Two Things Tuesday

1- Have you tried these yet? The new Pretzel M&Ms are incredible and only 3 points for a 1-serving bag! You have to try them, especially if you love sweet-and-salty combo snacks, but be sure to buy the individual serving packages because it's really hard to stop otherwise!

2- OK, so I skipped out on my weigh-in this week because I felt like I would have yet another stagnant week. We now have a scale in the bathroom, so I know FOR SURE that the needle hasn't moved anywhere. Plus, I have been feeling so fat and bloated lately since I haven't been exercising like I was. But, I'm getting back on track! My goals for this week are to journal/record all of my points and to run 2 miles 4 times. Easy enough, right?!?!

An Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny

I bought a new bikini this week

a pink and turquoise one

not so much because I would be caught dead in it

I won't

not right now anyway

but I figured for $7 I could hang it in my closet

and maybe it will give me inspiration

to lose 10 more lbs.

And yes, I was the girl taking my own picture

in a bikini

in the Target dressing room

but for now, I'll keep them to myself

I'm not that brave...

yet.

April Showers Bring May....

TORNADOES!!! If you know anything about Oklahoma weather, you know that it's not a matter of "if" the tornadoes will arrive each Spring but "when" they will arrive. Well, we got 'em last night and there was significant damage in several cities across the state. Sadly, there were also a few deaths. We were lucky; the storms had settled before reaching our neck of the woods, but we were ready and waiting with plans to hide out in the hallway bathroom if we needed. It wouldn't be the first time and probably not the last either, but it still doesn't change my mind that I live in a great state.

A Whole Lot of Randomness

The husband surprised me with tickets to game 6 of Round 1 of the playoffs, which means I got to see the Thunder play the Lakers on Friday night. It was a blast! We lost by 1 point, but I have never had so much fun at a sporting event!

We went to Weight Watchers on Monday, and I was expecting a HUGE gain b/c we missed last week's weigh-in and I hadn't been making good food choices. I only gained 0.6 though and I was happy with that. I am trying to run again, but the sciatica/piriformis issue/ pain in the ass/ whatever it is is still very annoying. BUT, the above picture is of me following a run....not dressed as a clown (as my mom said).

Food Find: I am a carboholic, and was sad when I thought that I would have to eat whole wheat pasta for the rest of my life. I don't like it. SO, I found this stuff this week and it's great! Plus, it only has 3 WW points per serving!

Here is what a serving looks like. I just added one serving of 0 point broccoli and cheese and it was VERY filling.

Last night, we went over to my BIL's house for some 10:30 pm fajitas. Doesn't everybody eat dinner at 10:30? Anyway, I think moths are creepy, but I had to take a picture of this one on the husband's shoulder....since I put it there.

And today, I bought the hipstamatic app for my phone and it takes the greatest pictures! Here's Fletcher, the fluffy dog from the previous post.

And here's Nellie, the little dog that we gave the bad haircut to the other day. She looks sad. She's not though; I promise.

That's all I got for now, but thanks everyone for your running advice! I love your comments!

Monday Minute

So today I was planning to blog about what I just ate for lunch or the "art" I made for the husband for Valentines Day but never showed you. But instead, I think I'll play along with Ian's Monday Minute, which I found courtesy of Tammy. I'm joining in because I like the questions. They remind me of questions I would ask the husband. You should join in too, and let me know if you do because I want to read your answers!

1 - How much would you have to be paid to eat a human cadaver's finger?
Whatever amount I could live well on for the rest of my life without working. 5 million? BTW, I asked the husband the other day how much I would have to pay him to cut off his pinky or one of his toes. He didn't want to play.

2 - Describe the worst physical fight you've ever been in.
In high school, a fellow cheerleader punched me in the stomach because I pointed and that was apparently more rude than punching someone in the stomach.

3 - Name one song that if you never heard it ever again, you'd be thrilled.
Me So Horny, but only because my friend played it in the jukebox on Saturday and it livened the place up.

4 - Describe the "drunkest" situation you've ever been.
St. Patricks Day 2006. It was the only time I have ever "celebrated" SPD, and the night ended with me not able to tell my "driver" which house was mine. I was awake, but couldn't recognize my own house, and when I couldn't get my key in the door, she thought someone was going to call the cops b/c we were at the wrong house. She yelled to me from the car that we were at the wrong house, and I SPRINTED back to her car and got in...scared the cops were on their way. It was my house.

5 - What's your biggest regret?

Not taking advantage of the past 8 months of not working and traveling the world or doing something really incredible. Also, not studying abroad or doing Semester at Sea in college when my dad offered to pay for it. I was afraid my boyfriend would cheat on me if I was gone. He cheated anyway!

Easy Reads

I just got on my local library's website to look for a book that I am interested in reading. I was going to buy it, but I love that I can save $100s each year by checking out books and CDs instead of buying them. I know, I know....the artists and authors hate me, but half the time I don't read the books or like the music enough to put it on my IPOD anyway, so at least I didn't waste any money!

Anyway, I found the book I was looking for and requested it, but I was wishing while I was on the site that I could think of some other books to request. I LOVE it when I stumble upon a book that I am so into that I look forward to getting into bed at night to read. Plus, the weather here is so nice right now, it is the perfect time to sit on the patio with a book while the dogs play at my feet.

So, since I sincerely appreciate literary recommendations, I would like to give you a few of my own. BUT, I must preface this by saying that the 3 books I am about to recommend are nothing more than GREAT stories. They are written by real people with a story to tell....NOT professional writers, and you must keep that in mind when reading them. Just enjoy these books for the story they tell.

Number 1 and one of my all time favorite books is Left for Dead by Beck Weathers. Weathers is a husband, father and dreamer who aspired to summit Mt. Everest, and when he finally got the chance he was caught in one of the deadliest storms of the mountain's history. As the book's title indicates, he was left for dead by his climbing team, but was incredibly fortunate to live to tell his story. I love this book because it is not as technical as other sport's related stories I have read. Instead, Weathers tells his story from the perspective of a mountaineer, husband and father and relates his climbing decisions and their repercussions back to each aspect of his life.

Next, I highly recommend My Lobotomy by Howard Dully. I'm not gonna lie, I only bought this book because it was cheap and I had a gift card to Borders that was burning a hole in my pocket. But Dully's story was so unbelievable, I found myself wanting more even after I had read the entire book, so I followed up the novel by listening to his story again on NPR.

As a child, Dully had a lot of energy like most boys his age, but he also had a stepmother who didn't understand his behavior and attributed it to psychological issues. Her solution was to take him to Dr. Walter Freeman who, for $200, performed an "ice-pick" lobotomy on the boy to "fix" him. Now, at 54 years-of-age, Dully revisits his youth and his medical records to paint a tragic picture of what his "guardian" did to him.

And last, if you are looking for a REALLY fast read, pick up Mistaken Identity by the Van Ryn and Cerak families. When the daughters of these two families were involved in a tragic car accident, one family was notified of their daughter/sister's death and the other family spent months at the ICU bedside of the girl they were told was their daughter. However, as this title also indicates, the girls were identified incorrectly following the accident, leading to what would become another story of faith, hope and unbelievable courage and strength. Trust me, you will laugh, cry and stay awake until you finish this book!

So, what are some of your favorite page-turners? What books can you not stop thinking about long after they have begun to collect dust on the shelf?

Hope everyone had a great weekend and happy reading!

Tonight, I'm Sad

Yeah that's right. I'm sad but in a super happy way. Here's the deal....

I don't have anything really sad going on. In fact, all of my sadness has a reverse/flip side that makes me realize just how fortunate I am.

Like this....

I'm sad because I don't have any money to go shopping with....but I've taken an 8-month "vacation" by choice.

I'm sad because I can't run due to right leg pain....but I have an excuse not to exercise.

I'm sad because the husband and I gave our sweet girl puppy a butchered hairdo tonight....but she's still cute and she seems to like it.

I'm sad because I have to THOROUGHLY clean the house tomorrow....but that's because mom and dad are coming to visit.

I'm sad because I missed ww this week and feel like I have gained weight....but the husband took me out to 2 amazing restaurants to celebrate our anniversary.

I'm sad because I haven't found my dream job yet....but I have turned down two job offers.

I'm sad because I've lost a good friend...and there's no "but" about this one.

OK...time to get over it.

Feminine Hygiene

The husband and I had lunch at the grocery store today. I know that sounds weird, but Reasor's is our go-to spot when we can't agree on anything else, so we usually eat there around 3 times a week. Anyway, it worked out perfectly that we ate there today since I needed to pick up some feminine products...that way we could actually kill two birds with one stone.

Here is the conversation between the husband and I that ensued from the Tampon aisle....

him: Are you scared to buy tampons?

me: No. I'm 31 years old.

him: Well, do not get that (generic) brand. They might make you sick.

me: K. Fine. I'll get the expensive ones.

him: K. Let's go.

me: No, hang on. I'm not done yet.

him: What? You need maxi pads too? I thought only 80-year-olds wear maxi pads.

me: No. These are panty liners.

him: What are they for?

me: Protection.

him: Oh for overflow?

me: Sure.

him: Do you need a plastic shoe-box to keep all of these in? (I gave him a look). Are you gonna put some of your new tampons and maxi pads in your purse?

me: Probably, but they're not maxi pads. (I opened the box to show him how thin they are).

me: You can't say that's "maxi" anything.

him: Flat screen tvs are getting thinner and thinner too aren't they?

I'm not sure I understand the logic there, but I always think it's funny to hear guys talk about "that time of the month."

Hope you had a great weekend, everyone!

Friday Fragments

Let's face it, cooking scares me and cookbooks are not my friend- they stress me out. If a recipe has more than 4 ingredients, forget it. And if I have to make a trip to the grocery store, nevermind. But, I have been wanting to try out some of the food from the latest Hungry Girl cookbook (Mac & Cheese and Smores Sundae, anybody?), and I figured the only way I would get my chance was to buy it and cook it up myself. So, I picked up a copy at Best Buy yesterday when I went in to get an ab workout DVD.

Anyway, to say that I am excited about this book is an understatement. Some of these recipes look incredible and they are all low calorie, low fat and low point. I made the Mac and Cheese today, and while the cauliflower in it isn't my favorite thing in the world, I got a huge bowl of food for only 4 points. I was stuffed, and it will definitely do the trick for a Mac & Cheese craving! Next on the list, maybe some HG French Toast or a Sundae!

In other news, I bought a pair of white jeans last night, and even though I am excited about the pants themselves, I am most excited about the fact that they are a size 6! Two months ago, I was trying on 10s and 12s.
And sadly, I have had a pain in the butt this week. Literally. I don't know what I did differently, but ever since my 6.71 mile run on Saturday, I have been babying a pain that extends from my right buttock to my right knee. And I am so frustrated. I want to run. I need to run. Of course I am no doctor, but I'm pretty sure this is piriformis syndrome/ sciatica. Anyone know how to fix it? Should I just run through it? Help!

That's all I know today.

Happy Friday and have a great weekend!

A New Favorite

I'm not really gonna go into all of the details of what makes up my new favorite non-alcoholic beverage. Frankly, I don't know and I don't care. What I do know is that it is AWESOME! I found this drink at 7-11 after my (just under) 7 mile run on Saturday, and it was surprisingly refreshing in my wind-blown, sweaty state. Honestly, I was looking for low-cal Gatorade, but they didn't have any, and I am so glad they didn't. This drink was a substitute for water, which I don't particularly care for, it has ZERO calories and it tastes great. It is a little expensive...I think it was $1.59/bottle, but it is now my go-to convenience store treat. And, if you're in the mood to try it, check out the Pear flavor; it's my favorite of the 3 that I've tried so far.

Have a great Tuesday!

Running, Snakes and Dead Bodies. Oh My.

According to my 1/2 marathon training schedule, I was supposed to run 8 miles on Saturday- "supposed to" are the operative words here, as I didn't even come close. I think I was able to run something like 2.5 miles, cursing at the cars, the grass, the hills, and my new hydration system the whole way. It was miserable.

So, after our weigh-in last night, I decided I would partially make up the miles that I missed on Saturday and run 5 instead of the 3 that were scheduled. Again, I was cussing the cars, the people, the hills and everything that crossed my path, especially the broken water fountain at mile 4.

And here is a sampling of the other things going through my head during this 5 Mile Run of Turture...

-Man, that guy is totally creepy. Why is he walking around down here by himself. I should have brought my mace, but that might make my arm tired. Where would I keep it?

-What would I do if a snake crossed my path? Probably run really fast. Or have a heart attack and die and then the creepy guy would try to give me mouth-to-mouth.

-I wonder if there are any dead bodies over there.

-This sucks. I'm miserable. I'm gonna die. Who said I could run 5 miles anyway? Who's stupid idea is it for ME to train for a 1/2 marathon. I'm gonna die. I have to walk or I'm gonna die.

Sounds fun right? My psyche and I are at odds and I need some serious help/encouragement. Please. Runner's how do you get through it? How do you motivate yourself when you want nothing more than to quit?

So, I guess Karma's a bitch and she came for me today (probably for all of these negative thoughts) because look what I stepped on....

And I didn't even have a heart attack and die.

By the way, in case you have been following or even care, I lost a little over 2 lbs this week, making my total weight loss so far 21.2 lbs!

The Games People Play

My family is full of traditions, and we have some for every holiday. Christmas morning stockings, brunch and pickle hunting, huge birthday celebrations, 4th of July at the lake and Easter games. And because the grown adult children (my brothers and myself) have no kids of our own, we still get to play the games, and they are always a blast.

So my super-creative mom comes up with the games each year and they always vary. Last year, we had a balloon animal-making contest, for which my brother made a car and my husband made a sweater vest....yes, they made these out of those long clown balloons. We have hunted Easter eggs, played relay games and dice games, but this year, our golf game took the cake.

My mom bought these toy golf sets at Wal-Mart- one for each of us- and set up a 9-hole golf course around the lake house. It was complete with pins, hazards and pars and we spent a good few hours outside completing all nine holes of golf in our first mini tournament. Needless to say, we spent the afternoon laughing, and it certainly helped my golfing case that the boys had already played 18 holes of real golf and had come home less than sober.

So, with a score of 47, yours truly was the winner (against 3 boys) and took home the incredible cash prize of $10, which may just go toward a manicure!

Here's to traditions and a very Happy Easter!

Weekly Weigh-In

This picture looks familiar doesn't it? You probably remember it from this post, except that the woman's boob miraculously shrunk. Thank God. So, I just had to post it again- mainly because I cracked up typing the word "boob." I'm like a 14-year-old boy...or my husband.

Anywho, yesterday was Monday, which means that I had to stand on the scale in front of "weightwatchersjulie" as I like to call her. No big deal....she really is one of the best leaders I have ever had, but that's beside the point.

So, I wore my usual workout gear minus any jewelry (wedding ring and earrings) and lotion b/c those things could really weigh me down and stood on the scale waiting for wwj to tell me how well I did this week. After all, I ran just under 20 miles in the week since I had last weighed.

But, it didn't work out that way; the scale did not read in my favor. Instead, it turned out that I gained 0.8 lbs. Again. The same amount that I gained about 3-4 weeks ago and 3-4 weeks before that. I think I'm noticing a trend here. But since I am a woman, I guess I don't have a choice.

Better luck next week I suppose.

Oh and on the positive side of life, I am training for a 1/2 marathon or 2 and completed my 6 mile run on Sunday and it went really well. And since I have been running pretty regularly again, I have picked up some pretty specific product preferences/recommendations that I can't wait to tell you about....soon.

Sweet dreams!

Calling All (female) Runners...

If you are a woman and you love to run, you have to head over to Running Diva Mom's Blog this instant for a chance to win everything in this picture! That's a lot of awesome stuff! While you're there, check out the rest of her blog too. She's a great running inspiration and does lots of really good product reviews. Good luck!

My Armpits are Convex

Have you ever noticed that all of the skinny people of the world have concave armpits? Seriously, look around (especially at the actresses on tv) and you'll see. Their armpits dent in so much that they could probably hide stuff in there. "No need for a purse tonight. I've got my id, phone and lipstick in my armpit." OK, so maybe this is something that everyone but me already knows, but I have only very recently- like in the past 18 minutes- decided that the armpit just may be the best measure of skinny. And that's what I'm gonna go by...for now at least.

So, last night was my weekly weigh-in and it went better than expected! I lost another 3pointsomething lbs, bringing my grand total to 19.6. The Husband has now lost 22 lbs too and he will get really upset if I forget to mention it on here, so now you know. But, although I am thrilled with having lost almost 20 lbss my armpits don't yet cave like I would like.

Anyway, after we went to the meeting, we went down to the river and The Husband rode 10 miles on his bike and I ran 4. I would like to do another 1/2 marathon soon and according to my training schedule I needed to run 3. I chose to do 4 anyway because I am an overachiever like that. Actually, my new Garmin gives me magical running powers. More on those to come....someday.

Then, on the way home I made him take me to McDonald's because heck, I love their food. I love any fast food. And since you can eat anything on Weight Watchers (as long as you count it), I opted for one of these...

and one of these......
and I sat out in the car and ate them while The Husband went in the grocery to make himself a salad. Who's the overachiever now?

Well, the fast-food turned out to be a bust. The sandwich was too peppery and the fries way too salty. So, I ate about half of each and then made The Husband sit in the car while I went in and made the world's smallest salad. And, when I got back...the rest of my McDonald's was GONE.

Moral of the story: Don't expect your husband to not eat your McDonald's food even if it is gross. AND concave = skinny.

Peace out.

There's a Horse in My House

First off, this picture looks like something my brothers would have in their house (right next to the random 8x10 Glamour Shot of some girl they've never laid eyes on). That's why I picked it.

So, husband and I, as we are prone to do, had another interesting conversation on the way home from the gym tonight. I think it really exemplifies our intellectual sides.

Oh and I should preface this by saying I graduated high-school with a guy who wrote a term paper on the meaning of "deep." He was admittedly stoned when he wrote it, but he got a 100%. And, this is the opposite...

H(usband): Wouldn't you hate to be a horse and have to walk around in that snow all the time?

M(e): yep

H: If I had a horse, I would keep it in the house.

M: Would you ride it in the house?

H: Yep, I would have 12 ft. ceilings and one really long hallway, so he could just run up and down.

M: What would you feed it?

H: People food.

M: Me too.

H: And he could just come up to the kitchen island and help himself whenever we are cooking, but it would kinda suck when you leave the kitchen to go to the bathroom and your horse comes in and eats all the food you were making.

Happy Sunday! I promise to write something much better sometime!

T

To the Oklahoma Weather Gods

Dear Oklahoma Weather Gods,

Why oh why must you do this to our great state when you have been so nice to us lately? I thoroughly enjoyed my run at the river yesterday, for which I wore shorts and a t-shirt. Granted the shorts did not have the proper elastic and were riding up the whole time (they were too big, thank goodness), nevertheless, it did not stop me from basking in the sunlight on our gorgeous 75-degree day.

And now, you decide to play this mean, mean trick on us? You get our hopes up that Spring has sprung and then this. Let's just say this better be your last hurrah. I am already tempted to move to the always sunny state of California. Don't make me do it!

Sincerely,

Your Fair-Weather Friend

Jello Shots!!!

My mom called me yesterday, which is weird in and of itself because she NEVER calls me. Yes, we talk at least every day, but it is never because she makes the effort; that stopped when I went to college. "Well, you're in college now, and I don't want to bother you," is what she would say when I asked why she suddenly disappeared off the face of the Earth. And 10 years later she still doesn't call.

Anyway, she was really excited when I answered the phone. And we spent the first few minutes exchanging the customary pleasantries- what are you doing? and how was your date night?- but, I could tell there was something much more important weighing on her mind, and this is how our conversation went...

mom: How was your date night?

me: It was fine. We went to the melting pot.

mom: And the movie? Was it good?

me: Well the glasses hurt my nose, so I had to hold them up the whole time, but it was pretty good. Worth seeing.

mom: Yeah well our movie wasn't good and it made me carsick so I had to spend half the time with my eyes closed.

me: Really? That sucks.

mom: But it's ok because Dad took me to APPLEBEES after (and by this time she's bursting with excitement over her dinner at Applebees).

SIDENOTE: The last time I went to Applebees, not only was my sandwich disgusting but our waiter talked to us in a voice so creepy I'm pretty sure he belonged on the sex offender registry. Not to be crude but that is my experience with that place.

mom: And not only did we get to eat there, but I also got to take jello shots!!!!

Holy weirdness batman...I'm not sure what bothers me more- the fact that my 60-something mother was taking jello shots BY HERSELF at a restaurant or the fact that that restaurant was Applebess!

Yummy Food Find!

Ok, so if you are on Weight Watchers, are a carb-addict, or just love bagels like I do, you need to find these NOW. Made by Thomas, these bagels are slightly thinner than a regular bagel, but for only 110 calories (and 1 ww point), they definitely do the trick. Just think...slop some Weight Watcher's 1 Point Cream Cheese or some 2% shredded cheese or maybe even some P.B. Loco Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Peanut Butter (just sayin') and you've got quite a treat! Now go find 'em...trust me! And if you are lucky enough to find the Everything Bagel flavor, please mail me some!

DATE NIGHT!!!

So, based on my incredible weight-loss skills and the fact that I created a system whereby my husband has to buy me something for every 5 lbs I lose, tonight was date night! Wow...it sounds really sad that I have to lose weight in order to get a date with my husband, but it's my fault- not his. Oh and because I had two rewards come up at once- one for another 5 lbs and the other for sticking to it for another month- I planned a SUPER date, meaning I took over the whole night. And believe me, I made him follow my plan, and he was adamantly against it.

Of course I wanted the Melting Pot; it's my favorite. But, he argued with me the whole way there because he knew that we would be ordering cheese and chocolate fondue and no meat. "And a guy needs his protein." I bribed him by telling him we could order the cheese that comes with the summer sausage dipper and he could have all the sausage to himself. It worked, and as usual, dinner was incredible. Plus, we got out of there y only paying $22 and that is after a $12 tip.

Then, we ventured to the other side of town to the IMAX 3-D to see Alice in Wonderland. I can't believe the stuff these people can create, let alone dream up! It wasn't my favorite movie of all times, but it was definitely impressive and probably worth the $12 ticket. So, overall it was a fun night. Honestly though, the real reason I am telling you this was so I could post the creepy picture of us in our 3-D glasses. Attractive huh? Ugly and they hurt!

Weekly Weigh-In & Some Other Stuff

Ummm...what's with the ginormous boob?

I guess it's time. I've been putting this off not because I don't have anything to say, but mostly because I'm incredibly lazy right now. But, I figure I need to weigh in because I'm pretty sure I didn't do it last week. So, here goes...

Last Monday, I had lost a total of 4.0 lbs, which was pretty amazing to me since I had hosted a party called "Cupcakes, Cookies and Comfort," for which I bakes all sorts of sweet treats (and wanted to eat all of them). Instead, I tried to limit myself and I sent the leftovers to Josh's work. They were devoured and I felt better because I didn't have to write each tiny cupcake, cookie or brownie in my food journal. BTW, did I tell you that I write down every morsel that enters my mouth?

So, this Monday, my weight was EXACTLY the same. Ugh. But, I won't complain too much because we spent the entire week in Scottsdale and I ate pretty much whatever I wanted. Frozen yogurt with Snickers bar? Sure! Frozen yogurt with heath bar for the 2nd time in one day? Why not; I'm on vacation! So, I'm pretty happy that I didn't gain any weight.

Now, I'm teetering on the edge of the 140s, which means I lose a point. No big deal though...I'll be that much closer to my goal weight (and rewards)!

Are Ess Vee Pee Puhlease

See that? It's a soapbox. Now, imagine me standing on it. Ok...I'll make this short and sweet.

When I was growing up, there was a class taught to all little girls to make them sweet, prim, proper and all of those sugar-and-spice kind of things. Apparently, I didn't need it because I was never sent there, but I somehow managed to learn some manners somewhere along the way. And to this day, I am continually amazed by the lack of manners of some people.

Now I'm not saying I'm perfect. I am by no means perfect. But, I am very aware of some general rules when it comes to etiquette.

1) Someone gives you a gift, you give them a thank-you note.

2) Don't use your cell phone at dinner or in the middle of a wedding reception.

3) Don't say "shut up."

4) Do say "please" and "thank you."

5) And for the love of God, please RSVP.

And the purpose of this post....and for me standing atop my soap box at the moment....#5.

Ladies and gentlemen, when you are invited to a party, whether it is by me or Kenny G himself, please acknowledge the invitation. If you can make it, great; if not, say so. And if you don't want to come to my party, fine. Just tell me you don't want to come. That way, I will not make a dozen cupcakes and cookies in your honor.

I am done, and I will step down. But, if you remember NOTHING else from this blog, please remember that when an invitation says RSVP, it says it for a reason.

Weekly Weigh-In

I couldn't sleep last night because I was thinking about all of the things that I needed to blog about. A bunch of fragments really...no great stories...just bits and pieces that really only add up to the fact that I have blogging ADD. Scary. I mean who can't sleep because they are thinking about their blog?

Anyway, first, if you haven't tried this No Pudge Brownie mix, YOU MUST! I was having a serious chocolate attack at the grocery store a few weeks ago and I insisted that the husband buy this for me. He said, "OK, but you're gonna make 'em and eat the whole batch." I said, "No, I won't but I need them really badly," knowing that he was right. I would eat the entire pan in a day or two.

Actually, he wasn't that mean and I'm pretty sure he didn't say "batch," but needless to say, the brownies found a new home in my kitchen. And then, I realized just how fabulous they are. On the back of the box is a single-serving recipe. Yes, folks you can make a warm brownie for yourself in under 2 minutes. Perfection!

And the other thing, I went to WW last night and found out that.....ugh...I gained .8 lbs. Yes, I know it's only .8, but I had a great week; I journaled every day, worked out 3 days and ate in moderation. And because I think I did everything right, I am blaming it on the sodium. So, better luck next week. At least the scale at the gym likes me; I weighed 2.4 lbs. lighter on it last night!

Don't walk....Run!

If you are within a, oh I don't know, 1000 mile radius of T-Town, run to this place now! It is Dragonmoon Tea Company and it is located around 20th and Harvard. Can I say incredible? I'm obsessed.

I heard about this little treasure from a lady I've never heard of who requested my friendship on Facebook. Although I think that's weird and I usually don't "become friends" with those people, I am pleased with my decision because it led me here. Thanks, weird, random lady.

Anyway, I've been to the tea room twice now and the food has been fabulous both times. I love the Spinach Salad with Chicken Salad on top, and today I tried a pot of chocolate chai tea, which was rich and sweet...perfect for my sweet tooth. I want to go back tomorrow.

Do you think they would notice if I started eating there everyday? Because I might.

P.S. The husband LOVES it too. He thinks it's girly because it's a tea room, so he has me secretly get him food from there. Secret's out, babe.

P.S.S. or is it P.P.S? I stole the picture from the Tulsa Food Blog. Thanks, Tulsa Food Blog.

Peace out.

Weekly Weigh-In

Ok, so I want to just start off by saying that these aren't actually my feet. I wouldn't necessarily say I have the best feet, but mine are nowhere near that ugly, and my left Biggie doesn't have that much hair on it.

I was informed, however, when I was a sophomore in high school that I have fat feet. I didn't know it until that moment, but I certainly haven't forgotten since. The informant was mad at me for stealing her boyfriend and that was the most hurtful thing she could come up with?

That, my little bitches, was a tangent.

Now for the real deal....I went to WW last night and....drumroll please....

I've lost 13 lbs!!! And, the husband has lost over 14! So, I am now, according to our rewards chart, deserving of a date night. Melting Pot Happy Hour, here we come!

But not tonight because I have photography class where maybe they can teach me how to turn on my DSLR and I can post real pictures for you...at least it will be something other than stock images. Wish me luck.

Happy Tuesday!

A Wish

I feel like I'm in a sort of funk. Nothing bad, really, and I'm certainly not trying to complain. Seriously, I know I have NOTHING to complaing about. Just with the cold, dreary Oklahoma weather we've been having FOREVER, I'm just ready for a change. That's all.

So, I've been thinking that I want to buy this house.

And move it here. I'm not sure where here is, but is sure is purty.

And of course I'll take my favorite husband with me. And his Jack in a box. Seriously, that's our cat, Jack, and he loves boxes.

And our other pups-kids 'cause we would miss them too much otherwise.

And I would fill the house with these since they are my faves.

And we may come back to visit someday.

But, maybe not.

Happy Monday, everyone! Here's to daydreaming!

H-E-A-R-S-E

The little brother and his forever girlfriend came to visit last weekend and we headed out on the town to make the rounds. Our first stop was the wonderful flea/antique/garage sale/junk market of fabulousity that sits right here in the middle of my little town. Not kidding. I heart this place and I always walk out with multiple treasures, but that's beside the point.

Anyway, we pulled up and parked next to this car.

Innocent enough, right? I'm sure people who drive hearses need to shop for treasures too.

But, do they have to do it without their teeth?

WTF?

By the way, my dear readers, it only took me about 10 minutes to figure out how to spell hearse.

Poker Run

I've lost my freaking mind. Guess what the husband and I did this morning in the nice-and-toasty 32 degree (plus wind) weather? Ran 5.37 miles!

I am excited that we did it, but seriously what was I thinking? I used to be a runner. I've even completed a marathon, 1/2 marathon, 10K, 2- 60 mile walks, etc. But, remember folks that I am on weight watchers, and that means that I am overweight and out-of-shape.

So, I've been kind of following a couch to 5k program for the last week or so, and I've done really well, but it was THE FIRST WEEK. Who doesn't do well the first week? Apparently, in my twisted mind I thought "Hey, I can make it through 3 days of this, why not get up at 6:45 on Saturday to run over 5 miles in the freezing cold?" 5.37 to be exact.

The husband rocked it, and I did ok- just happy to finish faster than expected, but the reason it was fun was that we gathered poker cards at 7 stops along the way to make our 5-card poker hand. Then, the organizers had three tables set up with prizes and the people with the best hands got to pick their prize.

According to the director guy with the megaphone, "The table on the left was for the men. The table on the right was for the women, and the middle table was for bisexuals." Do huh? Yes, he really said that! Then, he corrected himself to say the middle table was for ambidextrous people. Obviously, he meant unisex, but it was funny.

We didn't win anything; we both ended up with a pair of 2s, but it was a fun challenge and we got some exercise. I am thinking that when the ta-ta trekker mood strikes again, this might just be the perfect fundraiser!

Friday Fragments

So, I stole this title from someone (sorry), but it was perfect for what I wanted to say. So I went with it.

First, please check out the husbands hair in this picture. I literally sent this text to his stylist yesterday..."HELP! I'm about to cut his hair myself. It's atrocious!" Still no appointment. And yes, we were in the car when that picture was taken, which means he went out in public like that.

I am so excited about this weekend, not only because it is Valentine's Day, but more so because my little brother and his GF are coming to visit and we have some fun stuff planned! Shopping anyone? Either way, we will start the day with this super fun poker run that I found thanks to Tasha Does Tulsa and end the day with drinks and dinner at the Melting Pot. It doesn't get any better in my world!

I love the Shear Genius show and have always watched it, but I am even more excited now that I saw the previews for the next episode. One of the guys gets sick and one of his competitors says, "Straight guys are such babies." IT'S. SO. TRUE. I just thought maybe I was the only one who thought it, or maybe I wasn't allowed to say it aloud.

Last, the husband and I are giving ourselves a reward for sticking with Weight Watchers for one month. We'll get a treat each month we stick to it. So, for his Feb 11 treat, he chose new running shoes and I am still up in the air. Should I get the latest Hungry Girl book, some nail trimmers for the dogs, a subscription to WW Magazine or a new shirt? So many options!

Happy Valentine's Weekend, Everyone!

Touching Tongues

Poor dog.

When the husband and I were changing clothes last night to go to the gym, we had this conversation. I now know it's weird, so please don't judge.

Me: What's so funny?

Him: The dogs just touched tongues with each other.

Me: So? Didn't you touch tongues with your brothers when you were little?

Him: Um absolutely not.

Me: Oh. Ok.

Him: Please tell me you didn't touch tongues with your brothers.

Me: Yeah but not in a weird way.

Him: And is there another way?

Me: I get it...you were saving up to touch tongues with your friends when you got older.

Him: What the F***, Mizzle. That doesn't even make sense.

I thought all kids did it.

And if you're bored today, try googling photos of "black hairy tongue." That's always fun.

Like It?

Yall like my new header?

Because I was bored at 11 last night, I decided I would learn about blog design. I knew nothing. But, as I mentioned in a previous post, I want a custom-designed blog, but just can't justify the expense right now. So, fine, I'll do it myself.

Anyway, I decided to tackle my little project using Photoshop, another program about which I KNOW NOTHING! And I spent the next 4 hours (3am if you can't add) designing this little piece.

Not too shabby if I do say so myself.

And if you don't like it....well, just keep that to yourself :)

Happy Saturday, everyone! I'm off to sell some jewelry. You know you want some.

A V-Day Rubberband Ball

On the way home from the gym last night, I was being really quiet and I think the husband gets nervous when I get quiet. Seriously, I'm not a loud person by nature, but in this marriage I am the talker.

Well, I was trying to decide which charity I would donate $12000 to. Not that I have $12000 to donate, but if I did, where should it go?

So he asked me what I wanted for Valentines Day.

And I should preface this by saying that I decided and informed him weeks ago that because we don't need anything I was setting a $20 limit on gifts and I was making his.

Him: So, what do you think you want for Valentines Day?

Me: Well, I don't think that's what V Day is for. It's supposed to be romantical.

Him: And I can only spend $20?

Me: Well I actually spent around $30. Just so you know.

Him: Yeah $30 and about 20 man hours. So, that's like $200.

Me: Hmmm...not really. It's not that great (it is though). What's important is that it was made from my heart.

Him: Well I could make you something, but it would probably be along the lines of a rubberband ball and I'm not even sure I could make that.

Me: Oooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh. Well maybe there is something i want.........

But you have to figure it out yourself because I'm a girl and that's what we do.

Dear Diary, I'm Fat. Sparkle*

My top 10 reasons for joining Weight Watchers (yet again):

1. Because if I were to ever get pregnant, it is almost definite that I would have reached 200 lbs. if I started at my fighting weight. That is unacceptable.

2. Because all of my fat jeans are starting to get holes in the crotch, so I need to go back to my skinny jeans. It's that or scrub pants, which are just weird if you aren't a working health professional.

3. So my husband can recognize the sexy b**** he married.

4. So his friends will be jealous.

5. So I can wear a bikini at the lake this summer and not have to sit there in the sweltering Oklahoma heat with all of my clothes on.

6. So my half-moons errr legs will look hot in my Louboutins.

7. To learn how to eat something other than fast-food and donuts.

8. So I don't get hemorrhoids. Because that can happen when you are overweight.

9. So I can get another tattoo. I've got a couple in mind.

10. Because I needed a use for my darling journal (see picture above) that one of my favorite soon-to-be-sister-in-laws-if-my-brother-ever-gets-off-his-ass-and-proposes gave to me for my birthday. I keep track of every morsel that goes in thank you very much.

The End

Love, Mizzle

Weekly Weigh In

Yesterday, I was so excited, so proud of myself because I was going to my WW meeting alone, sans husband. He says he is still into it, and he is still gonna follow the plan, but by skipping the week 4 meeting because he didn't have a good week, I am pretty sure he has already fallen off the wagon.

Anyway, meeting wasn't until 5:30, so I decided to do everything humanly possible to ensured that the scale read in my favor. Read: I didn't eat anything all day because I didn't want to have anything sitting in my stomach that could weigh me down. Anything. So, I drank a cup of coffee to make sure to get everything out that was already there. And by the time 5:00 rolled around, I pulled on my weight watchers uniform and drug my empty body to the church to step on the scale.

0.4 lbs. That's it. A measly .4. That's all I lost.

So, during the meeting, I was thinking "I can do better than this. This next week I am not going to eat at Mahogany or spaghetti and garlic bread or taco salad or an entire bunch of grapes in one sitting. And I will drink water, more than what soaks into my skin in the shower. Because as it turns out, all I drank from Wednesday to Monday was coffee and diet root beer. Not one single glass of H2O.

So the second I got home, husband and I raced to the gym. You know because I had so many calories in my body to burn off and all.

And I did my work on the elliptical machine and then it happened. And I was that girl. The girl who doesn't eat all day and then works out to the point that she passes out right in the middle of all the meatheads.

Ok well I didn't pass out, but I did feel so sick that I had to sit on the cold windowsill with my head between my legs because I didn't think I could make it to the exit without either throwing up, unloading myself, or passing out cold. I even asked husband if I could lay down on the floor, but I could tell he wasn't really in favor of that idea. So, when I felt that he was becoming a little impatient errr embarrassed of me, I made the attempt, but not without grabbing his hand a couple times on the way out, and I guess you aren't supposed to do that...hold hands with a tough guy in the gym in front of other tough guys. Not a good idea.

Anyway, I made it to the car, did a little dry heaving in the parking lot and then curled up in a ball in the seat with my head on the console. I even made a nice little sweat puddle.

I guess that husband was really worried though because he asked me a question and when he didn't hear my response he asked it again with panic in his voice. And then he took my pulse! After years of working in hospice, I guess that's what it comes to.

Well, I made it home, had a snack and felt much better, and after a lecture from husband I will not be going to the gym on an empty stomach. Ever. Again. I cannot risk being that girl. Ever. Again.

Is it Me?

I called my mom the other night and told her I wanted to get my nose pierced. She got really quiet. She does that when I talk about tattoos too.

So, I sent a text to a friend telling her the same, and she suggested another tattoo instead.

Husband wasn't really for it either, although he did say I can do what I want.

I guess the fact that I was 0 for 3 meant it wasn't gonna be the best look for me.

So, maybe I should go for this hairdo instead. I've always wanted pink hair. Or pink anything for that matter.

Of course, by the time my hair is long enough to go pink, I will be about 60, and then it really won't be a good look.

Ah, what's a girl to do?