Really? I didn't know that. And, it's supposed to be from ME? Interesting...No wonder my friend was wondering why I didn't tell her. Heck - they didn't even tell ME!

Anyway - truth is - I have NO intentions of doing product right now. I don't have any deals inked and honestly I'm just enjoying the job I have. I love the fact that I got to walk around the show and enjoy the papers and scrapbooking like I USED to. That was a great feeling. I can use WHATEVER I want and not have to worry about promoting my own stuff. Right now I can scrap for the pure enjoyment of it again. Trust me - that feels GOOD! (Besides, Gin-X was never that big - it was a fun ride but too much work.) LOL!

So - if you're looking for some good industry gossip- here it is:



I had a shagadelic 10 seconds with Austin and let me tell you - it was randi baby! I laughed so hard that I had tears in my eyes. This guy was hilarious. He had the entire motion of Austin Powers down pat. I thought he WAS Mike Meyers. So - there you have it. Fat girl with Shagadelic Brit. Show me love!

Back from Chicago and Checkin' In!

Well, I got back from Chicago on Sunday night and let me tell you - it was SUCH an adjustment for me at the show. I'm used to getting there a day or two early to set-up and then being tied to my 10x20 space for the entire day, with breaks for the potty or lunch. Not this time. I had the freedom to walk around and it was ENCOURAGED. I didn't quite know what to do with myself. I had an absolute blast walking around with my good friend, Jane, and talking to a lot of people that I adore dearly but only get to see at the shows. (Or talk to on e-mail)

Here's a photo of me and Jane on Thursday night. She's so spectacular! Our new joke is: "Do you know Jane Hasty?" Reason is - that woman knows EVERYONE! It's hysterical.



I tried so hard to be good in Chicago. I packed protein bars to keep my blood sugar stable and I only ate turkey at the "expoteria". Kitty and Wendy (The fab-o girls that did Find Your Groove) brought me some 100 calorie snacks - God love them! All that hard work paid off because I dropped another 3.4 lbs on the scale this week. I love Weight Watchers. It's been so good for me! Since June 6th, I've lost 20.2 lbs. I hit my first goal. I wanted to lose 20 lbs by August 4th when I leave for vacation and I've done that ahead of schedule. The next is another 5 pounds. Since I have a long journey, I'm doing it five pounds at a time. I can only hope to hit my next big goal. The support of my friends has been so crucial. So, THANK YOU!

Sittin' at Concourse C...

Ok - seriously. EVERY FREAKING TIME I have to fly to Chicago, through Chicago, or anywhere NEAR Chicago I'm delayed.

Here I am - sitting in Concourse C waiting for my next flight delay. I've already been delayed twice. Good thing is - my Macbook is charging and I got some new stuff uploaded to my iPod.

Yesterday's weigh-in was good - 3 more lbs gone. That brings my total to 16.8 so far. I still have a long way but I'm also still going strong. I packed snacks for the trade show so that I don't blow the diet and Jane and I are going to work out each night. (I can't wait to see my girl - I've had to call her twice to let her know I'm delayed)

Oh - and as a result of those 16.8 lbs, I bought three new jeans today. Two pair are size smaller and one pair is TWO sizes smaller. Hell to the yeah!

Since I'm sitting her blogging, I thought I'd put up some new photos of my precious girlies!



This is Maggie right after she won her medal at the TKD tournament last month. I need to take a photo of her with her new haircut!

This is Ms Addie's "mean face". If you say "mean face" she gives you this look like she's going to kill you. It's hysterical.



That's right - all 19 lbs of her will kick your ass!

Oh- I think I might hear a boarding call... later!

My First Baby Turned 7

Yesterday Ms. Maggie Mae turned 7. This is going to sound totally cliche but I can't believe how fast kids grow up. In the photo here, she was about 3 1/2 and so sweet. Now, she's still adorable, but sassy quite a bit. (I keep warning her that if she doesn't quit that crap, she'll be lucky to see 13!)

I did make the day about her, though. She wanted to go to TKD to get her birthday "whoopings" that the instructor hands out. (I told her she was sadistic!) Then, we let her pick where to eat dinner and afterwards we all played the Wii back at home. That was her birthday present and it's SO much fun. I'm beginning to think it was more of a present for all of us versus just Maggie. But, it's been a great leveraging tool, too. She gets all of her chores done so that she can play it. It keeps her off the couch because you have to be up and moving with the remote. I love the boxing! Usually she and I will "box" a few rounds every night.

I'll have to post a photo later this week - we also had her hair cut off on Saturday for Locks of Love. She's been growing it for a year and a half now and they lopped off 10", giving her the cutest little bob. She absolutley loves her new hair. It cracks me up to see her swinging her head all the time to feel it twirl. Goofy kid.

That's all for now - I'm heading out to CHA tomorrow. I weigh-in in about 10 minutes so wish me luck. Hopefully, it's been a good week!

Ooops, I did it again!

I can't even begin to tell you how much the Weight Watchers group here at work means to me. They're so supportive and the fact that I've only been here a month makes it more amazing. I joined immediately - 2 days after starting my new job and I'm happy to report that as of yesterday I'm officially down 13.8 lbs!

EVERYONE there and I mean EVERYONE is so supportive. Not only during WW meetings but whenever we run into each other in the hallway or during other meetings, etc. It's really helped to keep me on track. (Buying smaller clothes also feels pretty damn good!) We have this friendly competition where the Biggest Loser for the week gets to keep a Mrs. Potato Head at their desk. I won it again yesterday. (I got it my first week, tied the last time and won it again) My new friend Marissa and I seem to be the one vying for her every week. I adore Marissa - she's my inspiration at this point. We both have PCOS so we relate and we both know what it's like to deal with weight. I was so worried I'd have no friends here but she is definitely someone I can hang with. So Marissa, if you read this - thanks girl! :)

I also wanted to thank everyone for their support on my last post. You know - some days you just have to tell everyone how it is. So much BS goes on - lies, rumors, assumptions, etc. Really pisses me off sometimes, but I have learned that at the end of the day, it's the important people that matter. Those that understand, support and are just simply there. I appreciate that. More than you probably know. So, thank you! From the bottom of my fat cow heffer heart, thank you.

Do you know what's funny?

People make so many assumptions about others without knowing them. They don't know their life story, who they are as a person or pretty much ANYTHING about them, yet they make a judgement call. Me? I'm guilty of the same thing sometimes. I read what the press says and I make a judgement call. I really try to live by the motto of my good friend Laura. She always said "no judging" whenever topics turned to gossip and you know what? She's right. People are people first. Treat them as such.

It's funny because I've received a few e-mails on why I decided to walk away from Gin-X or people will send me links to threads here or there. I avoid all talk because it's speculation and usually it involves some sort of unrelated personal attack on me and quite frankly - I don't need that shit. But, here's the deal. There are so many factors as to why I left and those close to me know the story. I'll give you the basic 411 - I needed stability and benefits for my family and honestly - I was sick and tired of some of the BS that goes on in the industry. There, I said it. Feels good to put that out there. What's interesting is that scrapbooking is a business, but you'll find that in this industry, that is not always the case. Fortunately, I always tried to surround myself with genuine people and I think I did a pretty good job of that. I am a no BS kind of girl and those who know me know that's my motto. If you have something to say - say it to me. If you need a favor, ask. It's that plain and simple. There are a few bad eggs out there - figure out who they are and avoid them.

On a positive note, I've made a lot of great friends through my three years in product design. Good friends that I still keep in touch with and plan to see at various trade shows, etc. Good friends that I met through managing a store (even if it was just briefly) that I adore dearly and who stand by me and encourage me every day. I wouldn't trade that or my experience at IP. It's all a part of life and sometimes when you get what you want, you realize that it's not everything you thought it would be. I think that's what it boiled down to for me. In the end, I just didn't want to play the game anymore.

So - I'm happy now. I'm back in a corporate environment, I have stability and benefits and I love what I do. I sit at a desk in a cubicle and I punch a time card again. (Ok - so not literally but it's a pretty straightforward 8-5)

Hopefully my post does not get turned around into something it's not. Don't try to read more into it than there is. Man - I hate days when I have to attach a caveat to something I say but there it is.

Oh - and for my PSA of the day here it is. Support your scrapbook stores whether it be online or brick and mortar. They're the foundation of this industry and without them, there won't be an industry. I don't want to go back to using whatever I can find at an office supply store.

Happy 4th!

Well, we made it though Independence Day. My good friend Melissa had a BBQ at her house yesterday and I was quite nervous because Melissa - being Italian - always has GREAT food. I e-mailed her a few days ago and just asked if she could offer something low-cal (or I would bring it) - especially in the dessert arena because that seems to be my biggest weakness. God love her, she managed to grill chicken and offer me a Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich. However, these were sitting on the table:



Anyone who knows me knows my favorite thing on the PLANET is brownies. (without nuts of course!) I looked at them, looked at the nutrition label and that was it. Didn't look at them again (except to feed one to Ms. Skinny Addison - goodness knows she could use the calories)! For me, that's an accomplishment. I'm taking them one step at a time. I managed to stay under my points for the day - all that worry was for nothing.

This weekend we're heading out of town to visit my family in Somerset, Kentucky. That basically means GOOD FOOD again (southern soul food) and an accent that I'll pick up and carry for a few days. My cousins are such wonderful people and so hospitable. I can't wait to see them and Maggie is anxious to swim and spend the night with their kids. Good times await!

Hopefully I don't bore you with my trials and tribulations of weight loss. I don't weigh in this week at WW due to the holidays so I have to be extra good for next week. Plus, I have a goal of 20 lbs total that I want gone by August 4th when we leave for Florida. Gotta stick to plan. Learning to live a lifestyle change. It's all good.

On a side note, I need a new hollywood boy toy. I never thought I'd say that but Nick has me just a bit ticked over his open tryst with Vanessa Manillafolder. I preferred to think of him as pure and virginal. Ha!

Been a busy week...

I'm sorry that I don't post as much as I used to. I'm trying to keep caught up since I have a lot of friends that I haven't talked to in a while and this is how we keep up, but as always I'm swamped and with the new job, I don't get very much time online unless it's during lunch. But, anyway, it's lunchtime and I'm about to settle down with a lovely Weight Watchers turkey dinner (whoever thought I'd say THAT?) and a bowl of veggie soup.

First off - Scott and I went to Def Leppard last Wednesday. It was one of those things where I was a HUGE fan when I was 11 and so we thought that now we're in our 30's, we'd check them out.

I was cracking up when I found this photo on Google. They don't look like this anymore, and they don't sound like they did in 1987.



I swear this poster hung in my room - next to my TV stand with the old school Nintendo thank-you-very-much. Back to the evening - I think the best part of the concert was the people watching. It was like a trailer park convention. Where do I start? First, there was the suburban mom that obviously hasn't had a night out in a LONG time, drank three beers and was dancing to a song that was NOT the one playing. Scott and I cracked up every time she started in. Then, there were the three NASTY girls that needed a bath and some time with Stacy & Clinton that thought they were looking good. One was a bit "thick" to say the least but INSISTED on tucking her shirt into her bra so that her midsection roll could hang over her black, painted-on denim. Oh - but wait - her friend decides to FLASH the roadies in front of us. I swear, it was boobs, but even Scott was offended. People really should be realistic about their appearance. I'm a big girl and I would NEVER do either of those. (I actually think recalling this experienced has caused me to vomit in my mouth)

Finally - there was the "orgy" about two rows ahead of us. I have NO idea what the situation was there. We tried to decipher it. It started with two guys, each with a girl and one couple was wearing wedding bands. During the opening acts, I know they got to at least third base with each other. Once DL started, they were joined by two other girls and the original couples switched off and then it was an all-out God knows what. I am not a prude by any means but for crying out loud, they needed to get a room. I think the three rows around them needed cigarettes.

Anyway, it was a good time - even if the band is not as good as they once were and it stormed so we were soaked. Fact of the matter is -I was with Scott and I got to see a band that I can now cross off my list. It does make me re-evaluate Poison though. Ha!

The rest of the week has been good. Been watching my food intake and working out. Last night we did some laps around the track - it's nice having Scott there even if the both of us are jamming to our own little tunes on our iPods and in our own worlds. Addie enjoys the stroll. (Note - gotta buy a jogging stroller. NEVER thought I'd say that!)

My weigh-in last week was ok - it was 1.8 lbs for a total of 9.2. I wanted to cry but then I remembered to be HAPPY that it was a loss and not a gain. Plus, Aunt Flow is coming any day now and the bitch always brings a few pounds with her. We'll see how it goes next week. (No weigh-in Wednesday due to the 4th)

Later!