See that number?

See that number right there? Not only is it my age, but it's the number of pounds I've lost so far. That's right - had another great weigh-in! I'm so excited! I was honestly surprised because to tell the truth - I wasn't that good all weekend because once again - drama with the family. One of these days I'm going to move - far, far away so that I don't have to deal with it. I'm going to pack up the kids and the husband if he's willing and move. (After all, it's mostly HIS family that I would try to get away from - although mine have their moments)

On a separate note, yesterday we took Addison to see her physical therapist. Because she's not walking, yet, they wanted to have her evaluated to see if there were any issues. Apparently, Ms. Addie is SUPER flexible. She has a broader range of motion in her joints and because of this her feet pronate due to her ankle flexibility. I knew the kid was flexible because you should see how she contorts herself when she's ticked off, but I never thought it would be an issue where it could affect a physical action. They believe it will be quickly corrected with some orthopedic braces and a few months of PT. Her next appointment is on the 18th and now the battle with the insurance company begins. I just love that...

That's about all that is going on right now in Ginger land. I am scrapbooking this weekend! Whoo hoo! First time in MONTHS that I've been to a crop and I can't wait. I'm meeting my friend, Jana, at a local store to crop the day away and Saturday can't get here fast enough. Then, it's family time for the rest of the weekend. Last week I took Maggie out for Mother/Daughter day so I'm sure she's going to be asking when the next one is. I can't afford them - we went to Justice and I spent WAY more money than I intended to. But, she was so darn cute in those clothes. Her whole "fashion" thing is killing me these days. She's way more girlie than I ever thought about being.

Anyway, got a long weekend which also means that I have to be SUPER careful on this food journey/diet/lifestyle change that I'm on. Don't wanna overload with bbq and all sorts of food and tip the scale in the wrong direction.

Later!

In such a good place...

I had a great weigh-in yesterday. Lost another 2.6 lbs, so I'm down 28.8 since June 6th. I started my new job on June 4th - and I attribute most of my success to being in a good place right now both in my personal life and professional life. Not to say that I wasn't in a good place before, but it was like a rebirth for me. I'm home earlier each night and we eat dinner as a family now. We don't grab and go for food or eat junk. We actually take time to prepare our meals.

I'm less stressed because product design is SUPER stressful. Marketing has it's moments but all in all - it's a manageable level of stress. Plus, the support here at work has been fantastic and the support of my friends has been awesome. Scott's support has been the best, too. Even though occasionally he likes to have that double-cheeseburger from Wendy's, he eats my low-fat meals and even made us a low-fat yummy breakfast on Sunday complete with turkey sausage. That's my man! We exercise together and he makes it fun. (Unless he gets all "weight trainer" on me. Then, not so fun!) ;)

Maggie's school reopened today and all is fine. It was a downed power line that apparently caught something on fire but didn't affect the school, so no big deal. Things get SO blown out of proportion.

Addison is still plugging away. She likes to poke her belly and go "bee-bee" now. (For her belly button) Cracks me up. She'll say "belly" but I call it her "bee-bee", so she says that. I need to post updated pics of the kids. I might exercise, but I'm a lazy ass when it comes to everything else!

OMG...WTH?

Actually, I guess the graphic is a bit more intense but I saw the shirt on Print Liberation and cracked up and had to use it. But, it sort of fits the day.

Maggie's first day of 2nd grade is today so we did the ceremonial photos, I walked her in to talk to her teacher, etc., etc. (Her teacher by the way looks like Cheri O'Teri) This is the first year that she was very adamant about her "first day outfit" (high school musical tee) and she had to accessorize with earrings and a bracelet. Anyway - they already had it set-up to release the classes early because of a heat alert in Cincinnati and only half of their school building has A/C. (Fortunately, Maggie's class happens to be in the AC'd part)

So, my phone rings. They have this "call command center" voice mail system and they use it A LOT. It's the 800# so I pick it up thinking it's a reminder about the early dismissal. No. It's the principal telling everyone that the kids are on the front lawn with their teachers because the power is out at the school, there are firetrucks blocking the street to access the school and that we can come and get our kids if we want to. They haven't had lunch and they will keep our kids till 1 but if we want to get them, we can. WTH?

Then, I get a phone call from one of the parents that's a friend of mine and she's like "I think the fire is at the school. That's what everyone is saying. There are firetrucks EVERYWHERE". She had to park a few blocks away and walk up to get her daughter. She said it's chaos there.

I call my mom because she's the one who picks Maggie up and my nephew is going to go get her. His really good friend's mom works there so she'll release my daughter to him (trust me - I've talked to her before - it's all good) and thank GOD he's there to help. But - it's just crazy. First, the heat. Then, the power outage. Now, a fire. All on day ONE of 2nd grade. Sort of overshadows that High School Musical shirt and monogrammed earrings, doesn't it?

Hopefully the fire isn't at the school. Hopefully this is the only chaotic day we'll have this year. Hopefully Tim has no issues picking Maggie up and doesn't have to park 10 blocks away. At least everyone is safe - they said in the voice mail that it was not an emergency. (Maybe the lunch lady burned the sloppy joes?)

On a side-note, my weigh-in is in less than an hour. Wish me luck!

Feel like crap today

It's Monday - and I feel like udder crap. I started getting a migraine last night. I NEVER have those, so I have no idea why I'm getting one. But, I've had it all night and today. I'm sitting at work (finishing up my lunch hour) and I've already taken four tylenol today. (I can't take ibuprofen - allergic to it) My stomach is also bothering me. It's like my body is worn out or something. Anyway - this post is more whining than anything. Sorry for that. I just want to go home and take a nap, but I have to push through the next four hours.

I found out that my e-mail button isn't set up for my new e-mail. Duh... Sorry about that. So - I'm fixing that today.

Let's see - I need to make this post at least halfway interesting. Oh - before I forget - thank you everyone for your support about our vacation. It's definitely tense around the Rohlfs household. Actually, not ours, but when we're around the ILs. Anyway - hopefully some resolution comes out of everything. Who knows...

Back to halfway interesting. I'm one of those "list" type people, so I think I'll list 10 of my guilty pleasure songs on my iPod. Here goes:

1) White Lines - Don't remember off hand who sings it. Grandmaster Flash? Freeze...Rock!

2) Around the Way Girl - LL Cool J. Need some bamboo earrings...

3) If You Go Away - NKOTB. That's right - New Kids on the Block when they dropped the "kids" thing and went with an acronym. Circa 1994.

4) Say You Say Me - Lionel Richie. LOVE me some Lionel.

5) This is How We Do It - Montel Jordan. Wasn't this his only song? 1 hit wonder.

6) Islands In the Stream - Dolly and Kenny. That's right. I like Dolly and Kenny. LOVE them together. Grew up to hillbilly country and ghetto music. Talk about a mix.

7) John Deere Green - Joe Diffie. Refer to above post. I can't explain it.

8) Forever - Kiss. Just some good 80's hair band love songs. Gotta love hair band love songs. My iPod is full of them. Don't make me break out singing "Home Sweet Home" by Motley Crue.

9) White & Nerdy - Weird Al. This song is HILARIOUS. Rollin'...In my Segway...

10) Your Baby Never Looked Good In Blue - Expose. Come on. Every high school girl cried to this song. Admit it. You played it over and over and cried. No? Just me???

Alright - that's my guilty pleasure iTune list. I've got a lot more but I don't want you to think my taste in music COMPLETELY sucks.

I would post a photo but I don't have any here at work. Sorry 'bout that.

Well, I'm back. That's all I have to say about that.

I got home from vacation on Monday and sadly, it was one of those situations where I was GLAD to get home. I keep debating what I should write about my vacation. Should I be completely blunt and truthful or try to sugar coat things for fear that it will cause a family uproar. You know me - gotta be ballsy - so I'll do a balance of both.

We go to Florida every year with Scott's parents and his cousin Kelly and her two children have joined us the past two years. Kelly's kids and ours get along GREAT - they adore each other and Kelly is great. His parents and I have always had our differences but 99% of the time it's because of how they treat his sister over Scott. THAT bothers me. Well, this year his parents brought his sister's kid. I thought it would be a nice time to bond with him. Boy was I wrong.

He managed to bite, kick and pinch Maggie. He smacked Addie and yelled in her ear. He taught the kids the middle finger, to which I found out from Scott's aunt that his heinous sister taught her son that because she thought it was funny. This is the crap I'm dealing with. I'm no prude and Maggie knew what the finger meant, but it's embarrassing to deal with at a restaurant and quite frankly - it's pathetic that his mother TAUGHT him that. (Don't even get me started on him knowing what SEX is. He apparently can explain it IN DETAIL)

The fact that he picked on our kids ticked us off and NOBODY would discipline him and when Scott and I stepped in we got the "well, he's only five". Yea - Addie is ONE. She couldn't fend for herself and Maggie is too respectful to knock his head off. Anyway vent over. We're making different plans for next year. I'm sure this isn't the end of the whole ordeal. But, for now - we're home and settling down.

I weighed-in yesterday after the vacation, and I was definitely nervous. It's hard to eat right when you go to restaurants every night but I made the best effort I could. It paid off. I dropped another 3.6 lbs for a total of 26.2 lbs so far. I still have a long way to go, but it feels good to have 26 lbs behind me. I just keep plugging away and taking it one day at a time.

Oh - and as for vacation pictures - I didn't take many. Sad. I know. I was preoccupied with trying to make sure my kids weren't being attacked. Ugh...

Leaving for Vacation Soon - Can't Wait!

I've only got a few more days before the family and I head off for our annual trek down to Florida. I can't wait! This is the first time in about four years that my vacation won't be cut short due to a trade show. It's also the first time that I don't have to "work" while on vacation.

By the way, the quiet little neighborhood that I live in actually made CNN.com yesterday. We have a nutso neighbor about 10 houses down from us that was apparently an "animal hoarder". Not only that - she had 40 DEAD animals in her freezer. What's sad is that the neighbors have complained about her for quite some time. I know on any given day she had 6-10 dogs in the back yard. (She lived on a corner lot so we could see her backyard) One night I came home from a crop and saw a huge snake in her window and a parrot. I used to tell my husband "Something is NOT right about the house on the corner." Sure enough. It wasn't. This morning when I left I saw that they had set out a bunch of disgusting animal cages for the garbage people. I think that hazmat should take care of that - not our poor garbage guy.

On a more positive note I had a great weigh-in this week. Lost another 2.4 pounds so my total is up to almost 23. I actually got to shop this week and bought two pair of shorts that were TWO sizes smaller than what I did wear and got some shirts in the regular department at Old Navy. Feels good to shop there again! Hopefully when I go back to the doctor, my PCOS will be under control. I've still got a long way to go on the WL journey but I'm pretty satisfied with my start.

Well, if you don't hear from me for a week or two that's because I'm enjoying time with my hubby and two girls.

Oh - and for all of you that have shown support - thanks. It means a lot. :)

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!

31 Random Things

In celebration of my birthday, I always have to make a "list" of things. Usually it's what I'm grateful for but today I wanted to go with random facts. Not that I'm not grateful but I'd rather have a humorous post versus a mushy one. So - here are 31 random facts about me:

1) I hate mayonnaise. And Eggs. And Sour Cream. And Cottage Cheese. Seeing a pattern here? They all make me gag.

2) I only buy Levi's jeans anymore. No other brand fits me right.

3) I have no ass. It's like Nebraska - flat and wide. No badonka donk here. No junk in the trunk. I'm constantly hiking up my drawers.

4) Spam is tight. That's right - I love fried Spam. My mom breads it and fries it and it's good. Not diet friendly so I haven't had any in a long time, but boy do I crave it.

5) White Castles is an awesome restaurant. Nothing like sliders at 2 am.

6) I don't drink alcohol. Don't care for the taste and I prefer to be in control because if I DO drink too much - it's instant slut.

7) My favorite cartoon is Tom & Jerry

8) I was once in a local commercial. A friend of mine's grandfather owned a furniture store and I was in the background.

9) I scrapbooked my non-professional wedding photos in 1998 and can't find the album now. Probably a good thing because the last I remember, it involved deco scissors and some francis meyer stickers.

10) My iTunes is full of boy bands and teeny bopper music. Yes - it's my guilty pleasure. I just downloaded Tiffany's Greatest Hits. Don't judge me.

11) I DON'T care for John Mayer or Dave Matthews. Gasp! I know...

12) My house was built in 1957 - the same year my parents got married.

13) I had a cousin that was on Jerry Springer. I disowned her. So, I'm one cousin less. Ha! (She probably doesn't even know I don't claim her)

14) My first car was a 1985 Chevy Celebrity Eurosport. I was a studette.

15) I change my license plate every year and decorate my basement with the old ones. My goal is to make it look like a sports bar one day.

16) My parents bought their first house off of my husband's great aunt and uncle. We didn't find that out until 2 years ago when I was looking at their old papers from that closing.

17) The movie Poltergeist FREAKS me out. I love to watch it but then I don't sleep for two weeks because I'm afraid my closet will open and suck me in.

18) Feet gross me out. I can't get over everyone at Tae Kwon Do with their bare feet. I feel the need to santize whenever I watch Scott or Maggie because it grosses me out so bad.

19) I think farting is funny. Cracks me up. Admit it. Farts are funny.

20) Some of my dearest friends are ones I met through scrapbooking and I am SO thankful for that. (There is my grateful comment!)

21) Scott proposed to me over the phone. We were 19 and 20. It was more like "Hey - wanna get married?"

22) I met him through a blind date that his DAD set up. I was working as a waitress in a cocktail bar...No seriously - I was a waitress and waited on his family and they thought we would be a good match. I thought they were crazy...

23) I'm still close with my ex-boyfriend's mom. She's a dear friend of mine - and always will be. She's like a 2nd mom. She adores my husband and we adore her.

24) I can speak ghetto and hillbilly. Seriously. Ask my friends. They've seen me do it.

25) I graduated high school 3rd in my class ONLY because I lost by like a tenth of a point and was pretty pissed about it. Am I still bitter? Eh...

26) My feet are a size 10. They have been since the 5th grade. Do you know what it's like when your feet get there 5 minutes before you do?

27) I know a TON of useless pop culture facts. I was watching VH1's "Superbowl of Pop Culture" or whatever and I was spankin' the contestants. Schweddy Balls were on Delicious Dish. Duh! (SNL reference there for those of you not in the know)

28) Addison's name was going to be Reese Addison but our families nixed it when they came into the room to meet her. It was a resounding "NO". So, we switched it. I should have stood my ground.

29) I like melted ice cream. I've microwaved a pint before. (Just enough to soften it pretty good)

30) I taught myself how to use Illustrator when I was designing papers. No formal training. My undergrad degree is in LAW.

31) I'm PETRIFIED of balloons. HATE them. I get really upset and jittery when I'm around them. No kidding. Kids parties have NO balloons at my house.

Well, that's it. I'm a total freak. You know 31 random/odd facts about me. Hopefully, it's not enough to scare off my friends!

I think I'm finally there...

Back in 2001 I joined Weight Watchers and lost almost 40 lbs within 4 months. It was a long process simply because I had just had Maggie and most of my weight was NOT baby weight but rather the type you gain from eating bad things. I drastically cut what I was eating and the weight came off with a lot of exercise. Fast forward six years, infertility drugs, PCOS, depression, and another baby and there you have it - the weight is back plus it brought some friends along. (To the tune of about 15 lbs)

When I started my new job a few weeks ago, they told me they had Weight Watchers at work. That was perfect because in those six years, I tried it again probably 3 times but never committed. Things always seemed to interfere - no childcare to go to meetings, too tired to go after work, too stressed to eat healthy, etc. But, now I have a support group right here. My weigh-ins are during lunch on Wednesdays and I have people to talk to and it's like we're all in the boat together. Plus, Scott is doing it with me and it's nice that he's not enjoying a cheeseburger while I'm picking at grilled chicken. He's eating the chicken right beside me.

We've started to add a pretty good exercise routine to our schedule which involves the entire family so not only am I benefitting, but they are, too. Each night we take walks around the local track at the high school and we add about 1/4 mile each time. Plus, Maggie and I are going to have a dance-off tonight. I've burned a CD of some of my favorite booty shakin' tunes and she and I are going to sweat. (More importantly, I'll wear her out so that she goes to bed early!)

I guess the point is - I finally feel like I'm mentally there. Before - I was in denial. But now - I know that I need to make changes and I'm actually MAKING them. There were a few milestones for me this weekend and I hurdled them with ease. My cart at the grocery was filled with fresh fruits and veggies and whole grain products and fat free milks, etc. The biggest change? No box of Little Debbies and I didn't even take a 2nd glance at the aisle.

My third weigh-in is on Wednesday. So far, I'm down 7.4 pounds in two weeks - which I consider to be a fairly decent start. It's not "Ranch Loss" like on The Biggest Loser, but it's a start and it's better than where I was 2 weeks ago. I'm taking it 5 pounds at a time, so my next goal is 2.6 pounds for an even 10. Then, the next five pounds and so on. If I stay dedicated, I could be back down to my high school weight by next year. I can't even imagine!

Confessions of a picky eater...

Ok - here's where things get rough whenever I meet new people. (Or, have a new job)I'm a picky eater. To the point of embarrassment sometimes because on any given day I don't eat most things - eggs, mayo, salad, seafood, sour cream, etc., etc. I have a very basic palette and although I'll venture every once in a while, right now I'm just not that into it because I'm doing weight watchers and most stuff I eat is pretty bland. I don't want to go off or over my points.

Today we had lunch scheduled at work. The entire team is going out and they want to do Thai.



Guess what? I don't do Thai. It's not my cup of tea. Nor Sushi (which is their other offering). They ask if I like Thai. Of course, what do I do? I say "no". So, they switched lunch. Do I feel like a jerk now? Yes.

Ok, so let me get this straight...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070614/ap_on_he_me/kids_food

Kellogg's has to change their ENTIRE marketing campaign and food formulations because parents can't simply tell their kids "no"? There are child obesity lawsuits because a cereal maker puts a toucan on the front?

Here's the deal people - WE ALL KNOW WHAT WE'RE SUPPOSED TO EAT. WE ALL KNOW what choices we're supposed to make. The last time I checked, my 7 year old didn't have any money to go into Kroger and buy a box of Fruit Loops. I don't buy her Pop Tarts because of the sugar, fat, etc. Now, I'm a big girl. Always have been for the most part, always will be. (Thanks Mom for the genetics) I've made bad food choices in life and I'm trying to change that. BUT - as a parent, I am the one making decisions as to what comes into the house that my daughter can choose from. I buy her Fruit Loops. (The reduced sugar style) I don't think it's going to kill her to have a bowl of Fruit Loops every now and then. I also bought her a swingset and she has to go outside and play every day. It's a matter of the PARENT taking the RESPONSIBILITY.

This is why our world is screwed up. It's always someone else's fault.

Oh and for the record - I lost 4.8 lbs on weight watchers this week.

Yes, I'm still alive...

It's been a busy week. I've started my new job and LOVE it - it's stressful but fun. I'm learning about so many new areas of crafting and it's an exciting time for me. The great thing is - I get home earlier now - yesterday I ran to buy some stuff for Maggie's birthday and still managed to get home by 6:00. That would have NEVER happened before. Most days, I'm home by 5:20.

Anyway - random thought of the day: Why is it that I love Mountain Dew but hate Orange Juice? I was just reading the "ingredients" of the Dew and one is concentrated orange juice. That's like the raisin paste in A1. (That's right people - read your ingredient labels. WTH is Raisin Paste???)

Oh well, next to concentrated orange juice is caffeine. Now, that's the good stuff! (Note: Normally, I don't drink soda, but I'm tired. I'm adjusting to a new schedule. Had to have one this morning. Cost me 3 points on weight watchers. Damn Dew.)