Bucket List Update

If you've looked across the tabs at the top of my blog you've probably noticed that there is one titled "Bucket List."  Under that tab lies a list of quite a few random things I really want to do/accomplish before I die.  The interesting thing about it, is that I usually only review it a few times a year.  I don't really focus on the list, I just think that by writing the stuff down and putting it out there it will come to me...I don't really have to focus on it.  And, usually I accomplish at least 3-5 things per year (when I first started the list was over 100 things long in 10th grade).  This year has been no different.  I just reviewed my list, and I have already checked off 3 things (I'll edit the list at the end of the year):

• Riding in a limo (did this on New Year's Eve)
• Learning to French Braid (I just got tired of my bangs in my face when I work out and taught myself)
• Go to a haunted house (I totally owned the Haunted Mansion at Disney-- not really...I was a total baby, but at least I didn't faint or anything!)

YAY ME!!!

Drama

Unfortuantely, this is the genre/category my life falls in lately.  Its also why I haven't blogged.  I know the whole purpose of blogging is to get things off your chest/get advice from others/have a living record of life/etc., but sometimes I think the less you say about situations the better.  In other words, there's so much drama that saying anything would just add to the drama, so its best if I just keep my damn mouth shut (and for those of you who know me well, you know that is VERY hard...something I rarely think is the right thing to do, so based on that, let your imaginations run wild on the amount of drama going on).  I will only say that Wes and I are fine...this involves us both; however, it is not between us.  I only give that tidbit because this Sunday is our first anniversary, and I wouldn't want anyone thinking that there's trouble on the homefront (unless there actually was).  So hopefully I'll be able to blog again soon, but for now I better shut up because I'm getting more and more tempted to spill the beans.  I'll leave myself and you (whoever you may be who reads this) with some good advice:

"If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."
~Bambi's Mom

This weekend was...

AWESOME!!!

Friday night I hung out with the usual crew...Philip, Nikki, Neal, Jaclyn, Johnathan.  We plotted last minute barn party details, had a low key dinner at Wendy's (love the cheap), and went to Wal-Mart to collect party supplies.

Saturday Wes and I were lazy most of the day.  We almost napped so long we were late to the party.  Which, since I had the playlist on my ipod, that would have been BAD.  But, we made it, and had a fantastic time.  There were a good many people from work there, and even some friends from other places.  We ended up getting home about 3 AM, but it was worth it!  And the best part of this is that there are enough leftover beverages to have a Part II this Saturday...so YAY!!!

Sunday (after staying in bed til about noon), Wes and I got up and went to the Rave to see the newest Pirates of the Caribbean movie.  It was good...not great (like I think the others are), but I would definitely recommend it.  Afterwards we got froyo at Yogurt Twist and then took the scenic route home.  This is probably the most fun part about having a reliable GPS.  The ability to get off the beaten path and discover new places within the same old ones we always visit.  It was so nice.  Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I love a Sunday afternoon drive!

Then, the icing on the cake was that John Rich won Celebrity Apprentice.  Wes and I have watched this season religously.  Him and Lil John were our favorites from the beginning, so that was exciting.

Seriously, it was a great weekend.

I've lost....

another pound since Wednesday...down to 225.2!  YAY ME!!!

My saving grace this week has been Rt. 44 Diet Cokes w/vanilla flavor added (only 80 calories for that size!), since I've been sick and can't smoke.  Which, has been a blessing, because I'm able to see that I'm obviously still blessed in the fact that I can quit cold turkey without a problem.  YAY!

Weigh-In Wednesday

First of all, let me say HELLO!  to all my readers out there...I know I've been sketch lately :/ and hope to make amends!

Also, I know I haven't followed my blog schedule in a while.  Partly because I got caught up in the photo challenge(which I do intend to finish...I can't stand leaving things undone), and partly because I kinda fell off the weight loss wagon.

BUT, I have good news to report...I'm back on the wagon when it comes to losing weight, and this time I'm more determined than EVER!!!

SOOOO...here's my weekly progress report:

Last Wednesday (May 11, 2011): 234.9 lbs

Today (May 18, 2011): 226.4 lbs

Which means, in the past week I lost 8 1/2 lbs!!!

Why so successful this week you may be asking?  Well, I'll be completely honest...after trying every "healthy" diet in the book, I've resorted in eating less than 1000 calories a day, drinking TONS of coffee, and smoking (which, before you go get on my case about, I KNOW I can quit it, while I obviously can't quit food-- which is just as bad for my health).

So, here's my plan:

May: Eat less than 1000 calories a day, go to the gym (only if I have energy, and then burning a limit of 200 calories per visit), supplement the plan with as much black coffee or cigarettes as necessary to curb cravings.
June: Eat less than 1100 calories a day, go to the gym a minimum of 3 x week (200 cal. per visit limit), supplement with as much black coffee as needed (switch to decaf), take diet pills, and cut back to 4 cigarettes or less per day. *If I make it to the gym 3 x, I can have one "free day" of 2000 calories.
July: Eat less than 1200 calories a day, go to the gym a minimum of 4 x week (300 cal. per visit limit), decaf black coffee, diet pills, and 3 cigarettes or less per day.  *If I make it to the gym 4 x, I can have one "free day" of 2000 calories and one free treat or desert during the week.

After school starts back in August, I will re-evaluate my needs based on my progress. 

Wish me luck!!!

Photo Challenge Day 24

Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change

I don't want this to be a politicial blog, and so I don't usually blog about politics.  This is something I have to address, though.  I sincerely wish that Ron Sparks (the man on the right) had become our governor instead of Robert Bentley (the man on the left that looks like a character from the Simpsons). I want a lottery for this state, so obviously I wanted the democratic candidate to win, but now my reasons for wishing this are even bigger:

• Governor Bentley is fighting against educators instead of fighting for them.  A bill is in the Senate as I type this that would cut teacher pay (we already only make about $1 per kid per hour, and that doesn't include after school activities and hours).
• He wants to do away with tenure (there's a bill in the senate for this too).  How fair is that, when even corporate jobs have 90 day policies.  And, all other state jobs have some form of this.  Besides, bad teachers CAN be fired under current laws (its just a matter of whether or not the administrators fill out appropriate paperwork).
• He's already cut budgets for education, police, firefighters, and other state jobs. (This is while leaving loopholes for large corporations that want to come to Alabama).

So, my question is this:

What have the public servants ever done to you, Robert Bentley? 

Photo Challenge Day 23

Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book

It would be nearly impossible to pick just one, so I'm not even gonna try...

This might seem like an odd choice to some, but you have no idea how great the love story is in this interesting sci-fi thriller!

I LOVE this book, especially since I've always tended to side with the villified, underdogs of the world!

If you've ever been interested in Greek mythology (or even if you haven't), The Percy Jackson & the Olympians series is one I HIGHLY recommend!

This one speaks for itself...I know its cliche, but so many people agreeing on the greatness of something can't be wrong, right?

I'm guessing no one's ever heard of this book or it's author (William Cooper), but if you think you know how the world works (or think you might care) you should read this book.  However, I warn you that you will never view history, politics, or any other government related thing the same again (think all the hidden histories and CIA secrets in one place-- the author is a former agent)

Childhood fave that I read and re-read at least once every year (the movie sucked though)!

Never Have I Ever...

Received delivery flowers....

That is, until today!

My wonderful husband surprised me by sending me flowers at school!  I was shocked...I'm really hard to surprise, because I usually pock and pester people until they confess the surprise or decide not to do it (bad habit, I know).  AND, Wes hardly ever gives me flowers, so it was something I never saw coming. :)

Happy Birthday to....

ME!!!!

It's MY 25th birthday, and this is how I'm celebrating:

• Tonight, I'm cooking one of my favorite meals for myself (that's so unhealthy I never fix it any other time): Fried Breakfast Porkchops, Buttermilk & Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Collard Greens sauteed in bacon grease, bacon crumbles, onion, and garlic (with pepper sauce of course), and buttered garlic bread with sweet tea to drink.  I can't wait...
• This weekend, Talladega County is out of school Friday AND Monday for the race (woohoo!)!  Here are our plans:
• Friday: Being lazy (possibly getting together with the usual crew that night)
• Saturday: 

We're spending the whole day shopping!



Then, we're eating dinner with Jessica and Brad at this AMAZING restaurant!



•  Sunday:



We're going to 'Dega!  This will be my first time tailgating and being in the stands, so I'm WAY excited!  (Now I just have to figure out who to pull for...)



Photo Challenge Day 22

Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at

So, I'm not the world's worst at doing this when it comes to most rooms in my home, and I'm actually pretty good at closets, but when it comes to office area/desks/filing I'm the queen of cardboard boxes.  If its an important document in my home, its in a cardboard box near the door that I can just grab if there's a fire.  I know this is sad (and possibly surprising to those of you who have seen my otherwise neat and well-decorated home), but I just can't wrap my head around how to organize a filing system that works.

Photo Challenge Day 21

Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget

There's a blank up there for a reason... I don't want to forget anything!  While its definitely true that I've been blessed with a life full of wonderful memories, I've had my share of pain as well.  But, I wouldn't trade any of it for all the money in the world.  Every memory, no matter how painful, embarrassing, regrettable, scary, etc. has worked together to create the unique individual that is me.  Some of the worst experiences of my life are things I now count as blessings (which reminds me of the old Garth Brooks song "Unanswered Prayers").  Honestly, I think memories are the most valuable thing I possess.  Maybe that's why I've always been drawn to journaling, blogging, scrapbooking, and websites like facebook that archive our lives....

Photo Challenge Day 19 & 20

Day 19 of the photo challenge (a picture and a letter) makes zero sense, so I'm skipping to:

Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel

GREECE!!!

Of course, I will only go there after finishing my goal of visiting all 50 states in the USA, but then its the first place I'm headed.  I love Greek mythology, culture, food, and history.  Its basically the birthplace of Western Civilization (first democracy, first place where women had some basic liberties, first olympics, etc.), so I kinda see it as a homeland (since I'm an American mutt who has no idea what my actual ancestry is...

Photo Challenge Day 18

Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity

My weight is definitely my biggest insecurity.  I have so many things I hesitate about due to this.  When people say, "Hey, we're having a pool party!" or "We're going to the lake/river!" or "Do you want to go to the beach?" I pretty much shudder and feel sick at my stomach, which is really, really sad because I absolutely LOVE the water.  My parents have a big in-ground pool, and I learned to swim before I could walk.  
I also really love clothes, but shopping can be frustrating because I have a hard time finding ladies sizes that fit in all areas, but I'm not big enough for women's sizes (so I'm definitely overweight, but not enough that I get a special store/section).  
And, obviously I love to eat (or else I wouldn't have this problem), but I feel self conscious about eating a lot of the time because I think people are wondering, "Why in the world is that chub eating that (insert unhealthy and delicious food here)?"
Furthermore, I'm always afraid to say anything about my unhappiness because a lot of times the response is "Do something about it or stop complaining."  Well, I wish it was that easy. Believe me, I have tried.  Over the course of the last few years that I've been dealing with this I've tried weight watchers, vegetarian, restricting calories, and nutrisystem.  I've also joined a gym back in January, and there for a while I was going at least 3 times a week.  Through all of that, the most I ever lost in a month was like 3 lbs.  Its so slow for some reason (even when I combined the diet and gym) that its not possible for me to maintain.  I can kill myself on a diet and lose 3 lbs a month or eat what I want and not gain (as long as I'm going to the gym a few times a week).  That makes it nearly impossible to be motivated.
AND, the biggest problem of all related to this is that I really do think I'm a clinical food addict.  That's hard to admit, but I need AA for food addiction...seriously.  I've read up on the topic, and if shrinks weren't so expensive I'd definitely invest in one.


Anyway...this post has turned into bitching, moaning, and rambling.  Although everything I've said is true (and I swear I'm not making excuses), I'm going to go ahead and spare you from anything else on this subject (for now anyway).


Ciao

Photo Challenge Day 17

Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently

We got our federal refund a few weeks ago, and I just checked my bank account and saw that our state refund came in yesterday!  This is very huge because I just got back from a trip to Orlando a few weeks ago (where I spent WAY too much money).  This may seem like something superficial to some of you-- to say that money makes a "huge impact"-- but its really the most "impacting" thing that's happened lately.  After the huge decisions of the last 2 years (graduating college, starting a big girl job, getting engaged, getting married, moving twice, buying a house, and starting grad school) I'm just trying to lay low for a bit and not make too many huge decisions.

Photo Challenge Day 16

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you

Although I have plenty of heroes that I could have chosen for this challenge, I picked Julia Roberts' character in the book/movie "Eat Pray Love" because of her bravery.  Not enough people (me included) really get to know ourselves because we spend so much time serving the needs of others-- which is good, but this book (an movie) made me question how much good I can really do in the world unless I take care of myself.  She inspires me to do more in that vein.

Photo Challenge Day 15

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die

I want to travel to all 50 states at least once before I die.  I also want to travel the world, but unless a practically free trip lands in my lap I'm not leaving the country until I've been to all 50!  So far I've been to Alabama (duh), Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennesse, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia (13/50) so I'm off to a decent start!

Hello All

So, I just wanted to say Hello All!  I have been silent for a few weeks...not intentionally, but I went on an AWESOME spring break trip with mi amiga Jamie & now that I'm back home, I'm back at work and we have ARMT & SAT tests & I'm about to start IEP season.  Basically, I'm just laying low out of laziness, but promise to at least finish the 30 day photo challenge before the end of April (that's a reasonable month and a half blog goal, right?).  So, until my next post, I wish you all well.  Maybe I'll stay awake later than 8 pm sometime this week and finally get back on the blogging bandwagon.

We can hope.

Photo Challenge Day 14

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

This one was prett simple.  Basically, I can divide my life into two sections-- BW & AW (Before Wes and After Wes).  My favorite part is definitely the AW years.  Thank you JW for making my world amazing.  I could never put into words how much I love this wonderful, handsome, indescribable man.

Photo Challenge Day 13

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist

This paticular one is so very, very hard!  I LOVE so many different types of music.  Its also hard because this list is ever-changing.  My favorites change.  So, I guess I'll just do it by category:

Country:

Brad Paisley's lyrics can make me laugh, cry, and be inspired all on one album.  The man knows how to tell a story through a song, and for that I love him.

Rock:

Shinedown.  Awesome beats, lyrics, and voice.  Their new album-- "The Sound of Madness" is the best yet.

Classic Rock:

I loved Bon Jovi when I was in 5th grade.  I love Bon Jovi (their 80's stuff) even now.  Plus, I've always thought that Jon was HOT (for an old man).

Rap:

Young Jeezy just has a way of getting me pumped up.  He's my favorite artist to roll down the road with the speakers blasting through the sunroof.  SO addicting!

Pop:

Katy Perry is my fave in this category not just for her music.  I love her personality.  I love to read interviews with her.  And, as a bonus, I love her husband (Russell Brand).

Overall:

The Beatles have to be my ultimate favorite.  I might not listen to their music all the time, but I probably love more songs by them than just about any other group ever.  They're timeless, which I totally dig.

Photo Challenge Day 12

Day 12 - A picture of something you love

 

This lovely stuff is my FAVORITE.  I love ice cream in general, but this particular flavor tops them all.  In my humble opinion, its even better than more expensive types such as Cold Stone and Marble Slab.  Best of all, its made right here in my hometown-- Sylacauga, AL.  Try it...your only regret will be that you didn't try it sooner!

Photo Challenge Day 11

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate

Can you guess what this little bugger is??? (scroll down to see answer)













If you guessed the flu virus, you are correct.  Unfortunately, this little "friend" decided to visit me yesterday.  Somehow, my body welcomed him with open arms.  I don't really understand how that happened since I got the flu shot this year.  Which, actually makes me hate this all the much more.  I endured a SHOT and STILL got sick!!!  So, I don't even feel guilty (which I usually do if I hate something) when I say I HATE the flu!!!

Photo Challenge Day 9

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

Like the words of the old hym go, "Without Him I could do nothing.  Without Him I'd surely fail.  "Without Him I would be drifting, like a ship without a sail..."

Photo Challenge Day 8

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh

Blogosphere, meet Brody Hedricks.  This fine young man was Wes's best man.  And at 8 am the day of our wedding, when jamie and I were leaving my house to go get our hair done, this is where we found Brody sleeping.  This is our office/carport entry, and there's also a 2nd bathroom right off of this room.  Brody walked straight out of the bathroom and landed on our bench.....priceless.

Photo Challenge Day 7

Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item

The thing that I treasure the most is all of my pictures from throughout my life.  I really love that I have so many, because they help me recall memories that I might not think about otherwise.  As far as actual items go however, I have 2 that are particularly special. 

The first, and most emotionally significant is my engagement ring.  It belonged to Wes's grandmother, Thelma, who was his dad's mom.  She and Wes had a very special relationship, as he was her only grandson (and for all the years before Kacie was born, her only grandchild).  She kept him alot when he was younger, but passed away around the time he finished high school.  Unfortunately, I never met her, but his family loved and trusted me enough to let him give me her ring.  I think its beautiful, unique, and incredibly special since it means so much to so many people.

As for my other prized possession, I just got it yesterday, so I haven't had a chance to upload pics yet, but these two look exactly like mine.  I am now the proud owner of a 2011 Kia Sorento SX.  Its fully loaded, and faster than my Mustang was.  Its a sports car in an SUV frame, and its the most amzing vehicle I've ever sat in.  If you're in the market for a car, don't purchase anything until you test drive one of these!