I Think Of You Often

There are many days where I think of taking the time to sit down and write a blog post and I don't know why I don't just do it.  Maybe I need something dramatic going on in my life or feeling like I'm on the edge of disaster to get me back to this place.  I cannot even say for sure if that is what has lead me back here today.  Regardless, I'm back...

Not much has changed in my life.  Work is still crazy.  My son is still moody.  I'm still fighting the battle of the bulge and am losing.  My man is still where he has been the last several years.  We remain as always hopeful and pray that this year is our year.  We shall see...soon.  We are set to see the board some time next week and it could be weeks before we find out our fate.  I guess at that time we just have to rely on faith.  I don't know what else we could rely on.

In an attempt to treat myself last Friday I left work early and took myself to see "Magic Mike."  It was a good movie.  Better than I anticipated.  Of course I could have used lots more scenes of Channing Tatum stripping, but who couldn't use that!!

At this very moment my house is dead silent...as my son obliterates other gamers on Call of Duty.  Just another Tuesday night in my world.

This Was Suppose To Start Sooner

So I declared that effective March 1st I was going to really concentrate on getting my shit together.  I restarted tracking my expenses in order to effectively budget my money.  I also need to recommit to being healthier too.  Notice how one of these is 'I've restarted' and the other is 'I need'...  Opps!

The last time I blogged I spoke of the fact that so much of my life was in limbo.  Well, within 24 hours or so 2 of the areas of my life was no longer in the limbo it was at the time I blogged.  The move at work is done for the most part and should be finished as of now.  I've sort of settled my office...just need to get some work done and move a few cabinets, but I have to wait to get to that this coming week, because we all know I'm not moving those cabinets by myself!  Ha!

In other news, I did not get approved high enough for a mortgage to get a house I would be happy with.  I sort of expected this thanks to all of those student loans I'm hauling around on my credit reports.  I could get a house, but not something that is going to make me happy so I've decided to wait.  There was some discussion between my aunt and I about me renting a house, because this place is just too small for the munchkin and I and her moving in here still.  As of yesterday that decision was tabled.  Instead my auntie and I are going to rent a storage unit together so I feel less stuffed into this place and since she is going from a 4 bedroom home to a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment, she will need it too.  And we are going to paint my house to make it feel fresh for me and make it easier to stay here in the coming months as I continue to work on getting my debt further under control (see the tracking of expenses & budgeting discussed earlier!), so I can buy a house in the future...one that I'll be happy with!

We are only early into March and I feel like this is going to be a really good month for me.  So even though I was suppose to be blogging about getting my shit together effective March 1 on March 1 it is better late than never!!

It May Be The Shortest One, But It Always Feels Like The Longest One

The month of February is usually always so gloomy and even though it is the shortest month of the year the usual cold, wet, dreary days seem to make it feel like the longest month of the year!

Today was different though...it was in the high 40's & sunny today!  Shocking I know...

However, my internal clock seems to be set for the dreary, cold, wet days of February, because  this week I've been unable to get out of bed.  Monday the munchkin & I stayed home for the day.  Then Tuesday I shut my alarm off and almost bounced my monthly car insurance withdrawal and again today I overslept again.  Hell, I was in the bed by 9pm last night so I have no clue why I couldn't seem to get my ass out of bed this morning.

I keep hoping some day I will get my shit together, but this month is going to be a serious challenge!  Maybe my girl Legally Fabulous will help motivate me...

Cooking Up A Storm

As you well know I am not the domestic type; however, I've had the desire to cook lately so I decided to make some of my favorite winter dishes this week.

So far, I've made a very yummy chili!  I'm not the best chili cooker and would never enter a chili cook-off and I'm very envious of those that can do chili.  I was so hungry for homemade chili though and the munchkin just loves it.  So I ended up putting like 3 recipes for chili together and viola!  Yum, yum, yum!!  I made an entire slow-cooker full and we are down to just a little bit left!  The munchkin always asks for seconds of chili and finally he asked for seconds of my chili!

Tomorrow I'm going to put stuffed green peppers over before I leave for work and then sloppy joes are on the horizon for later in the week!  Since my son will not be into the stuffed green peppers I figure the first night or two he can have the rest of the chili and if push comes to shove I will fix him some hot dogs, which are his favorites!

A few weeks ago I made the best bean soup I've made in a long time!  So I'm not sure what has gotten into me, but I'll ride this for as long as it takes me!

What are you cooking these winter months?

It Is A Party Weekend!

This weekend was scheduled to be quite the party weekend.  Friday night was Chica's birthday party at a local bar & bowling ally.  I was so honored to be invited and put it in my calendar.  Last night was our 1st Quarter Team Party at the Big Guy (a/k/a the boss)'s house.

I had hoped that this weekend would be so eventful, especially since it is a 3 day holiday weekend.  This always leads me to develop some big plans of all the things I'm going to do and accomplish!  This list usually ends up much longer than time allows to accomplish.

But...Thursday night I could barely keep my eyes open while driving home during the start of a little snow storm from seeing my guy.  I'm sure the fact that I had been up since 3:30am had something to do with that.  Combine that continued tiredness and the fact that the snow storm was still going when the munchkin and I arrived home after Karate Friday night I opted out of attending Chica's Bar Birthday Party.  I felt bad, but by Friday night I'm exhausted y'all!!

Our team party was set to start at 3:00pm Saturday afternoon.  Of course I was an hour and a half late.  Opps!  As usual, I did not want to go, but had a great time once I was there and stayed over 2 hours longer than I had planned.  Yes, every time these plans and events come up I'm all like "I'm not doing this; this is the last one; etc." but in the end I am usually glad I have attended.

It may have been the alcohol I consumed at the party, but while it was still snowing (yes, the same little snow storm that had been going since Thursday night!) I saw a Kroger's and decided to do 98% of my grocery shopping at 10:30pm on my way home from the team party!  I do not know whether it was the hauling of the cases of Diet Coke or vegetables, but by the time I had everything hauled in my lower back was killing me...I blame this on the alcohol too.

After the necessaries were put in the refrigerator, I watched a little TV and then hauled myself to bed early this morning just so I could wake up 5 hours later unable to go back to sleep, which seems to be a pattern here of late, but that is a story for another post!

It Has Been A Long, Long Time~~Some Things Change, Some Things Stay The Same

I know it has been a while...a little over 3 months, but I thought I would try to make my way back. I had hoped that I would start blogging again on New Year's Day, but that didn't happen...opps!  A lot has been going on over here in my world.  So many things change and yet so many things remain the same!

There have been lots of changes with my family in the last couple of months...some for the good, some for the not so good.  Such is life...  More on that another day.

Work has gotten crazy.  I now have 370 files.  Yes, you read that correct....370 files.  50 of those are litigation files, 20 of them are what we call "subrogation" files but 7 of those I have filed suit on, and the remaining 30 I'm monitoring other attorneys and their work and serving as the "client".  To say that I am busy is an understatement!!

Being that busy at work has lead to severe stress, which has lead to tears on more than one occasion.  This may or may not have happened a few times in my office without witnesses, once with a witness, and once in my boss's office.  I know this isn't suppose to happen, but what is a girl to do when with less than 6 months into her practice she is given 370 files.  Seriously?!  I know...don't be such a girl.  Whatever!!

I'm trying my best to handle the work stress.  Some days are better than others...

So what's new in your life in the last 3+ months?!

$3.17/Gallon

That is how much I paid for gas tonight and I was beyond giddy! I just hope it sticks around for a while!

The munchkin had another soccer game this afternoon and he played great. They won!! His coach cracks me up, because he gets so riled up! He is just a kid himself...maybe 19...but has a lot of passion for the game, which is great for the boys.

After the game we headed up to Sam's Club and did a little shopping. I'm not sure what all we really purchased, but my bill was over $200. That always blows my mind! How can a cart, not full, reach $200, let alone go over that amount?! Well, we did buy 2 movies and a book too, but seriously?! How much does cereal, fruit by the foot, tons of mac 'n cheese, pizza rolls, soap, and frozen PB&J sandwiches really cost?! Oh well...it is what it is and we just keep paying the bills and moving forward. Some day I will figure out a way to save some money...

Not Much Has Changed

Just because I've been sworn in not much has changed in my life. For instance, I had 3 things I wanted to accomplish this weekend and as it comes to a close I must report that I did not get any of it done.

It was quite a whirl-wind of a weekend. After Friday night ended and Saturday came about my weekend became all about the munchkin. First we went to karate and then originally we had soccer practice scheduled; however, the coach had to cancel due to a family illness. Instead we ran errands the majority of the afternoon. This included the grocery store, the pharmacy, the dry cleaners, the bank, the gas station, and even the doctor's office for my allergy shot. Then today it was a trip to the roller rink so the munchkin could burn off some energy!

Now it is time for bed as the munchkin's spring break ends and he returns to school tomorrow and I return to work as a sworn in attorney still working as a paralegal!

I'm hopeful that this week is a very productive week...

It Is Official

Today has been an exciting day!! First I woke up really early this morning to catch some of The Royal Wedding. Did you watch? I thought it was beautiful and romantic and definitely at the level of a storybook fairy tail. I just adore both Duke & Duchess William & Kate! Even though I was up before the crack of dawn I was still a little late to work. Opps. I place the blame on the Royal Family. Ha!

For the first time this week I actually got a little work done today, but 20 minutes before I was scheduled to leave the big boss man came by and told me to leave so I could get ready for my swearing in. He didn't have to tell me twice. I closed up shop, called my boss and told her that her boss' boss told me I could go, and hit the road.

I got home and discovered my son was in a horrible mood and considered canceling my ceremony, but luckily he shaped up by the time we entered the courtroom. And within minutes with only one slip up I was officially sworn into the State Bar!! I was so nervous and very happy that it was finally done! So now it is official...I'm a real attorney! And through it all I was reminded of how great a life I really do have! I'm surrounded by the most loving and wonderful friends and families and am so grateful for each and everyone of them even if they do drive me crazy from time to time.

After the ceremony I definitely had a few drinks and by the time I got back in the car and looked in the mirror I realized that my eye makeup was practically half-way down my face. This is usually a sign that I've had a few drinks. Apparently the alcohol makes my mascara and eyeliner runny!! Now I'm home, exhausted and doing laundry. How quickly everything goes back to normal.

Experiencing A Fog Delay

I know you have heard this before, because I know I've said it many times here. I need to get my life together.

I went back to work this past week and it was brutal. The place is in turmoil, which is actually pretty normal. Everyone is angry and since I've been unexplainably irritable and pissy since the bar I really fit in. I received some unexpected news that it appears that work has apparently filled all of the recently vacant attorney spots and none have been reserved for me. It felt like I was caught in a horrible practical joke. I would recommend anyone coming off the stress we all just faced not to return to work the Monday following the bar to work a full week. Go back Wednesday for a short week. Trust me. You will thank me for this advice one day.

Sunday night I tweeted that I was going to attempt to quit smoking Monday. I have not succeeded in this goal, but I've certainly cut down loads, which is a huge thing for me. I may have been more successful if I was just dealing with my return to work this week, but that was not the case. Wednesday night I learned that a dear old friend of mine passed this week, which has been a huge emotional stressor in my life. In addition to this loss, Thursday my fears were confirmed that my work had screwed me by hiring 4 new attorneys without holding one back two months to wait for my bar results. We've actually had 5 attorneys either leave or are in the midst of leaving the end of March, so I had a glimmer of hope when originally it was known that they hired 3 new attorneys but Thursday we were informed they had hired 4 and that all positions were filled. Maybe they are holding one back and not letting anyone know, including me, but there is also a chance that they are not filling that last vacancy. Needless to say this has not helped my anger problem that I've had for over a week now and it has not helped my apparent post-bar blues. Nor has it helped me quit smoking this week...

Add to this rolling ball of crap I like to call my life the fact that mother nature arrived on time this month. Go figure. So not only am I having uncontrollable bouts of anger and depression add a basket full of emotions with a side of flowing tears and it has just been a ball over here.

This all leads to the fact that I have to get my life together. So regardless if I passed or failed the bar, I can't just keep going through each day in this continued fog state with an emotional laden basket full of anger, depression, and tears. In order to do this I need to take baby steps. My initial baby steps are: doing laundry, picking up the house, going grocery shopping for healthy choices, and taking the munchkin to the movies.

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

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 Hump Day Over Here

I really started this week on a good note...well I woke up in a pretty good mood Monday morning and from there it seems to have went down hill and continued that way. Monday morning my guy called me and was in some bad space. It was nothing directed at me, but I knew that there was stuff simmering around him and he was being pulled into the folds of it. The unfortunate thing is there is nothing I can do other than talk with him to help and what's worst is that he can't just pick up and move out of the way of the tidal wave that is rising around him. I didn't dwell on the situation when I was busy with other stuff, but during my down time I often wondered how things were going. And I really wondered when I missed his call at 3:10pm, because I was stuck in court for my Externship.

My Externship wasn't all that great this week. I didn't get to do anything other than follow other people around and observe. This is good, but not great. Then I thought I had my scheduled all jacked up for Tuesday and perfectly planned by 12:45pm Monday afternoon and by 3pm that same afternoon my Tuesday schedule was blown out of the water.

Tuesday I had hoped to observe a trial from 9am until 10:30am when I needed to duck out a little early to attend my financial aid exit interview at school for 11am. Then Monday afternoon I learned that the trial wouldn't get back under way until 10:30am. Just great! So after discussing it with my LSBFF I opted to bail on my Externship for Tuesday morning and went to my exit interview. From there I headed over to my ortho follow-up appointment. Of course I had that scheduled for 1:45pm and had scheduled my munchkin's flu shot appointment (located 35 minutes away) for 2:45pm. So I headed to my ortho early and actually was in and out 17 minutes before my scheduled appointment.

Before my doctor's appointment I was able to make my way to Biggby Coffee and pick up a yummy Double Dark (Sugar-Free, Fat-Free) Hot chocolate and after my appointment I even had enough time to swing over to Buddy's Pizza for my uber-yummy family-size Antipasto Salad with their delicious ranch dressing! Then off to get the munchkin from school with enough time to fill out the paperwork to drop off his "stomach pills" (a/k/a Pepto-Bismal chewable tablets). Then we went to his doctor's and upon his discovering he would be getting a shot everything became a mess. I remember lots of tears, yelling, screaming, some "I hate you Mommy...You lied to me." statements, a few slaps at my hands as if he could just swat me away like a fly. And all of this was pre-shot!

Some how I got suckered into getting him a prize for handling the situation so well. After the shot I even remarked to the doctor that "this" (carrying on) was the reason why we couldn't do this at Walgreen's! Everyone except the munchkin found this funny. After picking up his "prize" we headed home, but only for the munchkin to point out that at some point, on some road I had a rock take a chunk out of my new windshield. Damn!

After having to call my wonderful insurance agent and then the glass repair place, plus fixing dinner I was worn out. I think the emotional toll of finding out that the tidal wave did scoop up my guy in the mix even though he was okay as a result that day didn't help either. The munchkin told me to take a nap, because I was so sleepy. Or it was maybe because he wanted both the TV and the computer for himself! I laid down at 6:30pm with only a few interruptions from my munchkin and my ringing phone. At 8pm my munchkin joined me in my bed. We finally fell back asleep sometime after 10pm and before I knew it I was waking to Hump Day!

With all of these things going crazy, feeling exhausted, and feeling crabby as could be I have experienced some heavy handed emotional eating. I bitched at a lot of people. There was tons of eye rolling and a desire to scratch someone's eyeballs out. It all descended on me when I got in my car tonight to drive home and had an overwhelming desire to sit in my car, in the dark parking lot, in the big city and instead of driving home crying my eyes out. I didn't do this, but I really wanted to. So instead I called up the aunt and met her and the munchkin for a late dinner. More emotional eating...go figure!

I really haven't gotten much else accomplished this week so far and I keep thinking about my streak and whether I'm throwing it away by the hour. I'm hoping tomorrow I will be in some better mental space, out of the eating phase and I can get tons done in addition to working on keeping that streak alive...

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28

Just getting started: 7, 9, 10, 29, 30

Needs attention: 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 20, 22, 23, 24, 31, 32

Losing Time While On A Roller Coaster

The last several days I definitely have been on a roller coaster in my life and have been experiencing some crazy things. Let me reflect for a few moments here...

Thursday night I went to Sam's Club and did some shopping. A lot of times in the morning I don't have time to eat anything and end up running through the drive through at Burger King or McDonald's and ordering a small diet coke and two sausage patties. I love me some sausage! So while I was at Sam's Club I saw this big box of Turkey Sausage Patties, individually wrapped. I was so excited, because this would be so much more cost effective and healthy for me! My aunt helped me haul our groceries in and we went about the rest of our business that night. The munchkin went to bed, my aunt went home and while I was getting a few things done before I went to bed I heard a cough come out of the munchkin's bedroom. I instantly thought to myself, "Oh...that's not good."

It was only one cough and the munchkin remained asleep so I finished what I was doing and made my way to bed. It was around 2am. At 3:30am the munchkin climbed into my bed and asked me to rub his back. He felt warm to me, but my son loves to wrap up in multiple blankets while he is sleeping and it isn't out of character for him to feel like he was in an oven when he comes out of a bed. We both feel back asleep. My cell phone alarm went off, I stood up and looked at my cell which read 5:40am Friday morning...the next thing I remember was walking into my bathroom, looking at my alarm clock which read 7:12am. Um, hello?!? I just lost an hour and a half. WTF?!? I must have went back to bed and have no memory of it. Great! The munchkin woke up too and was complaining how he didn't feel good. I checked his temperature and it was 101.6. Talk about changing the momentum of my weekend!

Since I took both Monday and Tuesday off from my life this week I really couldn't afford taking the day off again. I called my aunt to see if she could help and she came right out. Once she arrived and we had put a plan of action into place I told her that the night before when I crawled into bed I thought about my Turkey Sausage Patties and the fact that I didn't see them when I was hauling my groceries in and assumed she had brought them in on one of her trips and put them in the freezer. She, of course, had no idea what I was talking about and indicated she didn't haul them in either. I began to wonder what else I was going to lose since it appeared that so far that morning I had lost 1.5 hours and now an entire box of Turkey Sausage Patties!?! Since we put everything in the pantry on the washer so I could rearrange my shelves to fit everything in over the weekend. She then uncovered the box of Turkey Sausage Patties that she carried in the night before. In the garbage they went... She felt horrible and apologized several times because she didn't put it in the freezer. I told her that I was equally to blame since I should have double checked since I was the one that knew I had bought things that needed to be put in the freezer. I'm totally bummed though...

Due to the munchkin being home sick I called and canceled my new cleaning lady, which worked out well because her father-in-law was in the hospital just being diagnosed with Leukemia. My aunt took the munchkin to the doctor and he was diagnosed with strep throat. Fun, fun, fun... The munchkin was feeling a little better later in the day, so I opted to still go and see my guy after work, but before I could get there I had to swing by the Defender's Office, drop off my time sheet for the week before and pick up the day sheet for Monday. Then I was off to see my guy.

After a great visit, I was totally exhausted, but opted to still do the rest of my weekly grocery shopping. When I finally got home around 11pm last night I made sure I put away all of my perishable foods away, but left everything else out to be taken care of in the morning. I knew I had tons of errands to run Saturday morning so I set my alarm for 6:20am so I could get things done. I had a plan of attack and was going to be totally ready to hit the ground running. Well things didn't work out that way since I didn't get out of the bed until 7:50am. Lost another 1.5 hours this morning. This has became crazy and totally unacceptable!! Time to grow up j'lynn and get your shit together! Come on already! Ugh.... I quickly got myself ready, took off to get my oil changed and tires rotated, then off to the salon to get my highlights done and a hair cut. I was hoping to get my allergy shot in between these two errands, but thanks to my inability to get my ass out of bed this had to be moved to later in my morning.

While at the salon one of the new assistants started talking about how she and her 2 kids were looking for a place to live. They had just moved from up-north and she was in the midst of getting a divorce. I spout off how I have a 3 bedroom, 2 bath trailer she can buy. Her eyes totally lit up! That is exactly what she is looking for! I instantly got chills. She said she was going to drive by after work. She has a friend who will be moving with her, so she wants her to look at it too. Thinking or maybe hoping she would want to come in and look at it today I knew I was in trouble cleaning wise! It had been 3 weeks since my cleaning lady had been in and I know she isn't available for emergency calls so I made the call to my former cleaning lady and she came down and did the job for me! I was so appreciative that she was able to help me out!

While she was cleaning I finished up at the salon and finished my errands. I think I was home 10 minutes with my former cleaning lady when the potential buyer drove by. She didn't stop and come in though. Maybe she thought I had company and didn't want to intrude. I don't know. I was really hoping she would come in this afternoon fall in love with my house and this would actually be happening. It would certainly be a huge boost to me if this could happen. Please say an extra prayer for me guys...because this would be so great if this would happen for us!!!

After a little nap this afternoon I picked up some dinner, made my way to my aunt's and after chowing on a good steak we headed up to our annual trip back in time for Halloween. The munchkin was not able to make his last game of the fall season this morning and had to miss the trip to McDonald's with his team, because of being sick. He was totally bummed. He asked every hour if he could still go tonight. Since he was no longer contagious we opted to go and he had a pretty good time. You could tell he was still feeling punky though.

Even though I haven't accomplished as much this weekend as I wanted it has been one helluva roller coaster ride for the last couple of days. Now if only I could either recover those 3 hours I've lost in the last two days or figure out how to get my ass out of bed on time I might enjoy this ride a little more these days.

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20

Just getting started: 11, 18, 21, 22

Needs attention: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 17, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26

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

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

$1,200 Later...

...my two sinks are replaced, the toilet "guts" are replaced, my trees are trimmed, my dryer vent is replaced, my shutters are all repainted along with the design emblem on the front of my house plus my address numbers are all repainted and what cost the most is all of the skirting around my house has been replaced too! So much for underspending this month's budget...

I also got a great workout in today! Woo-hoo...

Tomorrow is a busy day...work, allergy shot, voting in our state primaries and then home to study for the MPRE.

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23

Just getting started: 11, 19, 24, 25

Needs attention: 17

Space In My Head Discovered On Hump Day

The last couple of days I've been experiencing pain on the right side whenever I chew over there. So yesterday I had called and made an "emergent" appointment with my dentist. Of course before I got there the problem seemed to have started to resolve itself, but I already had the appointment and with my luck it would immediately return ten fold, so I went. Dr. Hearts informed me that I'm apparently grinding so much and biting so hard that I'm shifting my teeth... Of course! And now I've created space between a few of my teeth. Are you kidding me?!? Apparently having braces all those years ago didn't help solidify my teeth in my head. Go figure! With some additional steps in my dental routine and letting my right side rest by not chewing over there for a while he is hopeful that the discomfort will disappear. As for the spaces I've created...well, there isn't too much that can be done about that. Just great!

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26

Just getting started: 11, 22, 27, 28

Needs attention: 13, 18

Happy Father's Day 2010!

On this early Sunday morning I would like to wish all of the Dads, Granddads, Soon-to-be-Dads, and all of the men (& sometimes the women & Moms) who play the role of Dad a great big Happy Father's Day!!! :) You do so much for us throughout life and have such an important role in so many lives I would like to say "Thank You for everything you all do!" Now go out and enjoy your day!! :)

In other news around here...well, I haven't made much more progress since my early evening update, but I'm okay with that! After I posted last night my body was getting tired of sitting here on my love seat and between my ass starting to ache and my back stiffening up I decided to take my Tax book, my highlighter, and my pen to my room to read. Well folks...that is all she wrote until I woke up this morning at 4:30am! Opps. You would think I would have learned by now that if I lay down I fall asleep! Apparently I have not learned this lesson yet...

With waking up early this morning all that really means for me is the fact that I have to do my weekly weigh-in earlier. And since all I ate yesterday was a big fat steak fajita burrito (my left overs from dinner w/my lsbff stuffed into a flour tortilla) and that large frosty I woke up famished, I knew I had to weigh in immediately so I could eat! So that is what I did! I did keep in mind the fact that I have ate like shit for the last two weeks, I didn't get to the gym last week and mother-nature has been penciled in for arrival since Friday and then I hopped up on those scales. Today's stats:

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

Current weight: 322.0lbs

This week's results: +2.4lbs

Total weight lost: -41lbs

Okay...not great, but not nearly as bad as I feared! So I can deal with it. I just need to remember all of this and now plan to execute! I know it sounds stupid, but I cannot begin to execute on a Sunday. There are too many fluid factors while sitting at home studying. If I try to execute today it will actually be worse for me. Probably doesn't sound rationale, but it is the way my mind works. Instead I will just do my thing today and plan to begin executing my plan tomorrow!

Now that I'm well rested back to reading I go...

Consider it done: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 18, 19, 23

Just getting started: 9, 11, 20, 21, 24, 25

Needs attention: 10, 12, 15, 16, 17, 22