Who Are You Calling a Skinny Cow?? The Giveaway!!

With my far from successful past few months, I was totally shocked when I received a response from Skinny Cow in regards to my hosting a blog giveaway.  Wait, I'm getting a head of myself...let's start from the beginning...

I sent Skinny Cow an email a few weeks ago after trying their new line of Skinny Cow candy bars.

Yes.  You heard me right...CANDY BARS!!  Actually, more like chocolaty, heavenly, bites of sheer orgasmic goodness....and for only around 100 calories a serving.  Whhaaaatttt??

It's no secret that I'm a chocoholic.  It isn't, right?  Chocolate is my kryptonite.  I couldn't get enough of it.  Yet, since starting my weight loss journey, I've strapped on the big STOP sign whenever I see a chocolate bar...and managed to somehow grow some willpower - and do pretty well stopping my crazy, chocolate loving mouth from eating a lot of it.  It appears it may be the only willpower I got from this whole journey - but it's by far one of my biggest accomplishments thankyaverymuch.

That was until I tried Skinny Cow's Heavenly Crisp.

It's probably one of the best candy bars I've EVER eaten...and definitely the most guilt-free candy bar, that's fo'sure!  I first tried the bars at my local Wal-Mart...from one of those sample carts.  After one bite, I ran my behind straight to the candy aisle and grabbed a whole box of them!

I emailed Skinny Cow to thank them for creating such awesome, guilt free decadence...and wondered if they'd be willing to provide me the opportunity to host a blog giveaway...so that I could share these heavenly wonders with some of my readers.

And they responded.  Holy ant balls... my first corporate sponsored giveaway..can I get a whoop whoop??

Now, the Heavenly Crisp isn't the only chocolaty goodness they've introduced recently.  In addition to the bars, they have  these awesome little things...

You want to try them, don't you? 

I know... I can almost feel the drool coming through my computer screen.  Your mind is swirling and battling with itself.  Is it too good to be true?  Can there really be chocolate than I can eat without jeopardizing my calorie intake or feeling guilt ridden after?  Yes there can, my friends!

I don't blame you for wondering all of those things, I did...BUT they are awesome, delicious...and won't make you feel guilty and shameful for eating them at all.  Win.  Win.  Win.

So, Rita from Nestle was kind enough to provide me with some coupons to share with you guys.  Not just some coupons... but three lucky readers will receive 4 coupons that are good for each of the new candy products - allowing you to try them all TOTALLY FREE!  You can either use the coupons to try one of each new product - or mix 'n match them to buy the bars/clusters you want.  It's totally up to you, but I would definitely try all of them... if I were you.

The Heavenly Crisp bars are layers of chocolate and wafer...and they literally melt in your mouth.  You can opt for milk chocolate or peanut butter flavors. 

The Dreamy Clusters are bite sized chewy mounds of delicious chocolate, caramel, and crispy pieces.  You can get these sweet treats in milk chocolate or dark chocolate.

OK, so who wants to try them??

Again, I have three sets of 4 coupons.  That means three people have the chance to snag this opportunity to try all of the flavors TOTALLY FREE!!

So, what loop holes am I going to make you jump through to get them??  Not too many...

Here's what you gotta do to be in the running...

1. YOU MUST: Leave me a comment telling me why you'd love to try these new products... be creative, I want to know why having them would totally rock your world!! (1 entry)
2. YOU MUST: Go "Like" The Skinny Cow on Facebook - then come back and leave another comment telling me you did so (1 entry)

That's two entries right there.

For Optional Entries, you can do the following... Not required, but who doesn't like increasing their odds, right?

1. Follow me on Twitter: @madfatwoman - then come back and leave another comment telling me you did so (1 entry)
2. Retweet my post about this blog, or write your own Tweet about the giveaway - then come back and leave another comment telling me you did so...please make sure you leave me your Twitter handle so I can follow ya back (1 entry)
3. You can also mention the giveaway in your own blog!!  Post a link to your blog in the comments section (1 entry) - I even promise to follow your blog (if I'm not already).. cause you know I'm always looking for new blogs to follow.

That gives you the chance at 5 entries!!! 

I will be verifying the entries and posting the comments as they come in.  The winner will be randomly selected next week - Thursday, July 21st.  All entries need to be submitted by 11:59pm CST on July 20th.

Believe me, this is totally worth it.... the candy really is that good!!

Till next time. ;)

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Burst into Summer Check In - Week 5...Already??

Some one's messing with me, right?  There's no way I've been doing this challenge for 5 weeks!!  It's gone by too fast - I haven't made ANY progress...instead, I'm still on the opposite side of progress. 

This week, I did have a loss...but after being clogged up last week, I really wanted more.  I'm still above my starting weight -but what's a girl to do when she's really not putting in the effort? Wait, change that...not putting in as much effort as she could?  It's my own fault - and, as I said yesterday, there are reasons I'm OK with it.

Let's get to the numbers...

Challenge Start Weight:  214.8lbs
Weight Last Week:          221lbs
Weight This Week:          217.8lbs

I've lost 3.2lbs this week - but I'm still up 3lbs from when I first started the challenge. *Sigh*

I'm not going to say a whole lot about excuses or how I feel - cause I laid that all out there yesterday in my confessions post.

The challenge for last week was to not eat any fast food.  I am happy to report that I completed this task at 100%.  Not a single bite of fast food passed through these lips in a whole week!!

Next week's challenge is to get 7+ hours of sleep each night.  I have no doubt in my mind that I'll be able to do this.  My usual night consists of about 6 hours... I go to bed around midnight, and get up at 6am.  If I must, then I'll go to bed an hour early - or sleep an hour later....I will sacrifice for the sake of the challenge.  It's a lot to ask, but I want to try and do the best I can.  Did you pick up on the sarcasm there?  I was trying to be suttle....one can only dream of being challenged to get MORE sleep. 

Changing the subject.  Yesterday afternoon, I cleaned out my bathroom...from top to bottom.  In order to get an idea of what that was like, think of the show Hoarders.  If you've never seen it - well, then it's a little harder for you to imagine... but you've probably heard about it, right?  It's a show about people that never throw anything away, and their houses just pile up with more and more stuff until they can't walk through it....some can barely live in their houses.  That was the state of my bathroom.  Oy.

My bathroom is a good size.  It's the size of a small bedroom.  I'm lucky to have one of those garden tubs, a stand up over-sized shower, his/her sinks, and a lot of floor space in between all of those things.  Except, until yesterday, you couldn't see the floor.  My bathroom had been doubling as a second closet/beauty supply store.  There were piles of clothes, shoes, bedding, make-up, beauty supplies - it was BAD, and I'm a little embarrassed admitting this to you all...but you all know by now that I'm an open book.  If it's gross and/or embarrassing - you're going to hear about it....hey, it's better than poop, right?

I swear, poor Hubby had very limited ability to use our bathroom...and I know it's been getting to him for a long time.  I'm pretty sure if he was any other man, he would have left me by now...the guy is pretty OCD about stuff being clean - yet, he allowed me to keep our bathroom looking like a over-rummaged thrift store...that's love I tell ya!

It took me over two hours to clear out the junk and scrub everything.  When I was done, I was a hot, sweaty mess.

Now, my bathroom is sparkly clean...and the last time I remembering it look so big was when we first moved in three years ago.  Yeah, when it was empty...

Why am I telling you about cleaning out my bathroom?  Well, cause it was hard work... but I enjoyed doing it.  I felt that even though there was no personal trainer yelling at me, or music playing for me to keep pace - I still got in a pretty good work-out.  AND, I can't really think of much to write about today....so you're stuck hearing about my bathroom.  You're welcome.

Today will be a repeat performance in my bedroom - as soon as Hubby wakes up.  My bedroom is even worse - and much bigger than the bathroom.  I'm expecting another good work-out in the form of cleaning and hauling and sorting.  Holy pig balls - you all think I'm a nasty hoarder now, don't you?  I'm not - I promise...just haven't had the motivation to clean.... is that worse?  Maybe. 

I've also promised myself that I'm going to get in a work-out or two on EA Active Trainer...while Hubby is sleeping and I can't get in to my bedroom.  Usually, Wednesday would be my day off from Active Trainer... but being that I've missed so many days - I'm going to play catch-up a little today. 

I apologize that today's post is so dull.  Tomorrow is going to be much better.

I'm so excited to share that I am going to be hosting my first corporate sponsored giveaway.  It's small, nothing major - but it's a start...and I couldn't be more happy for you all to have a chance to win.

Everyone enjoy Hump Day!! 

Till next time. ;)

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True Confessions Tuesday

It's that time of the week, ya'll.  Time to let everything go.  The good.  The bad.  The ugly.  In my case, sometimes the gross. 

No bull.  No excuses.  Just getting everything out in the open. 

Be forewarned - you're in for a long one today.  I got lots to say...hopefully you're able to make it though the whole thing.

If you wanna join in this very private cleansing post...post your own confessions on your blog - and come back and share them with me.  I like knowing that I'm not the only one who can openly admit her mistakes, successes, and weird confessions.

I confess this week has been MUCH better than last week, but still not super.

I confess that I haven't followed any form of eating plan, or counted my calories all week.  No excuses, just haven't done it.

I confess that I haven't worn my BodyBugg all week.  Mostly because I've spent a lot of time in the pool - and it's not waterproof... wait.... that sounds very much like an excuse.  Moving on.

I confess that I didn't work out on Friday, nor did I make the work-out up over the weekend. 

I confess that on Friday, instead of working out, I completely decluttered and deep cleaned my kitchen/dining room...which had grown into a make shift storage room.  I hauled boxes, furniture, and other heavy objects... leaving me all sweaty by the time both rooms were sparkly clean.

I confess that even though I didn't make up the EA Active Trainer work-out over the weekend, I spent about 6 hours in the pool swimming and playing with my kids.... it was quite the work-out.  Did I mention it was also 100 degrees outside at the time?

I confess that I didn't do the EA Active Trainer work-out yesterday, either.

I confess that instead of working out yesterday, I went out to eat lunch with a friend AND happy to report that I ate well.  I opted for the salad bar and chicken sliders.  Not the best selection - but definitely not the worst!

I confess that, apart from eating too much garlic bread with dinner Sunday night, I have eaten pretty well all week.  I haven't eaten any fast food, and most of my meals have consisted of sandwiches or our favorite go-to healthy recipes.

I confess that eating well is probably associated with the fact that it's been over 100 degrees almost every day....and I've been too damn hot to eat much.

I confess that due to the disgusting heat my area is dealing with, I've been chugging water down like it's going out of style.  Seriously.  I think I've guzzled down over a gallon of water almost every day.

I confess that due to the disgusting heat, I've also had too many bowls of ice-cream.  Make that an ice-cream treat or bowl of ice-cream each night after dinner.  Not a ridiculous amount - but I'm pretty sure I shouldn't eat ice-cream EVERY day.

I confess that even though certain "medical issues" mentioned last week have some-what resolved themselves, I'm still upset with the number the scale is giving me.  I should have lost about 20lbs this week... not even close.  I'm sure the ice-cream has NOTHING to do with this, right?

I confess that when the doctor saw my weight yesterday and made the claim "you are considered morbidly obese, and the birth control pill won't be the best option of birth control for you, because it's really recommended for women less than 200lbs" I wanted to poke both of her eyes out with a Q-Tip.

I confess that after the doctor made that claim and then said "wow, I see that the last time you were in here you weighed close to 300lbs - you've really come along way and if you keep this up, you'll be in a healthy weight range in no time" I felt bad about the Q-Tip eye poking.

I confess that I was happy when she told me that a "healthy" weight for my height and bone density would be between 150-160lbs...even more so when she said that my goal weight of 145lbs was over-reaching, and I should just try to focus on 155lbs.  That's 10lbs less that I have to lose...who wouldn't be happy about that?  It still means I have over 60lbs to lose... but it's better than having over 70lbs to lose.  Positivity, people!! 

I confess that the eye poking statement was back on when she ended my appointment with "I want to wait another 6 weeks before giving you an implant [different from the one that fell out], to see if you're able to lose a little more weight"... Urm, I weighed about 280lbs when I got the last one put in by a different doctor...why the heck should it matter now that I'm 60lbs less than that now?  Also, I'm only 7lbs lighter than what I weighed back in January of this year - why on earth she thinks there's going to be any major change between now and 6 weeks is beyond me.

I confess that I'm going to really try hard to lose as much weight as possible in the next 6 weeks - cause I really want a form of birth control that lasts 10 years!!  It's supposed to be better than the implant I had before, it doesn't have any hormones, and I won't have to worry about birth control again until I'm almost 40!!

I confess that I'm struggling.  Still.  Every day is a struggle, and some days are worse than others.  It's hard to want something so bad - like losing the weight I've gained over the past couple of weeks - but then confessing how little effort I've put into actually doing it.

I confess that I've been consumed with spending time with the kids, trying to find a job, enjoying my time off....and not really making exercise a priority.  Eating healthy hasn't really been a top priority, either, but I've been better about the eating than the exercise...even if it hasn't been perfect. 

The sad truth of the matter is that I confess I'm not really that disappointed in myself.  I'm a little disappointed in myself, but when I really start to think about the last time I had the opportunity to spend this much time with my kids in the past four years - the joy of the situation takes over the disappointment of my failures.

At the end of the day, I confess that I've spent the past four years telling my kids "Momma's busy right now" or "I've got to do some homework tonight" or "Would it be OK to do that another time? I really have to get this project finished".  The little time I did get to myself, I was consumed with working out.  "Sorry honey, I have boot camp tonight" or "I really need to go for a run tonight, I haven't been able to do that all week".  My kids have taken a back seat to my life for too long... is it that terrible that I'm not trying to give them as much of me as possible while I have this rare opportunity?  I don't think so.

I confess that I haven't given up.  I've said it before, and I'll keep saying it.  My weight loss is always on my mind.  Finding activities that we can do as a family is often something I think about.... be it swimming or EA Active Trainer...but sometimes, just sitting down and watching a movie together is more enjoyable for them.

I confess that I want to focus more on losing weight, again, and I spend too much time with the "I'm going to..." or "My plans are to..." when, in reality, I know that if my kids want to go swimming - we're going swimming.  If they want to watch a movie with me - I'm watching the movie. 

I confess that I hope you all don't give up on me.  Don't look at me as someone that has given up or doesn't care... even though it's often what I portray.  Look at me as a mother.  A good mother.  A loving mother.  The mother that wants to put her children first - because the harsh reality is, I've been putting myself first for too long.  It's just for a few weeks - while they are off school... but they deserve me right now. 

I confess that since they were born, they've heard too many reasons as to why other things are more important than spending time with them.  Working brings money in to support them.  Going to school helps me get a better job, so that they can have a better life..and eventually more time with me.  Exercising and eating healthy gives me the chance to live longer to be there for them.  All of them very valid reasons, all of them look to the future..which is important... but what about the now?

I confess that I don't want them to look back at their childhood and declare how much I loved them by how much I did to make their future better...even if it meant not spending much time with them.  I want them to be able to say that I did the best I could for them - but still made time so that they could enjoy their childhood.

I confess, again, that I'm not giving up on me.  I'm not sacrificing time with them, either.  I just have to figure out how to make both work - and I will.... eventually.

Till next time. ;)

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Raindrops on Roses, Whiskers on Kittens...

After last week's discussions of Aunt Flo, birth control implants, stomach pain, and poop...I've decided that this week - I'm going to try and keep my posts free from symptoms of dry gagging, nausea, and grossness.

Am I going to talk about raindrops and kittens?  Heck no!!  I just thought they sounded cool as a blog title.

How about I talk a little about circles, clouds, and sparks? 

If you have no idea where I'm going when I say I want to talk about circles, clouds, and sparks - then apparently you haven't heard of Google+... don't feel bad.  Up until two days ago, I didn't know about it either.

Google+ is a new social networking site...similar to Facebook... but on a much more personal, private, and manageable scale. 

Right now, you can only join Google+ by invitation only - cause it just launched days ago, and they're still trying to get all of the kinks worked out.  I received my highly coveted invitation yesterday (thanks, Val) - and set up my account last night.

First impressions?  Once I actually get some friends on there - it will be very cool, and I'll love it.  Why? You ask. 

Let me break it down like this.  How many of you have a gazillion friends on Facebook and Twitter?  How often do one of those gazillion friends post something that you're not really interested in hearing about?... come on, you can admit it, no one is watching.  How often do you want to post something, then second guess yourself because there's a friend on Facebook or Twitter that you don't want reading about the information you want to share?  Again...you know that's happened to you.

As a person who follows over 450 people on Twitter, and has over 300 friends on Facebook....I know that there are times I really want to post something... but second guess myself because a) it's something I don't want certain people to know about or b) I worry that a lot of people won't really care.

Same goes on the flip side of that.  I wonder how many of my 500+ followers on Twitter really care when I'm getting my nails done or working or doing anything that's not related to weight loss...cause in honesty, that's why most of the people follow me on Twitter...to hear about my weight loss.

Sometimes, I wished there was a way that I could just post a status message for select people on my friends/follower lists.  Now, finally, that wish has come true - thanks to Google+.

Enter Circles.  Circles are groups that you create on Google+ with your friends.  You are given pre-created circles such as family, friends, acquaintances, and people you follow.  Then, you can create your own circles... like people you work with, weight loss buddies, fellow bloggers...whatever you want to call them.

When you post a status update, you can then post as 'public' (meaning everyone can see it) or designate the status message to only be seen by people in select circles.  How f'in cool is that? 

So, that covers circles.  Now - Sparks.

Sparks are a feature that allows you to read information about topics of interest.  Right now, I have two sparks:  Weight loss and fitness tips.  When I click on either of those, I'm given recent news articles, videos, blog entries....all categorized by my interest.  It's basically a Google search slim-lined to your preferences.  Again, cool eh?

Google+ also uses a program called Clouds.  This one I haven't messed with too much, but it looks cool.  Clouds are photo albums that are automatically uploaded onto your profile. I've noticed that on my Google+ page, they're just called photo albums...but everywhere I've read about Google+ refers to the photo albums as "Clouds".  I like Clouds so that's what I'm going to call them.

When I signed up last night, I used the same email address I use for my blog.  It's a Google account, so when I opened my Cloud - all of the photos I've uploaded to my blog are in a photo album called "Diary of a Mad, Fat Woman", I also have all of the photos I've ever used as my profile pics called "Blogger Pics" and photos I've used for my other blog "Traveling my Mind photos".  They were already there - I didn't have to do anything.  They were all private - no one could see any of the pics, but me.

You can then go into those photos, and sort which photos you'd like to publish - and to which circles.  Again - you decide who you want to see which photos.  Went out for a night on the town with friends?  Don't want your co-workers or boss to see those pics?  Fine...just pic which circle you want to allow to see those pics.

Google+ is also working on bringing out a phone app that will connect you to Google+ on your phone.  If you have an Android phone, it's already available... iPhone users, like myself, have to wait a little while.  The app will automatically upload any photos you take with your phone into your Cloud - called Pics From My Phone - so no more worrying about uploading pics.  You can either decide right away which photos you want to share - or just leave them in the Cloud for later publishing.  The Cloud is private, until you decide otherwise.  LOVE IT!!

I've been reading quite a bit about Google+ in the past few days, and I've been seeing a lot of scams already associated with sending out invites to join.  Be careful about how you go about getting an invite to join - if you want to join.

You, my friends, have a great advantage... cause now that I'm there - you know I want you all there with me, right?

So, do you want an invite to join Google+?  Leave me a comment - and I'll send you an invite.  I will need your email address, so if you don't want to leave it in the comments section - just shoot me an email.

I've read that Google is limiting the amount of invites each person can send - but it doesn't say that on my Google+ page...so I will invite as many people that ask me... and hopefully it works.

If you're already one of the lucky ones that are on Google+ - let me know!! I want to add more people.. cause what's a social networking site without friends, right?

Alright...that's enough from me, today.  Got my doctor appointment this afternoon...oh wait, no gross talk...I'll let that one go....for now.

Till next time. ;)

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Hype or Help Review -Week 2: EA Active Trainer 2

It's my second week to review EA Active Trainer 2, but really only my first full week of using it.  If you remember, I only used in once before introducing it last Sunday.

This week, I was supposed to use the Trainer on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.  I didn't work out on Monday, due to July 4th holiday.  I had planned on making that work-out up on Wednesday - but went to the river with my family instead.  I, also, didn't work out Friday due to some plans I had made...thinking I'd do it when I came home - but didn't.  Going to try better this next week - and even plan on making up the missed work-outs.  OK, enough with the excuses - and on with the review...

The other two days, I did my work-out...and it was good.  Each one of the work-outs were different, and each focused on a different target area of the body. 

Tuesday, the focus was upper body.  It was a mixture of working with the resistance band - I opted to use 8lbs hand weights - and calisthenics (repetitive cardio/muscular exercises).  The "sport" activities were boxing and step aerobics.  I really liked this work-out...it was fun, challenging, and even though it focused on a body target area, there were plenty of full body cardio to balance everything out nicely.

I really enjoyed the sporting activities...and think mixing them in to "personal trainer" type exercising keeps things fresh and exciting.  The boxing was similar to what Cara did on Biggest Loser this past season.  The "trainer" held gloves, and I got to beat the crap out of them.  It was jabbing and side punches.  I tested whether or not the force associated with my punches was accurately being displayed - and it was.  If I punched HARD, my avatar punched HARD.  If I was wimpy - so was my avatar.

The step aerobics required moving along to different step exercises - minus a board - to fast paced music.  I LOVED this part of the work-out!!  It was accurate to my steps, heart pacing, and fun.

This work-out was only 28 minutes long, but I burned around 200 calories...not too bad.  Pretty simple - and I completed all activities at 100%.

On Thursday, the focus was lower body and Oh. My. Goodness!  I really thought, starting the routine, that I'd find this work-out pretty easy.  I mean, I've been running for a while now - and I believe that my lower body is MUCH stronger than my upper body.  While that may be true, it wasn't for this work-out.  I really thought I wasn't going to make it through several parts of this work-out, and by the time the 30 minutes were over, I was praising all things holy.

There were LOTS of squatting exercises with this work-out...again, I used the 8lbs hand weights.  In between every weight exercise there was either 180 foot fires (those really quick foot moves that football players do) or 50 mountain climbers.  Yes...you saw that right...50!! In between EACH and EVERY strength exercise.  I believe I did over 200 mountain climbers and 500 foot fires by the time it was all said and done.

I had some problems during the strength training with this work-out.  Some of the exercises required squatting for 30 seconds...for several reps.  After a couple of times, I had problems staying in my squats...if I stood up, the clock restarted - and I had to start over.  It ended up taking a while before I was able to complete the reps.  There is definitely no room for cheating, or trying to slack off with this program - that's fo'sure!  My only issue is that there's no option to skip an exercise...so if you're having problems, you're stuck with it - until you can finish what you're supposed to do.

The sporting activities on Thursday were trail running and mountain boarding.  The trail running was fun.  It was a mixture of jogging and burst sprints.  I had to compete against other runners, and the objective was to sprint past them.  Even though I was running in place - holy fire ant balls - I felt like I was running harder than I've ever ran on the track.

The mountain boarding, I encountered a few bugs - that I think were my fault.  You have to squat on the board to make the board go faster, and then do flip jumps to grind on poles and earn points.  I had some issue with the game registering my squats, flip jumps, and stunt jumps.  The first run through, I missed most of the required jumps - even though I was jumping...and getting a little ticked off.  The second time through, I realized my timing was off - and did a lot better...and realized that I had to be MUCH lower in my squat for it to register on the game.  Again - no room for slacking off allowed.

After 35 grueling minutes with this work-out, I burned over 300 calories.  I was completely drenched in sweat - and my legs hurt for the rest of the day, and all day Friday.

Overall this week, I liked it.  I'm going to work-out today and try and make up at least one of my missed work-outs. 

I tried linking my game to my online EA account, but have had some issues that Hubby is going to look in to.  He thinks he can get it fixed for me - so next week, I should be able to show you my online stats.

After a week of using the Trainer 2, I really feel like it's something I can stick with...despite missing a couple of work-outs...and that I'm going to enjoy it.  The fun factor of this system is definitely up there in my reasons of enjoying this program. 

In my opinion, there's nothing worse than standing in front of the TV with the same work-out routine and same trainer day in and day out.  I need variety - and this program is providing exactly that.

I promise to try my best to do EVERY work-out this week...and give another full review next Sunday.

Till next time.  ;)

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So, I Got This Favor to Ask....

I am totally amazed at the amount of messages I've received the past few days about my "blockage" situation.  I can't tell you how surprised, but totally stocked, at how much my followers care about me.

I love you all!!

To make all of you who have contacted me feel better...and those of you sitting there and have been wondering...admit it, you've been wondering....things are MUCH better in that department.  I'm not going to go into too much detail - but I didn't need to get into see the doctor yesterday...but will be having a conversation about it on Monday - at my appointment.

So, I didn't really know what to write about this morning...after a week of birth control issues, blockage issues, and telling everyone that I don't give a rat's ass about stuff....what is there to write about that would top that?  I know - not much.  It's been a stellar week in blogland, that's fo' sure!

Instead of writing about some off the wall topic, I am going to ask for a little favor from you all.  It's totally unsolicited...just a friend trying to help out another friend.

I love reading blogs - you all know that.  I look for ideas from other blogs - just ask Draz... can't tell you how many times that awesome lady has read my blog and probably thought "wait, that sounds very familiar". 

Draz is always totally cool when I steal borrow ideas from her blog....and I, too, am totally cool when my readers do the same.

Enter Nanci from This Crazy Life of Mine

I'm pretty sure that if I conducted a "Faithful Follower" competition - she'd win.  Not saying that I don't have other faithful followers...I do... I'm not trying to leave anyone out...stay with me here...

Nanci and I have become pretty close over the past couple of weeks.  We've exchanged numbers, but yet to text...like I promised...changing that today.

She's an awesome blogger, but is having a hard time finding followers.  Are you getting where I'm going with this?  Yes? Good!!

I want you all to check out Nanci's blog - and follower her if you think she's as awesome as I do. 

Nanci blogs about her life.  She's on a weight loss journey, just like me, but she also shares other aspects of what's going on in her world.  It's sometimes funny, inspirational, tear-jerking... but always awesome.

Back in April, I featured Nanci as a guest blogger.  Go back and read her story - you'll see why I think she's so awesome.

Like I said before, I have other amazing, faithful followers.  This isn't about pointing out one...this is about helping out a person who I think needs some help.  She has a great story to share, is having a hard time finding people to read about it....so I want to help.  Good dead, people, that's what it's about!

In fact, I think this could be a great idea for a feature each week....or maybe something that we could all do.  If you know a blog that you love - and would love to help that blogger out by featuring a little about them on your own blog - you should do that!! 

I love finding new blogs...and most of the blogs I follow are from finding them from other bloggers.  Networking is a special, priceless bond that connects us all.  I found Draz from reading about her from MrsFatass.  I found Alexa from The Curvy Nerd from reading Kenli's blog All the Weigh.  I found out about the Sisterhood of Shrinking Jeans from Colleen at Bee Fit.  That's only barely skimming the surface at the awesome blogs I've found from reading other's blogs... check out my blogroll for more.

So, what do you say?  Will you go check out Nanci's blog? I would appreciate it. 

Also, if you feel like doing a "shout-out" to a fellow blogger on your blog...let me know....I want to find more blogs to read - and I'm going to the one place I know that can help me out... my blog followers.

Enjoy your Saturday, everyone.

Till next time. ;)

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BYOC - Bring Your Own Crazy... WHOOP, WHOOP!!

It's Friday.  It's time for BYOC.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, then read last Friday's post, or the Friday before, the Friday before that...and...well, you get the picture.

Copy, paste, and answer the questions in your own blog - and don't forget to link up so I can read your answers!!

Here we go...

1. If you were asked to symbolize yourself as an animal – which animal would you be?

What a great question...and kinda tough.  When I first read it, I immediately began thinking of animals that would represent my kids...cause...well...they can be animals sometimes.

Peanut would definitely be an owl.  Quiet, smart... Wait, are owls really smart?  I think they are.  They are always portrayed really smart in cartoons.  Anywho - she's quiet, smart, very pretty to look at...but will squawk your head off if she feels like it.

Butter - a tiger.  Looks very cute and cuddly from a distance...but get too close, and he'll totally tear you up to little pieces.  He will often pace up and down around his territory, is pretty quiet, but has quite the rawr.  I still believe in my heart, though, that I will be able to tame him before he's grown - and he will be a great protector and provider for his family.

Jelly is definitely a little yappy dog.  So cute, but never stops yapping.  She's loyal, loving, cute, cuddly...and has no problem eating stuff off the floor.  *eye roll*

Me?  Probably a lioness.  Protector of her young.  Sits around all day while the lion (Hubby, of course) goes out to provide for the family.  Pretty calm temperament - until someone messes with her cubs...then it's game over.

2. Did you ever play an organized sport – with coaches, rules and scoring? Tell us about it.

I tried basketball for one season..that was in 7th grade.  I wasn't really in to organized sports back then, still not really.  I was a band nerd* - 100%.  I was the drum major of the band - and I was just as much of a jock as the quarterback for the football team was.  I really only dated other band nerds, hung out with band nerds, and really never associated much with people that weren't band nerds.

*I use the term "nerd" in the most loving of ways.  I was proud of that title.  We even referred to each other that way.

I will say, though, that a couple of years ago I got into softball.  Peanut started playing - and I was an assistant coach.  Her second season, I was the coach.  It's a sport I'd like to get back into coaching once I find a job and have the time to commit to it.

3. When did you start shaving your legs?

This question brings up a lot of bad memories for me.  I remember my mom being dead set on me not shaving my legs until I was 16!!  Can you imagine?  I have very dark hair...and by 7th grade, my hairy gorilla legs were VERY noticeable.  By 8th grade, I refused to wear shorts during the summer...or anything that showed off my man legs. 

My mom just didn't get it.  She started shaving at 16.. but she has blonde hair...and grew up in a country where it was customary for girls to start shaving at 16.  That was NOT the norm for American girls.  Finally, by 9th grade - I was 14 - she took pity on me...after years of torment and teasing from my peers - and let me finally start shaving my legs.

I swore after that ordeal, that I would NEVER put my own child through that kind of trauma.  I kept my word, too, even though it freaked me out.  Peanut, who is now 11, started shaving this summer.  She was cursed blessed with very dark brown hair, just like me...and I could see her hairy legs from across the room.  She wanted to start last year, but I thought that was a little too young.  This year, she was ready. 

4. When you’re in a crabby – pissy – want to stab everyone you see kind of mood – what do you do to get out of it or do you revel in it?

 I'm an inner reveler.  I'm bad about trying to bottle up my pissiness - yes, that's a word - and not unleash it on anyone.  That is, of course, until I'm all full of pissiness and there's no where else for it to go but out. I am happy to say that my pissininess explosions are a very rare event.  I try to stay as positive as I can, and try not to let too much bother me.  There's really only one thing that will really unleash my pissiness to the world...see question number 1.

Hubby is a great absorber of my pissiness - and lets me lash out on him....and knows that I still love him, it's probably not his fault, and I'm just at my quota of pissiness for one day.  Pissiness is now becoming my new favorite word. He doesn't hold it against me, doesn't retaliate, and acts like I never even turned into a head swiveling, potty mouth, demon from Hell at all....even though I totally did.

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

Blogland has been...well...urm...different.  Yes, that's the word: different.  I've discussed woman problems, blockages, and declared to the world that I'm NOT sorry for any of it.  I have really tested the dedication of my followers this week...and I can't believe I'm still holding on to the 122 followers that I have.  Maybe it's because most of them haven't read about it... maybe that's a good thing.  I know some did - and are still here with me....that's true loyalty right there.  Any person that can put up with my crazy ass sharing my grossest secrets, and then positively commenting about it are true friends in my book. 

I haven't received any hate mail or nasty comments (knock on wood).  I even received a few "thumbs up" comments about my 'I'm not sorry' blog from yesterday.  If you haven't figured it out by now - that post from yesterday was a result of question number 4... but the blogland version.  I didn't mean to throw at anyone - except myself - and I felt so much better after doing it.

Yesterday, I received an email from Skinny Cow - and they are going to sponsor a giveaway on my blog.. YAY!! My first corporate giveaway.  Be looking for that in the next couple of weeks.  :)

In real life - things have been really good.  Peanut is finally home from my mom's...where she's been since school got out for the summer.  She didn't bring anything home with her, as she's already declared that she's going back to Grandma's as soon as she can.  Can you feel the love there?

It's OK, it's not her fault.  My house is boring in the summer.  We don't have a pool like Grandma.  She doesn't have anyone to hang out with - except me, and yeah...that's not going to happen.  She does have a mother that constantly complains about the heat - and doesn't want to think twice about stepping foot outside when it's 100 degrees.  It's no surprise she'd much rather spend her summer at Grandma's house. 

We did stay up late last night watching scary movies, though.  They are her favorite kind of movies - and it was nice to have some Peanut and Mom time.

We all went to the river on Thursday and it was a lot of fun.  I'm not usually one to swim with fish - but the water was clear and I could see the gazillion little fish, so that made things a little better.  I won't swim if I can't see what's swimming around me.  The kids had a blast, too.

Yesterday, I got to see Sanity... YAY!!  I've missed her.  She's been working this summer, and getting to spend time with her has been hard.  I miss my besty...so it's always nice to have a little time with her when I get it.

Today, I'm going to clean my house.  It needs it.  Seriously.  When I start seeing cobwebs that could house a small country worth of bugs...it's time to start deep cleaning. 

OK, now it's your turn.  Post your answers and share...I love getting to know my blog readers.

Till next time. ;)

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