I Was Unprepared For Today, But Tomorrow Is A New Day

So my plan to start my new schedule today did not happen as I had planned. Even though I went to bed later than I had hoped it was still a decent time. The problem arose when hours later I was still awake. I finally fell asleep close to 3am.

While I was laying there awake, cursing my brain for not allowing me to sleep I never thought to get up and wash my workout pants to hit the gym first thing this morning. Opps!

So even though I was up at a decent time, showered and totally ready to go to the gym I had to wait until my workout pants were washed and dried. Add on to it the fact that I had several errands to run today and I felt the need to get a few things I would have done later in the week completed today in case we get hit with the big storm everyone is saying is forth coming and before I knew it I was walking back in the door at 1:30pm. Of course by then I was starving and didn't even get to crack a book until after 2pm (outside of what I read on the treadmill).

I remain focused and excited about putting this new schedule to work and pulling it off. Tomorrow I will be much better prepared to hit the ground running when I wake up, plus I will have a few more hours of sleep under my belt than I did this morning...or so I hope!

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

Just getting started: 9, 15, 16

Needs attention: Nothing!!

Ready For A New Schedule

So the schedule I've been attempting to follow has been to get up around 7am, catch up with my on-line life as the munchkin goes to school. Then the plan has been to do some studying, which I always hope will be around 8am, but always seems to happen much closer to 10am. Not good. Then after studying for a while I figure I need to take a shower and hit the gym with the understanding or belief that I will come back home and study some more. Of course by the time I get back home it is like 4pm. Then either I'm whipping up dinner for us so when my aunt and the munchkin get here they can eat before he heads to his next activity (CCD, Karate, Cub Scouts, etc.) By the time they leave it is around 6pm or so and they are usually scheduled to return between 8pm-9pm and in all honesty who is ready to study starting from 6-8pm?!? Obviously this isn't working for me and with 3 weeks left I need to find a new schedule that works better than what I've been trying.

So tomorrow I'm going to try a new schedule of getting up between 6 & 7am, shower and get ready for the gym and my day. Then I'm going to hit the gym first thing before I attempt to do any studying. The last few times at the gym I have been able to read BarBri on the treadmill, so that is where I will start for the day, then come home and it shouldn't be later than 10am by the time I get home to study. This will give me a huge chunk of time before I need to take a break to get dinner. And since I will only be taking a break for an hour or two it shouldn't be nearly as difficult to get back to studying for a couple hours till the munchkin returns home and we get ready for bed.

I'm sort of excited to start this new schedule tomorrow and I'm very hopeful that this week is much more productive than the past weeks...

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13

Just getting started: 9, 14, 15, 16

Needs attention: 7

If Only I Could Go Back A Week And Get A Do Over

So today's reality check, which I knew was so going to happen after my inability to accomplish anything last week and my inability to stop myself from putting everything and anything in my mouth except healthy food and water, has spurred me to change my plan of attack. I have to change up my daily schedule because in 3 weeks I'm set to take the bar and if I do not get it together I will be just hitting repeat on all of this crap in 6 months...

More on my new plan of attack tomorrow. Until then, here are today's stats (to be expected)...

Starting weight: 363lbs (7/9/09)

Current weight: 318.8lbs

This week's results: +3.8lbs

Total weight lost: -44.2lbs

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 10

Just getting started: 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16

Needs attention: 7, 13

There Is No Other Option Left

Yes, in one week my life and everything I was holding high fell and shattered on the cement floor! I take complete and full responsibility for that fall and the following shattering. I had a strong run for a few weeks and even had a very strong weekend last week, but this week everything fell apart. I made it to the gym on Monday and then apparently everything went downhill starting Tuesday. This was the same day where I had to have extensive repairs made in my home, which were totally not expected. This is also the same day where for over 4 hours I had a bunch of people in my house and I also knew I had to take my munchkin to karate since my aunt's work schedule was screwed up that day. It was also the same day that I spent dreaming of Red Lobster and was rudely denied due to an electrical problem.

Once I had experienced that one bad day it just kept repeating itself every other day this week or so it seemed. Wednesday was the day of the washer problems. I had hoped this would be fixed by the end of the afternoon, but yet again...a denial. I discovered that I would have to wait another week to get that taken care of too. Not what I had planned at all.

The biggest problems I seemed to be facing this week was I was definitely feeling exhausted and was still dreaming about that Red Lobster dinner that I was denied Tuesday. Yesterday I just couldn't seem to get anything moving over here. I felt dead to the world. I so could have laid down and took a really long nap, but I didn't. Instead I made plans to finally get my Red Lobster dinner with the munchkin and my aunt after his karate class so I could stop dreaming about my Sunset Passion Colada and my coconut shrimp! Of course we were in the midst of a little snow storm (1-2"s). I was exhausted before we made it to dinner, so after my two drinks I was totally ready for the bed.

The munchkin and I were in the bed by 9pm last night...I was stuffed and very sleepy with the perfect amount of frozen alcohol mixed in. This all led me to get up very early this morning (hello 5:15am!) and realize that even though I apparently took this past week off I have to get my life back in order or else in just over 3 weeks I will be in some serious trouble and I won't be able to bail myself out of that mess. This is a requirement for me this week. No more screwing around. It is just me, my list and BarBri...we will be one this week and I will get back on that wagon of having my life together. No if's, and's, or but's about it! No more excuses!!!

My Friday To-Do List:

1. Go & see my guy

2. Write out my shopping list

3. Go shopping

4. Pick up the house

5. Study, study, study!!!!!

6. Do laundry

7. Workout

8. Get my allergy shot

9. Write my guy

10. Pick up our pictures

11. Get re-motivated

12. Get re-focused for next week

13. Plan out our week

14. Get re-committed to my healthy living

15. Get re-organized

16. Get my shit back together

It All Started With A Little Blue Puddle

This all started Saturday night after my wonderful bubble bath and right before I went to bed when I noticed a little puddle of blue under the back of my toilet. I discovered that the tank on my toilet was leaking. It was 1:30am Saturday night. Nothing I could do about it and no one to call to help. And it wasn't serious enough Sunday to call my plumber. Um, hello? Paying a plumber on a Sunday? No thank you!

Monday morning I called my other aunt and then my uncle because it wasn't like I was able to afford even a phone call to anyone, because I couldn't pay them when they came out. While talking to them I also mentioned that my washer was having serious issues too. It was making a horrible noise going into the spin cycle and wasn't spinning all the water out and I would have to toss in an extra spin before putting them in the dryer. My wonderful uncle told me to make the necessary calls and they would take care of it. I was relieved...

In between getting this all together Monday morning I put some sausage and sauerkraut over. I was so hungry for it I couldn't wait all day for dinner to roll around. I hit the gym that afternoon and waited and waited and waited for my aunt and munchkin to get here so we could eat! I weighed out my sausage, measured my sauerkraut and sat down to finally eat. Even though I had cooked it all day, it wasn't done enough. Dinner failure. I cooked it again the rest of the night and resorted back to my chips & dips again for dinner. When it was finally done I tried it again. No go! There was no taste. How did I mess up a dish that I've made a hundred plus times? Needless to say I was not happy.

Off to bed I went, disappointed in my dinner, but I also knew I had to be up early for repair guys #1 who were scheduled to be here at 8:00am Tuesday morning. Fast forward to the following morning...repair guys quickly fix my toilet (the tank was lose...who knew that could happen...), so I figure while they are here and since I kept the cost so low I mentioned that it appeared my kitchen faucet had started to leak where the nozzle attached. After a quick look they discover it is more than a little leak...it was also leaking under the sink way in the back too. Of course that wasn't fixable, it had to be replaced. Out of the blue Mr. Fix-It asked me when was the last time I had checked my hot water tank...um, if it had ever been "checked" it would have been before my guy and I split up in '04. So he offers to check it and of course, thank God he did, because it was leaking. God, help me...

So a quote of $1,200 later to replace both my kitchen faucet and hot water tank I figured my day was pretty well shot! Of course this was normally bad all in of itself, but when you also figure that not only did I have to clear out from under my skin so they could replace my faucet I also had to clear out around my back door (a/k/a my laundry and pantry room) and my closet. You must remember...I live in a trailer so every room is small and I have everything packed in tight!! You may wonder why I would have to clear out around my back door, so the guys could drain my hot water tank. You then may ask what my bedroom closet has to do with this mess...well, that's because my hot water tank is impaneled inside my bedroom closet. Convenient, huh?

So four hours and several dollars later, I had the pleasure of putting my kitchen, laundry room, and bedroom back together. I was so excited I could barely contain myself... I did use the opportunity to clean out all of the bakeware I had stuffed under the sink. Seriously, do I need 9 glass baking dishes, 5 of which are the size?! Or 12 cookie sheets?! I didn't think so either. By the time I finished putting everything back together, which of course included sweeping and mopping part of my kitchen floor and my little pantry plus vacuuming my bedroom closet and the surrounding area, it was time to get the munchkin because I had to take him to karate.

Throughout the day I knew I had to take the munchkin to karate and after we would go to dinner with my aunt and every time something went wrong or became much messier than anticipated I just kept telling myself that I could handle it, because tonight I was going to partake in a tall Sunset Passion Colada or two while enjoying Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp at Red Lobster, which I've been craving for a few weeks. Knowing this helped me get through everything yesterday. After karate we headed to Red Lobster just to see that the restaurant was all dark with 3 utility vans outside and a note on the door explaining they were closed due to electrical problems.

I couldn't win yesterday... We ended up going to the China Buffet in town, which was yummy, but since I was so set on my Red Lobster meal nothing was satisfying to me. Of course this caused me to eat more than I should have. And today? Well, now I just sit here waiting for the Sear's Repair Guy to get here to look at that racket machine...opps, I meant washing machine! He should be here between 1pm & 5pm. Of course that means closer to 5pm than 1pm, especially since it is already 2pm...

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

Just getting started: 17, 18

Needs attention: 10, 11

This Would Be Why I'm Eating Chips & Dips Tonight...

So last night as I was going to bed I realized that my toilet has sprung a leak. This after I listened to my washer make a weird noise all day. Just great!!

Of course this would happen! I haven't worked or gotten a paycheck in over a month. Due to my wonderful work screwing me on not being able to take out my 401K and the IRS making it impossible to file my taxes until mid-February, even if I had my W-2's which I of course I don't~thanks again work!~, I'm totally living...er mooching off my aunt!! I've taken her last 2 checks from her, she's paid my two credit card bills and likely will pay my cellphone/internet bill, and all I have left in my checking account is $150.

Now I get to call two different repair people tomorrow and try to mooch off my other aunt and uncle. FML!

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

Just getting started: 17, 18

Needs attention: 10, 11

A Runny Day Brings Happiness Later

I wasn't sure how this morning was going to go...A couple days this week I felt like I had lost, but then yesterday with basically eating out the whole darn day I was nervous. Plus yesterday and this morning I was feeling like I had totally gained.

I tried to do my best while I was at lunch with my LSBFF, which I loved every single minute of and which was crazy delicious. While there I feel like I tempted the healthy living Gods by selecting the lunch buffet. I know, what was I thinking?!? But I did good! I think I did very good.

My first trip through I had a plate of salad and instead of eating my dressing I wore most of it. Thank you runny ranch dressing! My second trip through I had some mixed veggies, which were pretty yummy, a delicious pork mini-burrito, some chicken stir-fry, which wasn't so yummy, and some catfish beignets, which were to die for!! I skipped the dirty rice and the meatloaf, which I found was an odd addition to the buffet. The pork mini-burrito and the catfish beignets were so yummy I totally could have went for another plate piled high, but I didn't. I called it done and shockingly by the time we left I was perfectly content with my selections and was in that range of perfectly full, not stuffed.

After getting a chance to chat with my LSBFF over the yummy food I left there and drove out to see my honey. This is where my day got crazy!! By the end of the night or I really should say the middle of our visit we realized that my new black shirt was "bleeding" all over. At first we just thought maybe I was uber cold since my hands had a purple tint to them. It was very cold out, but we were inside, a poorly heated room, but purple hands?! Then all of a sudden I realized that my guy's white shirt was now dirty. Um yeah...it was dirty from being under my arm. My black shirt was just letting its colors run wherever it wanted. His shirt, my new white tank top underneath. It didn't seem to matter. Thank god we were on some nasty brown ol' state owned chairs. I felt horrible. This would be the second shirt of his that he left with my marks on. The first was my makeup left on the shoulder of his red shirt when we said bye a few weeks back. So not only do I apparently not know how to apply my makeup at the age of 34...I can't pick out clothes and keep them from leaving their mark all over.

I guess between my salad dressing and my shirt it was just sort of a runny kind of day!

At the end of our five hours together I left and was starting to feel a little hungry, but more importantly I knew I had to get some serious water in me on my way home or else I was going to get home at 10:30pm and still have over 32 ozs to drink. So in only the second time since my healthy lifestyle re-kicked itself off back on January 3rd I ate fast food. I ran through a McDonald's drive thru and picked up a cheeseburger and 2 bottles of water.

So this morning when I woke feeling like my PJ's were tighter than the last time I wore them I was definitely nervous getting on the scale. Today's stats are...

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

Current weight: 315lbs

This week's results: -3.8lbs

Total weight lost: -48lbs

I can't believe it!! I couldn't! I just stood and stared at the number! The lowest I've been in a really, really long time! And well ahead of my goal, according to SparkPeople.com! So, since I have restarted my healthy lifestyle and been hitting the gym I have lost a total of 8.6lbs. I find this amazing. So I have now lost all of the weight I gained over the holidays plus another 1.6lbs. Yay me!! I guess hard work does really pay off!

Now I just need to incorporate that into the other areas of my life.

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 16

Just getting started: 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18

Needs attention: 10, 11, 15

It Is A Whole New List

Yes, last week I accomplished everything I had set out on my to-do list. You didn't really think that meant that I was done with my lists, did you?! I hope not, because then you will be sadly disappointed, because here I go again... (

But look...it is even shorter than last week's list!)

My Friday To-Do List:

1. Do lunch with my LSBFF

2. Go & see my guy

3. Write out my shopping list

4. Go shopping

5. Get my house cleaned

6. Study

7. Do laundry

8. Workout

9. Get my allergy shot

10. Write my guy

11. Pick up our pictures

12.

Get some sleep

13. Stay motivated

14. Stay focused for next week

15. Plan out my week

16. Stay committed to my healthy living

17. Stay organized

18. Keep my shit together

Basking In My Glory...Just Look From Afar

I worked my butt off today.

Okay...I probably could have done more, but I seriously studied for like 4-5 hours. For me lately that is huge! I know I could have done more, but I also had a few things I had to take care of too... That is what happens when you are a mom and run a household.

Plus I even made it to the gym and hit the treadmill for 30 mins!

I know...look at me go!!

But don't look too closely, because then you would see my really greasy do (it takes time to wash so it has been put off for my Friday "dates") and you would have also noticed that I have worn the same workout pants for the last two days to the gym. I think keeping them on for only about 2 hours a day is still okay. Right!?! RIGHT?!?

So please look from afar so you can shine in my glory, but beware, because tomorrow morning I will hit the gym in the same disarray, but after my workout I promise I'll shower and wash both my hair and my pants. Then I'll be ready to tackle another week... ;)

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

Just getting started: Nothing!!

Needs attention: Nothing!!

At Least I Stayed Awake All Day Today...Step #1 Accomplished!

After losing yesterday, especially at the gym or even staying awake, I was able to get back on track today. It was slow and difficult, but I got that done. I hit the gym, late this afternoon, and did not even think of laying down for a nap even though I got up at 6:20am this morning. Apparently in my life these days those are two huge accomplishments.

Even though I wanted to knife a few guys at the gym this afternoon, I was able to get my full workout in. I had hoped to add some additional minutes on the treadmill today, but I was not able to. At least I got 20 mins in on top of my strength training. Beggars cannot be choosers....

Now if only I could get that studying situation under as much control. But as a great friend in my life said...tomorrow is another opportunity & we shall grab that full force!

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19

Just getting started: 20

Needs attention: Nothing!!

Napping Is The Devil & Only Leads To My Failure

Okay...today ended up being an utter failure for getting stuff done...actually anything done. I totally own this failure outright.

Apparently instead of laying down at 10am for a 2 hour nap I should have showered instead, because the intended 2 hours turned into 4.5 actual hours. Therefore I never showered, never got dressed, never made it to the gym, never finished my shopping, and never got the studying I needed to get done today done.

My conclusion is that napping is the devil for me...

Consider it done: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

Just getting started: 3, 19, 20

Needs attention: Nothing!!

Bright Eyed & Bushy Tail

Okay...this doesn't really describe me, but I am still amazed at myself and it is barely 9am!

Between yesterday where I got tons of stuff done (Just look below!!) and this morning when I actually woke up at 5:40am without an alarm and continued to accomplish stuff today I feel like I can claim to be bright eyed & bushy tail...or is it tailed?! I'm not sure which it is, but it feels like it is an old saying from my childhood, so I'm going with it!

I studied more yesterday than I have in a single day in a while. Yes, even I was shocked too! Then I hit the gym, increasing my time on the treadmill to 30 minutes, and then on to my treat! Yes...week #3 in my journey deserved a treat. Plus my salon had BOGO 50% off and I have bonus bucks that had to be used for the month of January! Work with me here people. I had my schedule all set...stop studying at 11:45am, make my way to the gym, workout for 30 minutes, hit the bank (ATM) and the post office, and arrive for my 1pm mani & pedi. Figured I'd be home by 2:30pm-ish.

Ready, set, go....and I was off! Everything seemed to be falling into place until I realized I hit the treadmill at 12:10pm instead of 12:00 and somehow I didn't get done with the gym until 12:50pm. Please don't ask where the other 20 minutes went, because I have no clue! Then I attempted to hit the bank, quickly, only to find 7 other cars in line for the ATM, so I drove by and headed straight to my appointment. I was back on schedule walking in right at 1pm. This is where it really went downhill. Finally at 1:40pm I was taken back for my pampering and since I had waited so long I was treated to a couple extras, which were nice, but not a part of my tight schedule, which now included the bank & post office post pampering...

Around 4:30pm I finally made my way back home. Shockingly another planning that didn't go the way it was suppose to... Of course this lead me to not finish #3 on my list, which should be taken care of today (I just need a couple more things...) and you may wonder what the hold up is for #17...well, that one I'm laying on my LSBFF who is apparently MIA from her email this week, but I will wait on both of them and maybe by tomorrow I will be able to add another "Nothing!!" to my To-Do List Tally!

Consider it done: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18

Just getting started: 3, 17, 19, 20

Needs attention: Nothing!!

Not Just Another Monday

Today is not just another Monday. It is Martin Luther King Day. It is the day so many of us have off from work or school. And in all honesty who doesn't love a paid holiday in the middle of January. But today is so much more. Today is the day we reflect on this great man's legacy...his dream. And then we look to where we are today. How far have we come? Was his sacrifice in vain? These are sometime personal to each of us and sometimes more public.

As today was approaching I saw the headline to a news article about Dr. King. It basically inquired whether the possibility of infidelity tainted his image as a great man. I was like, "seriously?!?" I refused to click on the article or give it any more time than what I am now, because in all seriousness I could care less if he had an affair or not. How is this our concern? His greatness in my mind isn't linked to whether or not he acted like so many great men of our time and committed adultery.

Maybe it makes a difference in your mind and where you rank him among great leaders in our nation's history, but it doesn't me. Obviously sex scandals haven't really tarnished JFK and his image or greatness as a leader for this country, so for me it doesn't tarnish MLK either.

Consider it done: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18

Just getting started: 3, 6, 17, 19, 20

Needs attention: 9, 10

It Isn't Failing To Plan That Gets Me...It's Just My Planning Fails

How many times must I say it...I fail at planning. Maybe I don't do it right. I'm not sure. But it seems when I plan something it falls through. It just doesn't happen the way it should. Maybe I don't cover all of my bases before I plan. I'm not exactly sure, but planning by me is usually an epic failure.

Don't believe me? Well, here is another example of one of my planning failures... A week or so ago I saw a recipe coming across on Twitter from Nathan Fillon (the actor in Castle) and it sounded pretty good. It was a Mexican Bean Dip recipe and I'm always up for that. So I made my shopping list after checking the fridge and cupboards and away I went Friday night after my weekly visit with my honey. So this morning I decide in addition to studying I also want to cook a few new dishes. Well...I actually decided that yesterday and I started on that with cooking chicken in my crockpot with salsa to use in a different recipe...but I digress... I pulled out all of my ingredients this afternoon to make my bean dip and my black olives are gone.

Yup...my munchkin and my aunt ate them Friday night with their dinner. Ugh... Okay, so I decided to make it without. No big deal and heck, it likely saved on calories too. So I move on from this, make the bean dip, reach for the bag of tortilla chips to eat some. Ummm...hello whoever left just crumbs in the bottom of the bag, but only rolled it down once giving an appearance of an almost full bag of chips...nice job! Luckily I had an unopened package of taco shells to use.

Not all was lost. I was able to eat my newly made bean dip and it was yummy sans black olives or chips. But come on...I don't need help with the failing part of my planning. Ugh....

Consider it done: 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18

Just getting started: 3, 5, 16, 17, 19, 20

Needs attention: 6, 9, 10

Law School Graduate Here...& It's Official!!

Thursday I got an email right before I left for the gym from my LSBFF to tell me that our grades were finally posted. Of course it only took 44 days... And I passed! Like totally passed. So it became official Thursday. I actually graduated from law school, officially. :) I was so happy that I could have cried or screamed or both.

I went on to the gym that afternoon (after skipping Wednesday...um, hello we had 6 inches of snow that day and no, it doesn't matter that I had drove the day before in the midst of that little snow storm to the gym) and when I walked in the owner asked me how I was and upon hearing my "I'm wonderful today" he told me that obviously something more than just getting to the gym to workout was going on with me. So I exclaimed that I had just officially graduated from law school. In my moment of glee I forgot to ask him how he was so after my workout was done I made sure to pop in and tell him to have a great day in place of my failure to ask how he was!

The munchkin was super busy that night so we decided to celebrate with a dinner out today. Before I went to dinner I did my weekly weigh-in...Today's Stats:

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

Current weight: 318.8lbs

This week's results: -.8lbs

Total weight lost: -44.2lbs

I can't say that I'm happy with these results, but I also can't say I'm not happy. I lost, which is a huge thing all by itself. I was really hoping to get another big number this week, but that didn't happen. I had a few slip-ups, but nothing huge this week. But I guess I didn't eat the right things to get my calories in so that very well may have held me back in my weight loss endeavors this week. I'm sure skipping the gym Wednesday didn't help either, but I did workout Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. Oh well...I guess I just have to tighten it up this week. That's all. Hey...a loss is a loss!

Of course I likely undid that loss at dinner today. Between the sampler platter of poppers, onion rings, cheese sticks, mini-tacos, and wings added to my yummy, juicy, delicious cheeseburger and curly fries undid that loss today. But since that and a small brownie is all I consumed today I think I may be okay next week! I didn't make the gym or get any studying done today, but I sure did have a nice day regardless.

Consider it done: 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13

Just getting started: 3, 5, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

Needs attention: 6, 9, 10

First Day Of A Three Day Weekend

My Friday To-Do List:

1. Go & see my guy

2. Write out my shopping list

3. Go shopping

4. Pick up the house

5. Do laundry

6. Study

7. Get my monthly facial

8. Get my monthly waxing to rid myself of my unibrow & hairy lip

9. Get my nails did as a little treat to myself

10. Workout

11. Work on finishing cleaning out our drawers & closets

12. Catch up on my emails

13. Catch up on my blog reading

14. Get some sleep

15. Stay motivated

16. Stay focused for next week

17. Plan out my week

18. Stay committed to my healthy living

19. Stay organized

20. Keep my shit together

Planning Fails

So often I make big plans and so often they fall through. I'm not talking about major plans, but more about what I'm going to accomplish and when. For instance...my plan starting Monday morning was to get up a little earlier than I have been since I've been off "studying" so I could was my hair and have my mom braid it when she came over to get the munchkin off to school. Well, this didn't happen until this morning. But hey...it finally happened so that should count for something, right?

Or for the last 3 nights I've planned on going to bed early or at the least a decent time. Well, that hasn't happened yet. But tonight is another night.

Or another example was that I would get up this morning, totally motivated from staying up till 1am last night watching The Biggest Loser, and eat a nice, healthy breakfast and hit the ground running. I did wake up...motivated...and fixed a wonderful breakfast. I chopped green peppers, onions, ham and a little turkey to put in with my egg-beaters. I made a big bowl of a yummy breakfast all within my calorie target for my breakfast. Sat down to eat it, ate half of it, realizing that my egg-beaters were seriously expired and tossed the rest. Now I don't know if anything would have really happened had I ate all of it nor do I know if anything will happen from eating half of it, but once I had that information each bite I took was harder and harder to swallow. Of course now I sit here with the fear that I'll start feeling sick due to my inability to use things when I actually buy them versus letting things expire and throwing caution to the wind while consuming them.

So after a nice little argument with my mom due to her ability to go from 0 to 60 on the anger scale in mere seconds (my aunt and I have discussed her unofficial diagnosis of likely being bipolar) and consuming expired egg-beaters I sit here waiting for my second ocular migraine in the last 12 hours to subside so I can start another BarBri lecture.

Oh yeah...and we got 6 inches of snow since yesterday...isn't life just great on this hump day?!

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

Just getting started: 17, 18

Needs attention: 10

Lotions & Potions

Yes folks I know that in the new year my posts have been...well, should we say blah! Basically they have revolved around 3 things in my life...my weight (i.e. what I'm eating/calorie content), working out (yes, I'm still on a roll here), and studying for the Bar (or my lack thereof). I probably should apologize for that, but in all essence that is what I have going on over here...trying to eat healthier, working out and sticking to it, and attempting to study for the Bar. That's basically it. It is a pretty ho-hum time in j'lynn's world!

But let us not forget that it is winter time while I'm trying to eat healthier, workout and study. What comes with the winter months, especially in my freezing neck of the woods? Snow, ice, wind, cold temps and some dry ass skin!

I'm not a girly-girl, but I'm also not an anti-girly-girl. I'm just average. I like getting pampered just like everyone else. I love a good massage, a pretty mani, a delicious pedi, and even though I get monthly facials to help with my crazy skin I love the relaxing part of it most. I buy lotions like every other chick out there. Right now on the table next to where I live in my living room there are currently 5 different lotions. A coconut body lotion, a bottle of Curel Ultra Healing Intensive lotion, a renewal lotion (which is a part of my morning and night face routine), a bottle of Pheromone Luxurious Body Moisture, and a bottle of Aveda hand relief lotion. And if you thought this was bad you should see all of the lotions and potions I have in my bathroom!!

One would think with this load of lotions that I'd have the softest, most hydrated skin of all the land, but that so is not the case. You ask, "why?" Well because even with all the lotions around me I always forget to use them! I always put them off and forget to apply lotion. I will remember at some point, but it will be at inopportune moments...like while I'm driving or on the treadmill at the gym. I'll be in the middle of a conversation and think, 'Oh, my hands are so dry I should really put some lotion on.' I'll get into bed and my dry heel will catch on my new silky sheets and I'll think, 'Damn! I need to put some lotion on my feet tomorrow.' Tomorrow comes, later comes, and that fleeting thought is gone from my addled brain leaving my skin to get dryer and dryer.

Some of my lotions have sat on my table or in my bathroom for far too long and I probably should clean them away and toss them out, but then I think of how much money I've spent on them or the fact that the bottle they are in is just too cute and looks nice where it is. So my lotion lives on while I continue through life with my dry hands, elbows and feet.

One nice thing of being off to study all this time...I'm remembering more often to lotion up. So finally...I'm using some of my lotions and potions. Getting my skin more hydrated and less icky and dry. Or else it is just another way I procrastinate from studying... Either way by the time I take the Bar I figure my skin will be picture perfect. Just in time to start drying out again come February 28th when I return back to my normal life.

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

Just getting started: 17, 18

Needs attention: 8, 10

Just Another Monday

Even though I took the weekend off from working out at the gym I made my way back today. I'm uber proud of myself there.

My eating hasn't been fantastic through the last couple of days, but not horrible either. I also know that my little slip ups with my calorie intake is a result of being overly tired. Such as those couple of spoonfuls of sugar-free hot fudge tonight straight out of the jar...oh yeah and that football shaped brownie, which was ate in honor of the BCS Championship game! Ha!!

I'm quite sure that my 3am panic attack last night/this morning didn't help either. The crazy thing was that the attack happened before I even realized that we are just 6 weeks away from The Bar.

While I continue to struggle to get a studying pattern clicking I am happy that the rest of things seem to be going well. I'm staying on top of several areas in my life so once I get this whole studying thing clicking then I think it will all be smooth sailing for me. One positive is each day I do a little bit more to get my studying to click so I'm positive that in the next day or two it will totally click in.

Positive thoughts people...positive thoughts...

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

Just getting started: 17, 18

Needs attention: 8, 10

The Changes Continue In 2011, But I Think For The Better

Knowing that we were going to Monster Jam last night I opted to weigh in yesterday morning. Plus in reading all of the suggestions as I was getting ready to start back to my healthy living I had read that you should when in on Friday's for two reasons. The first reason was because after having a strong week you would be at your lowest and second it can help you to remain more focused over the weekend. Obviously the weekends are where so many of us consume more calories on a daily basis than we did during the weekdays. This is so true for me!

When I make it to the weekends I usually have different things going on which can pose as an additional struggle for me to maintain my daily calorie intake. So I opted for my new weigh in day for 2011 as Saturday mornings. As for why I didn't post this yesterday...hmmmm, I'm not really sure. However, I did remember to weigh in and record it, so here is the result...

Yesterday's stats...

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

Current weight: 319.6lbs

This week's results: -4lbs

Total weight lost: -43.4lbs

I was definitely hoping for a bigger number; however, I know I have to keep in mind that this wasn't a full 7 days. It is actually a reflection on a 5 day week since I didn't start till Monday. And I ate super late Friday night. Technically it was Saturday when I had dinner Friday night. So keeping those facts in mind I'm pretty damn happy. I almost lost a pound a day! :) I guess this whole eating right and going to the gym actually does work.

So even though I skipped the gym yesterday (I got up way too late, plus I knew we would be doing some extra walking with going to Monster Jam) I'm still motivated to keep up the good work. I just want to get out of the 300's so bad that I wish it would happen quicker. But I know that it will happen, soon, so I will just keep up the good work and hope that the weight keeps coming off the way it did in this last week...

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 11, 12, 16

Just getting started: 4, 5, 6, 13, 14, 17, 18

Needs attention: 8, 10, 15

Last night was just crazy. I guess it really started yesterday afternoon. I headed up to see my guy with sunglasses on and no snow in the air. About 30 minutes later...maybe not even that long...I drove into the craziest little snow storm. It was a little unbelievable. But what was more unbelievable was the fact that the car in front of me apparently was taking a stand against driving with their lights on prior to evening hours, because they refused to flip them on. At one point it was snowing so hard that I couldn't even tell if the guy was still in front of me until he actually did hit his brakes. He is lucky I was paying attention!

Of course, as always, there were two cars driving by complete and total jack-holes that thought they could dive in and out amongst the bumper-to-bumper traffic in the midst of this snow storm. I don't get this mentality! If you are behind me and there are tons of cars to my right and in front of me where do you suppose you want me to go when you climb up on my bumper? Do you think I want to be doing 40 on an expressway? It goes against the whole idea of an "express"-way, but I certainly cannot make the cars around me move any faster! And in the future please be warned that if you constantly do that I will be forced to hit my brakes a little sharper than usual and you will fish tail. If you don't believe me, please ask your buddy in the burgundy sports car with the illegally tinted windows...

After our visit I headed back home with a stop by Biggby's for my free super double-dark, sugar-free, reduced-calorie, fat-free hot chocolate with whipped, of course! I love the power of getting that free #13 off from my card. :) hehehe Of course since I have another card that I've been saving up the next one is free too. Yay me!! Then it was off to make my weekly trip to the grocery store. Of course I went to two last night. I guess I didn't feel I had spent enough money at the first one and thought the second one deserved some of my money too... I went to Wal-marts first, because I had a couple speciality items on my list that I knew were cheaper there and I knew that they would have the stuff I needed. As I was leaving there I decided to hit up Meijer in hopes that they would have restocked the fat-free gravy I like, which of course they hadn't. Before I could get out of the parking lot of Wal-marts my car was almost totaled.

Driving along at a snail's pace I was traversing by the rows and some bitch in a little white sedan who failed to realize she needed to clean off the newly accumulated snow from her side windows literally pulled into the side of me. I was over almost halfway through what would be the makeshift intersection there when she pulled out. How I did not hit her or her hit me I will never know. It had to have been either due to my extremely supendious driving ability or the grace of God! I followed that bitch down the lane and hoped and prayed that we would be side to side when we got out to the road to turn our separate ways and I hoped and prayed we would have a red light to wait at, because the closer I got to that light the angrier I got and I had made up my mind I was going to put my window down and tell her, "Bitch, you cut me off again like that again next time I will cut you." (Yes, I was channeling my inner Legally Fabulous! ) Of course we weren't next to one another and of course there was only a green light so she went right with me cussing and swearing while I turned left.

I hit Meijer a few minutes later and was in and out of there in a flash. While loading my two little bags into the backend of my Escape I heard a man's voice. This older gentlemen needed some assistance. After him explaining that I looked like a nice young woman and he had hoped I could help him out and I was the third person he asked before he went into the store and made a complete and total fool of himself he thought he would ask me for help. There may have been "pretty" and "professional looking" tossed in during his little monologue, but I can't remember. I indeed helped the man out (nothing big...just $10 to get 3 gallons of gas) and I did follow him over to the Meijer gas station to make sure he got gas and didn't go in and buy a fifth of booze. He had offered to send me the money on Monday if I gave him a number or an address to get it back to me at, but since I'd rather just be an easy mark for gas money versus a victim in my own home due to some psycho-stranger I just told him to pay it forward. With tears in his eyes and a hand shake to boot, he thanked me.

All in all I figured that my karma scale was tipped in my favor last night when I finally headed home since I didn't actually cut a bitch and I did actually help a stranger out.

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 9, 12

Just getting started: 4, 5, 6, 13, 16, 17, 18

Needs attention: 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15

This Is More Like It

So...apparently this is what happens when you actually get stuff done during the week...

My Friday To-Do List:

1. Go & see my guy

2. Write out my shopping list

3. Go shopping

4. Pick up the house

5. Do laundry

6. Study

7. Go to Monster Jam with the munchkin

8. Get my allergy shot

9. Workout

10. Work on finishing cleaning out our drawers & closets

11. Pick up my other computer, finally

12. Get some sleep

13. Stay motivated

14. Stay focused for next week

15. Plan out my week

16. Stay committed to my healthy living

17. Stay organized

18. Keep my shit together

Accomplished Or So It Is In My Mind

Apparently I was more tired than I thought, because I ended up sleeping until about noon today. This of course got my entire day screwed up. I spent the entire day trying to get back on track, but when you've lost about 5 hours you really can't get back on track... Finally at 7pm I gave up and just chilled for the rest of the day. Of course now I really have to bust my ass this weekend with the studying...starting tomorrow!

Other than being behind with the whole study thing and not getting to anymore of our drawers and closets to finish cleaning them out I feel really good about where I am. I got so much accomplished this last week that I'm proud of myself.

Feeling proud has pushed me to remain focused on my healthy eating and with working out. I made it to the gym again today. Yay me! And ate within my calorie range. I feel like I'm walking on cloud 7...now if I could just get on top of that studying thing I would be on cloud 9.

If this week is a sign of how 2011 is going to be for me then I'm totally stoked for this year. I say bring it on 2011!! I'm in love with you so far!

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35

Just getting started:

Needs attention: 26

A Hump-Day Hodge-Podge

The first hump-day of the new year. Woo-hoo...

Last night like a fool I stayed up way too late. Finally getting into bed at 3:30am and set my alarm for 6:30am. I had the craziest dream that someone in my family was a serial killer and was murdering people right in left in the house if he was alone for more than 30 seconds. Of course we lived in some huge mansion with several "wings" and all my mother was talking about was how I hadn't vacuumed like my father does. I found this hysterical, because my father doesn't vacuum and no one in my family lives in a huge mansion or even close to it! I swear the stairway was wider across inside this house than the actual width of my home... In response to her complaining I yelled at her that I thought it would be more beneficial to find the psychopath relative before he found another victim then the one piece of fuzz she found on the carpet... I woke up once from the dream and fell back asleep and went right back for round #2. By then the cops were on their way and in the end I had to hold my mother back from trying to prevent psychopath relative from turning himself in, which he wanted to do...apparently he was tired of killing family members in our home. Of course my mother turned this on me telling me I must make a horrible criminal defense attorney since I just let him walk right out into the arms of the waiting police with the blood literally still on his hands. I was thinking that was better then to keep chasing him in the house to see who he murdered in our family next. No, I have no idea what this dream was about or why I couldn't seem to escape it. And no...I had not taken any Nyquil last night either...

I got up at 7, which wasn't half bad between the little amount of time I was actually in the bed and the little amount of sleep I got with a psychopath relative running around in my dreams killing my loved ones. I knew I would be dragging pretty much all day. I was amazed that I did as much Bar studying as I did this morning, especially for the lack of sleep I got! And I made it to the gym again today. Two days in a row! Now that is amazing all by itself! It would be more amazing if I had gotten more studying done this afternoon or this evening, but I'm trying to pace myself. Ha!

Of course I pulled something in my upper back at the gym. Of course it had nothing to do with actually working out... It happened while I was putting my stuff in the little cube while talking on my cell with my friend Faye. When it happened it took my breathe away and it is still sore. Hopefully a little BioFreeze tonight on it will help it work its way out, because my plan is to head back to the gym tomorrow and do weights again. Since I had just done weights yesterday my plan was just to do some time on the treadmill. I had originally thought I would kick it up a notch today to 30 mins, but I stuck with my 20 mins, because I was so late in getting to the gym this afternoon. Of course I stopped to Sonics afterwards to pick up my jumbo Diet Coke since I had consumed all 64 ozs of my water. It was really great since it was during their happy hour & it was 1/2 price. Sonics still rocks!! The only downside to this whole liquid equation is the amount of times I'm running to the bathroom. Apparently my bladder is the size of a golf ball and it apparently is no match for the 108ozs of fluids I'm sucking down in about 12 hours.

For the most part it was a pretty great day today. Well, minus the back muscle thing. Oh yeah and the munchkin's apparent recent development of alzheimer's. He has "forgotten" his homework packet at school every night this week. I'm about to come unglued on his ass. WTF dude?! So I'm hoping my threat that if he forgets it tomorrow night and doesn't have it finished in time we will not be going to Monster Jam Saturday night. It is all on him. Of course I'm a bit irritated that his babysitter, who picks him up from school everyday & knows that he has forgotten it every night this week & that it is an issue, didn't think to ask him before they left the school this afternoon. Then she tells me I should take something away from him for forgetting it and claiming it isn't his fault for forgetting it. Seriously? You couldn't ask him before you left the school today & resolve this issue? Come on, a little help here...trying to concentrate on studying for the Bar over here!

Oh yeah...and even though we took our finals way back on November 30th our grades still aren't posted. Again I ask, WTF Dude?! All I need to know is if I passed, because I now only need 1 credit out of the possible 4 I took to graduate, because I know I received the 3 from my Externship.

I cannot seem to warm up today. I don't know, maybe it is the 108 ozs of ice cold fluids running through my body or maybe it is because it is in the low 20's and I refuse to turn the heat up any higher than 69 degrees in the house. I want to boil a bucket full of water and just submerge myself in it.

Last, but not least on this hump day...none of my garbage or recycling was picked up. I guess it would have been too much trouble for the over-paid trash man to get out of his truck and put the cans where the machine arm could reach out and pick it up. I called and complained and I bet when I get up in the morning the trash and the recycling will still be full, sitting out on my street. I so need one of them there union jobs....

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33

Just getting started: 34, 35

Needs attention: 10, 26

Property Sucks; Sonics Rules!

I don't know about anyone else, but my bar review is going very slow... Maybe it is because I'm working on property and I hate property. I mean I HATE PROPERTY!!

The first time I attempted law school in 2000 I went to my property professor and promised to never own property or practice property law if he would just pass me with the lowest possible grade. Yes, I hated property that much. When I went back to law school in 2006 I was totally dreading property & ended up taking it as a 2L, because I was an extended evening student. Yup, still hated property 7 years later. And now 4 years after that...still hate property!! Blah...

Today was day #2 of my healthy living~2011 and I had another great day. I made shredded BBQ chicken (breast) for dinner. It was so yummy and I ate so much, but I was still in my calorie range. Okay...maybe I hate 90 calories over today, but I was close!!

Heck, I even made it to the gym today. The first time in like forever! I didn't go all crazy today. I did 20 minutes on the treadmill and then did 10 upper body machines. Well, actually 11 because one of the machines you do 2 different exercises. Since I had completed my workout and I had drank all of my water for the day I headed over to Sonics!

Yes, we have a Sonics in my little town. I'm so excited and I will support it as much as possible so it doesn't close!! LOL I've been in love with Sonics since trips with my guy down to Tennessee to see his Grandpa. It was always a standard to go to Sonics when we left! Sort of like a little treat for me for surviving the craziness down in the hollars!

But don't worry folks...all I got was a RT44 Diet Coke! I was uber proud of myself, because I was totally starving and would have loved me some onion rings with a Sonic Cheeseburger on the side, but I was strong and drove away with my crazy big Diet Coke...

I am very proud of myself today and am hopeful to make it to the gym tomorrow too... Oh yeah...and hopefully I get done with my property review too, but I just don't see that happening since I'm moving at a snail's pace.

BTW, look at how much I've accomplished this week. I totally think 2011 is going to be my year!! :)

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33

Just getting started: 28, 34, 35

Needs attention: 10, 26

Today Is My Official Start Of The New Year

Yup! Always a day late and a dollar short over here. LOL

Okay...all the kidding aside. I had marked today as my official start to the new year. I can never start on the actual first, because for years in my family that was another holiday. Back when my grandparents were alive we would all get together on January 1st and have another family gathering. Maybe the prior six weeks with all the Thanksgiving, birthdays (my youngest aunt & my dad in the beginning and then later my step-son and my guy), Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve gatherings weren't enough, so we needed just one more day. Then in years later it became the day of recovery from the partying of the night before, the day to watch college football and the day to finish off whatever munchies we had the night before. So even though we no longer get together as a family on January 1st I still treat it like a holiday. Therefore I cannot make my fresh start on January 1st! And seriously who the heck can start getting their new year together on a Sunday (i.e. the 2nd)?!? So...that left today as my official start to the New Year and therefore the official start to my New Year Resolutions!

So this morning I woke up late, of course, hopped in the shower and started to get ready. I was nervous a bit, because I knew I had to hop on that scale and face the failing of my goal to maintain over the holidays. I know somewhere I discussed that goal, but I can't seem to locate it for now. So needless to say I was really scared of what the scale was going to say, especially since I started eating my way through the holidays right before Turkey Day and haven't stopped since. Regardless of my fear I put my big girl panties on (along with the rest of my clothes) and hopped on that scale...I was totally ready for a double digit gain...especially since I hadn't weighed myself since December 5th.

Today's stats...

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

Current weight: 323.6lbs

The results: +7lbs

Total weight lost: -39.4lbs

Not too shabby if you ask me. Especially if you saw what all I've ate in the last month plus! It so could have been worse.

Now the next challenge of my official start of the new year was actually getting back on the band wagon of eating healthy again. This was totally hard with lots of left over goodies from Christmas. But I did it!! I'm definitely ready for this official start of the new year and for it all to continue tomorrow and beyond...

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 27, 30, 31, 32, 33

Just getting started: 34, 35

Needs attention: 10, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29

Just Like In High School Or Maybe It Is OCD?!?

I spent today getting my crap together. I was definitely in a place that I needed to get my stuff done so I can move forward with my studying for The Bar. It may sound strange, but I've always been this way. I can remember being in high school unable to do any homework or studying until my room was completely clean and organized. Guess that hasn't went away just yet...

I definitely feel better now that I have a handle on my stuff and got so much done. Maybe it is a sign that this new year is going to be my year.

Back to reality tomorrow...in more ways than one. Yikes! I truly hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. Even with all the craziness of it I sure did!

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 27, 30, 31, 32

Just getting started: 34, 35

Needs attention: 8, 10, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 33

New Year's Resolutions 2011 Edition

Another year, another set of resolutions.

There is a lot I want to accomplish in 2011, but a some of it is a repeat from last year too. So here is my list for my New Year's Resolutions for 2011...

• Get Healthier & Lose Weight
• Pass The Bar & Get A Job As An Attorney
• Enjoy Life More

So what are your resolutions?

Happy New Year Y'all!

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24

Just getting started: 6, 19, 20, 27, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35

Needs attention: 7, 8, 10, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 33