My New Adventure

Hi friends.

I have honestly been trying to write a post for DAYS now!! In fact... I have it saved in my "drafts". I keep going to every few days and adding to it, but I just can't seem to finish it. I promise to... soon!

I've started a new adventure that I am anxious to tell you about!

I am now a Creative Partner with Initials, Inc.!!!

This company is a Georgia based (YAY!), premier personalized handbag and accessories company in the Direct Selling Industry and is consistently experiencing phenomenal growth in both sales and recruiting. --- Ok. I confess. These aren't my words. I got them from the company website. **Smile**

There has always been a part of me that has wished to be an entrepreneur and be my own boss. When we lived in Atlanta, I had a fairly successful Pet Sitting business. I chose not to pursue it when we moved to Columbus. I kinda' wish I had, tho! Oh well.

Through the years, I have been an Avon Representative (a couple of times!) and I have also tried my hand at a scrap-booking business called.. "Scrap-n-a-Snap". I had a lot of fun with it, but had to end it when my mom had her stroke back in 2005.

Lately, I have felt the "bug" biting me to get back into some type of business of my own. I started searching different "direct sales" companies and by accident.... I came across this article in Women's Day magazine. (Check it out by clicking the link.) I know that "personalized" items are VERY POPULAR right now, as well as handbags and purses are. So, I decided that THIS would be my business of choice!

I just joined a week ago and I am SO EXCITED!! I have my first party booked for the end of October and I am anxious to get a few more booked before then!!

I even have my own website!! Check it out at... www.myinitials-inc.com/beckybauers/ 

And... just so you know..... **smile**...... if you see something that you like.... you can order straight from my website! The best part is that monogramming is TOTALLY FREE!!! (up to 14 letters)

Anyway.... This is what has been occupying my mind for the last couple of weeks!! I'll keep you updated!

PRAY

Please pray for me. I am REALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLY DOWN right now.

Struggling

I am a little depressed right now.

The temperature outside feels WONDERFULLY COOL and I love it!!! So... why would I be depressed??, you ask.

Well.... I only have 3 pairs of pants that fit and are suitable for work!!! -- It's depressing.

I totally feel like I am going backwards!! I am supposed to be LOSING weight, NOT GAINING!!!

No. I am not eating as healthy as I could or should be. This... I know... is part of my problem. But, I DO TRY to eat healthy. I am just terrible at writing down my food choices and keeping track of what I eat.

David surprised me the other day and bought me a new Georgia Bulldog shirt to wear. I tried it on this morning and it is TOO SMALL!!! It is a size "medium", but it is tight!!! UGH!!!!!! How am I going to tell him???? He does not like that I usually wear a size "large". (There for a while, I was wearing a size medium!) I can wear the shirt, but it is quite obvious that it is too small for me. I am not sure what I am going to do. Tomorrow is "game day"!

I could take it back today, after work and swap it for a large... but, he has the reciept!!

I really do need prayers and help with losing weight and more importantly... INCHES!!

I have tears in my eyes as I write this, and a lump in my throat.

David does not have weight issues and has a STRONG predjutice against people that are "heavy". We have had marital problems in our past over this very thing! Right now, things are good. But, if I don't get a handle on my weight, then... I know that we will be right back to that "ugly" part of our marriage that I don't like.

I wish like crazy that I could afford the $40 an hour that it costs for a personal trainer!!! Then, I would get the exercise AND the nutrition help that I need! But.... that is not possible. I also know that I can NOT do this by myself. It is too easy for me to fail.

I want to talk to David about this, but I am afraid to. His judgement of me is too hurtful.

I gotta go so that I can get to work.

Today is our luncheon at school!!!! UGH!!! I will need to be strong and not INDULGE in all of the "Italian" dishes! I am bringing an Italian Pasta Salad. At least it is fairly healthy.

Nope. Today is Not Friday.

I woke up this morning thinking that it was Friday. I even turned off my alarm so that it wouldn't go off on the weekend!! Then... reality sunk in and I remembered that it was Thursday. I slowly made way back to my bedroom and turned my alarm back on. Bummer.

I either have a nasty cold or a sinus infection. There are a lot of teachers at work that have this crud, too. They are saying that it is a sinus infection. I didn't think that sinus infections were contagious.

Today is the day that I go to see my Care Receiver. Last week, we talked about going to the movies together. She and I both want to see the movie.... "The Help". I told her that I would take her, if she was feeling up to it. I tried to call her yesterday, but did not get ahold of her. I left a message for her to call me, but never heard back from her. This is typical for her, but I am a "planner" and would like to know if we are going to the movies, or not. My only option is to call her like I normally do, this afternoon, after work. The movie times are not until late in the afternoon... 4:05 & 4:20. So, I am not sure if it will work out for us to go or not. I wish I knew.

Something is going on with Ashley and I don't know what. She is avoiding being at home and when she is home.... she doesn't say much and has been staying in her room. She has been spending a lot of time with her new "friend"... (a guy). I have no problem with that, but I wish she would spend some time with us, as well. Or at least TALK to us! I'm not sure how to handle it.

She and Miranda are so different. Miranda is very outgoing, energetic, open, and fun to hang out with. Ashley is more reserved, quiet, serious, and keeps to herself. She always has me wondering..."What's going on with her?". With Miranda... I usually know because she will talk to me.

I have so much going thru my brain right now. My head feels like it is spinning!

I am getting out my old Weight Watcher's stuff this morning and giving it a try.

Wishing it was easier

Yes. I wish losing weight was easier. I feel really good after I exercise, but don't enjoy it while I'm doing it!

Today, while I was at work, I got the phone call from the trainer about the "Fitlinxx". I didn't bother calling her back. I figured that I would just check on it when I went after work.

I now have an appointment for 1:45 on Friday to meet with a trainer and get set up on the Fitlinxx Program. YAY! I sure hope it helps. I need structure to my workouts. Right now... I am just wondering around with no real "plan".

Today, I did 10 mins on the stationary bike. I kept it at level 4, but didn't it really didn't get my heart rate up like I would have liked it to. Then, I did 5 mins of brisk walking around the track. I would like to try jogging, but that will have to come little by little.

I either wish that I had a workout "buddy" or could afford a trainer. I am not sure how successful I will be, trying to do it on my own. Hopefully, the Fitlinxx Program will help.

I would love to do the Zumba Class that is offered at the Y, but it is only offered at either 4:30pm or 6:30pm. Neither is a good time for me. I need a class that is around 2:00pm, but there are NONE that are offered. All of them in the evenings. I would not benefit me to drive back into town, since I get off of work at 1:15pm.

I am tempted to try Weight Watchers online again. I can't really afford it, tho. Maybe I will try it on my own. I just REALLY wish that I had a "buddy" to do it with. I think it would make it easier.

This cooler weather makes me want to ride my bike!! I really don't like riding in my neighborhood, tho. Too many dogs running loose and too many hills!! I prefer riding the bike trail in town, the riverwalk downtown, or at Callaway Gardens... but, none of these places is close to where I live, unfortunately. The bike trail and the riverwalk are both VERY close to where I work and to the YMCA that I go to, tho. Too bad that I couldn't incorporate biking into my workout after work each day. I could... but, I wouldn't feel safe going by myself... AND... I would have to add a bike rack to my car. Parking at the school would be tricky with a bike attached to the back of my car, too!

I was thinking on my way home today that it sure would be nice if we lived "in town", as opposed to out in the country where we live now. The girls both go to school in town now and I am now working in town. The only two things that are out this way for us now are our church and the grocery store where Miranda works.... and those are STILL about 9-10 miles away! I almost wish that we were in the position to be able to move into town, but right now isn't the right time to be selling our house and moving.

Well, now you know all of the thoughts that are running thru my head!! --- Well, those aren't ALL of the thoughts. LOL!!!

Well.... I didn't do so well yesterday on my new eating plan! I did ok until I got the "munchies" last night! UGH!!!

Then... last week, I signed up to for a free breakfast from Chick-fil-a that I will get today. I ordered a sausage biscuit. --- I don't think it is within my 300 calorie limit for breakfast!

Right now... my stomach is GROWLING!!! I am used to eating about this time every morning.

Mon, Wed, & Friday's are VERY busy days for me at work! I don't really have time to eat lunch, so finding time to eat a lunch that is 300 calories, will be difficult. Yesterday (Tues), I took a Lean Cuisine meal (220 cals) for lunch. I barely had time to eat it!! So..... I am not sure what I am going to take for lunch. Normally, I just have time for a cup of yogurt and maybe some crackers.

I plan to go to the gym today --- the first time in a week!! Hoping that I have plenty of energy to get a good workout in. I also plan to ask them about the "Fitlinxx" and tell them that a trainer has yet to call me about it.

David said something to me yesterday, on the phone that upset me. -- he didn't mean to. He said... "I feel so blah!! I gotta' get in shape!!" ... This upset me because he is TOTALLY FIT ... (well, let's just say... he has no reason to lose weight!!!) ... and looks good. I wanted to say the same thing right back to him, but knew better not to. I don't want him to know how miserable I am about my weight and how I look. It's hard having a husband that is skinny and looks good when you, yourself, are overweight. TRUST ME!!!! I know!! He has no idea what it is like to be overweight. He always has TONS of energy!! And with his work as a mechanic... he is constantly getting a workout. He also can't stand to sit still. He is always busy doing something. Me..... I LOVE TO BE LAZY!!!

Well, I better get going before I find myself in tears... yet, again! --- First, I have to stop and get that biscuit!! **Smile**

Gotta Get Back to It

It's the Tuesday after Labor Day, and all I can think about is how I HAVE GOT TO get back to it and focus on my eating and exercising!!! I MUST make it be up either ON the top of my priority list or very close to the top! I am doing W A Y more eating that exercising!

I don't do very well with keeping track of what I am eating, but I think I am going to have to resort to at least trying to do that. I had a friend once that ate 300 calories for breakfast, lunch & dinner. He ate a 100 calorie snack in between each meal and did not eat anything after dinner. He also walked a lot!! He was a BIG GUY, and lost a LOT of weight by doing that. I know that if I try, I can do that. It's something simple. I like simple!

So, if I do this.... it means that I have to keep a food journal. UGH!! Not one of my favorite things to do! But, I am going to give it a try. 

Like I said... this weekend was Labor Day Weekend. I did NOT labor!! LOL! I rested from my labor!

I had a blast while thrifting with my friend, Diana, on Saturday.

Sunday, David and I went up to the lake to visit friends that were camping up there. I was a little hesitant to go because of all the drama that went on between these friends and our other friends this summer.  But, it all turned out fine and we had a good time. We even went for a boat ride.... in the rain!! It was CRAZY!

Yesterday, I was quite lazy. It rained pretty much all day, due to Tropical Storm Lee. It was a good day just to do nothing but watch movies!

Today.... tho... I've got to GET BACK TO IT and FOCUS on losing weight and getting healthy!! It is a MUST DO kind of thing!

Dang it!! I just realized that I won't be able to go to the gym today because it is Tuesday (not Monday!) and I am supposed to go see my mom today!! UGH!!!

Checking in

I have gotten lazy about posting! Oops!

Since I started working again, life is rather busy. My weeks, as well as my days... are full. I DO enjoy writing, but this seems to be the one thing that I can easily let slide in my busy life.

Yesterday, was a fun day. My best friend, Diana, came down for the day (a 2 hour drive!) and spent the day with me. I took her to my favorite "thrift store"... although, she said it was more like a "flea market".... LOL! Either way, it is my favorite place to go to look for fun, decorative things for my house! You never know what you might find and I love the "hunt"! --- You'll have to check out my main blog... Just Being Me... within the next day or two, to see the bargains that I found!

Work is going better, thankfully. The new teacher that I assist, is finally starting to CALM DOWN and doesn't seem to be as stressed as she was the first two weeks.

I signed up for the "Fitlinxx" program at the gym, but have not received a phone call yet from a trainer to get me started. I REALLY need the structure that the program should give me. Right now.... I just go in there and go from machine to machine, with no real plan. I REALLLLLY wish that I could afford to hire a trainer! They cost like $40 an hour, tho!!! YIKES! Even if I met with him/her once a week... I still couldn't afford it! But, it would be nice to have them helping me on a regular basis. PLUS.... they would help me with nutrition, which is something else that I need help with!

Tropical Storm LEE is approaching us and will be bringing us lots of much needed rain. Tomorrow is supposed to be the worst day. Yes, it is Labor Day and normally I would be sad that my Labor Day is all rainy, but we have no plans and we need the rain... so, it's ok. I am thankful that we all have the day off tomorrow and can just stay home and do NOTHING!! **Smile**

My RLS has been terribly bad over the past few days!! I hate it!!! It makes me so very miserable!! Even with my meds, it has been bad. Last night, the UGA game was on and I was looking so foward to watching the game, but I couldn't even enjoy it because my legs were jerking SO BAD!!

The Missing Library Book

Well, the missing library book wasn't "found", but I was able to get my account CLEARED!! YAY!!!

I went to the library right after work and prayed on my way there that the lady that I know from church that works there, would BE THERE! I figured that I had a better chance of resolving this if I had someone helping me that KNEW ME!

Thankfully, as I pulled into the parking lot of the library.... I saw her entering the building!!! YAY!!! She was there!!!

First, I went upstairs to the Fiction section to see if the book was on the shelf. Nope. It wasn't.

Next, I asked a lady at the help desk if she knew what area "Pam" (the lady that I knew) worked. She told me to go to the front desk, where you check out the books, and ask them.

When I got to the front desk, there was a line of people waiting, so I took my place in line. There were two ladies working behind the desk. One looked very nice and the other one... not so nice! I decided that I would make sure that I got the "nice" lady to help me in case I couldn't get Pam to help me.

As I was waiting my turn... the "not so nice" lady left and guess who appeared!!!  PAM!!!! YAY!!! And when it was my turn to go up to the desk, Pam was the one that was "open"!! YAY!!

I explained to her my problem and she was SO helpful!! I was there for like an hour while she researched and researched what could have happened to the book. Finally, she was able to come to the conclusion that the book was lost in the system somewhere! She was able to wipe my account clean!! YAY!!!

Thank you, Lord, for answering that prayer!!  I love you!

Frustrated with myself!

I have GOT TO .... GOT TO... GOT TO...... lose some of this weight!! I think my vacation weight gain is just now hitting me!!! My clothes are not fitting and it is terribly depressing! I am limited on what I can where to work, so I have spent probably and HOUR in my closet trying to find something that I can wear that.... #1. Fits! ... #2. Is "cool", because it is so hot!.... #3. Is appropriate to wear to work. It was a challenging task!! UGH!!

I can't wait to get started at the gym!! (YMCA) I would go today and join, but I have to go to the library after work and see if I can get that book problem resolved!! --- Please pray that either I find it on the shelf, right where it should be... or the library will find it. --- Plus, it is Friday and I will be anxious to get home.

I have to get my focus back on eating right and exercising. --- Please say a prayer for me that I can do that!

Hope you all have a great Friday!

Life is CRAZY right now!

Hi friends!

I apologize for not writing more often. Life is rather crazy right now.

I started work last week, as I wrote in my last post. This week, the children arrived. There are twelve kids in my class, but 7 of them only come M/W/F and 5 come all five days. So, the week is broken up a little that way, thankfully!

The young mom that I am working with is driving me crazy!! Her approach to classroom management is almost the complete opposite from mine! This is her first time teaching and she is so disorganized and unprepared! It is frustrating for me because I have so much experience and I have a slight bit of a "control" issue! Haha! I want to take over, but I am trying hard not to. I am trying to give her "suggestions", but she seems to insist on doing things HER way.

Yesterday, she came to me in tears and said that she felt like I was criticizing her for everything! --- Not so!! I am merely trying to "help" her, but I guess she sees it as being critical. Ugghh!!! I am trying very hard to be patient with her, but it is hard. She is just SO overwhelmed!!

She also has a VERY "high-strung" personality and has a hard time focusing on one thing at a time. Her brain seems to jump from one thing to another.

Today, I will be in the copy room, making a million and one copies of the worksheets that she needs in order to teach. Thankfully... the other 4 year old teacher is a veteran and is willing to share her ideas and skills with this unprepared, new teacher.

I am dealing with a lot because not only am I trying to learn the rules and ways of a new school, but I am also trying to be supportive AND patient with her, as well.

On to other news.....

I have decided to quit Curves and join the YMCA. Curves just isn't in a convienient location for me now and if it's not convienent... I won't go. The YMCA building is only two blocks from the school that I work at, downtown. It will work out perfectly for me! I turned in my cancelation letter at Curves yesterday. I plan to go to the Y on Monday to join. Right now... I plan on working out on M/W/F, but we'll see how that goes! I HAVE to get back to exercising!!!! My clothes aren't fitting!!! UUUGGGH!!

Yesterday, I got a letter in the mail from the library, saying that I owed $40 for a book that they say I never returned!!! I DID return that book!! Of course... I can't find my reciept!! UGGGH!! But, I know that I returned it! So..... I have to go down to the library tomorrow afternoon and see if I can get that taken care of. I would go today, but I have to meet with my C.R.

Miranda looked so cute in her scrubs for Nursing School, yesterday! I wanted to take a picture of her, but she wouldn't let me!

Ashley is already frustrated with school. She has a "sculpture" class where she has to "build" sculptures. She prefers to paint, so this is NOT her favorite class!

She has started "talking" to a guy that she met thru Facebook. They went to the same high school, but he was a grade behind her. From everything that she tells us about him, he seems like a great guy. He is a Firefighter/EMT. He drives a Harley motorcycle and he is an athlete. The only problem is.... Miranda found out through a friend of hers (who also "talked" to this guy for a while), that this guy is "weird" and can't be trusted. Apparently he was arrested once, too! (I don't know yet, what for.) We haven't said anything to Ashley about what we heard about him, yet. We know what her reaction will be!! She will say that she needs to form her own opinion about him... which is true. But, we would also like to put this little bit of "info" in her ear, just so it is there.. whether she wants to hear it or not. It's SO hard being a parent, even when your kids are basically "grown"!

Better run. Gotta get my act together for work and get out the door!

Have a great day!

A VERY busy week!

Hello my friends!

Sorry that I have not written since we arrived home from our vacation. I am sure that you have read my main blog -- "Just Being Me"-- tho, and know that I am posting pics and telling about my trip in an alphabetical order. We had a fun time coming up with words for each letter of the alphabet, as we traveled. Some letters were obvious words, like "P" for Philadelphia. But, some words are rather random, but they have a funny story, like.. "B" for Bad Eddie! You HAVE to read the story behind that one! LOL!

Since we've been back, I have been going NON-STOP!! Or so it seems!

We arrived home Saturday afternoon (Aug. 6). I didn't get a whole lot done that day. I just caught up on emails and Facebook. I also downloaded my pictures onto my computer and put some things away. (I still haven't fully unpacked!!)

Sunday, we went to church. I had a FULL class for Sunday School, which was nice. I spent Sunday afternoon doing laundry and a few other chores. Then, I had a meeting for church to go to at dinnertime. (Luckily, there was food involved! --- Like I needed to eat again!! --- We ate SO MUCH on our trip!!LOL!!)

Monday was my first day of work at my new job! It went well. We were in a meeting all day. The preschool director went thru our staff notebook, cover to cover... which, was helpful. The church provided us with a WONDERFUL lunch!! (Again... more food!!) The young mom that I work with shared with me that her middle daughter... age 6??... had been sick. They had found a tick on her about a week ago and they were having her tested for Lyme Disease.

Monday was also the day that Miranda left to fly to Arizona with Rory to visit his family.

On Tuesday, Nickie (the young mom that I will be working with) called me on my way to work and told me that the doctors were treating her daughter for "Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever"!! Needless to say, Nickie was very worried! Her daughter had been running a fever and she was having trouble swallowing the huge pills that the doctor had perscribed. She told me that she didn't think that she would be able to make it to work. I felt really bad for her.... but, at the same time... I was thinking... "How am I going to get the classroom ready when I don't know what I am doing!!" I don't know where anything is. I don't know what SHE (the teacher) wants to do in the room. I don't know ANYTHING!

I got to work and thankfully, the teachers next door were very helpful and helped me figure out where things were and what I could be doing in my classroom until Nickie could be there.

I left work extremely frustrated and went to visit my mom, since I hadn't seen her in over a week.

Yesterday, we had CPR training for most of the day. Nickie did get to come, but her head was NOT at school! She had a hard time focusing on school and not on her daughter. I can't blame her, but at the same time... we HAVE to get our classroom ready by Friday for Open House!

I tried to do as much as I could, as far as decorating. But, the lesson planning and all of that stuff, are things that I am not prepared to do. Nickie SHOULD HAVE been working on that over the summer!!! But, it appears that she hasn't. I know that her mind is not on school (work) right now, but it REALLLY would have been helpful if she had done some lesson planning prior to this week!! She is TOTALLY unprepared!! And really does NOT seem to know what she is doing as far as being the "teacher". This is her first year teaching. She was an assistant a couple of years ago, but has never actually "taught". I am trying very hard to keep my cool, be patient with her and help her out as much as I can... but, I can't help but be frustrated.

We were only paid to work until 1:00 yesterday. I left at 1:30 because I had a hair appointment at 2:00. Nickie told me that she was going to stay and work some more. I am curious to know if she got anything done.

Today, we will have the full day --- 9 to 1pm -- to work in our classroom. I plan to arrive by 8:30 and I can stay until 1:30 again, but I HAVE to leave then because I have to meet with my Care Receiver today. I didn't get to meet with her last week because of vacation. Then, tonight... I have a Stephen Ministry meeting at 6:00pm. I might just skip out on it! We'll see.

Tomorrow, we have Open House at 10:30!! We have to be ready!!!!

Please say a prayer for Nickie's daughter and for Nickie as she struggles to balance "work" and "being a mom". Please also pray for me as I struggle with learning the ropes of a new job, getting to know new people, and as I try to do my part as Nickie's assistant. I am trying my best to stay calm and patient, but it's hard!

Tuesday

Hi there! Just a quick check in. We are having a good time, but I'm having problems with the humidity. I don't do well out in it if I don't have a way to stay cool. I now have a bad heat rash on my right leg!! Not fun!
I am also going to have to go on a serious diet when we get home!!!! I feel like we are on a food tour of the northeast!!!!
Talk to u soon!

IT'S FRIDAY!!!

I'm going to make this short and sweet.

I have a LONG LIST of things to do today!!

I hope you all have a wonderful week!!! 

Lies

Well, Ashley made it home safely last night.... but..... she lied to me!

From what she "told me" there would only be ONE kid that would be missing a seat for the Six Flags trip and THIS was the reason that she was going to have to drive.

I point blank asked her if one kid ended up NOT going... would SHE have a seat and not have to drive. She said, yes. When I knew for sure that she was going to have to drive to Atlanta yesterday, I asked her to please only transport ONE kid, if that was possible. I know from experience that having 3 or 4 excited teenagers in the car can be VERY distracting!!

I also asked her to please choose a kid whose parents we know well. Since this would be her first time driving through Atlanta, I did not want her transporting other people's kids and being responsible for them.

She told me which girl that she would get to ride with her and I was fine with her decision. This girl lives near us and Ashley gives her rides to youth all the time.

I asked her to please call me (or text me) when they were leaving the church so that I would know whether or not she was driving.

She texted me and said that she WAS going to have to drive!! UGH!! I pretty much knew this, but was really hoping that something would come up and one kid wouldn't be able to go, or another parent would volunteer to drive. I know that's selfish on my part, but I can't help it.

I asked her again if JUST THAT ONE GIRL was riding with her. She said, yes.

I asked her to please call (or text) me when she got to Six Flags and to text or call me when they were headed home.

She did.

She finally got home last night about 11:45. Later than I expected!! --- But, now I know why!!

If it had just been her and the one girl in the car, they would not have had to drive back to the church. They would have driven straight home. You see.... from Atlanta..... you have to pass our little town in order to get to our church!!

This morning, I got on Facebook... as I usually do.... and saw a post from the girl that was supposibly the ONLY ONE to have ridden with Ashley. She posted..... "Had a lovely time with my carbuddies... and then, she named each of their names.... all FOUR of them, including Ashley!!!"

Needless to say... I am disappointed in Ashley this morning. Yes, I am thankful that she made it home safely, but.... she went against my wishes AND WORSE.... she LIED TO ME!

Maybe she did it to spare me the worry, I don't know. Kinda' like me not telling David that she DROVE to Atlanta. But, for me.... I didn't lie to David. I just didn't tell him. If he had asked... I would have told him. And... I DO plan to tell him, now that she is home safely and the car didn't have any issues.

I have been worried about Ashley lately, anyway. She hasn't seemed very "happy". She also seems like she is "hiding" something or some "things". I don't know. She keeps everything to herself anyway, so it is hard to tell. I am pretty good at "reading" people, especially people that I know well. So, I really do feel like something is going on. I'm just not sure "what".

If I ask her if she is "upset" about something, she just says.... "I'm just tired". Which, I am sure that she is. She works long hours and also volunteers a LOT of hours with the youth at church.

She has also been very "snippy" with me lately and very "negative". I can't talk to her like I used to.

If it IS that she is just "tired"... then, she really needs to be taking vitamins and eating better to boost her energy and to help her feel better.

I know that she doesn't eat well. I see it. And I know that it isn't good for her. She is "tiny" as can be and needs to EAT!

Anyway.... whether or not she is "tired", it doesn't make up for her telling LIES.

*******

I am meeting with my Care Reciever this morning for Stephen Ministry!! I feel really good about it!!

I am also going to go get a pedicure today!!  **Smile**

Happy for Wednesday!

I was going to say... "Happy HUMP Day!".... but, I'm not sure if I like that saying or not!! LOL!!

I am happy that it is Wednesday and one day CLOSER to our vacation!!!! WAHOOO!!

Miranda just told me that the Atlanta Braves broke a record last night by playing the longest game in MLB history!! --- 18 innings!!! WOW!!

If you haven't been over to my main blog... I wrote a new post.

I have a HORRIBLE headache this morning!! I "think" it is sinus related, but I'm not sure. I get them pretty often in the mornings and evenings. Mostly mornings.

Miranda got some of her text books yesterday for her nursing classes. One of them is quite interesting. Yesterday, she was reading a section on headaches. She didn't say anything about "sinus headaches". I'll have to get her to go back and look.

She DID find the section on Restless Legs Syndrome. I learned that there are two kinds -- Primary & Secondary. I have the Primary one, which is the most common. It is genetic rather than brought on my other things, such as medications and lack of iron. I kinda' knew that, but didn't realize that there was actually "two" different kinds.

I can't wait until she becomes a nurse!!! It will be so awesome to have one in the family!! She really wants to work with babies, tho... which is fine.

Ashley is headed to Six Flags with our Youth Group from church, today. I am a little upset that she may have to drive a group of kids up there. She has never driven thru Atlanta before and I really don't want her first time to be when she has other people's kids in the car!! But.... our Youth Minister hasn't found enough drivers for the trip. (At least he hadn't as of 9pm, last night) IF I WAS IN CHARGE.... I would have secured the drivers BEFORE I scheduled the trip!!!

David was in bed last night when I found this out, so he doesn't know anything about it. IF she ends up driving... he will NOT BE HAPPY!! For two reasons.... 1) For her safety and the saftey of the kids.... 2) The wear & tear on "our" car.  -- He likes to make sure our cars are "ready" for road trips before we take them! He's a mechanic, so he knows the importance of this!

Ashley just now got up - 6:55am - and I have not had the chance to talk to her yet. I prayed last night that another driver was found so that she isn't needed to driver her car. I am not sure how I am going to handle the sitiuation if she DOES have to drive!!!! Do I tell David???? Or do I spare him the stress and NOT tell him??? Will he be mad if she DOES drive and he doesn't know about it???  Oh... I just don't know. I am just praying that another driver was found!

I guess I will go and ask her about it. (Praying again, right now!!)

Well..... they are short one seat!! So.... looks like Ashley WILL be driving. (Unless one kid ends up not going!) UGH!!

I don't think I am going to say anything to David. I hope he won't be mad at me. He doesn't need anything else on his mind right now. I will just pray that she makes it up there safely and that the car does not have any issues. Oh, Lord! Please keep her safe and don't let anything go wrong with the car. Amen.

When It Rains...

well... you know the rest!

I have had nothing to do all summer, basically.... and now that my summer is ending... I can see that my life is about to become VERY BUSY!!

Of course, next week is our vacation.... which will be fun... but..... BUSY!!

Then, as soon as we return... I will begin my new job on that Monday, August 8th. I am excited about it, but I know that it will be a new routine to get used to, along with new people and a new enviornment.

I have to be at work at 8:40am. Of course, I plan to be there by 8:30. Carpool begins at 8:45 and I don't want to be rushed. I will work until 1:15, but probably won't leave right away, I'm sure. So, I see myself being there until 1:30 each day.

The church that I will be working at is downtown, and is twice the distance as my previous job that was at my own church. I have no idea what traffic will be like during the hours that I will be arriving and leaving. It shouldn't be bad, but you never know. I will probably leave my house around 8am and IF I come straight home... I won't get home until 2:00pm.

Here is where it gets "tricky".

I am trying to figure out "when" will do my grocery shopping. I usually do it on Mondays. I can't decide if I should hit up the grocery store on my way home from work on Monday's or... go on the weekend.... which means that David will most likely accompany me! That is good and bad. Good, because if he is with me, we will probably save more money!! (I tend to spend more by myself!) Bad, because it won't be something that I get to do "by myself"! That was one of the things that I missed when I worked full-time. I NEVER had time to myself!!

I am also trying to figure out how I am going to fit "going to the gym" into my schedule! I usually always go on Monday, and then again on Wednesday and Thursdays --- usually! To go to the gym after work... now... will require me to take the LONG way home. It won't be convenient and I am wondering if I will even make the effort to go! I know that I am NOT going to want to go to the gym AND to the grocery store - BOTH! - after work on Mondays!

My other dilemma is that.... I HAVE to go and visit my mother at least one afternoon a week. I usually go on Tuesday or Wednesday. If I go to see her on Wednesday... then, I am NOT going to want to go to the gym, too! Plus.... they are in totally OPPOSITE directions from each other!

YESTERDAY.... another "element" was added to the "afternoon mix". It's a good thing, but will... like the other things... require me to figure out which "day" will work best. I can't remember if I have mentioned this, or not... but I am what is called a Stephen Minister. (You can click on the link to read more about it). I have been trained to provide one-to-one Christian care to hurting people. I went through the initial training last year and earned my certificate at the end of October. I have continued the on-going training since then. Anyway..... After NINE MONTHS of waiting to be assigned a person to minister to, it has finally happened!!! I finally have someone! Part of me is nervous and part of me is anxious to get started! The hard part will be scheduling a "time" for my "Care Reciever" (C.R.) and I to meet that will work best for the both of us. For me.... a week-day afternoon, after I get off of work, will work best. But, I won't know until I talk to my C.R. if that time will work for her. And then... we'll have to figure out which "day" is best.

Anyway.... you can see that I have a HUGE scheduling problem!! It's all "good", but I still need to figure out a routine and schedule that will work for me.

I would like to keep Friday's open, so that I will at least have ONE DAY that I actually come straight home from work.

The other four days will be the days that I try to figure out how to do all of the above!

Ok. I think I have a solution. ----- I am going to GIVE IT TO GOD and let Him find the best schedule that will work for me! He knows me the best and knows what I can handle and what I can't.

Now, it is time to RELAX and NOT WORRY!! **Smile**

Weekend Whind Down

Yesterday..... after driving to town to buy Miranda a replacement swim suit... I hung out at the pool for the rest of the day.

I'm reading a really good book right now by Sandra Brown. It's called "Play Dirty". Yesterday, I could hardly put it down!! I might try and finish it this week and then take a fresh, new one, with me on our trip. I love to read in the car!! (Not many people can)

David worked in the morning and started feeling better throughout the day.

**************

Today, we went to church as usual. We had a guest preacher. He was "ok". Our preachers (they are a husband & wife TEAM!) are on vacation with their family.

I struggled with a lesson for my college kids. I ended up using a video lesson, but wasn't "thrilled" with it. So.... when we get back from our vacation, I'll have to figure out something, for sure!

David woke up not feeling well again and has been resting all day. He seems to have a cold that has settled in his chest. Hopefully, it isn't bronchitis!! I had that back in February. It is NOT fun!

I have just relaxed all afternoon. I watched a movie called "A Time to Kill", starring Matthew Mcanaughey, Samuel L. Jackson, and Sandra Bullock. I have seen the movie before, but it had been a while. I am interested in ANY movie that Matthew is in!! Haha! And Sandra is one of my favorite actresses, too.

Now, Miranda has gone to a friends' house to study. Ashley has gone to church to help with Youth. And David has gone to bed. So, I am left with the house basically to myself.

I have a lot of things on my mind. I can't really explain any of it at this time, unfortunately.

We only have ONE MORE WEEK before our vacation!! YAY!!! I am SOOOO ready to go!! I need to get away. Then, when we get back... I start my new job!! WOW!

Chester... You Are LUCKY!

I decided to drive to Target and see if they still had swimsuits like the one that Chester chewed up! Whew!!! I was lucky enough to find another one!!!

Chester.... YOU ARE LUCKY THAT I FOUND ONE!!

Miranda is at work and has no idea that her swim suit became his CHEW TOY this morning!! She would have be FURIOUS if I hadn't found another one!!

WHEW!!!

Bad Dog!!!

Well.... as I said in my last post.... it sounds like Chester is chewing on something.

He WAS!!!

It was Miranda's SWIM SUIT!!!!

He ate mine the other week!!

I had put mine on the tub to dry, like she did, and he very quietly snuck off with it and before I could catch him.... he had chewed it to the point that it was no longer wearable! He did the same thing with Miranda's!!! Thankfully... mine was an old swimsuit and not my new one!! This is not the case with Miranda's.... it WAS her new one!! Oh boy! I DREAD WHEN SHE GETS HOME FROM WORK!!!

Hoping For a Better Day

Yesterday... finally.... got better. David was purely EXHAUSTED! And... I later learned that he didn't feel well. So, I now believe that the two together, contributed to him being so "distant" when he arrived home.

Both of the girls had to work in the afternoon, so after he took a good NAP... he and I went to town for dinner. We finally "talked", which we hadn't really done since he got home. I told him about my day with Georiga and he told me more about his competition.

He feels bad for not winning, or at least doing "better" in the competition. But, he learned that out of the 8 guys in his "group" that he was competing against... 6 of them had won the contest more than once!! So, he really had an unfair advantage. But.... he was glad that he went and got to have the experience. I asked him if he would try again next year, and he said that he wouldn't. I understood.

Thanks again, Diana, for letting me call you and cry on your shoulder over the phone! You are a WONDERFUL FRIEND!! I love you lots!!

************************

I am not sure what the day holds for me today. David went into work for a few hours this morning to catch up on a few things. He did mention that maybe we could take a motorcycle trip somewhere. I wouldn't mind that. I just have to put my STUPID JEANS on!! UGH!!!

I sure hope that once I start working again... I can get my motivation to get back to exercising. The gym that I go to (Curves) isn't anywhere near my new job!! I will have to come the looong way home in order to go by there after work. BUT... I know that I NEED TO! I am hoping that I can get into a routine of going there and I won't mind going out of my way AND coming home later in the day, too! I NEED to get back to going 3x a week!

Something else that I really NEED to get back to doing is..... doing Bible study!! I used to do it every day, on my own. But.... I have let that "slip", as well. I am trying to figure out what I want to "study". I could do a "book" of the Bible. I could study a "person". I could just read a "section" each day and study it further. I don't know yet. That is what I plan to do this morning... figure out just WHAT I am going to study.

I did not sleep well last night. I went to bed early. My RLS was bothering me really bad and that makes me just want to go to bed! I thought I might have trouble falling asleep, but I didn't.. thankfully! I fell asleep fine, but I woke up around 2:00am to the sound of a tree frog outside our bedroom window!!! I first thought it was Jackson, dreaming!! But, then it made it's sound a couple of more times, and I figured out what it really was. Then..... I was WIDE AWAKE!!!!

My mind started going in all different directions!! I was thinking about my so-called "friends" and all the CRAP that is going on with them. I was thinking about my new job. I was thinking about our vacation. You name it... I was thinking about it!!

Then... I started having terrible CRAMPS!! I do that about 2 weeks before "Mr. Ugly" shows up each month. NOT fun! So... after laying there for about an hour, trying to go back to sleep.... I finally got up for a bit. I came in here to my computer and just scrolled thru Facebook & Twitter. Just reading. I stayed up for about 30 mins and then went back to bed. Thankfully, I was able to go back to sleep. I ended up sleeping until 6:30am!!! --- LATE for me!! It felt good, tho!

Alrighty.... I am off to find something to study in my Bible. Also... I hear Chester chewing on something!! I better go investigate!!

From Excitement to Depression

I'm trying my best to hold back my tears right now.

David arrived home and wasn't nearly as excited to see me as I was him!!! His homecoming was nothing special to him. I don't get it.

I want to ball my eyes out right now, but I can't. I don't want him to know that I am upset.

As much as I was looking foward to him coming home.... I am totally disappointed.

It's my own fault, I guess. I get things built up in my mind about how I think things should go, only to be let down.

I can't even pick up the phone and call my best friend and cry to her because he will hear me.

I wish I had somewhere to go today and the money to go. I need to get away from here.

Thanks, David!

Friday & Friends

DAVID COMES HOME TODAY!!!

WAHOO!!!

He is on the plane, headed to Atlanta, as I write this. He should be landing soon. YAY! Usually, I don't mind being away from him for a few days -- I think it's healthy for any relationship! -- but, this time... I hardly got to talk to him and that was rough!! I didn't like that!

Yesterday was the day of competition. He called me briefly about 6:00am, but couldn't talk because he had to eat breakfast and then be on the bus by a certain time in order to get to the place where the competition would take place. He told me that he would try to call during lunch. So.... I waited, with my phone by my side from 11:00am until........... he FINALLY called me at 5:00pm! And even then, he was in a rush to get to meet the bus for dinner!! Geeesh! He did tell me that that he didn't feel like he had won anything. **Sad face** There were too many others that had been in the competition before and were more comfortable. David was nervous and didn't know what to expect. The award ceremony was to be either "during" dinner, or "after". I wasn't sure. All he said that there was going to be some big banquet!

He texted us around 8pm and said that he did not win. **Boo**

He finally called me at 10:00pm when he got back to his hotel room. He was once again... exhausted!! And didn't feel like talking to me. I understood. He had .... and HAS BEEN.... on the go since early Wednesday morning!! He hasn't slept well since Monday night. I KNOW that he is exhausted!!! I would be, too! At least he will arrive home today at a decent time and can relax - (hopefully, he will!) - for the rest of today and then, go to bed early.

I never thought I would say this, but...... I am ready for Summer to be over!

I am tired of not having any money and being trapped at home because I can't afford to put gas in my car in order to drive to town!!

I also never thought I would say this..... I am ready to go back to work!

I am lonely and miss having friends to hang out with. When I go back to work, I will start a new job and I am looking forward to meeting new people and maybe even making some new friends.

Although..... I am kinda' leery about making new friends. I have been hurt so much by people that I "thought" were my friends, or were supposed to be my friends. I know that I am not perfect, but I don't intentionally do things to hurt my friends. It does make me wonder..... Is it ME that is the problem??? Here I am thinking that it is "them", and what if it is "ME"?? Maybe I don't know how to BE a friend.

UGH!!!  I am so tired of thinking about it!! That's why I am ready to just move on, get Summer over with and start my new job.

David and I are looking forward to when we can start looking at other places to live. We need a change. Right now is not the right time, tho. Our girls are still in college and financially, we can't afford it.

Our BIG TRIP is just over a week away!!! YAY!!! This time next week.... we will be packing like crazy!!! (Well, I've already started! Ha!) I can't wait!! I am SOOOOO looking foward to getting away from here!!! I just hope this little trip that David took, hasn't made him "ill" about traveling! I know him well enough to know that this could be a possibility! BUT.... he'll just have to "suck it up" and DEAL WITH IT! Our plane tickets are already bought and plans have been made. (Thankfully!)

Just got a text from David. His plane has landed!! YAY!! This means that he should be home in about 2 hours!!! WAHOO!!

I better go so that I can spruce up the house and MYSELF!!! **Smile**

A Fun Day of Thrifting

Georgia and I had a fun time yesterday. I am SO GLAD that we got together! I don't know why we don't see each other more often.

She arrived at my house about 9:30am. We hung around my house, catching up for a bit and talking about decorating and couponing. She didn't know anything about TABLESCAPING, so I had to tell her all about how I fell IN LOVE with it! She loved my 4th of July Tablescape. **Smile**

I am pretty sure that I taught her a good bit about COUPONING. She had seen those shows on TV called "Extreme Couponing" and wanted to know how to be able to do it like THAT. I told her that I haven't gotten to that point and don't plan to. My goal is just to at least cut my grocery bill in HALF each week. We agreed that to be able to save ANY amount of money on groceries each week would be helpful.

We left my house about 10:30 and headed into town. First, I had to stop at the drug store to renew my RLS medication. We were there longer than expected, but it gave us a little more time to chit-chat. I found out that she also has RLS, but not as bad as I do. (LUCKY!) Her brother & Father also have it.

After that, we headed to the south side of Columbus, which isn't a good part of town... but, I really wanted to go and visit Gina's Junk Thrift & Antique Store!!

I am SO glad that we went!! It was the neatest place!! If you want to see pics.. travel over to my main blog (I know you read it!!) and check them out there.

First, we checked out the "junk" in the yard. Gina had lots of outdoor furniture and "yard art". Lots of vintage pieces, too. There were several iron tables that I liked and a shelf that would be perfect for my screened-in porch!! I may have to go back for that one!

Next, we ventured inside to see what we could find. Georgia was looking for things for her granddaughter's "Madeline" birthday party that she plans to do for her in October. So, we were looking for things that looked like PARIS. She also wants to build her granddaughter a doll house for her birthday. So, she was looking for "minature" things that could go into the doll house. As for me, I was looking at the antique furniture and for things that I could use for my August tablescape.

We wondered thru each room of the old house. The prices were GREAT! I saw LOTS of pieces of furniture that I would LOVE to have!! I saw lots of vintage linens that I would love to have had, too. There were many things that I would have loved to have bought, but decided not to. (I was on a VERY tight budget!) Georgia only bought a set of salt & pepper shakers. They were very tiny and very cute!

Gina, the shop owner, was very nice and quite funny! Georgia's S&P shakers had two prices on them, but each was marked out with a red "slash". Georgia asked Gina how much they were. Gina said... "Anything with a red "X" thru the price, means that it is half-off." Then, she looked at the pricetag on Georgia's S&P shakers and said... "Well, that's a half-a** 'X', isn't it?" LOL!! (Because it was only a "slash") It was so funny!

We left Gina's glad that we had made the trip, and headed towards downtown Columbus. I was driving and we were on a road that I knew where it dead-ended, but I didn't know the area that we were traveling very well. As we were headed into town, we came to a train that was crossing the road. We stopped, along with the rest of the traffic. The train was almost done crossing... when.... it started BACKING UP!!!! So.... we didn't know what to do! Finally, I realized that people were starting to make their way to the road on the right. So... I did the same and thankfully, we were able to go "around" the train with no problem and get back on our same road! Whew!

We arrived in downtown Columbus. I decided to take Georgia to one of my favorite restaraunts there. It is called The Cannon Brew Pub. Yes, it is a "Pub". But, it is also a restaraunt. I love their Southwestern Wrap sandwich! YUM! The atmosphere is fun, too.

After lunch, we headed to my very favorite Thrift Mall - Joey's!! Georgia LOVED IT, as I knew she would! We went from booth to booth, checking everything out. We put things in our shopping cart to "think" about as we shopped.

Georgia's best find of the day was a Madeline Doll that was in perfect condition!!! It was only $5.95!!!! YAY!! It was PERFECT for her granddaughter's birthday party! She also bought a cute shirt for only a $1.00!

My big find for the day was a board game all about Columbus, GA!! It is from 1980. It's not "real" old, but it is unique, and since I am from Columbus and I now live and work here.... it was special to me and I HAD TO HAVE IT! I put back a few other things that I had in the cart in order to buy this game. It was $10.00. I thought that was fairly reasonable. The only other thing that I bought was a large package of Post-it notes (unopened) for $2.00. I use Post-it notes all the time, so these will come in handy!

We headed back to my house around 4:00pm so that Georgia could be back home in time to pick up her daughter from work. Poor Georgia was on the phone throughout our day dealing with the car dealership that was trying to fix her daughter's car. I sure hope that they can figure out what the problem is without it costing them too much more money!

I talked to David throughout the day. (He's in Indianapolis, remember?) He was delayed in Atlanta due to the plane that he was supposed to fly out on, having mechanical trouble. (Glad they found it!!!) I can't remember what time he finally got to Indianapolis, but he DID make it there. He texted me later in the day and said that his company was taking them all on a tour of the Indianapolis Speedway!!! He was excited, but wished that he had brought a camera. He did take a few pics with his phone.

I didn't talk to him again until about 9:00pm. He had been to dinner with the group and was EXHAUSTED!!! So, we didn't talk long. As I write this... he is most likely in the middle of the competition that he is in!! I sure hope that he is doing well and isn't too nervous. I hope that he is able to have fun with it. Knowing him, tho.... he is an anxious MESS!!! LOL!

Today, I am staying at home. .... Well, I do have a meeting at church tonight for Stephen Ministry.... But, other than that, I will be at home. I need to go see my mom since I haven't been over there this week, but I am also trying to limit my driving so that I only put gas in my car once a week. UGH!! I can't wait to start getting a paycheck again!!! I miss having money!!

A Day With a Friend

David left early this morning to drive to Atlanta. He is flying to Indianapolis, Indiana for a competition for work. He was so anxious ... and I guess nervous.... that he barely slept last night!! He left our house around 3:30am. He finally called me about 6:00am to tell me that he was finally at his gate. I am not sure what time his flight leaves.

He was all "flustered" because he kept having to take things out of his pockets as he went thru security. Then, he was "patted down", which he wasn't too thrilled with!! I don't think he has flowne since 9/11. Miranda warned him ahead of time of all this, but I guess he didn't listen. No surprise there! Ha!

I think he lands sometime around 10:00am, but I'm not sure. That is the next phone call that I should get. I guess it is good that he is having this experience BEFORE we go on our big trip! Haha!

Today, my friend from high school is coming to spend the day with me! YAY!! Her name is Georgia -- pretty neat since we live IN Georgia! **Smile** She wants me to teach her how to "coupon". I am still learning, but I hope that I can teach her some things that she doesn't already know. She also wants me to take her to some of the Thrift Stores that I go to. I want to take her to one that I haven't been to yet. It's called Gina's Junk Thrift & Antique Store. It's not in a good part of town, but it looks quite interesting!! The other place is called Joey's Thrift Mall (no website). It is my very favorite place!! I'm looking foward to a fun day hanging out with Georgia!

Jeans

I have a horrible sinus headache this morning! At least I think it is sinus. Either way, it is not fun!

While we are visiting David's brother in Virginia... Bob is going to borrow his neighbor's motorcycle so that we can take a motorcycle ride through the Shenandoah Valley. (His brother already has a motorcycle, but he is borrowing one so that we will have two.) I am excited about it!! I love to take motorcycle rides with my David, especially when there is beautiful scenery to look at!

The only down side of this adventure is that I now have to pack a pair of jeans to wear for the ride!! Oh boy!! I dug out my jeans yesterday to see which pair that I wanted to take. Well... um..... my size 10 ones are too tight in the waist!! UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So.... I pulled out one of my size 12 pairs that I am glad that I didn't get rid of!!.. and tried them on. They fit in the waist, but are baggy in the legs -- which bothers me, but I have no choice but to deal with it. This depressed me, of course! 

When I gain weight... it goes straight to my stomach!! Well, it goes to my butt, too.... but is the most noticable in my stomach! It's not fun! I think "carbs" are what do it to me. I think they make me "bloated". Sooooooo...... I am going to "try" to limit my carb intake over the next WEEK AND A HALF (that's how long before vacation!) and see if that helps. I will try and eat more veggies and drink more water. 

David is on a "healthy eating" kick right now because he thinks he has gained weight. He hasn't!!! And if he has... you can't tell by looking at him!! His legs look like toothpicks! I can guarantee that he weighs less than I do!! Which REALLY makes me depressed! He might have a slight "belly", but overall he is at his exact weight for his height. I wish I was!!

When I get depressed, I don't want to do ANYTHING! I just want to sit and cry.... which doesn't help matters.

Today, I have plenty to do to hopefully take my mind off of all this depressing stuff! I will be doing laundry and cleaning my house. My friend, Georgia, is coming to visit tomorrow! YAY!

I have to do laundry for David because he is flying to Indianapolis to compete in a contest for work. He competed in an "online" competition and WON!!! The prize is that he gets to go and actually do the "physical" competition!!! If he wins, he'll win $1000!!! That money would really come in handy for many reasons! He flys out tomorrow and will be home on Friday.

A Day at Six Flags

Each Sunday, at my church, I lead the College Sunday School class. I prepare some sort of Bible lesson for them each week, but I also try to break it up every month or two with something fun for them. So, since it is Summertime... I brought up the idea of us all going to Six Flags. The "kids" loved the idea!! We then, had to come up with a day that was good for everyone. Sunday turned out to be the best day for everyone because of Summer class schedules and work schedules. So... yesterday was the day!

I average about 8 to 10 "kids" in my class each Sunday, which is AWESOME considering that this is the first "college age class" that has ever been a success at our church!! Other people have tried to lead this age group and keep them involved in church, but have had no luck... for whatever reason. I've been doing it for two years now, and it seems to be working out well!

Yesterday, for our Six Flags trip, it worked out that almost all of my "kids" could go! Only two were unable to. My Ashley had a trip to Atlanta planned with her boss to buy more products for their store. Another girl is in Guatemala for the Summer for a school trip.

It ended up with 10 of my College Kids going, myself and a girlfriend of one of the boys. Twelve us in all.

I drove my car and since I didn't have another official "adult" to go with us... one of the college boys borrowed his mom's van and was the other driver. Although....If we go again.... I think I am going to find another official "adult" to go with us!! I was a nervous wreck watching this young man as he followed behind me!!! Lesson learned..... young drivers don't need to be driving on big highways with a bunch of other "young people" in the car with them!! Too many distractions!! But... by the grace of God.... we all made it there and back, safely!

We had a GREAT day! The weather could not have been more perfect!! It was sunny and hot, but not SO HOT that it was miserable. There was even a breeze every now and then and part of the afternoon, was overcast. The park was not crowded, like it sometimes is. We were able to ride all of the rides that we wanted to, and probably could have ridden more, but chose not to.

The only thing that didn't go well was that one of my boys became dehydrated and got a really bad headache. But, once we got him some ice water and some food, he was fine. This happened late in the day, as we were winding down our day. We left the park about 8pm and stopped for dinner on the way home. After taking the kids to the church to get their cars and driving another kid home, I walked in MY door about 11:15pm.

I was EXHAUSTED!!!! My legs and feet were hurting so bad!! I tried to go to sleep, but ended up getting up and taking a warm bath, which helped.

This morning... I am still tired. My legs don't hurt so bad, but my left foot hurts pretty bad when I walk on it. I'm not sure what's going on. I wore my old tennis shoes. Maybe that is why it hurts. I don't know.

I honestly don't feel like doing a THING today!! This may have to be a total "waste of a day" for me. Thankfully, it CAN BE!! **Smile**

Good Bye Harry Potter

Yesterday, I DID get my car cleaned out!! YAY!! It feels good to have a clean car again!

I also worked on the pictures that I was downloading to my computer. Whew! They take forever! I don't know how often I will be doing THAT!

Miranda ended up coming home around 11:30. I wasn't expecting her to. We had talked about going to see the last Harry Potter movie together in the afternoon, but we couldn't agree on a time. She had a hair appointment at 2:00pm. When she left for school, yesterday morning, I didn't expect her to come home until AFTER her hair appt.

But, like I said... she came home after school instead of staying in town. She then asked me if I still wanted to see Harry Potter. I said YES! (It was a rainy, yucky day yesterday. A perfect movie day!) So, we agreed on a time that would work -- 3:30pm -- and headed to town. I dropped her off at the hair salon and went over to the movie theater to buy the tickets, in case they were sold out when we showed up at 3:30! After that, I went to the book store to browse while I waited on her to call me when she was done getting her hair cut.

I wanted to look at the NYC books -- (If you follow my other blog, you now know where our other vacation destination will be!!). I had gotten a really good one from the library that had a pull-out map in the back, and I wanted to see if the book store had one like it. They didn't have THAT particular book, but they had plenty of others! So, I grabbed a few that looked good and found a comfy chair to sit in so that I could look at them. I finally settled on one and headed for the check out. The store was a bit crowded, for whatever reason, so I had to wait in line for a few minutes. I hate that because I end up "browsing" while I am standing there and I see LOTS more things that I want to buy!! But... I did good. I didn't buy anything else!

Right after I got back into my car, Miranda called and said that she was done. YAY! On to Harry Potter we would go!! 

The movie was not crowded like we had expected. I think everyone had gone to the midnight premiere the night before! Ashley did! So, that was good. We had good seats for the movie!

I was pleased with this last EVER Harry Potter movie. Ashley had said that she was disappointed in it. But, Miranda and I thought it was GREAT! The end was totally different than what I expected and that made me very happy! I even got a little teary-eyed when the credits started rolling!

It warms my heart that Miranda enjoys hanging out with me and WANTS to do things with me! Even tho I shouldn't have spent the money to go see the movie, I couldn't say no to her wanting to see it with "me".  --- Plus... I really did want to see it! **Smile**

When we got home, we watched the first Harry Potter movie!! It's still, by far, my favorite!

Friendships and Fridays

Fridays used to be THE BEST days!!

At my last job, I worked part-time as a preschool assistant teacher. I only worked 3, "half days" a week, T-W-TH. It was great!! On Monday, I would do all of my grocery shopping and errand running. And then on Friday, I would stay at home. I cleaned my house in the morning and then "played" in the afternoon! Friday was my favorite day!

This summer, I haven't had much money and I am trying not to drive my car too much because of the high gas prices. So... I have spent a LOT of time at home!! This is why Friday's aren't as special to me right now. They are like any other day. Although... I have been waiting until Friday afternoon's to go hang out by (and in) the pool. I don't know why, but it doesn't seem right to do that during the week. So, that is one thing that I do look foward to. It is supposed to be a rainy day today, tho. So, I may not get my afternoon in the sun. Boo!!

I am determined to get my car cleaned out this morning!! Yesterday morning got away from me and I didn't get it done. I got too wrapped up in downloading pictures into my computer.

I thought about inviting a friend over to hang out with me at the pool, but there is no one that I really want to hang out with right now. Well, except for my best friend in Atlanta. She is the only true friend that I feel that I have. She is the only one that I TRUST and the only one that I feel like I can truly talk to. Maybe I will call her today and just chat.

I briefly talked to my cousin, Chuck, on Facebook yesterday. He wants to get together again for lunch next week. I don't really have the money to spend, but I would love to see him again. Maybe instead of lunch, I can see if he wants to meet for coffee or ice cream (I have gift certificates that I can use!!).

I also talked to another friend of mine that I have known since High School. She lives about 45 mins north of me. We don't see each other as often as we should. She wants to come down here and go "thrifting" with me. I didn't have the heart to tell her that I didn't have any money to go, but I want to see her... so, she is coming down on Wednesday, next week. It will be fun to see her! Maybe.... since my other so-called "friendships" are dying out, she and I can start trying to see each other more often. We have a good time when we get together!

I wish I knew why I feel so depressed.

I never thought I would say this... but, I think I am ready to go back to work!! I am starting to look foward to meeting new people and maybe forming some new friendships. Although.... I am not holding my breath on that one! I have been disappointed WAY too many times!

Being at a new job and meeting new people will give me something NEW to think about. I think I need that. I need something to take my mind off of all that has been bothering me this summer. I hope that it will take away the "lonely" feeling that I have, too.

Ok. I'm off to start my day.

Is it nap time??

No. I did not get my car cleaned out. But, I did get my bathroom cleaned!

The rest of my day has consisted of downloading pictures into my computer. Some of them... well, most of them... I have put on Facebook to share. I have been wanting to do that for some time. They are pictures that are not digital and have been stored in photo boxes. I want to put them into my computer so that I can put them on a zip drive and/or on my external hard drive. I still need to sort them and put them into years and categories. It's just so time consuming! My back now hurts from sitting here at my computer for most of the day!

What I really want to do right now is... go take a nap!! But, David is home and I'm not sure what he would think of me if I went and snuggled up on the couch.

But, then again.... do I really care what he thinks?? So what if I want to take a nap!!

I probably wouldn't be able to sleep anyway. My restless legs syndrome will "kick" in (LOL) and I wouldn't be able to lay there long. But.... I think I'm going to try it! **Smile**

Such a Long Summer

Thanks, Becca, for reminding me that I shouldn't use the word "diet". It is better to say... "life-style change"!! That sounds SO much better!!

It's weird how my summer is draaaggggingggg along. Part of me is glad, but part of me is sad.

I am glad because ----

Once my summer ends.... I will start my new job!! Part of me is excited about it, but part of me is a little nervous!

I am sad because ----

I want my vacation to be here!!! It is right at the end of my summer! 16 more days and I'll be on a plane, headed for Philadelphia!

If I had some motivation... I would be working on the many projects that need to be done around my house. Instead, I keep putting them off and being totally LAZY! I just get too overwhelmed by them all. They aren't anything big. They are things like --- cleaning out closets, cleaning out cabinets, organizing things.... and other projects like these. I just don't want to do them! But, then... when my summer is over... I will regret not having done them! Crazy, huh?

Today, I think I WILL clean out my car. It needs to be vacuumed terribly! David is good about washing the outside for me, thankfully! Sunday, I will be driving some of my college kids to Atlanta to go to Six Flags. I would like to have a clean car for them to ride in!

For any of you that don't know... I teach lead the College Age Sunday School class at my church. Both of my girls are in the class, along with about 10 other "kids". I know that they aren't "kids", but that's what I call them! **Smile**

Ok... so that is ONE thing that I hope to accomplish today. I'm still trying to think of something else! LOL!

Hi. Remember me?

I apologize for not writing in such a long time. I have TOTALLY fallen off of the diet & exercise wagon!! Well..... to be honest... I haven't totally fallen off. I'my just hanging on by my fingertips! Haha!

I am trying not to let diet & exercise be my main focus in life. It is still "part" of my life, but not driving me as crazy as it was. I just don't want to think it about it 24/7 like I was.

I am still trying to eat healthy (for the most part!) and exercise often. I do have to admit that I have become pretty lazy this summer!

Anyway.... I still want to keep this blog up and going. I just want the focus to not be totally on my trying to be healthy. I want it to be more of a journal of my every day "crazinesss", along with my wishes and dreams.

Today, I am full of mixed emotions. I feel many things, including....

Frustrated --- That I have lost my focus on losing weight.
Thankful --- That Ashley made it home safely after going out drinking with friends last night.
Anxious --- To leave for our upcoming vacation that is 17 days away!
Depressed --- That I don't have any money.
Guilty --- Because I am spending money to go to Six Flags with my College Kids from church.
Excited --- That I am going to Six Flags!!
Nervous --- Because I will be starting my new job when we get back from vacation.
Bored --- Because I have no motivation to do anything constructive!
Worried --- That David is going to go into his "funk" that he goes into when he isn't happy with the way that I look.
Confused --- Because I don't know what I did to make my "so-called friends", act like they don't want to be my friend any more.

Ya. There are a lot of thoughts going thru my head!

I think, once I start back to work.... some of these things will go away. But... of course.... "new" emotions may arise to replace these.

Day 80 - New plan (again!)

I haven't been able to get on Blogger for whatever reason. The site was apparently having technical challenges.

Anyway....

Yesterday... (well, really... Wednesday)... I started the Slimfast weightloss plan. I heard on the news that it is the #2 weightloss plan as far as success goes. (Jenny Craig is #1 and Weight Watcher's is #3) Success is what I need!!!! I did Slimfast years ago (20 to be exacct!) after I had Miranda. I remember losing 13lbs. I can't remember how long I did the diet, tho.

I feel like I can do this diet. It is easy and not complicated. I am not good and counting calories or "points"!! This does not require any of that! I like the taste of the products, too... which helps. Hopefully, I can stick with it! My beach trip is less than a month away now!! YIKES!! I don't expect to be in a bikini... but, I would love to look better in the bathing suit that I DO have, and not look like a beached whale!! **Smile**

I still need to drink more water. For whatever reason, it is hard for me. I like the green tea, but it is expensive. I have cut WAY back on my soda's, which is good. I might have two a week... if that. Of course, on the weekend... I do enjoy a few beers and maybe some wine or a mixed drink or two. And I'm not giving up my coffee!! LOL!

I have an interview on Monday for a preschool job. It is not a teaching job, but it is an aide in a 4 yr old class for 5 days a week. I REALLY don't want to work 5 days... and I REALLY would rather teach.... but, right now... I really can't say no to anything. So, we'll see.

Oh!! Before I forget.... my weight is down to 169.2! So, now I have lost 3.3 lbs in a month's time!! I think I can consider that a success!! **Smile**

Day 77 -- SOOOO Off Track!

Oh my goodness!! I am SOOOO off track with not only my "dieting", but also my exercising!

Why is it so hard for me to get to the gym lately?? Why can I not resist the yummy-not-so-good-for-you foods??

Of course, we all know what lack of exercise and eating the wrong foods does to the body!! --- WEIGHT GAIN!!   Ugh!

I have not been on the scale since last Friday, but I know that it is higher! I am AFRAID to get on it!

One excuse that I do have is that my "monthly friend" is due at any time, so I know that I am bloated. -- That sure is an ugly word, isn't it?-- And, I'm sure that this is the reason that I am constantly hungry right now, too!

April 12th is when I rejoined Curves. That is also the day that they weighed and measured me. You are supposed to go every month at about that same time and get weighed and measured again. UGH!!! I dread it!!!! Although.... since the 12th is NOT a good day to go because of the "bloating", I will probably wait and it a week later, instead.

I have GOT to get my focus back!

Today, I am having lunch with my girls and my cousins. We are meeting at the mexican restaraunt! --- BIG mistake!! -- I hope to not eat too many chips, drink water and eat as "lightly" as I can. That is my plan, anyway!

I really DO need to keep a food diary. I know that doing that is supposed to help a lot. I just have a hard time with it. I am going to give it a try again today.

Saturday, I walked 6974 steps. But, the past two days.... not so much! Sunday was Mother's Day. I didn't even wear my pedometer! And yesterday.... I sat most of the day, making phone calls and waiting for return phone calls. (I hated that I had to miss Zumba!) I also enjoyed time with Miranda and Rory. We played Trivial Pursuit. I love board games!

I have my pedometer on today, so we'll see what my number ends up being!

Day 73 - Weigh-in Day

Well, I lost .2 lbs! Guess that's better than nothing. I haven't been very focused this week with all that is going on at work. I DID turn in my two weeks' notice yesterday, and I feel very good about my decision. I can't wait to see where God leads me!

This week was ... "Teacher Appreciation" week, and while that is all good and fun.... it isn't so much fun for those of that are trying very hard to NOT eat the yummy stuff! Along with flowers for my yard and a few other NON-food things... I got a HUGE chocolate bar, some homemade cookies, AND a loaf of vanilla poundcake!! So... I have been blasted with temptations all week! I wish I could tell you that I have avoided them, but I can't. It's been a rough week and sweets are a comfort food for me!

I DID go to the gym yesterday and was very focused on my exercise. So, I feel good about that.

This morning, I "hope" to get in a bike ride around the neighborhood, but I have a lot to do today and I am not sure if I can fit it in. If I don't do that... maybe I can pop in my Jillian DVD and do it. I haven't done it in a while. Of course... I have the Wii Fit, too. We'll see how the day goes.

As far as my step-counting goes.... I haven't had as good of a day since the great "over 10,000" number that I pulled off on Monday!

Tuesday's step # was - 4449
Wednesday's step # was - 3083
Yesterday's step # was - 5722

Like I said before.... it has been a rough few days!

My plan for today is to eat proteins, veggies & fruit.

Day 71 - My emotions got the better of me.

Yesterday was NOT a good day!!

Well, it started of going very good, but then went totally down hill later!

For breakfast, I had a protein shake.

At work, it was "Muffins With Mom" day, and I avoided having a sampling of  the mini muffins that were there. I was very proud of myself!

This is what I packed for my lunch & snack --- grapes, 4 thin slices of deli turkey, 1 slice of low-fat cheese, lite yogurt, and a low-fat mozerella cheese stick. I also took bottle of green tea with me.

My plan was to go see my mom after work and eat my lunch in the car on the way there, or after I got there.

Well..... after work is when my eating plan went out the window!!

After work, I met with my boss and found out that I did not get the higher position that I had applied for. This was a "blow" that I was totally NOT expecting!! -- There is a lot more to this story than what I am saying here, but if you go to my main blog page... you can get an idea of what happened.

I left work in tears and drove to my mom's, unable to eat my lunch.

When I got to the nursing home where my mom lives, I had to deal with a situation with her that I wasn't expecting. This was just something ELSE to add to my already bad day!

I got home about 2:30pm. It wasn't until about 4:30 when I realized that I hadn't eaten anything. THIS is when my eating took a turn for the worse!!

I munched on pita chips & hummus. Then ate speghetti for dinner not long after. (David helped out and cooked dinner for me) The speghetti was as healthy as I could make it with whole-grain noodles, heart healthy sauce, and ground turkey. But.... I added cheese AND I had a piece of garlic bread.!

I also had two glasses of wine and a piece of chocolate from a HUGE candy bar that one of my students gave me for Teacher Appreciation Week.

Later, I had some cheese-its for a snack.

I turned to food for comfort. NOT a good idea. I failed.

So... here I go again today.... trying to be good. I will plan as I did yesterday... to try and avoid as many carbs as I can.

I dread going to work.

Day 69 - Still plugging along!

After a weekend of not doing so good on the diet and exercise.....

I went to Curves this morning and did 30 mins of just Zumba and then 30 minutes of Zumba and the circuit machines. It felt good to get a GOOD workout!

For breakfast - I had a protein shake.

I filled my water bottle up with Green Tea to take to the gym.

After the gym, I went to the "strip mall" --- This is what we call a shopping center that is one big line of stores. I parked at one end and walked to the end and back. I did go into a few stores, too. I am looking for a new duvet cover for my bed.

On the way back down the strip mall... I stopped at a "Smoothie Shop" and got a low-cal fruit smoothie. This was my lunch.

After I walked that strip mall, I walked the one across the street, too. It is smaller, tho. I didn't have any luck finding a duvet cover that I liked, unfortunately. I decided to order one from Potter Barn, but it looks like it might not be available until like August!! UGH!!  -- Still thinking on that one.

I went to Walmart next, to buy groceries and then came home. I snuck a couple of pieces of low-fat colby/jack cheese on the way home! Hee hee!

Since I have been home... I have only drank water. I usually can't resist getting a diet coke in the check-out line at Walmart, so I did good!

My pedometer reads ---- 10,657!!!!!   WAHOOO!!

For dinner -- I plan to eat leftover chicken and veggies & a salad.

I am going to try VERY hard to resist as many carbs and sugars as I can. This is a VERY hard thing for me to do... but, I have GOT to lose some of this weight! It is really bringing me down and effecting my marriage, as well.

Day 66 - Feeling Sluggish

Today was "Weigh-in Day". I stayed the same. >>Frown<<

Looks like we are going to go eat pizza with friends tonight, too. I love pizza. It is my favorite food. I should eat a salad instead.... but, I know that I won't. I will just eat well today and exercise.

Day 65 - I've Lost It

Yes. I have lost my focus.

Just a couple of months ago... I was totally focused on losing weight and exercizing. It was practically ALL that I thought about!

Now.... I can't seem to get it back. I have too many other things on my mind, I guess. I shouldn't let that be an excuse, tho. I know that.

Of course, I am thinking about our beach trip coming up in just over a month. UGH!! I had hoped to be at least 10% lighter by now.

Every day, I say to myself... "Ok. THIS is the day that I will REALLY focus on what I put into my mouth and I WILL get to the gym to exercise!!" But.... by the end of the day... I have failed.

I DID buy a jar of protein mix. I bought it on Tuesday. I tried it yesterday morning. I noticed that it helped me stay "full" longer, which was good. I had planned to drink it for my lunches, but since I have to "mix" it.... I don't know if that will work.

I really hope to get to the gym after work today. That is my plan. Of course.... I only got 4 hours of sleep last night because of the scary weather that kept me from sleeping. So... I may run out of energy later today. I have a meeting at church tonight at 6:00. I hope I can stay awake for it!

Tomorrow is "weigh-in" day. It is not looking good. I have a feeling that I have gained the 2 lbs that I lost last week.

It is SOOOOO frustrating!!!

Day 62 - Better (a little)

Please forgive me for my previous post and the "venting" that I did. Things are a bit better now, thankfully.

David and I did go to Callaway to ride bikes. We pretty much rode each and every bike trail, which I believe to be about 13 miles, but can't be sure.

At first, I felt VERY weak! I didn't think that I would make it up the first hill that we came to... but, I did. As we biked... I felt myself getting stronger and stronger. I even prayed as I approached two of the dreaded hills. I prayed for God to give me the strength to make it up each one... an He did. I never had to stop and PUSH my bike up a hill. Of course, since I started biking, that has been one of my "rules" for myself. I can not and.... WILL NOT..... PUSH my bike up ANY hill!! I will stay on my bike even if it takes me an hour to get up a hill... I will NOT get off and push!

I was disappointed that I had missed the peak season of the azalea blooms. Oh well. I brought my camera along for the ride today, but didn't really see anything worth taking photos of. Plus.... once I got going on my bike... I didn't want to stop.

Usually my pedometer does not count any "steps" when I ride my bike... but, for whatever reason... today, it did. I don't remember the exact # when we were done biking, but it was about 5800. Right now (at 4:41pm)... my pedometer reads.... 6857. I met my 6000 goal! YAY!

I have not done well on the Curves diet over the weekend, but I plan to get back to it tomorrow. I think I am going to buy some protein shake mix and try drinking that for lunch each day. The Curves diet that I am doing is one that wants me to eat (or drink) more protein than carbs... which makes since. Curves sells a protein shake mix, but Walmart sells one for a cheaper price. It's kind of expensive, still -- $15.00, but I think it might be worth it.

My plan is to go to Curves on Wednesday. Hopefully... I can make it there.

Day 62 - Depressed

I am not depressed about my weight this time. ---- Well, I am. But, right now...  I have other things on my mind.

I am just genereally depressed.

I feel lonely.

I only have one true friend and she doesn't live anywhere near me. The rest of my "friends" are too busy for me. They have big families and/or other "friends" in thier lives.

I have tried for over 12 years now -- since we moved to Columbus -- to find a "best friend" or a group of "girlfriends" to do things with or hang out with, but everyone seems to already have a "best friend" or a group that they already hang out with.

Yes. I have "friends", but no one that I can really say is my "best friend" or a group that I can say are my "girlfriends".

I don't even feel close to David, right now. He has been in one of his moods where I might as well be the WALL! I can always sense when he isn't interested in me and finds me unattractive. When I talk to people (friends!) about it... they think it's all me! But, it's not. I have been married to him for 26 years now, and I KNOW him like the back of my hand!! I KNOW what he is thinking!! TRUST ME!!

I hate HATE HATE when he looks at my body first (mostly my stomach!) when I walk into a room, and THEN looks at my face. It hurts.

It also hurts when just a couple of weeks ago... everything between he and I was going GREAT! No issues at all. Then.... like ALWAYS!.... BAM!!!! He goes from loving me the way that I want need to be loved, to this.

He mentioned to me yesterday about us going to Callaway to ride bikes today. I want to, but I would rather go withOUT him. Him saying this to me, makes me feel like it's his suttle way of getting me out to "exercise". At least that is the way that my mind is thinking right now. If I go to Callway to ride bikes with him, then I will miss out on the Zumba class at the gym this morning.... which I really like and enjoy.

I just want to crawl into a hole right now and cry.

He hurt my feelings yesterday too, when he started talking about different motorcycle trips that he wanted to go on. Then, I asked him if he was planning on going on these by himself or was he thinking of doing this with me. He said.. "I was thinking about going with my brother". Then, he hesitated and said... "but, you are welcome to come, too." - Ya. Right!

Ok... I have to pull myself together before he finds me crying over my computer.  Oops! Miranda just did!! I better go.