Finishing up a 4 day weekend...

Hi all...a belated Happy Mother's Day to everyone. I was going to post something yesterday, but well...I didn't want to end up being a Debbie Downer, especially since all and all, I've been pretty gosh darn good.

So, what did I do with my LLLLLOOOOONNNNGGGGG weekend? Well...here is a quick recap.

Friday: I went for a long bike ride. I biked from my apartment to the local video store...and then over to my dad's. I went through a bunch of stuff in my brother's room (which we are using for storage right now and are going to turn it into a workout room when I move back in). I found such weird things in there....a couple of checks people wrote me back in 2000. I am not going to cash them now because well, I've seen that episode of Seinfeld, so I just shredded them. I also found so much stuff I could have been using: blank notebooks, crayons, tape, a stapler, boxes of Papermate pens, rolls of unused film, etc. I just threw stuff in a box and never looked at it again. After sorting for a while, I rode my bike home...and then started to pack some stuff.

Saturday: I took a long, long, long bike ride...I rode over to the Post Office in town...then I headed to the video store again...and rode beyond and went on the bike trail for about 4 miles and then headed back to my dad's house. I am LOVING riding my bike around town. Dad and I went shopping...and bought lotsa stuff. I came home and continued packing things I didn't need. I filled my car...and worked up a nice sweat. Oh...and I had a nice, hour long conversation with a friend on the phone. We haven't hung out in about a year...but, it was SO nice talking to her. It didn't feel like so much time had passed. We are going to make plans to hang out next weekend and actually *see* one another. I am glad I am not being such a hermit...slowly, but surely. I also watched 2 movies...Juno and Superbad. Both very funny.

Sunday: I went to church. I almost biked there because my bike and I are in love. I was running a little late, so I drove instead...plus, I don't know how long it would take me to get there, so I played it safe. Church was really nice...and was glad I spent Mother's Day there since my mom always loved going to church. I had the nicest conversation with my Pastor...and she asked me to get involved in a service project I am really excited about (more about that at another time). I headed to dad's...unpacked all the stuff from my car and started to pile it in my dad's house. My dad and I headed to my mom's grave marker and brought some fresh lilacs from the house. My mom LOVED lilacs, so I love the idea of the smell of lilacs surrounding her marker. We came home...puttered around the house a little and then I headed home. I watched some crap tv and was in bed early. It was a sad, but more than that...a really good Mother's Day.

Monday: Ah, my last day off. I could get really used to not having to work...if only that paid the bills. I woke up, puttered around the apartment and then headed out (yes, on my bike)...and yep...went to the video store. Then, I headed over to my dad's and this time went through a lot of the stuff in my old bedroom. It's kind of cluttered now and since I am moving myself and all my stuff in...I have to declutter it. I threw away 2+ garbage bins full and found bags of clothes to donate. I also found...and this is hilarious, some alcohol I had stashed and hidden from college. So, I've had wine coolers stashed in my closet since probably 1998. If that's not funny and pathetic at the same time, I don't know what is. Anyways....I finished what I could, had lunch at my dad's...and headed back out towards my apartment. I decided to take the long way since I wanted to know how long it would take to bike all the way from dad's to work. Well, I got about halfway...and went over a rusty metal hanger and it plunged right into my tire....splat...flat tire. So, I got off my bike and walked her home. It was a little less than 2 miles...and so I got some walking workout in. I came home...watched some crap tv...continued to pack and now dad is coming over and we are going to get a patch kit and hopefully fix my bike.

So...that's my weekend...which basically is packing, decluttering and my constant love affair with my new bike.

Hugs all....

If you haven't seen it in 10 years, you probably don't need it...

As I said in my earlier entry....I've been helping my dad de-clutter the house for the past couple of weeks. It's such a pain...but that's the price you pay when you live like a pack rat and think you need to keep everything.

It's amazing the stuff that has been in boxes for years and years...and every once in a while I'd come across some real gems. Like my collection of porcelain dolls. There were probably 6 of them in the box and they are basically in mint condition. I'm not sure what I am going to do with them. I can remember how excited I was about them at the time, but now...I just don't have the space or the desire to put them up on display. I am either going to place them back into storage...or I am also considering selling them on ebay.

One thing my dad and I have been doing, it labeling stuff. Even if I wanted stuff in there, I had no idea what anything was. It was just box after box after box. If I found something that I wanted to keep...such as the dolls or some college textbooks, I would make a little label and stick it on there. My dad is going to try to find his little electronic label maker because that would just make the project go by so much faster. You know what I mean right? Let me see if I can find a link on the lovely internet. It's kind of like these Dymo labels and such. When I was a kid, my brother and I would use that label maker all the time just to play. We would make silly labels and put them on each other when we weren't looking. I can my dad glaring at us and reminding us that it wasn't a toy. tee, hee, hee...

Well, won't he be so happy for me to use it for it's actual purpose. I am really looking forward to getting my brother's room organized and put together. And then, I think my dad wants to turn it into an exercise room. Sounds good to me.

Spring cleaning report...

Hi to all in the internet...and by all I mean the 5 or so people who read my little blog. Happy Tuesday to all y'all!

First off...I forgot to update my weight report yesterday. Oopsie! I weighed in and all...I just forgot to tell you all about it. I stepped on the scale on Monday morning and learned that I lost 3 lbs. So, I am a little down this week...but I still feel fit and strong, so I'm cool with it. I don't want the downward trend to continue though.

I think I am still figuring out what kind of calories I need on a daily basis to stay the same...given my level of exercise and activity. You see...I am kind of at both ends of the spectrum. To figure out your daily caloric needs...you use this little equation...that calculates based on your age, your height, your current weight and your activity level. Everything is obviously constant except for my activity level. You select different levels...which range from sedentary to highly active. So, I have struggled with which one to pick...because my day to day job...is pretty sedentary. I sit at a desk and talk on the phone...and type away. The most active it is...is walking to the bathroom or to the time clock or to the door to let a client in. So, not a heck of a lot. But...my activity level outside of work...is pretty active. I am working out 6x per week...and constantly on the move. And...the calorie range in the equation is pretty significant. If I pick sedentary it says I need about 1800 calories a day...if I pick active...it says something like 2400 calories a day. So, I've been ranging for something in the middle...and hope it all shakes out alright.

Alright, enough about weight...I bore even myself. I got majorly into Spring Cleaning mode this weekend...and it was long overdue. I got sick and tired of the apartment being a god awful mess. I mentioned that in my last entry...that I was skipping church to clean the apartment. I cleaned the kitchen and the bathroom...and a quick clean of the living room (doesn't take much). I also went over to my dad's and helped him start to clean. We have a lot of clutter in that house and so there is a lot of stuff that just needs to be thrown away. I didn't get to my bedroom over the weekend, but I did make a dent in it yesterday. I was watching TV last night and instead of just sitting there like a bump on a log...I decided to get a garbage bag and start going through some things. I quickly picked up anything that was obviously garbage...and then started going through some boxes and baskets. I have a bunch of stuff in storage under my bed..and most of it, I don't even know what is in there...so, have I really needed it in the last 2 years? I am in the process of going through it all...and either saving it for a garage sale or just pitching it. I found some interesting things...I found an old journal from when I was in grad school. I read a little bit of it and it was nice to revisit those times. I found a box with a few wind chimes in it. I think I might put those in the garage sale box. They are nice...but well, I haven't used them...so I hope someone else enjoys them more than me. I found some old pictures too...from college days. I also found some old CDs that I haven't listened to in a long time. I am going to burn most of them to my laptop...and probably put some on my mp3 player. I want to get the clutter under control...so my room and the whole apartment is more useable.

So....the cleaning will continue...and hopefully get to where I want it to be. It's a nice sense of accomplishment though...to keep trucking away at something and have the end product show the work you did. I know cleaning isn't some special thing...that deserves a prize, but for a messy, clutterbug like me...it is a whole new world.

Happy Sunday y'all....

Guess what, I'm being bad...and playing hokey from church today. I've gone without missing for about the last 3 months. It's not like I think I should get a pat on the back for that....I am just happy that I feel more committed and connected to church. So, then why am I not going? Well...it's feeling like spring outside and I really feel the need to do some spring cleaning, so I am going to spend the morning cleaning the apartment...before heading over to my dad's and helping him clean a little bit there.

I have a lot of stuff here that needs a good cleaning. I have said this a million times over and I mean it each and every time...but I wish roomie and I were better at cleaning on a day to day basis than we are. We clean once and then let it get pretty dusty and dirty again...and then do another day of cleaning. It's frustrating that I can't seem to break that cycle. I'm trying...

Today, I am going to clean the kitchen...mop the floor, clean the counter, take out the garbage, get rid of stuff in the cupboards I don't use, etc. And of course, cleaning the bathroom...since it is pretty grungy in there. I am going to mop the floor, clean the bathroom vanities, the toilet, the sink, the shower, clean the mirror (you know so it isn't covered in little toothpaste dots!) And then I gotta clean the living room...that's the easiest room....wiping down the tables and woodwork...and then a quick vacuum. I have a bunch of clothes in there I need to bring to Salvation Army to donate, so I need to actually do that. And finally...my room could definitely use a clean. I need to put away clothes...and I need to just get rid of a lot of stuff that I don't need and don't use.

So...I plan on opening the windows and getting my cleaning groove on. I think God would give me the thumbs up about that. I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.

Happy Thursday

Hey all...I hope everyone is finding their Thursday treating them well. It's been cold the last few days...just to remind us that Spring is coming, but that Winter isn't done with us just yet. The weather guy did say that winter should be behind us now...but you never know, we've consistently known it to snow here or there in April. I remember it snowed last year in early April because I was in Florida at the time and my friends were cursing me from there.

My poor roomie is having a stressful week. Her mom is in the hospital and probably is having gallbladder surgery. She called and told me that her mom had a gallbladder attack on Monday and now they are just awaiting having the surgery. It's a tough time for everyone involved. My roomie's mom hates being in the hospital since the last time she was there...was when her husband was battling a terminal illness. And it's tough for my roomie because those times are always stressful...and she is taking over the parenting role for her little sister. She has so much on her plate already, that this just seems to be overwhelming her. The last time I spoke to her...she just seemed to be on the brink. I wish I could take some of the burden off of her...I would if I could. So, send some internet hugs her way...if you are so inclined.

And to switch gears...I had an exciting end of the day yesterday. I scooted out of work early and went over to meet the girl I am being matched with in our office's mentoring program. It's a lot like Big Brothers/Big Sisters. I've been considering doing it for years, but it just always wasn't the time. Now...it's officially the time. The girl I will be spending time with...she is just adorable. She has the best smile...from ear to ear...and she's still got that innocence about her. I think I might enjoy the time we are spending together more than she will...since I never had a little brother or sister, etc. Our first outing...is going to be going to the mall for a few hours...and window shopping. We're going to hit both of our favorite stores...and probably get some yummy food from the food court. Of course, we plan on getting lots of clothes to try on...and having our own version of a fashion show in the dressing room. It sounds like a blast to me.

And for this weekend...I don't have a lot of plans. I have to work on Saturday morning...which I keep almost forgetting. lol I have to teach a class at work. And then the usual weekend plans. My dad and I plan on going shopping on Saturday. He has a lot of around the house projects he wants to start buying things for. He wants to re-do the walls in mine and my brother's old room...and he wants to re-do the bathroom. Initially, we are going to re-do the whole shower with one of the walk in tubs when my mom was alive...since it would have been so much easier for her to use, but now I think he just wants to replace it with a new, nice, swanky one. He also wants to re-do the pipes and make it so he can use the water system outside again. I am always SO supportive of him making repairs of the house since selfishly, I will be taking the house over someday down the line. He said the house needs to be painted as well...and some windows need to be replaced. It's definitely spring time...so it's projects, projects everywhere!

And for Sunday...I am going to church. This Sunday is Communion Sunday. Some churches have communion every week, but we only do it monthly. I am helping two other women at church...serving the communion breakfast following the service. They are bringing bacon and eggs...and I am bringing a huge ol' fruit salad and maybe some granola. Mmmm.... That's about it for my weekend plans....oh...and cleaning...so my mentee can come over and I can not be completely embarassed, know what I mean?

Hugs all around...and enjoy the nice weather.

A day off, a weigh-in and a sick roomie...

Hey everyone....it's Monday aka Weigh-In day. I like having Mondays off from work (President's Day) because I can get up, lounge around and then do my weekly weigh-in. I forgot to not set my alarm...so it went off at 7am, but that's ok. I got up and then weighed in at around 7:30am...and started about my day...getting my breakfast...yadda yadda.

So, how did it go? I lost 2 lbs last week for a total of 67 lbs. I started transition on Friday, so the weight loss will probably slow down or stop altogether. Last week, I was only in transition phase for a few days, so I am not surprised I lost a couple of pounds. I have set a transition and maintenance range...between 65 and 70 lbs lost. So, I would be cool if I lost a couple of more pounds...since I imagine I might get some rebound pounds when I start adding a bunch of stuff back in.

I ran on the elliptical today. I have been doing interval training lately with my elliptical. I have been running normal speed for 4 minutes and then going as fast as I could for one minute...and then go at normal speed for another 4 minutes...over and over. I hope that this will help my endurance as I start running for speed and distance.

Let's see...other than that...the only other interesting info around these parts is that my poor roomie is sick as a dog. She started coughing a little here or there a few days ago...when she swore she wasn't sick...but, well...the sickness gods had other ideas. She is coughing up a storm now....and her throat sounds horrible. I feel for my roomie and hope she gets better too, but at the same time...I am terrified of getting sick. Every time she coughs...I wince. I have been taking some echinacea for weeks and I have Zicam in the apartment, if I need it. I won't make the mistake my roomie did...and think it isn't a cold for a couple days...instead, if it hits...I hope to use some prevention and knock it out.

I also spent the afternoon cleaning the apartment. It was on my agenda anyways...since it needs it and it hadn't been cleaned for a few weeks, but since my roomie is sick...I definitely needed to clean it. I cleaned the kitchen...cleaned the bathroom and wiped down the furniture in the living room. This week, I am going to make a cleaning schedule...and post it on the fridge. I want to keep the cleaning up...so it doesn't turn messy so quickly. It seems that roomie and I don't seem to notice the messiness until it is pretty bad...and for the past few months, that's just not cutting it for me. I wanna clean because it's what you should do...not because the apartment is so messy, you have no choice. I wanna to treat it like how you think of brushing your teeth. Do you only clean your teeth when you notice how dirty and gross they are?? Of course not. You brush your teeth twice a day...because you are supposed to and it keeps them clean...always. So, I want cleaning the apartment to be like that for me. That's my plan at least.

Alright...I'm off...to watch some crap tv...and lounge around on my day off. Enjoy the day...if you are working or not. And if you wanna...send me some healthy thoughts that I don't get this nasty cold my roomie has. *crosses fingers*

TGIF

Thank God It Is Friday....this week has just dragged for me. I had this Monday off work and I have next Friday off work, so each day in between...has just taken FOREVER.

Plus, we got a pretty nasty ice storm Wednesday night into Thursday. It was pouring rain and then freezing rain and then snow on top of that. When I got up on Thursday, I looked outside...and it didn't look too bad. Well...until I got out to my car to warm it up before cleaning it off. My car was covered with at least a 1/2 inch of ice, if not more. I pulled and pulled on the door and COULD NOT get it open. I wondered if my lack of door opening abilities was going to keep me home from work. Well, I refuse to let the ice win...so I got the key to my dad's van out from my keychain...and started stabbing it along the seam of the door. (I used my dad's key because with my luck...the key would break and if it was the key to either my car or the apartment...umm, that would be bad). The key didn't break and after about 10 minutes of hacking away...and then pulling like mad on the door...rinse and repeat, etc. I FINALLY got the door open...and crawled inside and turned the car on. I cleaned off some of the car...and then went inside to wait for it to warm up and start to de-ice.

With all of that ice related drama...I was only 15 minutes late for work. Go me! We all know I love snow...but this ice business, I could do without it.

Oh...and last night, I was doing weight lifting instead of cardio, so my muscles are just a tad sore and tired this morning. I woke up...was getting ready and went down to warm up my car and my door was frozen shut again. I pulled on the door...and felt every single muscle in my arm. lol. Luckily, the door opened with only a little nudging because if it was going to take strength...my arms didn't have it in them today.

Oooh...again. I forgot to mention. They opened up the registration this week, so I officially signed up for the 5 mile race in March. I sent in the money...and ah, it feels so good to be official. I am really looking forward to it. I planning on running again to my dad's tomorrow morning...as long as the roads aren't still covered in ice. I jogged 3.5 miles last Saturday, so I am aiming for a full 4.5 or 5 miles this Saturday. I have it measured all out, so as long as my legs stay with me...it should be doable.

I hope everyone enjoys their Friday...and has a fabulous weekend. I don't have a lot planned. Jogging to dad's on Saturday...running errands...grocery shopping. Church on Sunday...and sometime this week a quick clean of the apartment.

Hugs all...

Check-In on my 2008 Goals!

Alright...it's already February, so I thought I would do a status check on how I am doing on my 2008 goals. I copied a bunch of what I wrote in that entry here...and then I will put how I am doing so far in bold under it, mkay?

2008 Goals
1. Fitness
*I would like to ramp up my exercise even one more notch. I want to keep doing the cardio (with my rusty trusty elliptical) and also do a lot of circuit training to tone and shape what I've got.
*I want to run a 5K. I put that as a goal last year...and I walked a 5K, so I thought...good enough. Not good enough. I want to run one. We have a local runners club here and they have 5Ks throughout the year...so, I want to sign up for one. There is one in March...and I might sign up for that one to push myself to be ready by then. I won't like training and working up to it in the cold, but I'll survive!
*A fitness goal I have...is to figure out how to maintain my weight. I have had success at losing weight and gaining weight, but staying the same weight...that is such a mystery to me. So, I want to maintain my weight...and plan on giving myself a reward for each month I maintain my loss...once I am done losing.
So far, so good. I am still working out on my elliptical...doing strength training more than I was in 2007 and I set the goal for running not a 5K, but a 5 mile race in March. I still need to figure out how to maintain my weight...and that will start mid-February when I transition from the weight loss phase to the transition and maintenance phase of my diet/lifestyle program.

2. I want to be more organized in all areas of my life. I want to be more organized at home. I want to constantly keep the apartment clean. Instead of letting it get gross and disgusting...and then doing a mass cleaning, I want to keep on top of it every single day. I also want to be more organized at work...I want to not let things pile up. So, I am looking for 2008 to be the year of organization.
Things are getting to where they need to be. I spent a lot of time on my bedroom at home. I cleaned it...I organized my closet and actually put things away. Also, my roomie and I did a cleaning of the whole apartment. Now, what we NEED to do is keep doing it. We tend to get into the pattern of cleaning and then not doing it again for weeks until it desperately looks like it needs to be done again. Not good enough. I think I am going to make a cleaning schedule and hopefully roomie and I can figure out who is going to do what...on a more often basis. Work...still needs organizing, but I am getting there. I figure...organize home first, then work.

3. I want to be more active with my church this year. They have been really wonderful this year. My mom loved church and so being there is a really nice way to be close to her. I want to get involved in more things...and become more connected to the church, other than through my mom.
I have committed to going to church every week for the next 6 weeks of Lent. Plus, I have been bringing things in for the dinners and what not. And, I signed up to help two other people in church with the communion breakfast in April. So, I am slowly looking to become more involved. I think I might also find a way to help with the Sunday School events...even if it is just watching the little ones in the daycare section. I am going to look for opportunities to get involved...and say yes when asked.

4. I want to expand my wardrobe. I want to buy some more clothes...but within a budget. I plan on buying a new item or so every time I get paid. It would be nice to not be still wearing clothes I was wearing in high school.
I have done much better at this than I expected. I am horrible at spending money on myself. I went out and bought a BUNCH of stuff from Old Navy and Target during their after Christmas sales. I got a bunch of clothes for very little money. It's one of the benefits of losing weight...and feeling good about your appearance...because I am now more willing to spend money on myself and something that will make me look good.

5. I want to continue saving money. I want to start a Christmas savings account so that the holiday spending doesn't always seem like such a pinch. I also want to save for another trip to Florida...possibly going with some friends, etc. And, I also want to take another look at my monthly budget...making sure I am saving all the $$$ I can.
I did start a Xmas savings fund and I am putting at least $25 a month in it. I don't want to spend all of January paying off Xmas debt like I did this year. I am still putting money into my car insurance savings acct, my car savings acct and my general savings acct. I am also thinking of starting a dental savings acct since I always need some work done...yadda yadda yadda. I do pretty well at saving money...I just want to make sure it is a constant, automatic thing each and every month.

So...there are my goals for 2008...so far...and an update on how I am doing. Honestly, I think I am doing pretty well. I need to think if there are other goals I would like to accomplish this year as well.

It's Monday: It's Weigh-In Time!

I have the day off work, but that doesn't mean I had the day off work when it came to weighing in.

I forgot to update last week...my bad...I lost 5 lbs last week. Who knows how that happened. It's the most amount of weight I have lost in one week since I started this whole program. I pushed the exercise...and got back into my pattern of eating since being on vacation, so that might be it, but who knows.

How did I do this week? Pretty good. I lost 3 lbs this week...for a total loss of 58 lbs. I am surprised at the loss since I ramped up my exercise this week...and did some different things. I wondered if it would slow things down a little bit, but it didn't. I did circuit training twice...went out for jogs (in the freezing cold) twice...and did the elliptical twice. So, I think varying thing around...probably helped.

I am getting better at the jogging...even though I will admit, I am not a great runner. I want to run a 5 mile race in March, so I am slowly increasing my endurance, etc. I wish it wasn't so cold today...because I would go for another run. I have been running outside...and with it being in the single digit temperatures today, no outside for me.

I also got a new ab program that I ordered off the internet over the weekend. I haven't tried it yet, but it is on the agenda. I am happy with the weight loss, but I still need a lot of toning and shaping that my abs need...stat!

Alright, I am off...to finish some cleaning in my room and puttering around the apartment. Sounds exciting for a Monday off work, eh?

project time!

My big main project while I have been home on vacation was to take everything out of my room and re-arrange it. I haven't liked that my bed is smack right in the middle of the room...so it makes it seem even smaller than it already is. But...I haven't had the motivation or energy to actually do it. So, I was leaving it for my vacation...and since it is already Wednesday of this said vacation, I got working on it today.

After my roomie left for work...I started pulling stuff out of the bedroom. I have been doing loads and loads of laundry...and then I started pulling some furniture and the bed out, etc. I always forget just how much stuff...and by stuff, I mean crap...I have until I have to move it all somewhere.

I got everything out....and piled in the kitchen and living room...and then I had to call it quits for a bit. It was time to go grocery shopping with daddy. And then I came home and started again...putting the furniture where I wanted it to be, moving the bed back, etc. Putting the things in storage under the bed. I have most of the things back in, but it isn't settled...I am going to use the next few days for that.

It's weird....I like the new setup, but I will admit...it doesn't exactly feel like my room right now. I have to decide where I am going to put the TV...if I am going to keep 2 little tables or ditch them, etc. Decisions, decisions....but when I decide and everything gets put away...I might take a pic or two and share them.

Phew...this is exhausting.

*yawns*

I had a lot going on this weekend...so here is an update, cause I know you are waiting with baited breath.

Friday: I got out of work...and was so excited that I am officially on vacation. I immediately went and got my haircut. If y'all are lucky...I might post a pic, but probably not. And if I do, I'll probably post it on myspace...so if you aren't my myspace friend....well, sucks to be you!

Saturday: I had such a hard time getting to sleep on Friday night. I have had a hard time sleeping lately and I am not sure why. Anyways...it sucked even more than usual because my alarm was set for 5am...in order to head to Maine with my dad for the day. I prepared him when I got into the car that I might be Ms. Cranky Pants, etc. (Luckily I kept the cranky at bay). SO, we got into Maine at about 10:30 or so. We walked around the boardwalk and bought some of the best salt water taffy. If you have never had Goldenrod Kisses...you are missing out man. Seriously!!! Then, we went over to the local cemetery where my grandparents are buried and meet up with my 2 uncles. It was hot as balls that day....I mean, I was dripping. My uncles got there...we all chit chatted and what not, took some pics and then headed out of the hot evil sun and got some lunch. We went to this cool restaurant that is shaped like a boat, so you feel like you are eating inside a boat. I got an awesome veggie burger...which was homemade, not frozen, etc. It was yummilicious. We had a nice conversation at lunch...until my uncle showed that he is still living in a bitterbarn since my grandma passed away. But, we all moved on...so, it went back to being nice. After lunch, we drove over to the house that my dad grew up in. My other uncle (Non bitterbarn one)...knew the next door neighbor, so we got to walk through their yard to behind my dad's old house. It is such a beautiful home...and it is right on the water. When my grandma sold it...back in 1979...she sold it for $79,000...and it might go back on the market soon and it is rumored it could sell for over 4 million dollars. That's insane...completely insane people. And..after that, my dad and I drove back home and I was in bed EARLY. Long day, but very good day.

Sunday: The JDRF walk was on Sunday. It was a good day, but a hard one to get through. I got up and headed over to my dad's house at 10am...and then we headed over to the walk. To this date, I raised $416.00...so I think that is awesome. My roommate said her employer has a matching program, so it might be even more....so that's great. I am thankful to everyone who donated, it meant so much to me. And...for the next month you can still donate, so if you missed it...no fear, click away! Ooh...a special thank you to the anonymous person who donated. I wish I knew who ya were, so I could really thank you. I got to the walk...turned in my donations and then headed over to the start line. I saw a woman from my church and we walked together. My dad watched and took pics....which I might post on myspace...see there are benefits to being my friend!! LOL Of course, it rained like crazy for the first half of the walk. I had an umbrella...so it wasn't horrible. It let up about the time we were turning around and heading in the other direction. I talked with the woman from my church through the whole walk...and it was nice chit chatting with her. She's truly a remarkable woman. I finished the walk...hugged my dad...and then we left and grabbed some lunch. I spent some time at home with him and then headed back to the apartment to just sit exhausted on the couch...phew. I watched some crap tv...the roomie came home, chit chatted with her...watched more TV...and then headed to bed.

So...there ya have it. My recap of the first weekend of my vacation. So, what's on tap today??? Well...I am going to do lots of laundry and start pulling my bedroom apart. This week is all about organization...and getting everything clean and in its place. At first, I thought my roommate was on vacation this week...but she's not...so I am going to have to try to get all this stuff done without waking her up or bothering her. It's no biggie...just kind of changes the way I would do things, etc. (i.e...I planned on sleeping on the futon while I worked on my room, but obviously that won't work now, etc.) Oh well...life is about adjusting.

Hope everyone is enjoying their week....even if you aren't on vacation like me.

it feels like monday!

I had yesterday off again...and didn't do much of anything. I have been slowly working on my bedroom. It's liveable, but it's cramped and messy. So, I have been going through stuff, throwing stuff away and trying to get the 8 tons of clothes I own under control.

I also want to change the furniture around in my room. I have my bed right in the middle of the room...and it looks nice, but it makes the room appear so much smaller. I have decided to shift everything around...but I am not looking forward to actually doing the project....mainly because I have to take everything out of the room in order to move things. So, I am organizing and what not...and then I will get to moving everything under the sun. I might do it next weekend or even save it for when I am on vacation.

1/2 day from work

Today...I am taking a half day off work. Because I want to? Because I have something else to do? Because I just can't handle work and need the time? Because a Dawson's Creek rerun is on and I just have to be home to watch it?

Well...no. I am taking the day off because I have to. I am not able to work over 40 hours without extra special secret permission because then they have to pay me overtime. And...since I worked for half a day on Saturday...I needed to shave hours somewhere else.

What am I going to do with my half day off? Nothing special. I am going to watch some crap tv. I am going to watch some movies that came in the mail from Blockbuster. I am going to do some laundry....and dum, dum, dum....do some cleaning!

Sounds exciting, eh?