It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...

Tomorrow is the first day of December.  Can you believe it?  I know you're wondering where this year has gone... just like I am.  It feels like only a few weeks ago, I was cramming my brain silly trying to prepare for my final senior project or getting ready to walk across the stage to receive my college diploma. 

It's been quite the year - but it's not over...yet. 

December is my most favorite month of the year.  Of course, it's because of Christmas.  There's something about December that just brings the goodness out in most people.  People are kinder, friendlier....more pleasant.  I consider myself one of those people.  While I try to be nice all year round, I will admit that I get the holiday fever this time of year - and just like to be all gushy and nice to almost everyone.

I've decided that for the month of December, there will be very little talk about weight loss.  There's more to this blog - and my life - than weight loss... and this month, I want to take advantage of sharing and caring - and all that jazz.

So, I haven't completely finished my to-do list for December, yet... but there are some things that will be making some appearances.

First, I plan on having a couple of people guest post - and share some of their favorite Christmas traditions.  I totally stole borrowed this idea from one of my readers - Chantelle at Project Chantelle She graciously asked me to guest post for her blog...and I thought the idea was FANTASTIC.  So, of course - I want to do something like that, here.

Also, I want to do something special for the twelve days of Christmas.  Not totally sure what, yet... but each day for the twelve days leading up to Christmas I will do a wish list of sorts. 

I'll be writing a letter to Santa at some point.  Cause, I've got a few requests for the Big Guy.  I'm pretty sure he reads my blog...I mean, what else is he doing 364 days out of the year, right?

I'll be sharing a lot of stories about Christmas traditions and stories of Christmases past and other warm and fuzzy stuff like that.  I love taking walks down Memory Lane.  I will be sharing some of my most favorite Santa cover-up stories....I have quite the imagination when it comes to extinguishing the horrible rumor that Santa doesn't exist!

I'm also going to pick Hubby's brain - and have him share some of his favorite Christmas recipes.  Hubby turns in to Betty Crocker this time of year...and the delicious treats he can pull off are TO DIE FOR.  Maybe, just maybe, he will be willing to share some of his secret recipes with you guys.  Don't worry, I'll beg and plead. 

So, if you've been put off by my off the wall randomness over the past couple of months...hang in there with me for a few more weeks.  I'm really looking forward to this...and I'd love it if you were all here with me enjoying the festivities.

Before I go, I just want to bring up the "incident" I spoke about yesterday.  I got a couple of concerned emails - and just wanted to say THANK YOU for the kindness and support.  I knew you guys would care... and that you would share kind words of support to make me feel better.

I just want to put to rest that the incident really isn't anything negative towards Butter - it was much more directed at me.  Butter is getting on great at his new school - and he's loving it. 

This incident also made me realize that while I may butt heads with one person that I work with - the rest of the people I work with are absolutely fantastic...and I love each and every one of them.  They were also a huge platform of support while I dealt with the situation.  Even though the resolution is something I strongly disagree with - I'm biting my tongue and being the bigger person.  I think that's the grown up thing to do... as much as I don't want to be grown up about it - at all.

Even though I can't give the specifics, I think I can say that this was a minor incident that got thrown way out of proportion.  This was nothing to do with Butter's past.  In fact, I can say that he's probably been the most grown up person in all of this.  This whole ordeal has made me realize that while I'm on red alert about everything he does - there are others at our school that are oblivious to his past.  In there minds... he is no different than any other kid there. 

And - that will be the last I talk of it.  I'm over it now...I put my big girl pants on and just decided to let it all go. 

Everyone enjoy your last day of November.  Kiss it goodbye... you will never see it again.  And then open your arms to the coming of December!!  It's going to be a great month... I'm sure of it!!

Till next time. ;)

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True Confessions.... Cause It's Just Better to Get it Out in the Open

Good morning, my lovelies.  


Before I get started, I have to warn you all about something....this whole post may end up being one big long rant.  Not sure... but it's possible.  But, then again, because I chose to have a public blog I have to be very careful what I say - which stinks big, fat, hedgehog balls.  Cause I'm sure they are prickly too, right?


Yesterday was a bad day.  And I'm not happy about it - of course.  So, while I'll try to stick to confessing all of MY sins....it may be very possible that I start outing the sins of certain other people.  


OK, here goes...

I confess that... I'm physically and mentally sick and tired.  Physically - because it's causing headaches, that may end up being a migraine, that will end up making me very upset.  And mentally because I was so happy yesterday morning - and one day can bring the happiness bubble crashing to the ground.

I confess that... I love my job very much, but when I have days like yesterday.... I just want to curl up in bed and not move.  And not go back to work.

I confess that... I'm stuck in a conundrum.  A conundrum - yes, I like that word - about whether or not I should do anything about the problem that has me all worked up.  It's a problem that I knew may arise - being that I chose to put my child in the school that I'm working...I just didn't realize it would happen like this.

I confess that... I hate having to be so cryptic.  I want to shout from the rooftops what's wrong with me - but the professional inside of me is stopping me.  It's telling me that I have to be the bigger person, here, and just let myself vent in ways that will leave you all wondering what the heck is going on.  And I'm sorry about that - but hopefully you all will understand.

I confess that... the "situation" is eating away at me.  As much as I just want to put it to rest, and let bygones be bygones - I can't.  I just keep getting worked up over it every time I think about it.  And I know that I could just stop thinking about it - but I'm having problems doing that, too.  I feel like I've been treated unfairly - and so I want to do something about it.  But then I feel like I jeopardize the possibility of getting a teaching job...and I don't want to do that.

I confess that... I'm hoping that these confessions will help me.  It's not working, yet... but I'm not giving up hope.

I confess that... I just don't understand some people.  I try to put my compassion shoes on and wonder if they make other people miserable because they are miserable.  It's a possibility - but then again, to those people, don't assume that just because you're miserable that everyone else has a life that's all sunshine and roses.  I got problems too - don't assume that I don't.  I try to be fair and understanding - but when a situation involves my child, don't be surprised that I all of a sudden turn off teacher mode and step in to parent mode.  That's what makes me a good mother....and it's also what makes me a good teacher.

I confess that... I'm sick of talking about it.  Wow, I guess the confessions did work.  Of course, you guys still have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about - and I'm sorry - but so it has to be.

Let's talk weight-loss, shall we?  Cause, you know...even that has to be better to talk about...

I confess that... for the past week, I've eaten like crap.  There, I said it.  It's the truth.  I ate way too much on Thanksgiving...and then ate too much the days following, because I wanted all the darn leftovers gone.  I hate wasting food - so instead of wasting, I ate.  Even with Hubby trying to prepare somewhat healthy meals the past couple of days, I've still eaten too much. 

I confess that... despite eating way too much at dinner time, there really hasn't been any snacking or mindless eating throughout the rest of the day.  In fact, Friday I didn't eat anything all day except for dinner.  Which I know is bad, but I was busy doing other things... like laying on the couch.  Saturday, I had grilled ham and cheese sandwiches for lunch - and then a big dinner.  But that was it.  Then on Sunday...well, I ate a ton of popcorn at the movie theater....that was bad.  And then I came home and ate waffles for dinner.  YIKES!!  If only you could see the color of my face right now.  Yes, I'm ashamed... but I can admit my mistakes.

I confess that... I'm loving the fact that the weather has been cold the past couple of days.  It's meant that Hubby has been building a fire in the fireplace the past couple of evenings...and in my opinion, there's just nothing better than curling up on the couch with a fire crackling in the fireplace.  See - that was a good confession, right?

I confess that... I think of myself as a strong person.  Strong willed.  Strong personality.  Strong, period.  And I think of it as a blessing, not a curse.  Sometimes, being a strong person has it's downfalls - like not taking kindly to being bullied - but I have just realized that my strength can also get me through the stupid crap I'm dealing with.

Apparently, I've slipped back into the previous discussion...

I confess that... I sometimes let other people's thoughts of me get me down...and that is weakness.  I shouldn't care what other people think of me - or the misconceptions they have about me.  I will use my strength to get through this dilemma.  I will not let it get me down, anymore.  It may be in my blood to fight to the death for what I believe to be right - but it's also in my blood to be the bigger person.  I can be the bigger person.  I will be.  That is all.

So, it's no mystery that I'm dealing with a problem.  You all got that, right?  I'm pretty sure it's one of those tests I deal with occasionally - a test of my willpower and sanity.  As with other tests, my plan is to ace this one.

It has become second nature to me that when I'm happy and things are just peachy and perfect - that something or someone will come along and try and mess it all up.  In the past, I've been known to head in a downward spiral of problems - because I let that one thing or person get to me.  Maybe this test is the one where I can hold my head up high and scream "NA NE NA NA BOO BOO - YOU'RE NOT GETTING ME DOWN NO MORE!"

If I let this problem eat at me, then everything else will start to crumble.  And I can't let that happen.  So, it stops - right here, right now.  I'm leaving this problem in this blog post... to be forever locked up - and eventually forgotten.

Today is a new day.  Full of new opportunity and chances to overcome.  It is my choice how I make today... I can either let the bad bring me down, or get over it.  I'll go with the latter, thank you very much!

Till next time. ;)

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Weekend....and Holiday...Wrap-Up

After a long weekend, I'd usually get on here and complain about how quickly the time flew.  But you know what?  I'm not going to do that today.  Yeah, the time went by quickly - but I did everything that I wanted to do this holiday weekend....everything:

1.  Cleaning.  A full day to be exact.  I cleaned my house from top to bottom.  Scrubbed, polished, washed, vacuumed...I did it all.  And my house is still somewhat clean from all of the hard work.

2.  Cooked an amazing Thanksgiving dinner.  For the first year in...well, since I started doing Thanksgiving at my house... I didn't get stressed out, I didn't have to spend the whole day in the kitchen, and I didn't have any major snafus with any of the food.  I planned and prepared perfectly, and the end result was delicious.

3.  Spend time with my family.  Because of my ability to not freak out, this year, I got to spend more quality time with my parents on Thanksgiving day....and it was a lot of fun.

4.  Put up the Christmas tree.  The minute my family drove out the driveway, I was unpacking the Christmas decorations.  Butter, Jelly, and I spent about an hour trimming the tree and getting it looking perfect....and we had a blast doing it.  Peanut went home with my parents - in case you was wondering why she wasn't a part of the tree trimming. 

5.  Spend a whole day in bed.  OK, so technically this wasn't on my to-do list...this was an added bonus.  I wasn't in bed all day - but for most of the afternoon.  Jelly and I...and for a while, Hubby came to join us while Butter went out with the neighbors, laid in bed and watched Christmas movies.  It was absolutely amazing.

6.  Watch Breaking Dawn Part 1.  Peanut and I went yesterday - and the movie was just as good as I thought it'd be.  And, you know what?  There were several kids WAY younger than Peanut in that movie theater.  I didn't judge, though....cause parents get to make the call as to which movies their kids see.  AND, the "sex scene" in the movie wasn't bad at all.  It lasted a whopping 3 seconds, and there was no nudity or moaning or anything that my kid probably wouldn't see on a local network channel on TV. 

7.  Get a replacement movie series for Harry Potter.  Again, this wasn't on my list of things I wanted to do... but another added bonus.  Before the movie yesterday, the preview for Hunger Games came on.  Peanut and I looked at each other - and she knew what I was thinking.  I bought the first book right after we finished watching the movie.  Hunger Games - here we come!!

8.  Watch Christmas movies in front of the fireplace with the twinkling of the tree lights.  Did this last night.  I curled up on the couch, Hubby built a fire in the fire place, and the kiddos and I spent the evening watching Christmas movies.  Can you say HEAVEN?? 

9.  Not worry about the scale.  Not sure if you noticed or not, but I haven't made much reference to my scale these past five days.  I did that on purpose.  I'm not going to pretend that I was a good girl - because I was far from it... but I didn't get all frazzled or upset when I stood on the scale.  I knew I was probably going to gain a couple of pounds this weekend....hello, did you see my list?  There wasn't exactly much physical stuff on it.

10.  Enjoy myself.  This came with just about everything on this list - yes, even the cleaning.  Hubby and the kids both made comments on how calm I stayed through the entire holiday - even before my coffee was made.  I laughed, I snuggled, I relaxed.  It was an amazing 5 days.

This whole weekend was just perfect.  I'd go ahead and list it as one of the best Thanksgivings I've ever had.  Simply because it was just so relaxed.  I was relaxed.  I'm not sure why I feel so at ease, lately, but I do - and it feels fantastic.

Although, if I think about it, the past several Thanksgivings I've had a lot on my plate - metaphorically speaking.  I was in school the past four Thanksgivings.  I was stressed about homework and lesson plans and project deadlines.  This year, I didn't have to think about any of that stuff.  I didn't have any work to do - I could just spend the whole time with my family....and doing what I had promised myself I'd do last year when I was neck deep in homework and stress.  I have to make up a little for lost time - and I think I did a pretty darn good job of it.

Now I have exactly three weeks left of work before the two week Christmas break.  As I watched the scale slowly begin to rise the past few days, I consciously told myself that I need to make the most of the three weeks.  I want to be just as relaxed and at ease come Christmas break - and I don't want to be freaking out that none of my clothes fit.

Over the next couple of weeks, I want to at least drop the couple of pounds I gained over Thanksgiving.  I think that's a fair goal.  I know it's not realistic that I'll go in to full blown weight loss mode, but I can do my part to make sure that scale doesn't go up any more between now and then.  It's back to planned meals and watching what I eat for the next couple of weeks.  Which means tightening the strings on the flavored coffee creamer and hot chocolate...that I may have drank quite a bit of the past few days. 

I can feel the spark of something brewing inside of me - that tells me that next year I'm going to be starting over....majorly.  This year has basically been a wash in the weight loss department, but I'm not going to let it bring me down.  I'm going to enjoy the rest of the year.  I deserve that.  Enjoying myself doesn't have to mean eating everything in sight - but I'm not going to be surprised when I see a shift in the numbers on the scale. 

OK, time to get ready for work.  I'm pretty sure these next three weeks are going to fly by... I hope so.  I'm excited about Christmas.  I'm excited about getting another chance to do some more wonderful things with my family - while completely relaxed.

Everyone have a wonderful Monday.  Don't be sad the holiday is over, be thankful for what you got to do.

Till next time. ;)

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Yep...I Laid In Bed All Day...And it was Wonderful!!

I can't believe it's the last day of the Thanksgiving break.  It went by so fast... but they always do, don't they?  I had so much that I wanted to do....like lay in bed all day and watch movies.  And you know what?  That's exactly what I did yesterday.

Well, not all day.  Around noon, I decided that I'd had enough sitting at the computer, and I just wanted to watch some Christmas movies.  I knew Hubby wasn't going to have any of that - he was entranced in one of his shows on Netflix.  So, I told Jelly I was going to go and lay in bed and watch Christmas movies....and she followed right behind me.

We started off with The Grinch...the live action one with Jim Carrey - love that movie.  We watched all of that, and then I put the TV on It's a Wonderful Lifetime.  Lifetime always runs those corny Christmas movies 24/7 this time of year - and I LOVE them!

Even though I laid in bed all day - I didn't sleep....I actually spent the whole time wrapped up in a blanket watching movies. And it was WONDERFUL!

Today, I'm not going to lay in bed and watch movies....but I am going to THE movies.  I'm finally getting to go and see Breaking Dawn.  Can you say excited?  That's what I am....Super excited!  I've been waiting a year to see this movie.

Peanut and I are going to the early matinee.  It's our tradition to go and watch the Twilight movies....and I know that she's been waiting just as eagerly as I have for all the crowds to die down - so we can enjoy the movie without being in a packed theater.  I hope that's the case, anyway.  It's been out for a couple of weeks now - surely the crowds would have died down, right?

I've been reading a few posts from people that have seen the movie, and then bashed people that took their young daughters to watch it.  Well, you can add me to being one of those "bad" parents who let their young daughters watch movies like this one. 

Topics like that always get my blood pumping a little.  I don't go around saying that all parents that let their kids eat candy are sending their children straight to the obesity line.  I don't lump all parents together to blame for anything.  That's the best thing about being a parent - I can make the decisions about what my children get to or don't get to do.  It makes me very upset when others pass judgement on me, and others, for the decisions we make for our children. 

Yes, I know that there is a sex scene in this movie.  I read the books - all of them.  Peanut knows it to, because I talked to her about it.  You know, cause I think that's what good parents do.... but then again, I'm not going to lump everyone in to that.  I know that's what I did.  And I think that makes me a pretty good parent - but I'm my own judge.  She's read the books too, and she had some questions... and I had answers.  And now we're going to see the movie - together - and then talk about it after. 

The movie is rated PG-13, so I'm pretty sure that Robert Pattinson nor Kristen Stewart are going to be walking around naked.  Peanut isn't 13 yet, but she's very mature for her age - and I think she can handle it... no, I know that she can handle it. 

Wow, I don't know what's the matter with me lately....I've been quite the grump on here, haven't I?  For some reason, I've been really letting off some steam on my blog - and the weird thing is, I'm not really stressed about anything - so there's not really any good reason for it.  It makes me feel better, though, to get my honest feelings out there.  Maybe that's why I'm doing it.

Anywho - it's been a great Thanksgiving break.  I've enjoyed myself - and I'm looking forward to the Grand Finale in a few hours.  Then, it's back to the grind tomorrow...for a couple more weeks.  The kids are going to love me, tomorrow.  It will be day one of Christmas music in the car everywhere we go.  Ha!

Alright, time for me to get ready..... Everyone enjoy your Sunday!!

Till next time. ;)

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I'm Weird... But You Already Knew That, Right?

When I'm bored, I've been known to do some weird, off the wall things.  I can't think of examples off the top of my head, for some reason, but I know that I do it.

There are lots of things, productive things, I could do when I need to fill up time.  You know, like go for a walk, work-out, maybe even read a book.  Do I think about any of those things when I'm actually bored?  Not very often.

No, I'm the person that starts doing something weird...and then I get stuck on it and it starts consuming me.

Yesterday just happened to be one of those days...and now I find myself doing it again this morning.  Before I tell you what it is...I have to give my beloved back story. 

You all know I'm from England.  If you didn't - now you do.  And now you know the reason as to why I always have to give these back stories... because if I didn't, none of what I will eventually tell you will make any sense.  

I moved to America when I was 12.  That was 17 years ago.  I was born in London, and lived there until I was 12.  In the 17 years that I've lived in this country, I've never been back to London - and only spoken to a handful of family members or seen a handful of family members in that time.  Thanks to Facebook, I've been able to connect to several more family members that I was close to 17 years ago - but really hadn't spoken to since.

Now, the weird thing is - I don't have the best memory.  That's not weird...that's not the weird part.  I'm terrible with remembering stuff that's happened in my life.  Ask me the exact time my kids were born?  Have no idea.  When did Hubby and I meet?  Hmmm....I think it was about 7 years ago.  Ask me to recollect the first day my kids went off to school?  Sorry, can't help ya.  My mind just doesn't hold on to that stuff.  It's horrible for me to admit - but it doesn't.  Those important memories in my life have vanished.

And I think I know why.

This is the weird part.  It's because I can remember everything about my life in England.  Yep.  I remember the people that lived next door to me, the place I went to school, the people I went to school with.  I remember it all.  And, because of that - my brain just doesn't have the room to remember the important stuff.... like when I met my Hubby or when my child graduated from Kindergarten. 

So, there's the back story. 

Yesterday, I was bored.  I was sitting at my computer reading some blogs, browsing around Facebook... and then I got this inkling to try something.  I started looking up people that I knew from England.  Not family members...just random people I lived close to or went to school with.  I found a couple of them, too.  Once I found them, I moved on to another.  I didn't reach out, I didn't send a "hey, you remember me?" message.  Nope.. I found them, saw what they look like now, was satisfied, and then moved on.

I even managed to find one of my old neighbors - who used to babysit me, actually - that is now a hot shot reporter for Sky Sports in England.  I was fascinated that this British celebrity was a girl I used to know...spent quite a bit of time with.  That led to looking up her younger brother - who I used to have a big crush on...yes, at 12...don't judge.  Found him.  Moved on to another.

I thought about sending a message to them both... but then I wondered:  Why would these people remember me?  I was 12 years old the last time they saw me...they've moved on with their lives...they're all grown up.  I'm the one that can't seem to get rid of any of my memories of England - surely they're not going to remember the girl that they lived next to for a couple of years 17 years ago.  I'm the weird one that holds on to insignificant memories like that. 

So, this is what I'm spending my time on.  Looking up old acquaintances from years and years and years ago.  Does it make me weird?  Probably.  But it's so much fun...not only seeing what these people look like now - but also the fact that I can remember their names and with a couple clicks, find them on the World Wide Web.  Most of them don't really look much different from what I remember.  Get this, I even managed to find a teacher I had in 3rd grade!!!  Can you believe that?  Why I remember her name, I have no idea...but I did.  And I found her. 

Alright, I must find something more productive to do with my time....like laundry or something like that.

I ask you guys, though - have you ever searched on Facebook or another social networking site looking for people from your childhood?  Had any luck?  If you did - did you reach out to them?  I'm wondering if I should... but not sure.  I guess I'll wait and see what you guys say.

Till next time. ;)

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Goodbye Thanksgiving...Hello CHRISTMAS!!

Thanksgiving is over.

I'm happy to report that I did not wobble from the gobble as much as I thought I would.  Don't get me wrong - I ate...a lot... but I didn't I gorge myself to the point of not being able to move, or enough to require any unzipping of my pants.  In my books - that's a win.

The family all came...they were all happy with the spread.  The ham ended up being a little cold - but that was the only snafu of the day....thank goodness it was a pre-cooked ham. 

After munching down, everyone sat around talking - and then we watched Ricky Gervais Out of England Stand-Up.  It's always good to laugh until you cry after a good, hearty meal. 

My family all left around 6pm....and then it was on the part of the day I'd been waiting for.  I know that sounds terrible - I should have been excited and waiting for my family to arrive, or about spending time with them, or at least the food... but none of that was what I was waiting for all day.  Nope.  I was waiting for one thing and one thing only.  This...

Yep.  I waited all day long to be able to put up the Christmas tree.  Is that bad for me to say?  Probably.  Do I care?  Nope! 

Thanksgiving, to me, is my countdown to Christmas celebration.  And, before you start getting all ticked off at me for not understanding the true meaning of Thanksgiving....I say...do you really believe that the pilgrims and the Indians sat down for a friendly "thankful feast"?  It sounds good in the story books - but the history books have a little different account.  Also, I'm from England.  I celebrate Thanksgiving because I live in America - now - but I wasn't raised with the holiday...so I adapted.  

I still give thanks on Thanksgiving....but I also remember that it's exactly a month before my most favorite holiday of them all...and like to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season.  Is that so bad?

I'm not Anti-American... I'm pro Christmas.  I will point out that I do celebrate every American holiday...with pride.  And, while I'm being completely honest - I don't think my Thanksgiving is a whole heck of a lot different from many people I know.  So, I'm not really sure what I'm bantering on about here.  A little defensive today - aren't I?  Not sure what brought it on... sorry about that.  I know that you guys would never think I was anti-American.  I love this country.  OK, moving on...

I am very happy to report that I did NOT even THINK of going out last night or this morning for Black Friday.  To those of you that did - are you still alive?  I mean, holy codswallop....the insanity that goes through people's heads just to save a couple of bucks.  

Hubby had to go out last night....and get close to a Wal-Mart.  He drove his sister to work...who happens to work at Wal-Mart...God love her.  He left my house at 8, and should have been home before 9.  At 10, he calls to tell me of the utter chaos and pandemonium that is breaking out at the Wal-Mart.  Cars parked in every spot available - and spots not available.  Every business in a 1 mile radius had their parking lots packed from Wal-Mart shoppers.  It was total craziness.  He didn't get home until almost 11!!  

I slept in this morning.  Until 9.  I casually got out of bed, walked to my coffee pot, poured a cup, then made my way to the computer.  I then decided to check out a couple of online Black Friday events...one of which being Wal-Mart.  And you know what?  I got the three things that I had wanted to get - but would have never had braved the chaos to try and get.  Yep, right here, from the comfort of home, at 9am...I managed to snag the bargains that everyone was killing themselves to get last night.  I didn't even know that Wal-Mart offered all the in-store bargains online....apparently, not many people realized it - cause surely they wouldn't have gone out if they had.  Right?

I am now happy to report that my Christmas shopping is just about done.  I have a few family members to buy for - but the kids are just about done.  With more than I expected to get them.  Which happens every year.  They know it - I know it....that's why I think when I tell them that this Christmas is going to be much smaller than the last couple of years I get the "aha, OK Mom, don't worry about it" spill from them.  They know better.

OK, so on the agenda today?  Nothing.  Well, maybe getting my house back to normal from yesterday....got to get some laundry done... but other than that?  Jelly and I are going to sit back and watch a few Christmas movies.  Peanut went home with my mom last night, and Butter is at the neighbors house helping them with some yard work.  I'm going to enjoy my extra day off by not doing a whole lot of anything.  That's how it should be.

I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving.  Now, enjoy your Black Friday.  If you are/were crazy, out of your mind, brave enough to go out for a few deals today.... be careful!!  And I hope you get everything you went out for. 

Till next time. ;)

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What Am I Thankful For? Let Me Count the Ways - Part II

Ahhh...Thanksgiving.  The day to share how thankful you are for everything you have in your life.  The day to be with family.  The day to eat.  And eat.  And eat.  Come on.  You all know that the food has become one of the most important parts of this holiday.  

Last week, I did my first What Am I Thankful For? post.  I hit the major points in my life, like family, my job, Hubby, you guys,  fat-free coffee creamer.... you know the really important things.  This week, I'm doing another installment, because I want to have 24 things to be thankful for....just like everyone is doing on Facebook.  I'm a woman that likes trends - I just don't like doing them the same way everyone else is.

Today's list really holds no torch to the things that I listed last week... but I always think it's nice to have a little fun, and think about the things I wouldn't normally think about.  Yes, I'll probably be grasping at straws - because everything that is most important to me was highlighted last week.  But, let's see what I can come up with.


This week, I count from 11 to 24 of the things that I'm thankful and/or grateful for.

11.  My Scale.  Bet you didn't see that one coming.  As much as I complain about my scale - we have a love/hate relationship that I have to be thankful for.  There are days I hate it, but then the number reminds me that I'm doing it to myself - and I have to work harder.  There are days when I love it, because it shows me that the work I am doing is paying off.  Then there are days like today - where my scale apparently feels sorry for me, and dropped down to 234.2lbs from yesterday's 235.3lbs.  I know the scales fluctuate from day to day - but I'm happy it decided to be nice to me on this day.

12.  My Laptop.  My connection to the Internet, and the virtual world.  It's amazing how much my little laptop enables me to do...research, watch shows, connect with family and friends overseas, collect ideas for lessons...and of course, share my blog.  I guess I should be thanking the Internet - but my laptop gets me there, and for that - I'm thankful.  Plus, my laptop got me through school.  Every paper I ever wrote was done on this very laptop - and helped earned me the grades I needed to graduate.

13.  My Dog.  My sweet little Silky Terrier, Asia.  I've had her since she was 8 weeks old - and now she's almost 5!  I got her the year before I had Jada.  She was my gift to myself for finally having a house that allowed pets.  She's been a handful, just like my other kids, but I love her very much.  She curls up in bed with me every night, and is always there when I need her.  She is just like another child to me.  Despite how much Hubby despises her...she will always be important to me.   Oh - and he only despises her because she seems to like to pee on his stuff...occasionally.   

14.  My Clean House.  I pounded away for several hours, yesterday, getting my house all sparkly clean.  I mentioned that I'm thankful for my house last week - but this week, I'm just thankful that I got it clean.  It's a very nice feeling to wake up to a clean house.  I'm thankful all of my hard work paid off - and I'll got to do that today.  Not sure how long it will last...but I got to do it today.


Just 10 more to go...

15.  Facebook.  Even though I'm not nearly as addicted to Facebook now as I was just a year ago...I'm thankful that Facebook gives me the ability to stalk see what everyone in my life is up to.  I get to talk to my family in England, and see pictures of all that's going on with them.  I get to read status updates that tell me exactly what everyone is doing at every minute of the day...cause that stuff is important to know...especially to me - cause I don't get out much. 

16.  Pinterest.  The creators of this site get a big THANK YOU from me.  I'm thankful that this site has given me a one stop shop for EVERYTHING I need.  Recipes, craft ideas, lesson plans....all there, right where I need it.  I no longer have to use search engines much anymore...sorry, Bing...I will miss you.

17.  Coffee.  Holy mother of sanity, I can't believe I'm listing this as number 17....my kids would probably list this as number one on their list.  My day just doesn't function without coffee...I don't know what I'd do without it.  It's my energy drink and relaxing serum all rolled in to one.  I'm pretty sure if you were to cut me open - coffee would pour out of my veins.  Thank you Folgers for giving my entire household a semi-sane woman to live with each day!!

18.  My DVR.  Probably the most genius thing ever invented.  If it wasn't for my DVR, I'd never be able to watch some of my favorite shows.  And, I don't ever have to watch commercials again...BONUS!!

19.  Ricky Gervais.  Yes...I'm thankful for this person.  I'm thankful that he's so hilarious and comes up with the greatest shows and Podcasts.  I'm also thankful that he has introduced me to the comic genius that is Karl Pilkington.  Ricky is my comic idol - and my hope is that one day I'll get to meet him in person.  I'll be watching the Golden Globes - DVR'd of course - just because he's hosting.  I know it's random - but he's a little slice of home...and he's not half bad to look at, either.

I'm not going to list the other people that I'm thankful for that are nice to look at..like Alexandar Skasgard, Dax Shepherd, or the other men that make me swoon whenever I watch them on TV... I am thankful for them, though.

20.  My iPhone.  My list wouldn't be complete without being thankful for the mini computer that I carry around with me everywhere.  If my laptop's not around, my iPhone is.  It has given me hours of fun playing games like Solitaire, Mahjong, Hanging with Friends, Tetris, and Bejeweled....and it does other important stuff, too... like make phone calls.

21.  The Harry Potter and Twilight Movies.  For the past several years, these movies have given Peanut and I our Mommy/Daughter days out.  It has become a tradition that Peanut and I go to the movies to see these sagas.  I was so sad when Harry Potter ended, but thankful I still have two movies left to see of Twilight.  We haven't seen the new one yet - that's on the agenda for this weekend.  Now, Peanut and I are going to have to find another book/movie series to get in to.

22.  Toilet Paper, Soap, and Toothpaste.  Really, do they need any explanation?  I said I was going to be grasping at straws... but have you really thought what you're life would be like without them?  That makes me thankful.

23.  The Fact that You're Still Reading This.  If you've made it this far, I am very thankful.  It shows how much you care....or how bored you are.  This is harder than I thought it would be. 

And finally...

24.  My Humor.  The fact that I can come on here on Thanksgiving day, and have a little fun is something I'm very grateful for.  There are so many things I could be very serious about, today, but I want to have a little fun - because this is what today should be about.  I try to make people smile...maybe even chuckle sometimes.  I don't pretend that I'm a comedian...I'm not... but the fact that I can come on to my blog and spin a different light on things is something I'm very thankful for.

All joking aside...if you have food to eat today, somewhere to eat it, and people to eat it with...say your thanks.  There are so many people in this country that won't have these things today.  Be thankful for the wonderful things you have in your life - even if there are days where you think your life is not too wonderful.    Smile.  Laugh.  Enjoy.  Be thankful.

I hope you all have an absolutely wonderful Thanksgiving.  I am thankful for you all each and every day. 

Till next time. ;)

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Yeah...So...Apparently, My Unknown Exhaustion Made Me Delusional

 
Remember my post from yesterday evening?  You know...the one where I said I wanted to stay up all night and clean.  The one where I said after a very long day at work - I wanted to get a head start on all of the cleaning I have to do before Thanksgiving.  And so, I made the plan to just stay up and clean as much as possible - so that I could relax today?

'Member?

Well, it turns out, I was suffering from delusions brought on from my unknown exhaustion.

I wasn't tired at all when I sat in this very spot yesterday afternoon telling you all of my midnight madness. 

In fact, after dinner, I was actually making my plans of where I was going to start and what I was going to get done through the night - while the kiddos slept soundly in their beds.

Then, out of nowhere, apparently the Sandman came and visited me and BAM all of my through the night cleaning plans were shattered.  I remember looking at the clock last night around 8:30.  I remember thinking to myself that I would start around 10pm...and just keep going until I felt the need to stop.

The next thing I know....it's 5am.  I'm still on the couch.  Glasses still on my face.  I'm still sitting in the same position I was in when I remember looking at the clock and making those starting plans.  Eight and a half hours gone...right before my eyes.  What a waste.

Thanks a lot, Sandman.

I could have had my house sparkling clean in those 8 hours.  Minus the vacuuming which I was going to wait on until everyone was awake.  But everything else could have been done. 

At 5am, you'd have thought I was late for work or something....I have never jumped off the couch so fast.  I was so angry and mad at myself for falling asleep - and wasting all that precious time to myself....to clean in the peace and quiet of the Twilight hours.  And wouldn't you know it, but my jumping off the couch in my panicked frenzy woke up Jelly who was asleep on the other end of the couch.  DOH!!

So, even if I thought I could get in a couple of hours of cleaning before the kiddos bounced out of bed...no such luck.  Jelly is now wide awake and already in full "Mommy can I have" mode. 

I did start cleaning the minute I jumped off the couch.  Well, after I made a pot of coffee anyway. I cleaned for an hour - and then thought I might as well have a cup of coffee...or two...and get my blog post written.  I don't want any more distractions today....while I'm trying to clean.

I know that I'm making it sound like my house is a war zone....and that it's going to take hours and hours to clean.  That's not the case.  My house isn't that bad.  It's just not what I consider "holiday company clean".  That means everything has to be put away, neatly.  There can be no stuff piled up in corners or in hallways.  There can be no junk piled up on the dining room table.  There can be no dust bunnies hanging from the ceiling or the ceiling fans.  My house has to sparkle like a diamond...or I'm grumpy.  Nuff said. 

Cleaning my house before hosting a holiday has become a right of passage...handed down from my mother which was handed down from her mother and so on.  I'm trying to instill that right in to my own children - but the thought of cleaning without the kids whining and fighting sounded so much more appealing.  Oh well, no turning back the clock or worrying about it now.  Peanut and Butter are just going to have to deal...and help. 

Being that it's Wednesday, I guess I should post my weight for this week.  I know I don't have to - but I've whined about it enough all week.  No, it has absolutely nothing to do with cleaning my house...but I might as well throw it in here.  Yep, right at the end....where I'm hoping maybe no one will notice.

I was a little surprised when I saw the scale this morning.  It said 235.3.  That's 2.1lbs higher than last week - but it's also over 2lbs less than what I saw on Sunday.  I stood on that stupid scale on Sunday and saw 237.8lbs.  Can you believe that crap?  I almost had a heart attack.

To say that I'm a pissed is an understatement.  I know that I haven't been perfect this week...far from it... but do I think that I've done enough to gain 2.1lbs?  Heck no!!  I guess it's my own fault.  This year has been a waste - in regards to my weight loss.  My scale has gone up and down like a yo-yo...and I have no doubt in my mind that it's going to keep doing it until the end of the year. 

On January, 2nd of this year - I weighed 227lbs.  By February 23rd, I weighed 215lbs.  By the end of April, I was down to 211lbs.  Then, the uphill climbed began...and the months that followed saw a gain and a loss over and over... but the 211lbs mark was gone...never to be seen again....this year, anyway. 

We're now closing in on the end of November, and I'm officially 9lbs heavier than what I started the year off.  9lbs in a year isn't too bad... but knowing that I got down to 211lbs only to swing right back up to 235 is very depressing.  Oh well, no time to dwell on that now.  Things will change...soon...I'm sure of it.

Right now, I only have one thing on my mind - getting my house clean for the family.  I'll never get away from here if I start dwelling on my weight. 

Till next time. ;)

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I May Have Officially Lost My Mind....Maybe

I know what you're thinking.  It's 4:50pm...once again, it's evening.  Only, today, I posted my blog post this morning - like I should and always do.

So, why am I here again?

Well, cause I kind of liked what I came up with last night...and after the day I've had, I feel like writing.

It hasn't been a bad day...a pretty easy day, really.  Because it's the day before Thanksgiving break, most of the teachers wanted to have a relaxing day...which meant less work for me.  Most people wouldn't mind a day of not doing a whole lot - and getting paid for it.  I'm not one of those people.  I start feeling all guilty and stuff...and feel like I should be doing something.  I, also, don't like missing out on working with the kiddos.  So, I just mingled in the classrooms and did what I could to be involved.

I, also, helped out with the family Thanksgiving feast the school was hosting... by wiping down tables after a grade was finished.  I'm not above wiping down tables...doesn't bother me a bit.  I felt like I was helping.  I was busy, I was helping...I felt good about it.

That helped take up some of my day...not much...but a little.

Butter had a not so good day today.  With all the crazy going on, it was no wonder it was going to affect him.  I can't and won't blame him for that.  He had a couple of "incidents".  Nothing I would categorize as major incidents...but it was enough to wear on him.  When it wears on him, it wears on me.  I felt bad for him - but I had to keep myself distanced...because it's this kind of stuff that he has to deal with by himself - without me coming to his rescue, as much as I want to.

He's in his room right now, reflecting on the day.  His choice.  He needs some time alone...and I can totally appreciate his efforts with trying to cope and process everything that took place today.  I'm glad that we have a few days off, now, so he has some time to cool down and get his mind back in order.

So, it was a long day.

Most people come home from a long day of work - and want to just jump on the couch.  Hell, what am I saying - not most people...me.  That's usually how I am.  If I have a long day at work - regardless of whether or not I have to go to work the next day - my way of dealing is to come home and spend the evening relaxing on the couch.

I don't want to do that today.

Nope.  Instead, my mind is full of cleaning.  Did you hear that?  I said cleaning.  As in doing some work.  As in not laying on the couch all evening, but getting a head start on the work that has to be done tomorrow.

Yep.  I know.  I've lost my mind.

Don't get me wrong.  I plan on spending a little time lazing on the couch.... but I have this big elaborate plan that tonight, after the kids are in bed and Hubby is at work, that I'm going to clean.  It's the perfect scenario.  No interference from arguing children.  No worrying about any kind of interruptions... just me burning the midnight oil.  I can get a lot done while I'm on my own.

Can I do it?

I guess we shall see.  The best part is - if I want to, I can work all night long, and then sleep tomorrow...cause I don't have to work tomorrow.  Sounds like a plan to me.  I can either relax all night tonight and work all day tomorrow....or I can burn off some of my stress now, and relax tomorrow.

Guess you will find out tomorrow which option I went with.  My mind is pulling to the second option...let's see if my body cooperates.

OK, that's enough from me for one day.  Two posts in one day...who'd have thunked it.

Till next time. ;)

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True Confessions

Today is Tuesday.  But this week, it's my Friday.  That's because it's my last day of work for this week....and I don't go back until next Monday.  


Regardless of it being Tuesday or my Friday...it's the day I do my True Confessions.  Join in, if you want...it's a lot of fun....sometimes.

I confess that... after reading the blog post I wrote yesterday afternoon, I don't think it's that bad.  I mean, I smiled a couple of times while reading it.  It was kind of witty - I guess.  I kinda think that it's one of the funniest posts I've written in a while.  Is that egotistical of me to say?  I don't care if it is...just wondering.

I confess that... as much as I love my job, I'm so glad that I get the next 5 days off.  Not so much for the time off - more for the fact that I get to spend a couple of days relaxing, time with the family, putting up Christmas decorations and all that jazz.

I confess that... Saturday, while out shopping, I went and ate pizza.  At a pizza buffet restaurant.  And I ate A LOT of pizza.  Too much....way too much.  Not enough to gain 4lbs this week - like my stupid scale is saying - but enough to know that I ate way too much pizza.

I confess that... the pizza was all I ate from Friday night until Sunday afternoon.  I just forgot to eat....except the pizza.  It was while Hubby and I were out shopping at 3pm Sunday that I realized that the pizza had been all I'd eaten since eating dinner Friday evening.  I know that's not good - but my mind was so consumed with shopping, there just wasn't time to think about eating.  Except, of course, for the piles of pizza I ate.

I confess that... even though I managed to score a few bargains while out this weekend - I still don't feel like my kids have very many presents.  Not fun presents, anyway.  I guess I'm just going to have to realize that the two older kids are getting older...and they're just not into toys anymore.  It's sad, but reality.  It makes Christmas shopping so darn hard. 

I confess that... while out shopping, Saturday, I listened to Christmas music the whole time.  Yep.  Me.  The person that believes there should be no Christmas stuff in my life until the day after Thanksgiving.  I just couldn't help myself.  I was out Christmas shopping - and wanted to be in the mood.  I sang the songs, and blasted them for all to hear.  I didn't even care.

I confess that... I don't want to talk about my eating this week, or the fact that my scale is being so mean to me.  Not because I've really done anything to be ashamed of...except, of course, the pizza.  But, I'm just so pissed about the gain this week that it's left me feeling blah.  I don't want to hear about it being water weight or Aunt Flo weight.  I've never gained 4lbs in 1 week - without gorging myself like a stuffed pig....and I didn't do that this week.  I'm not a food expert - but I know that eating several slices of pizza...does not equal to 14000 calories.  Even with everything I've eaten this week...in order to gain that much weight, I'd have had to have sat on my couch every single day and just eaten.  That didn't happen.

I confess that... I know I just talked about my eating...even though I said I didn't want to.

I confess that... I'm getting kind of tired of receiving emails from people asking me if they can share with me the "secrets" to losing weight.  Guess what?  There are no secrets.  The fact that I'm gaining weight like a hot air balloon is not because I'm not in the know.  I haven't been kept in the dark - and everyone else around me has been given the top secret information on how to lose weight.  I know how.  I know that I have to eat less calories than what I'm burning.  I know I have to eat healthy foods.  I know that I have to exercise  I know.  I know.  I know.  It's not the knowing I'm struggling with - it's the doing.  So, no offense to those people that are trying to help and be kind....but it's not helping.  It's not a secret. 

I confess that... I'm super duper excited about cleaning my house tomorrow - in preparation for Thanksgiving.  Really.  No sarcasm intended.  In my opinion, there's nothing better than scrubbing and cleaning a house ready for company.  I don't get company very often...so this is always a nice treat.  Everything gets a good clean the day before company comes....carpets, counters, floors, bathrooms, ceiling fans...everything.  Then, after all the cleaning, I have to figure out how to sit 13 people for Thanksgiving dinner.  That's the tough part...but it shall be done!

I confess that... as much as I'd love to sit here all day confessing...and today, I think I could totally do it... I can't.  It is that time, once again, that I have to get ready for work.


If you want to get something off your chest....hop on over to your own blog and do your own True Confession Tuesday post.  If you don't feel like you've got enough to fill up a post - then feel free to post your confessions in my comments.  I always love to hear from you guys...unless, of course, you want to share weight loss secrets with me.  ;)

Till next time. ;)

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This is Just What Happens When I'm Up Most of the Night

I'm doing my daily blog post at 4:30pm...as in...the afternoon.  Which is not the normal time I do my blog post.  I usually do it in the morning...because that's when my mind is fresh, I'm calm, and I've had a pretty decent night sleep.

None of those things are happening at this minute.

Because of that fact, I can not be held responsible or liable for the stuff that will appear on this page in the next twenty minutes or so.  Maybe longer.

Last night - well, this morning, if you're going to be technical - let's be exact and say at 2am this morning, I was awoken by Peanut telling me that Jelly had puked.  Yay!! 

Poor Peanut.  Sharing a bedroom with her little sister has it's downfalls - like being woken up in the middle of the night when Jelly wants to watch cartoons and then decides she needs to puke all over herself and her bed. 

I got up and did my motherly duties - which means cleaning up the puke off of Jelly, the bed, and the carpet.  I got her all clean, changed, and back in bed...and thought I'd be OK only having been out of bed about half an hour or so.

I was wrong.

Just as I laid back down, got good and comfy...there was Peanut at my bedroom door again.

Round two of the puking had commenced the moment I had decided it was safe to return to bed.  So, I repeated the process from before...except this time, I couldn't go back to bed - cause I just knew that the minute my head hit the world of slumber....I'd be up again.

Of course, after sitting there on the couch for an hour....watching my little Jelly drifting back off to sleep herself...there was no more episodes.

It was almost 4am by this point.  The time my alarm usually goes off. 

I thought what the heck and decided to go back to bed....even if it was for half hour or so.  Which, of course, ended up being for an hour and a half...and so my behind didn't get dragged out of bed until almost 5:30.

So, that's why I didn't get to do my blog post this morning.  And ya'll know how I get if I don't start my day off with the regular routine.  You do know, right?  I've told you over and over how I get cranky and crabby if my day doesn't start with a cup of coffee and me sitting in front of my computer typing up my blog post.

I didn't even get a cup of decent coffee before I had to leave for work.  I had to settle for instant coffee... YUCK!! 

Today has been a long day.  I'm exhausted.  I got about 3 hours of sleep last night...interrupted sleep.  I'm not really crabby or cranky...really.  I'm just flustered cause my day was all out of whack, and all I wanted to do was sleep, and the kids were all crazy because of it being a holiday week and all that.

While in this state, I made the rash decision at work to not attend the holiday party that's taking place December 2nd.  I decided because of the price of the menu.  It's pricey...and for some reason, I've gone into this mindset where I'm being careful with my money.  I know what you're thinking - who is this person and what did she do with the real Mad, Fat Woman?  Never fear, I am here....just being cautious of my spending...cause every penny saved is another penny that I can spend on the kids for Christmas.  And Secret Santa...that is also taking place at work.

See, I've got my priorities straight.

No food = more presents. 

That's a plus for the weight loss thing, right?  Instead of spending $30 on a Filet Mignon, I can spend that money on stuff my kids can open Christmas morning....and that's so much more satisfying.  Really, it is...I'm not being sarcastic.

Speaking of which - my scales are broken.  They must be.  They are saying that I've somehow gained 4lbs this past week.  That's just ridonculous.  I may not have been a saint with my eating - but I know I haven't eaten enough to turn the scales up that much.  Stupid scales.

It must be Aunt Flo.

That evil witch is back again.  And she's getting the blame, again.  It has to be her fault...or the scales are broken.  I'm willing to take either of those excuses reasons.

I've gotten to that stage where I feel frumpy and fat again.  That's not good...and it is.  Because when I get like this, I start getting psycho with my eating...and even with working out.  I refuse to let myself get back to the depressed, sad person I once was.  I don't like her - and I don't want her back in my life.  She's coming, though...I can hear her knocking at the door.

I'm not letting her in.

No matter how much she knocks.  No matter how much she begs.  That bitch can camp outside in the freezing cold....she's never getting back in to my life. 

See what I mean?  It's not good when I write in the afternoon...when I'm tired...and kinda crabby and cranky.  I start saying crazy weird stuff.  I'm actually talking about leaving a part of my past freezing outside in the cold...like it's a real person.  Holy Mother of Crazy....It must be time for me to stop.

I'm off to the couch....to rest. 

Talk to you again in the morning....when my mind is calm, clear, and at peace.

Till next time. ;)
T

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I Shopped Till I Dropped!!

Well, yesterday was the big day.  The day that I've been waiting weeks for.  The day to get out and burn a few holes in my pockets - and find some good Christmas bargains.

The day started off early.  I was showered, dressed, and out of my house before 9am.  However, after going to my mom's and then driving for what seemed like FOREVER, we finally reached our first destination around noonish. 

The first store - which was supposed to be a factory outlet place - ended up being a complete wash.  It, indeed, was a factory outlet....but full of broken, out of date, beat up items and I really didn't find anything that caught my interest.  So, the two hour drive was for nothing...at that point.

I decided - being that I had driven so far....it was only fair to drive around some more and find another place that may have more to offer.  So, another twenty minute drive - and we came to a much better outlet mall.  This place has a bunch of stores, all separated into categories:  Sporting goods, furniture, gifts, tools, apparel, and antiques.  I was only interested in two of the five:  Gifts and Apparel.

Even though I didn't buy very much - I still found a couple of great deals.  It was enough to make me feel like the two hour original drive hadn't been a complete waste of my shopping time. 

After a very long day, I ended up doing most of my shopping in the town closest to where I live.  It's what I figured would end up happening - but I wanted to go check the places out....just to say that I did.  It was still a fun day.

I didn't end up getting home last night until after 10pm!!

That, my friends, is one long day of shopping.

You would figure from being out for 13 hours, I would have finished my Christmas shopping, right?  Yeah, well that's a big fat negatory.  I have not finished - in fact, I still have a ways to go.

I did buy what I needed to.  And I stayed under budget.  That's freaking amazing.  I don't think I have ever been able to utter those words.  Under budget.  Sounds weird now, typing it.

This year is a tough year to buy gifts....for Peanut, anyway.  She's at that age where she no longer has any care about toys.  She's all about clothes - but owns her own clothing store, basically.  Add shoe store to that, also.  She tells me that she basically has everything she wants - and now I'm stuck with having absolutely no idea what to get her.  It's a tough age to buy for, that's for sure.  There's only one thing I could get for this child that would make her Christmas....anyone happen to know how I can get the Biebs to make a guest appearance at my house Christmas morning?  No?  Didn't think so.

Oh well - the fun is in the hunt, I guess.

So, that was my Christmas shopping extravaganza wrap up.  It was a great day - and I really enjoyed myself.  Now, though, I'm in shopping mode...and probably will be until the day before Christmas. 

Today, in fact, I'm going out again. I mentioned I came in under budget, right?  So that means I still have a few dollars to spend.  I know, I'm terrible.

Have a great Sunday, everyone!!

Till next time. ;)

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BYOC - Thanksgiving Edition

Yay!!  I'm so excited to be doing Bring Your Own Crazy today.  My mind is just too excited about getting out of the house in a couple of hours and hitting the streets to find some awesome Christmas bargains. 

I get these questions from the amazing Drazil.  If you want to answer them, then please copy them and answer them on your own blog.  It's a lot of fun!

1. What is your FAVORITE part of Thanksgiving?

Hmmm...this is a tough one.  I can't decide if it's the green bean casserole or the stuffing.  And you thought I was going to say family didn't you?  Nope, I love the food...all of it... but I can't get enough of the green bean casserole or the stuffing.  Also the ham and the turkey...smothered in gravy.  The roasted potatoes are also high up on my list.  Oh, and the pie.  Mmmm...the pie.  Oh, who am I kidding?  It's the entire spread.  Everything I fix for Thanksgiving is super yummy...and I love all of it.

This year, we're trying out cooking the turkey in a slow cooker.  Never done it before - but maybe trying it this year.  Maybe next year, just the turkey will be my favorite part.

2. How many Thanksgiving family events will you attend?

Just one.  At my house.  My parents, two teenage siblings, my little niece and nephew and the two children my parents are fostering will come to my house for Thanksgiving.  Sometimes, we go visit my in-laws the day after Thanksgiving or that Saturday.  Sometimes, we go and visit my pseudo MIL on one of those days - but just to visit.  The only Thanksgiving meal we eat is the one that I prepare.

3. What’s your biggest Thanksgiving tradition?

Well, being that I'm British - and all of my family are British - Thanksgiving was never more than a day my family came over and we ate a bunch of food.  Now, I've made Thanksgiving in to more of a Christmas season starter.  I have the big family dinner, then they all leave.  Then, Thanksgiving evening, the kids and I put up the tree and watch a Christmas movie.

That's become my most favorite Thanksgiving tradition.  After a hard day - it's so nice to sit down in front of the twinkling lights and get into the Christmas spirit with a good Christmas movie.

4. Do you Black Friday shop the day after Thanksgiving?

No.  Not no, but Heck No!!  I've tried it a couple of times - but after spending the entire time defending my ankles and back from crazy women...I've decided it's much better to just stay home, and spend a couple extra bucks shopping any other day than ending up in a cast from a broken ankle, or worse...in jail because I've finally lost my patience and retaliated.  Besides, from what I've seen from the black Friday ads this year - there's nothing that I want bad enough or that's cheap enough to even give me an inkling to want to try it another year.

5. Repeat question: Summarize your week in real life and in blog world.

Real life has been good.  I've managed to sell a few things on Craigslist that has given me a few extra bucks to spend on Christmas.  Work has been really good.  The family are all healthy and happy.  Yep, real life has been very good.

Blog land has been the same ol' same ol'.  I'm glad that the Shrinkvivor challenge is over.  I've shared that I've been doing much better with my eating - even with the holidays approaching.  I've made the executive decision that my main focus between now and January 1st is to maintain.  No going crazy and gaining more weight - but no stressing over trying to lose weight at the one time of year that's just about impossible for me to lose weight.

But...I'm already making plans for the new year. 

OK, that's another edition of BYOC over with.  Now, it's time to jump in the shower and let my shopping extravaganza commence.

Have a wonderful Saturday, every one!!

Till next time. ;)

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Time to Get a Fill Up....

Are you as excited as I am that it's Friday?  Are ya?  Are ya?


If you haven't figured it out - I'm SUPER excited.  Not because it's the end of the week, or because the weekend is almost here, or because it's now less than a week away from Thanksgiving.  Nope.  It's because tomorrow, I'm getting a full day all to myself to go out Christmas shopping.  And Christmas shopping is my most favorite thing to do.


Even if I'd like nothing more than to spend the next twenty minutes telling you every single reason as to why a day out shopping is going to be so wonderful....I'm a woman of structure and routine.  Which means, I must do my weekly installment of Fill 'Er Up Friday.


I wonder what random nonsense I can pull out of my head this week....

First and foremost...a word of caution to all.  Be careful who you talk to about everything...especially children.  Yep...this happened to me.  I wasn't the one talking - I got to be the one on the receiving end of it...and it's NOT fun.  Long story short.  A woman I don't know very well thought it would be a great idea to say some not very nice things about Butter and a friend of his....without realizing that I'm Butter's mom.  Whoopsy.  Don't worry, there was no nasty retaliation words involved.  I was professional - and made sure I outed her right there on the spot and told her that Butter was my son.  The look on her face hopefully meant she learned her lesson.

Staying with that topic.  If you don't know a child - their background or their living situation - don't make nasty or mean assumptions about who they are or how you think they're going to act.  Sometimes you just have no idea what they've been through or how they live.  Take a second to feel a little compassion - before proceeding to bash them.  They're kids for crying out loud!!!

OK, that made me feel a little better.

It's Book Fair week at my school this week.  That means one thing for me - Trouble!!  I'm a book addict collector, especially children's books.  I came home, yesterday, with quite the bag full of books.  I just can't help myself.  I keep telling myself that eventually, I will read every book in my library.  I also keep telling myself that doing that is going to take forever.  I have so many books.

For some reason, I have had absolutely no desire to watch Biggest Loser this season.  I've been DVR'ing it - so I now have about 10 episodes to catch up on....and I just can't get the motivation to want to watch it.  I'm not sure if it's because Jillian is gone, and so I feel like it's not going to be so good, or if it's because I know that if I start watching it - I will feel bad about being so blah with my own weight loss.  Maybe if I started watching it, it would motivate me to really get going again.  I don't know.  

Holy cow, my head just won't get out of shopping excitement mode.  Usually, I can pull so much random stuff out of my head, it's not even funny.  Now?  I'm sitting here completely lost wondering what the heck to write about.  

Twilight Breaking Dawn released last night....and I'm super jealous for those that got to see it at the midnight showing.  I swear, if one person spoils anything for me before I can get to the movies next weekend to see it - I'll drop kick them.  Yes, I've read the books...I know what the movie is going to be about... but I don't want to know anything about the movie until I've got to see it.  This is the movie I've been looking forward to more than any of the others.  Seriously - drop kick!!

Hubby burned a fire in the fire place night before last.  It was 40 degrees outside...and I came home to the fire burning and a big pot of beef stew cooking in the slow cooker.  Seriously, could I have a more perfect man?  Sitting on the couch eating a bowl of stew, watching TV, while the fire is crackling is seriously the most perfect evening in the whole world.  It will be even better when I throw in the twinkling of the Christmas tree lights...next week!! 

I'm thinking about cooking my Thanksgiving turkey in a crock pot next week.  Is that weird?  Usually, Hubby cooks the turkey on the grill - but recently, he's been cooking whole chickens in the crock pot and they are super yummy.  I'm thinking the turkey would be just as yummy.  And it will be so much easier to do.  I'm pondering it.

I still don't care if Justin Bieber fathered a child with a random woman at one of his concerts last year - but I will say, the more I hear about the woman...the more I think there's something seriously wrong with her.  I just don't get how people can get so fascinated with a person - celebrity or not - and try to pull off something like getting pregnant by them.  I'm totally in love with Alexandar Skasgard... but you don't see me trying to say that he fathered one of my children....although, Butter does have some very similar features.... like blonde hair.  Hmmmm

Alright...my mind just isn't cooperating very well. This is just the best that I can do today.  Tomorrow, I get to leave the kids at home, get in my car, and let the world be my oyster.....well the stores be my oyster.  I'll on the hunt for some great bargains.  I'm going out without a plan or a list....that's a little scary in it's self.  But that just means that I'm going to have to look - and figure out what to get my kids for Christmas.  That's the fun of it, though.  I tried getting them to come up with a list - but unless I plan on buying a real goat, and adding two cell phones to my current plan...I'm on my own.  And, no, there will be no goats or cell phones.  Just not going to happen.  I'm sure I can find a few things that they will love.

TGIF - Everyone have a good one!!

Till next time.  ;)

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What Am I Thankful For? Let Me Count the Ways

I know that there's still a week to go until Thanksgiving....but I thought I was well overdue to explain some of the things I'm thankful for in my life.


I spend a lot of time on here complaining about stuff happening in my life - when in reality, the complaints are small dust mites on a life that has given me so much.  


I had planned on making this my Thanksgiving post - cause, you know...it's kinda the thing to do on Thanksgiving....list all of the things that you're thankful for.  But, being that I'm going to have a houseful of people arrive on Thanksgiving - I want to really do this post while my mind is solid....not stressing about the minor things I will no doubt stress over.


So....here are the things that I am thankful for each and every day....

1.  My Children.  Duh - this is a no brainer.  How can I not be thankful for a family that is so perfect, yet so imperfect?  Each one of my children have their own unique outlooks on life, and remind me every day that there are so many sides to look at any situation.

• Peanut - My literal mini-me.  Every day, she grows to be more and more like me...but has her own unique spin on the situation.  She is smart, caring, and has a spit fire attitude that will bite you in the behind if you're not careful.  She also has a laugh that is contagious, a love for music, and a heart filled with so much love - that she is more than willing to share with anyone that will let her.
• Butter - My little fighter.  That boy has been through more in his 10 short years than most have been through in their entire lifetime.  Every day is a new challenge for him - and he takes each one of those days with an open mind and open heart.  I love his spirit, his dedication, and the fact that for no reason whatsoever he will give me a hug and tell me how much he loves me.  
• Jelly - The baby.  This is a child that knows exactly what she wants - at the ripe age of 3 - and puts her mind to getting it.  The child that wakes up each morning and comes running to give me a hug and then says "I love you, Mommy, you're pretty".  I don't know why she started doing that - but she does - and I love it.  

2.  My Hubby - I have never met a man in my entire life that is so perfect for me than the man I share each and every day of my life with.  It's great that he loves to cook, clean, and stay home with the kids while I go out for a night with the gals... but that's nothing compared to the little things he does for me each and every day.  He doesn't buy me flowers or chocolates - he's the man that buys things like fat free coffee creamer, because he knows that gesture means more to me than any flowers or chocolates.  He listens to me complain about silly things like gaining weight...and then helps me plan meals that are healthy.  He goes grocery shopping, occasionally, and then calls me to ask me about a food....because he's checked the nutrition label, and wants to get my opinion on if it's OK to get it.  He does it because he knows it's important to me - and it's the things that are important to me that are important to him.  I just couldn't imagine my life without him.

3.  My Job.  I truly believe that my job was a sign from a higher power....a calling, if you will.  Just when I gave up hope that things were going to go my way, this year, I get the call I never expected to receive.  Each and every day, I'm blessed to work with the most amazing children and staff.  I am reminded that my title doesn't represent my gift.  I am a teacher - and that's what I do every day.  This job has given me the opportunity to share my gift, while teaching me more than any textbooks could ever teach me. 

4.  My Family.  I am lucky enough to have a very close family.  I have parents that love me and support me.  Not only that, but they have opened up their home as foster parents - and that makes them my true idols.  It's no surprise where I get my love of working with children....the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.  My mother is my best friend.  My father is my hero.  I am thankful that they had a hand in molding me in to the person I am today - and they did a pretty darn good job of it....if I say so, myself.

5.  My House.  I complain about my house almost daily...how much I'd like a nice big house anywhere else but right here.  Yet, I'm thankful that each and every day I get to come home to a house that's full of love.  It's a roof over the head of my little family.  It comes with a mortgage that fits our budget.  Sure, there are some improvements that my house needs - but it's warm, secure, and a place for me to cuddle up on the couch and relax from a hard day.

6.  Sanity and Hope.  Those girls have been my savior to many a stressful moment.  They have shown me what true friendship is.  Knowing that I can give them a call and go out for a girls' night got me through school, and now gets me through life.  I love them.  We are all here when we need each other - but even when there are weeks that go by without seeing each other....we are always only a text message away from each other.

7.  Craigslist.  The place that gave me the ability to sell some of the junk that has piled up in my house - and now given me a little extra money to be able to spend on my kids' Christmas.

8.  Fat Free Flavored Coffee Creamer.  Yes.  I went there.  I am so thankful for the flavored coffee creamer that makes my evenings more relaxing.  It is a sweet moment of heaven, for my mouth. 

9.  My blog.  This place....there just really isn't words.  It has gotten me through some really tough times and some really great times.  Each morning, I can come here and spill my guts for the world to see.  It's awesome.

10.  You Guys.  Whoever you are...the people reading this right now.  Regardless of whether or not you comment, just knowing that you're here - and you care - that's a big deal...one that I'm very thankful for.

To be continued....

Oh yeah.... you didn't think that was all I was grateful for, did you?  There's more.  I just wanted to get a start this Thursday.... but I'll muster up the sanity to finish this post next Thursday. 

Everyone have a WONDERFUL Thursday....and take a second to think about some of the things you're thankful for, if you haven't done so already.

Till next time. ;)

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