I Promised Pictures

And here I am!  Clearly, need to work on my posing skills.

Dress: Merona for Target.  Tank, Target.  Shoes, Thom McAm from KMart, jewelry, I think Kohl's.  Sweater/Cardigan, Avenue.  Fabulous body, YMCA.  :D  lolololol

**edit**
a) I am not mad.  Now I know why my cousin Dee is forever telling me to smile.  I look ticked off.  I swear I'm not.  I was actually in a good mood because I thought I looked pretty rockin, and I'm on my way to church.
b) I like the first picture best.  I clearly have a lot of work/exercise left to do on my lower half.  I carry most of my weight in my stomach/booty/thigh area, which is why dresses and skirts are my favorite.
c) The hair is driving me crazy.  The back is already growing out, but the top is just getting poofy due to the redonkulous humidity around here.  So I have these little clips, and I twirl the bangs and just pull them back.  Or else I seriously can't see through the bangs.  Bangs are terrible on me.  Remind me of that if I ever think I want them again, please?
d) I'm standing in front of the front door to our house.  Mr. R did the floors and baseboards.  Pretty awesome, huh!  I am thinking of painting our front door orange.  Why?  Because I can.  Plus doors are expensive and I'd rather paint. 
e) I've owned that necklace for at least three years and this is the first time I've ever worn it.  I have a hard time wearing jewelry/accessories.  I know most ladies love them.  And now that I see this picture, I like it a lot!  I may have to branch out in my jewelry collection.
f) I'm wearing red and purple!  No neutral colors!  I'm like a junior version of a Red Hat lady!...except without the hat.
g) These shoes are so comfortable that I'm thinking about going back and getting the same ones in black and beige.  I super fluffy heart love em.  And since I live in the swamp, I can wear them most of the year!

Gah!

I'm having one of those weeks when I wish more than usual that Mr. R had a normal job and was home with me.  I really miss him being the other half of this parenting machine.  The kids have all seem to hit that jerky I'mateenagerandthereforeknowmorethanyouandcanIhavetwentybucksandaridetothemoviesandnotdomychoresandrollmyeyeswheneveryoutalk kind of phase.  It is exhausting.  And because they're all very close in age, it all happened at once.  And I think it happened during a week when I had pms.  So it has been less than pleasant around here.  I breathe a sigh of relief when they leave in the morning and I gird myself up for the attitudes when they walk in later that day.  It is not a fun way to live.  I don't know how to solve this except to let time take its course.  If anyone else (Kelly!) has lived through three teenagers at once, tell me what to do! (Killing anyone and/or selling them on eBay is not an option.  So I hear.)
I think it's just hard for me to remember back when I had three adoring faces looking up at me, and trying to please me and thinking I was just the rat's cheese.  I miss those times.  Teenagers are hard to raise.  I know it's about training them up and letting them go, but do they have to be jerks while they're doing it?  Maybe that is what makes it easy to let go?  Beats me.

Well, when I'm having a crappy day, I tend to shop.  And shop I did, although I didn't go crazy.  I bought another new dress at Target.  It's purple and sleeveless and a wrap dress.  I found my $5 off coupon for Merona at Target, and went there to buy ink for my fax (it's true, I really did, but I made sure I had that dress coupon too, ha!).  Found out that the dress I wanted was on sale for $20.48.  Yay!  But now I couldn't use the coupon, because I had to spend $25.  Leave it to me to look around, and I found a pink and purple skirt on clearance for $8, Merona brand name.  Not my normal style, but elastic waist so I can wear it during uterine appreciation week, and I'll just wear it in the house while I'm working.  I'm not sure this will be an outside-the-house kind of skirt.  And I got to use my coupon!

Then I took Tiger to the movies.  And decided to stop in at KMart, which is in the same strip mall.  I have not been in KMart for a long time.  My mom used to work there and the one near me is pretty much a total dump.  But good deals galore, from what my fashion blogger buddies out there have been reporting.  Well, not mine.  My plus size section had nothing but tank tops (and I love a tank top, I really do, but I have a drawer full of them and I swear I don't need any right now) and shorts.  I hate shorts.  And polo shorts, which I think look awful on full busted women.  No skirts, no fashionable tops, just old lady tee shirts and some very nice work tops, but I won't wear them at home.  If I worked outside the house, I would have scooped them up, but they're useless to me now.  So I went to shoes.  They were having a BOGO but I didn't like any of those.  I did end up with a pair of sandals that I really like, they were marked down to 17.99.  And found a very cute brown corduroy purse that was only $8.99.  The purse I'm carrying now is seriously about to fall apart.  I got it for my birthday two years ago and I've basically murdered it.  Plus I decided I needed a new purse that was more segmented.  My dying purse was a big hobo bag and I would lose everything in it.  This one is maybe half the size, but has lots of pockets.  Although I'm starting to think my wallet may not fit in it.  Guess I'll find out.  *grin*

So anyway, that's my night tonight.  Exciting, no.  I'll do pictures tomorrow.  Maybe get some full length shots of myself.  I don't do that very often.

Oh, and I've decided to grow out my hair.  I can't deal with it this short.  I feel very butch and that is just not me.  I've tried styling it quite a few ways and I hate styling products.  I literally have lesions on my head from the styling products bothering me so much.  Nothing says attractive like a bloody gash in your hairline.  I think I'm going to stick to layered shoulder length hair.  Long enough to pull up in a pretty twist, short enough that I don't get headaches from the weight.  It'll do.  And it will make Mr. R happy, too.

No School For Two Weeks

Huge sigh of relief.  Phew!
Peeps, I'm sooooo close!  Right now, I'm slated to graduate in April.  APRIL!!! As in, 7 months from now.  I remember when on this very blog back in 2008, I was contemplating even starting going back to college.  Now I'm almost done!  SQUEEEEEE!

So, two weeks off.  What to do, what to do.  You know, besides working 40 hours a week, working out, and parenting the brood. 

1) I joined a women's Bible study on Wednesday nights.  It is being taught by a godly woman in my Sunday school class, and I can't wait.  She is such a wealth of information and I'm always impressed by her knowledge.  I'm very excited!

2) I have two other options for the next two weeks (of which one weekend is Labor Day, so I have a three day weekend in this) is either:
 a) repaint my kitchen cabinets
 b) do my sewing repairs

Pros and Cons:
It's going to cost money to fix my cabinets, but I have all the sewing supplies.
Sewing hurts my eyes.  But painting cabinets will probably hurt my neck and shoulder.
We bought a new above-the-range microwave oven and it makes sense to paint the cabinets before I install the new appliance.  I have never painted cabinets in my life; but I'm sure Missy will help reorganize the cabinets.  These cabinets are old and ugly, but in good shape.  Unfortunately, they are laminated particle board, which means I have to lightly sand the cabinets.  Then paint.  Then put a clear finish on top (I think.)  Plus new hardware.  Messy and time consuming.  But if I can do four of the cabinets, I don't need to worry about getting paint on my new microwave.

I've looked at lots of countertops, and have my heart set on recycled glass.  It's different than granite, is earth-friendly, and is so pretty I can hardly stand it.  And the funniest part is, they're made of broken beer bottles!  This is one that I like:

credit:  www.coolhunting.com/design/assets/images/vetrazzoalehouse.jpg

Here is another:

Since most of the interior of our home is painted blue, this makes more sense to me.  Credit: 
www.surfacefabrication.com/images/article/1205179915237_productSpotlight22.jpg&imgrefurl=

So in my mind, it makes sense to paint my ugly cabinets, shown here:

Seriously, designer of my house; thank you so much for the 8 inches of space on either side of my stove.  That is PLENTY OF ROOM.  *rolls eyes*
And do you see how icky the wall behind the stove is?  It needs a backsplash, not paint.  I'll be working on that eventually, too.  But anyway, I don't know if you can tell, but my cabinets are cheap particle board with a fake pink wood overlay.  Yes, pink.  It is the bane of my kitchen existence.  I cringe when I walk in there.  I was hoping painting it red would help, but the only thing that will help those cabinets is being sanded down and repainted or replaced.  And I don't have the money to replace them right now.

So here are the colors I'm thinking of painting my cabinets:

This dark chocolatey brown.

And then paint my walls:

I'm going for the color here, not the fact that it's tile.

Anyway, I know shades of brown are kind of boring.  But can you imagine how gorgeous either of those countertops would look great with the neutral background?  I could go either way and be happy!

Again

Mr. R's sister might be moving back in with us.

I just wrote on my twitter: The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results.

Because that is what I see her doing, over and over, and over.

Dumps guy that is abusive.  Finds new guy in bar who, shockingly enough is abusive.  Moves in with abusive guy.  New guy decides that her son (my nephew) puts a crimp in his lifestyle.  Kicks sister-in-law and nephew out on the street. 

I cringed as I typed it out to her (we were instant messaging on facebook) that our door was open.  For the life of me, I can't figure out where I'm going to put her, my 6 foot tall nephew and all their stuff in my tiny house.  And since she's not working, how Mr. R and I are going to support them.  And not only that, but deal with Jay (the abusive ex-husband) coming over to pick up his son every other weekend, and whenever he feels like, because he shows up when he wants to.  And he's usually drunk and armed.  I also know he's a great shot, because he's a hunter and I've gone shooting with him.

Yeah, I don't like this at all.

But I can't imagine not allowing them to stay with us.  Right now, it appears they are homeless.  I texted her but she's not responding.  (I know her cell phone works, because we already pay for that, too!)  Mr. R is home for the entire weekend, so I have a feeling we may end up driving down there to pick them up.  I already suggested taking our dining room table apart and making the dining room into a makeshift bedroom for the two of them.  I have no space left in this house.  It is only 1400 square feet and we already have 5 people crammed in here.

I think what drives me the most crazy, is that I do my very best not to lead a drama filled life.  I like sensible, reliable things.  I enjoy nights at home, home cooked food, and responsibility.  The whole glittery lifestyle that she likes to lead honestly makes me sad.  To be 36 years old and not be able to support my child, to depend on the men in her life (ex husband, ex boyfriend, brother, stepfather) to help her out, and to continually seek out the excitement of men in bars; I seriously DON'T GET IT.  Am I missing something here?  Is there something sexy about getting slapped in the face by a guy I'm supposed to love? 

Prayers Answered

No cancer!  Just dense breast tissue.  God is good!

Prayers

My friend Erin's sweet baby girl is have an echocardiogram done today.  Anibella is almost 10 months old and possibly the cutest baby ever.  Please be praying for good results for them!

I had my first mammogram in June, and the results came back "suspicious."  So I'm having a follow up mammogram today and a left breast ultrasound, which is where "something" was seen.  I'm not nervous at all.  But I don't turn prayers away!  Please pray that my result is just "dense breast tissue" which would be normal considering I'm 35 years old.

In good news, I was told this procedure could last between 2-3 hours, so I managed to get today off.  How nice not to sit down with my schedule and go over it.  I turned my fax off, changed the message on my phone, and I'm looking around the house for books to read while I'm at the medical plaza (so far I have my Bible, which is a given, and "Diabetes for Dummies" which pretty much says it all.)  I'm not allowed to wear deodorant which is super pleasant in August, and I have to to wear two separate items so I don't walk around nekkid for the mammogram.  I'm wearing the capri pants I bought at Goodwill, my flip flops and I haven't decided which shirt yet.  Either brown or purple. 

My appt is at 9am today, which means I have to leave my house today between 7:30-7:45 so I can battle fun traffic on I-4.  Which means I really shouldn't be here typing away!  Have an amazing day, all!

What's for Lunch? How About Some Humble Pie?

I am an impatient driver.  Tis true.
I left my house at 11am today to get to a dentist appointment at 11:20, to a place which is only ten minutes away.
Sounds like a good plan, right?
Except I was behind SOMEONE who was driving slower than Christmas.  Speed limit, 45.  She was doing between 20 and 25.  And I couldn't pass her.
I called the dentist to let them know I'd be late because AN IDIOT was in front of me!
Surprise, surprise.  The IDIOT turned into the same parking lot as me.  I whipped around and found a parking space and ran into the dentist office, only 5 minutes late.  I was still grumbling under my breath when I saw the IDIOT who was in front of me finally choose a spot, park, and exit her vehicle.  She was going to the dentist too.
The entire right side of her face was swelled to epic proportions.  She had a mixture of pus and blood dripping out of the corner of her mouth.  She walked to the front, where the receptionist apologized and said they couldn't fit this lady in until at least 2pm.  Maybe even later. 
Suddenly, I'm the one who feels like an IDIOT.
"Excuse me."  I break into their conversation.  "She can have my appointment."
The receptionist is stunned.  The woman in pain starts to cry.  The receptionist reminds me that no more cleaning appointments are available until October.  I nod, it's fine by me.  "Please, I'm not in pain.  She can go.  I can wait."
The lady turns to me.  She mumbles "Thank you" through her swollen jaw.  "I just moved here, and I hurt so bad.  Thank you for helping me."  I give her a quick hug and tell her I hope she feels better soon.
Maybe I wasn't running late after all.

I Admit It; My Kids Make Me Angry Sometimes

Today was the first day of school, and my workday was completely productive.  Despite having a staggering 115 accounts faxed to me, I had about 7 added on throughout the day.  And got most of them done.  My job is not to complete all of them, but to get the ones for the next day finished.  As in, on Monday, I am getting authorizations for Tuesday and hopefully most of Wednesday.  Anything else on there is gravy.

I was really excited when the kids came home because I wanted to hear about their day.  Missy came home first.  She got one class fixed (every year they put her in remedial reading, we can't figure out why.  She took Honors last year) and got stuck in one she didn't want, so she signed up for a schedule change.  She didn't get the one class she truly wanted, which was Culinary Arts.  She had to get that signed by a teacher last year for her to take it, so it's quite surprising that she didn't get it. 

During the course of the day on facebook, I heard from a childhood friend whose "baby daddy" ran out on her, and she is raising her daughter on her own.  Her daughter starts school next week, and my friend cannot afford new clothes for her daughter.  My heart immediately went out to my friend, and I asked for her daughter's sizes so I could find a few things for her. 

So one might imagine my distress when I heard Missy on the phone with a friend stating that she hated the new shoes I had bought her (which SHE picked out) and wouldn't be wearing them.  Now, they're only Target shoes, and only cost $15, but I immediately saw red.  I thought, shoot, I could have bought a new pack of underwear, some socks and maybe a shirt with $15 for my friend's little girl.  A little girl who would appreciate the gesture.  I asked Missy why she hated her shoes, and she said they squeaked when she walked.  Ummm, ok.  If you wear them a couple of times, you'll probably get the squeak out.  But no...she's done with them.  Brand new.  I was so disgusted by the arrogance of her attitude that I literally had to walk away from her.

I grew up dirt poor.  I didn't get too many new clothes, and if I did, it was because a charity like the church gave them to us.  Most of my hand-me-downs came from my cousin Renee.  And her favorite color was pink and I hated pink.  I did get new socks and underwear, my mom was able to pull that off.  But I've stood in front of Missy's closet, and my 8 year old Sarah was insanely jealous of the closet my Missy had. 

Then tonight at 9:15, Bucket decided he was hungry.  I said, "It's too late, don't eat anything."  Next thing I know, he popped in a bagel.  Now I'm mad because he disobeyed me.  Then he made it just a bit too brown for his taste (not at all burned, but he likes his bagels very lightly toasted) so he attempted to throw it out.  I wouldn't let him.  I made him put the cream cheese on and made him eat it.  First disobeying, then wasting food?  Ugh.  It makes me sick. 

I know I'm not rich by any means, but sometimes I think it's better to raise your kids in poverty.  Really.  Not no-place-to-live-bedroom-in-my-car-homeless-shelter poverty, but having barely enough.  Being appreciative of small things.  Expecting nothing, so being delighted with little.  I somehow missed this for my own children, and it bothers me.  They expect hand outs.  Demand the best.  Pout when things don't fall instantly into their laps.  I missed this part of parenting, and considering my oldest is 15, I'm not sure if I can fix it in time.  I'm just bummed and not feeling very mother of the year right now.   I love my kids so very dearly.  But I think I've made a few errors along the way with them.

Not Full Length, But Not Bad Either

I had make up on this morning, but again, the heat of Florida makes it just disappear.  But I made sure to wear earrings with my boyish 'do, and I think that helped.

Seriously, did the back grow already?  Do you see what I go through, people?

This is the new dress!  I love the chocolatey cream pattern.  This will be a favorite that hopefully will last a long time.  Thank you, Merona for Target!

Not going to fix my hair.  Just going to let it grow out.  I bet by Thanksgiving, it will be shoulder length.  It grows fast!

I Sort of Hit a Goal

Ok, so, I've only lost about six pounds, which is the grand scheme of things is not a whole lot.  However, I am proud to note that I've worked out the entire summer.  I have not given up, I have not walked away.  I was took a trip to Target today with Missy and of course went to the plus size section to see if anything awesome was on sale (nope.  Unless you count swimsuits and they never fit me right.)  I adore my dresses so I looked over there, and saw the most gorgeous dress.  It is a brown and cream geometric print, and I happen to love me brown and cream.  It's like coffee!  But...bummer!  The size 2, which is Target's vanity sizing which is really 18/20, was out.  No size 2.  I stuck out my lower lip again like I did in the picture below.  I looked at the size 1.  Hmmm.  Nah...I've only lost six pounds.  The 14/16 is not going to fit me.  I walked away to check out tank tops; you know, because the 28 I already have is not enough.  The Target near me has a pretty sad plus size selection so it didn't take me long to look around.  All they had on clearance was gaudy tee shirts with big flowers stuck to them; I could see why they were on clearance.  I sighed.  I saw another lady walk over to the brown and cream dress, and pick up the size 1.  She looked it over, made a face, and put it down.  I decided to run over and grab it.  What's the harm in trying it on, right?
I am so glad I did.  Peeps, it fit.  The 14/16 FIT ME!!!
I'm going to wear it to church tomorrow. 
However, in not so awesome news: I bought a pair of khaki capri pants at Goodwill that were a size 24 and fit great.  24!!!!
Maybe this whole "I want to be a size 10/12" is not a great idea.  Because Target's 10/12 can be someone else's 18/20, and then I will haz a sad.  And I don't like those.
Anyway, I have an entire closet full of size 18/20 or size 2 dresses which are getting dangerously loose.  As in, I flashed Nicola when I leaned into her car window yesterday.  Dresses are nice in that the skirt part generally fit you whether you are apple shaped, pear shaped, or hourglass.  It appears to me that right now, I'm mostly losing weight in the bust/shoulder/arm area.  So what I suppose I should do is take a day off work, pull out my sewing machine, and pull in the shoulder seamings on all my dresses.  I don't have the money to replace my clothing, and I haven't lost enough weight to justify buying a ton of new clothes.  Besides, I like my clothes.  Most everything I have, is because I love the cut and color.  So taking stuff in seems to make sense.
But this is good, friends.  Slow and steady progress is making me happy, despite the hair.

Botched Up Hair!!!

You guys know how I cut my hair about a month or two ago, right?  And how I loved it, right?  And you know how my hair grows really fast, right?  And so I needed a trim, right?

OH NOES.  I GOT A SCISSOR HAPPY FLUNKIE!!!

Have you ever tried to take a picture of the back of your head.  Is difficult.  Ok, now, I like the back.  My hair is not quite straight, not curly.  I've always loved the wavy quality of my hair.  So this works.  Mama likey.

This is the front.  Mama no likey.  It is poofy.  I feel like an enormous QTip.  This is what it looks like after I've dumped about half a container of leave in conditioner in it.  Pardon my lack of makeup, because I don't wake up gorgeous, ok?  It's hard work, I tell you!  My pouty lip will tell you how I feel about this situation!

I looked stunned, no?  As in, what happened?  Did a lady with scissors attack me?  Nice bangs!  But oy, the rest!  And seriously, when am I going to give in and get a nose job?  It takes up 3/4 of my face.  But not to pat myself on the back here, my eyes are so pretty.  I love my blue eyes!

It wings out weird on the side.  Not sure if that's just the natural volume of my hair, or if it's cut wrong.

This is me at the beach two weeks ago.  I didn't like this hair either.  Not one bit.  Which is why I went back to get a haircut.  This is way too Kate Gosselin for me.  Short in the back, long in the front.  

Oh yes.  I rock it like that.  

Look, I don't wear makeup at the beach.  All it does is melt off my facey.  So no guys hit on me at the beach, I assure you.  On this particular day, I was next to a bunch of chain smoking rednecks who insisted on playing "Free Bird" over and over.  And they sang to it.  Badly.

So that is the hair!  What do you guys think?  I am thinking about going back and demanding they thin out the top so I can avoid the qtip look.  Should I shave it all off?  (Please don't tell me yes to that.)  I will not do extensions.  Just grin and bear it?  Dye it purple so it looks like I did my hair like this on purpose?  TELL ME BECAUSE MR. R IS DUE HOME IN A FEW DAYS AND HE IS GONNA FLIP.

Do I Have a Right to be as Annoyed as I Am?

I've been a diagnosed diabetic for a month.  Less than, actually.  My feelings are still bruised and I'm still very emotionally raw about the whole situation.  I have shared with a few people; you guys, but that's sort of anonymous.  My hubby of course.  My kids, because they see the glucose meter and I needed to make sure none of their friends were going to mess with the lancets and stuff.  And my mom and sister, plus her husband Paul.  That reminds me, Paul works in my department.  I need to email him to let him know not to tell any staff members.

Well, both my mom AND my husband went off and told other people before I was ready to share the news!  My mom told my Aunt Nancy, who decided to send me this long email about how us fat chicks have to exercise more and eat less.  (Thanks for the newsflash.  In other breaking news, the world is round and birds fly.  Back to you in the studio, Chuck.)  Then Mr. R told MY DAD before I could tell him, and then told HIS MOM.  Who just called me and cheerfully asked if I needed any lancets or test strips because she has too many and wants to share.  (This is seriously the exact reason I didn't want to tell his mom; she drives me crazy with retarded phone calls all day about her pooping schedule and what's on sale at Wal-Mart, I didn't need to get this, too.)  So I texted Mr. R and asked why he shared this information; and he told me to GET OVER IT.  Wha???? 

It honestly took most of my human strength not to call him and just straight up start cursing.  Instead, I turned off my cell and prayed for restraint.  I know he's not doing it to hurt me, but I'm not ready yet.  I suppose I feel some shame in being a 35 year old diabetic.  I know that while I have a strong family history, I ignored other signs as well, and I feel pretty stupid about it.  I feel like there should be a big sign over my head saying YOU HOOOO!  OVER HERE!  BIG FAT GIRL HAS DIABETES HERE.  SHE HATES TO EXERCISE AND IS TOTALLY GLUTTONOUS.  LET'S MAKE FUN OF HER FAT BEHIND RIGHT TO HER FACE AND THEN RAISE HER HEALTH INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE BECAUSE SHE IS COSTING TAXPAYERS SIMPLY BY BREATHING.  THROW CARROTS AT HER, MAYBE SHE'LL EAT THEM!  OR MAYBE SHE'LL SPREAD CHOCOLATE FROSTING ON THEM INSTEAD!  AFTER ALL, SHE IS A TOTAL FAT *SS AND CAN'T CONTROL HERSELF ANYWAY!

That's a really long sign.
Vent over for now.  Please contnue your day.

I Can't Believe I Forgot

But...HAPPY 16TH ANNIVERSARY TO MY HONEY, MR. R!!!  (on August 6)

Sixteen reasons I love Mr. R:

1) He is a godly man.
2) He loves me!
3) He is an amazing daddy.
4) He is so smart it makes me sick that he never went to college.
5) He knows how to do stuff that boggles my mind.  Broken pipes, fixed.  Laying floors, done. 
6) He's a musician, so our home will always be filled with music.
7) He knows what he is doing once the doors are closed.  I will go no further than that.
8) He is a hard worker.  I have issues with lazy men; quite a few of my friends from the past would work two jobs while their bfs/men would sit home and scratch.  I seriously do not like that.
9) He gives amazing head rubs.  I will fall asleep in three minutes flat when he starts to play with my hair.
10) He can grill a steak like no other.
11) If I ask him how I look, he will give me real criticism, and not "you look fine, dear."  He will say, "What about your red shoes, or how about a necklace?"  He doesn't blow me off when I'm being girly.
12) Even though he is a guy's guy through and through, he has no issues helping me with housework.  He will wash dishes, mop floors, and wash windows.  The only thing he won't do is my laundry because he doesn't want to ruin my stuff, and I appreciate that.
13) He can actually decorate.  Most of our house colors and furniture was picked out by him.  I can always tell him no, but so far, I've liked everything he's picked out.
14) When I'm sick, he will take care of me.  After the second car accident when I couldn't move my legs, he helped me get up and move to the bathroom and learned how to put on my bras (it's a lot harder than getting them off, he learned!)  He came home when I had my concussion and woke me up every couple hours to make sure I didn't have a stroke.  Romantic, no?
15) I can talk to him about anything.  He is not boring. 
16) He is the kind of person that even if we weren't married, I'd be friends with him.  I don't just love him...I LIKE HIM TOO.

Happy 16th, babe!  Here's to at least 16 more.  I adore you.

YMCA Update

Hi all!  I finally, finally, FINALLY have my laptop back!  I am so happy that you're back in my life, Ruby.  I'm sorry that mean ol virus got you all sick!
Ahem.  Anyway!
I am still going to the Y, still working out.  Not consistently.  My kids go back to school next week already, and I'm really going to work harder at getting there on my lunch break.  However, I am pleased to report that since I started at the Y on June 6, I have lost:  6 pounds. 

Hoooooooray!!!  I wish it were more, but hey, I will take what I can get.  I have not done anything about my diet because I have real issues with logging onto personal websites on my hospital computer.  But I have my laptop back and now I can work on my intake with help from ol Ruby here.  (Ruby is my laptop.  What...yours doesn't have a name?)

Tonight, I had a piece of grilled chicken (I don't own a food scale, maybe I should, I have no idea how many servings my chicken was) and roasted broccoli with a very tiny amount of pasta.  I'm thinking it was two forkfuls.  The roasted broccoli was absolutely divine and I will definitely be making it again.  I took an entire head of broccoli, and cut off the ends.  I like the florets.  Sprinkled olive oil on it, sprinkled Mrs. Dash on it, then popped in the oven for about 15 minutes.  Then sprinkled a bit of parmeson cheese on top.  I ate nearly an entire head of broccoli.  It was GOOD!  I don't feel like I'm being deprived at all, although I am pretty thirsty and guess I should get another glass of water.

Anyway, just thought I would report on my loss since you guys have been praying for me!  It has worked, definitely. 

401st Post! Plus a Thank-You to Torrid

I didn't even realize my last (very short) post was my 4ooth post. Wow! I've really enjoyed blogging, although I've been off a bit lately. I can't wait to get my laptop bag and start uploading pictures and such. I'm on my work computer right now, and I can't upload pictures with it.

I had a very fun day with Missy on Saturday. Thursday was her 15th birthday. I had to work all day because someone else had already requested that day off. But on Saturday, she took her birthday money and we headed off to the only store she wanted to go to: Torrid, a plus size/juniors store in Orlando, at the Fashion Square Mall. Not far at all from where I attended high school. In fact, my bff in high school worked there at the Wet Seal. I never shopped for clothes there. Even back in the day, I was way too curvy to shop there. I think when I did go in there, I bought socks or earrings. Anyhoo, this is not a post about Wet Seal. This is about Torrid.

Let me just say, as a fifteen year old girl with actual curves, in a world where stick straight fashion is what's in style, it can be difficult. I've spent many hours trying on clothes with Missy, with her in tears and me wanting to strangle all these designers who have decided that women should have no hips for childbearing, that skirts should stop directly below the cho-cha, and that every shirt be designed to showcase your breasts. Designers for teenage girls: STOP IT. STOP IT NOW. Our precious daughters deserve more. And I refuse to give my money to stores/designers who want to slut up my girl. You hear me? *hops off soapbox.*

Torrid was AWESOME. Missy was so excited she practically bounced into the store. We were immediately greeted by an awesome lady named Rachel who basically became our best friend in the store. We told her it was Missy's birthday, and we were here to find birthday/school clothes, and that we needed outfits, not just individual pieces. Rachel looked at Missy, figured out her size immediately, asked her what her style was and what her favorite color was, and next thing I know, we had about 200 pieces of clothing laid out for us. We were there, literally for about two to three hours. We found jeans that fit her without Missy needing a trach to breathe properly. We found tank tops galore. Loads of gorgeous tops that show my daughter's beautiful face, and not her breasts. Cardigans that draped beautifully without adding pounds or wideness. And even a skirt which managed to say hello to my daughter's knees, and not her privates. I think Rachel found every purple item in that store and made sure it was on Missy's door to try on. By the time we were done, Missy had at least ten outfits to wear. Two pairs of jeans, a skirt, tank tops, regular tops, and a black and white striped cardigan. By mixing and matching, she would be set for a long time. I wish I had more money, because I would have bought her a few more items, but I do have groceries to buy. I tried to log onto the Torrid website so I could write a letter of appreciateion, but for some reason, my computer says their page is corrupted and won't let me long on. So I decided to come to my blog and thank Torrid.

Torrid, thank you for remembering that even curvy teenage girls want to look pretty.
Torrid, thank you for giving my daughter an awesome day of shopping.
Torrid, thank you for hiring Rachel. She was fantastic. Missy talked about how cool she was the entire way home.
Torrid, can you please put some chairs in the try-on area so us old moms don't have to stand there for hours? My feetz were killing me.