It's a Pinterest kind of Wednesday

Pugs and cupcakes? What's not to love?

Wish I looked that cute walking the dogs.

It's so true.

OMG! I love everything about this outfit..including the bangs. I need it all.

Mystery Solved

There has been some disagreement about how tall I am. I've been groovin' on through life thinking I was 5'2". But one day, while visiting with my Grandma, somehow height came up and she insisted that I could NOT be 5'2". Maybe more like 5'4".

5'2"?
5'4"?

I didn't know anymore! And two inches wouldn't be a big deal..I mean, who CARES, right? But when you are trying to lose weight...height is an important factor in where your healthy weight range is set. So today while I was at the doctor, she measured me. I stood up against the wall and she used their handy-dandy measuring tool to solve the mystery.

I am officially, per the doctor, 5'2".

Do y'all know what that means? It means I have another 17 lbs to lose before I reach even the HIGHEST weight of my healthy weight range.

Great.

Monday Musings

1. I have decided that I need a pair of nude heels. Actually, as much as I love shoes I don't have many high heel pumps. I'm more of a wedge sandal girl. But, when the weather gets cold {cold weather? What is that?} I have a hard time dressing my feet because the wedge sandals and cute flats are put away.  So, I need to branch out and find some super cute, (relatively) comfortable pumps to get me through the winter.

2. I'm going to Austin this weekend! Can't wait. I'll get to see my SWB BFF and her lovely family. I'm going to get to see my seester. And I'm going to get to see my aunt and my cousin and the two most adorable boys around. How many more days until this week is over?!

3. I am anticipating overtime at work. They are trying to merge two of the systems we use into just one..and well..let's just say that nothing ever goes smoothly. We are working with one foot in and one foot out the door, so to speak. And I just sit back and watch the work pile up and pile up and pile up. So..I am preparing myself {OT paychecks never hurt}.

4. Have y'all ever put macadamia nuts on top of vanilla frozen yogurt? No?! You should totally try it...it's delish!

5. We are on week three of our gym membership and so far, so good. All we HAVE to do is go at least three times a week for at least an hour. That damn elliptical machine totally kicks my ass. I am a red-faced, out of breath, crazy haired, sweat drenched, wobbly legged person after 30 minutes on one of those torture devices. But, it burns a lot of calories.

6. I love that I "catch" my husband checking my blog. {Hi, babe!}

Otto says..

he hopes you have a puurrrfectly delightful Sunday.

Another 'What I Wore' Post..

Sorry, y'all! I've been meaning to carve out sometime to really sit and blog but I have found myself pressed for time the last few days. It's a good thing, really. Anyway, the gym is calling my name (along with a bowl of strawberry frosted wheat) and I have family in town that I MUST go see (it's been a while). So that means quickie post, once again.

 Dress: Maurice's {the dress I wore in Hawaii for our fancy anniversary dinner}

Boots: Christmas gift from my Mom (Payless Shoes)



Peacock bracelet: Icing

(not pictures, matching peacock ring from the same store)



What I Wore Yesterday..

 Because I know y'all are curious..

Stepford Speciman #105

Y'all something strange is happening. A disturbance in the force. An odd occurrence. It's making me wonder if I haven't been abducted by aliens and lobotomized.

For years and years of this marriage, I didn't do any of the cleaning. Or cooking. All I did was bring home the bacon and then sit on my big butt. I didn't do the dishes. I didn't do the laundry. I didn't scrub the tub or sweep the floors. Jeremy took care of everything while I was just lazy. There were a few occasions when I would get the notion to try and 'help'. But the minute I would pick up a laundry basket or start to unwrap the vacuum cord Jeremy would be right there to tell me not to worry about it..he had it all under control..to go sit back down. So, eventually it just became habit..it became normal for Jeremy to do everything and for me to do nothing.

Lately, things have started to change. I'm not sure exactly when it started to happen or why. But I can no longer come home after work and relax until I have done something..anything..to tidy the house. I feel guilty if I don't. So, I come home from work and I unload the dishwasher and then re-load if there happen to be dishes in the sink. I rinse out the coffee pot. I wipe down the stove-top and counters. I clean the litter box. If I know there are clothes in the dryer from the night before, I'll get them and put them away. If I need to take something out for dinner, I'll do that too. And I do all of this as soon as I get home from work, before I can sit down to do anything else.

To a lot of you out there, all of that might sound like your normal every day life. But, for us, it is completely abnormal. For ME, it is totally out of character. I'm surprised my husband hasn't said something..like 'What's wrong with you?' or 'Who are you?' I don't know what changed. All I can say is that it makes me happy to have a clean sink. For the rest of the evening, I can relax..knowing that I did a chore or two. Or maybe its all some sort of alien experiment. Excuse me, the mother ship is calling.

You Are My Sunshine

Thanks to Tangled In Texas for awarding me this cute bloggy award!

The rules for the Sunshine Award are:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them.

2. Tell us something about yourself.

3. Nominate 10 other bloggers.

4. And let them know you awarded them!

Ok. I'm going to tell y'all about one of my quirks. This is something I have never mentioned on this blog before {I don't think}. I've never really mentioned it period. Actually, I wonder if Jeremy has ever even noticed that I do this. Whenever we are eating anything that requires pickles, like sliced dill pickles, I always put four on my food {hamburger, sandwich, whatev} and then I have to eat another one right out of the jar. It just feels wrong if I don't. I love pickles!

So, there you go. A crazy quirk that I've never told anyone about before.

Considering that I never got around to nominating any blogs for the last award that was gifted me, I'm going to do that now. Sort of mix it up a bit. However, I won't push any rules. You can mention it or not, I'm TOTALLY ok with that. But I want to give this award, the "Adorable Blog" award to some blogs that I do really and truly think are adorable.

Mrs. Biscuit ~ Muffin Loves Biscuit

Jessica ~ You Are My Color

KSK ~ The Real Housewife of H20Ville
Johi ~ Confessions of a Corn Fed Girl
Jenn ~ First Comes Love

Sarah ~ Scissors and a Whisk

A few years (and a lot of effort) can make all the difference..

Christmas 2008

September 2010

Hi! Hi! Hi!

Parade-o-Outfits

 Top: Ruffle Edged Tank Top

Levi's short sleeve cardigan

Bottom: Bootcut Levi's

Accessories: Charm Necklace (Forever 21..maybe?)

Two-toned braided belt (Target)

Mustard cross-body bag (Target)

Shoes: Gladiator wedge (uh..Target)

Top:  Purple sleeveless tank (JC Penney)

Bottom: Cargo pants (Dots)

Shoes: Black thong sandals (Target)

Top: Victoria's Secret Polo

Bottom: Merano trouser pant (Target)

Accessories: Black belt (thrifted from my best friends closet)

Shoes: Montego Bay Club jeweled sandal (Payless Shoes)

I got that hand on the hip pose down, huh? LOL.

Friday Sing-A-Long

Thanks to Ashley for this rockin' earworm. Now, do your best Bill and Ted impression and pull out your air guitar and sing a long...

Wee Bit Wednesday

{one} what color best describes you + why?
Green and Red. Can I pick two? I'm gonna. Green because I'm pretty down to earth, in-tune, simple. And Red because I can be a little fiesty, opinionated, and moody.

{two} how have you changed in the past year?
My hair is longer? Ok, ok..um..I guess I would say that I have learned to be a little more patient. When I make up my mind to do something, I'm usally ALL IN..RIGHT THAT SECOND! When I decide I want something, I am instantly plotting out the way for me to get it. Jeremy knows that when I say 'I've been thinking..' that he might want to start worrying. The impulses are still there, but I can see the advantage..or need to wait for things.

I think I have also learned to be a better listener and to keep my opinions to myself. This is very hard for me, as anyone who knows me personally will tell you. I don't usually sugar coat things and I speak my mind. I'm still pretty liberal with my thoughts and opinions when speaking to Jeremy. I know that he will always listen to what I have to say, and want to hear it. But for others, I have tried to take the route of 'just listen and don't offer an opinion unless you are specifically asked for one'.

{three} have you ever had any surgeries?
Yes, two. They were the same type of surgeries, just for two different things.

{four} why did you start your blog?
To be creative, to dump my thoughts, to be silly, to feel connected, to reach out, to vent, to laugh.

{five} what are you looking forward to this summer?
My birthday week. I have the whole week off work and we are going to Dallas for a few days of that week.

{six} do you have any family traditions for the 4th of July?
Not really. For the last several years we have gone to my in-laws house to shoot off fireworks. Here, you have to be outside of city limits to pop fireworks, and they live in the country. Everyone on their street goes out and sits in their driveways to watch. I love it..my in-laws, not so much..because for days before and after the holiday itself people out there are shooting off fireworks. Its fun for one night, but would be VERY annoying for several nights in a row.

{seven} what’s something new that you’ve tried in the past few months?
I am SO boring!! I can't think of one new thing I have tried. Do recipes count? I have tried a few new recipes. That will have do...love, Boring McLame

{eight} what is the perfect a/c temperature?
Jeremy would say 75, all the time. I like it at 77 during the day and then bumped down to 75 at night.

{nine} what was the last movie you saw in the theater?
Pirates of the Carribean. It was ok. Nothing will beat the first one...as it usually goes. I think we are about due to go to another movie.

{ten} what song do you think everyone should hear at least once?
"You Got the Love" by Florence and the Machine. It never fails to bring me out of slump. It's a good song.

Wait..what day is it?

I was so very tired yesterday after the gym. I had every intention of being in bed by 9:00. But then my sister called and we had a nice little chat for a good 45 minutes. And then I had to finish my blog post. I was so brain dead that it took me FOREVER to think of 10 things to share about myself. So I didn't get into bed until 10:00 and the TV wasn't turned off until 11:00. Oy vey!

I sort of went through my day in a bit of a daze. I sent a request for today's due date, because I thought today was tomorrow. And at the post office after work I dated something 06/14/2010...twice!
I'm surprised I can still remember my name at this point.

But, I'm home now..where it doesn't matter what date it is..or what my name is. I've done my chores, made and cleaned up dinner, even bathed the dogs.  I've had A margarita and now I'm snuggled up with Otto. Oh yeah, and...

Monday Musings

1. We joined the gym on Friday. I went for my first visit on Saturday morning to a Zumba class. I've done Zumba before..which is the only reason I dragged myself out of bed on Saturday morning..I knew I would enjoy it. The last five minutes before cool down we did squats. We would do regular squats, and then pulse them, and then hold the squat...over and over again. The hold was the worst part...feel the burn! The instructor made the motion of playing a violin, to say that we were all a bunch of whiners..lol. And I WAS whining. But at the same time, I kept looking at that instructor, who was very toned, and telling myself 'To look like that I will hold this squat!'

2.

This baby may be mine by the end of August (my birthday is in August and someone {i.e. the best husband ever} says I deserve it.

3.

I was awarded!! Holla! Thanks Jobee for the shout out. Here are the rules {why do Awards have rules?!}

*Thank the person who gave you this award, and link back to them in your post - CHECK!
*Tell us 10 things about yourself  - CHECK!
*Nominate your bloggers - FAIL!
*Contact these bloggers, and let them know they received this award - FAIL!

Ten things. Ten things. Are there even ten things that I haven't told y'all yet? I think you know just about everything there is to know about me.

Um..

1. I have green eyes
2. I ran over our cat, Katie-kitty, when I was a junior in high school. It made my sister very, very unhappy.
3. I did ballet for a hot second when I was very young. I still have my cute pink ballet slippers.
4. I've only owned three cars (including the Explorer) in my adult life.
5. Although I've never lived in any other city, I have moved nine times between the time I was born to now.
6. My husband and I met at a football game.
7. My husband does not think I'm dingy..he even said so just tonight.
8. I was never a "popular" girl...you know the ones I'm talking about.
9. I have never had a broken bone.
10. It took me a long time to feel comfortable enough to call my Father-in-law "Dad" and hug him good-bye. I guess I had(have) Daddy issues.

Nominations will have to come another day. I have a few blogs in mind to pass the aware on it. But I iz tired after working out today (the elliptical machine kicked my butt!) and Lola and I need our beauty sleep.

Life is Good

As I was trolling the Internet this evening, looking for new blogs and fun things to read, I popped onto Shasta Anne's blog (I've been to her site before from Tangled in Texas and found myself there again today via Suze Blog). A few posts down she referenced this piece:

"As I contemplated the perfection that surrounded me, I realized that it had little to do with the world's definition of perfection. So many times, we are tricked into thinking that perfection comes with that new patio furniture or just the right water feature. If only we had a new car with all-leather interior, life would be perfect. If we could get that raise, land that job or buy that house, we would be content and life would be perfect. But perfection is not a tangible, physical achievement. It is a state of mind. Perfection is realizing that you have this moment only and that you are thankful for every good thing. Perfection comes not from acquiring some new thing or moving up to the next rung of the corporate ladder. Perfection comes from being present where you are in this moment of time."

It touched her. And it touched me too. I found it fitting that I came across it today because I happened to be thinking about Heaven and Hell (don't ask why! I have ADD, people, its a long and twisty road). I was wondering about what Hell really looks like (ok fine, it was because of a movie we had watched this weekend). Which, of course, lead me to think about Heaven and what IT really looked like. Personally, the idea of Heaven being all puffy clouds and people walking around in white robes and living in mansions sort of oogs me out. So, I thought about what Heaven would be like for me..if I had any say. And it wouldn't be a life of excess. It would be a life of moderate comfort..but with no worry, no pain, no death. SSSooo..technically, it would be life as I know it right now..except with no bills and a self-cleaning litter box. (alright, it would be a little more than that..but basically..)

It helped slide things into perspective for me. Because, despite a few pesky bills..a few frustrating moments at work..a few medical issues that pop up on occasion (us and the pets)...life is good and it's my slice of Heaven on earth.

Stupid Blogger

Y'all, I've been trying so hard to be better about leaving comments on your blogs and stupid blogger has been acting up! I type out the comment and hit submit and it makes me sign into blogger over and over and over again...but never actually leaves the comment on your blog.

Boo.

Tangled Up in You

If we do really ever decided to have a vow renewal/anniversary party...I think this would really, really have to be the song we dance to.



You're my world
The shelter from the rain
You're the pills
That take away my pain
You're the light
That helps me find my way
You're the words
When I have nothing to say

And in this world
Where nothing else is true
Here I am
Still tangled up in you
I'm still tangled up in you
Still tangled up in you

You're the fire
That warms me when i'm cold
You're the hand
I have to hold as I grow old
You're the shore
When I am lost at sea
You're the only thing
That I like about me

And in this world
Where nothing else is true
Here I am
Still tangled up in you
I'm still tangled up in you

How long has it been
Since this storyline began
And I hope it never ends
And goes like this forever

In this world
Where nothing else is true
Here I am
Still tangled up in you
Tangled up in you
I'm still tangled up in you
Still tangled up in you

Giveaway Time! Woot!

I know I'm a little late..sorry about that. I'm sure y'all have been waiting, with breath held, for me to finally announce the winner of my Colgate Wisp giveaway!

So, I actually picked up two packages...guess what that means? TWO WINNERS! Yay! I'm just full of surprises!!!

And the winners are...

JOBEE and TANGLES!

Oh yeah! Woot! Just email me your address at justjinny@hotmail.com and I'll get those in the mail pronto.

2011 E-Book Reading Challenge, Update 1

The list keeps growing:

Lori Foster - When You Dare
Roxanne St.Claire - Edge of Sight
Shiloh Walker - Hunter's Choice

That brings my total up to 20. See the rest of the list here. And I have many more on my Amazon wish list.

*edit - I have to retract Shiloh Walker - Hunter's Choice..it was more like a short story*

Wee Bit Wednesday

{one} how many times have you been a bridesmaid/maid of honor?

Twice. I was a bridesmaid at the wedding of the couple that was part of our wedding party. They were married just a little over a year after us. And just last September I was the matron of honor at my best friends wedding.

{two} what’s the last thing you do before you fall asleep at night?

Pray. And guess what, He's listening.

{three} you just won your dream vacation, all expenses paid. where are you going?

Scotland and Ireland. For sure.

{four} what is your favorite outdoor activity?

Lolling. It is SO an outdoor activity..can't convince me otherwise.

{five} as a child, what did you want to “be when you grew up”? did you end up there?

I have no idea. I can't remember ever wanting to be anything specific. Maybe my Mom can help me out here.

{six} what are 3 things your dream home would have that you don’t currently have?

Only three things?! Dang, that's hard. An open floor plan. A second bathroom. A walk-in closet.

{seven} what’s for dinner tonight?

Good question. Jeremy sent a text message earlier that he really didn't feel like cooking..so we might be running out for dinner tonight.

{eight} if someone stopped by your house unannounced on a typical Saturday night, what would they find you doing?

We'd be hanging in the back room. Jeremy would probably be playing a video game and I would be surfing the 'net or reading a book.

{nine} what’s your average monthly water bill?

I don't know. Jeremy takes care of the bills so I don't even open them usually. Probably too much...like every other bill.

{ten} what do you do to relax?

Read a book. If I really want to let go, get out of my head, take a deep breath, take a mental vacation..I lose myself in a book.

Just a few more days to enter my Colgate Wisps giveaway..go enter right now!!

I am not made of glass..

I found out some great news this weekend. One of my very good friends is finally pregnant. She and her husband have been trying and trying. So I was thrilled and over the moon to find out that it has finally happened for them. The news also brought to light another issue. Me. And how others expect me to handle the news of another pregnancy. Dealing with infertility sort of puts you in a position of always "handling" the fact that someone else is pregnant and you are not.

My friend, bless her heart..I LOVE her to pieces, was nearly in tears sharing her happy news with me. It's a bittersweet thing. She didn't want to hurt me. I get that. And when I shared the news with my mom I could see the concern in her eyes as well. It got me thinking about how others might expect me to react to the news that someone is pregnant. I wanted to help other people understand what it feels like for me to deal with these emotions.

I am not the type of person to cause a scene. I'm not going to fly off the handle in anger, or in a rage, or in a sobbing heap. It's not to say that I don't get angry, or cry like a baby..I just usually do it in the privacy of my own home. I don't consider being depressed about my "condition" as an option for my state of mind. For me, the only option I have is to be OKAY and to keep going. Some people might think that makes me strong. For me, its just my reality. I don't break down. I don't give up.

But, I've been trying to think of a proper analogy to how I do feel when finding out about someone being pregnant. I want other people to be able to sort of understand. And I found the perfect example! Finding out that someone else is pregnant, for me, is like having a charlie horse. It sort of creeps up on you, and then for just a few moments the pain gets so intense that you can't move..that you think it will never go away or get better..that your world will never again be anything but you curled up in bed with that pain. But then the pain does start to lessen, and gradually it fades away until finally you feel normal again.

That is exactly what it feels like for me. Of course, I feel a little pinch. Of course, it might lay me low for a little bit..making me draw into myself and be quieter than usual. It'd be weird if it didn't affect me somehow. But, this thing..this infertility will never bring me down for good. Childless or not, I am blessed and highly favored. I have a wonderful life, with a wonderful husband, pets, family, and friends. Infertility will never, ever beat me. And any pregnancy will be celebrated as it deserves to be. Every child is a blessing, even if its not mine.

Just Believe In Yourself

Don't forget to go and enter my Colgate Wisp giveaway!

*Edit: Um, I think I fixed the link. Stupid blogger!*

How to Charm Me

So, there I was...having spent the entire day lounging in bed because I didn't feel good. I was wearing my Victoria Secrets red and white stripped long jane bottoms and a black cami, my hair up in a messy bun on the very top of my head (which is how I have taken to wearing my hair in bed because its getting so long).

I was in the kitchen to grab a drink and Jeremy tells me that he thinks I'm so cute.

That's love, right there. True love.