Decisions, Decisions.

Today is a good day despite the fact that it isn’t nearly close enough to the weekend. I went to bed entirely too late because I went to see The Bounty Hunter (it was cute...good but not great) with Stacey but I am not as sleepy as I predicted. I had a good workout this morning and it’s been a fast paced day ever since. I went to Wal-Mart during lunch because I needed a few random things. I also needed new workout pants. I have never had much need for workout pants until a year ago but now the few I have are all worn and some aren’t even workout pants...they are pajamas or sweats that are too big for me so...it was time for me to get some. They had a really great variety of exercise clothes at Wal-Mart...I was pleasantly surprised. I got 3 pairs of pants (1 gray, 1 blue & 1 black). Two of them were $9 each and one pair was $13 so it wasn’t bad at all. They are stretchy/yoga type pants. I also needed them because our company’s softball team is about to get going. I will tell you more about that tomorrow...I guess I’m a masochist for playing but I figure even if I don’t play much, it’s still a little bit of extra exercise which is helpful.

My dilemma today is this: To buy a treadmill or not to buy a treadmill?

In theory, buying exercise equipment is a great idea. I was using the elliptical every day for months not too long ago and Cassandra was looking to use one to so she decided to buy one. It sounded like a wonderful idea at the time. She bought it and I have only used it once. For starters, I have been giving running a try so I use the treadmill at the gym more and also...the thing needs to be worked in I think. Either it takes awhile for all the oil and screws to settle or Satan himself designed this machine because it feels more like an evil Stairmaster than the smooth, gliding elliptical I’m used to. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad she bought it and I think she is using it more than me...it is her elliptical...she just lets me use it...but that thing about killed me. I can go 40 minutes on the elliptical without hurting...5 minutes on that thing and I was about to cry. It’s currently in the living room so every time I go to sit on the couch...it’s there...staring. I plan on using it at night some soon. I’m kind of hoping Cassandra will break it in a little bit more.

There have been times when I’ve made purchases or requested gifts that were in theory, supposed to promote fitness...many times. I bought an above the ground pool when we all lived in a house and I still get anxiety thinking about that $300 that went down the drain. I think we used it once maybe...I ended up selling it for $50 in the paper. Just FYI...if you do ever want to get one of those...MAKE SURE YOUR LAWN IS LEVEL OR YOUR PURCHASE WILL BE IN VAIN...and not just “mostly” level either...like completely level. Also, to make it even MORE obnoxious is that my parents warned me not to get it but I didn’t listen and I HATE when they are right...parents are gloaters...all of them...no matter what they say.

I also asked for a mini trampoline for Christmas...last year I think...and my wonderful Oma got it for me. For a few months, my roommates and I bounced happily for a few minutes every other day and then...it dwindled. Little by little the location of the trampoline proved all too convenient as it was right in front of the dryer. At first I would remove anything from it and then I gave in. That trampoline sits in my room now and is BY FAR the BEST place to lay out my clothes for the week that I’ve ever had. I also have made plans to use it soon too.

So, most treadmills end up looking like this in people’s home:



This picture is of nobody’s treadmill that I know but it could be...easily. My parents may have predicted the pool disaster but I seem to remember a certain Cross Country Nordic Track that became quite the closet in their room for a long time. The point is, I don’t want the purchase of the treadmill to be the death of my exercise routine. I am doing so well and it seems natural to upgrade my relationship and have the treadmill actually move into my apartment but I’m afraid it will ruin what we have at the gym. Also, it’s not an investment that I can choose to engage in lightly...they are VERY expensive. I found one that Wal-Mart sells online that is reasonably priced...it’s around $300...which is WAY cheaper than all of the name brand machines but I would want it to be good quality. Also, my membership at my gym is only $100/year...so I don’t know. Do you all have any opinions? Should I just stick to what I normally do and go to the gym or take it to the next level and get my own? Also, keep in mind that I’m not exactly in a place to make frivolous purchases....maybe I’ve answered my own question.

I hope you all have a great evening.


“But I would walk 500 miles
And I would walk 500 more
Just to be the (wo)man who walked 1000 miles
To fall down at your door

When I'm lonely yes I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the (wo)man whose lonely without you
When I'm dreaming yes I know I'm gonna dream
Dream about the time when I'm with you.

But I would walk 500 miles
And I would walk 500 more
Just to be the (wo)man who walked 1000 miles
To fall down at your door” I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)-The Proclaimers

Drink Up.

Hi everyone-I am doing a little better today. I am still very tired. I couldn’t get to sleep last night for awhile. I’m about to take some drastic measures. I don’t know what is wrong with me. Unfortunately, I think I’m destined for sleep trouble because both my mother and Oma have trouble sleeping but I’m going to do everything I can to not be like that. I do have a book that is supposed to work...I should probably read it first. I have always been weird about taking sleep pills because I have terrible circulation. I wake up multiple times during the night to reposition myself because I will be completely numb. Anyway, hopefully I will get some sleep tonight. I had a little more energy this morning on the treadmill. I didn’t try to break any time records but I did make myself keep up a pretty fast pace for 2 miles so it was a really good work out.

As some of you may or may not know, I have a pretty severe addiction to Diet Coke. I usually have no problems getting my water in for the day. I drink a ton of water in the morning but then the afternoon & dinnertime, I drink Diet Coke. Even though caffeine never affected my sleep when I was younger, I thought it may be now and the last thing I want is to hinder my sleep any more than it already is so I switched to Caffeine Free.



I am kind of a snob when it comes to Diet Coke. I LOATH Diet Pepsi and I will either a) choose not to go to a place if they have Pepsi or b) go to a different place just to get Diet Coke. I think my Coke affiliation is something I got from my Aunt Brenda. She only drinks Coke and sometimes she will stop just to get a drink...I do that too. I get so excited to find out when people switch from Pepsi products to Coke products (recent switches include The University of Alabama, Firehouse Subs & Hooligan’s). So, needless to say, I thought I wouldn’t like the caffeine free but I do and it has been a good substitute. I also like tea so I get Milo’s with Splenda or Milo’s unsweet. I am waiting on them to make a Decaf Unsweet in a jug but I haven’t seen it. I guess I could break down and actually make tea but you know...that would require effort. The unsweet tea is really good because not only is it calorie free but it doesn’t have the artificial sweeteners that I hear aren’t good for you.

Sometimes, I stray from the Diet Coke and have a taste for other drinks. The last time I went to the store, I bought Diet Crush.




Well, because it was Diet, I just assumed it was calorie free. I just so happened to look the other day and it has 25 calories! I had thought I was drinking something for zero points all this time, and it was 1. I know that doesn’t seem like much but if you are being strict, 1 point makes a difference. If you want orange soda, I suggest Diet Sunkist. It tastes VERY close to the original and has no calories.



You can also try Diet Coke Lime which I really like only every once in awhile...it’s pretty good if you like citrus in your drink.



If you don’t want soda, you can always try Powerade Zero and Crystal Light. These taste alright and the Powerade actually has electrolytes and quenches your thirst.




These are just some ideas. I know that some people have trouble getting the water in that they need so I would try the Crystal Light for sure. Weight Watchers no longer says you need 48 oz of water, they just say 48 oz of liquid. So, according to them, you can drink anything for your liquid (the only exception being alcohol). I however believe that just pure water is good for you so I would recommend giving it a shot. Even if you only drink 16-20 oz of it a day and let the rest be diet soda or Splenda tea but remember some of those drinks are loaded with salt and artificial flavors. Pretty much everything causes cancer these days (even the plastic we eat and drink our diet foods out of causes carcinogens that can cause cancer) so why not try to avoid those things.

Those are just some ideas for you if you don’t like to drink water. I hope everyone has a great day!

“GALINDA:
What is this feeling,
So sudden and new?

ELPHABA:
I felt the moment
I laid eyes on you;

GALINDA:
My pulse is rushing;

ELPHABA:
My head is reeling;

GALINDA:
My face is flushing;

BOTH:
What is this feeling?
Fervid as a flame,
Does it have a name?
Yes! Loathing
Unadulterated loathing

GALINDA:
For your face;

ELPHABA:
Your voice;

GALINDA:
Your clothing;

BOTH:
Let's just say - I loathe it all
Ev'ry little trait, however small
Makes my very flesh begin to crawl
With simple utter loathing
There's a strange exhilaration
In such total detestation
It's so pure, so strong!
Though I do admit it came on fast
Still I do believe that it can last
And I will be loathing
Loathing you
My whole life long!” What is this Feeling?-Wicked

Blech.

Well, hello y’all. I had a wonderful weekend. I ate WAY too much and the concert was AWESOME. It was really cool to see her in such a small setting. I had a good time. I got a little too much sun by accident. Gone are the days where I can play in the sun all day and get a tan. I was out there an hour (in the overcast, chilly weather by the way) and got some sort of itchy rash all up over and in my eyes...but it didn’t deter me from having fun. I have to say that I am pretty tired though. I didn’t sleep much this weekend...I always wake up a lot in the middle of the night but the past few nights have been especially bad for some reason. Hopefully, I won’t have any problems tonight since I’m so sleepy. You could tell I was over it this morning. Between the elliptical and the treadmill, I got my 2 miles in but it wasn’t fast and I was SO not into it. Also, I was a little miffed because Miss Mullet Muffin Top isn’t there every day but she knows well enough not to take the only available treadmill that has a place for your water and iPod. The treadmill she always hurries to skip over has no place for your water or keys or anything. I wouldn’t care if she rushed to get the good one if she actually brought water or an iPod with her but she doesn’t. She never carries anything because she isn’t on the treadmill very long...which is fine...no judgment but you would think when she sees my iPhone come crashing down, screen first, onto the floor and she also sees me fumbling to get water that the next day...she would help a sister out and let me have the one with all the convenient slots...but no. So, anyway, I totally cut her this horrible look when I dropped my phone so maybe she will get the hint. Something tells me that she won’t.

Having said all of that, I don’t really have much in the way of talking points today. I could sit here and ramble on for four paragraphs which is what I choose to do many times but I’m just not really up to it today. I’m tired, not 100% and too focused on the Moe’s that I will be enjoying (finally) in the next hour. I am thinking that tomorrow I will feel much more energetic and have lovely stories of exercise and diet success. I weigh Saturday so I plan on working hard this week to soften the blow of the probable weight gain.

I hope everyone has a delightful evening.

“Last time we talked, the night that I walked
Burns like an iron in the back of my mind
I must've been high to say you and I
Weren't meant to be and just wastin' my time

Oh, why did I ever doubt you?
You know I would die here without you

All that I'm after is a life full of laughter
As long as I'm laughin' with you
I'm thinkin' that all that still matters is love ever after
After the life we've been through
'Cause I know there's no life after you

You and I, right or wrong, there's no other one
After this time I spent alone
It's hard to believe that a man with sight could be so blind
Thinkin' 'bout the better times, must've been outta my mind
So I'm runnin' back to tell you

All that I'm after is a life full of laughter
Without you God knows what I'd do, yeah

All that I'm after is a life full of laughter
As long as I'm laughin' with you
I'm thinkin' 'bout all that still matters is love ever after
After the life we've been through, yeah
Know there's no life after you.” Life After You-Daughtry

Beach Bound

Yes, I realize that I didn’t blog yesterday. That was a tiny oversight on my part. I’ve just been very busy the past few days but here I am blogging...so you can all rest easy. Yesterday, I ran the fastest mile that I have ever run. 16 minutes and 22 seconds. LOL. I realize that isn’t Olympic speed or anything but it certainly kicked my behind. When I started this running thing a few weeks ago, I think my first mile was about 20 minutes, then I got it down to 18 and now I’m at 16:22. What’s even better is that when I got done with the first mile, I didn’t immediately hop off, I went ahead and walked another mile...it was a much slower one but I still got in the 2 miles. I think I will slow down on trying to break my own record because I honestly think I tried a little too hard yesterday. I was really tired and sore after. I was pumped though from the day before and I thought maybe I could get it below 16 minutes there for a minute so I really pushed myself. I am still really excited about getting my heart rate up and seeing what I’m capable of because I have always just assumed that I can’t do things...I’ve had this mindset my whole life...any time I meet resistance (soreness, rejection, etc.), I just give up. It’s so refreshing to come to the conclusion that you can do things that you or someone else didn’t think that you could. I guess I just went on a tangent but the point is...it’s nice to be succeeding and also not worrying about falling...at least not metaphorically. There were a couple of time yesterday where I came very near to falling literally. My short legs have a hard time keeping up with that belt sometimes. I feel like there will be a blog in the future about the first fall...it’s only a matter of time...I’m the most clumsy person I know. Anyway, I know my limits. I know that if you push too hard, too fast that you have a better chance of giving up. As of March 18th, I have been exercising on a daily basis for a year. Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, I am up working out and I have been doing that regularly now for a year. It is certainly a habit that is now engrained into my daily routine so I am confident that even if I slow down next week...it’s not like I’m going to abruptly stop working out...I will just have to change things up a bit. It’s all about creating variety.

I weighed this morning at my apartment for the first time in awhile since I won’t be able to weigh in at Weight Watchers until next Saturday. Good news...I’m only up 2 pounds or so. This is good because while I won’t do great this weekend...I will have the whole week to do well so when I weigh, hopefully I won’t be up more than a couple. I am then going to proceed to work my behind off...I am ready to speed up the weight loss pace again. I’m motivated!

Anyway, that was pretty much it. I wanted Moe’s really bad last night but didn’t have it. I think my addiction has gone to a whole other level. I am always craving it and once I decide I want it, I need it immediately so I was kind of freaking out yesterday because I won’t be able to have it until Monday. I think I’ve calmed myself down though...LOL...I know I’m crazy.

Trivia was pretty terrible yesterday. It was only Nichole and I and wow...we sucked something awful. The only answer I was extremely confident in was to the last question which was in regards to Girl Scout Cookies and which ones sold the best. Yeah...I knew the crap out of that question which made me feel just great...and also made me want Girl Scout Cookies...oh well...it just wasn’t our night.

Ok-I’m off to the beach this afternoon for the weekend. I am going to Gulf Shores with Jordan to see Ingrid Michaelson in concert and I’m pretty excited. I plan on relaxing and eating good beach food and having fun with Jordan and enjoying Ingrid. Love her! Please hope/pray for us to have a safe/fun trip!




Talk to y'all on Monday!!! Have a stupendous weekend!

“There's a boy next to me and he never will be anything but a boy at the bar.
And I think he's the tops, he's where everything stops.
How I love to love him from afar.

When he walks right pass me then I finally see on this bar stool I can't stay.
So I'm taking my frown to a far distant town
On an island in the blue bay.

Far away far away, I want to go far away.
To a new life on a new shore line.
Where the water is blue and the people are new.
To another island, in another life.

I want to go far away.
Away away, I want to go far away, away, away
I want to go far away, far away.

Where the water is blue and the people are new.
To another life, to another life.
To another shore line
In another life.” Far Away-Ingrid Michaelson

Pumped

Today is the kind of day where I’m scared I may fall asleep at any moment. The reason for this fatigue is due to the fact that I was pretty much a goddess of the treadmill this morning. If it were appropriate, I probably could have ripped my shirt in one single tug, thrown it on the ground and climbed to the top of the PARA building...OK...that may be a bit of an exaggeration. I felt pretty empowered. I didn’t feel like getting out of bed but I managed to pick myself up, one limb at a time. I procrastinated by checking my phone and reading and other things. I finally decided to get started with stomach crunches...and not the kind I usually do where I lay in my bed covered up and lift my head up 100 times in a row. I actually got on the floor and did reverse crunches and bicycle crunches and my belly could tell I meant business. I then went to PARA...and proceeded to run 2 miles. I mean...obviously, I didn’t run the whole 2 miles...I’m SO not there but I ran/walked it. The first mile was 16:58 which is only 14 seconds longer than my best time before Paris. Honestly, I probably could have beaten it had I worked harder in the beginning. It wasn’t until I realized I was going to have a decent time that I sped up. I then did another mile. That one took longer but in all it took me about 36 minutes. I don’t think that’s too shabby and I’m only going to get better. When I got done, I went to the weight thingy and did reps of 10 (yes, I said reps like an exercise pro) of several of the weights and it wasn’t my usual 3 pound weights either...I was lifting 20 pounds...what?! I felt AWESOME when I left. The sun was rising and I pulled over in the cemetery across from my apartment to take a picture and I was tempted to just get out and walk around. I don’t know what has come over me but I like it. Again, I’m really tired right now but it’s so worth it. I’m done with exercise for the day (even though I may find some sort of activity this evening for an extra boost) and it made me feel pretty good.

Also, I ate like the perfect Weight Watchers princess yesterday and today I plan on doing the same. I think I’m going to fix dinner tonight. By that I mean I will make a lean cuisine and then put it on an actual plate with some veggies or something. I know I want broccoli. Did y’all know that if you sauté or bake broccoli with olive oil (or Olive Oil Pam like I will use) and some onions and garlic...it’s SOOOO much better than just putting it in the microwave with no flavor...my Mom bakes her broccoli like that and it is very good so I think I will try it tonight. Olive Oil isn’t TERRIBLE for you but if you don’t want to count any points for oil than I would recommend Olive Oil Pam:



It tastes alright and does the job...I think Pam makes other flavors like butter and canola too but I’m not 100% sure on that. Anyway, I’ll let you know if I make it and how it tasted.

Other than my success in the gym this morning (I hope it continues tomorrow) that’s pretty much all I have going on. I need to do some catching up on TV. My shows that come on HBO & Showtime are now on and me & Cass don’t have those channels so I will have to catch up on them later at my parents so that kind of stresses me out, plus I’m still a week behind on all my primetime shows. Basically, I have my work cut out for me. I’m sure I will work through this very stressful time. Just kidding. Oh and in other news, I am in progress on things in my life. I am gearing up to prepare my manuscript and other poems to send out and I have Nichole looking into this link she was telling me about for opportunities to teach at a community college. I need to get going on my passion which is writing and my forthcoming extra bills...so...I guess it’s time to get busy.

I hope everyone has a great afternoon!!!


“She says you're a masochist for falling for me,
So roll up your sleeves.
And I think that I like her, 'cuz she tells me things I don't want to hear,
Medicinal tongue in my ear.

When will it stop? When will it stop?

When will I feel all soft on the inside?
When will I feel all soft on the inside?
When will I feel soft, soft?

You say that my skin feels like no one else's,
That it's different somehow.
But I don't understand, isn't a hand just a hand?
No you don't understand.

When will it start? My broken part?

When will I feel all soft on the inside?
When will I feel all soft on the inside?
When will I feel soft, soft?

Oooo

When will I feel all soft on the inside?
When will I feel all soft on the inside?
When will I feel soft, soft?

She says you're a masochist for falling for me.” Masochist-Ingrid Michaelson

Scaling Down

Well Hello everyone! I guess I am officially back in the “grind” of things. I haven’t quite gotten used to being 100% good with eating as I ate way too much for dinner last night. The upside is that I was really good all day yesterday until then and I have my “be strict pants” on today. I am going to the beach this weekend for a concert so I know I will cheat a little then but then after that...there is only cheating on Sundays until my birthday in May. I am also doing quite well with exercise. Yesterday was rough...today was a little bit better. I am still mixing up the running and walking on the treadmill and then also getting on the elliptical. I am really liking mixing up the exercise a little. Not only have I heard that it is good to have a variety of workouts for muscle confusion but it also breaks up the monotony. I haven’t been quite as fierce the last two days with running 2 minutes walking 1 minute like I was before I left but I chalk it up to all the ham, cheese, bread, and pastries still swimming in my belly and evidently the bottom of my feet. I know I mentioned this before but one of the treadmills makes this horrid noise when I run on it and not to make any excuses but that genuinely makes me go slower because I’m self-conscious. I’m seriously thinking about buying my own so I don’t have to subject myself to the awkward stares from Mr. Large and Toothless and Miss Mullet Muffin Top anymore. Anyway, we will see...I’m not exactly rolling in money after this trip. I suppose whatever I do buy I need to do it soon because in just a month or so I will be dealing with a heap of student loan bills. Ugh, I’m nauseated even thinking about what I’m going to do...which is why I try NOT to think about it. I either need to look into a PHD program or look for a way to make some extra money...and I kind of need to do it quickly.



Ok-at this point I am pushing all that negativity away. I felt pretty bad about my pasta binge last night...but I’m trying not to dwell. I think I’ve blogged about the fear of the scale before but I gotta bring it back up. Before I started Weight Watchers, I hadn’t weighed in 3 years. I knew that it would be bad...really bad and I was petrified to get on it. Stepping on the scale the first time after so long was pretty scary...it was also enlightening, sickening, depressing and a huge motivation. The past few months have been difficult...well...you know that...I have said something most days about how I’m struggling more than usual. I’m pretty sure the holidays threw me off and then Paris. I think the difficult part now is getting back to that original sinking feeling that I have to do SOMETHING. I’m not at rock bottom anymore. I’m not to my goal either though. I can’t diminish all of the hard work that I’ve done because I have done great but each time I don’t lose or gain some...it chips away at my spirit. I am dreading the scale right now. I haven’t weighed for two weeks...I’m sure I’ve gained I just don’t know how much. Sure, you can all tell me to just get back on that horse and I can tell myself that...but actually pulling out the whip and forcing myself to be strict isn’t that easy. This is the suckiest point in the diet struggle. This is the point where last time I just said screw it...I don’t want to do that and I won’t but...that stupid scale...it just taunts me. The upside is that in this point in the diet fight, I would have also given up on exercise. Weirdly enough, I am so not there. I wouldn’t say I enjoy shin splints but I will say that I am totally motivated about exercise right now. I have all of these ideas and things that I want to try. So, I guess the good news is...I don’t have to worry about that at least...for now. It’s just the food. It’s so important that I don’t have more than one serving in front of me because if I do...well...you can just forget it...it’s getting eaten.

Well, I hope you all enjoyed the pictures from Paris. I have been trying for two days to upload them to Facebook and it has been giving me all kinds of trouble. I have got about 100 pictures uploaded so that is major progress considering that after work yesterday...I tried for over an hour to upload pictures and it didn’t work. I will try to get the other 180 uploaded later...you can only upload 200 pictures per Facebook album so I think that was part of the reason it kept screwing up...it was having to deal with too many files.

Tonight I will have Moe’s for the first time in almost two weeks! I’m very excited. It’s one of the few places you can eat where you don’t feel like you are on a diet and it’s legal to eat there. I love it...but you already knew that.

I will probably be putting mostly Ingrid Michaelson lyrics this week because that concert at the beach I mentioned...yah...it’s her.

“They say you’re really not somebody
Until somebody else loves you
Well, I am waiting to make somebody
Somebody soon

And are we there yet?
And are we there yet?

Home, home, home.” Are We There Yet-Ingrid Michaelson

Home Sweet Home

Hey y’all! I made it back from Paris safe & sound...I wasn’t sure if we were going to there for awhile. We had a flight delay and then missed our connecting flight...it was a LONG day but we had a LOT of fun. I am trying to recover from the crepes I had in Paris and the Schnitzel I had in Germany...YUM! The food was awesome. Anyway, I haven’t weighed and I don’t think I will until the end of the week. I don’t want to get discouraged. I did walk a lot while we were there though so maybe it isn’t too bad. I posted some pictures below but we took a lot of pics so I didn’t post them all. If you are friends with me on Facebook you will be able to see the rest of them in an hour or so. My overall conclusion is that I loved Paris but would never live there...it’s too big, smelly and fast paced for me. I LOVED the Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. I think I COULD see myself living in Germany...it’s adorable...but I would miss Target and American Idol. Anyway, I had a blast...I’m still feeling tired but not as bad as I thought. Enjoy the pictures and hopefully I will get back to regular blogging tomorrow. If you have any specific questions about the trip...ask on here...for now...there is too much to tell.






















“I’m On My Way
I’m On My Way
Home Sweet Home
Tonight, Tonight
I’m On My Way
I’m On My Way
Home Sweet Home.” Home Sweet Home-Motley Crue

Au Revoir!!!

First thing is first-American Idol. Spoiler alert. Also, if you don’t watch Idol...feel free to skip down. I will start first with the 4 that were cut last night:



This is the reason I have a love/hate relationship with this show. The guys that were kicked off were acceptable. I think there were probably slightly better choices but overall...neither Todrick or Mullet Dude were going to win and it was time for them to go. As far as the girls go, NEITHER of those girls deserved to get kicked off. I will say who I thought should have left later. Both Katelyn Epperly & Lilly Scott deserved to stay. They aren’t the BEST but Katelyn was cute and could sing and Lilly, though her hair is not my favorite, can sing and stood out in the crowd. Honestly, my number 1 pick for the person that should have gone home is Kara Dioguardi. She is SO FREAKING annoying. I venture to say that she is more annoying than Paula. Here’s why...you expect Paula to be obnoxious. As Jordan said so wisely the other day, Kara SHOULD be a good judge. She is in the industry and she is a great writer. Instead, she is overly dramatic and just extremely annoying.

Anyway-Here are the top 12, however deserving or undeserving some of them may be.



Aaron Kelly: I am thinking he won’t last long. He seems very sweet but he is no David Archuleta. He’s only 16 so I think his voice could improve but I don’t think there is any place for him in the industry or on the show.

Andrew Garcia: I know Andrew has gotten tough criticism from the judges but I really like him. I want him to do better because I think he has a great voice and he is really talented.

Casey James: I think he is alright. He’s cute and can play the electric guitar really well. I think is voice is just OK. He is very shaky but overall he’s pretty decent.

Crystal Bowersox:



I put pictures by a couple of my favorites. In my opinion, up to this point, there is NO ONE that has even come close to her talent or voice. She may be a touch odd and she may not have the most appealing grill (all of these things can be fixed) but she’s cute and has amazing talent. She is consistently good and I think(hope) she will stick around for a long time.

Didi Benami: Despite the fact that she cries too much, I think she is cute and can sing pretty well. I think she needs to ALWAYS play the guitar...it’s like she’s not an artist without it or something.

Katie Stevens: Sweet girl...SHE NEEDS TO GO. She should have NEVER made it this far. She’s not ready and pretty much every performance has been terrible. That’s all.

Lacey Brown: She can sing OK but I think she should go...I don’t care for her sound and I don’t think she’s had any redeeming moments that make me go, “Wow, she deserves to be here.”

Lee DeWyze:



I think he is PRECIOUS. He is cute, humble, has a sexy tone to his voice and he is a talented musician. Yes, I realize that he has his moments where his voice falls flat on the ground but I don’t care...all that can be touched up in the studio after he lands a record deal.

Michael Lynche: Nice, can sing...he’s pretty good. The problem is...I don’t see him as an American Idol...an R & B singer maybe but not a top 40 kind of guy...and that’s fine. I hope that doesn’t make me sound mean or anything because I like him...I just don’t think he’s the BEST.

Paige Miles: Ugh...this girl is irritating the mess out of me. She can NOT perform to save her life and yet here she is...still in the competition. I feel bad because she seems sweet but come on...there are people that were way better that should have made it...that’s my opinion.

Siobhan Magnus: Ok-Now, this girl may have a touch of crazy on her face but she has some awesome moments. I think she’s growing on me...her outfits aren’t, but she is.

Tim Urban: Last...but not quite least. Cute guy...just an OK singer. He did have a good night this week but I wish Idol would put a ban on the song “Hallelujah” because I can’t help but compare that song to when Jason Castro sang it...and I loved that version. Anyway, Ellen is right...Tim is adorable but he’s nothing special to me.

My mind tends to change a lot over the course of the season while watching idol so I may be singing a different tune on all these folks before it’s all over.

Well you guys-



This will be my last blog until I return. At this time tomorrow I will be on a plane. Woot! I think we are all very excited. You needn’t worry about picture taking because I have that totally covered. I will share some pictures when I get back. Please pray for us to have a safe trip and that we enjoy Paris AND Germany!!!

I hope everyone enjoys their weekend, St. Patrick’s Day AND their week!!!

These were the only two songs at the moment that I could think of that had French in them...and I couldn’t think of any with German. LOL...yes, I know I’m weird.

“Je veux ton amour et je veux ton revenge
Je veux ton amour.” Bad Romance-Lady Gaga

“Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir?
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?
Voulez-vous couchez avec moi ce soir?” Lady Marmalade-Patti Labelle

"I got a new attitude!"

Today I ran the mile in 16:53! That is 51 seconds (if my math is correct) faster than yesterday! This time I ran 2 minutes, walked 1. I think it nearly killed me. It felt good though. I was pretty excited. I had a couple of bad moments though. For one, when I was finished, my sinuses suddenly cleared up and I swore I smelled cough drops. It was the weirdest sensation. I thought, well this must be what it is like. The treadmill has killed me. I’m not sure what it was...but I’m OK now. While I’m on the treadmill, it’s honestly not that bad. I get out of breath and I sweat but I’m not in pain. The pain comes after and stays for awhile. I did stretch a bit more this morning but my shins still hurt pretty bad. The only other bad moment was actually kind of funny. I was coming to the end of one of my two minute runs and instead of decreasing the speed, I shot the speed up. I pressed the up arrow several times...it could have been bad. Suddenly I was moving backward and running fast and well...I don’t run fast...so I got really nervous but I was able to get it back down pretty quick. I exercise at a senior activity center so I am always surrounded by 80-90 year old men and women that are totally schooling me with weights and running...it’s always nice to see them look at me with pity-face when I’m about to pass out. Anyway, when I reached the mile point, I slowed way down. I had promised myself that I would do at least a mile and a half but I was DONE running for the day so I walked and it took me almost 15 minutes to walk half a mile...I was spent but I think I needed the time to cool down. After Paris, I may restart the whole process. I don’t think I will be able to run a 16:53 mile after not running at all for 10 days. I am going to create some sort of regimen for myself when I get back that mixes up things and see how that works. I’m proud though...I want to continue to challenge myself like that.

I wore my new spring dress today. I love it...this isn’t the best picture but I wanted to show you. I actually love dresses. I don’t show my legs very much but I find dresses much more comfortable than a lot of pants and especially more comfortable than shorts. It has also been awhile since I posted a picture of my WHOLE self. The main picture on here was when I was down 50 pounds and since it has been awhile that I hit a milestone...I figured I’d post one today. Honestly, since the dress bulks out in the middle...I think I look thinner in the down 50 picture. Whatever...I’m still happy with this...it’s the down 58 pounds but still soft around the edges picture. Hopefully the 60 pound picture will come soon and then 75...I may be getting ahead of myself...lol...but my mind tends to jump to the future a lot. Anyway, I got the dress at Target in the place where “normal” sized people get their clothes...it makes me feel fierce.



Alright, tonight is trivia night and then packing. I have barely started packing...I pretty much just have my suitcase out. I never pack until the last minute because it doesn’t take very long for me. I am sure that tomorrow night I will lay in bed awake all night, frantic that I’m forgetting something.

I hope you all have a splendid afternoon!

“I'm feelin' good from my head to my shoes
Know where I'm goin' and I know what to do
I tidied up my point of view
I got a new attitude
Runnin' hot, runnin' cold
I was runnin' into overload
It was extreme, ex-ex-ex-ex-ex-extreme
It took it so high, so low
So low, there was nowhere to go
Like a dream
Somehow the wires uncrossed, the tables were turned
Never knew I had such a lesson to learn
I'm feelin' good from my head to my shoes
Know where I'm goin' and I know what to do
I tidied up my point of view
I got a new attitude.” New Attitude-Patti LaBelle

Rain, Rain, Go AWAY!

It is SO nasty outside here today. I am almost sure that after all of these earthquakes and now the flash flooding today that someone out there is convinced they have received a message to build an ark. The bridges and roads are flooded and people CAN’T drive when that happens. It’s ridiculous. There is a bridge on my way to work and if you are in the left lane when it’s raining, the car on the other side of the bridge will inevitably drive through a puddle and slam your car with water. It’s kind of like standing on that bridge at Six Flags that is over the water ride and you get a huge gush of water in your face...that’s what it’s like...except you are driving. Anyway, I’ve learned my lesson but I saw someone today get a waterfall driven into their window and they almost ran off the road. It’s pretty hazardous out there right now. It has been storming since last night...I couldn’t sleep at all. For some reason when it is storming and it is March, I’m convinced there are tornadoes outside. Perhaps it’s because I live in Alabama and if it is storming and it is March...there usually ARE tornadoes outside. So, I’m pretty tired this morning but very chatty. I have been updating all of my social networking sites quite frequently...I’m getting on my own nerves. Perhaps I need to ban myself from that and transfer my thoughts into something productive...like writing. I think while I’m in Paris I should find some inspiration. I won’t have immediate access to the internet because that crap is expensive over there so I will definitely bring my journal.

I ran a mile again today! I did a mile on the elliptical first and then did a mile on the treadmill. This time instead of walking 2 minutes and then running 1 minute, I walked 1-1/2 minutes and then ran 1-1/2 minutes. I ran it in 17 minutes and 44 seconds this time. I don’t remember my exact time from yesterday but I think that shaved off about 30 seconds. I know that seems like a long time but I was pretty proud. I didn’t realize how far a mile was. Honestly, it felt/feels like I ran 14 miles. I totally understand now why people say that running is the best exercise because I feel it. I feel it in my shins, thighs, butt, back, belly and eyeballs. It hurts to laugh. The funny thing is that it really is a love/hate relationship. As hard as it is, I feel really accomplished when I do it. I was sweating so much...it was disgusting. I was telling someone that afterward, I felt like I had mowed the grass in the summertime in Alabama. I felt hot from the inside out...but I am so glad I did it. I’m going again tomorrow. I’m going to try and go a mile and half or two miles depending on how I feel. I want to push myself...but not too much. I don’t want to give up. Plus, tomorrow will be the last time I have a designated “work-out” until I get back from Paris so I need to make it count.

So, you know how I told you that I ate like a crazy person yesterday? Well, it leaked all into dinner too. I wanted a pepperoni pizza so I ordered one. When the guy got there, he said they were out of large pizzas so they brought me two mediums. First of all, I thought that Pizza Hut was able to dictate how large a pizza is with the dough. Second, the only reason I got a large was because that was what the coupon was for but I ended up with two mediums. My roommate is out of town for a few days so it was me and two pizzas. Ugh, I still have like a whole pizza and a half in the refrigerator. I’m trying to be good today...and I am so far...but having a mountain of pizza in my apartment is making it hard. I will fight the power...today is gonna be a good day.

Ok-I am in full Paris mode now. We just have to make it through the flight and we will be good. I won’t say any names but we got a couple folks in the group that aren’t too pleased about flying...but it will be all good. I got travel pillows and things are coming together. I may start packing tonight...lol...nothing like planning ahead.

I hope you all have a wonderful day!!!

“I'm so excited,
And I just can't hide it,
I'm about to lose control
And I think I like it.
I'm so excited,
And I just can't hide it,
And I know, I know, I know, I know
I know I want you, want you.

...

Let's get excited,
And we just can't hide it,
I'm about to lose control and I think I like it.
I'm so excited,
And I just can't hide it,
And I know, I know, I know, I know
I know I want you, want you.” I’m So Excited-The Pointer Sisters

Ready? Set. Go!

It occurred to me sometime back that I wasn’t going to be able to continue only using the elliptical as my means of exercising. My body was used to it. I was getting to the point where it was easy and I wasn’t pushing myself. I mean, I would still sweat and all but I didn’t feel as worked out as I should. This is the reason I’ve been trying to add some change. I want to mix the elliptical up with other things. A few of my friends run and I’ve always sort of dismissed it. My knees aren’t great, I have no arches so my feet kill me so running never really appealed to me. I also forget to stretch a lot and I get shin splints. To be honest, I’ve never given it much of an effort. There was one brief phase when I was on the Atkins diet that I would go to the rec center when I was going to Alabama and attempt to run but it never went well. Like anything, I know that running takes practice. So-I thought I’d give it a try this morning. I warmed up on the bike for 10 minutes...I have to say...I don’t care for bikes. The ones with the flat booty hurt my butt and are very uncomfortable. The ones that are high up and shaped like an actual bike hurt...well...in a different place. I took a spin class once in college and I walked like I was riding a horse for a week. It was AWFUL and I SWORE I would never go back. Anyway, after the bike, I got on the treadmill.



Nish gave me some advice because she has been running awhile...she started off slow and now she can run for a long time. She told me to walk 2 minutes and then run 1 minute (I think/hope that’s what she told me). So, that’s what I did. I did this for 20 minutes. I was sweating like a crazy person...it was a GREAT workout. I stuck to it the whole time. When it came time to run the minute, I did the whole minute. I’ve never been very fast...at anything...so it took me a little over 18 minutes to go a mile. That may sound awful to you but this was my first try. You are talking about someone who used to “run” the mile in 30 minutes in high school and THAT time was only because I cheated. I run like a fat hedgehog. I ball up and take baby steps...ugh...the softball team when your dad coaches when you are 8 is not good for a slow runner. Whatever, I’m over that. The only thing that really bothered me was the treadmill I was on made this grating, sounds like an elephant stampede, noise every time my foot landed. I am HOPING that isn’t a result of my “solid” frame. I’m HOPING that the treadmill is just old. Anyway, I felt really accomplished. I know that I’ve only done it once and by no means am I a “runner” but I’m going to try it again tomorrow. Maybe I can run for 1-1/2 or 2 minutes instead of 1 this time and get my mile down to 17 minutes? Maybe not, I want to take it slow. I’m pretty sure I will be sore tomorrow but that’s the whole point right?

Even though I’m pretty hardcore with the exercise this week...I have eaten like a psycho today. WHATEVER...if you are on a diet, close your eyes for the next sentence. If you have never had a cinnamon bagel with honey walnut cream cheese from Panera Bread, stop what you are doing, leave work...whatever...and go get you one...you need it. I kind of expected this backsliding to happen but I will get better soon. I have a disease...leave me alone. I know I sound like a broken record but post-Paris, there will be many a blog on how miserable I am because I will be in the middle of being very strict. I have already decided that aside from Sunday, I won’t cheat again until my birthday. I WILL get to 65 by my birthday (May 13th). Talking about food is making me hungry...I’m glad I’m going to City Café with my mom today. I NEVER get to eat there...Weight Watchers would NOT approve...but you aren’t going to tell them right?

Alright then, that’s it I think. I like posting at lunchtime instead of when I’m off work in the evening...I think...I guess I’m just inconsistent. I hope you all have a great afternoon.

“Have I got a long way?
Have I got a long way?
Have I got a long way to run?
Have I got a long way to run?
Yeah I run.
Yeah I run.” Run-Collective Soul

And the Oscar goes to...

Believe it or not, I was able to see all ten of the best picture nominees before the show last night. I was also able to see most of the movies with best actor/actress nominees. The only ones I really missed were Nine, The Messenger and The Lovely Bones. I will get to see them eventually. Overall, I was pleased with the results. I was really rooting for Gabby Sidibe to win Best Actress because her performance was amazing but after I saw Sandra Bullock’s AWESOME speech...I was really happy for her. She seemed so genuine and she really did do an amazing job in The Blindside...I just thought Gabby, Helen and Meryl (yah, we are on first name basis) stretched a little further. I also fully expected Jeff Bridges to win Best Actor and he deserved it so I was happy but I couldn’t decide who I wanted to win in that category...they were all great but I think my favorite performances came from Colin Firth and Jeremy Renner. As far as supporting goes...both of my favorites won (Christopher Waltz & Monique) so I was happy about that. I thought it was awesome that Kathryn Bigalow won for directing...I love when women break a barrier! As for the big award of the night, I have a couple of thoughts. First, with the exception of District 9 (which was EXTREMELY WEIRD) and a couple of movies that I thought should have been nominated, I thought all ten of the nominees were pretty deserving. Second, I was always rooting for Up. I knew there was no chance but I just loved that movie. It got best animated movie so that made me happy. I know that a lot of people were rooting for Avatar and I thought it was technically amazing and the story was great but I am glad The Hurt Locker won. As much as I liked Avatar, I thought the crux of the story wasn’t unique. I mean, obviously there was a genius new world that was invented and it was a gorgeous movie but the story of the marginalized character triumphing over the powerful group of people has been told before. The Hurt Locker was a fresh, unique perspective on a very current, relevant topic. I loved it and the cast/crew seem so genuine and connected. Also, am I the only one rubbed the wrong way by James Cameron? It could be that he has more money than Jesus or that I am too judgmental of his horrific hair cut but I am kind of glad he was knocked off his high horse. I know he’s talented and no one loves the movie Titanic more than me but it was nice to see The Hurt Locker win.

Anyway...I posted a few pics below. My mind is on France and trying not to completely blow my diet over the next two weeks. I lost a pound last week which brings my total loss to 58.8. I am well aware of how hard it is going to be to get back on the bandwagon when I get back but I have to and I have to be STRICT. I know I will probably gain a little but I want to hit that 60 pound mark within a month after getting back so I will have a lot of work to do...that’s why I am sort of lax this week. I’m getting excited. I need to get some Euros but I have to order them from the bank. They said it takes two days but what if it gets screwed up? That makes me nervous. I’m sure I will figure it out.

I hope y’all have a great afternoon and feel free to comment/disagree with the Oscar stuff and give me any tips for Euros or Paris!

Operation Oscar

Hey-I don't have much time. Operation Oscar is about to kick off. I will probably do an Oscar related blog on Monday! I'm actually excited now to watch the movies this weekend. I just wanted to wish everyone well and tell you guys that if you have not seen The Hurt Locker, I think you should. It's very gritty and gory but it shows a seemingly accurate portrayal of what soldiers go through in the Middle East...yet another reminder to pray for them daily. I really liked the movie even though it was really sad.

Talk to y'all soon! Also, IF I weigh tomorrow...wish me luck! I'm feeling better about it today then yesterday because the scale is not acting crazy so I might go...we will see how it all turns out. Oh and one more thing...we ACTUALLY got third place in trivia last night! It was a miracle!!!




"I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
And No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself, And
Then Make A Change" Man in the Mirror-Michael Jackson

I guess I'll go eat worms (except they are probably too many points)

I am in a pretty foul mood today. I think I finally pinpointed the problem...I didn’t get my morning nap in today. Usually, I get about 30-45 minutes of rest after my workout/shower in the morning but because I had to take my car to the Toyota place to get the recalls fixed, I had to leave my house by 6:45. Also, every time I get on the scale I gain weight. I know this sounds like a tall tale but I really don’t think the scale has it right. If it does, then I’m in trouble because that would mean I’ve gained 19 pounds since Saturday morning. Even though I know I haven’t gained that much weight (I hope), it is still VERY frustrating. It is only Thursday and since Monday, I have exercised 6 times. Also, I haven’t been perfect food-wise but it’s not like I went on a fast food binge...THAT IS JUST REALLY OBNOXIOUS. Whatever, after Paris, I’m going to buckle down and be as exact as possible...even if I have to weigh my food. Some evil menace out there wants me to fail again...just like every other time I’ve tried to diet...well...they can forget it because I am not ready to give up. I feel violent about this...I think I’m supposed to feel inspired but I feel more like I want to punch someone in the face.

But anyway...tonight is trivia night and I plan on forgetting about all that jazz. Plus, tomorrow is Friday and it is Oscar weekend. I have a lot to get in the next few days movie wise and I’m honestly not sure how I’m going to do it all. Between now and Sunday night I need to watch 6 or 7 movies and I still will not have watched them all. I figure if I can get that many in then I will feel accomplished.

I think I’m done talking for the day. I thought about going into this whole rant about church gossip. Evidently, I have a target on my back and the whole world needs to know what weeks I go to church and what weeks I don’t. I feel like I might be wasting my energy if I do that though because I think that even the most dedicated church person knows that you can’t escape the gossip. It’s sad really. I mean there have been 3 deadly earthquakes in a month in this world and people that I don’t know are more concerned about my church attendance. Perhaps this is why people lose faith? Ok-so I guess I did rant about it. I could go on but I will spare you.

I am bound to be in a better mood tomorrow! My car is fixed, tomorrow is Friday and we have 9 days until Paris!!! Have a great night!

“And the air is thin
And it blows through your skin
And you feel like something
Is about to begin
But you don't know what
And you don't know when
So you tear at your hair
And you scratch at your skin

You wanna run away, run away
Just get on the * train and leave today
And it doesn't matter where you spend the night
You just might end up somewhere in a fight, in a fight
Or caught in your room on a concrete shelf
Fighting all alone, with yourself, with yourself
And you just wanna feel like a coin that's been tossed
In a wishing well, a wishing well...

So you stand on the corner
Where the angels sit
And you think to yourself,
"This is it, this is it,
This is all that I have
All I can stand
Is this air in my lungs
And this coin in my hand
That you tossed in the air
And I fell, and I fell
All the way to the bottom
Of the well, of the well
Like those soft little secrets
That you tell, that you tell
To yourself, when you think
No one's listening to, well." Wishing Well-The Airborne Toxic Event

I feel like an old, broken down woman today...

I can NOT pull it together today. I am SO sluggish. I worked out this morning and it took me less time because I didn’t go to the gym so I got back in the bed for about 45 minutes and I was really asleep when my alarm went off so I am dragging booty today. I am going to go for a walk after work to try and wake up. I need some exercise that doesn’t make my knees feel like a bag of loose screws. My shins, knees, back and hips are BEGGING me to stop exercising so hard. I think it’s high time all my muscles get on board...I was thinking about it today and I’ve been exercising regularly for almost a year now. I remember because I started walking on March 18th last year (the day after a night of green beer for St. Patrick’s day) before I joined Weight Watchers so you would THINK my body would be used to the routine...but no. I am going to Moe’s after work and there just happens to be a walking track right across the street so I figured I’d do a quick lap before I ate. It’s like hanging meat in front of a dog...I’ll be able to see the Moe’s, so I will probably walk that lap pretty fast.

So, I thought I wasn’t going to get to see most of the Oscar movies but because of a certain friend of mine, I think I will see more than I had anticipated. It may involve 2 movies in Birmingham Friday night and then maybe a movie in Atlanta Saturday evening. We will see how many we can get in...he is pretty hardcore...it’s actually kind of scary but I am trying to help him out. Something tells me it won’t be a restful weekend. I will have to let you know which ones I like the best.

Before I go, I wanted to show y’all two Lean Cuisine meals. Cassandra introduced me to one of them and had the other one yesterday. I know everyone has had frozen diet meals but these are really good. The lasagna is made by Stouffer’s and is only 6 points and the other one has bacon and is only 5. I think these taste pretty good and if you had a salad with them...it would make for a low point, filling meal...you could even put a piece of toast with it...just a thought.





Have a splendid evening!

“I want your ugly
I want your disease
I want your everything
As long as it’s free
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love

I want your drama
The touch of your hand
I want you leather studded kiss in the scene
And I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love

You know that I want you
And you know that I need you
I want a bad, your bad romance

I want your loving
And I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
I want your loving
All your love is revenge
You and me could write a bad romance.” Bad Romance-Lady GaGa

Tuesday's Gone (Almost)

The Blindside was great y’all! I would say I do NOT think it deserves Best Picture but I can see why Sandra Bullock is nominated. It is definitely your typical, “from the ground” up story so it isn’t unique in that way but I would say it’s on a higher caliber than most movies like that. I thought it was really good. I love football so I liked seeing all the coaches (though I didn’t like remembering that Saban was LSU’s coach). It was funny how much Sandra Bullock’s character didn’t like Tennessee...we can totally relate to that in Alabama. Anyway, it was cute.

I don’t know if I slept wrong or messed up while exercising but my back is killing me today. It has been off for a couple of days but when I was on the elliptical this morning it hurt all the way from my butt to about the middle of my spine. It made me very sluggish on the machine and it has been hurting since. I took some ibuprofen and it got better but I’m thinking I need some Bengay or something...any remedies you guys know about??? I know you aren’t supposed to exercise if you hurt like that but I know me and if I stop, I won’t start back. I’m laying off the elliptical a couple days anyway because I ran out of shows to watch on my iPod so I’m just going to do the Jillian Michaels workout for the rest of the week. I’m not sure if that will make it better or worse.

I’m doing well today besides a slight cornbread incident at Mr. Bill’s at lunch. I appreciate the encouraging words (Heather, Mom & Jordan)...you guys have no idea how much that helps! I’m still thinking about food but I am right on track.

I used to have an internet shopping addiction. I still sort of do but I have had to cut way back because I was buying something every week. It has been awhile since I perused the clothing sections online but I went on there today for a little bit and I noticed something that concerned me. I think this has always been like this but it irritates me. They charge at least $10 extra for an item of clothing if it’s “plus-sized.” I noticed that a coat today was much more expensive because it wasn’t the same size as the “regular” sizes. I realize that their argument is there is more fabric used...ok there is no way that “plus-sized” garments have $10 worth of extra fabric. It is yet another example of isolation from clothing manufacturer’s. It’s tricky because there really isn’t any way around it. If you got more junk in the trunk than most people...you are going to pay more for clothes whether it be in the additional charges or at a specialty store like Lane Bryant. I guess they really want you not to be fat so they don’t even have to have a “plus” category. I mean I know I’m all soft and squishy but I’m not GIGANTIC (no judgment to those who are) and I don’t think I should have to suffer financially because I need the 1X instead of the XL in a coat.

Anyway, I guess that was my rant for the day. “Peace and Blessings.” If y’all want to see a funny video and the source of that quote, go to Youtube and type in “My Push Up Bra Will Help Me Get ManBack.” It’s pretty funny.



The song below was written by James Horner, Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil and I love it but I know it originally from the 1986 movie, An American Tail (one of mine and my dad’s FAVORITE movies). You can get the movie version on Youtube. I HIGHLY recommend this...it made me cry.

“Somewhere out there beneath the pale moonlight
Someone's thinking of me and loving me tonight

Somewhere out there someone's saying a prayer
That we'll find one another in that big somewhere out there

And even though I know how very far apart we are
It helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star

And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby
It helps to think we're sleeping underneath the same big sky

Somewhere out there if love can see us through
Then we'll be together somewhere out there
Out where dreams come true

And even though I know how very far apart we are
It helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star

And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby
It helps to think we're sleeping underneath the same big sky

Somewhere out there if love can see us through
Then we'll be together somewhere out there
Out where dreams come true.” Somewhere Out There

Keep On Keepin' On

I lost weight y’all! HOORAYYY!!! Honestly, I think I needed a good week. It probably would have been more had I not binged on snacks the night before but WHATEVER-I still lost. I am hoping to lose again this week even if it’s just a little because I know the next couple weeks are going to be rough. I will need mucho motivation when I return from Paris to be good but I plan to keep on keeping on...it’s almost summer time and since we already know I won’t be very tan...I would like to abstain from frightening small children when I wear shorts. I can’t wait to get down 60lbs. It’s been a while since I hit a 10 pound mark. It may not be until April but I’m GOING to get there.



I don’t know if y’all know this or not (if you’ve read my quotes at the bottom, you’ve probably guessed) but I’m a fan of Ingrid Michaelson and I bought tickets just now to see her on March 27th down in Gulf Shores! I’m pretty excited. I first heard her music on Grey’s Anatomy. After I heard about 3 songs I loved, I was so confident I would love her music that I bought every CD. There is only one that I don’t absolutely love! She’s a great writer and goes right along with the kind of music I like so I will be very excited to see her.

There is one week until the Oscars and as predicted, there is no way I can see ALL of the movies (though there was almost a plan that involved travels to Atlanta and a desperate attempt to see three or four movies in one day). I am a little bit disappointed and I know Jordan is VERY disappointed but I should be able to get 3 or 4 in this week and be pretty educated for this Sunday’s show. I watched Inglorious Basterds yesterday. It was definitely a Tarantino movie. I haven’t seen the Kill Bill movies but I have seen a few of his and the only one I really liked was Pulp Fiction. Let me say that I never have to see scalping or skull bashing to enjoy a movie so I would have been FINE if this movie didn’t include all the gruesome scenes. Having said that, I really liked the movie. I thought it was funny and a completely different perspective on the Holocaust. It WAS weird but I think I have trained myself to watch his movies and understand them because I consider the fact that he may not be all there so it makes it easier to watch them. Overall, I liked it though and I thought Christopher Waltz (nominated for best Supporting Actor) did an AMAZING job and his nomination is well deserved. Based on the movies I’ve seen though, I don’t think it should win best picture...not that I think it has a chance anyway...that’s just my opinion.

Well, I’m definitely struggling food wise today and I feel like it won’t get any better the next couple of weeks. It’s sad because the reason I am having such a hard time is because I know I won’t be perfect next week (I pre-meditated a couple of things like a cheat lunch next week since I knew I wouldn’t be weighing the Saturday we leave for Paris) and I will be fully bad in Paris. Basically, it’s like a kid waiting on Christmas. All I can think about is cheating. That just proves that my addiction is incurable...I’m like a recovering alcoholic. Whatever...I just know I’m going to need lots of pep talks this month to stay on track! Have a great afternoon y’all. I’m going to see The Blindside after work...I’ll let you know what I thought tomorrow even though I think I’m one of 10 people in the world that hasn’t seen it yet.

"So, I'm taking my frown to a far distant town." Far Away-Ingrid Michaelson