Self Care

Hey y'all....I forgot to update yesterday with of course the weekly weigh-in report. I am happy to say that for the first time...I maintained my weight. I didn't lose any...and I didn't gain any. I don't know if I have this whole thing figured out just yet, but I do have more of a handle on it than I did before. I step on the scale each and every morning and the weight was up some days...back down some others. I mainly think the fluctuation has more to do with the sodium in whatever I am eating...than anything else.

One thing I really noticed as I have continued losing weight...and taking better physical care of myself...is that I am willing to spend money on things I never would before. Here are a few examples:

Clothes: I have never been a clothes horse...not in the slightest. I was still wearing some clothes that I wore in high school and I graduated in 1995. Since I've lost weight and moved down to a size I have never been before, it's forced me to renew my wardrobe and spend money and time buying clothes. I used to hate going clothes shopping, but now...I really like it. I like all the new options and just trying things on. I still stay within a budget...but if price were no option, I'd be buying things left and right. Speaking of...I need to buy some spring/summer shoes and I also need to buy a couple pairs of jeans. It's definitely on the list for the next shopping day.

I've never been to a spa before. The idea of getting a massage was really unattractive to me. I think part of it...was my negative body image and not really liking the idea of a total stranger touching me. I still am not sure I like the idea of a stranger getting their hands all over me...but, I am much more open to it. What I would like to try first...is also something I've never had done. I want to get a pedicure. It just seems like a fun, fancy thing to do. It's on the list...not something I am planning to do tomorrow, but definitely something I wanna put on the "to do" list.

Makeup/ Beauty Products: I used to never wear makeup...ever. I often end up looking like a vampire princess in the winter because my skin is so fair. I have noticed a shift there too. I still wear very minimal makeup, but I do put it on each and every morning before leaving for work. It's just lip gloss, a little cover up powder, some blush on the cheeks and eye shadow...but it's much more than I used to wear. I still think the idea of wearing obvious makeup...is not my style, but I like a little color on my face. I've also spent some money on some facial products. I bought a facial cleanser that so far...I really like. I'm also on the lookout for some good acne products. I am really lucky because I have nice skin. My skin rarely breaks out...so, I don't have to worry about acne all too much. I do get the occasional breakout, especially since I am working out so much. It's interesting....that working out is what causes my breakouts. I know it's that my skin is constantly sweating and therefore being irritated. Plus, with all the outside running...especially on the streets, it's gotta be bad for the skin. I have been on the lookout for a natural acne treatment. All the stuff I have..which isn't a lot...is so chuck full of chemicals. It works, but it also really dries out my skin.

Cooking Tips/Books: I am constantly looking for recipes on the internet...and buying those little cooking magazines that are in the check out aisles in the grocery store. I've just become so much more interested in how things are made...and baking things. Before, I thought it was a hassle...and if I had to bring a cake to work or church, I would swing by Hannaford and buy it. Now...I look forward to baking something. It's just an interesting switch.

So there are just a few examples at things that I would never even think of spending money on...but now, I have more of an interest in. I still watch my finances like a hawk, but when I have a few extra dollars...it's stuff I want to throw a little bit towards. I think, in general, it's a good thing. When I think of all the money I've thrown away over the years...buying crap, no good for you food...I am glad now that I am tempted to throw money towards things like this instead.

It's a beautiful day...

I'm so happy Spring seems to be turning the corner...the weather has been so nice recently. I had to work on Saturday morning and by the time I left the office at noon...it was so nice outside. It was still a little bit chilly...with a nice breeze, but the sun was out and it felt great to be outside. I decided to run on over to my dad's house...and enjoy the time outside. I warmed up with a mile walk...ran the 2 miles in the middle...and cooled down with another almost mile (It's 3.8 miles from my house to my dad's).

I had two really nice weight/diet related things that had nothing to do with the scale (and then I'll get to the scale report). This Sunday, I helped with the communion breakfast at church. We have a sit down breakfast in between the first and second services...as a time of fellowship and celebration. It's really nice since the first service and the second service...we often don't see each other much. I said I would help...so I made a huge fresh fruit salad and headed to church at 8am to help. Since many of the people in the second service hadn't seen me in a while...many months at least...a lot of them came up and said how great I looked. It was a nice reminder...since I have kind of gotten out of that period of people seeing the weight loss as a new thing. One woman, who was also my 6th grade teacher...came up and asked me what I've been doing and said I've never looked this healthy. So, it was good to see people...and help with the breakfast...and to make a healthy option (fruit)...and have people say that I looked fit and healthy. whoo hoo.

My second good thing...I went shopping on Sunday afternoon. I am in desperate need of work pants. I used to have a million bajillion pairs of pants, but now barely any of them fit. I had a bunch of size 12 pants and now basically they all are unwearable. I tried to wear a pair to work last week and it was embarrassing how they looked. So, I am basically down to 2 pair of pants that fit...and only one of them is work appropriate. I headed over to Old Navy in hopes of finding some nice pants on their clearance racks. I basically got one of every style of clearance pants they had in a size 8...and went to try them on. Most of them either fit or were a smidge loose. One of the pairs that was loose I really liked...they were a pair of khakis that kind of looked like cords, but not quite. Hard to describe...but I liked them. So, I hunted through the clearance stacks and found them in a size 6...and tried them on and low and behold, they FIT and fit well. I bought them and another pair of dress pants (size 8)...and was on my way. I can't believe I own a pair of size 6 pants...it makes my head hurt, but in a good way. whoo hoo...hoo!

Monday is my weigh-in day...as per usual. I have been working out hard this week...and doing 3 days of weight training and 3 days of light cardio. I hoped to see the scale blip up...which means I might be starting to build muscle. I had a trail mix attack on Thursday night...which means that I started eating it...and ATE way too much. I filled my belly with salty, yummy trail mix. So, on Friday and Saturday mornings...during my daily weigh-ins, the weight was up...sometimes as much as 4 lbs. Does that mean I gained 4 lbs overnight? Nope, not bloody likely. That stuff was mighty salty...and my body isn't used to it. So, I imagine I was retaining water like a mofo...especially since I was sucking down water on Saturday like no tomorrow. So, I stepped on the scale this morning...and I was up one lb. I don't think it's salt...or water weight...or a lb of gained fat from sucking down too much trail mix. I think it's an actual lb gained from working out and increasing my weights. I have muscles I haven't seen for a while on my arms...and my legs feel stronger. So...I can actually say for the first time in my natural life, I am HAPPY I gained a pound. I would like to gain 4 or 5 more...the smart and healthy way...gaining muscle, etc.

Alright...enough blabbering on about my scale and my weight and what not. If the weather is as beautiful where you are as it is here...get out there and enjoy it.

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.

It's 60 freakin' degrees....

Ah...today, the weather is absolutely beautiful. It's in the 60s today...and just feels wonderful. During one of my breaks at work, I went for a walk with a co-worker outside...and it was really nice to be out and about. During the winter months...we go for walks inside the building, but there is something about walking outside that is so much more enjoyable.

I got out of work...went shopping at Target for a few things (got some bras if you MUST know)...and then came home and did a quick workout...and realized how fabulously wonderful it is outside, so I went over to the windows...unlocked them and whipped them open. It was great having a nice, fresh breeze coming into the apartment. I am about to make dinner....and I love the feeling of the breeze blowing in as I am cooking up my food.

I wish this weather was sticking around...the pesky weather man says that rain is coming on in...and that tomorrow it should be cold again...probably in the 30s. Come on Spring...get tough and kick winter to the curb...for good!

That's it!

I'm done with the internet and blogging. No one comments on my site....and those who do, just annoy me. I am shutting this place down...never to return again. I've had it. Everything is always blah, blah, blah...and well, who wants to hear it???
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tee, hee, hee...just kiddin'! April Fool's y'all...hopefully you become a practical joker all day long. I like a day all about jokes. Hmm, which just made me realize, I don't know the historical significance of April Fool's...I will have to spend some time today googling it to find out. Enjoy the day...and laugh often. And now back to my regular scheduled rambling updates:


Good Morning to all those out there in the internet....It's Tuesday and since my car is working and what not, it's a Happy Tuesday. I am so thankful that it wasn't a bigger problem...at least this time. I can remember when I had horrible car trouble with my old car...a 1990 Olds Cutlass Ciera. It was a great car for a while...until it started having problem after problem. And, it was even more difficult because I was out in Indiana...so I didn't have my dad to help me figure out what was wrong and be a nice guy and take me to work and let me borrow the car. So, phew...I still need to bring my car to my mechanic and see what he can do to fix the long term problem.

And now that my car troubles are over...I am planning on going shopping some night this week or this weekend. There are some things I have been looking for to buy, so I want to price them out and see. I probably won't buy much...it'll be more of a window shopping/investigation. I need to continue to buy some new clothes...I need to get some new umm...yeah...bras. You lose weight everywhere...including in the sisters. If only you could make a deal with your body...and say "keep this fat" but continue to burn off the fat on my tummy. But alas, it doesn't work that way. I also want to price out some different types of lamps, etc. I need a lamp for my office...maybe two. I am getting sick of the overhead florescent lighting...and I'd like it to be less bright. So, I am going to see about prices. Plus, I know my dad is interested in replacing the light fixtures in many of the rooms in the house. We have a lot of ancient ones with those ceiling fans attached. I know ceiling fans are not considered stylish...or so Trading Spaces has taught me, but well...I like them. I like that with a normal fan, they help circulate the air around the room...especially in the summer when it is hot hot hot. And the last thing I need to shop around for...is looking for a bike. It's getting to actually be spring like out there in terms of weather...and this year, I am going to start biking myself to work and around town whenever I can. I meant to do it last year, but I never got around to actually buying a bike. Given the cost of gas, my sometimes car issues and my increased interest in fitness related activities....it seems like the perfect time. So...biking here I come!

Now...if anyone wants to send me $$$$ to shop for all those things, it would be greatly appreciated. Yes, I know...the govt is sending me some money, but if you know me at all...you know I am taking that money and immediately putting it towards my student loans. lol

Weight Loss sometimes equals hair loss...

As it is obvious by more than half of my posts here, I've been working a weight loss program for about 6 months. Well, 6 months this time, but weight management is something that has been a goal of mine since...well...since forever.

This is the most successful I have ever been...evidenced by losing 77 pounds to date. Let me tell you, there are some negative side effects to losing weight. One, you have to spend money on clothes since many of your favorite outfits can no longer be favorites because they don't fit. Two, you end up spending more money on food at times because the quality of the food you put into your body becomes more important than the price tag. Another negative is that since I have lost tons of weight, my hair has actually thinned some. The research tends to say that this happens at about the 40 lbs. lost mark. I guess your body realizes that it is losing a good chunk of it's mass, so it concerns itself less with maintaining non-essential things like hair. Luckily, I have a lot of hair and it is thick...so the thinning isn't very noticeable. It's noticeable to me...but it's not some of the horror stories I have read on the internet. I have read about people having bald spots while losing weight, etc. Mine is just a thinner ponytail. And, the good news is that once you stop losing weight...the original thickness of your hair comes back...not overnight, but it does come back.

Anyways, I was lucky enough to get a free sample of this shampoo and conditioner from Naked Naturals and got the chance to try it out. Here is the kind they sent me...



Now, I am usually very picky about shampoo and conditioner that I will use. One of the main reasons is for moral reasons. I won't use any shampoo or conditioner that is tested on animals or made with any animal products. Being the vegetarian that I am, that's probably not much of a shock. Now what is often surprising is how many types of hair care products I cannot use. I can't just buy a new type of product, I have to research it. The first thing I did when I got this sample is head to naked naturals website and check it out. I am happy to report that it contains no animal products and it is not tested on animals.

Secondly, I like products that don't just make my hair smell pretty, but also does something for it. Now, this product does smell great...the lavender scent is wonderful. I have it in my hair right now...and it smells amazing. What I love even more than it smelling like a bouquet of flowers is that it is helping my hair stay strong and healthy...especially given the hit it has taken due to the weight loss. The website advertises that is has 7X the protein of normal products. That is a huge benefit...because it is strengthening my hair each and every time I use it. I have only used it a couple of times, so I haven't noticed a huge difference...but I did see less hair around the drain the last time I took a nice, hot shower. I LOVED LOVED LOVED the free sample and I am definitely going to buy the product. They have some other amazing scents too...I saw a citrus one that looks scrumdiddlyumptious.

If you ever see some of this stuff at the store or at your salon, pick some up. I swear, you won't be disappointed. It's good for your hair. It's good for the environment...and it's good for those cute little animals.

Happy St. Patty's Day to all....

Hey everyone....Happy St. Patrick's Day! I took the day off work...why? Because I consider it my nation's holiday. I am a redhead with pale skin that won't tan...and freakles all over in the summer time. So, yeah...to say I am Irish is an understatement.

If you live near a Stewart's and happen to be wearing green today...stop by and get a FREE SCOOP of ice cream. I wish I was eating ice cream, but not quite yet....but soon. Next year, I will get my free scoop. Heck...maybe next year I will go to every Stewart's in town...which would easily be over 10. j/k

I took a quick run over to my dad's this morning....3 miles...and then we went and bought some green carnations and headed over to my mom's grave marker and put them on the stone. She always loved St. Patty's Day and being Irish. She wore a claddagh ring for years and years...which I now own and only wear is seldomly because I am terrified of losing it. So, I hope she likes the flowers.

And now...I am heading out to go to the video store and then do some shopping...looking to see if the sales are any good for some pants, etc. If not...I'll keep looking.

Enjoy the day...even if you aren't Irish...pretend you are!

I'm a happy kid...cause it's Friday!

Hey y'all.....Happy Friday! I am glad it is the end of the week...and that the weekend is upon us.

Anyone have any fun and exciting plans this weekend? Not too much for me...just more of the same ol', same old. I hope to get a run in on Saturday morning, but right now I am not sure if the weather is going to work with me. We are supposed to get some rain and possibly sleet tonight...and then there is going to be a window tomorrow until late morning and then it is starting all over again. So, my run will depend on how bad the sleet is...and what time late morning actually means. If it doesn't start until 10:30am or 11am...I could most likely get my run in before it, but if it starts spitting and being all nasty at like 9am...probably no run for me. So, cross your fingers that the weather holds out...at least until I can get my running shoes on and across town.

And then, I am doing the standard shopping...and running a few errands. My dad and I might look for new patio furniture for the back porch. We have some, but it's kind of old...and therefore, ratty. I am not sure if we need new ones or if we just have to power wash the ones we have...to pretty them up. I figure...we'll look around while we are puttering through Wal-Mart and Target during our Saturday shopping adventures.

I also have to make sure I get some much needed workouts in this weekend....I didn't workout on Wednesday or Thursday this week. I woke up with a huge charlie horse on Tuesday morning...and the pain lingered around for a few days. So, basically...my lower right leg felt like it wanted to fall off. I did think that running on the elliptical was probably a bad idea then, eh? I massaged the bejesus out of my calf muscle last night...and took a nice, hot shower and massaged it again...and voila...it feels so much better this morning. I'll be hitting the elliptical tonight...hopefully running tomorrow...and elliptical or weights on Sunday. I usually skip working out on Sunday, but not since I skipped two days during the week.

Alright...that's about all I have for updates. I hope everyone has a fantabulous weekend! Hugs all around....

Mid-week report...

It's Wednesday....which means it is Hump Day y'all. We are over the hump and closer to Friday. Plus, this is the Wednesday after what the news reporters were calling Super Tuesday 2. Hillary won Ohio, Rhode Island and Texas...and Barack won Vermont. I've written before that I am a Hillary fan, but part of me just wants this battle to the nominee to be over...and I've crunched the numbers and it looks like...no matter what...it's probably going to go Obama's way. I just don't want to see the Democratic Party spending ALL their time fighting each other...while McCain and the Republicans are uniting and preparing for the real fight, the general election.

Anything else really going on in my life? Not a lot. My roommate's birthday is coming up soon. I've never really been the kind of person who likes to celebrate my birthday, but I know my roomie is. So, we're trying to find something to do...even if it is just a movie and hanging out, etc. And of course...it means I gotta get cracking on buying her gift. I always want to get special gifts that mean something to the person...not just a gift card or a neutral gift. I always want the gift to be something that shows them I thought of "them" specifically. Don't get me wrong...I've bought gift cards before and in all honesty, I like getting them...but still. Hmm, maybe I will buy her lingerie
(just kidding...but I sure got your attention, didn't I?). I'm gonna poke around the shops this weekend when I am running errands and what not...and see what I can find. I always just keep looking until at some point...I come across the perfect gift.

I hope everyone is enjoying their week...and has fabulous plans for the weekend. I don't, but well...I live a pretty boring, grandma lifestyle.

Cleanse away....

I went to BJ's with my dad this weekend....I love that store. I think it feeds the part of me that LOVES getting a deal on stuff. I bought some protein shake powder...and some vitamins...a bag of candy for work. I used to buy a lot of snack food there, but haven't lately since much of it just isn't as healthy as I used to think it was.

When I was over in the vitamin section...I saw all these cleanse products. They intrigue me. I had seen the ones for the colon cleanse before. I want to do more research on them. I wonder if they are effective, if they work. I know a lot of people buy them hoping to lose a few pounds doing just that. That's not why I would like to try it. I've been eating pretty low carb/high protein for months now...and I heard that it can hard on colon over time. So, if a product like this...can help maintain my colon's health...that's a good thing, eh? I just don't know if they work...how they work...why they work. Hmm, it's time to use google search and read up. (What did we do before the internet??? lol)

Another cleanse I saw was a liver cleanse. I had never heard of that at all before. I read the bottle and it says it really helps with gallbladder function. My immediate response was...it's probably something alcoholics should use since their liver gets damaged so much, but is it something we all could use? Well, the liver is the organ that takes all of the toxins out of our body, so maybe. I am not as interested in this one as I am in the colon cleanse...but, it definitely is something I wanna read up on.

I need to go see a new PCP doctor within the next month...and I am going to ask him/her about these cleanse products and see what they say. I know that we lived for a long, long time without them, but in the age of processed foods and additives in everything we eat, maybe it would help more than hurt.

Has anyone ever tried a cleanse?? What did you think of it? Do you recommend it? Google search can tell me a lot of info, but personal stories are always great information.

politics is personal....

If you know me, you know that the personal is always with me. I am starting to get worked up about the political shananigans coming this year. There are so many issues which are close to my heart...healthcare...the war...poverty...women's rights...the environment. Hmmpf, my heart desperately wanted Al Gore to run for President, but well...he wasn't taking my calls and didn't get to hear my desperate plea.

I am always looking for small and big ways to get involved in political issues. I know that I can't change the world overnight, but I can do little things that make a difference. One thing I like to do is look at where I shop. I will admit to shopping at Wal-Mart, but I don't like it. I look to support local farmers and businesses. I also like to buy from companies which support environmental efforts.

Greenandmore.com is definitely one of those companies I would purchase from. They sell eco products and common household items as well. By purchasing from them, I am buying something that is made in an economically friendly way and that brings my heart joy. But, that isn't the only good thing about it. The company also supports environmental charities with the purchase of their products. And, they walk the walk...they aren't just talk. They follow environmental standards concerning recycling, not using plastic products, using 100% recycled cardboard, etc. I might pay a little bit more for something, but I sure would feel good about it.

Another thing I found on their site which is pretty cool is they have an environmental learning center. I believe in global warming and think climate control is a huge issue, but I know that I need to know more. My knowledge is only the tip of the iceberg. The site has tons of links to educational material. They don't seem like a company just out to make money. They seem like a company interesting in truly making a difference.

Ah, this post just makes me miss Al Gore more. Why won't he just be my President??

Shop, shop, shop....

Except for one last gift...I am all DONE with my Christmas shopping. And that one last gift..it's not available until next Tuesday, so I feel very done. Phew. I picked up the last minute items today and now I just have to wrap everything and be done with it.

And it is good that I am done...since my dad and I start the drive to Florida for the holidays next Tuesday. Time is flying people...flying! I can't wait...even though I have a million things to do until then.

It's Thursday....can't wait for Friday!

Hey everybody...I haven't posted since Monday. I remember when I used to post once or twice per day, but well...life is just sometimes too busy for that. This weekend, I am planning on getting some much needed Christmas shopping done. I did some last weekend, but I need to finish it. I need to buy some things for my brother and his family, for my dad, for my roomie...and I am also going to buy some cute pet supplies for my adorable kitty. She doesn't really play with toys and well, she's a cat..she doesn't understand Christmas, but still.

Unlike some people...I do not enjoy shopping. I don't like the crowds. I don't like picking stuff out. I don't like spending my money most of all. So, wish me luck!

It's Weigh-In Monday!

Hello everyone...it's officially Monday again, which means it is my weekly weigh-in day. I have always picked Mondays as my weigh-in days because it helps me stay focused on the weekends...knowing I have a weigh-in looking me in the face bright and early on Monday Mornings.

As we know..this week was Thanksgiving. You know...that holiday known for stuffing your face until you have to unbutton your pants. I had a really nice Thanksgiving with family...and I also didn't eat outside of my diet. I had veggies and cheese for my protein. I didn't have stuffing...and lord, I love stuffing. I didn't have mashed taters...and I like them too, but don't love them like I love stuffing.

Anyways...enough teasing you. I lost 3 lbs this week. That's right...3 freakin' pounds. I have never lost weight before the week of Thanksgiving....usually I am right in the middle of gaining weight before New Year's...when I will once again vow to take it off. In total, I have lost 33 lbs since recommitting myself to this diet mumbo jumbo.

This last week was stressful and sometimes sad for me...it was the holiday week, my mom's birthday...plus some other just stressful stuff. This would have been a prime week for me to comfort myself with food...but I didn't. And what is new, I didn't even think about it. A month ago...I was a little stress ball too...and I didn't jump into a pool of ice cream and chow away, but I thought about it. When I was feeling stressed or bad...food was still my first impulse. This week...I dealt with it in different ways. I talked to people. I went for walks. I cried if need be(I am so not a crier). Food wasn't my first thought...and I am really comforted by that. I think this diet...as strict as it is...is teaching me things. I am hopeful it is teaching me lessons that I can use long after I am done losing weight.

Phew...enough of all that seriousness. Oooh...I went shopping this weekend. No, not Christmas shopping like everyone else on the planet. I went shopping for the 2 reward presents I owed myself. I was putting off the sneaks because they were kind of pricey and I was hoping for a sale after TGiving. I got no sale, but I bought the sneaks anyways. I got a nice pair...they feel great on my feet. I always buy Nikes...I think they were just made for my foot. And, I bought some stuff at Bath and Body Works. They had a sale for 4 items for $10...so that's what I got. I have a hard time spending money on myself at any time, but especially at this time of the year...but I needed to get out of the head space because I deserved it...no I earned it. Plus, my old sneaks were falling apart...literally.

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend...and that Monday is finding them well.

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

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...

ridiculous!

I went shopping this weekend...just to pick up some random things. I went to Devil-Mart, Target, etc. In each store, I was blown away by the amount of holiday related crap that were in the front of the store.

Halloween costumes and rows and rows of candy. Okay, I accept this...even though Halloween is OVER a month away. And then, I turn the corner and I see rows of Christmas stuff. Yes, that is right...Christmas decorations and candy and Santa covered crap. It's just ridiculous. It's September people...next, I fully expect a whole row dedicated to graduation announcements, but then again...only if they can sell costumes and candy to go along with it.

I am amazed at how every single holiday is turned into how much you can buy...and what crap people can sell you. *grumbles*

Remember, once upon a time...when Christmas was all about loving that Baby Jesus!