And The Verdict Is...

A hung jury.... Go figure. I guess I count that as a tie, huh? They will be retried in January... First vote was 6-6 and it ended with 9-3 for guilty.

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24,25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 36

Just getting started: 11, 13, 14, 15, 19, 32, 37, 38

Needs attention: 8, 12, 16, 17, 18

Sorry 3 Hours Just Isn't Enough

Dear Jury...

Sorry about your luck, because 3 hours just isn't enough. So the fact that after 3 hours of deliberating today you sent word that you were hung only cost you another day in your life, another round of parking and more importantly another trip to the great big "D". We shall see you all tomorrow morning at 9am!

Love,

j'lynn~~Defender Intern

Today's Lesson...don't try to give up on your civic duty at 3pm...it doesn't bode well for anyone!

What a Frickin' Day!

I got up a little later than I wanted, especially on mornings I need to go to court for my Externship, but I balanced things out without washing my hair. It was all good, because I washed it yesterday morning plus it was pouring outside with a nice wind blowing things around. I got on the road earlier than lately and then it happened...traffic!

The expressway I take to get into downtown is the same whether I'm going to work, school or my Externship. For months now there has been a lane closed going over the great big bridge. So can someone explain to me why, even months later, there remains a traffic jam south of the lane closure every single day? Once you do that can you then explain to me why this morning traffic came to a crawl 6 miles before the lane closure? And even on a normal day that crawl begins between 3 and 5 miles before the lane closure. WHY?!?

I make it to the courthouse and today would be my first day using my new found...er...obtained badge. This allowed me to go through the "attorney" line without feeling like I was committing a crime or something. I was so excited! So when I finally got up there I asked the deputy if I needed to put my badge in a little bowl to go through the metal detector. She looked at me like I was crazy! She then told me to just put it in my bag. I wanted to ask her if she maybe wanted to see it. Apparently she didn't care and the line was backed up behind me, plus I was running a few minutes late so I just moved forward.

Of course ever since I purchased my two new bras I now trigger all metal detectors. I don't know why...maybe it is because they are better bras and the underwire is stronger. I don't know, but apparently this gives every single metal detector screener grief. They wand me and it never fails that the stupid thing goes off on my ankles not my bra, but the only thing different on me going through now is the bra. I can't explain this. Regardless if I'm going to see my guy or if I'm going into court I now set off the metal detectors. Crazy if you ask me!

I get upstairs and of course the two defense attorneys are running late, but I'm always so happy that the our client and the co-defendant are always there. On time! Such good boys! I was so excited to bring this trial to a conclusion today. I've enjoyed it, but there is no reason why this 1.5 day trial should be on week #3 and into day #3. We go through the morning, call our 3 witnesses and then it is Co-Defense Counsel's turn. Apparently he did have a stroke because the fool put his client on the stand!! This was such a bad move! Both us and he had everything we both need for our closing and to give reasonable doubt. After hearing that crazy testimony I don't think it bodes well. There is still reasonable doubt to be had, but placing a defendant on the stand can certain swing things against you.

Close to noon everyone rested and the prosecutor inquired about a stipulation. The attorney I'm shadowing wanted to inquire as to how the stipulation would be worded before she agreed to it. Apparently this upset the very easily-irritable judge, because instead of letting this get worked out, potentially over a lunch break, and coming back to give closing arguments he opts to dismiss the jury for the rest of the day and we can all show back up tomorrow at 9am. Are you kidding me??!!??

Even though I didn't want to I opted to head over to work to get some stuff done and more importantly to be able to return tomorrow. Finally at 7:30pm I left work...exhausted and irritated. I got tons done, but this current project I'm working on does not appear to have an end in sight. It is due by the end of the month...

Hopefully tomorrow will bring a conclusion to our trial and more importantly we will get a quick verdict and that would be a not guilty verdict!

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 33, 34, 35, 36

Just getting started: 11, 13, 14, 15, 19, 30, 32, 37, 38

Needs attention: 8*, 12, 16, 17, 18

*~~I still mention this because I'm still pissed off from last Saturday. Just saying...

Just More Late Nights In My Life

I really had every intention of going to bed at a decent time last night and was almost on my way to bed when a friend of mine called me. Yes, it was 11:30pm when she called. She is having issues with her guy messing up and relapsing with his drug addiction. I felt so bad for her and before I realized it 2 hours had passed. So much for getting to bed early this week.

Of course this ran into me getting up late this morning and between that and an accident on the expressway I was late for work. Nothing new there. Once I was at work I opened up an email to see an additional 90 files that we have to add to our current pile of files that have to be reviewed and updated on a government database before October 1st. Lovely! So I worked on some of my files from the prior list...I have 2 left to do from that list before I delve into this 2nd list. Finally at 3pm I knew I had to work on 2 Essays that were due for class tonight. With only about 30 minutes I cranked out some crap, called it good enough and took off for class.

Neither I nor my LSBFF had a desire to go to class, but we made it through. My LSBFF is a bit under the weather and I hope she feels better soon! I was totally happy when that clock rolled around to 7:50pm and we busted out of school. This last semester is just a killer...we are so ready to be done with school already. Seriously people...4.5 years of law school is enough already!!! Of course I couldn't come straight home...that would be too easy so instead I ran a couple errands and made my way home at 9pm. This all leads to another late night. Maybe some day I'll get this part of my life together too.

One good thing happened today though. I did pretty darn well on my healthy eating and it actually felt good. Almost crazy, huh LOL Of course this was likely because of how crappy I felt this morning. Last night I attempted to make myself dinner, but apparently I had left a package of my bacon-wrapped filets in the freezer a little too long, because they definitely had freezer burn. This lead me to having to order pizza for dinner. It was already 7pm, so it isn't like I had tons of time to attempt to whip up something!

I must have been really hungry for pizza, because I ate tons of it! Needless to say there were no left overs. I did have a little help from the munchkin and my aunt since they arrived home at the same exact time the delivery guy arrived. They also brought me a piece of my aunt's birthday cake so even though I was crazy full I had to eat my slice of cake...hello, it was chocolate on chocolate and crazy yummy! Maybe it was due to my misery last night, but somehow I totally forgot to post my weekly weigh-in stats. Since I woke up still feeling horribly miserable I remembered I still needed to update you guys with my weekly weigh-in so without further ado...

Yesterday's Stats...

Starting weight (7/8/09): 363lbs

Current weight: 321.8lbs

This week's results: +1lb

Total weight lost: -41.2lbs

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 33, 34, 35, 36

Just getting started: 11, 13, 14, 15, 19, 30, 32, 37, 38

Needs attention: 8*, 12, 16, 17, 18

*~~Yup, still deleted!

Baby Steps

I've decided to do baby steps with everything I have going on. Do a little here, do a little there till I'm caught up and back on top of things. So that is my goal this week. Do what I can, when I can and get things back on track till I'm back on top of my game.

In other baby news, my cousin Ranger and his wife had their precious baby girl at 12:15am this morning. He was scheduled to redeploy back to Afghanistan today, so I'm hopeful that the Red Cross was able to get him a 24-48 hour extension on his leave so he could spend a little time with his new bundle of joy. Congratulations go out to Ranger & Ranger's Wife on their little Ellie Mae. :)

Lastly today was my aunt's 64th b-day! Gosh she puts me to shame doing all what she does at her age! Happy Birthday Auntie! ;) We love you, we thank you and we wouldn't be able to do what we do without you! God Bless and Happy Birthday!!! :)

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 36

Just getting started: 11, 13, 14, 15, 19, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38

Needs attention: 8*, 12, 16, 17, 18, 30

*~~Deleted

Bad Mood

Earlier today I declared that I was officially in a bad mood. This sank in right after I called my allergy doctor's office at 1:15pm to make sure they would have my munchkin's monthly script for Ritalin ready when I got there for my allergy shot. When the assistant on the other end advised me they were closing in 15 minutes I was dumbfounded! The conversation went something along these lines...

j'lynn: Excuse me?

assistant: We will be closed. We are closing at 1:30pm.

j'lynn: I'm sorry, I thought you were open until 2pm.

assistant: Usually we are, but we got permission to close early today.

j'lynn: Seriously? So I guess I'm not getting my shot today.

assistant: Unless you can get here in 5 minutes.

j'lynn: Well that is completely impossible I live in [the town north of you].

assistant: Um...we got permission to close early today.

j'lynn: Guess I won't be getting my weekly shot this week, huh?

assistant: I don't know what to tell you.

j'lynn: I think you already told me; I'm not getting my shot this week.

Hello?!? You are a frickin' doctor's office. You cannot just get permission to close early! Needless to say this started my irritation for the day.

Then my ex-sil texted me asking if I knew of anyone hiring for a part-time job. I told her of the two places I knew hiring...Burger King & a gas station. After several texts back and forth she advised me she wasn't desperate enough to lower herself to work at such places. Excuse me?!? I love the fact that she is telling me on one hand how she needs a job pronto and no longer thinks spending the next 2 years getting her nursing degree is worth it and she would just rather have a job now, but even though she has no work history and no education and no degree past her high school diploma (from 1995) she is too good to be a cashier or work in fast food and she wants a real job!! Seriously?!?

At this point I declared that people were just pissing me off and I needed to unplug for the day... The only bright spots of my day were Alabama beating Arkansas! (Sorry Blaez & Legally Fabulous!) Plus the fact that Ranger's wife was finally going to have their baby.

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29

Just getting started: 7, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21

Needs attention: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 23, 26, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38

Concentrating on #38

For quite some time I have felt off. Then this semester started and it has been downhill ever since. I feel like I cannot get it together.

In the past I've been able to have at least certain areas of my life together while struggling in only one or two other areas; however, I'm not able to say I have even one area together right now. And I haven't for quite some time now.

Being in this position frustrates me and I need to find my way out of it because it is affecting me in so many negative ways and it is starting to snowball on me...

My Friday To-Do List:

1. Attend our Sunrise Service Meeting at work

2. Go to my Externship office to get my "credentials"

3. Go & see my guy

4. Write out my shopping list

5. Go shopping

6. Get my house cleaned

7. Do laundry

8. Get my allergy shot

9. Write out my bills

10. Balance my checkbook

11. File my papers

12. Write my guy

13. Do all of my MBE homework

14. Do all of my SBM Essay homework

15. Do all of my Externship homework

16. Get the munchkin's birthday pictures taken

17. Workout

18. Continue cleaning out our closets and drawers

19. Continue to work on my bar application

20. Catch up on my emails

21. Catch up on my TIVO

22. Catch up on my blog reading

23. Update my September budget

24. Get waxed

25. Get my monthly facial

26. Follow-up with the registrar on the Grad App that is due

27. Follow-up with my boss about switching my days next week to finish my trial

28. Follow-up with Miami Vice about switching my days @ my Externship next week for my trial

29. Put away my summer decorations

30. Decorate for Halloween/Fall

31. Celebrate my aunt's 64th b-day

32. Get me some serious sleep

33. Get re-motivated

34. Get re-focused for next week

35. Re-commit to my healthy living

36. Plan out my week

37. Get organized

38. Get my shit together

No Trial Today, Maybe Next Week?!

Today was one crazy hump-day! Our trial didn't go. Co-Df Co apparently has had one, maybe two heart attacks since Saturday. It has been adjourned to next Tuesday but not until after the Judge asked the attorney I was following to commit malpractice! Yikes!!

I was able to get home pretty early tonight and thought maybe I would get lots done. Failure. I got a couple things done, but for some reason there are just not enough hours in the day! Ugh...

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Just getting started: 12, 13, 14, 33, 34

Needs attention: 11, 15, 16, 17

Feeling

Miserable. Even though I was in the bed at midnight last night I was still exhausted this morning and still got up late. I busted my butt at work all day and got a few things off my to-do list there. I rushed out at 3:30pm for my 4:15pm doctor's appointment. Of course when I get to her office every seat in the waiting room was full.

I had this idea in my head that I'd be out of the doctor's office by 4:30pm or 4:45pm and I would go off to the gym and life would be good. Of course when I didn't get out of there until 5:45pm I opted to meet the munchkin & my aunt for dinner instead of going to the gym. An hour and a half later I was stuffed, buzzed and miserable. And I was definitely regretting my decision to eat and drink instead of work out.

I could say this is a live and learn experience, but seriously how many times do I have to live it before I learn.

The munchkin appears to be getting sick and now I'm not feeling too hot myself. I'm really hoping that it is just allergies and dealing with the crazy change in the weather. Hello it was like barely 70 yesterday, today it was almost 90 and tomorrow it is suppose to only be 74. No wonder people are getting sick. I really can't afford for either one of us to get sick.

As I get ready to go to bed I'm definitely feeling miserable, exhausted and a little icky.

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Just getting started: 12, 13, 14, 33, 34

Needs attention: 11, 15, 16, 17

Whatever...

I was a slacker tonight. I skipped class. Not prepared. Exhausted. Hours needed to be made up for work. I was hoping to be in bed tonight by 11pm, but I'm running just a little behind.

I was hoping to get more done tonight, but I didn't. I didn't leave work till almost 6pm, had to make a trip to the meat market, came home and made burritos. Now I'm still stuffed 4 hours later. Got nothing accomplished like I wanted. Whatever...

And on that note I'll just say "goodnight."

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Just getting started: 12, 13, 14, 33, 34

Needs attention: 11, 15, 16, 17

Just Another Sunday

Even though I went to bed semi-early last night (in the bed by 12:30am-ish) I just couldn't drag my butt out of bed this morning so I didn't get up till noon, which totally put me behind. I still managed to get tons done today (if you need proof just look below!) but not as much as I wanted to get done today. Guess there is always tomorrow.

Today's Stats...

Starting weight (7/8/09): 363lbs

Current weight: 320.8lbs

This week's results: -1lb

Total weight lost: -42.2lbs

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Just getting started: 12, 13, 14, 33, 34

Needs attention: 11, 15, 16, 17

Not A Wasted Day, But I Still Have So Much To Do Tomorrow...

This morning I started out very strong in the motivation department. I was running around like a crazy woman! I had several errands to get done and since I didn't leave the house till 11:40am and the majority of the places I needed to go closed by 1:30pm. But I succeeded and was able to get all of my errands accomplished. I finally arrived home around 2:30pm.

Once I was home I finally ate something and then spent the rest of the day catching up online, reading. I was so behind in my blogs and on a forum website that I belong to that it took me hours to get caught up. Then I worked on some emails and made my way down from over 100 down to 74 before calling it quits for the day.

I ran out and grabbed some take-out Mexican for dinner at 9pm and was ready for bed when I finished dinner around 10:30pm, but I've been able to hold off for a little while. I was hoping to accomplish lots more today, but that just hasn't happened and since I was up until after 3:00am last night I certainly don't want to repeat that again tonight, because then I'm off for days if not all week. But I remain hopeful that tomorrow my motivation will remain very high and I get tons done tomorrow too.

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26

Just getting started: 5, 7, 8, 9, 14, 18, 19, 24, 25, 29

Needs attention: 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34

I've Got To Nip It In The Bud

The week prior I definitely felt more together than this last week. Since I'm starting to feel like things are piling up and getting cluttered I know I need to nip it in the bud! I'm hoping to accomplish just that this weekend!

My Friday To-Do List:

1. Attend my annual work picnic

2. Go & see my guy

3. Write out my shopping list

4. Go shopping

5. Pick up the house

6. Get my allergy shot

7. Do laundry

8. Write out my bills

9. Balance my checkbook

10. File my papers

11. Write my guy

12. Do all of my MBE homework

13. Do all of my SBM Essay homework

14. Do all of my Externship homework

15. Get the munchkin's birthday pictures taken

16. Workout

17. Continue cleaning out our closets and drawers

18. Continue to work on my bar application

19. Catch up on my emails

20. Catch up on my TIVO

21. Catch up on my blog reading

22. Drop off my dry cleaning

23. Get my bangs trimmed

24. Update my September budget

25. Update my calendar

26. Call Miami Vice about switching my days @ my Externship next week to finish my trial

27. Set up a homework schedule for the munchkin

28. Get me some serious sleep

29. Continue to be motivated

30. Get focused for next week

31. Continue to be focused on my healthy living

32. Plan out my week

33. Get organized

34. Get my shit together

Let Me Help You Get Home

Another exhausting day has passed. Thursdays are so long for me with having to go to work, then class, then back to work. Plus with the crazy stuff at work it was really hard to leave school and not just drive straight home this afternoon. But I returned to work and ended up working till 8pm. :(

On my way home I stopped to a local gas station to fill up, grab smokes and a diet coke. There may have also been a trip to Arby's inside that occurred as well. While I was filling up I saw a beat-up old Jeep Cherokee sitting there with a sign on it that read "Out of Gas" and my heart just sank. I had a debate in my head as to whether I should help or not. After pumping my gas I opted to go and park and as I walked past the back of the Jeep I looked at their plates and they were definitely not local! They were actually from 3 states away. At that moment I made my decision, walked over and knocked on the driver's window. I filled their tank to help get them home and only asked that they remember this and in the future they pay it forward for someone else! They were really appreciative and since they had 322 miles to drive over the next 5.5 hours I can feel good about helping them get over halfway home. I would just hope that someone would do it for me or a loved one of mine if they were 3 states from home without gas.

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30

Just getting started: 13, 26, 31, 32

Needs attention: 12, 17, 19, 20

Adding To The Pressure

Today I left work early to attend a State Bar Seminar. It was to go over the Character & Fitness portion. It definitely did nothing to alleviate the mounting pressure, it actually added to it. It just reminds me of all of the crap I need to do!

After the seminar I had dinner with my LSBFF. We went to a new place and had some really good BBQ! It is always great spending time with her. She is the best! We finally settled on how we are going to do BarBri & PMBR, so that is one relief. Of course now we just have to figure out how we are going to pay for it! Ha!

Work is crazy! We are working on this Medicaid Project and I just feel like I can't get a handle on it. None of it makes sense and every time we turn around there is a new or different thing being added. It is such a mess!! And of course we have to have it done by September 30th. It isn't even something we should be doing, but since apparently no one else can be trusted to get it done other than us paralegals. Go figure, huh?! Just when I need some down time at work it seems like it is no where in sight...

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30

Just getting started: 13, 26, 31, 32

Needs attention: 12, 17, 19, 20

Is Time Talking? I Sure Hope Not!

Um, yeah...as for that potential "success" I was spouting off about less than 24 hours ago well I may have killed it this morning. How many things can go wrong in one morning? Let me count the ways...

~I overslept this morning

~I felt horrible from all the spaghetti & garlic bread I hate last night and spent the rest of the day feeling like an over stuffed sausage

~I ran into horrific traffic on the way to court

Of course all of this took place before 9am! Opps...

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30

Just getting started: 13, 26, 31, 32

Needs attention: 12, 17, 19, 20

Shaping Up To Be A Success?!? Only Time Will Tell!

Even though I was totally exhausted today and will be tomorrow as well (Um Hello! Two nights in a row going to bed @ 2am on a "school/work" night is tearing me up!) today was a much better day. I was busy all day, but still managed to check a couple of more things off my list. For the most part I did pretty decent with my healthy living...well, until I came home and stuffed my face with spaghetti & garlic bread. Opps! Now if I can only make it through tomorrow, get a couple more things accomplished and in the bed at a decent time I may start thinking that this week could be called a success!

One thing I am seriously behind on though are my emails! I currently have 38 in my inbox that I need to deal with. I hate it when I get behind on my emails! I'm just hopeful that there isn't anything of uber importance to deal with sitting in there. Yikes!

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30

Just getting started: 13, 26, 31, 32

Needs attention: 12, 17, 19, 20

A Bust.

The VMAs were a bust...I was hoping to catch more than just a glimpse of Eminem, but since he left immediately after his opening performance I wasted time fast-forwarding through the 2 hours I had on DVR. And of course my DVR quit before the end so I have no clue what Kanye did either. And what is this I read on a Tweet about Lady Gaga wearing meat?!? WTF?!?

The Cowboys were a bust, because they lost. :( They played like crap from the portions of the game I caught in between doing my SBM homework...

Wanting to go to bed early tonight is a bust. It is actually 1:43am. Dang-it!

My Sunday was a bust, because it was filled with homework. Go figure... (And yes, this is why I'm going to bed so late...homework, nothing more, nothing less.)

What wasn't a bust? My list below. Is has gotten smaller and smaller as the day went on. :)

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30

Just getting started: 13, 26, 31, 32

Needs attention: 4, 12, 17, 19, 20, 24

"The Track"~Am I On It, Off It; Or Just Stumbling My Way Around

The last few weeks I've been struggling to get into the routine of my new schedule. My schedule is pretty crazy right now. The way it is suppose to work is:

Mondays:

8am-3pm @ My Externship (of course this is not going smoothly for various reasons)

4pm-5:50pm @ My MBE Class

6pm-7:50pm @ My SBM Essay Class

Tuesdays:

8am-12pm @ My Externship

12:30pm-6:30pm @ My Regular Job

7:30pm @ The Gym

Wednesdays:

8am-6:30pm @ My Regular Job

Thursdays:

8am-12:15pm @ My Regular Job

1pm-1:50pm @ My Externship Class (Yes, we still have class for it!)

2:45pm-6:30pm @ Back to My Regular Job

7:30pm @ The Gym

Fridays:

8am-4:30pm @ My Regular Job

By doing it this way it allows for me to fulfill all of my requirements. (1) I must work 32 hours a week at my job. (2) I must do a minimum of 8.5 hours a week at my Externship for 14 weeks in order to fulfill the requirement of getting between 120-180 hours there to receive credit. And since I don't like being at the bottom of the scale I definitely want to do a minimum of 150 hours.

But doing it this way makes for a really long week and I've yet to have a "calm, normal" week to execute all of these things. Just this past week I really started to get in the groove of this new schedule. I was able to make it to each "appointment" on my schedule and only had one goof up and that was forgetting to take my black binder to my Thursday class...or any paper for that matter. Good thing my LSBFF is in class with me and she was able to give me a couple sheets!

Last week was also the first week in a while that I've been able to attempt to get back on track with my healthy living goals. I'm talking like a real good faith attempt not just "thinking" about it. I actually did really well Tuesday, Wednesday and the majority of Thursday, but since I had to attend a 3rd Grade Parent Informational Meeting at the munchkin's school Thursday night that lasted much longer than anticipated I stumbled on that track and ended up with Taco Bell for dinner at 9pm instead of going to the gym or eating something at home. I also didn't make it to the gym Tuesday because it was the munchkin's first day of school and I really wanted to come home and bask in his excitement for a few hours!

Then Friday things got crazy at work and this led me and two of my co-workers to decide to go out for lunch and a lunch consisting of chips & salsa, a strawberry margarita, and a shrimp quesadilla isn't really conducive to a weight loss goal for the week. Normally this wouldn't have been really too bad, but I also apparently drank less than 24 ozs of water that whole day. Then Saturday rolls around with all its yummy church festival food and lack of any water for the whole day and then you start to feel like you haven't just stumbled on the track you've actually left the whole damn track in a cloud of dust!

I just didn't picture this semester's schedule being filled with so many necessary distractions, especially in the beginning, nor did I imagine that I would be having such a horrible time trying to adjust to it. Even though this week was still successful (Hello! A loss is a loss and I'll take it!!) I am longing for a week to follow the plan that I've set up for myself without any disruptions.

Today's Stats...

Starting weight (7/8/09): 363lbs

Current weight: 321.8lbs

This week's results: -.4lbs

Total weight lost: -41.2lbs

I'm hoping to be able to get through the entire week running on the track and not running away from the track in defeat.

It isn't going to be easy this week though...I have major coupons that are expiring Tuesday at one of my clothes stores and I really want to use them!! But since my LSBFF and I are attending a seminar at 5pm Wednesday night and then doing dinner after I had thought I would work an hour later on both Tuesday and Thursday to make up that time in order to get my 32 hours in, but then what happens to my coupons and equally important what happens to my plan to hit the gym those two nights. I guess we will have to wait and see how this all unfolds, but I'm trying to stay positive that I can get it all done and have a very successful week!

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 18, 21, 22, 23, 25, 30

Just getting started: 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32

Needs attention: 4, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 24

Middle Of The Night Update

My plan of attack for this weekend was to get all my personal stuff done Saturday and do homework all day Sunday. I set the plan up this way, because of the schedule we had Saturday with pictures and the festival. I definitely thought this was a very doable plan. However I probably should have started on getting more of my personal stuff done before 10pm Saturday night. Opps!!

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 18, 21, 22, 23, 25, 30

Just getting started: 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32

Needs attention: 4, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 24

9/11~~Never Forget

Today is the 9th anniversary of 9/11. In between doing errands and fun things with my munchkin I've battled back tears on several occasions. I remember that fateful day 9 years ago like it was yesterday. My heart just breaks every time I think about it and all the great people lost and hurt that day as a result of such a cowardly act. I pray for everyone as nine years ago all of our lives changed forever...

If I had my way today I would have stayed in, glued to the TV watching tributes and memorials, but I couldn't. I had things to do and I guess the biggest "in your face" thing we can do to show the terrorists and al-Qaeda that they did not break us is to continue living our lives, changed but still free. And that is what we did today!

Today the munchkin had to get his soccer pictures taken and from there we went to our church's festival. It rained the entire time we were there, but that didn't stop us from eating (like crazy), playing games and buying books! We probably would have stayed longer, but since it had been pouring for the 2 hours we were there we called it a day.

Of course before we headed up to get the munchkin's pictures taken I had to go to my bakery and bitch about the cakes I bought last week. I've purchased tons of cakes from them and this was the worst cake ever. I was not happy, especially since it cost me $50!

Looks pretty, doesn't it?

Apparently the cake baked uneven and whoever was tasked with decorating it just tried to cover up the mistake!

I like frosting with the rest of the world. It is some yummy stuff, but this was crazy. Especially on a frickin' carrot cake. They graciously gave me store credit for $50. Needless to say the munchkin's 9th B-day cake already has a down payment made on it. ;) I'm hoping now my cake-tastrophy is finally over!

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 16, 18, 22, 23, 25

Just getting started: 6, 8, 26, 27

Needs attention: 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 21, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Why Do "Short Weeks" Feel Longer Than A Regular Week?

This past week was a short week with the Labor Day holiday falling on Monday, but it feels like I worked harder, longer and on more days than a normal five day week. Why does this happen? I've never understood the concept, but somehow it happens! And it happens on a regular basis with short weeks. Regardless, I'm just glad I made it to another Friday relatively unscathed.

My Friday To-Do List:

1. Go & see my guy

2. Write out my shopping list

3. Go shopping

4. Follow-up on canceling the munchkin's after school program

5. Attempt to get my assignment at my Externship for next week

6. Pick up the house

7. Get my allergy shot

8. Do laundry

9. Write out my bills

10. Balance my checkbook

11. File my papers

12. Write my guy

13. Do all of my MBE homework

14. Do all of my SBM Essay homework

15. Do all of my Externship homework

16. Take the munchkin for his soccer pics

17. Get the munchkin's birthday pictures taken

18. Attend our Church festival

19. Workout

20. Continue cleaning out our closets and drawers

21. Begin filling out my bar application

22. Get my pictures developed

23. Go to the bakery to complain about my continued cake-tastrophy

24. Follow-up with PMBR after receiving yesterday's email

25. Find someone to watch the munchkin for when Chica's going to be out of town

26. Get me some serious sleep

27. Get motivated

28. Get focused for next week

29. Remain focused on my healthy living

30. Plan out my week

31. Get organized

32. Get my shit together

MPRE. Passed. Done.

Need I say more people?!? ;) That was the best news of the day! I cannot expand on it any further than that! I passed. With flying colors. It is over. It is done. One step closer to being an attorney!

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 18, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Just getting started: 4, 13, 14, 15, 20, 33, 34

Needs attention: 12, 17, 19, 22

Sons of Anarchy Has Returned!!

I'm so excited. Tonight the Sons of Anarchy returned!! This has became my all time favorite show on TV! Both my guy & I have been waiting for its return since last year!! I am madly in love with the main character, Jax Teller! Daym that man is fine and the boy can strut! Needless to say, Charlie Hunnam is on my Top Five! ;) Don't worry...my guy is well aware of my obsession and I have no one other than him to thank for it! Hehehehe

Today was the munchkin's first day back to school. He didn't want to go. He was nervous and so was I. All we've heard is how his new teacher is a quack! Just great! Somehow we always end up with a quack for a teacher. How does that happen?!? He ended up having a great day, but did end up with his name on the board on the first day of school. Of course!

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 18, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Just getting started: 4, 13, 14, 15, 20, 33, 34

Needs attention: 12, 17, 19, 22

Happy Labor Day 2010!

I actually slept in today, which may have been a mistake since I'm up super late finishing things up. (Even though this will post earlier, it is actually after 1:10am Monday night/Tuesday morning.) Even though it put me up later than I should be, it felt good to actually sleep in one of the three mornings I had this long weekend. After getting up I showered and went out to run the two errands I had on my agenda for today. I went to the meat market before it closed and then on to Fashion Bug to look for shoes.

My trip to Fashion Bug was a failure as for the shoes. Apparently I'm just going to have to order some shoes online, because I cannot find any dress shoes for my fat feet. It isn't even like I'm looking for crazy shoes. I'm looking for a pair of black dress shoes that are comfortable yet semi-stylish for my Externship. I haven't even thought of looking for brown or another color. Is this asking too much? Geez...

Before I took off I weighed in since I forgot to do it yesterday. I was pleasantly surprised with the result. I knew I did a lot more walking last Monday & Tuesday while shadowing the Defenders, but I also ate weird too. Nothing went as I had envisioned it when it came to my food intake last week. Just think how well I would have done had I really watched what I ate and went to the gym the two times I had planned. Maybe this week... If I could do as good this week as I did last week I'd be frickin' stoked!

Today's Stats...

Starting weight (7/8/09): 363lbs

Current weight: 322.2lbs

This week's results: -3.6lbs

Total weight lost: -40.8lbs

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 18, 21, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Just getting started: 4, 13, 14, 15, 20, 33, 34

Needs attention: 12, 17, 19, 22, 23, 24, 26

It Is All About The Uncles Today

Last night I did not go to bed until around 3am after all of the crazy stuff that had developed in the neighborhood! My former neighbor had called me at 12:41am to see if everyone had left the area. After talking to her for almost an hour, I tried to chill out and before I knew it it was 3am. Opps! Of course 5 minutes after I laid down I swear to God someone knocked on my door, twice. I got up, grabbed my phone, put my glasses on and made my way to the front door, but no one was there. I went back to bed and fell asleep, finally.

Of course I was awakened by my guy's call at ten to nine this morning and after we spoke I debated laying back down, but I didn't. Before I knew it, it was time to get ready and go to my mom's for the family cookout. I was just praying that my bro & his wife didn't show up, because I am in no mood to be around her.

At the cookout I met my unc's new wife who seems very nice, but very rough. I guess that happens after you live on your own for over 30 years in the wilderness of Alaska. My goodness the woman had to shoot and kill a grizzly bear (or a brown bear...regardless of the type it was a big-ass bear) in her living room one night because she knew it was either kill or be killed. Daym!! It is strange because I've had issues with my unc since 1994 and I haven't seen him since the munchkin and I attended his son, my cousin, Ranger's graduation from bootcamp at Ft. Benning in 2007. There were no "hellos" or hugs seeing my unc tonight. He definitely isn't the same man I once knew... Of course I'm sure it didn't help that the two of them had been drinking since that morning and it was now going on 5pm...

We did the cookout, celebrated my (other) uncle's birthday, took some pictures, and as they prepared to have a fire and sit around roasting marshmallows while chit-chatting I opted to take off. It just isn't my thing right now, plus I had things to do! Leaving there I connected with Faye (formally known as "A") and took 3 pairs of my munchkin's shoes to her for her son. All 3 fit and we agreed upon a price of $10. After chatting for a while, I came home and started getting some of my stuff done. Apparently I'm moving slower than a 100 year old turtle this weekend, so thank goodness I have tomorrow at home to continue getting things done or else I'd be having another week like last week and I really don't need that right now.

With everything said and done, I am just very happy I got to wish my uncle a Happy Birthday! Especially with everything he has been through the last several years with his health. Of course he feel or tripped on my mom's porch on his way inside for today's cookout. :( The poor man just can't catch a break. Through it all though, Happy Birthday Uncle!!! They say double number years are good luck, so let's hope "55" is your year!! ;)

Consider it done: 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 16, 25

Just getting started: 3, 4, 8, 13, 14, 15, 28, 29, 30, 33, 34

Needs attention: 9, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 31, 32

From Cake-tastrophy To Security

So, I had this plan of blogging this weekend. I was going to devote one day to my Externship experiences this past week, another day to work experiences this past week, and a final day to life in general from this past week. I did not expect to have the day I've had today, which now takes precedent over all of those for tonight's post!

I got up this morning around 10:15am when my guy called. He has been sick for about a week now, but he definitely sounded better this morning than he did last night. After I hung up from him I called my friend "A" back as she had beeped in during our call. After chatting with her I called my aunt to see if she had my munchkin's shoes from last year that he never wore (the jerk gave us the wrong size and of course this wasn't discovered until we tried to break them out a couple months into school). I decided I was going to sell these to "A" because she needed shoes for her son, they were the perfect size, and I know she has like no money. Plus how much am I going to really get for them at a yard sale?!?

After that was all settled I called my other aunt to find out how old my uncle was going to be tomorrow. Of course my uncle answered the phone and he started talking and talking and talking! Almost an hour later I hung up, because my aunt was beeping in. Of course I had not learned how old my uncle was going to be during that hour, but I had deduced he was going to be 55! My aunt was calling to see if I wanted to have lunch with her & my munchkin. I was totally up for that, but I hadn't even showered yet and I needed to get my allergy shot and pick up a birthday cake for my uncle. I hoped in the shower as quick as possible, raced off to get my allergy shot and then went on to the bakery before meeting them for lunch.

At the bakery I ended up with a Cake-tastrophe!! There were no chocolate cakes! WTF?! How is that even possible? I was shocked! So I ended up having to piece things together to end up with what would satisfy what I wanted/needed. Of course this ends up with me buying a shit load of cakes! I ended up buying a carrot cake, which was way bigger than I wanted. Of course this didn't satisfy my two requirements~~chocolate & a "birthday" look. I had planned on getting cupcakes for the kids, so I settled on getting a pack of 6 cupcakes which were actually chocolate ho-ho cupcakes. Now for the birthday look, I went with what they call a "cake slice," which is like a quarter of a round cake all decorated...birthday like. I sure hope the family is up for a lot of cake tomorrow....

Then I met up with the munchkin & my aunt for lunch. We had a blast! Then I came home to get started on some of my things. When I was hauling in all of my cakes, my former neighbor and her husband pulled up. They were moving her niece out from next door. We chatted for a bit and then she went back over to continue to help everyone with moving the niece out. Since I hadn't accomplished much by then and the fact that even though "A" was suppose to come right over to pick up those shoes and over 2 hours had passed and she still hadn't shown up I decided to lay down for a nap. After three phone calls and a knock on my door, I decided to give up on my nap.

The knock was from my former neighbor, again, asking to borrow some cleaning supplies. In the next few hours things would become drama filled in the neighborhood. An hour and a half later my former neighbor showed back up at my door, shaking and crying. There were a series of text messages between her and her niece. They basically indicated that the niece was going to be contacting the police and show back up to the house (her & the boyfriend went to a birthday party earlier in the day for one of her two sons that she no longer has custody of) to force their way back into the home. My former neighbors waited for 2.5 hours, but no one showed up and according to the local Sheriff's Department no one had called. They decided to leave and within 15 minutes the niece & her boyfriend showed up at the house.

I phoned my former neighbor and park security. Back outside in the very cool temps security advised the niece & the boyfriend that if they enter the home now they will be arrested. There were lots of raised voices and finally within an hour everyone went their separate ways and I was able to close my door and lock it for good for the night. Too bad it was already close to midnight and I've accomplished very little. Good thing I have Monday on my side!

Consider it done: 1, 2, 5*, 6, 7

Just getting started: 3, 4**, 8, 15, 25, 28

Needs attention: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34

*~~I called, left a message and there was no return call. Guess I'll have to find my own way Tuesday morning by just showing up to a court and rolling the dice!

**~~I called, left a message and there was no return call. Do you see a pattern here?!?

I Made It!!

To the end of the week! I wasn't sure I was going to make it! This has definitely been a stressful week. I've been feeling out of sorts with everything all week. It is so hard trying to adjust to things this semester. I know it is because nothing is "normal" with doing my Externship, adjusting my work schedule, and fitting my classes into this new crazy schedule.

I promise I will get back to normal here as soon as I get the rest of my life back on track! Have a great Friday y'all!!

My Friday To-Do List:

1. Go & see my guy

2. Write out my shopping list

3. Go shopping

4. Call & cancel the munchkin's after school program

5. Call & get my assignment at my Externship for Tuesday morning

6. Get my house cleaned

7. Get my allergy shot

8. Do laundry

9. Write out my bills

10. Balance my checkbook

11. File my papers

12. Write my guy

13. Do all of my MBE homework

14. Do all of my SBM Essay homework

15. Do all of my Externship homework

16. Catch up on my blog reading

17. Get the munchkin's birthday pictures taken

18. Prepare for the munchkin's first week back to school

19. Workout

20. Continue cleaning out our closets and drawers

21. Update my calendar

22. Begin filling out my bar application

23. Follow-up with BarBri

24. Follow-up with PMBR

25. Celebrate Labor Day, my unc's & his new wife's visit, & my uncle's b-day with the family

26. Make my next pampering appointment

27. Update my September budget

28. Get me some serious sleep

29. Get motivated

30. Get focused for next week

31. Get focused on my healthy living

32. Plan out my week

33. Get organized

34. Get my shit together

FYI...

I am alive. I did survive my day & a half at my Externship. I'll blog about it soon, but I'm definitely feeling stressed. I'm running behind on everything! I'm exhausted. And I'm definitely feeling very unorganized!

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 16, 17, 21, 22

Just getting started: 4, 8, 11, 13, 14, 15, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

Needs attention: 5, 12, 18, 19, 23