You are Overweight.......

Today has been a weird day for me. Actually, in all honesty, the whole week has been weird....who am I kidding, things haven't been right for months. I'm in this funk that I just can't get out of.
I have known for months now that I am overweight but recently I just "ballooned" up. This was proven when my sister took a picture of me last week on my birthday......I WAS HUGE! At first I thought maybe it was the angle of the camera and then I saw myself in another photo and realized that the way "I" see myself in the mirror is actually better than what I actually look like. I really took this hard. I can't believe I look so horrible!

This weight gain has really affected all parts of my life. I used to be the girl who was totally into fashion and shopping and now it's the two things I hate the most because nothing fits and I refuse to believe that I'm a size 12-14 when most of my clothes are a size 8. I have to dress up for work and I don't have a single pair of dress slacks that I can keep buttoned. I have to wear big jackets over my pants so I can unbutton them 1/2 way through the work day because they are gouging into my stomach. I've resorted to nothing but sweats and t-shirts and I'm just not happy about it. I make excuses to all my friends when they invite me out because I know they will look all cute and perfect, and I'll be in sweatpants and a t-shirt. I can't let anyone see me like this. I'm doing my best to stay hidden from the outside world.

And the more I stress about the weight gain........THE MORE I EAT!!! For example....I had to go to the doctor last week and the nurse felt it her duty to mention to me that I've gained 27 lbs since I was there last summer...........Well, DUH! Look at me......I'm hideous! So what do I do when I leave the doctor's office? Run to Schlotskey's Deli and get a sandwich with 30 grams of fat and like 500 calories. (And that doesn't include the chips I had with it). And the cycle continues...... I'm an emotional eater. When I'm stressed/depressed I eat and then after I eat, it makes me more stressed/depressed and so I eat some more. It's a vicious cycle that I need to stop.

For shits and giggles I decided to check Jenny Craigs website this morning because my girlfriend is doing it and she lost 9lb and 4 inches by her first weigh in! They have this part where you can put in your height and weight and it gives you your BMI. Well, I should have been more prepared for what I was about to see because when I saw the ginormous words on my 20" monitor......YOU ARE OVERWEIGHT........I actually lost my breath for a brief moment.
I can't be overweight........I'm just a little "pudgy".............What do they know, they can't even see me.......But I was one of the skinniest people at Panera Bread this morning when ordering my chocolate chip cookies and smoothie.........crap, I forgot to pack my lunch today so I think I'll go to McDonalds..........I can't be overweight.........
Really, honest to god...those are the things that went through my head after reading that. Not one single thought about nutrition or working out......is there any hope for me? My wedding is going to be here before you know it and I just can't look like this. I've thought about doing Jillian's 30-day shred, but I just don't know if that's a good way to start. Should I start with something so BIG (meaning something that will cause my lungs to collapse and my muscles to hurt like I'm being tortured because that's what I've heard Jillian does to people) or should I start slow with something like walking or riding bike? I also have an elliptical at home, maybe I should just jump on that every night and see where it takes me. I just don't know.......I talk a lot of talk, but really that's all it is. I've been saying for over a year that I need to lose wieight, that I'm so out of shape, that I need to eat better........but have I actually made any changes to my life....NO!!!

That's where I'm hoping you all come in.........I need a "push" and I need some positive reinforcement! Please help me......tell me what to do and how to get started. I need to lose some weight but I hate the word diet. Am I too far to do this alone......should I do WW or Jenny Craig? Help me PLEASE!!!

For those of you interested......here is what I saw on my computer screen that caused this post to take place!!

Your BMI is 28.7
25 - 29.9 You are Overweight

Curiosity Killed the Cat

I've introduced you to Tucker & Walker in the previous post and as I said, I love them to death.....but let me give you a little bit of insight on what it means to be a "Curious Cat". Tucker manages to get himself involved in every situation he can. If you open up the cupboards, he will crawl in. If you open up the fridge, he will crawl in. If you open up the shower curtain, he will crawl in. If you open up a dresser drawer, he will crawl in. If you open up the dryer door, he will crawl in. This cat has pretty much been everywhere imaginable!

Here are a couple of Tucker's "Curious Cat" situations.......

Here he is in the sink as I am trying to wash my face!

Here he is in the linen closet as I am trying to pack to move!

Here he is walking the beam that runs across the cathedral ceilings at the cottage!

Here he is on the ladder as I am trying to hang curtains!

Here he is in the dryer as I am trying to unload the washer!

The sad part is, that he has been teaching his brother (Walker) how to become a trouble maker too!

Here they are being "Curious Cats" as I'm trying to decorate the X-mas tree!

Here they are as I'm trying to move a mattress!

Here they are as I'm trying to fold clothes out of the dryer!

Walker, listen to Mommy.............DO NOT DO WHAT YOUR BROTHER TUCKER DOES! Don't you know that CURIOSITY KILLED THE CAT!!!!!

Spoiled Rotten

I would like to take the time to introduce to you ..........

Tucker

and Walker

They are my spoiled rotten kids.......errrrrr I mean cats! But look at these faces and tell me you wouldn't spoil them too!

They are the best of friends and I can't imagine my life without them both! Aren't they so handsome!!

Mom loves you Tucker & Walker!

And YES.......I know I have a problem!!

Mmmm Good

I'm not one for frozen foods but last night we had this for dinner.

It was delicious!! Very time consuming (1 hr 20 min bake time and 20 min cool time) but worth the wait! I'll be eating leftovers for lunch today. Hopefully it's as good the 2nd time around.

Weekend Recap....

Can you believe we had a 3 day weekend? Why does the time fly by so quickly? Although, it's nice to know I only have a 4 day work week :)

I can explain my weekend in 2 words YARD WORK.......I'm pretty sure I've put in about 12-15 hours into the corner of our back yard. Finally yesterday we got all the small trees cut down, all the leaves/brush cleaned up and I was able to use the rototill. We have 23 lawn bags sitting at our curb waiting for tomorrow's pick-up. That number doesn't include the 40+ lawn bags that we have already put out this season. I guess that's what you get when you buy a house with over a foot of snow on the ground.......it's a risk you take of what lies beneath that snow. In my case, it was about 1-2 feet deep of leaves, sticks, tree limbs, garbage, etc.

After all of the work I have done I wish I would have taken "before" pictures so I could remind myself of how far I've come in just a short period of time. It makes me feel good though that a couple of our neighbors came over to comment on all the work we have done and to tell me how good everything looks. We just L-O-V-E our neighborhood! I am so lucky.

It was funny..... while I was covered head to toe in nothing but dirt, with bloodied up arms from cutting down some pricker bushes and sweat literally rolling down my face I had the most sentimental moment. I was getting very tired and was ready to give up....i was battling the yard and the yard was winning......and then it occurred to me! "I was doing lawn work in MY OWN YARD!! I own this yard. I own this house!" It was the first time since I bought the house in January that it really struck me.......I am finally a homeowner!! And I live here with my fiance!! It was at that exact moment that I was able to reflect on how far I had come the past few years. Five years ago if you had asked me if I would have either (house/fiance) I, along with many family members and friends, would have laughed in your face. Five years ago I was in debt pass my eyeballs and barely surviving one terrible relationship after another until one particular day when the "light bulb" finally went off and I decided that I needed to change my life. I managed to pay off my debt in just over 2 years and I rid myself of anything that even remotely resembled a relationship. It was during these 3 years that I was single that I think I truly learned who I was and what I wanted out of life. Even though I was teased by family/friends about being "single" for so long I wouldn't change it for the world. It was that decision that led me to find the man of my dreams. Looking back, the road I have had to travel is worth it's weight in gold for the outcome it has given me. I cherish my life and know that it was all the bumps in the road that led to where I am today and I will be forever grateful.

Okay, I just realized this post has gotten much longer than what I had intended. My initial post was supposed to be about some gardening questions I have and somehow it got all sentimental and boring.........now I'm out of time so I guess my gardening questions will have to wait.

Unemployment

If you work while receiving benefits and do not report that employment, you may be committing fraud.....am I right???

I have an employee who tried claiming unemployment last August after he returned to work from our July shutdown. I had warned him that he should inform the state to his change in employment status now that he was back to work full-time but he refused, so I had to take matters into my own hands. I protested his earnings during that specified time frame and I just received a letter on Monday this week that he owes the State of Michigan restitution in the amount of $729 with additional amounts yet to be determined......I bet he wishes he had been an honest person, huh?

Well, to make this story more interesting.......I received a statement today from the unemployment office and it shows this same employee is still receiving benefits. I had heard through a local temp agency about a month or so ago that "they had found work for him and he was loving his new job"......Ding, ding, ding.....the lightbulb just went on in my head...."I think he is still claiming unemployment and he is working full-time" The nerve of him to try and win one over on me AGAIN. I contacted the local temp agency and they confirmed that YES he is working full-time but they wouldn't tell me where or what date he started. I have contacted the State of Michigan and again I am protesting his benefits. Don't mess with the bull....you'll get the horns!! (anyone know what movie that is from?)

I mean, come on........I know times are hard (for everyone) but to commit fraud not once, but twice makes me question the integrity of a person. We will think twice if we ever decide to hire back any of our "laid off" employees. I'm sure he won't be one of them called back!

Happy Birthday to Me.......

What a glorious day!!!

Thank You.......

A BIG thank you to my mom for planting my flowers today in my pots by my front door. I've been so busy lately and these poor flowers have been sitting in my garage just wilting away for a week now, so my mom, the amazing woman she is, came over to my house while I'm at work and planted them for me. I can't wait to get home so I can see them!! My brother was also there today so I'm sure he probably did some general work around the house for me. He is like that....always willing to do the little things that I don't have the time for (or just don't wanna do myself). Thanks to the both of you for being such amazing people. I love you!

Wedding Cake Topper

In keeping with the topic below check out this wedding cake topper.........how funny!

A Little Personal...........

Oh what a day...............it's only 9:30am and I have already cried. But for the first time in a long time these are HAPPY tears. Please look at the following pictures from Jules Bianchi and I think you will understand why.....sniff.....sniff


I don't think I ever doubted the fact that Don and I would have gorgeous wedding pictures (I mean come on, we are two very good looking people....LOL), but I guess I always assumed his wheelchair would be the center of attention or we would constantly be trying to "mask" it. To be honest, when I first looked at these pictures I didn't even realize there was a wheelchair. The beauty and the love between this husband and wife drew me. It was the moment when I realized that he was in a wheelchair that the tears started flowing.

Do you think there is any hope for us to look that breathtaking

on our wedding day?

The real question is.........

Is ther any hope for ME to look that good standing next to such a hunk?

EDIT: I apologize that the photos are too large for my page (I can't figure out how to make them smaller).....please go here to see the actual photos from Jules Bianchi

Mama Mia.........

Happy Mother's Day Momma!!

Shout out........

I would like to give a shout out to a blog that I stumbled upon last week Soundtrack To I Do. I find that there are certains aspects to the wedding planning process that are very important to me and I will spend my budget accordingly. I want a really, really good DJ. The kind of DJ that people will talk about. The kind of DJ who can keep 100 people dancing all night. The kind of DJ that we beg to stay because no one wants to leave. In order to make this happen I need to make sure that I have chosen the "right" music to make the night memorable.......Colleen from Soundtrack To I Do is going to be the one who helps me make this happen. Thanks Girl!!

Matt Giraud Day in Michigan

Thursday was officially named Matt Giraud Day in Michigan. Check out his homecoming that took place at Arcadia Park here in Kalamazoo last night!

He and the other top 10 "Idol" contestants will tour the country, with shows at The Palace of Auburn Hills on Aug. 26 and Van Andel Arena on Sept. 6.

Tickets for all the shows go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday morning. Prices range from $40 to $70.

Random

Okay, it's Friday and I feel like my brain is fried.......what a week! Well, I have a lot to get off my chest so here goes.........(FYI ~ this is going to be the most random post EVER)

• Great news! I just found out that my cousin Michelle is pregnant and her due date is December 29. The day before my dad's birthday. Congrats Michelle.
• My cousin Danny is getting married June 13 in Ohio and my sister was smart enough to figure out that that happens to be the day before our BIG Nascar trip with my nephew Zander. Bummer, looks like we will have to make a quick trip to OH and then head back home for Sunday's big race.
• My stepdad Greg's birthday is today.......Happy Birthday Greg!
• I started sorting all of our "junk"..errr I mean "stuff"....for a garage sale last night. When we moved in together in January we combined a whole lot of stuff that we don't need. We have managed to get rid of a lot to family members and friends, but there is a ton of stuff left. Most importantly, I need to get rid of the new stove and fridge that are taking up massive space in my garage. And I can't wait to take control of my basement again.
• Don is going through some personal stuff with his kids and I would just like everyone to keep him in their thoughts. He could use some positive energy thrown his way.....as if he doesn't have enought to deal with in his life already!
• My dear friend Marianna is house-hunting and I went with her last night to check out a house.......The house is basically located in my backyard and I couldn't be more excited. We both loved the house and I'm loving the idea as having her as my neighbor again!
• Picked up some flowers yesterday at Horrocks with my future MIL. We had a great time shopping together and she was so helpful. It was nice to spend some "alone" time with her. I can't wait to get my pots planted and get some color in our yard! I never thought I would say this, but I think I could really begin to like gardening.....Don't tell anyone I said that I have a reputation to uphold! And don't tell anyone that I'm really starting to like to cook either......what is this world coming to?
• It's supposed to be 75 degrees here today in good 'ole Michigan but only 50 degrees for the rest of the weekend.....why is it always nice during the week and so crappy on the weekends. I have a TON of yard work to get done!!

Okay, that's all the randomness I have for now! Happy Friday!

Spring Lawn Care Got You Down???

Oh, how badly I want a nice, plush green lawn. Nothing is lovelier than a well-kept, lush, green carpet surrounding the home oasis. It increases property value, makes the home more inviting, and enhances the neighborhood. This is exactly the type of lawn that ALL my neighbors have. Oh, what they must think as they drive by my house!


As most of you know I looked at my new house in December with snow up past my ankles, bought the house in January with snow up to my mid calf, and moved in with snow past my thighs. Well about mid-February we had a break in the snow and I was finally able to see our lawn (or lack thereof). Underneath all that snow was about 2 years worth of leaves that had not been raked. In April I finally got a chance to rake up all those leaves and the site they left behind still brings a tear to my eye. Nothing but dirt......yes, 2/3 of my so-called-lawn is nothing but dirt! And now that spring is finally upon us, the grass that I do have has been taken over by dandelions and crab grass! Uuurrggghhhh! That's where AllGreen comes into the picture. They will be out on Saturday to give me a full analysis of my lawn/dirt. We will be discussing possible options such as aerating, seeding, fertilizer, etc. I hope these men are miracle workers because that's what it's going to take!! In the meantime, for those of you who don't have such a "severe" lawn problem as I do, here are some helpful time-saving tips to maintain a healthy, green lawn.


1. Water deeply and thoroughly each week, at least 6 to 12 inches down into the soil. A bluish tint, slow growth, and lack of resiliency (footprints remain when grass is walked on) indicate the need for more water.

2. Keep grass strong and healthy with proper applications of fertilizer, fall and spring. This will insure resilience to traffic and drought, and keep the lawn a healthier green. Apply about 4 pounds of fertilizer per 1,000 feet. Slow release fertilizer is best.

3. In the spring fertilize with a ratio of 2:1:1 (ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash). In the fall use 1:2:2 ratios for healthy root growth during the winter.

4. Treat weeds and pests immediately; don’t wait for the problem to get out of hand.

5. As long as you mow the lawn often, clippings can stay on the lawn, adding nutrients and humus to the soil. This means mowing every five days during the wet season, and every 10 or 14 during dry.

6. Use a lawn mower you can manipulate and change blade heights on easily.

7. Dull mower blades wound and tear the grass, so keep blades razor sharp by sharpening monthly. Sharpen blades more often if you hit hard objects like sticks or stones while mowing.

8. Reseed bare spots early fall or spring. First rake away debris and get rid of weeds. Loosen the soil 4 to 6 inches deep; add humus and a light application of fertilizer. Rake soil smooth, spread grass seed, and tamp down. Keep moist until seed germinates. At other times of the season, use sod or plugs to fill in bare spots.

9. An even lawn mows quicker and looks better. Humps and dips in the lawn created by freezing and thawing or other factors should be leveled. Raise low spots by spreading soil on top of the grass, no more than ¼ of an inch at a time. Smooth, and repeat twice a year until level. Remove humps by taking out wedges of turf in patches, 6 inches deep. Soak with water, and roll. Repeat spring and fall until the hump disappears.

10. Plant ground covers between the curbing and sidewalk instead of grass. This makes mowing the yard easier and quicker. The ground cover will also be easier to maintain there than grass.

11. Mulch and edging around tree bases will decrease mowing time, and help protect the bark on trees from possible damage caused by mowing too close to the trunks.

Most home owners have better things to do than spend every spare minute caring for their lawn. Fortunately, that isn’t necessary. Not when care to maintain the yard is routinely provided, and paced to accommodate the caregiver’s schedule.

The key to a successful, great looking lawn is routine, consistent care. The chore can become a pleasant habit instead of a dreaded duty with the right attitude and a little expertise. The secret is to do the right chore at the right time.

Provide care as a preventive measure, before it is needs it. Fertilize to maintain a green, healthy lawn; don’t wait until it needs fertilizing. Feed it before it needs feeding, mow it before it needs mowing.


Now get out there and tend to those lawns!!!

So much to do and such little time to do it........

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed today. I have SO, SO much to do in the next few days and I just don't believe that theres enough hours in the day to get everything done.

• Before Saturday I need to mow the lawn, finish raking up all the leaves and pick up all the sticks in the yard. We have AllGreen coming to aerate our back lawn and lay seed and fertilizer in our front yard so all of this needs to be done before they get here.
• Also before Saturday I need to clean out the "catch all" room in the basement so AllGreen can take a look at our underground sprinkler system and try to get it working again. Seriously, do you have any idea how much "stuff" is in that room that needs to come out in order to allow space for them to get to the sprinkler box? It makes me break out in hives just thinking of the work that lies ahead.
• Before Friday I need to vacuum, dust, mop, change sheets on beds and clean cat litters because my brother and his girlfriend are coming to stay. Not to mention the bazillion loads of laundry that need to be done!

So much to do and such little time to get it done! Any volunteers out there willing to lend a hand??? LOL Just kidding, I wouldn't pass these tedious chores on to anyone!

Wish me luck..........Happy Wednesday!

Wedding Cake...No More!

As most of you know......I don't want the traditional "Wedding Cake" so I'm always looking for alternative ideas!

Thank you Martha Stewart for these scrumptious alternatives..........

Crepe Cake
This tall, tiered treat may look weighty at first, but in fact it's layered with whisper-thin crepes. Lady M's mille cake (the company will ship anywhere in the United States, frozen) can be layered with mouthwatering fillings including chestnut, espresso, chocolate, and good old vanilla -- the hardest part will be narrowing it down to just one.

Angel Food Cakes
Little in the pastry world is more charming than a perfectly constructed individual dessert, especially when it's drenched in icing and topped with a spun-sugar crown. These mini angel food cakes are glazed with lemon and topped with spun sugar, which is a cinch to make at home (if you have enough space).

Fabulous Do

Is it just me or do you L-O-V-E her hair?

Happy 50th Birthday Barbie!

Barbie has been given a makeover for her 50th birthday and comes complete with tattoos.

Each doll has a set of sticker tattoos so children can make her look like their heroes such as Jordan, 30, Amy Winehouse, 25, or Cheryl Cole, 25. Yes, you just read that right.......Amy Winehouse is a child's hero???? The drug addicted, suicidal, rehab resisting singer is the HERO of a CHILD.........come on...............is that true? What has happened to our society?

Barbie and her brunette version Nikki are now marketed as “Totally Stylin”, and makers Mattel say the tattoos give children the chance to be creative and express themselves. There is even a "tramp stamp" included with Ken's name in a heart........am I the only one who sees a problem with that? Whatever will they bring out next? Drug Addict Barbie? Alcoholic Barbie?

Flower Girl Dress

Not sure if we are having a flower girl or not, but if we are, I want her to wear this kimono from Shabby Baby

The damask print..........ahhhhhh music to my ears........errrrr...........my eyes............errrrrr.........I LOVE IT