Friday's Fitness

After last night's miserable weigh in (I did not gain or lose)....I decided it was time to start exercising again. It had been almost 2-weeks since I had rose early and exercised...so this morning when the alarm went off at 5:00 a.m., it was kinda hard getting outta bed. It was even more difficult to motivate myself to actually put on my tennis shoes and press play on that Denise Austin DVD...BUT I DID IT. Not only did I boost my metabolism....I also boosted my self confidence. I was feeling pretty miserable after I had lost 2 pounds (flu induced) but then gained it right back. Plus, I am pretty sure that the scale is broke!!! Seriously, the number screen has flashed the same 132.8 for weeks now!!! Maybe that is just where my body is comfortable. Maybe this is my destiny. Perhaps I just need to be happy with the fact that I weigh less than I did when I got pregnant with Seth and Karah. Perhaps I need to be happy that I am back to size of clothing I was wearing when I started dating TJ. Perhaps I need to take the confidence boosting comments from Jennifer Sauder and Lacie Hamlin and play them back in my head countless times a day and realize that my peers think I look good.

Perhaps I need to pull my head outta my ass and get back on track with my Weight Watchers Points.....SERIOUSLY.....if I am being totally honest with myself....exercise comes easy to me....but eating healthy all of the time does not. It SUCKS! I would rather eat chocolate and ice cream and fried foods. I would much rather stroll down to the cafeteria and indulge in the homemade lunch made by the goddess 'Helen' and wrap my lips around a gigantic slice of cheesecake. I would much rather nibble on cheese puffs and sip Coca-Cola as I watch Oprah in the afternoons. I would much rather snack on Robins Eggs Malted Milk Eggs and Girl Scout Cookies, while I sit at my desk and grade papers. (I could go on and on and on....as I did not even mention the weekly stop by the donut case at Wal-mart as I am grocery shopping.....)

STOP THE INSANITY MRS. COOPER!!!

Today - I am giving the Robins Eggs to Brenda...as she comes by my desk daily for a handful. I am serving up the Girl Scout Cookies in Accounting Class today...hopefully the treats will soften the blow of the Pop Quiz I am giving. The other candy and hidden delights in my cubicle are going down to the Student Services Office, as those ladies need it more than I do. I am packing a healthy lunch and healthy snacks and I am sticking to it. I am also going to try something different....tracking my points starting with dinner being my first meal of the day. It may sound strange or opposite, but as long as I stay within my points range within a 24-hour period, surely that is really the only thing that matters. My downfall is supper.....as TJ and the family don't want to eat fish and chicken and steamed broccoli every night. So, I will cook a healthy, yet delicious evening meal and stop snacking after dinner! I will start my morning with my normal healthy breakfast and pack a healthy option for lunch and snacks....no more trips to the Tallgrass Grille for this lady. This is crunch time!!!! 12-weeks until Bikini Season!!!! I refuse to be that mommy at the swimming pool who is obviously wearing a swimsuit that is too small for her muffin top mommy belly that peaks over the bikini bottom and frightens the young children and teenage boys. I may not be Miss Fitness material...but I will be proud of my body and feel sexy in my own 34-year old skin!!!!

Week 8 - Body Transformation Update

Well, unlike some of my team members, I don't really have anything exciting or fabulous to share about my weight loss this week. Thanks to the Influenza A virus, I was able to drop about 2 1/2 pounds in one week....but the weight has crept back on as my appetite has slowly increased over the last few days. I have not exercised in over a week, so this weekend I need to dust off the exercise equipment and get back to business. I had successfully avoided the Girl Scout Cookie detour....that is until today. I had ordered 4 boxes and now they are just sitting there, staring at me, like one of those Salvation Army Bell Ringers outside of Wal-mart...who just stares at you as you walk by without dropping in a few quarters. I succumbed to the temptation and ate two lemon cookies. Much to my surprise (and disappointment) they were not nearly as good as the Lemon Coolers that I bought last year. These are almost too sweet for my taste! Well, when it comes to lemon....I want tart and sour, with a little sweet. Lemon and Chocolate are my two favorite dessert flavors....well, not together of course. I am sure that my children will devour the cookies like a pack of wolves...all the while the hubby is yelling at me for spending $14 on Girl Scout Cookies. Alas.....I buy them anyways. I can't say no to those little brownies, proudly wearing their sashes, filled with badges and pins. It takes me back to the good ole days when I would go door to door, selling Girl Scout Cookies and then deliver them with my wagon. Oh, the memories.......guess I need to drink some water to cute the sugar taste from my mouth and consider doing something productive today. I cannot get motivated!

Anyways, back to the weight loss thing.....I really need to start tracking my points and staying within my range if I want to drop these last 7 pounds.......'I Can Do It'. It is pure laziness on my part. It is much easier to sit and watch re-runs of Friends and snack on garbage, rather than eat an apple and work out. Oh well, if I honestly want to buy that bikini and those skinny jeans...I gotta move! Also, if I stopped nursing lil Miss Karah, I might actually drop a few pounds in the chest area. But then I cannot justify eating all of those extra calories......UGH, the dilemma.

Waterfowl Widow

Well, that time of year is upon all of those mighty hunters who want to preserve the tundra in Northern Canada and help thin out the snow goose population. With the warmer weather approaching, the geese are moving in large flocks from their warm southern homes to the Canada wilderness. They are making their way through the "Fly Way High Way" a/k/a Kansas. The hubby spends countless hours on the Internet, tracking these migrating creatures. He watches the weather and the clouds and the wind. He reads blog postings where other hunters report their sightings and keep tabs on these flying prey as if they were on house arrest and are wearing tracking devices. The husband also spent numerous hours piecing together and building an electronic goose caller that has been tested and retested. Not to mention the never-ending phone calls and text messages from the hubby's hunting buddies. For me....this means taking care of the house and the children alone for several weeks....as the hubby will come and go as frequently as the geese fly over our house. The 'hunting' alarm goes off at 4 a.m. and the hubby is able to drag his arse outta bed, load up the vehicle, and venture out into the cold February air to set up decoys and lay on a the cool ground beneath blinds...for the hopeful chance that his hard work pays off long enough for that adrenaline rush as the unsuspecting snow geese light upon a field of decoys. The family takes a back seat during these few weeks of heavenly hunting. The garage is filled with random decoys and hunting gear and the freezer fills up with wild game that will probably never be consumed by the family members eating my cooking. At any rate, the Waterfowl Widow presses on....as the winter pushes out and spring creeps in, I have the hope of sunshine filled days and long evening walks and the smell of freshly cut grass, as the yard work obsession will soon take over my husband's free time and the waterfowl decoys will be tucked away until the fall season approaches.

Sick and Tired......

.....of being Sick and Tired. This flu is about to test my patience. I have been feeling lousy for an entire week. Granted, it started out just as a scratchy throat, but still....it has been a week. To make matters worse, the baby came down with a fever on Saturday. UGH!!!!

Oh, and don't forget about the SNOW! It is the last week of February......and Spring officially begins in less than one month.....and we have more snow!!!!

I am seriously on the verge of being depressed! The hubby, who has luckily not been a victim of the flu, cannot relate. He gets to go snow goose hunting on Sunday. As much as I love my children and cherish their very being....I am ready for a day without being sick and a day without being stuck inside this house. If the baby is still running a fever on Sunday, we won't have the luxury of leaving. At this point, I would enjoy anything that would get me outta the house. Time will tell.

On a positive note, the oldest child who had the flu earlier this week is doing much better and bounced back quickly. Maybe the anti-viral medication actually worked on him!

BEWARE!!!!

The flu has invaded the Cooper house! It is super nasty! All I can say is get plenty of rest and listen to your body!!! This is not something that you want to mess around with. I have been sick for almost an entire week. It started with a scratchy throat and then a dry cough. Within about 3 days, I was presenting with all of the symptoms of Influenza A and it took me down! For me, the worst part was the sore throat and exhaustion. Today is day #6 and I am finally feeling better. I am not 100%, but I think I can make it through the day. I still need to take it easy, but hopefully I can function, as the entire family is at home, so I don't have many options. The lack of appetite has helped with the weight loss journey, but as my appetite returns, I need to be aware that I don't overeat. At this point, only one other family member has gotten sick.....so keep your fingers crossed that the rest of them have been spared.

I am looking forward to the warmer weather that is predicted for Sunday and Monday. This never ending winter, cold temperatures and cloud cover is enough to depress a person!

Road Block Ahead

Had I known last week that I would hit a ROAD BLOCK this week, I would have made a few changes to my food choices. I am at home with the flu...not the stomach flu....but the upper respritory type. I am miserable....fever, headache, body aches, dry cough, extremely sore throat, and exhaustion. I spent the majority of Wednesday in bed, sleeping. I tried to call my normal doctor, but they never returned my phone calls, so I drug my sick arse down to the open clinic at our local health department late yesterday afternoon. That was a complete waste of time, as "Dr. Mike" was an arrogant jerk and told me to eat honey and that I should be feeling better by Monday. I was annoyed. I came home and did the best I could in dealing with the family. Today, I am feeling a little better, but I am still sick. I called my normal doctor again and they have told me to come in around 11:30. I realize that this is a virus and it just needs to run it's course....but I really need some pain meds and cough medication to help me cope with the symptoms and allow me to function when my family is home tonight. I have taken some advil, so hopefully in about 30 minutes I will feel well enough to take a shower and head out in this nasty sleety weather to get some medication. I really wish my hubby would come home early from work and take care of me, but he is saving his time off for hunting. ANYWAYS, this flu is the road block in my body transformation journey...as I have no appetite and I have no energy to exercise. I forced myself to eat, but it was high carbs/high calorie comfort foods. On top of everything, my monthly female visitor arrived, so I am retaining water and craving chocolate. It just never ends.....

HOWEVER, I refuse to let these little bumps in the road ruin my progress. Hopefully by next week, I can get back on track and continue on my journey. We still have 12 weeks in our Weight Loss Challenge, so surely one-week won't set me back too far. I am anxiously awaiting the warmer weather to arrive so that I can embrace an outdoor evening walk with the children.

I am going to take a few moments and veg out and hopefully save up enough energy for a shower. Seriously......taking the shower will wipe me out. This flu is nasty!

Body Transformation Journey

I decided to establish a New Year's Resolution this year and I roped in about 7 other friends to join me. We all wanted to shed a few pounds and get healthier for 2008.

For me, I really wanted to make a promise to myself to exercise daily and start eating healthier. I did not have a significant amount of weight to lose, but I did want to lose some inches and tone up my entire body.

I have never really been overweight. I have always been able to eat whatever I wanted and did not have to worry about my weight. After turning 30 and having a baby, I realized that my metabolism had slowed way down. Over about a year's time, I gained about 10-pounds. Now, one might not see this is a huge gain, but if I continued to gain 10 pounds every year, I would easily weigh over 200 pounds by the time I turned 40. That thought scared me to death. It also scared my husband! His mother is overweight....actually she is obese. Not only has her weight contributed to high blood pressure, diabetes, bad knees and sleep apneia....she cannot really enjoy her grandchildren the way that she would like to. I know that it has been difficult on my husband to watch his mother decline over the years. When I gained the 10-pounds, my husband was vocal about his dislike for my extra padding. When I wanted to have another baby, he told me that I had to lose weight before he would consider having another child.....that was all the motivation that I needed.....I started Weight Watchers and joined the gym and I dropped 15 pounds in about 4 months.....then I got pregnant. I only gained 30 pounds with the pregnancy.

My baby is now 1-year old. My how times flies! Over this last year, I have lost all of the baby weight and now I weigh about 1-pound less than I did when I got pregnant. What is amazing is the way that my clothing fits. Since starting this Body Transformation Journey in January, I have dropped one pant/dress size already. It has only been 7 weeks and I have lost 7 pounds since I first stepped on the scales. I hope to continue to lose about a pound per week. Our official challenge ends in May - right before Memorial Day. My goal is to buy a bikini and feel confident in wearing it at the pool. My other goal is to be the same size I was when I started dating my husband...well, I have met that goal. Last weekend I wore a little black cocktail dress to my sorority formal....I wore that exact same dress back in December of 2000 to a holiday party with my then boyfriend....now my hubby.

Now, some people look at me and say that losing weight is EASY for me....that is SO NOT TRUE!!! I have to be conscience non-stop about what I put in my mouth. I also HAVE TO exercise. For my body and my metabolism, I find that I need to alternate daily between cardio and strength training. Not only does exercising help me feel better and gives me energy, it helps build muscle...which burns calories a lot faster than fat does.

EATING is my downfall. I absolutely LOVE food and soda pop. I try and always choose diet soda, but sometimes I just want a real Coca-Cola. I have done really well with taking my lunch to work each day and packing healthy food. I just feel hungry - a lot. It is always very difficult for me to pass up sweet treats. I do try and drink a lot of water and green tea, but I still splurge on soda pop daily.

If I am to meet my ultimate goal between now and Memorial Day, I am going to need to commit to following the WW points and stick to them....NO EXCUSES!!! I need to commit to keeping a daily food journal and logging my food consumption and how I was feeling that day...or why I ate what I ate. I need to commit to exercising daily....no matter what!

Life is a Marathon....not a sprint. Same goes for my Body Transformation Journey!

Ego Destroyed

So, I don't really consider myself to have a huge ego or anything like that, but I am a confident person none the less. Well yesterday my ego was crushed. I am attending the State Leadership Conference for BPA. Business Professional of America is a student organization through the Tech College and I am an advisor. Last night I was eating dinner with two of the student members. One of the students was chatting about his job at Wal-mart and how they are required to card anyone who attempts to buy cigarettes if you suspect that they are under the age of 27. The non-Walmart student asked the Wally Cashier how he determined whether or not to card. The Wally cashier said that a lot of factors were considered - how they are acting; how they dressed; and by their facial age. Then he said it ---- "Take Mrs. Cooper for example. I can tell by the wrinkles on her forehead and between her eyes that she is older than 27." I was mortified!!!! I wanted to reach across the table and punch him in the face. I refrained and just said that my wrinkles were from wisdom, 3 children, and teaching at the Tech College. Granted, neither of these two students are in my direct class, so it was not like I was insulting them directly to their face....like they just did me!!!! Now, I realize that I am no longer in my late twenties and this summer I will embark on the ripe ole age of 35....but I am not really THAT old. I could easily live to be into my 80's....which would mean I have 50 more years to rock out in this fabulous life. This cocky, yet clueless individual had better hope that he never tells his wife anything remotely similar to what he said to me. Also, this guy's nick name is 'butter', as he needs to lose a few pounds. I so wanted to get up and kick-box his arse into the next booth.

After dinner they needed to stop by Wal-mart for study supplies. I so wanted to make a walk through the beauty supply aisle for wrinkle cream! I refrained, but I can guarantee you that I am going shopping this weekend

Heart Dance Hangover

The hubby and I attended the Beta Sigm Phi Benefit Heart Dance on Saturday night. As a member of Beta Sigma Phi, supporting this charitable event is one of the annual events that we attend as a couple. My husband is not the most social individual, but he dusted off his dress shoes and made a valiant effort for his wife. It was also my Valentine Gift, so he scored bonus points. Our evening started off with dinner at Bruff's with my fellow sorority sisters. We have a fairly large group and Bruff's was busy, so we spent about 2 1/2 hours in there total. I am sure that they did not mind, as most everyone was drinking and eating steak. However, I am a bit concerned that some of the other patrons were offended by our 'naughty' gift exchange. One person received anal beads....not exactly a family friendly conversation topic. Our next trip was to the Country Club, where my hubby and I sat in the parking lot and chugged beer and listened to Vanilla Ice. It was just like high school. We ventured inside the event and found our seats and bought some "Queen Cash" for the mock Vegas Style gambling and silent auction. I had another drink and was feeling pretty chatty. The hubby gambled and doubled our money, while I walked around and harrassed people. Our family physician was there, my chiropractor was there, and even my 11-year old's 6th grade teachers were present. Gosh...a lot of important people for me to embarass myself in front of. We decided to take our wad of Queen Cash and bid on some auction items and then headed into the dance for the main event - Drunk Julie Stripper Dancing!!!! After consuming a few more adult beverages, my inhibitions were lowered and I proceeded to grind on anyone who would let me....granted, they were mostly my sorority sisters, so the damage was minimal. I did attempt to give the hubby a lap dance in the corner, but he is not really into public displays of affection, so I took my act back onto the dance floor for a little Prince and 'Pussy Control'. The dance ended much too soon for my likings, but it was time for me to take my drunk arse home. The hubby was kind enough to bring the vehicle up to the door for me. The rest is history! I did manage to win a 1-hour massage from some local salon that no one has ever heard about - so we will see how that works out.

Sunday was a different story....my internal alarm went off and I was wide awake at 5:45 a.m. I managed to stumble down the hall into the kitchen to retrieve some Excedrin, an ice pack and some water. The whole house was spinning, so I went back to bed. I never fell back to sleep, but I just laid there - horrified as I recalled the previous evening's events. After a few hours, I attempted to get back up. The house was not spinning nearly as bad, so I took a shower in an attempt to feel better. I am still amazed at the destruction we did to the house....there were clothing items and gift bags and random 'stuff' just thrown all over the kitchen from the night before. I picked up the mess and fixed the house before the hubby arose.

All in all, it was a FANTASTIC evening. Lucky for my sake, the Heart Dance only happens once a year. I could not survive an evening like this very often.

The Morning After.....

HOLY CRAP is all I can say the morning after my 1st ever spray tanning experience.

History - I am going to a semi-formal fundraising dance tonight and wanted to have a little color against my little black cocktail dress....

The Morning After Results......I am twice as dark this morning as I was last night when I went to bed. When I walked past the bathroom mirror this morning, I had to take a double take. Then I looked down at my feet and HOLY CRAP...it looks likeI dunked my feet in a pale of chocolate pudding!!! I tried to take a photo for you, but it did not do it justice! Note to self.....wipe off your feet better next time. On a happy note, my legs look fabulous!!!! I can usually tan in a regular tanning bed, but it takes numerous sessions and my legs never really 'that' tan....well, I am very happy with these results. Now, the down side....the stinch!!! I was not supposed to get my skin wet for at least 8-hours. The tanning spray has some weird chemical reaction with your skin and it has an odor. Not a bad odor...just a very distinct 'fake tanning' odor. After sleeping with this stuff on my skin, I am kinda stinky. I am headed to the shower soon to 'de-funk' myself and hopefully lighten up the my feet with some exfoiliant. Oh well, it will be dark inside the dance, so no one will really notice my pudding feet. I am also banking on everyone being drunk and not realizing that I went from a pastey honky-white girl on Thursday to a golden-bronze babe by Saturday!!!!

In the end, I would still recommend the spray tanning for a quick and safe tan. Since I was new to the spray tanning, I was able to purchase 2 sessions for $20. I am going to save the next session until right before summer and bikini season!!!

Are you laughing yet???????????????

I guess I have should purchased this product!!!!

http://www.newbeauty.com/DailyBeauty/Entry.aspx?ID=919

And the winner is.........

It is official....a one-year old can make a 4-year old boy CRY. Seth
comes tearing down the hallway, screeching at a level that only dogs could
hear. I could not really understand anything coming from his little
mouth, other than Karah did something to him. As I dashed off the couch
to investigate, I discovered that Karah had stolen his juice pouch and had
crunched it between her two tiny hands. She was toddling down the hallway
with her treasure in hand, like a trophy she had just won for a 1st place
wrestling match. Seth then attempted to grab the juice pouch from her and
we had a little 'rumble' in the hallway. I stood there and watched them
wrestle over the empty pouch and was amazed at the entertainment value I
found in the situation. Karah was the winner hands-down and Seth was
devastated. I separated the two competitors and provided Seth with a new
juice pouch and redirected Karah's attention to toys in the living room.

You Go Girl!!! Karah Rocks!!

I did feel bad for Seth! He had real crocodile tears streaming down his little face.

SNOW DAY!!!

I am not sure how much snow we received, but school has been closed! Woo Hoo! I am going to enjoy the day with my children and hopefully get a few things done around the house. My biggest goal is to get the valentine's done for the preschooler! I also hope to attempt the Yoga positions again.

It is marathon....not a sprint. I keep telling myself that.

Hump Day

After my intense post on Tuesday, I have decided to lighten things up a bit. This comes after reading another portion of the book 'The Secret'. This was a Christmas Gift that Ireceived from a cherished friend. I need to read it daily to inspire me and remind me about 'The Secret' in life and how to achieve that place. Check out the 8-FABU-LESS ladies blog (see my favorites for the link). I entered a comical post about my exercise routine today. It is worth reading!!!

We have several inches of snow on the ground this morning. It is pretty, but will be a mess to get around in. Luckily I don't have to be in my cubicle until 8:20 this morning, so I have a little time to drive slowly.

Tonight I am making dessert for a celebration at school on Thursday. I am a little nervous, as I am trying to eat healthier, yet we are having pizza and pop and brownies......then Thursday night I have a sorority dinner. Then Saturday is the Heart Dance and dinner out for steak! Maybe I can dance away all of the calories on Saturday night!!!

Pondering over Blog Topic

Ah, it is another fabulous weather day in Kansas....NOT. It is cold and wet and miserable. Yesterday was sunshine and 60 degrees....but today is the total opposite. We woke to a thunderstorm.....and it is February. Then it was raining and blowing horribly when I had to lug the kiddos from the vehicle into daycare. It stopped raining for a short time mid-morning and now it is drizzling and frigid. We have snow on the way, so better batten down the hatches and get ready for a chilly night.

The reason I am pondering over the Blog Topic is it is death. I guess I will start from the beginning. A friend of the family has been sick with cancer. He was diagnosed with pancreas and liver cancer about 2-weeks ago and given about 6-months to a year to live. This was devastating to his family. He has 3 grown children, and I have been friends with his daughter for many years. Not close friends, but have lunch occasionally and exchange e-mail photos of the children, etc. Well, when my aunt was over on Sunday, she told me that Jack was not doing well and they had readmitted him to the hospital. I guess he was just in severe pain and suffering. On Monday morning at 3:00 a.m. I awoke and had this strong feeling that Jack had passed on. I laid there for about 30-minutes thinking about his family and how they would handle the passing of their 64 year old husband, father and grandfather. I eventually went back to sleep and did not really think about it again until my aunt called mid-morning to tell me that Jack passed away at 3 a.m. Now, I am freaked out at this point. Why would I wake up around 3:00 a.m. and have a feeling about Jack???? I am not really that close to him or his family. My only explanation is that his situation was weighing heavy on my mind right before I went to sleep the night before.

The bizarre visions continue....late Monday morning I was headed to the doctor's office and I had a strong feeling that I would run into my grandparents there. Well, I pulled into the parking lot and decided that since it was sooooo full that I would just park at the empty end and walk the few extra feet, rather than try and find a closer parking spot. As with any familiar parking lot, we usually park in the same area each time we go (like Wal-mart for example), but on Monday, I went the complete opposite of where I normally go and pulled into a parking stall right next to my grandafther's truck!!! I am freaked out once again!!! I then got into the office and there they sat...waiting to see Dr. Detweiler. I rationalized this coincidence because I had talked to my grandmother on Sunday afternoon and she told me that she needed to see the doctor about her foot. She complained about the automated phone at the doctor's office, so I told her to press zero and then just ask the operator for her doctor's nurse. I knew that there would be a good chance that they would be into the doctor's office at some point on Monday....but how ironic that we both had appointments at 11:30 and that we parked right next to one another.

I guess it made me realize that there is a power greater than us guiding us through this hectic, crazy world. We have little control over anything. Jack's untimely death just made me more in tune with my emotions and realized that it could happen to anyone at anytime...including me. I worry about my grandparents and their health and their age. My grandfather will be 87 in June and he is still driving and they live on their own. I know that they cannot live forever, but the thought of them passing on is very hard for me. I am not close to my mother or my father, but my grandparents have always been there for me. Anyways, I called my grandmother today and they were both feeling better....so I felt better.

Well, I guess I should probably get some work done this afternoon, as I need to jet out right at 3:30 to pick up the kiddos.....daycare lady is going to a basketball game out of town!

Only In Kansas......

My husband is a HUGE waterfowl hunter. The spring goose season is his most active time of the year to go hunting and he plans for months in advance for this brief window during the year. Granted, he goes hunting for ducks, deer, turkey, and other things throughout the year, but geese are his favorite. His nickname is "Gooseslayer" if that tells you anything. At any rate, he has been spending every free moment over the last few weeks and days building an electronic goose caller. He has pieced together this 'thing' through the internet and Radio Shack and Wal-mart. I can hear him drilling and sawing 'things' in his hobby room and the sounds of snow geese roll outta the basement. But today he took it to an entirely new level. He took the electronic call outside to test out. Yes, he turned our backyard into a simulated wheat field with the sounds of geese. I was mortified, as I envisioned the neighbors wondering what the hell he was doing?!?!?! I do have to give him credit though.....because had he purchased a new electronic goose caller it would have cost around $700 and he was able to build one for about $150. He has also stolen my MP3 player, but has promised me an iPod for our Anniversary next month, so all is not lost. I get something new outta this entire situation. If I can figure out how to add sound to this blog post....I will grant you the gift of hearing the goose sounds....they are saved to my PC, so surely I can figure this out and share it with the world!!!

50 Things About Me

Do you like blue cheese? Not really sure....I have only tried it like twice in my life. I am a Ranch LOVER!!!

Have you ever smoked heroin? HELL NO!!! I am a control freak...drugs scare me!!!

Do you own a gun? I don't, but the hubby has several hunting guns!

What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? Lemon Coke or Cherry Limeade!!! Strawberry Dr. Pepper was my favorite when I worked at Sonic back in the day.

Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Depends on why I am going to the doctor.

What do you think of hot dogs? Love em on the Grill!!! I would choose a grilled hot dog over a steak!!!

Favorite Christmas movie? Elf

What do you prefer to drink in the morning? I start my day with brewed green tea with fresh lemon and honey. Then I follow up with a bottle of water. As I am walking out the door, I grab a diet soda!

Can you do push ups? Not very well. I always end up with my butt up in the air.

Why is there a missing questions here?? That was my question.

What's your favorite piece of jewelry? Diamond Earrings that the hubby gave me on the first Christmas that we were dating.

Favorite hobby? Scrapbooking, Shopping and now BLOGGING.

Another missing question, whoever came up with this one can't count!

Do you have A.D.D.? That is debateable. My mind goes quickly and I often have multiple things going on at once. I am a multi-tasker by nature...but never diagnosed with A.D.D.

Middle name? Jo

Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment... I am thirsty. I am hungry. The weather sucks today.

Name 3 things you bought today... Nothing yet, but I am headed to the grocery store soon for beef stock and steel cut oats and pumpkin. (recipe testing today)

Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water, green tea, and diet soda. (regular if I am treating myself)

Current worry? I am still nursing and have a weird breast infection....sorry to be so graphic.

Current hate right now? Layoffs - our town's largest employer recently announced that they are going to permanently layoff 1500 of the 2400 employees. It does not affect my family directly, but it is a blow for our community. On a positive note, it will increase the enrollment at the Tech College and possibly allow me some opportunities to grow in my job.

Favorite place to be? At home with my family or anywhere with my Gal Pals.

How did you bring in the New Year? At home with the hubby and another couple. We toasted the New Year at 10:00 p.m. and then called it a night.

Where would you like to go? New York City or L.A. - this small town mid-western lady would love to see both coasts at some point in her life.

Name three people who will complete this? Not really sure if anyone reads my blog!!!

Do you own slippers? YES, several pairs. They are the first thing I put on when I get home after a long day of standing on my feet in 3" heels. They are super comfy, but nasty to look at. The hubby hates them.

What shirt are you wearing? Big, oversized sweatshirt.

Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? No, they are too slippery.

Can you whistle? Yes

Favorite color? PINK

Would you be a pirate? No, I tend to get sea sick!

What songs do you sing in the shower? I don't sing in the shower, but I do talk to myself and hash out my day. I always worry that the hubby is listening to me, as I sometimes have arugments with his mother in the shower. (no, she is not with me) Except that one time that she was staying with us and we only had one bathroom and I was in the shower and she needed to pee....the rest is history! Hence - we now have 2 bathrooms!!!

Favorite girl's name? Karah Jo or Madelynn Josephine

Favorite boy's name? Cass Paul or Seth Ryan or Steven James

What's in your pocket right now? No pockets - just sweat pants

Last person that made you laugh? The 4-year old - he was sitting alone in the living room in the dark. He told me he was hiding from the sun.

Best bed sheets as a child? Don't remember having a favorite.

Worst injury you've ever had? Cut my leg the summer before the 6th grade. Had to spend the summer on crutches and could not go swimming.

Do you love where you live? I love my house, but we live on a busy street. I do enjoy the town we live in, but we are hoping to move to an even smaller town. However, with the layoffs (see above), not sure our house will sell.

How many TVs do you have in your house? Don't judge me, but we have 5, living room, family room, master bedroom, 11-year old's room and 4-year old's room. The hubby is a TV junkie.

Who is your loudest friend? Susan Maycock!!!

How many dogs do you have? Cats? One Wacky Cat

Does someone have a crush on you? I have NO idea, but there are some hormone enraged students at the Tech College who like to flirt with me. It grosses me out!!! Now, if the cute guy at GNC has a crush on me, now that would be okay.

OK, ANOTHER one mising - someone messed this up.

What is your favorite book(s)? Anything by James Frey.

What is your favorite candy? I love chocolate covered coconut!

Favorite Sports Team? I could care less!

What song do you want played at your funeral? 'I Hope You Dance' and 'Amazing Grace'

What were you doing 12 AM last night? SLEEPING!!!

What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? I need to workout...but the 11-year old is having a sleepover in the family room....should I wake them up?

ENJOY!