Earthquakes, layouts and fat camp...

First and foremost, I have to say that I had the most FABULOUS time with my friends this past weekend. We went to our favorite little retreat for some scrapbooking, I got 17 pages done (which is slow for me - trust me on this!) and I indulged because I knew it would be my last hurrah for quite some time. Truth be told - last summer's clothes are too tight. Ugh.

I have to tell you this funny story about the earthquake. Where we stay is a B&B and the house is older so you always have that "what if" notion that there may be some paranormal activity. To add to this is the fact that Scott watches Ghost Hunters all the time and I'm one of those people that's SUPER freaked out by the paranormal. If I watch Poltergeist, I don't sleep for WEEKS and can't stand to look at my closet. SO - with that said, I'm up on the 3rd floor and in a corner and thankfully two other girls were also up there. At about 5:30 on Friday morning, my bed starts shaking. Not moving. SHAKING. Like, something is grabbing it and shaking it. I wake up completely freaking out and yell out "What is that?" because I'm half out of it.

I run downstairs because I'm SURE that it's paranormal and there is NO way that my ass is going back up there. Everyone else is coming out of their rooms with the same issue. So- at least whatever poltergeist it was, it wasn't just shaking my bed. We turn on the TV and find out it was an earthquake. Who would think of an earthquake in the midwest? We were in Indiana, closer to Illinois, so we felt quite a bit of it. Long story short - that was my embarrassing moment where watching too much Ghost Hunters definitely bit me in the rear. I really have GOT to stop watching that show!

Monday marked the start of my newest session with Weight Watchers. I haven't really been on plan since September and gained back about 15 of the 35 pounds I originally lost, so before I would have to start again at groud zero, I decided to take charge. I'm not going to lie. Usually the first week or so, I'm pretty pissed off and bitter about it. That would be my mood today. Right now, I'm hungry and will probably not eat for another two hours. That's annoying. But, hopefully it will pay off in the end. I would like to lose about 20 - 30 pounds before vacation (which is June 15th). We'll see how that goes.

Of course there is this big part of me that is more about fat acceptance than the dieting piece. Oh wait - WW isn't a diet, it's a "lifestyle". Yea - so anyway, a big piece of me is more about the pizza than the turkey but whatever. I'm hitting the "Y" a few nights each week to work out and we'll see if I get results. That coupled with a healthy diet should yield something, right? One of my favorite quotes ever was during The Biggest Loser Season 1 when Kelly lost some weight and she goes "Diet & Exercise! Who knew? I must go tell everyone!" I thought that was pretty funny. Of course, last night while I'm on the treadmill these two girls get on the treadmills next to me in the row and I hear the one ask the other if she's going to run and the girl responds "Is there a bear behind me? If not, then my ass isn't running - I'll walk fast". I about choked on my water I was laughing so hard. Sounds like something I would say.

Well, before I blabber too much I better end this post. Stupid blogger won't bring up my photo upload, so I can't upload any photos. Sorry about that. I know blog posts are annoying to read when there are no pictures.

New photos, etc...

Hey everyone! Well, this week has been better in terms of my self-esteem. I seriously do appreciate all of the "love" from everyone that posted. Thank you again. It means a lot because when you're down, it sucks to get kicked - but it's the friends that pick you back up and dust you off. So, thank you!

I am making some changes for a healthier me again. We joined the YMCA last night - so I'll be hitting the workout rooms and the good thing is Addie and Maggie can go to separate play areas while Scott and I work out. I'm hoping it's a good thing. It seems like it will be. (Crossing fingers)

I'm also heading out of town tomorrow night to go on a scrapbooking retreat with some good friends. I can't wait! These weekends give me back my sanity. I miss my family terribly while I'm gone but the time to just sit in my pjs and enjoy my hobby (and sleep in) are so valuable. Plus, you get waited on hand and foot which is totally worth it. No dishes to do, food to cook, etc. (Although, Scott might argue that I never cook and he's probably right) In any event, I can't wait!

I also thought I would post a few photos for you - I know I'm bad about it so I'm making an effort to be better.

Here's Penelope. She has not quite figured out how to pose for the camera like Achilles. She's always on the run so it's hard to get a good photo of her. She also looks A LOT different than he does. The good thing is - she's put on about 2 pounds since we've had her so her ribs do not stick out anymore. She was enjoying a bone here and getting ready to jump off of the couch when I snapped the pick. She cracks me up! She's a good girl!

Here's Mr. Achilles enjoying his squeaky toy. We have two of those things because they fight over them. He's also chillin' in their IKEA dog bed. He loves that thing. Penelope prefers the couch - Achilles is all about the dog bed. Notice his color coming in and he looks like he has on a "mask". We sometimes joke and call him "Batman" now. He's also becoming a little piglet. If Penelope doesn't eat all of her food right away, he's over there munching on it after he's ate his. He's so darn cute. We really adore our pups!

Addie got a new haircut about 2 weeks ago. We chopped FOUR inches off of the back of her hair into a cute little bob. Everyone loves her haircut and it looks much fuller, too! My mom swears it's made her meaner. The day she turned two, it was like an instant moment where she decided she needed to tear hell off of hinges. So cute, yet so mean! LOL!

As for Ms. Maggie, she is 7 1/2 going on 17. Our hands are full with that girl. She had her Father/Daughter dance two weekends ago and tonight she's headed off to Build a Bear with her Girlscout troop. (Whoever invented BAB needs to be smacked!) She's still totally into HSM and the other day she bought a pillow with Troy on it. (I bought it for her because I remember my NKOTB pillow - they're cuter than Troy, but whatever...)

Scott also got his Senior Red Belt last week in TKD so just two more months until the black belt. He's already getting excited about it. I'm so proud of him but if I have to sit through another four hour testing with a 2 year old that is running around like a screaming chicken, we might need to have a talk. Belt or no belt, we might be throwing down the gloves. LOL!

That's it for now. Hope everyone is having a great week! Oh- and if you read my blog and you have not created your MyCraftivity.com page, yet. What are you waiting for???

Thanks and a survey...

I wanted to thank everyone for your support - it truly means so much to me to know that I have friends that are not going to judge me. I just don't understand it. Oh well...just add it to the string of things I have had to deal with for the past 13 years. Good thing I adore my hubby!

On a more positive note, I thought I'd do a quick survey that I saw on my friend Karin's MySpace page. I like surveys. They're easy and quick! (Fun to post and fun to read!)

Here goes:

Hi, my name is : Ginger

But you can call me : Ginger - not Gina, Jenny, or bitch.

Never in my life have I : smoked a cigarette.

The one person who can drive me nuts is: see above - LOL!

My high school is : located in the ghetto

When I’m nervous : I pick at my fingernails. I know, it's gross but I can't help it.

The last song I listened to was : Barracuda sung by Heart with Fergie. Heart Rocks.

If I were to get married right now it would be to : I'm already married - and he's great.

My hair is : in desperate need of a dye job.

When I was 4 : I was in pre-school and pretty darn demanding from what I hear.

Last Christmas : was a lot of fun. Spent time with family, opened gifts, didn't have any awkwardness.

I should be : online paying my bills

When I look down I see : my keyboard, mouse and Pentel RSVP pen that Karin bought me.

The happiest recent event was : getting my tax refund. Whoo hoo!

If I were a character on ‘Friends’ : I'd be Monica - not by choice but because I'm neurotic. Plus, she was the only one that was ever fat.

By this time next year : I hope to have my house redecorated. (I can hear Scott groaning now...)

My current gripe is : trying to declutter my house. I HATE clutter.

I have a hard time understanding : why people feel the need to judge others - especially those that are overweight. (I am REALLY on this right now!)

There’s these girls : What kind of question is this? Like I really care about those girls?

If I won an award, the first person I would tell would be : Scott

I want to buy : furniture from IKEA

Where do you plan to visit : I'm going to Orlando in June.

If you spent the night at my house : you would see why I'm crazy - two kids and two puppies are a lot to maintain.

The world could do without : do you want an alphabetized list?

Most recent thing I’ve bought myself : some Steve Madden shoes. They are crap. The sole is already coming off. I've worn them MAYBE four times.

Most recent thing someone else bought me : lunch

My middle name is : Elizabeth

In the morning I : want to call in and sleep late.

Last night I was : worn out and went to bed fairly early.

There’s this boy I know who : grew up to be a great dad - and I'm married to him.

If I were an animal I’d be : a dog. Sleep all day, run after things, act stupid and it be totally acceptable.

A better name for me would be : She who does not take crap

Tomorrow I am : getting ready for my scrapbook retreat next week

Tonight I am : going to dinner with Karin and Kayla

My birthday is : in 2 months - what are you getting me?

Nothing is worse than a reformed Twinkie eater...

I really do not know how to start this post today. I'm battling a plethora of emotions right now - from anger, to hurt, to downright depression, back to anger, etc. Here's the deal people - why is it socially unacceptable to discriminate or make fun of a person based on gender, sexuality, race, age, etc., but it's perfectly fine to mock weight? Help me to understand this.

Let me set the scene for you. Yesterday, I am at a party with Scott's family. It's his cousin's first communion. We should be happy, everyone should be celebrating, right? Well, we're sitting outside on some picnic tables and I'm sitting there minding my own business with about 10 other people. All family members. Remember that - FAMILY members.

My oldest is across the way playing on the monkey bars and my little one is playing with bean bags. I'm sitting there enjoying the sun (because it's been so dreary here lately) when I hear my father in law say "Hey Ginger - we can make ten-thousand on America's Funniest Home Videos". He then proceeds to tell me to go over to the swing where my husband's cousin is swinging (she's a bigger girl, too) and get on the one next to her so they can videotape it and send it in after it collapses.

What? Ok - did you just call me out in front of all of these people? You really did not just do that.

Once the shock wore off, I said "Thanks for singling me out in front of all of these people". Yea - thanks a lot. It wasn't bad enough that I was having a particularly bloated day, but now you've managed to call me out as being a Fatty McFat in front of the ENTIRE FAMILY (at least 9 people were sitting there) and tell me that I'm fat. Thanks. That felt GREAT.

I went into the bathroom and cried. On the Biggest Loser last season, Holly (one of the contestants) said that the one thing that you always remember are the comments people have made. It's so true. That one will stick with me for a LONG time. It stung. I don't think he could have come over and slapped me and it stung any worse. Words can be much more powerful.

The problem is this. He's a reformed Twinkie eater. His weight goes up and down. When he's on the downslide and losing weight, he decides that it's time to pick on heavy people. When he's on the upswing, he keeps quiet. Right now - downswing. Like I said. Nothing is worse than a reformed Twinkie eater.

So, here I sit, beating myself up for not being a size 2. I've done this my entire life. Battled the comments, the discrimination, etc. I wear a size 18. There, I said it. I'm an 18, people. I'm also 5' 9", and even at my thinnest (when I was a bulemic at 19) was a size 10. I'm never going to be a 2. Can I stand to lose some weight. Yes - I know that, though. You don't need to tell me. Do you think overweight people are in denial? No - we're not. We KNOW. But, what we need is for you to love us just as we are and accept us. The rest will fall into place. Oh - and before anyone starts posting about diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure, etc. Doesn't apply here. My cholesterol is in the 120's, bp runs LOW and diabetes is not an issue. I don't fall into your sterotype.

I just had to get that off of my chest. It's been a long 24 hours. A lot of beating myself up. I've dealt with this my entire life, though. You would think that I would be used to it by now. But, I'm not. I guess I just want people to take me as I am. It's sad when I can be having a perfectly content moment and someone just come in and shit all over it - for no good reason really.

That's all. Just venting in between tears and anger. If you're reading this and you're the type to make fun of the "fat person" remember this - we have feelings. It hurts. You might not care, but you should.

So many boy bands...so little time...

So, the NKOTB appeared on the Today show this morning. Since it's the time that I drop Maggie off and head to work, I drove in while on the phone with my good friend, Karin, to see what was going on. I was DVRing it, but you know - it's like being 13 again and I had to know what was going on. They didn't appear until later and I was in a meeting, however, they do have the video posted on MSNBC. Which, I watched during lunch! (And was unable to link here but if you go to MSNBC, it's there!)

I would have been one of the screaming fans. Heck - if I would have been at home, I would have been screaming at the TV. This is just so exciting! The last time I saw them, I was 17 and they were doing a tour of their last album, Face the Music, and the venues were small. I had third row because a friend of mine and I waited outside in line ALL DAY (skipped school) to get into Bogart's early. That was a good time and I'd gladly do it again.

I already have a line-up of girls that are going to the concert with me. Maggie is a bit upset that I might not take her. I'm not sure, yet. Does she really need to see Mommy get all giggly like she does when she sees the Jonas Brothers? Maybe. But, if I'm out with the rest of my 30-something friends, we might make it girls night out. I just hope they plan a date near Cincinnati!

So, coming down from my NKOTB high (which reminds me that I need to dig through my mom's attic for all of my stuff!), on another boy band front, Nick Lachey is singing the National Anthem at the Reds game tonight. My brother works for the Reds and I have made him PROMISE me that if he meets Nick, they have to call me. (He did this before with my favorite Reds player, Hal Morris. I'll have my phone on me all night)

That's all in the land of boy bands and reliving my teen years! LOL!

Onto the family. Scott and Maggie get their belts tonight (which is why I won't be at the game) and then we have a fairly busy weekend planned. Penelope is home from being spayed and Achilles has healed quite nicely from his neuter last week. I almost bought him a shirt that said "Sorry Bitches - I'm fixed" but figured that might be too much. A good laugh, though. Oh - and Addie is still embracing the terrible twos. I'm considering Nanny Stella. If she just wasn't so darn cute!

You know it was just a matter of time...

Before I talked about the New Kids reunion. Oh yea - that's right - NKOTB is back. The five bad brothers from the Beantown land are reuniting and on Friday will be on the Today Show. I'm setting my DVR tonight, baby! Why am I so excited? Well, because I've been a New Kids fan since I was 12. My last concert was when I was 17 and trust me - I've been waiting for a reunion ever since.

But, here's what's funny. I think my favorite "kid" has changed. Back in the day, hands down, it was Jon. I had posters of him EVERYWHERE in my room. There was not one single square inch of my walls that was not covered with a photo of Jon Knight. I was really lucky because my aunt worked for a magazine distributor at the time, so she would bring me STACKS of teen magazines every month. I would spend time meticulously cutting out the photos of Jon and putting them in photo albums. (Hmmm...the start of my scrapbooking? Maybe!)

So - I went online today to find my favorite all-time photos of Jon. These were the ones that hung right above my bed so that they were front and center all the time. It's hilarious how I remember EXACTLY which ones they were. Here - have a chuckle:







The one where he is pointing was my all-time favorite. Now, I look at it and I'm like "Uh...ok..." He's still cute, but not drool on my pillow, daydream in class and scribble "Ginger Knight" cute. (All things that I may or may not have done at the time) I have to admit - I still like the photo of him cuddled-up with the bear. Swoon.

Back to the story at hand. I found some updated photos of the band and one of Jon from this year and he has aged well. Considering he is 39 (Holy COW!), I think he looks pretty good. I just can't picture the New Kids at 40. Of course, I'm 31, so I should be able to, but to me - they're still 21. I digress...

Here's Jon today:



He reminds me of someone but I can't quite pin it. I'll have to sit on that one for a while.

And, here's the band. Joey still does nothing for me. Danny - eh. Jordan has moved up a few notches, but the surprise for me has been Donnie. I never cared for him post "The Right Stuff" video. But, hello Mr. Wahlberg. You're lookin' pretty fly in this photo. No, wait...it's still Jon. Sorry Donnie. Jon is still my favorite New Kid.



I hope they turn this photo into a poster. I am SO hanging it in my office.

What about you? Who was your favorite New Kid. (Oh - and I realize some of my readers are too young to even know who they were. Thanks for making me feel old - LAURA STOLLER) LOL!

Meet Penelope!

This is Penelope. She is the newest member of the Rohlfs household. Penelope is an American Hairless Terrier just like Achilles and the story of how she joined us is somewhat sad, but with a happy ending.

Approximately 2 Fridays ago, I received a phone call from Achilles' breeder. She was asking about him and said she had a question for me. She proceeded to tell me about this pup that a family in Columbus had purchased. They were threatening to put her down because she growled at the dad and snapped at him. She told me that she knew the pup, that the dog was not aggressive and she could not figure out what was going on but she asked if Scott and I would like to have her. We wouldn't have to pay for her - just pick her up in Columbus from the family and give her a good home.

We talked about it and we knew we could handle two pups. Since she's only approximately a month older than Achilles, we figured it wouldn't be too bad, so we made arrangements and we took her. The next day, we drove to Columbus and picked up our new pup.

Truthfully - I have to say, I think that something serious went on with her. I don't want to make accusations but she was approximately 4 lbs underweight, had not been bathed or had her nails clipped in a while. (They had her three weeks) She would also shake and cower when you got near her. To say the least, she obviously had some trauma.

We brought her home, bathed her, trimmed her nails and started feeding her good food. She has since warmed up to all of us, is playing with Achilles now and is a very sweet dog. Her original name was Maggie Blue, but we had to change that because it would be pretty difficult to explain to your daughter why your dog has the same name that she does. Plus, being a Ginger, I've had my fair share of people saying "My dog is named Ginger". Yea - ok. Thanks...

Anyway - just wanted to show off our newest addition. She is so different from Achilles, yet they are so much alike. I'll need to get a good picture of the both of them. She's still a bit camera shy, but I'm sure that she'll get more comfortable with it as she spends more time with us. I'm just glad that the breeder thought of us as a family for her. I'll be sure to post new photos soon.

As for an update on the rest of the family, Scott and Maggie and their TKD testing on Saturday and both passed. Scott is one belt away from black belt. It's hard to believe. I already have his speech planned - I'm sure that will be one worth blogging about! Maggie is back in school after Spring Break and Addie is still Addie. We cut about 4" off of her hair, so she has the cutest little bob but boy is she mean. Her "chucky" photo below is just the tip of the iceberg for that kid. About 2 weeks ago she took a sharpie to Scott's parents house. A total of 8 walls and a leather couch. Need I say more? I'm just glad it wasn't on my watch. LOL!