Happy New Year & Holy Shit!

Well, I weighed in today b/c tonight we are spending the night at a friend's house and I didn't want to use her scale...and I didn't want to weigh in after eating. Soooooo, here it is. Oh, it is bad. I don't want to tell. If I didn't screw myself by posting the entry saying I would do this, I totally wouldn't put my weight on the blog! Ok, I weigh...a weight that I haven't weighed since I was preggers. But, this is good for me. It shows I am serious. Here is more proof that I am serious...I made these charts to keep track of my weight loss and daily exercises.



Ok, I am stalling. Oooh, I also went through the fridge, freezer, pantry and cupboards and threw out all the tempting treats and snacks. I was putting the (super yummy) ice cream down the drain and Cole yells "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?????" (He really liked the ice cream!)

More stalling...Dan is going to do the diet too. BUT he informed me today that he wants to enjoy his last 5 days off so he isn't starting until Sunday or Monday. Great! I feel the sabotage already. I just know he will want to get wings and pizza. So, I am not expecting a good first week. But I am going to try my best. I have been fat for so long, if I don't lose a ton of weight right away it is fine. I have been squeezing into my size 10s for months upon months.

My friend Angie is in with the weight loss. (Are you going to post your weight????)
She said I should watch the Biggest Loser b/c it is inspiring. I am going to watch. I am going to not eat after 7. I am going to exercise. I am going to lose weight. I need to for my health and self esteem.

Alright...here it is...no more stalling...I am out of things to say on this subject...

I am Amy and I weigh 166.6 (holy shit!)
Happy New Year!

Already?

I was at Walgreens yesterday and they had Easter Candy out!!!!!!!!!!!!!

New for 2009

Well, we were out of town last weekend and then Cole has had a fever since Monday, so needless to say I am not going to finish my advent calendar. The doctor called in some antibiotics so this crazy sickness Cole has should go away now. (hopefully!)

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas.

Now for the new part: I am going to do two things each week. One will be a weekly question on Mondays (answer ones you like whenever you feel like it) and the other will be a weekly weigh-in on Wednesdays. The first weigh in will actually be on Thursday, January 1st, then Wednesdays after that. (I am now soooo serious about losing weight. I am way bigger than ever and it is ridiculous! I think if I have to actually let you know my weight each week like Weight Watchers for this to actually work. DON'T TELL hubbies my crazy number...they will be disgusted. I know you all are my friends so you won't judge me.)

Happy New Year!

Advent Day 14

December 14th...
I am thankful for the view from my couch...

Even if it is only on my tv!

Thanks Comcast on Demand!
(it is on channel 1 under tv entertainment...and then yule log and more. this scene is winter 1)

Advent calendar days 9 - 13

December 9th...
I am thankful for book club. Even though we weren't able to meet as scheduled on the 9th, I am still happy knowing we will reschedule and continue to meet and read and discuss and eat and drink...

December 10th...
I am thankful for Flat Earth veggie chips and Gerber real fruit snacks. Sometimes that is the only way I get Cole to eat fruit and vegetables some days!

December 11th...
I am thankful for...
BEDTIME!!!!

December 12th...
I am thankful for compassion learned.
The other day Cole and I went to Wal*Mart and there was a guy ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. I explained that he was collecting money b/c the SA helps families who need food or clothes b/c they don't have a lot of money.
On the 12th we were at a different Wal*Mart (Cole and Dan are there now...three times in one week for the kid!!! Not a record, I'm sure.) and they had people collecting for the SA as well. Cole noticed right away and I said we would give money on the way out.
While in line I noticed they were collecting money in a plastic jug for a little boy who has leukemia. I showed it to Cole and explained that the little boy was sick and his parents needed money to pay for his hospital bills. I gave him money to put in the jug for the "sick boy".
On the way out we gave to the SA. I told Cole we did two goods things today and helped two people. I told him it is nice to help people whenever you can.
Later that night Cole was cutting something out. He said he was making something to hold money for sick kids. He was going to save money for them. He just doesn't like that there are sick kids.
My heart was so full of pride, happiness and love for that boy!
Of course he was a total disrespectful monster the rest of the night...so i am also thankful for...

Twisted River Riesling!

December 13th...
I am thankful for Dan and Cole letting me sleep in today.
I slept until 11:30!!!!!! AND I could have kept going!

My Mom

31 years ago today my mom died.

So today I am thankful for the 5 years I got to spend with her and for all the memories I have of her. My mom was kind and never yelled. I only remember one time that she was mad. We were up the street at her friend's house and while we were walking home I saw a puddle and sat in it. (She probably told me not to and I did anyway.) She was so mad that she sent me to bed without dinner.

I remember trying to trick my mom every morning by saying I couldn't finish my oatmeal and then when she would come in the kitchen I would surprise her with an empty bowl.

I remember walking to kindergarten with her and other neighbors. All of us kids would run ahead and hide behind the building across the street from school and then jump out to surprise our mommies.

I remember my mom watched Sanford and Son and Days of Our Lives.

My mom always fixed my hair so cute...and different everyday.

I remember wearing a "C is for Cookie" Cookie Monster shirt and making flavored shaved icees at my gram's house with my mom.

I know some of you know the story and some of you want to know but were hesitant to ask. This is what I remember from the night she died: We all ate dinner at the kitchen table and when we were done my mom said she was tired and she was going to sit in the other room. My dad and I cleaned up the kitchen and did the dishes. When we went into the other room we thought my mom was sleeping in the chair. My dad realized she wasn't and put her on the ground and started doing CPR. He had me call the ambulance...but the number was busy. I kept dialing but it was always busy. (I probably wasn't dialing correctly.) My dad had me lay down on the floor with my hands above my head. My sister was just sitting in a nearby chair. She was 3 months old. The paramedics finally came. I remember watching a Christmas show on TV with either a neighbor lady or my gram. My mom never came home.

After that I don't really have a lot of memories. I know that my kindergarten teacher switched my part in the Christmas play to the Angel Gabriel.

I know that I was sad. I was also jealous of all the attention my sister got. Then and years after. People felt sorry for her b/c she never got to know my mom. But it was really hard on me b/c I had all that time with her.

I miss my mom. There were so many times when I needed her or wanted to share things with her. When I was a kid and I got a wish (on a birthday candle, shooting star, going through the yellow light...) I would always wish for her to come back. I guess I still wish that. I am so sad that she isn't here to be with Cole.

Here are two pictures of my mom.


This is my mom after she had me...you can see part of me on the bed!

This is my 3rd Christmas. (Those are the ornaments I was talking about!!!!!)

December 7th

I am thankful for Fresh Market's Waldorf Chicken Salad. Mmmmmmm, it is so good! I would have included a picture but, well, um, Cole and I scarfed it down before I knew it would be my December 7th. It has walnuts, huge grapes, fresh chicken chunks, celery and a yummy sauce. There is nothing like it. It goes down as my all time fav chicken salad. Again, mmmmmmmmmm.

I'm In!

A friend of mine started an advent/thankfulness type countdown to Christmas on her blog...photographing and talking about what she is thankful for each day. She invited everyone to do the same. Well, being the slacker I am I didn't see her blog until day 5 so.....I am a little behind. I am going to do days 1-6 today and other days when I can.

I am so thankful for many things on a daily basis, so to narrow it down to one a day will be easy. Of course I am thankful for my family's health (although not in the past month!!!), being able to stay at home with Cole, my friends, our financial situation...the big things. But I am also thankful for the little things. More so now that I am a mommy. And I am thankful for that!

OK, here we go...

December 1st
I am thankful for my boy. I love him more than words can say.

December 2nd
Christmas Ornaments. Most of you know my ornament gripe...Dan threw away all my childhood ornaments and ornaments we collected together. So, for the past 4 years I have been buying ornaments like crazy to fill up the tree. I love Hallmark ornaments, homemade ornaments, ornaments from friends, ornaments made at school...ornaments! Love ornaments! I just like to remember where we were when we got them or who gave them...it's all about the memories. Dan threw away my memories, but now I can focus on the new ones I will make. (Yes, it is really me typing this! I thought I should try to be positive b/c this is a thankfulness thing and all...I can't just bitch about Dan the whole time!)

December 3rd
See the ornament picture above? Not like yours is it? No, Nic, Nicole, Amber and Regina have these great shots of ornaments and close ups of stuff. (yes, i know the bitching is back, but i have a point...) I am thankful for Dan looking up DSL cameras all the time...trying to get a good deal on one for me. He feels bad that he got a whole new man room and I didn't get anything. I don't need anything...I have a scrapbook room that I am thankful for...but hey, if I happen to get a nice new camera out of the deal and I will be able to take crisp clear shots...I will be soooo happy!

December 4th
I am thankful for Christmas books. I love to read them during the holiday season. I read Holly...it was good and a little steamy which I wasn't expecting, but a nice surprise nonetheless! I haven't read the other two yet.





December 5th
I am thankful for voicemail that makes me smile. My friends from afar leave long detailed messages...like i actually answered and they are talking to me. (I do the same, so I hope it makes people smile too.) Well, I got a message from my friend Karen who I haven't talked with since, yikes, June? Anyway, she gets herself into a holiday tizzy every year making scrapbooks for the grandparents...and her message was just that. (It's a tizzy with a smile and a laugh though...she knows she is crazy to attempt it!) I found myself smiling at her message. I guess I was glad to hear happiness in her voice...she just lost her job (which she said with a laugh in her message) and her husband has been battling cancer. They have a 4 year old girl. It breaks my heart. Pray for him.

December 6th
I am thankful for pretty sunsets. As I was closing the blinds I saw a beautiful sight tonight...

Scrappin' for charity

Awhile back I made a purchase on ebay through a store called cropstop.com. They added me to their email list and one day I got an email about a charity event they were sponsoring for ProLiteracy. It's an ABC book (A Book for Charity)

The first people to respond were sent a quickutz die of a letter in the mail to use on the page. Then you were to make an 8 x8 page using simple words to go along with your letter. After they get everyone's page back they will assemble it and auction it off on ebay.

I am really excited to be a part of this!

I got letter c!

I know you can't tell but...I used flocking on the cow die cut so he is fuzzy.
I used real yarn for the cat. (and crazy googly eyes!)
I made a flip up part...the top is one car and when you lift the tab there are two cars.

Loony Bin

Ok, even my subconscious knows I need a break from the males in my house! Last week was so bad that I actually dreamed that I checked myself into a loony bin! It turned out to be more like a hotel. I unpacked in my room and then went shopping!

(Nicole, you were there! I take it your week was stressful too?)

I can't go into any details about what happened during my stay b/c what happens at the bin, stays at the bin. All I will say is that #5 on my hot guys list is now #1 (sorry Patrick Dempsey! make room for Lee Pace from Pushing Daisies!) and I don't think I can watch Pushing Daisies now without blushing.

That dream kinda turned my week around! ;)

Here is Lee...

Hibernation Season

It gets dark out early...time to hibernate.
It is getting chilly out...time to hibernate.
The leaves are turning...time to hibernate.
Football is on and November sweeps is coming...time to hibernate.
It's almost turkey time and then Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree time...time to hibernate.

I guess what I am saying is: if you don't see me or hear from me it's b/c I am snuggled up under a blanket on the couch hibernating.

Two Firsts

I experienced 2 firsts today...
1. I voted in MS for the first time.

2. I rode on a 4wheeler for the first time. I figured, I live in MS, why not?

What made me smile today...

...the smell of my Bath and Body Works "Pumpkin Pie Paradise" body wash.

I'm having an Ohio day!

First I get the mail today and see that my dad has sent me pictures of the trees and their beautiful colored leaves. Orange trees next to red trees next to yellow trees.
Then I am looking through the Country Living magazines that a friend gave to me and see an article about Shaker Woods/Christmas in the Woods...craft festivals (in the actual woods!) that I used to go to every year. They had the cutest country crafts and the yummiest dips/cheesecake mixes for sale.
I think we are going to plan a trip back next fall so we can do the fall activities we used to do. The Fall Whore needs her fall!

I miss mental health days!

When I was teaching I would take a sick day, but it was really a mental health day. When the kids were really getting on my nerves and I needed a break I would take a day and just sleep in, watch TV all day, maybe nap and just be lazy all day. It was so refreshing.
I miss being alone all day in my house. There are so many things I need to do but can't get done b/c 1) I have a shadow who follows me around all day and 2) when I put the shadow to bed I am wiped out from the day and just want to watch mindless TV and if I can get on the laptop, blog. (I say if I can get on the laptop b/c the laptop was supposed to be for me...I sold a ton of Cole's baby stuff to pay for it...but Dan is always on it watching Pittsburgh sports and news and reading about Pittsburgh sports.)
To try and soothe my busy mind I have been putting on the "soundscapes" music channel on TV. It is relaxing and spa-like.
I know in a few years that Cole will be in kindergarten and I will be alone all day, five days a week and that will give me plenty of time to do all the stuff I want to, so I try not to stress about my list of things to do too much.
I guess what I am trying to say is that I would be calling in "sick" tomorrow and sleeping in!

Rock Bottom

Well, I hit a new low. I was getting ready to go out to dinner recently and the jeans I wanted to wear were soooooooooo tight that there was NO WAY that I could drive, sit through a meal or breathe. I unzipped them and realized they stayed up just fine. I thought about doing the rubber band thingie to fasten my jeans but that still probably would have been too tight. (sad, I know) Then I had the great idea to just fold the top of the jeans in and into my underwear. I put on a long sweater and I don't think anyone could tell.

I refuse to buy bigger jeans b/c that just gives me the green light to eat more and get a bigger size next month. No, I will suffer with belly aches and the sight of muffin top like fat spilling over the top of my jeans for now. I have started exercising and toning. My arms, legs and butt are toning up but it's my BIG GUT that is the problem. I have been on the treadmill for the past two days, but then today as I was walking down the steps I had terrible pain in my calf (is that spelled right..like the baby animal?) Damn old age again! So I took the day off of the treadmill, but I did some crunches tonight.

I just looked up calf...and yep, it's right. It just looks weird doesn't it?

Anywho, the point is I'm fat and I'm working on it. I need to for my happiness and health. I have high cholesterol. And I have jeans a size (or two) too small.

A friend of mine said "You're going to diet now? It's fall! What about all the fall treats?!?!!" Well, I AM going to partake in the fall yummies. And Halloween candy. And Christmas cookies. I just have to try to control myself. And keep up the exercising.

I'll keep you posted as to when I can wear the "Rock Bottom Jeans" like a normal person!

False alarm...

...on the Proactive. The only difference I've noticed is... now my towels look like I splashed bleach on them. (something in the solution is strong enough to stain my towels...but not clear up my face. Nice.) Soooo, any suggestions on what to use on my face? I am still breaking out!

It's not fair!

After my last entry I got to thinking...hmm, I am wrinkly, creaky and graying, so how is it fair that I am also breaking out like a teenager?! I went back on the pill and it usually clears me up. Not this time. It is bad, people! So bad that I ordered Proactive. I've used it twice and actually think I am clearing up a little! (If anyone is thinking about trying it, let me know so I can refer you and I can get free products by doing so.) Hopefully I will be red-spot free soon!

I'm freaking out!

My knees creak!!!!!!!!!!

It's really giving me the heebie jeebies. I walk up the stairs...creak. I do a lunge...creak. (yes, I am trying to exercise, but that's a whole other entry) I basically walk around...creak.

I feel like 36 is the year for me. The year I start to see the aging process begin. I have noticed more wrinkles (and not just my driving eye wrinkles*) more gray hair, and creaks!!!! I can't get over it. I can handle the graying and wrinkling b/c that seems normal and "everybody's doing it", but I did not expect to creak in my 30's. I feel young, look young, but apparently sound old. Can I do anything about this creaking? Do I need to drink joint juice?

Here comes the whining...I don't wanna be old...now I have one more thing to freak out about.

*driving eye wrinkles...the wrinkles that are more prominent on the left eye b/c of sitting in the driver's seat too many sunny days.

Also known as...

...the Fall Whore. That's what Dan calls me b/c I LOVE fall and everything that has to do with it. Once it is September I start with the decorating. Pumpkins here, cornstalks there....and oh the candles! My favorite is "Harvest" from Yankee Candle. It smells just like fall. Wait! I can't believe I didn't mention this first...the fall treats!!!!!!!!! I love to make (and eat) apple pie, pumpkin rolls, apple crisp, leaf cookies... And don't forget the fall candies...fall colored M&Ms and Hershey Kisses. Alright, back to nature...the Autumn colors in the North are gorgeous and I usually get homesick this time of year. We had some really great pumpkin patches and farms and orchards we used to go to. And just driving around in the colorful tunnel of trees down any given street gave you a sense of awe. I know the leaves turn here too, but it's not the same. The colors aren't as vibrant. I still get into fall and get obsessed with taking cool fall pictures of Cole. But I miss the fall crafty decorations at the fairs and the 947 pound pumpkins. Oh yeah, they grow 'em big in Ohio! Back to the treats...pumpkin cheesecake, mmmmmmm. Yes, fall is a wonderful time of year. The sights, sounds and smells make me happy. But mostly the treats!

I met Blair!

"You take the good, you take the bad..."
Lisa Whelchel (Blair from The Facts of Life) came to speak at a church in the area. She talked about her experiences as a mom and gave hints to make time for yourself. She was cute and funny. OF COURSE I had to get my picture taken with her! "...you take them both and then you have..." Everybody now "The Facts of Life, The Facts of Life."

When will I learn?!?!?!?

Okay, I can't tell you how many times I have received the following email...and I still can't remember the answers! How is that possible? Years and years of reading and laughing...and nothing. Wait...can you hear that? wwwwwwwwwwwwsh. That's me emptying my head a little to make room for the Giraffe Test. Go ahead, send it to me. I'm ready.

The Giraffe Test



1. How do you put a giraffe into a refrigerator?

Stop and think about it and decide on your answer before you scroll down.












The correct answer is: Open the refrigerator, put in the giraffe, and close the door. This question tests whether you tend to do simple things in an overly complicated way.







2 . How do you put an elephant into a refrigerator?










Did you say, Open the refrigerator, put in the elephant, and close the refrigerator?

Wrong Answer.

Correct Answer: Open the refrigerator, take out the giraffe, put in the elephant and close the door. This tests your ability to think through the repercussions of your previous actions.









3. The Lion King is hosting an animal conference. All the animals
Attend .... Except one. Which animal does not attend?













Correct Answer : The Elephant t. The elephant is in the refrigerator. You just put him in there.? This tests your memory. Okay, even if you did not answer the first three questions correctly, you still have one more chance to show your true abilities.







4. There is a river you must cross but it is used by crocodiles, and
You do not have a boat. How do you manage it?















Correct Answer: You jump into the river and swim across. Have you not been listening? All the crocodiles are attending the Animal Meeting. This tests whether you learn quickly from your mistakes.


According to Anderson Consulting Worldwide, around 90% of the
Professionals they tested got all questions wrong, but many preschoolers got several correct answers. Anderson Consulting says this conclusively disproves the theory that most professionals have the brains of a four-year-old.

Not to be confused with my porn name...

I was looking stuff up and came across how to find my fairy name. Here is what it said...

Your fairy is called Gossamer Cornfilter

She is a creator of bounty and harvest.

She lives in spiderwebbed wonderlands and insect grottos.

She is only seen on midsummer's eve.

She wears tiny black spiders on her dresses. She has butterfly wings the colour of yellow corn.

Get your free fairy name here!

Um, bugs creep me out...no way this fairy is living with insects and WEARING them!!!!

Privacy...what's that?

Okay, so I am laying in bed watching TV on Monday night when Dan comes in wanting to know if I was watching Blue's Clues. So, this man who 1) is supposed to be at racquetball on Mondays and hasn't gone in three weeks and 2) can't take the time to read the blog about his son, somehow figures out how to get into my personal blog...and read it! Great. Now another blog that has to be censored. I guess that just means that I will save the really good stuff for phone calls and GNO. HA Dan, now you'll never know it all! Anyway, I thought it only appropriate that I make this list.
Top 5 Hottest TV/movie Stars
1. PATRICK DEMPSEY
2. Brad Pitt
3. Rob Lowe
4. Michael Vartan (he was on Alias and dated Jennifer Garner for awhile)
5. Lee Pace (he is on Pushing Daisies)

Notice no JOE! Also, this list is subject to change at any time, but I think the #1 spot is pretty secure.

I've noticed that I picked a lot of guys with dark hair. I've always liked blond guys, but I guess as I get older I'm digging the dark dudes more.

Have I gone on and on enough about other men? Is this enough to keep Dan away...or intrigue him more?

I'm a ballerina!

Today I took my first ballet class. No, I am not kidding...I am 36 years old and am finally fulfilling my little girl dream. I have always wanted to take dance class, but being raised by a dad I was entered into the world of sports. I swam, played basketball, soccer, golf...but I always wanted to wear a tutu. Now I get my chance...to take dance, not wear a tutu. Although, you never know, they put on the Nutcracker every year and need adults!
Today we did work at the bar. We worked on terminology and did plies and other leg thingies that i can't remember the name of! Anyway, I liked the class and will continue to take it every Saturday afternoon. Oh, I am going this week to get ballet slippers and a leotard/leggings/skirt to wear to class. That's what ballerinas in training wear...even old ones!

If you can't take the heat, get out of the south.

When I was younger I loved the heat and sun. I always dreamed of living in the south where it was warm and sunny. Oh, I would be so happy. Now that I actually live in the south (although in my dreams i never, NEVER imagined I would live in Mississippi!) I can't take the heat. It makes me sick and miserable. AND I find myself smiling and being extra cheery on rainy, gloomy days. I heard about Gustav and thought...Alright! We'll be gettin' some crappy weather! Hooray!

Steve or Joe?

Okay, this one has been in my head for awhile. If you have kids (or maybe even if you don't) you know about Blue's Clues. The first host was Steve and then he left and "his brother Joe" took over for him. So, it is natural to compare...and it leads me to this question. Steve or Joe? I pick Joe*. And it might freak you out a little to know about a fantasy I have. I go to New York to Joe's apartment (don't really know if that exists!) and he answers the door "Oh, it's you!" (can you hear it?) I don't really let the fanatsy go any further...he's a kids' show host for goodness sake! I know, I am one demented mommy, but hey, if you have to watch the show your mind might wander you know?! Did you notice the asterisk by my choice Joe? That is to let you know that I am choosing regular Joe, not fat Elvis Joe. (As Joe grew up, so did everything about him I guess.) Okay, even if you don't have a fantasy about either one, you probably have a favorite. Who's it gonna be?