It's Friday, People! Get Happy!

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1. I am looking forward to Memorial Day weekend! Keith and I planning a little getaway from Charleston and I can't wait!!! The semester ends on Sunday (or as soon as we submit our final assignments) and this will be a much needed break. Right now we are planning on a trip to Atlanta, but we shall see. :)

2. Something kind of embarrassing that I still love anyway is still having my my Derek Jeter "The Life You Imagine" book and my Nsync - In the Mix VHS tape. These two items are located on a bookshelf in our Study and there have been frequent comments about how nerdy I am. Whatever, I do not care. I love these two items. :)

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3. My favorite car is any type of convertible. I used to have a Honda Del Sol and I loved taking the top off (literally, you had to take the top off and put it into the trunk) and sing at the top of my lungs. It was fabulous. :)

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Mine looked something like this, but it was silver. *sigh* I miss this car.

4. If I could pick one type of weather to live with for the rest of my life it would be October weather. This would be a sunny day that ranges from 65-75. That was be fabulous. Then again I also love when it rains, but that could get depressing if it rained everyday! 

5. My favorite thing to do after a bad/stressful day is to plop myself on the couch with a blanket and book and read my worries away. I also love getting home and going straight to my husband for one of his amazing hugs. That man hugs like no other. :)

6. This weekend will be filled with homework, homework, and more homework. I plan on spending mucho time with my hubs, and then we are taking my little sis to the beach on Sunday.

7. If I were a color, I'd be pink because I think of pink as a nice, happy color...and I like to think that for the most part, I am a nice, happy person.

Have a great weekend lovelies!!! 

A Semi-Wordless Easter Wednesday

My Nephew, Baby Joe and the hubs!

Again. :)

Group shot: Sister Lauren, her son Joe, Baby Sis Lacey, Me, and Keith

Dying eggs.

Our lovely eggs.

Easter morning.

 Lacey and Joe

Joe and the Bunny

Keith and I <3

Again. :)

Keith and little bunny frou frou. 

Lacey and me.

Our niece Sydney

Family. :)

All of the kiddies before the egg hunt.

Ivey (Sis in law) and the hubs

Sis/Bro in law. :)

Baby Joe found one! 

Our other niece, Kelsey.

Easter weekend was absolutely great. I spent Saturday with my sisters and husband dying eggs and just having fun outside. Sunday we went to an amazing church service and then to Keith's Dad's house. This Easter, I was completely consumed by the love of Jesus. I think that I am finally realizing how much He loves me, and even though I am undeserving I feel as though I am growing in Him because of this understanding. A few years ago one of my friends told me that even if it was only me and no one else in this world, Jesus still would have died...for my sins. For me. He loves me that much. He loves you that much, too. He is amazing, and I owe my life to Him, and this Easter I thanked him with all of my heart.

I Did It!

Last week, I wrote about chopping off all of my hair...and on Friday I did it! :)

 

My hair has been long for the past 3 years and this was such a big decision for me. It's almost been my security blanket of sorts. Well, guess what? It's just hair! :) I was tired of it looking the same day in and day out, so last Tuesday I made the appointment and on Friday my hair was gone!

I had soo much foil in my hair!

The end result! 

 At the mall -- SOBO comes out May 6th and I can't waiiiiiiit!

The next day!

Easter Sunday. <3

It's definitely a different style, but I absolutely love it! It takes half the time to bathe, my husband no longer accidentally snags my hair, and I don't have to spend endless amounts of time cleaning out my hairbrush! Not only this, but I am sending the 10+ inches to Locks of Love. YAY for short hair! :)

Weekly Health Update no. 4

Fitness

For what it was, last week was fine. I only worked out on Thursday; my sister and I did pilates. I had good intentions, but it just didn't happen -- and that's okay. I didn't beat myself up over it. And even though I didn't work out too much, my body is feeling great. My legs feel strong and my muscles are becoming more defined. :) 

Nutrition

I did a little better than last week, but still not where I need to be. This Sunday was Easter, and while I didn't eat tons of candy, I did eat some wonderful home cooking at my mother-in-laws. Yum, yum. Last week I confessed that this is the toughest part for me, and nothing has changed. 

Next Week's Motivating Picture

Audrina Patridge - Her tummy (and body) is fantastically sculpted. 

Weight/Measurements

I have yet to weigh myself since the last scale fiasco, but I am feeling great. I am still somewhat fighting off a sinus infection, but I feel like my energy level is way up. The part of my body that I am loving is my legs and how firm they have gotten. I still have so much work left to do to better my health, but I am finally on the right road, going the right way.

Wrap-Up

While I wish that would have really grasped this journey with a tight grip and would be reporting a loss of pounds, I really am satisfied with the baby steps I've taken. This weekly update has worked wonders, and has helped me to make right choices, even if they aren't the "perfect" choices. 

Time, Where Do You Go?

Is it just me, or does this year seem like it is flying by? I can't get over that we are almost into the month of May in 2011. Just craziness! I have not been the best blogger, but my life has picked up and been pretty busy lately. I feel like all I do is surveys and updates, but I'm hoping that once school ends I will be back in a bloggy routine. :)

* For starters, my baby sister Lacey has moved to Charleston!

Well, I wouldn't really call her a baby. She's 18 years old and about 2" taller than me. She is such a great girl and I'm loving her living at my house. :) She plans on staying through October, but hopefully it'll be longer than that. 

* My hubs is now a month into his new job and he is doing a fantastic job! Last week he not only met his sales goal, but exceeded it by 5K! The only objection I have is that he is required to travel every week, Monday until Friday. I get to see him on the weekends, and while his traveling is making our relationship stronger, I do not like it. At all. Keith and I are trusting God completely with this and just have to remember that this is only a season in our lives and things will not be like this forever.

* The Spring semester comes to an end next week and I couldn't be happier. It feels like these classes are dragging by soooo sloooowlllyyyy. I am taking Criminal Law and Ethics in Criminal Justice and I really am loving the material. It's just with everything else going on in my life I really need a break. The good news is that after this semester I only have two left, and I will be graduating in next May! Praise God!

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* I have had my two kittens for almost a month now and I have to confess: I adore this little animals. They are so very sweet and loving and I am so happy that they are a part of my family. :)

Torre

Abigail

*This Friday, Lacey and I have hair appointments. She's going for a touch up on her hair color, and I...well I am thinking about doing something drastic. I have had long hair for almost 3 years now and I am so bored with it. It is constantly in a ponytail and always looks so limp

This picture was taken last weekend...my hair looking as limp as ever. I did try a side braid...not sure if I pulled that off.

My idea of drastic?

I want the cut and color. 

What do y'all think?

Weekly Health Update no. 3

Fitness

Last week I lowered my expectations after a few of you lovely bloggers suggested that I stop aiming so high. It was almost like I was setting myself up for failure, so this past week I aimed to workout 3 nights a week. How'd I do? Well, I ended up working out twice. Last week I was not feeling like myself...very fatigued and unmotivated. (Which is why this post is late) I actually ended up going to the Doctor yesterday because I couldn't take it anymore. Come to find out I have an upper respiratory infection. Blah. I am currently on a Z Pack and am starting to feel a bit better. Here's how my week went:

Monday - Nada. I picked up my little sister, Lacey from the airport this night!

Tuesday - Yoga (30 minutes)

Wednesday -Rest

Thursday - Pilates (25 minutes)

Friday -Nada. Movie night with my sis. (We watched Tangled, again!)

Saturday - Nada. My husband got back from being gone a week!

Sunday - Rest

This week was the first time I had tried Jillian Michael's Yoga, and oh my word was it nuts. I really didn't like much. I found that it hurt my joints, especially my knees and wrists, and was just praying for the 30 minutes to end quick! However, the next day I was so sore, so I may end up trying it again this week.

Nutrition 

This is the hardest part for me. Last week I wanted to begin the SparkPeople regimen, but I failed. There's just something that I hate about counting calories and monitoring every single thing that I put into my mouth. I tried to just judge the food that I was eating, but I tend to overdue my portions. (Thank you, American society) For this current week my plan is to not beat myself up over the nutritional part of my journey. I'll take it one day at a time.

Next Week's Motivating Picture 

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Carrie Underwood - Her legs are amazing. 

Weight/Measurements 

Well, I did it. I finally weighed myself and I am hating the results. I gained 1.5 lbs. Realistically I know that this is probably weight from the muscles that I am gaining, but I still hate it. I hate that this stupid number holds so much of my self-worth. On a brighter note, while my legs are nowhere near Mrs. Underwood's, they are starting to firm up. Also, my arms are starting to slim down and become defined. The one problem that I am having is that my tummy is gaining muscle (I can see the beginning of ABS!) but since I am not losing much fat, my tummy is starting to look bigger. Not. cool. If this doesn't motivate me to eat better then I don't know what will! 

Wrap-Up 

This week was nothing special. Not my best, but I'm coming to realize that it's going to take many baby steps to get to where I want to be. And I am finally okay with that.

Wee Bit on a Wednesday

{one} have you ever fainted?Sort of. When I was around 18 I was struggling with Endometriosis and would sometimes pass out from the pain. SO happy that I no longer have that type of pain!

{two} what is your favorite casino game?I've only been to a casino one time and I played the slots. Booooring. 

{three} do you have a good sense of direction?Not so much. In Louisiana everything was either West towards Lake Charles or East towards New Orleans. Now, everything is everywhere here in Charleston and I never know which way I'm going! :)

{four} laptop or desktop?Laptop all the way. I am way too mobile to have a computer in one location.

{five} what is your go-to hair style when having a bad hair day?Ponytails are my thing. Lately it's all I do, but I am working up the courage to get a nice chop (I'm thinking 5"-10" off!)

{six} do you read the newspaper on a daily basis?Not the newspaper, but I do read the news online each day.

{seven} do you have a favorite celebrity chef?Does Buddy Valastro count? I absolutely love the Mr. Cake Boss and watching his new cooking show! :) Buddy rocks. {eight} what tv show would you like to make a guest appearance on?Chuck! Hands down. I would love to go on a mission with Chuck and Sarah, or maybe be John Casey's partner. Hahaha

{nine} do you have satellite radio in your car?I don't. Right now I'm listening to my Rosetta Stone CD and T-Swift's Speak Now.

{ten} what was the last movie that made you cry?Okay, don't laugh, but I cried at the end of Tangled. If you've seen the movie, I think you know what I'm talking about at the end. Ohhh it made my heart so sad, and then so happy! I absolutely love this movie!

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 I would like to wish a very big Happy Birthday to my Mom!  

  Happy Birthday Sandra Dee, I love you!
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**Things have been so crazy busy for me this week! I have tried to write a few posts, but they all end of being saved as drafts! I'm hoping to post tomorrow. Happy Wednesday girls! :)

 

Weekly Health Update no. 2

 

Fitness

This week I unfortunately did not do as well as I'd hoped. Instead of working out 6 days a week I bumped it down to 5, but only worked out 3. 

Monday - NYC Ballet (55 min.) 

Tuesday - 30 Day Shred (23 min.)

Wednesday - Tae Bo (35 min.)

Thursday - Pilates (20 min.)

Friday - Rest

Saturday - Rest

Sunday - Tae Bo (55 min.)

   

My best workout was on Monday with the NYC Ballet. I really felt great after this workout, but my week seemed to go downhill from there. Working out 6 days a week just wasn't realistic with my schedule, but I am very disappointed that I only completed 3. I'm not going to beat myself up about it...just going to do better next week! 

Nutrition 

This week I tried to keep a food diary, but that didn't really work too great. I did log the foods that I ate during the day at work, but in the evenings I would forget. I ate fairly well, but I have a confession -- I have zero control when it comes to Easter candy. Zip. Zilch. Nada! Tomorrow I will begin logging my food on SparkPeople.com and will hopefully be able to stick to a solid plan.

Next Week's Motivating Picture 

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 Blake Lively - Svelte muscles, beautiful femininity.

  

Weight/Measurements

I have not weighed myself since I first started my fitness regimen, so I have no idea how I am doing. I have been told by several people that I look "skinnier", but quite frankly that could just be from figure flattering clothes. However, I am happy to report that my shirts are feeling a bit looser in the arm area, and my pants are fitting a bit better. I plan on doing my first weigh-in next for Sunday's report. Wish me luck! :) 

Wrap-Up  

This weekend I saw my friend Anna at church, and she asked me how things were going. I reeeeally wish I could have told her that they were going fantastic, but instead I confessed to her about the Easter candy that is lurking in my house. While I was a bit bummed about my report, this is exactly why I am posting about my progress! I need this accountability! So Anna, thank you for checking in on me! This week wasn't by best, but I am looking forward to the upcoming week's plan! :)

It's Friiiiiiiday!

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1.   Something that makes me a great friend is... if I'm being honest here, then I have to admit that I don't feel like I am that great of a friend. I tend to be super busy and don't really have time to do much or talk much. :( To all of my friends, I am sorry.

2.  I am always, always planning something. There's a song by The Academy is... and the lyrics go "I make plans to break plans and I'm planning something big." Well, that was me in high school. I was literally always planning something that would most likely never happen. I am happy to report that I'm still planning things, but they are actually happening. :)

3.  I am not good at being patient. When I want something, I tend to want it now. Whether it's law school, a vacation, or even just getting from point a to point b, I can be very impatient. (Not my greatest quality)

4.  If I had to describe myself in 3 words, they would be organized, passionate, and dreamer.     

5.  Something I'm really cheap about is jewelry. I'm not a "give my diamonds" type of girl. I'd rather piratical, inexpensive jewelry. (Although one day, I hope to receive a lovely Tiffany blue box... ;) )   

6.  Something I'm willing to splurge on is present shopping for anyone but myself. I'm a most definitely a giver, and I just love buying presents for other people. :) For Christmas, once I everyone on my list is checked off, I just can't help but think of more people to add...it's addicting!

7.  I would trade my life   for to save my husband's life in a heartbeat.

 

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend! :)

Wordless Wednesday

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A Second Solo Trip

As I've written about before, I work for a disaster preparedness and relief company in Charleston, SC. Every now and again I have the opportunity to travel to emergency preparedness conferences around the country.

Last month, I attended my first solo conference in Loveland, Colorado.

And in July, I'll be attending my second solo show -- in New Orleans!!! :) That's right, I'm headed back to my home, Louisiana! YAY!!!!

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Last summer, I went to Nola with a co-worker to attend a national disaster preparedness conference, and had a great experience. While the show wasn't as good as we thought it would be, I was able to meet up with family and friends. :)

My two little cousins, Matt and Micah

This year I'll be going alone, and after the show I'm heading to Lafayette to spend some much needed time with my loved ones! Not only this, but I'll be attending a concert with some of my best girlfriends. But it's not just any concert...

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Recognize these guys?? :)

That's right -- I'm going to see New Kids on the Block and the Backstreet Boys!
(aka NKOTBSB)

Now, I was never really a fan of BSB thanks to my true loves, Nsync. However, I am super excited to see these guys in concert. When I was around 6 years old my Mom took me to see New Kids, and it was so awesome! I mean, I feel asleep, but still! (Want to know my excuse? My "love" for Joey was just too much, so I got tired. No kidding, I told someone that. At 6 years old. Bahaha.)

Has anyone seen either group in concert? If so, did you like it? I am so excited for this trip, and so thankful to work for a company that keeps sending me home to Louisiana! :)