New Year's Resolutions 2010

We all make resolutions, and if you're like me you're gung ho about them for a few weeks then it fizzles out.  Well, I got an early start on my resolutions and started the a week before.  I needed to do it for me-and that's what MY resolutions are about.

Here they are:

1. Leave CJ's dad alone.  I have to come to the conclusion that I have been facilitating a relationship between the two of them since I can remember.  He's not one of those daily dads, but he seems to be a dad when it matters (sometimes).  The facilitating I thought was for CJ's benefit, but I've come to the conclusion that I was doing it because I wanted CJ to have a dad.  It's his dad that needs to step up to the plate.

2. Lose these 50 pounds.  I started out at 197, lost 10 pounds and kept it off for a year.  Then about a month before my 25th birthday I had realized that I started gaining back that 10 pounds so I decided to really do it this time.  I did really well, but since Thanksgiving I have really slacked off after losing 18. My goal is to get down to the 120's by next Christmas.  That's about a pound a week...

3. Do more for me.  Sounds simple, I know.  2010 is going to be big year-CJ will be getting the help he needs and my life will focus on getting him to the therapies and school, then in the fall he will start Kindergarten!  I'm not going to have a lot of time for myself.  I'm going to set aside time each week to do something just for me-no one else!

4. Be better with money.  I have struggled with money since I got my first dollar.  It always burns a hole in my pocket.  I have great intentions but have a severe lack of follow through.  I do have a budget, now I just need to follow it.  I think this correlates with resolution #2, if I stop doing fast food practically everyday, I can lose the weight.

To some people four is a lot, to others it may seem like I'm not admitting enough to myself about what I need to change.  I'm a firm believer that change is a gradual process and too many changes at once is setting yourself up to fail.  Maybe I'll have mid-year resolutions.  That's actually a great idea :) My birthday (7/1) is halfway through the year, so that's what I'll do :)

Happy New Year everyone!

Flashlight

Christmas was so wonderful.  I couldn't have asked for a more special Christmas than the one I had yesterday.

This was the first year that CJ understood about giving and receiving.  He did get a little greedy, but it was quickly corrected.

I got the best Christmas gift ever yesterday.  I actually started to tear up when I heard the story behind it.  CJ was so proud to give me his gift.  Once it was opened my mom explained that they talked about what he wanted to get me for Christmas.  According to her, he said "A flashlight to see the ghosts".  Apparently there are ghosts in the house LOL  Well, off to Target they went.  They have a huge wall of flashlights and he stood there deciding which color to get.  He named all the colors then his little eyes settled on the purple one.

Ladies and gentlemen, the best gift I ever received was from my five year old little man-a bright purple flashlight that came with a keychain flash light!  I wanted to cry-it's so special.  Something I will never ever forget...

I hope your Christmas was merry and bright.  I thank Jesus everyday for each and every one of you that take time out of your day to read about lil' ol' me and my little niche in the world.  I pray that each of you has had a year full of peace and joy!

God bless!

Glee Flash Mob

I don't know what a flash mob is-from what I can tell it's a group of people that perform in public places.  I saw this on Perez Hilton's gossip page-I love celeb gossip, so shoot me LOL- and I thought I had to share!

If you're a Glee-k, you'll enjoy this.  It makes me want to go buy the CD!

Wishlists...

I don't know about y'all but I love the wish list function when I'm online shopping.  I have one running at Victoria's Secret, American Eagle, Aeropostale, LuLu's and I'm sure at other places I won't remember until I get an email from them LOL  It's like window shopping, but on the computer :)

I also do this to see how much I would spend if money weren't an option-at Victoria's Secret I think it was near $1200.  That was for a lot of stuff, and several of single items.  Ouch LOL  I've also found it to be a great way to tell people what I want.  I simply send them my wish list list :)

This year was the first year I didn't make a Christmas list.  Usually I do, but I didn't this year.  I didn't know what to write on it except gift cards.  My mom said she didn't need one.  The only things I can remember dropping hints on were:

I don't think I said I wanted a pink one, but if my mom knows me, she'll know I'll want pink.  At this point though-I'd be happy with any color LOL

found here

My mom and I were at Penney's and we both fell in love with the purse.  She bought one for herself.  But come to think of it-I have yet to see her use it LOL  hmm...is this something I'm getting?

What did you ask for?

Oh, and since tomorrow is Christmas....

here

Weekend Update

or is it a recap?  I think that would have been a better word, but whatevs.

As my last post suggested I was sick all weekend and week previous. 

On Friday my mom  graduated with honors from Penn State.  She now has her Masters in Project Management.  Mom-I'm so proud of you.  2009 has been such a great year for her!  She flew to PA with my dad so she could walk in her ceremony.

I got my Christmas tree in the mail!  I know, sounds weird, but I ordered it from Wal-mart.com because I don't have a way to get it home-it was only 97 cent shipping!  It's a 7 foot prelit (white) tree.  I love it.  I've never been a fan of artificial trees but being single and it just being CJ and I, I've decided to conform.

Yesterday, Monday, was a very big day in our house.  I know it wasn't the weekend but it was too big of a day for me.  CJ had his last autism evaluation appointment.  We go the results...and...he's NOT autistic!  Such a relief.  So, if he's not autistic then what's wrong with him? That's what I asked the psychologist.  He has a language/speech disorder (he's at about a 3 year old level) and a sensory/processing disorder.  That's the formal name.  It's such a relief to have answers!

Today, CJ and I just chilled.  He had a lunch date with Grandma.  He loves going out with Grandma! Who doesn't? Grandma is so fun to shop with!  While alone I relaxed, loaded the dishwasher and brought Santa gifts in the house!

I can't wait for Christmas!

Oh, and I know I've been slacking on the picture thing lately.  Well, we haven't really done anything that warrants pictures.  I know, we suck LOL  I'm hoping that with school starting next month for both of us and making new friends there will be plenty of opprotunity for some pictures :)  That and CJ decided to play with my camera and managed to rip off the front of the lens.  Gotta love a point and shoot-I think it might be time to upgrade to a nice camera that he is not to touch!

Hello lovelies...
 I'm writing to y'all to see if you have any remedies to help with a sore throat.  My throat is so raw that when I cough it feels like razor blades are cutting my throat.  Any help would be fantastic.

Thank y'all ;)

The Rack

My Jersey Nickname is The Rack.  Wow, sounds phenomenal!  I cannot seem to understand the Jersey show on MTV.  It seems like another Real World-just too much drama for me! 

Sorry...

Sorry y'all for being non-existent.  I have been very very sick.  I should have listened to my dad when he said I should go get my flu shot.  The bodyaches and fever really suck-but that's not saying the runny nose and cough/sore throat are a blast LOL  I should be back to normal and back to commenting in the next couple days!

Love and God bless!

Takin it back to the old school...

I don't know about y'all but I was madly in love with NSYNC and any other boyband that was hanging around from 97-2000.  I do occasionally like to reminisce and enjoy their music.  So for the last few evening CJ and I have been having dance parties to upbeat Christmas music.  Here's what we've been rockin!



And my personal favorite-one that will never get old:

Weekend Recap

I had such a fantastic weekend!  I haven't been to a Christmas party in ages and that's exactly what I was up to this weekend.

My anal retentive planner self layed out everything I wanted to take (Christmas card, camera, purse etc) and was walking out the door when my son called to me saying he needed a "kiss hug".  I set it all down, gave him some more loves, then grabbed my purse and left.  Oops...

So there's no pictures of me and the host or any other pictures except the ones his daughters took.  Here is the only one I seemed to make it in :)

Myself, Carlos and Kelsey-I met them at the party

*note* I look preggers in this picture and I'm so not LOL  The tablecloth behind me is adding a baby bump LOL

I just love my earrings.  I got them from Charlotte Russe like two years ago and have never worn them!  I wore a dress from Old Navy, black tights from ON and boots from Target.  I looked hot :) See?? 

Taken with my cell phone :)  Sorry about the quality!

CJ and I saw Santa this weekend (well, Thursday LOL).  He asked Santa for Thomas, Gordon and James.  He only wants three presents he said.  Well, sorry kid, before they even came up on your list, mommy's been shopping and so have others and Thomas, Gordon and James were not in the cart!  Plus, at upto $25 a pop for a little thing, you'll have to settle for the Thomas, Percy and some other engine squirting bath toys! LOL

I hope you all had a great weekend!  If you have Santa Believer's in your house check out The 2009 Santa Tracker by Norad  On Christmas Eve you can use Google Earth to see where Santa is and in the mean time there is an elf village with cool buildings.  Once in the buildings you get to play games.  CJ and I have been having a blast!

I just got home from my Christmas party and I'm beat!  I forgot my camera so I have to wait for pics to be posted on Facebook before I can show the 2 or 3 I was in :)  I had fun and will update about my weekend on Monday :)

Christmas Cards...

...are going in the  mail tomorrow!  If you want one, hit me up with your address!  I love getting Christmas cards, so let me know if you want exchange them!

I WAS ON THE RADIO!

 

Amber Watson Events has been on the radio all day!  Because of a donation I dropped off I've been getting free radio promotions!  Woo hoo!  Plus, I got meet the producer for KISS FM Colorado, Chris Kelly, and he's was a sweet dude.  He had sunglasses on-I wonder if he's cute?  LOL  Is he single? LOL

I'm such an idiot...

So I've been really slackin the workout department.  Like I haven't been in about 10 days kind of slackin.  I have a good reason though!  I cannot for the life of me find my tennis shoes!  I know that sounds awful but I have torn my  house and my car apart looking for them!  ARGH!  I know what's going to be on my Chrismtas list now!

I really want to lose weight and I'm trying hard, but honestly the fact that I'm maintaining and a cool 170 makes me happy.  Once I get back in the workout spirit (and find my shoes) that number be droppin!

The nerve of some people and ICE SKATING!

So I ended things with S.  To put it lightly he is really upset-which is understandable.  He's doing somethings that are just not cool.  I ended things with him and asked for a clean "break".  He sent me a text, then called then sent a closure email and now I just got chewed out over text message because of my blog.  I told him in passing that I blogged but NEVER gave out the address.  He Google'd me and found my blog and read what I had said and gave me a verbal lashing in text messages about how I completely fabricated everything I said to him-mainly the reasons of why I ended things.Well, that really peeved me...so I responded.

I quickly reminded him that I gave him the exact reasons as what was written in my blog-I did omit the family history when I talked to him, but it was still a reason.  He got really upset that I would judge him and his family without knowing them.  In my defense, knowing what I already know-it made me uncomfortable.  I told him that what he did was wrong (searching out my blog) and that he needs to leave me alone and never contact me again.  I told him I would prefer it if he didn't read my blog, but that I couldn't stop him.

Anyway, I won't re-hash all the details.  After I responded to him, the real reason came out of why he's so upset.  He RSVP'ed for "2" for the first time to his company Christmas party on Saturday and now I've left him dateless.  He did say he would not text/email/speak to me ever again.

Wow, gotta love late night drama, eh?  Glad it's over!

Onto bigger and better things!

CJ and I did not decorate the tree but we did go ice skating!

We had just stepped onto the ice.  They don't allow cameras on the ice so the super awesome staff members took a pic for me then held onto my camera in their little hut thingy.

He started with the trashcan but decided that the wall was a better choice.

But he quickly realized he could go more places if he had the trash can.

My big boy didn't quite get how to skate so he spent most of the time "running" on the skates.  He fell and we both cracked up every time he did LOL  We were there for nearly two hours, but it started to get way to cold.  Our high today was like 31 or 32-when we left the OUTDOOR rink it was in the high twenties LOL  We were freezing!

We're going again next week so my dad can get pictures of he and I together.  My dad probably won't skate LOL

Christmas ish Randomosity

Do you like my made up word? It's like Kimora Simmons Fabulosity-except mine is Random.  My line will be out in the spring...just kidding :)

Anyway...I'm feeling a bit bi-polar with Christmas quickly approaching.  It's hard with my parents in two different places.  They both want to live at home, but it's just not possible with their work.  I am a huge fan of tradition and the last couple years we haven't been able to go and celebrate our traditions.  I was thinking of starting new ones with CJ, but I think I'm going to wait until we are in our own place.  As every year, finances are tight so gifting has become a challenge.  And lastly, this one is very selfish, I don't have that "special someone" to share Christmas with.

I love Christmas...year round LOL  I've decided to not be so blah about Christmas.  I am going Christmas shopping on Saturday, so I'm excited about that.  It'll give me a chance to get out of the house (alone!!!!) for a couple/few hours and do what I need to do.  I decided that CJ and I are going to turn on some Christmas music (Manheim Steamroller), bust out the tiny fake tree and decorate it until nothing else will fit on it.  I think we will do that today (Friday).

How are y'all doin with Christmas?

Ebates.com

Okay, I'm an online shopper.  I love shopping online almost as much as I love shopping in person :)  Plus, I love to get mail and who doesn't like receiveing boxes in the mail?

Anywho...have y'all hear of Ebates?  If you go to Ebates and join, then shop from them, you get a percentage of your total as "cash back".  Um hello, who doesn't want to get money back?

Go to Ebates and join.  Follow my link and you'll get $5 :) I'm excited because Target, JC Penney, J. Crew and about 1200 other stores are on there...even Bloomingdales and the Apple Store.  Bath and Body Works is on there too...seriously, I love it!  Hurry up and go shop!

I don't know what to do...

I've been MIA for the last couple days.  My days have been filled with dealing with the VA (don't ask)  and talking with S.

S came over last night and things were a lot different than when we went out on Sunday.  He's a total sweet heart, very nice but I almost felt unsafe with him.  I knew he had a bit of a past, but I didn't know how troubled it truly was until last night.  He also shared some tidbits of information about his family that did not give me warm fuzzies.  All that aside, I just didn't have that spark with him.  I chocked it up to being tired and so when he went in for the good night kiss I gave in and kissed him real quick-nothing too graphic LOL  It did not feel like a kiss that I would share with someone I'm interested in :(

So this morning after a good nights rest I did some reflection and I've decided I'm not going to see S anymore.  He is a super sweet guy, but he's not the guy for me.  How do I tell him? How do I do it? He lives 30ish minutes away, so the phone, text or email is the way it's gonna happen.  The phone is probably best but what do I say to him?  I hate breaking up with people-well in our sense be the one to stop dating.

The Date

Most people are recapping their Thanksgiving holiday weekend.  Me? I didn't really have one.  I couldn't afford to go out of town, so I stayed here and it was a lot like any other day :)  It was still fun to spend the day lounging in pj's and eating anything I wanted.  My diet went out the window for that day :)

Well, like I posted yesterday, I had a date :)  It went soooooo well!  I am so happy :)  I met him on Match...I have to vent about Match but I'll save that for another day.

So let's call him S-just until I come up with a better nick name for him.  I joke around and call him old fart.  He's only 30, but he's 5 years older than me.  I know he's not old, but it's fun to tease him :)  Anyway, we decided to meet for "linner" (late lunch/early dinner) at Biaggi's.  I had only been there once before.  Funny enough, I sat at the same table as the first time I was there LOL  I was so nervous to meet him.  We had spent a great deal of time on the phone for the last few days so I felt confident about how much I knew about him and how he reacts etc.  Meeting in person is so different though.  When we arrived he had flowers for me and something in a bag.  The something in the bag was movies for CJ.  How sweet is that?  He remember me talking about them so he said that when he saw them he thought it would be nice to pick them up!  I gave him a hug and woah! He smells delicious!  I believe it was Armani Code ?? Can't remember.

Anyway, about halfway through linner it started to not feel like a first date.  It was like hanging out with someone I've known for awhile.  Biaggi's is in this really cool outdoor shopping center called Centerra.  You should check it out-it's pretty awesome.  So we decided to walk around.  We went into numerous stores and had fun picking stuff out.  We went to Bath and Body works and we were smelling things, giving our opinions and I smelled their Christmas candle called Frosted Cranberry.  OMG smells like something I could eat-which I vocalized and he bought 2 (since they were 2 for $20, virtually buy one get one free!).  One is for me and one for him-so that we could match :)  We headed into Barnes an Noble and looked at books and finished the evening with coffee :)

I had to get to CJ so we called it a night.  He asked me to go with him to his Christmas party next Saturday.  We texted a bit last night as well then ended up talking on the phone LOL  It was so much fun...sigh.

He's coming over Wednesday to watch a movie :)  I feel like I'm 13 and a boy that I have a huge crush on just said he likes me.  I have this huge grin on my face LOL

Now my only question is...what do I wear to a business (not dressy or cocktail) Christmas party?  Any ideas??  I'll go through my closet and post pictures of what I have but I'm never one to say no to shopping!

At 2:30...

I am going on a date today!  Woo-hoo!  I'm pretty excited.  I've talked to this guy a lot over the last week and we click really well.  I'll let you know how it goes when I get back :)

Milestones...

I swore I would be one of those moms that would keep track of every major milestone of CJ's.  I thought for sure I'd document his first word(s), when he rolled over or sat up.  I didn't.  I didn't even keep a lock of his hair from his first hair cut (that was a way stressful experience for mommy and baby).  Scoff at me if you want but I didn't do it.

But, yesterday, his first "school age" milestone happened!

HE LOST HIS FIRST TOOTH!

How exciting????!!!  For some reason he thinks Tinkerbell is the Tooth Fairy, but what can I do?

Thanksgiving 2009 my little boy turned into a big boy.  ::sigh::

PS: The pic was taken with my cell phone, so the quality isn't the greatest.  Also, please excuse my messy room :)

thank*ful

To list out everything I am thankful for would take forever.  This year has been a huge year and has created so many more things to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving...may your holiday be blessed.

Weekend Recap and then some...

This weekend was a complete blast.  Both of my parents were here and we were busy!

I picked my mom up on Friday from the airport and we went straight to lunch at Red Robin (CJ ate free-woohoo!) then went to New Moon!  It was like 10 million trillion times better than Twilight.  Chris Weitz, the director, did an amazing job and now I'm really excited to see Eclipse-even though that book just seems irrelevant LOL  CJ also had his first taste of teeny boppers LOL  Thankfully it wasn't too bad.  We went during the school day so that we could avoid the craze!

On Saturday we took pictures for our Christmas Cards!  It was so fun, but I didnt' think about wearing horizontal stripes...not good in pictures.  But, my dad did a phenomenal job!  Here are the top contendors!

CONTENDER NUMERO UNO

I just love this picture...this is a very typical CJ look.  Excuse his puffy hair-his hair is just not manageable LOL

  CONTENDER NUMERO DOS

I blew this one up a bit so you could see our faces...we do this all the time.  I just love that this was a candid shot.  Great work dad!

 

CONTENDER NUMERO TRES

I like this one but it just seems too forced and too not CJ and I.

Let me know what y'all think!

Here are more pictures that were taken.  We wanted family shots, but my brothers aren't here in the state.  But here's what we came up with.

 

This was a test shot, but I like it.  OH and yes, that is a yellow M&M man in the window, my mom is obsessed with them.

These are my 'rents and CJ. He loves his "gandmom" and "papa"

Later that night we all watched Star Trek.  My family is full of Trekkies so it was only natural for us to sit down and watch it.  It was so good...and Chris Pine is not hard to look at.  See:

 

via

Chris Pine in all his yummy Captain Kirk-ness

Then Sunday we all helped hang up Christmas decor outside.  I will post pictures of that later :)  I hope you all had a great weekend and have  a great Thanksgiving week!

My very first AWARD!!

Thank you so much to the fabulous woman behind "A Journey Through the Waiting Game" for nominating me for my first award.  You rock :)

Here are the rules: I have to list 10 interesting facts about myself then pass along the award to 10 other bloggers!

Here it goes:

1. As much as I love to buy all things girly, I am more often than not in a jeans, a tank and flip flops with my hair in a messy bun.

2. I am liking being single.  I do want to settle down, but being able to just "be" is great.  Ask me my opinion about that around Christmas time and when it comes time to get CJ to his appointments.

3. I am team Jacob.  I mean, I really feel for him.  I've been treated like that by a guy and it hurts.  That and Taylor Lautner is so nice to look at.  Please tell me he's legal otherwise I may have to reword that LOL

4. I check the same sites several times a day: email, Facebook and my blogs.  There rare changes to those through the day LOL

5.  I love to bake, but I have no one to bake for.

6.  I am obsessed with all things paranormal.

7. I am the freak you hear driving down the road blasting Christmas music in July.

8. I have a strange addiction to the Oats and Chocolate Fiber One Bars.  I could live on them!

9.  I'm secretly afraid that if I get skinny I'm not gonn have boobs.  That might be TMI, but I like having them LOL

10. When my kiddo and I say that we love each other we say "I love you like (#) robots".  He started it one day and now it stuck.  Oh, speaking of CJisms, I asked CJ if Lindsay Lohan was pretty and he says "She's pretty like a hot dog".  I about died.

So, now my lovlies, here's who I nominate:

Nicole at What a Long Strange Trip

Blair at Reasonably Swanky

Kate at Simply Said by Simply Me

Lauren at Busy Bee Lauren

Molly at Stilettos and Diapers

Summer at Le Musings of Moi

Alicia at It's Not Gossip. It's My Life.

Little Match Girl

Brooke at oofa luffa le

Last but not least: Pink Sass

Screw sky diving for a rush, I'm getting skinny!

I'd like for you all to take a moment and notice that weight loss ticker says 18 pounds lost. AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! I'm so excited :)  I forgot to update it last week, but wow, it feels good. 

I haven't been measuring myself, but I can see the changes.  I'm currently a size 14 and L/XL kind of girl, but not for long!  I'm almost in the 160's!  I haven't been in the 160's since I was in the Navy!  I was 175 when I got pregnant-I weigh less than that now!

So lets see, when I joined the Navy I was sittin in the 150's, then I learned to spend money on food and gained about 10 lb's before I went in.  I almost didn't get to go in because of my weight!  Ouch!  I lost 11 lb's in boot camp and was pretty happy.  The jiggle went away.  Then I got married and started packin it on.  I gained it all back, then some.  I never ever made weight with the Navy, but by meaurement I did make it...whew!  When I  got pregnant I was 175ish and when I delivered I was 206!  I got back down to the high 170's then got out of the Navy.  Came  home and became a lard ass.  I ballooned up to 197.  Ouch.  I tried Weight Watchers and lost 10 pounds but decided to stop doing it because I would figure out how much crap I could fit into my point level each day.  I kept those pounds off for about 10 months and decided I wanted to wear a bikini like everyone else. 

My 25th birthday was coming up and I wanted to look hot...so I started losing weight.  So, in July 2008 I weighed 197.  July 2009 I weighed in the high 180's and now in November 2009 (the 18th to be exact) I weigh 171 pounds. 

I consider myself an adrenaline junkie, but let me tell you-there is no rush greater than putting on a pair of jeans that are a little snug and having them slide right on.  There is no rush greater than not having a shirt be so tight-that it actually fits appropriately.  Screw sky diving for a rush, I'm getting skinny!

Kings and Queens

So I just saw the video for 30 Seconds to Mars' new video for Kings and Queens and it was good.  I hadn't heard the song before but I will definitely be getting the CD on the 12/8!

Doesn't Jared Leto look amazing in the video?

He's got some Edward hair if I've ever seen some LOL  I have the hugest celebrity crush on Jared Leto.  Even in his emo, guyliner wearing outfits.  There's something about him.  Hmm...if you wanna watch the video/listen to the song then click on King and Queens!

Veterans Day and Shopping

Today is Veterans Day.  To most people it's a day off.  To me, its the day that remember about the friends I've made and lost.  It's the day that I keep all veterans-young and old-in my prayers  With out our veterans, who know where our country would be today. Thank you all to the men and women that have bravely served and sacrificed for our country.  To those that I served with, it was a pleasure serving with you.

*UPDATED to add* I just wrote this post and remembered I need to call the VA (Veterans Affairs) about my GI Bill. So I called and went through the process of typing in all my info and then was promptly reminded the office was closed for the holiday.  Yes I'm a moron! 

On a different note...

Why oh why must American Eagle have their jeans buy get one half off??  WHY??? I love American Eagle jeans.  They make a flat butted person, such as myself, look like I have a little "junk" and the price is unbeatable!  Why must I be tempted with this?

And why Express do you keep sending me coupons? "Get $30 when you spend $75"  Why?  Thankfully, I'm not quite down to the size where their clothes fit comfortably.  Every now and then I get lucky and score a shirt, but it doesn't happen often!

I love to shop...Target had some cute sweaters and this vest thingy-cute! Heck, I rarely get clothes at Wal-Mart but the red and black plaid tunic/shirt dress thing that Miley Cyrus put out-way cute.  I'm going to pair it with leggings and black boots.

Anyway...I will not be shopping.  I have to keep myself limited each month on how much I spend on shopping.  Plus, I don't want to get a ton of new clothes then have them not fit because this woman is getting skinny :)

I'm off to the gym and my killer abs class with Ken.  I wish ya'll could see this guy...dreamy.  He said something last class that made me mad at the time, but I'm over it now "Quitting is a choice. Your brain will keep your muscles moving if you tell it to!"  I wanted to kick his butt!  I had just worked out for an hour and he's trying to tell me that I'm choosing to quit?  We'll see about that one.  Today I'm switching it up a bit-abs class then elliptical then Jillian.

Toodles!

Day 2 of The Shred

Today was the day I was motivated to work out.  I wasn't too sore after my "killer" abs class yesterday so today I did Jillian's DVD then did 50 min on the elliptical, did some leg work and ab work.  I might regret it tomorrow LOL

Tomorrow I do have the abs class so, lets hope I'm not dead!

On a second note...I have not been hungry.  I'm good at mindless eating but today I worked hard to not do that.  I barely ate 900 calories after dinner time.  What do I do? Eat when I'm not hungry?  Seem back asswards, but I know I need to keep my metabolism going.  I know that I need calories/protein/carbs/etc to keep my body healthy.  I'm in quite the pickle.

Anywho...I can definitely see a change in my legs and my abs.  No six pack here, but the flab that hangs over my c-section scar (TMI? sorry) hasn't gotten smaller! Also, I know my legs are getting skinnier-you know how I know? My track suit from Old Navy that was tight in the legs is no longer tight :)  Go me :)

Dieting and Working Out...I already did a weekend recap LOL

So as most of you know, I'm on the never ending track to losing weight.  I have my reasons for doing it...yes some of them are vain but the rest are purely for health!

Anywho...awhile back I bought this:

I would be good and do it for 2-3 days in a row but yeah, I'd quit.  Now, I need to change up my working out habits.  I love going to the gym.  My son LOVES it there.  Every morning "Mommy, we go to the gym?" How can you say no to a kid that wants you to work out?? LOL

I've been getting bored on the Elliptical (I was doing 60 min plus a 5 min cool down, burned 530-580 calories in that time).  It's a great calorie burner but I almost feel like my cardio isn't getting any better.  So I'm going to Shred myself!  I'm going to still do the gym, just not for an hour.  My plan is to do 30ish minutes on the elliptical and some light strength training every other day.  The day I don't do strength I'll have Jillian kick my butt :)

I'm also doing this awesome class: "Crunch Time".  The instructor likes to call it "Kens Killer Abs".  I'd like to see his abs LOL  He's not so hard on the eyes either.  I love the "man candy" at the gym LOL

Anyway, watch out swimsuit season!  There's gonna be a hot new bod out there!

Yay! Woo-hoo!

My computer is back!  I'm virus free and full of memory!  I love my dad he rocks.  He made my day.

So, I've been dying to show you pictures of my little guys birthday cake, so here we go!

This is what you'll need :)

 

After I mixed in the gel colors

Right before I but it in the oven

Don't look at me...I was tired and ready to stab someone with the knife

so just look at the finished piece.

The birthday boy

He was so excited it was his birthday and we were singing to him...he's been

waiting for his birthday since June!

The birthday boy and his mommy...

I had so much fun with my little guy.  I love him to pieces.  Seeing him so excited just really made my day.  I really couldn't have asked for a better day!

Random...

Ever since my computer got the virus about three weeks ago, I've been having a rough time LOL  I want MY computer back so I can upload all my fun pictures.  I have CJ's birthday pictures (and the fantabulously awesome cake pictures), Halloween and just some random pictures of the ginormous snow storm we had.

Anywho...even though I don't have my computer doesn't mean I can't shop online right?  I've been a bad bad girl-shopping for clothes for me.  Oh, and I get to head out this weekend to find a scarf or two for my scarf swap partner.  Hi Alicia. 

On the 14th, CJ and I are going to have breakfast with Santa.  Anyone want to come? I'd love to have some fun people to meet up with in Denver :)

Oh, and I now have 20 followers! Yay!  I'm so excited!

17

SEVENTEEN inches of snow is what has fallen in the great city of Fort Collins.  How insane is that??  Well, it's insane because we don't usually get this much snow all at once.  Thankfully tomorrow will be in the 40's and it will start to melt off.

Anyone want to come shovel the driveway for me? I can't get out :) Thanks LOL

Oh, and hi new followers!  I have 18! Woo-hoo!

One more thing...don't forget to vote for CJ in the Gap Casting Call! Click here!

Christmas Cards

I know it's not Halloween yet, but over at Polka Dot Mom, she's having a giveaway for Christmas note cards.  These are right up my alley!!

To enter, head on over!

Boots Boots and More Boots!

I'm a fashionista in training.  I'm learning from fellow bloggers and certain celebrities (love Hilary Duff).  I'm still trying to get my scarf to look right LOL

I love me a cute pair of boots.  I can't get enough of them!  My issue is my calves.  I have fat calves LOL  If I'm not tucking my jeans into my boots I can get regular boots to fit, but with jeans-it's a nightmare.

Did you know they make "wide calf" boots?  Me neither!

Here's some of my favorite pairs :)

Check them out here

Photo courtesy here

Yes, they are the same boot, just in different colors.  I'm loving the suede look this year :)

I screamed like a little girl

About 515ish this morning my son called to me saying he was cold. I told him to come sleep in mommy's bed. As soon as I got him all snuggled in and we were relaxed we heard a huge crash.

My initial thought was that it was someone breaking in. Then my brain said the house was haunted just like in the movie Paranormal Activity. I panicked LOL That movie scared the doo doo out of me. To see better I turned on my bed side lamp to find....


MY FULL LENGTH MIRROR FELL OFF THE WALL and smashed into a kajillion little pieces!!!

Word to the wise: mirror tape does not work! It's a waste! Secondly, I'm only going to use free standing full length mirrors now.

GAP Casting Call

I entered CJ into the Gap Casting Call :) I beg you to please please go vote for him :) You don't have to register, you just have to click on vote. Once a day!

Fan favorite wins a trip for their family.

Gap Casting officials will pick 20 finalists (not based on votes). Five kids from each category. Then starting in December (I think) the people's vote will be tallied and the winner from each category get's a Gap Kids shopping card and their picture on every Gap Kids window across the country.

Please vote!

Click here!

Hey God, It's Me!

I consider myself a Christian.  I am just really bad and acting like one.  I have different views that what the Bible teaches and I've acted in such a way that I'm surprised I haven't been shunned from Heaven.

I know that no one is perfect.  I've committed a lot of sins.  We all sin daily.  It's part of human nature.  The last couple weeks or so it has been weighing heavily on me that something needs to change.  I used to go to a private Christian school, but even then I was never "on fire" for God.

After dating B, I realized how important Christ really is in life.  B, is an atheist.  There, I said it.  I thought would be okay with it because I was starting to consider myself for "spiritual" than religious.  Yeah, that wasn't workin out so well.  I have looked down on "hard core" "Bible thumping" Christians.  I'll admit it.  Was it a nice thing to do? Uh, NO!  We all have been given the gift of free will.  I chose to do more harm than good with my free will.

I've turned over a new leaf.  I feel that I'm being drawn closer and that I need to take care of my responsibilities.  I am a strong person, but without God I am weak. 

I didn't know where to start when it came time to get back on the path of righteousness.  I emailed a girl I've known since high school.  She is an amazing and smart woman.  She is on fire for Christ and it shows.  She's going to help me/talk to me.  I feel very fortunate to have her in my life :)

Thank you God for everything you have given me.  Thank you God for loving me unconditionally.

I am in love...

...with this outfit!

I've had a hard time getting on the whole scarf and leggings kick, but this outfit changed my mind!  She looks great!  I may have to try this on for size!

I think this would be perfect for going to lunch or doing some shopping...what do y'all think?

PS: I wouldn't carry a bag quite that big...even though my son could probably fit in there LOL

Wanna Win?

Reading blogs always cheers me up :) I read about the fun plans everyone has or the funny things that happened to them.  Or I simply laugh at their choice of football teams :) LOL I kid!

Anyway, over at Blissfully Enamored she's hosting a giveaway for these little beauties:

If you want to enter go check it out!  I want to win, so maybe you shouldn't enter LOL

Caput, Zilch, Zero, Notta, Ended, Over, Finito

At this freakishly unusual hour I cannot think of anymore synonyms for over and zero.  Brian and I broke up last night.  I did the breaking but it still hurts and sucks at the same time. 

I'm up at this unreasonable hour to take my mom to the airport.  I can't remember the last time I was up this early.  On the plus side she gave me $$ for gas and breakfast on the way home.  Who can complain about money? 

I'm still working on getting the pictures.  It's a long story but I'm still not using my computer.  The CD's that have been given to me with the pictures on it aren't being read and there aren't any files being found.

I've made some really important life choices in the last few days and it's worn me out.

I got back on the wagon last week and lost two pounds! Yay me!

Okay, that's all the updating I'm going to do.  I'm tired and feel like I'm rambling.

Ouch....

Ah, another great debate.  I think I'm losing this one though LOL

So B and I were talking last night about clothes worn while in the presence of each other at each others houses.  When I go to his house (rarely) I wear jeans and a way cute top.  I would say cute shoes, but I seriously lack in the cute fall/winter shoes.  I only go to his house if we're going out since his house is on the way to most of the places we go.  When I am at my house and he comes over (a majority of the time) I am found in my yoga pants, a tank and a hoodie and I'm barefoot. He dresses the same no matter whose house we're at.

My "excuse" is that I don't do anything during the day.  I sit at home.  I don't have a lot of friends (Hi Nicole!) and I really only go out to the grocery store/Wal-Mart/Target.  When going out, I wear jeans, a tee and my Nike's. 

Oh, one more thing.  If we're going on a date I do my hair (straighten it or style it) and make up.  If we're not, it's usually in a pony tail.

So when he comes over, he usually sees me in yoga pants and a hoodie with a messy bun.

I asked him if he cared.  He said "no".  But then I asked him if I should and he said something along the lines of "it wouldn't hurt".


Ouch.  I think I need to start buying cuter clothes and shoes and getting ready for him to come over like I used to :)


What do ya'll think?


PS: I am having issues getting the pictures from CJ's birthday.  Hopefully soon!

A Virus???

I wish I could say I was the one infected with a virus...unfortunately it was my computer.  My dad, a computer genius, got the viruses off of my hard drive via another CPU.  My computer is being put back together today so I can get back to playing!

I'm so excited for the birthday pictures to post of my little man!  I had so much fun...it was like a birthday weekend for him!

I'll be back up and running this evening or tomorrow morning!

Fall Fun

Yesterday CJ had his Occupational Therapy appointment.  We were ready to go unusually early, so I took it upon myself to use the overcast day as a great day to get some pictures.

He loves pictures...I'm thinking he may be the Watson that belongs in front of the camera instead of behind it!  What do you think?

 

He posed himself for this...he said "I love this one!" when I

showed him the picture LOL

This is a very common face in our house these days.

I love this one :)  Who can't love this face?

PS: Don't mind the hole in his jeans...all of his pants are like that.  He spends countless hours crawling all over the floor and ground playing with his cars and trucks.

PPS: Why do my images get blurry when I post them?  They look good on my screen but on my blog they're all blurry!

My dad gave me a present...

I've been on a photography kick the last couple of weeks.  My dad is an amazing photographer.  My older and younger brothers are amazing photographers.  That's why they're all pros :)  I decided that I wanted to learn how to properly take amazing pictures.  I want to understand all the terms and gadgets on cameras.

Well, my dad came home last weekend and handed me this:

I'm so excited to use it!  Anyone have any tips and/or tricks?  Do you know of any good tutorials? I'm thinking about heading over to You Tube and watching some sweet videos.

Yes, I'm Crazy

So from Sunday through Thursday morning I watched my friend's son, Mason. He's just a good kid. He's polite and doesn't care for fighting. Woo-hoo! LOL

So the funny thing about having Mason here was that he sang Jingle Bells...incessantly. I love me some Chrismtas music and hearing such a small voice sing Christmas tunes was great.

Well, with the snow on the ground and being cold, I've got Pandora rockin the Christmas music. I've heard some Mariah and now NSYNC just started. I love pop Christmas music :) My day is complete!

Getting Married vs Weddings

So yesterday I got "Get Married" magazine in the mail. I brought it in the house and left it on the stairs. Well, B was over after dinner for work. While he and I were sitting on the couch waiting for my little guy to go upstairs I was flipping through the magazine. Somehow we got on the subject of my obsession.

I love weddings. Since I was in like 6th or 7th grade I have just loved weddings. I can remember taping A Wedding Story on TLC so I could watch it. Now I have WE and on Sundays I get my fix :) Anyway, I saw an awesome table setting that I like and showed B. He didn't like it (I think it was too pink for him lol). Anyway, I showed him a couple more pictures and he told me I was obsessed with getting married.

I disagree. I'm obsessed with weddings. Hence why I love planning weddings! He knows that I have my own planned (well, just colors for each season LOL, and maybe chairs and a cake-sorta). To me, if I were obsessed with getting married then I'd be out trying to get married.

Please help us solve this. Is there a difference between being obsessed with weddings and being obsesses with getting married?

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Oh wait, that's a lie :) There's no such thing as a white Christmas here in the Fort. LOL I think it's been about 10 years since I woke up to fresh snow on the ground on Christmas morning.

Anyway, this is the first snow of the season! Yay! It hasn't started sticking to pavement/streets yet but it's still pretty. The forecast is for snow all day :) I think some hot chocolate is in order!

When one falls, another brings him home.

Last night, I watched an amazing movie.

It was called "Taking Chance".

It's the true story of a soldier named LCPL Chance Phelps. He was KIA in April 2004. He was recruited in Clifton, CO and buried in WY. The film was about his journey home after being killed in Iraq. It's primarily told through the eyes of the Witness, or soldier assigned to escort the body home. I cried the whole time. Literally. Such a wonderfully simple story that is so powerful.

Having served in the Navy for four years, it's always hard to hear about the fallen. About the men and women who have sacrificed their lives so that we can continue to live ours in a state of peace.

Even though Veterans Day is still a few weeks away, the fallen should be remembered everyday. Keep their families (both blood and military) in your thoughts and in your prayers.

Scarves, Scarves Everywhere!

So as of lately I've noticed a huge trend in scarves. I'm not sure how to wear them but I thought it would be great to learn and collect a few!

Kate at Simply Said by Simply Me is hosting a scarf swap! It's sure to be fun!

I've Been Nominated!

Thank you to who ever nominated me over at Divine Caroline! You rock!

I guess all there is left to say is please vote for me! They have some really awesome prizes!

You can click on the button below or at the top of the blog!

By Parenting

Saturday Shenanigans

Today CJ and I attended a function put on by the single parents group that I belong too.

Some of you know that I don't go to a lot of these events. I feel like it's very clique-ish and most of the time I'm too broke to go. There were several other parents there today so it was nice to see some new faces.

This is CJ and I getting ready...I love this picture.

This is where we went: Something from the Farm. I didn't realize it
at the time but we could have walked there LOL


CJ in the corn maze showing his wristband. He was very
proud of this thing!


CJ was on a quest to find a "tiny tiny" pumpkin and boy did we!


This is the Pumpkin Catapult and the Corn Cannon. They were really fun!
The owner built the catapult and canon and his kids helped run the place.

Over all we had a ton of fun. We accomplished our mission of getting pumpkins and playing in the corn maze. We even did a hay ride! All in all, we couldn't have asked for a better time!

100 posts!

Well, it took almost a year to hit 100 posts but I did it! I would love to do a giveaway, but I don't have anything of great excitement to giveaway...maybe around Christmas!

I hope ya'll are having a great week!

This leaves a bad taste in my mouth...

I don't know about ya'll but I'm pretty picky about toothpaste. I seem to have a "demand" list a mile long. I want something that freshens my breath, keeps it that way, strengthens enamel and whitens. Is that so hard to ask? I thought I had hound the toothpaste of my dreams.
Yeah, think again. This stuff tasted awful and was all grainy and yucky. Plus, my mouth feels like I drank warm milk and tastes like it too after I'm done brushing my teeth. Ew!

Anyone have any recommendations?

P.S. Yes, I really did just post about toothpaste. Teeth are important!

Estes Park and Weekend Recap

So as my last entry suggested, my parents, myself and my son went to Estes Park on Saturday. To put it simply it was a very quick trip! The trees haven't changed yet and there was this huge festival going on that made the town nearly in-navigable (that's the word of the day).

We did manage to stop at the Stanley Hotel. When we got there it looked like a wedding had just finished. I would give my arms to get married at the Stanley, but it's soooooo expensive!

This is a picture that CJ took of my dad. You can see the wedding site and gorgeous hotel behind him. Stephen King wrote "The Shining" while staying at this hotel. Then they filmed the remake of the film here. Supposedly room 217 is haunted. I'd love to go on a ghost tour of this place!






This is me and my momma...and some random dude walking behind us.

My mom-CJ's "gandmom" and CJ. They're buds. If you ever need a great cup of coffee, they make the best. I think it's because of the love they add to it :)

After spending a riveting 20 minutes in Estes Park we left LOL CJ wasn't quite done taking pictures so he grabbed this beauty:

On Sunday, B and I went to his Volunteer Appreciation Picnic. It was fun. I met the people he volunteers with and ate some really yummy food. We followed the picnic with ice cream and laying under the shade of tree relaxing and enjoying each others company.

This may sound lame, but that's one of my favorite things to do. Just lay there, next to the person you're with and enjoying that moment. Whether you talk or not-it's never awkward.

Anyway, that was my weekend. I don't have any huge fantabulous plans this week except hit the gym. I have a goal to lose 25 pounds by Christmas. I can do it, I just need to behave myself :)