Monday Morning Weigh-Ins!

Hello my fellow readers...who I have abandoned out of my crazy loyalty to the Red Sox!

It's officially Monday...and that means it my official weigh in day...where I get up, go potty and then step on the scale and see how I faired this week. I didn't post an update for last week (Go Sox!)...but I lost 3 lbs. I was very happy about that. So far, my weight loss has been trucking along..and been pretty consistent.

How did I do this week? Well...I stepped on the scale this morning and I saw that I lose FOUR FREAKIN' POUNDS this week. That's huge. I expected a much smaller number. It's just more evidence that I need to keep doing what I am doing...even if my co-workers and friends think I am nuts for not letting a smidge of bread cross my lips...not even a crumb!

I still think my nervousness about the Red Sox in the last week and a half...helped burn off a ton of calories. I was sweating bullets during some of those games.

Plus, I have been working out with the elliptical again. It's nice to have it back and working in the apartment. I missed it. One, I love the machine...and it gives me a nice workout without beating up my knees. Two, it is nice to have that as an option instead of the tons of workout tapes I have. On two different occasions last week, my roommate was home when I got home from work (she's usually at work)...and it was nice to be able to workout on the elliptical...because the tapes would have been too much to do with someone else in the living room, etc. So, I was thankful to have them this last week...so I didn't have to table my workouts because of scheduling, etc.

And another week begins...and I look forward to more losses! I have never been so happy to call myself a loser.

They did it again!!!!

My friend Heather sent me a comment last week...wondering why I haven't posted, etc. So...here I am. And why haven't I posted???

Well...this is why!



Yep, that's right...the Boston Red Sox swept the Colorado Rockies and won the 2007 World Series. So, for the past week or more...I have done nothing, but stay up late and watch the Red Sox get a game closer and closer to their second title in 4 years. It was great to watch the comeback (again)...against the Cleveland Indians. Boston showed themselves as a team that no matter how bad it looks, they refuse to give up. Boston was in dramatic fashion in Game 7...and headed off to the World Series against the Colorado Rockies...who had swept both of their previous competitors and also won their last 20 or 21 games.

The Red Sox came into the World Series and played with an intensity...and just never let up. They won two blow out games and also won two very close games. I am so proud of the team...and proud to be a member of Red Sox Nation!!!

Oh...and another reason I hadn't posted...other than everything I have done in the last week has been about baseball...I am one of the superstitious people when it comes to sports. I, irrationally, believe that things that I do at home while watching the game on my TV...effect the outcome. So...the Red Sox were undefeated while I had not posted on my blog...so I decided to keep that streak going until they won the Series. I know...it makes no sense, but well...it's what crazy sports fans do. Let me tell you...now that they have won, I have tons to update the site about...so get ready to do some reading.

And who's my fav Red Sox player? Well...I love them all. Mike Lowell definitely deserved to get the MVP..he was just a rock star both offensively and defensively. He's a free agent this year..so hopefully the Red Sox resign him (and get no where near signing A-Rod...ick!). The rockie Jacoby Ellsbury...he was dynomite! Beckett rocked the mound like always... I could go on and on...because it was an across the board win...with each player contributing to the overall victory. But who's my favorite player???



I love Jonathon Papelbon...he is their closing pitcher. One, he's awesome...he has such intensity when he is on the mound and he is virtually unshakeable. He's a tough, tough cookie. When he comes in the game, you can almost relax with the game in his hands. He's such a young one too...and filling such an important role for the team. Plus...he's crazy, but fun crazy. When they won the division record...he did this river dance type thing...and then did it again when they beat the Indians. He is the goofiest guy ever. So...he's my fav. I adore him. I will wear my Papelbon t-shirt with pride. Plus...he's dreamy. Hummina, hummina, hummina...

Let's Go Red Sox!!! whoo hoo....

P.S. and now...I can actually get some sleep...since I have been staying up til 1am on countless evenings while watching these pesky, but wonderful Red Sox play.

Election 2008: Who are ya voting for?

Everyone knows that I am political...and I have been paying attention to the Presidential Candidates as much as I can. I haven't watched all the debates, but have watched a few here or there. And, I have learned a lot about the candidates from watching the news and The Daily Show and Real Time with Bill Maher. But let's not forget...the election is still over a year away. I have to wonder how the campaigns are going to change in the next year.

I have a few friends who aren't as political as I am. One of my friends wanted to know what the different politicians stood for. I was starting to tell her about what I thought of the candidates, but realized that she was only going to get my side of things. It wasn't as bad as Obama=good and Rudy=Bad, but it was close.

I ended up doing a quick internet search and finding some places where she could read about all the candidates. One of the sites is Spook.com where they have a link about all of the different presidential candidates. It seems pretty non-partisan, so it is a good place to start. You can read about Hillary Clinton or John McCain or any of the other 25 candidates that no one has ever heard of.

So, a year away from the election....do you have any idea who you are going to vote for yet? I have an idea, but haven't decided yet.

Back in the saddle again...

I finally update my weight loss ticker over there....go ahead, look...check it out...I'll wait. I wanted to wait to update it until I was basically back to where I was. I had done a great job losing 15 pounds...only to gain it back. So, I didn't want the self-esteem blow to update it that I had gained, so instead...I kept trucking along until I was right back where it said I was...plus, I even lost another pound.

I am feeling more motivated about weight loss, fitness, etc..than I have in a long time. I have decided that, if I can, I would like to be at my goal by New Year's. I think that is a positive goal for me...because it is reverse of my usual pattern. I usually start like gangbusters in January with health and fitness goals. I do great for a few months...and then I start to get bored or miss pizza or whatever. So, I slide off the weight loss wagon...and then October and November and December come...and I just give up...figuring I will start again in January. I end up gaining even more weight in those months...celebrating the holidays, etc. And when January rolls around, I have such dedication again...and the cycle begins once again.

So...no more of that. I am working hard now...I am following all the rules. Hey people...I didn't eat birthday cake on my birthday. I am making it work...following the rules 100%, not when I feel like it.

Plus, I got a new elliptical machine. The old one was pretty much broken...the electronic display was all wonky...and then the wheel thingy started to crack. So, I was in need of a new one since we all know how in love with my elliptical machine I am. My dad was nice enough to buy me one for my birthday. It took us a while to get it together since one of the pieces was bent, but it's up...and good to go.

I am excited that I am dedicated to making myself a healthier and fitter person in 2007...instead of just waiting around for 2008.

Making alternative energy research a competition!!

I just think this is the coolest thing ever. BP is sponsoring something called a BP Solar Decathlon. BP is partnering with the US Department of Energy to sponsor a contest where 20 university teams from across the country compete to design and build completely usable homes that function solely on solar power. The competition takes place every two years and the next competition is coming right up the week of October 11-19. There is a weeklong competition that each team participates in held in Washington, DC.

I know that BP is an energy company and that they make their money selling oil, but I think it is awesome that they are sponsoring something so environmentally friendly. They are encouraging Universities and the next generation of bright thinkers to be thinking about alternative energies. I can't wait for a day when all homes are powered by renewable energy. It seems like something so far away, but it is well within my lifetime, if the research is supported and funded.

Check out their site throughout the week because there are having each team blog about their successes and challenges throughout the week of competition.

Oh yeah...and if you get the opportunity, choose to go GREEN!

Happy Bday to you!!!

One of my co-workers had a birthday today....she is officially 21 years old. Being 30, 21 seems just so young!

You know, I remember my 21st Birthday...which yes, it means I didn't drink so much that I didn't remember anything that happened. I was in my senior year in college. I was an RA on campus...and planned on going out to the bars for a brief time with my friends after classes and dinner and such.

That was the plan...until I got the call from residence life that there was an unscheduled RA meeting that night at 9pm or something like that (since some people had night classes). To say I was pissed was an understatement. I considered for a brief moment calling and saying that I already had plans and was not available...and still going out with my friends. I decided against it...I thought that the Res. Life Dept. wouldn't consider a night of drinking to be more important than their meeting.

So...I went...and was pissed walking into the door. They sang me happy birthday and made me some paper bday girl hat to wear. The meeting went super late...and I think I got out at like 11pm. I had class the next morning...so no bar hopping for me. And to add insult to injury...I found out that the meeting was rescheduled because someone else had plans on the usual meeting day and they rescheduled to oblidge them. When I found out about that...I basically hit the wall.

So, that's the story of my 21st birthday that did not involve drinking until I couldn't see or walk straight! Now the story of the weekend following my bday weekend is a different story...for a different day!

P.S. My co-worker is going out in town tonight...I'll be going along and celebrating with her. But, I will be a good kid and stay on my diet and not drink or eat any crappy, fatty appetizers.

I *heart* NY!

I miss the Big Apple...seriously, I do. When I was in high school and even a little when I was in college, I used to go to NYC quite a bit. I would go down to the city and see a broadway show or maybe go and do some Christmas shopping. I won a trip to NYC my freshman year in college. I got to stay in a nice hotel and see all the site, including a Broadway show. It was such a great trip. I can't believe I haven't been to NYC since 9/11. I don't think my roommate has ever been to NYC, which of course is a shame.

The next time I go to the city, I might want to take one of those bus tours. They pick you up, bring you down, give you lots of info of places to go, etc. I think the transportation is one of the real highlights. I could take the train, but if a bus will bring me...all the better. I would never and I mean NEVER take my own car into the city. I can barely find a parking place here when I am downtown...so, I am not going to even try to find parking in NYC. New York Tours seems like a great way to see the city again.

If you have been to NYC, where would you tell people that they have to see??? For me, it would be some of the museums, of course the Broadway Shows and Lennon's Park in Central Park. I have heard there are Sex and The City tours and I think those would be fun too...if they aren't just chuck full of cheese.

I gotta start planning a trip to NYC....not that I have the $$$ right now with the trips to see Kevin Smith and the John Mellencamp concert, but a girl can dream right!!

whoo hoo!!!

Guess who's going to see John Mellencamp in concert in December???? Yep, that's right...it's me. I haven't seen JM in concert since I left Indiana and I didn't think he was coming close to Upstate NY during this tour, so I was going to miss him. I can't go to multiple tours and travel the country to see the man like I used to...

But then I read on the web that he is having a show is Albany NY...so I checked out the site and whoo hoo...he is.

I called my roomie...and she said she would like to come with me, so I ordered 2 tickets and ended up getting seats in the FIFTH row.

Whoo hoo! Whoo hoo! Whoo hoo!!!!

Can you tell I am a little excited????

dieting is good for the waistline and for the skin....

I have posted before that I have been dieting like a good little girl for the past month or so. I have been eating what I am supposed to...and more importantly, not eating what I am not supposed to. I have been working out some...lots of walks and a jog here or there. I need to start doing weights, but so far...so good.

You know one thing I have noticed since I stopped eating crap food...my skin is so much better. I have always been lucky to have good skin, but lately...I have had more blemishes, etc...up until recently. I was considering buying some good skin care products a few months ago.

But...since I have been dieting, my skin has been spectacular. I think it is a few things. One, I have been drinking tons of water...probably a gallon a day. We all know the benefits of water on your skin...so, that's been good. Plus, I have to believe that since I stopped eating greasy and sugary things...those things aren't getting into my skin either.

So...another benefit of clean living is clean skin!!!

Back to work I go...

I haven't posted in a while...I had a whirl wind of a weekend. I had Friday off for my bday...yes, that is right, I am 30 years old. It happened. I had lunch with some friends on Friday.

On Saturday, we went apple picking. It was a blast and so hot outside. I couldn't believe I was picking apples when it was 85 degrees outside. I was a good kid...and didn't blow my diet while there. I didn't eat my weight in apples, nor did I eat the cider donuts (and lord I love those cider donuts!). We spent the rest of the day at my aunt's lakehouse and just enjoyed the day. My aunt gave me my bday present which was some nice handmade jewelry. It wasn't designer inspired jewelry, but I liked it better. It was made from purple and black stones...and I love that she made something personally for me. I don't wear necklaces very often, but I am definitely going to wear this one.

Oooh...and my aunt broke a cake for my birthday. It looked like the best cake I have ever seen. It has lots of different layers of things...a layer of cake...a layer of frosting...another layer of cake...a layer of fudge. It looked great, but I was also a good kid and did not have a piece. My dad ate my piece for me...and he said it was as good as it looked.

I didn't do a heck of a lot on MOnday....got an oil change, bought a couple pieces of clothing, etc...and my dad and I tried to put together my elliptical that I got for my bday. We didn't do so well putting it together, but we will try again.

Happy Tuesday everyone!

celebrate the little things...

Have you ever met people who lived within the hustle and bustle, but they just looked calm as a cucumber?? People that give you the impression with a look or an outfit that even if life is stressed around them...it just bounces off them. They seem to have the mentality of the calmness of vacation ALL the time. I always wish I could be one of those people.

MadGringo.com makes some really swanky hawaiian shirts that could let people know that you are cool as a cucumber, no matter what. Their slogan is "Go Slow." To me that means that they want people to remember to take it slow and enjoy the beauties of the world. Sometimes I think we are so busy, stressed and preoccupied that we don't notice the wonderful things all around us. I could rushing to a meeting and completely miss that there is a beautiful sunset, etc.

So...get yourself a bright, colorful hawaiian shirt and remember just once today to "Go Slow" and enjoy something beautiful in the day!!!

It's my party....

That's right kids...it's officially my 30th Birthday. I took the day off of work....just because I could. Plus, Monday is a holiday...so I get a nice, 4 day weekend.

So, do I feel 30? No, not really. You know...in most ways, I could care less about being 30, but I will say it will take some getting used to...that I am not in my 20s anymore.

I can tell you one thing...I plan on being a lot healthier in my 30s than I was in my 20s. I have already dropped 9 lbs...and I plan on dropping more. Plus, my dear ol' dad..bought me a new elliptical machine for my bday present. So, I plan on being in running form in no time.

So...I am officially welcomed to my 30s. *whines...just a tad*

Have you done your XMas shopping yet?

I am really trying to get my Christmas shopping done early this year. Of course, I saw this every year and always end up scrambling to buy things the week before Chirstmas. But seriously, this year I am going to get a jump start on everything. I figure if I buy at least one thing every time I get paid, I will have all my shopping done by the holidays...maybe earlier.

One thing I am definitely going to use when shopping is online coupons. I buy so much of my stuff online, it just makes sense. I can't believe I didn't use them before. I used an online coupon a couple of weeks ago when I was ordering some protein shakes online. It got me free shipping and I think I saved $30 on top of that. Sweet! You can save $$$ over with Target.com coupons which is basically the best store ever. They have one coupon which saves you $5 if you spend $50. That's a 10% savings. Another coupon gets you free shipping on your entire order. Oh, and don't forget about Dell.com deals. They have some great offers. I just bought a computer from Dell a couple of months ago. They have one coupon where you can save $350 on any Inspiron computer over $999. That's a HUGE coupon. So, if someone on your list wants a computer...check them out.

I am going to search out BestBuy deals and see what kind of coupons they have. I could use some memory cards and USB jump drives. Oh wait, I am supposed to be shopping for Christmas...not for myself! lol

Britney loses the kids...

So, as I was watching GMA this morning...they reported, much like everyone else, that the judge has ordered custody of Britney's children to K-Fed temporarily. I guess I should feel bad for her, but in reality...I don't. I feel bad for those kids. I have little hope that they are going to survive all of this without being scarred...and well, probably turning into a mini version of her. I hope that she sees this...not as the world being unfair to her, but as a wake up call to change the things she needs to do in order to be a mother to those kids. You know, I take it back...I do feel sorry for her. I don't think anyone taught her how to be a mother...I think she was a such a celebrity/media engine when she became a mom that she didn't get the education she needed. Yes...some things are common sense. MANY things are common sense, but she doesn't live in my normal world...she lives in Britney land. lol I hope that with this ruling and the required drug testing and parenting classes, etc....that maybe she learns something. Those poor kids.

Now...I know that there could be much worse for parents. I see it everyday. Example...there was a news story on the local news. It makes me angry and sick just to think about it. This woman...I think she was 36 or 37...she was arrested for prostitution in one of the urban cities in our area. And here is the kicker...she picked people up for services with HER CHILDREN in the car. She would perform her workly duties in the front seat while her 6 year old and one year old were in the backseat. Umm...really? And there are also reports that she smoked crack in the car with the kids present. Ooh...and someone else reported that she once snorted lines off her baby's chest while she was breast feeding him. You HAVE to be flippin' kidding me! And now her children have been taken...but they should have been taken a long time ago. *shakes head*

You know...in comparison...this woman makes Britney's parenting style look like she was Mother Teresa!

early presents...

Oh...I forgot to mention..my dad and I went to Devil-Mart this past weekend. I talk a good game about hating the place, but I will admit it, I shop there. Anyways...we went there to buy my birthday present. Of course first we looked around at a bunch of random things....we spent a lot of time looking at storage bins and a utility cart. We looked at some blankets and such...and then bought some much needed groceries.

But let's not forget that we bought my birthday present...we bought a new elliptical machine. I am excited to get it up and running...and for me to get up and running again. I bought one a couple of years ago and fell in love with it...but then it went and broke on me and broke my little ol' working out heart. And the new one...is a little better than the last one. It isn't a swanky one that costs 1000 bucks...but it's nice.

I'm so excited....I just can't hide it...

monday update!

This week is going to be a short week at work...whoo hoo! I have Friday off because it's my birthday. I usually work on my birthday, but since Monday is Columbus Day...I decided to take Friday off and have a 4 day weekend. I am not really sure what I am doing for my birthday....cause I am not one for planning events around my birthday. I don't know...just seems silly to me and I guess I have had enough birthdays that have sucked, so in most ways...I just try to get through the day.

I talked with my dad and I think I am going apple picking on Saturday...which should be fun. My aunt and uncle are coming up and going apple picking. We went last year and had a blast. My mom had the best time...so my dad and I are looking forward to doing it again, kind of in memory of her.

Oooh..and I am pretty proud of myself. We had a work pizza party today for an intern who is leaving. I have been so good with eating all the right things, etc....so I knew eating pizza would not be a good thing. So, I went to the work lunch, but I brought my own salad and stuff and ate with them. The pizza smelled great, but I am glad I stuck to my guns and didn't eat anything filled with carbs and grease. Go me!

Anyways....I should be getting back to work like the good worker bee that I am.