Joy

This is going to sound strange - maybe not strange to all - but God has changed my spirit about giving.  I got paid last Friday - on the Monday before my paycheck I couldn't wait to write out my check to the church.  So I didn't wait - I wrote it out and again - I couldn't wait to drop it in the bucket!  We gave a little extra last week to a worthy organization and again - it felt GREAT!!  I was figuring out my bills - and took my tithe money off the top!  It's pretty amazing - I don't have the anxiety about money that I used to have.  I really believe and know that by being faithful and joyful in giving, I will be blessed for it and God will provide.  Besides, it isn't mine anyway - it all comes from God.

Leap of Faith

I've been a Christian for years now.  I feel like I'm joining the game a little late...but here I am. 

Over the last few weeks, we have been discussing in ABF being a good steward of what God has given us.  I haven't been a good steward with what God has given me.  God has really been laying some things on my heart about our finances.  The only part of the Bible where God asks for us to test Him is in the area of our finances.  So that is what I am going to do.  Except my attitude is SO MUCH better than I thought it would be.

In the past - I've given what I could out of what I have left.  My feeling was that God knew what I was going through and He understood.  I was being trusted with something and I was in disobedience with God.  I am taking a baby step to get where I should be.  As soon as I decided to do this - I wrote out a check.  I couldn't wait to drop it in the bucket at church!!  I have never been happier to part with money!  It was a beautiful feeling I had.  To keep up this discipline, I've written it in my calendar and I'm READY!  It's only Tuesday, but I've already written out my check and I can't wait until I can put it in the bucket this Sunday.  I am very excited to see what God has in store for me. 

I have come to the realization that God wants His best for me - not just good...but His BEST!  His best is better than I could ever imagine!

Diets

Diets suck. I know this isn't a news flash for those that have dieted. I have tried lots of diets. The road to skinny-town is filled with good intentions to stick to a diet. I start out with a great attitude and slowly go down from there. Once I get off the wagon, I just don't jump back on.

I saw a story on GMA about Stacy Woltmann and read her blog (click here) and have decided to jump back on. I'm going to focus on eating healthy and lower fat and cals. I'll add in exercise and see how I do. Yesterday, I got my fat butt on a treadmill for 30 mins (total of 1.44 miles). I was proud of that accomplishment (I would rather eat dirt than exercise - but I need to do it). I've already made out my grocery list for some healthier food items. I'm not the only one that has discovered this, but it's cheaper to eat terrible. For example, snack options - a bag of grapes is about $4.00 - a bag of Doritos is $2.50. The lean ground beef is almost $3.00 per pound, and the not-so-lean ground beef is $1.88. When a family (my family) has to tighten the belt - we have to make compromises. Sometimes we compromise in the quality, sometimes in the quantity and sometimes in convenience. When we are really poor - we compromise on them all.

I'm not only doing this for myself so that I feel better - but for my son as well. I would like to do more with him and make sure I'm around for a long time. Thanks for the kick in the pants Stacy!

91%

Don and I had our first parent/teacher conference this morning with Cooper's teacher. It was awesome! I didn't think she would have anything negative to say about Cooper, but he's doing better academically than I thought he was.

They did their Fall Assessment a couple of weeks ago. The teachers assess what they know. They go over letters, numbers, counting, shapes, rhyming words, syllables and comprehension (when a story is read aloud without pictures). Cooper's overall score was 91%!! Of the 123 questions on the test, he got 112 RIGHT! Only 11 wrong! Brought tears to my eyes!! I'm so glad that Cooper is doing well and seems to really enjoy school! My sweet little boy is growing up! He's getting so big! I'm so proud!

On the down-side to this - the OCD mother in me wants to spend an hour each night working on the things that he needs to work on to make a 100 on the next test. Is that wrong? I really need to work on my expectations!

Cranky!

Man, oh man have I been cranky lately. Last week, I kind of enjoyed it. I kinda liked my crankiness and it worked for me. But now, I've grown tired of my crankiness and I want the old me back. I wnat to be happy.

I felt horrible last night. I was again cranky and I yelled at Cooper and the stupid dog. I had to work on some Room Mom stuff, and I just wanted to get it done. Both the kid and the dog just kept getting in my way! I stopped and cried out to God to control my anger! I should have don that before I yelled, but sadly, I didn't. I got it done and then I called Cooper in to talk to me. I had to apologize for my anger. I don't need to wonder where his anger comes from! I really need to be more careful!

Great News came yesterday!

Don is back working weekends! Horray! Not that I'm excited to have him out of the house on Saturday's and Sunday's, but I am relieved for our financial situation.

On to MIL stories - haven't had one of those in a while. I asked Don to ask his mom not to come over every day. He did. But she continues to come over. She comes over to my house EVERY DAY! Monday through Friday. She is there. I've asked Don why she does this and Don says that she's bored. I can appreciate that I guess, but find another hobby besides coming over to my house to fix my 42 year old husband breakfast and iron his jeans!! She not only does this, but she gives my dog treats and fixes him "special" meals. My dog has a weight problem - STOP FEEDING HIM!! I've asked her to stop and sometimes she denies that she does it - while she stands next to the evidence to the contrary.

Yesterday, when I got home from work, I saw the evidence of my MIL's presence on my coffee table (a stack of mail for us to sort through because she claims to not understand it). On the top of the stack of dead trees, was Cooper's homework. He had already done it! Don looked at it, read the directions out loud and told Cooper, "wait til Mommy gets home so she can help you". Don had to take a phone call in the office, so he left Cooper to watch tv. When he returned, Cooper had gotten his homework supplies and did his homework ALL BY HIMSELF! We were very proud - and he did it correctly! My smart little boy!

Wakey Wakey!

That's how I have tried the last few days to wake Cooper up in the morning for school. I've turned the light on, rubbed his back, sweetly told him that it's time to get up. And just like a teenager - I get nothing. He doesn't jump out of bed, excited about the day. This morning it was "go away" with his eyes closed and in the process of curling back up for sleeping. If this is a sign of things to come, I'm screwed!

Murray has learned to sleep in. The new puppy Mia, not su much. She is bright-eyed and bushy tailed! Ready to get the day started! Dang dog! Here is a picture of baby Mia. She's a little bigger now - I'll have to take more pics of her and Murray playing.

It looks like Don is going back to work this weekend! YIPEE!!

The insanity continues

Sitting around the house just waiting for Joseph to arrive. Yesterday was his 20th birthday. Can't believe that he's 20 already!! Can't believe that he was 11 when Don and I met! Anyway, he is supposed to come over for dinner and cake. MIL is supposed to come over too. It is after 6:00 PM and neither guest is here. I get so discouraged at their lack of courtesy for others. I called Joseph this afternoon - and haven't heard from him since. Not sure if he's even left Sherman yet. I called MIL an hour ago and she still had "company". Someone came over to help her with something, and now she can't leave. Excuse me? IT'S YOUR GRANDSONS BIRTHDAY - ASK THEM TO LEAVE!! I digress.

Anyway, everything is ready to assemble. Just have to put it in the oven when the guest of honor arrives. I should have known that it would end up like this. I keep believing in people and I keep getting let down. I shouldn't let them bother me.

Features

I signed up to do the mobile blog thing - but I can't for the life of me remember how to do it? How sad is that!!? It was just last week - so it's not like this happened ages ago and the passing of significant time has faded my memory. Nope - just can't remember.

I will try to blog more - not that anyone reads this - not that I tell anyone that it is here...but just in case someone does.

WOW!

Can't believe that I have gone an entire summer without posting anything to my blog! Talk about a lazy blogger! Shame shame on me. I'll try to do better.

Yard Sale Bust

This weekends yard sale was not so hot. Friday (I worked), but in the afternoon, it rained so Don had to bring everything in. On Saturday is was COLD with really high winds making it even colder. Sunday was beautiful and we got some foot traffic during the hours after church, but that was it. We only made about $200 total. At the end of it all, one of our neighbors walked by and asked what we were going to do with the left-over items that didn't sell. She asked if she could have them because her church will give them to people in need. Don and I quickly agreed...we didn't really want to mess with the stuff any more.

We are now getting ready to go to my dad's this weekend - Thursday actually. Cooper is very excited - I just hope we can afford it!

Wella's 90th

This past Saturday we celebrated Don's grandma's 90th birthday (everyone calls her Wella). She is adorable and it was a great party that went late into the night. Although I left around 9:30. My MIL forgot to tell Joseph about the party - so I texted him Saturday, and fortunately, he didn't have much going on and was able to go! I was very excited about that! Cooper had a great time! He danced and played with his cousins and was completely exhausted.

He was so pooped that when we woke up the next morning, he begged to have a jammie day and not go to church. So, I agreed...I kinda needed a jammie day too.

Don got home from SXSW around 5:30 on Sunday and as usual, was just there in the physical - not at all mentally.

My cousins wedding shower is coming up - and I have to figure out something to give! I started knitting this weekend - maybe I can quickly knit up some dishcloths for her.

I am really hoping that Don goes back to work soon! I really miss shopping!!

Habits

This may be a first...but I worked out three days this week. Each day, I was on the treadmill for 30 minutes and walked approximately 1.5 miles each day. This is the first time I have had any amount of consistancy in an exercise routine. So YEAH me! I need to try to fit some exercise into this weekend - maybe a video in the morning.

I've realized that in order for me to change things, I have to do them one at a time - instead of all at once!! For example, I've been trying to be good all around...eat well, exercise, take care of my skin, take my vitamins, improve my overall health, do my nails more, take better care of my hair. I usually try to do all of this all at once, get burned out in a week and go on a binge of food while laying on the couch with bad skin, hair and nails. I've made a slight change. This time, I'm doing things one at a time. I may have done things a little out of order, but this is working for me (for now). I first started with skin. My skincare routine was seriously lacking consistency. I have my routine set in stone (or at least written out in my filofax) and I enjoy following it religiously. Second, I began taking my vitamins regularly. I have found a system that helps me remember to take them - at it too is working. Third, I have worked-out three days this week. I know, it's just one week - but it's a start...and I have been doing good with my other new habits that it's only a matter of time before working out is a habit. Once that goal is achieved, I'll work on eating better. See, one thing at a time. I expect by the end of this journey I will look and feel younger (with great skin, hair and nails and a rockin bod!)

MIL Strikes Again

It's been a while since I have written about my MIL. We try to stay out of each others' hair as much as possible - it just makes our lives easier. Yesterday, I knew she was out and about with Cooper so I tried to call her around 1:00 pm, then probably 1:30 ish, then 2:00 ish, etc. I called again around 3:00 and again, like the times before, no answer - just ringing. About 15 seconds after I hung up from the last call my husband called me. He said, "mom just called, and she's at the laundry mat and wants you to stop calling her because she can't talk, she'll call you later". To this I responded..."your mom called you to tell you to call me to tell me to stop calling her? Why didn't she just pick up one of my calls and tell me that she would call me back in a little bit?" INSANITY!

Nails

I went to Trade Secret last night to pick up some nail polish. I didn't know what I would get, but was in the mood (and the $10 off coupon helped the mood). I got a nice pale pink for spring for my fingers and a couple of other fun colors out of my comfort zone. The farthest color away from my comfort zone by far is the black nail polish I bought. I actually can't wait to put it on tonight. When I paint my nails a dark color, my toes have to match...so I have to do both my nails and toes black tonight. It will be interesting to say the least.

Since today is St. Patrick's day, I am of course wearing green (sweater set). I couldn't bring myself to buy/wear green nail polish, so I opted for a gold-tone (pot of gold at the end of the rainbow - get it?!). It looks cool - but I have the urge to go black before the summer. Perhaps I'll post photos of the black nails and toes!

Back to last night - I went to Trade Secret after work. They were running a special on OPI nail polish...buy 2 get Rapid Dry Spray for free. Great deal (especially with my $10 off to boot!). There is a big sign on the OPI display about the promotion as well as a sandwich board sign on the sidewalk of the store. I had to tell the little girl working there about the promotion. She didn't know. So at the check out, I ask for my free product. She looks around franticly and can't find it. She leaves a message for her manager. Another teenager comes in to work and together, they look for the Rapid Dry Spray. No luck. So the little girl says to me, "maybe if you see the manager she will give you one". So I say to her, "how about you take down my information and have your manager call me". She looks at me like that was the greatest idea she has ever heard. By lunch time today, the manager hadn't called me. So I called her - and again - customer service is severely LACKING! With so many retailers struggling to keep their doors open, I would want to make sure that whatever customers I had - kept coming back!

Weekend adventures

As I was driving home on Friday, my husband informs me that he needs my help when I get home (insert eye-rolling here). I reluctantly ask why. And he responds "We need to catch a baby bunny that's under my car". At some point, a baby bunny went under Don's car for warmth and to get out of the rain. So, my husband, set up an Elmer Fudd-style trap to capture the bunny. Luckily, he caught the bunny right as I was arriving home, so that I didn't have to "help". He isn't a wild rabbit. He looks like he was someone's pet that got out our was let out.

We brought the bunny in and put him in the bathtub. He's very cute. Cooper loves him, so it looks like we have a pet bunny. We went to Petco Saturday morning and bought a bunch of stuff to house the bunny and hopefully all will be well. Murray was a little tense about the new pet, but he's already calmed down around the bunny. The bunny's name is Ozzy.

This weekend was great also because Don was home. He hasn't been home on a weekend in months. We just ran a couple of errands and hung out around the house, but that's what made it so nice.

This past Saturday, we were supposed to have a birthday party for Don's grandmother (she turned 90 on Sunday). We didn't have a party because no one could get it together. That whole side of the family lack the ability to properly plan for anything! It looks like her party will be this Saturday. I have plans this Saturday, so I hope it doesn't interfere.

What plans could I possibly have this Saturday you ask? I am having lunch with a friend from high school that I haven't seen in 21 years! Stephanie moved away before our Senior year and we lost touch after that. Through technology and recognizing her brother in a picture, I was able to get back in touch with her - and we live nearby each other! How cool is that?

The method to my madness

Last night at BUNCO we got to talking about how we eat Skittles. Each person had a different method, in order of preference, etc. to eat their Skittles. Each of us varied it in some way. It was a fun conversation to have with other people as it lets me know that I am not the only one that does this type of thing. For me personally, I like to dump out the bag of Skittles (single-serving bag) and seperate them all by color. I eat them in twos...first the yellow, then orange, then green, then either red or purple. Sometimes the red are my favorite, sometimes the purple are my favorite. Just depends on my mood.

I realized today, that each month there is the same type of method to my madness when it comes to my monthly magazine reading. Each month, I thumb through each magazine to see what's inside. I turn each page and look at all the pictures, ads and read the headline of the articles. Then (after my Lucky Magazine arrives) I go through each magazine a little more carefully and I mark things I want to look at more (with the little stickers that are in the Lucky magazine), would like to buy, research or read. Then I go and investigate the things I have marked. I don't know why I do this. It's like the Skittles, it just happens.

My little show stopper

Cooper gets out of school at 2:00. I know that when my husband calls at exactly 2:00, that something went on at school today that he couldn't wait to tell me. As I picked up the phone, all I hear is laughter from my husband. During assembly (not really sure what this is, but everyone gathers in the sanctuary I think), each child has an opportunity to get up and sing something and his teacher told Don that usually they sing something they learned in school (Jesus Loves Me, Go Tell It on the Mountain, He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, etc.). My son got up on stage and sang a heavy metal song using his fist as a mic complete with rock 'n roll horns and totally rocked it! She said he knew every word to the song and did a great job! His teacher couldn't wait for Don to come and pick him up so that the teachers could find out what song he was singing. Cooper told us later he was singing Ozzy. His teacher said that he was a very good performer!

See, internet - this is why I have only one child.

Weekly Skincare routine

I recently wrote about my new skincare products - all by Mario Badescu. I just love it and can't get enough of it. However, I wasn't using all the products as often as I should have. I have now come up with a routine that I follow, and I love my skin!!

Every morning, the routine is the same...I wash my face with Enzyme Cleansing Gel, Cucumber Lotion, Gycolic Eye Cream, Oil Free Moisturizer w/SPF 17. The evening routine differs:

• Monday and Thursday, I wash with Enzyme Cleansing Gel, I use the Silver Powder for blackheads (works like a DREAM - way better than the duct-tape-like things I used to put on my nose - I think by Biore), then I use Cucumber Lotion, Gycolic Eye Cream and Seaweed Night Cream.
• Tuesday and Saturday, I wash with Enzyme Cleansing Gel, then I exfoliate with Kiwi Face Scrub, and follow that with Cucumber Lotion, Gycolic Eye Cream and Seaweed Night Cream.
• Wednesday and Sunday, I wash with Enzyme Cleansing Gel, then I use Orange Tonic Mask and follow that with Cucumber Lotion, Gycolic Eye Cream and Seaweed Night Cream.
• Friday's I don't use any "speciality" treatments, I just wash with Enzyme Cleansing Gel, Cucumber Lotion, Gycolic Eye Cream, and Seaweed Night Cream.

Can't wait to earn more money to buy more products!

When Don and I were much poorer (not that we are well off by any means!), but I stopped buying "stuff". I hadn't bought make up or skin care (and it showed) in a really long time. I just didn't have the money to do it. Don was working for a while, and I had a little bit to spare. I was able to catch us up a little and have some money to buy these things - and it makes me happy!!

I'm really looking forward to losing weight and buying new clothes - that would make me REALLY happy!

MAC

I love to buy make up. I especially love to buy MAC make up because they have such a great variety of colors whether you are looking for a new eyeshadow, or lipstick or glitter eyeliner. I have joked with many MAC salespeople over the years that I should create a list of things/colors I currently have, to eliminate the chance of duplication. And wouldn't you know it - it happened. One neutral eye shadow color was duplicated. That isn't too much of a big deal - but I didn't realize it until I finally drug out my make up stashes and went through it all and created a spreadsheet of my MAC cosmetics. I carefully went through it all and I organized it the way I wanted, and as I looked at it - I noticed that the lipsticks looked a little light - I thought I had more. But maybe I just wasn't as bad as I thought. After looking at it, I realized, I have an entire make up bag under the sink with a TON of lipstick in it. I need to go through that real soon and update all my stuff. Besides, going through all that might make me feel like I was buying something new, again!

Sometimes, people annoy me.

Here was the scenario today...I was coming out of the drive-thru at Chick-fil-A. This particular location is a very busy CFA and the drive-thru line usually wraps around the building. When you exit, you need to make your way out of the parking lot as there are others entering, exiting and trying to find a place to park or trying to get out of a parking spot. As I was exiting, there were a group of three people that just got out of their car and were making their way to the restaurant (single-file). As they began to cross in front of my car I could see they were chit-chatting, I slowed down a little more and then the first girl , stopped, turned around and was very animated with their conversation. I then had to stop - other cars behind me had to stop and when this girl finally realized what she had done, she giggled with her hand over her mouth like she had no idea what she was doing!

If this were me - I might have done (and probably have done) the same exact thing! But for what ever reason - this annoyed the crap out of me today! Hopefully it's just that the weather is crappy and I'll be better soon!

Some more faves

This is the ring that my husband got me for Christmas. I was pleasantly surprised and I wear this all the time. It is such a great accessory and since I wear a lot of black, it goes with most of my wardrobe.

The polish on my nails is another favorite for Spring, it's OPI's Dutch Tulips. It's the perfect dark pink/almost red and looks great on my toes as well.

I have had scalp problems for a number of years. Aveda made a scalp therepy that I loved and cured my problem for a while. However over a year ago, they changed the formula and the new formula doesn't work for me. My scalp is dry, itchy and flakes. I did some research and instead of trying different dandruff shampoo's I went straight to Nixoral. It's expensive at $9.99 for a small bottle, but I thought why mess around! I used to wash my hair about every other day. My hair is dry and any hairsylist will tell you that with my curly hair, you aren't supposed to wash your hair daily...however I want to clear up my scalp! Every day for a week I have washed my hair and it seems to be working! YIPEE!

I have a $10 off coupon for Trade Secret that has to be used in March - so I'm going to look through my magazines and find the perfect deep conditioner since my hair needs additional moisture.

Things I love

I have always been interested in skin care, make up, spa treatments and the like. I have recently switched brands and tried some new things that I want to share about. I'm not sure if anyone ever reads this blog, but I'm very happy with these products and am just excited to share about them.

• Mario Badescu line of skin care. I switched to this line about three weeks ago and I could not be happier. Most of the products I have I bought from Nordstrom's, but I've also ordered twice online. With each online order, I can chose up to three samples - very cool. After using these products for a couple of weeks, my skin has never looked better or felt better. My favorite products are Silver Powder and Special Healing Powder. I have combo/oily skin and have always had blackheads on my nose that have never gone away. Until now. After one application of Silver Powder, they are almost gone! I can't wait to use it again tonight. I have had a problem keeping make up on with my oily skin. It tends to come off or just look splotchy. I use the Special Healing Powder with my regular powder and it stays put! Thank you Mario Badescu! Click here for info on their products.
• I have always been a fan of MAC Cosmetics. I love their range of colors and that they are friendly to the environment. My new favorite product is glitter eyeliner. It's funny how a little glitter can make a girl feel flirty. My all time favorite product is Lip Glass. You can't go wrong and it makes your lips look devine! Click here for more MAC.
• A polished brow frames the face. It's very important to keep this area neat and clean. There has been debate about threading versus waxing eyebrows. The lady doing the threading assured me that threading hurt much less than waxing. SHE WAS WRONG! I cried! That was just an awful experience. I'm going back to waxing for sure.

Since I'm not sure if anyone looks at this, I may post this on facebook too.

Birthday

My birthday was Monday and I had a great day - especially since I didn't have to work! The first thing out of my sons mouth that morning was "Happy Birthday Mommy". That alone was the greatest gift. I went to lunch at Hooter's with Joseph & Cooper and we had fun. My husband got me satillate radio for my car. We have to get that installed. My friends took my to lunch yesterday and I got a watch that tells me how many calories I burn during the day. It's pretty cool!

That's the excitement of another year!

Customer Service

Last Saturday, Cooper and I decided to walk around the mall. We have an awesome outdoor mall very near our house. Sometimes we like to go and just walk around (Cooper likes this because there is a good chance that he will get a milk shake or a cookie). We parked at one end by Macy's and planned to make a full lap. I decided to go to Macy's and look for shoes...I really wanted a new pair of peep-toe pumps. We looked for a minute and I found a pair to try on. There were three ladies working in the shoe department and all three were behind the counter by the register. Until I asked to try a shoe on, no one approached me to ask if I needed any assistance. Someone went to get the shoe I wanted and all three stayed at the counter. No one came out from behind the counter to give me the shoes, I had to go and get the shoe. All the while, the three ladies continued to talk. I have to ask - is these tough economic times, why aren't people working harder to keep their jobs? With all types of businesses in hardship, I would think people would do what ever they could and do their very best to stay employed. I guess that doesn't occur to some people?? Bad customer service

On the other side of the coin, Don and I went furniture shopping last night and were overwhelmed with customer service. It really felt like we were at a car lot and being pressured into buying furniture right away. I don't like feeling pressured into buying things...especially expensive furniture.

Spa day...

I am finally going to do something that I have been wanting to do for a long time. I have a spa appointment tomorrow after work. I am going to get a mani/pedi and a European Facial. Hubby will be out of town, and Cooper will be spending the night with his grandma. A relaxing night alone! WooHoo!! I'm looking forward to coming home and really relaxing all by myself!

Dawn of a new era

I know that many have written about the day our new President took office, so I'm not going to say too much.

I have very high expectations for our new President. He made a lot of promises that I'm not sure he can keep. I wouldn't mind being wrong about that.

During the campaign, I had several discussions with friends and coworkers about each candidate. Many were voting for various reasons other than his position on certain issues. I am happy with my vote and my decision, even though I wasn't happy with the outcome.

I am hopeful that he will do a good job. I will continue to pray for him and for our country. May God Bless America.

Kindergarten

First - Happy Birthday Mommy!

I realized the other day that I have to start the registration process for Cooper to attend Kindergarten in the fall. And then the panic attack happened - MY BABY IS GOING TO KINDERGARTEN!!! I'm freaking out. It can't be time for him to go to kindergarten yet. He's probably ready. I don't think that I am.

Lots has changed about kindergarten. It's now a full day - from 8:00 am to 3:10 pm. They don't nap. And they have homework. Is school even fun any more? Are we asking our kids to chose a college by the 5th grade so that they can chose classes geared toward their future?

At the same time - I'm excited because this is such an exciting time for Cooper. I'm excited to watch him learn and grow. I want to be involved, know his teachers, know his classmates and their parents. I want to go on field trips and join him for lunch at his school. I am hopeful that I will have the opportunities to do these things with my one and only son.

So far, so good.

I just got back from my first Weight Watchers weigh-in. I was a little scared and I prepared myself mentally for a let down. That's why I was pleasantly surprised by my four pound loss! That's four pounds in one week!! I couldn't believe it! If I wasn't so humiliated, I would take pictures of myself and really chronical my weight loss - but I just don't have it in me. I have to look at myself in the mirror every day, I don't want to look at myself on the computer or even on my camera.

I've done this before. In previous posts I've documented a short lived weight loss journey. I get excited at the beginning and I lose momentum when I don't lose as much weight as I do in the beginning. I am hopeful that this time will be different.

Uncomfortable Topic

When you are in an environment daily where you have to share restroom facilities with others, there is an unwritten etiquette that should be followed...until now - I will write them below (these are similiar to ones that I hope people do in their homes, so I'm not sure why these rules aren't followed in public).

1. If you make a mess, clean it up.
2. If the toilet paper falls down, pick it up.
3. Do not talk on the phone while in the restroom.
4. If you need to poop - please courtesy flush as many times as needed.
5. If you spinkle a little on the seat - clean it up before you leave.
6. Don't leave the stall until you are certain all items have been flushed.
7. Wash your hands before leaving the restroom.

These are just a few guides that I really didn't think needed to be posted, but I was proven wrong by a recent trip to the restroom!!

Panic!

I just realized that I go for my first weigh-in at WW tomorrow morning. I'm a little panicked about it...what if I didn't lose? I think I have done really good. I even have extra points left over. Which is good I think. There were a couple of occasions where I could have slipped into an old habit - but I think I made good choices.

I really need to figure out the points value of rotel and chips. That is something that I don't want to give up and I need to plan ahead for.

I'll find out my weight soon enough.

I started watching The Biggest Loser on TV the other night. I figure that would be good motivation. I've tried the other approach - watching skinny people on TV - and that just pisses me off and I turn to food. What a vicious cycle.

First of the Year

Here we are at the beginning of a new year and once again, I resolve to lose weight. And again, I have joined Weight Watchers. Third time is a charm right? I get very aggrivated with myself and wonder why do I need to pay people to track my weight? Why don't I have the willpower to do this on my own? I am not alone in this struggle. At my Saturday morning meeting there is a room full of others that have the same issue.

Today, will be difficult. I have forgotten my lunch. I am really good on WW when I remember my stuff. I was running too late today. I prepared Cooper's lunch - but not mine. Dang it!

Again, I haven't told anyone what I weigh. I know, my Mom knows - and the ladies at WW. That's it. Maybe I'll tell people after I lose LOTS of weight. Maybe I won't. Don't know yet. I am more determined than ever to lose weight for good this year. My 20 year high school reunion is this year. I'm very excited about it and CANNOT believe that it has been 20 years!!