Over the course of the month I have been writing this post, saying one thing each day that I am thankful for. Instead of doing a "Thankful Thursday" post each week I have done one or more for each day of the month. Here is my list:
1. November 1, 2012: I am thankful that my parents are awesome. I hit a moving metal object this morning on my way to work that fell off of the car in front of my. When I got to work I noticed the oil emptying itself into the street. I called the Patrick, my parents, a tow truck, the car dealership the tow truck was taking it to and my insurance. There's nothing I can do about it from work, so my dad is helping me take care of my car issues while I'm at work so I don't have to worry about it for now.
2. November 2, 2012: I am thankful for car insurance. I've been paying it monthly for over 11 years now and I always just paid it and never gave it a second thought, obviously cursing it as I put it in the mailbox like every other bill I had to pay. However, after this mornings incident I've had to deal with my car insurance and I couldn't feel more taken care of. I realize that there is always the possibility of having to pay more than just the deductible, depending on the damage and the estimation, but for now I feel like everything's going to be okay.
3. November 3, 2012: I am thankful that I am able to earn overtime this weekend. It is desperately needed because we just do not have enough people for the work load. I am trying to stay on top of the amount of work and I feel like I'm doing a pretty good job but it's just a lot to try to fit into an 8 hour day. It will also be nice to have a little extra money for the holidays.
4. November 4, 2012: I am thankful that I was able to work this afternoon with no distractions. My mom graciously asked if she could take Isabel for the afternoon so I could get some work done. I quickly agreed and got a solid two hours in this afternoon. When Patrick got home from work we were able to do some child free grocery shopping and then went to dinner at my parents house. It was really nice to be able to do all of that. My parents are awesome!
5. November 5, 2012: I am thankful that I am taking part of NaNoWriMo. The subject I picked to write about (letters to Isabel) makes it very easy to reach the word count. I feel like I'm cheating it's so easy. I know I would be struggling with it if I was to write fiction, but I think that this is what will benefit both Isabel and myself in the long run. I'm hoping that it turns out well and that I am able to give it to her when she's older so that she knows how much I've gone through for us.
6. November 6, 2012: I am thankful that I am an American and that I am able to vote and have my voice heard. I am thankful that I know that being an American means that, whether I agree or not, it is my responsibility to respect the President and everything that he is doing to help make our country a better place. I really hope one day we are able to work together as Americans and not be separated by a title of Democrat or Republican.
7. November 7, 2012: I am thankful that Lorien is awesome. She is always willing to help me out at work when it gets overwhelming. For some reason I am being bombarded with work and either I don't manage my time as well or our alignment of agents is way off. Either way she's always right there to help and I appreciate it more than I could ever say. It's very difficult for me to ask for help, but I know with her she doesn't mind helping me.
8. November 8, 2012: I am thankful for Patrick. He is getting better at knowing when I need a good hug. I can come home from a long stressful day at work and he's there with his arms open and a glass of wine for me. It really does help.
9. November 9, 2012: I am thankful that we received our wedding pictures yesterday. I am now obsessed with looking at them because they all turned out so well. I cannot wait to print them and finish my photo album as well as make photo collage books for our parents for Christmas.
10. November 10, 2012: I am thankful for my family. The kids are here this weekend and even though at times the two big ones can push our patience (what are they supposed to do? It's their job to pick on one another) it's so nice to have them here. We don't get to have them as often as we'd like, but it just reassures how much of a family we really are when they are here. I feel so lucky that we blended so easily into our family.
11. November 11, 2012: I am thankful that I was able to get ahead on my novel for NaNoWriMo at the beginning of the month. Work has been crazy busy, so I haven't had a chance to write for a few days, but I'm still on track to finish before the end of the month.
12: November 12, 2012: I am thankful for my in-laws. I have heard some horror stories about in-laws and I cannot even begin to explain how lucky I am. I could not have asked for nice people to call my family. They are so loving, kind and accepting and I will never be able to tell them how much I love them as there are not enough words.
13: November 13, 2012: I am thankful that I was able to finish our photo album for the wedding. I printed 200 pictures and actually put them in the album. I have a tendency to start printing pictures but never put them in albums, so it's nice to get this done.
14. November 14, 2012: I am thankful that I started Christmas shopping yesterday. I was only able to order a couple things online, but at least I am on the right track. It's going to be a small Christmas this year due to financial issues, but I want there to be some things for the kids to open.
15. November 15, 2012: I am thankful that I am being trusted with more responsibility at work. Although it is our busiest time right now and I'm having a difficult time getting my job done to begin with (hello overtime!) it's nice to know that they believe I can take more on. I do know that they are giving me more work in order to help out other people (and there's really no one to help me other than Lorien, but she has just as much) so that's the real reason behind the additional responsibilities but still, they couldn't give us more if we couldn't do it.
16. November 16, 2012: I am thankful for payday. This payday was awesome and I'm thankful for being able to work overtime. It's nice to be able to earn some extra money this time of year.
17. November 17, 2012: I am thankful that I've found a new craft. It's something that keeps me busy and that I enjoy doing. I am glad that I am able to use this for gifts and for myself. I may even be thinking about looking into selling them next year...
18. November 18, 2012: I am thankful that I finished laundry this weekend. Even though I had to start on Wednesday and even though the hampers are already getting full again I at least finished the piles of laundry I had and can now feel better about leaving for Vegas on Wednesday.
19. November 19, 2012: I am thankful that we are going out of town for Thanksgiving this year. I am really excited to go to Vegas and to spend some time with the family without having to worry about who's going to cook what.
20. November 20, 2012: I am thankful that I have not been bringing work home this week. I have been working so much overtime, but I have decided that bringing work home is just not acceptable anymore. Even though I've been getting paid for it I need to use that time to be with my family.
21. November 21, 2012: I am thankful that I've been doing awesome at Christmas shopping. I still need to get a few more things for the kids, my niece and our parents. The kids need to get their gifts for the secret santa we decided to do this year with the nieces and nephews. I'm feeling good and like we may actually stay within budget this year.
22. November 22, 2012: I am thankful that I am able to be with my family today. We went around the table tonight saying what we were thankful for. Collectively we have lost quite a few friends and family this year, so we wanted to make it a point to say what we were thankful for. Not just because it's Thanksgiving but as a reminder that we should be doing it more often.
23. November 23, 2012: I am thankful that I stuck with my plan for Vegas. Although I spent a little more than I wanted to with food and entertainment (we went to the Bodies exhibit), I had a wonderful time and didn't gamble (unless you count the $15 playing Bingo).
24. November 24, 2012: I am thankful that I am able to take Isabel to the Fresh Beat Band concert today. I bought the tickets awhile ago and she's gone back and forth with not wanting to go (she gets scared at the unknown and places that are loud) but she's really excited to go and you know what? so am I.
25. November 25, 2012: I am thankful that I was finally able to properly say goodbye to our dear friend who passed away October 1st. It took this long as they were trying to find a living relative. He had none. For a man who had no family, he sure did have a lot of friends, making up a much more loving family... He will be missed so much by so many people.
26. November 26, 2012: I am thankful that I was able to make some progress on the apartment. Although I didn't get as much done as I would have liked, I need to focus on what I did accomplish. I got about half of the laundry done (done-done, not just washed and/or dried, but hung up or folded and put away). I also started hanging the craft I did for the kids room. I love it so far!
27. November 27, 2012: I am thankful I am thankful that I am able to spend some time working on my scarfs. I have this big idea to make a bunch of them and at some point I want to sell them. It's very relaxing to spend some time at night crocheting and I'm glad that I'm able to do that to relax at night before bed.
28. November 28, 2012: I am thankful that I've taken the stress out of running. I was planning on running the Goofy Challenge in January 2014, but I decided that it would be a better use of time and money to hold off on that challenge for a while. I'm not saying I'm never going to do it, but I decided that it would be a lot less stressful if I stopped putting money away for a race and start using it to pay off credit cards and to save up for a house. At this point I'm more into saving money so that we can buy a house faster and maybe add to our family than I am into running. It's a little sad, like losing a friend, but maybe that motivation will return someday. (Hopefully soon as I have 4 races I'm signed up for...)
29. November 29, 2012: I am thankful that I've been able to get a lot of work done this week. Despite the flood in the office that happened over the Thanksgiving break I've been able to concentrate more than ever. The flood affected my desk the most, so I had to move desks. We have dehumidifiers all over the office and we are all feeling some symptoms of that. I've been able to put my iPod in and focus on work which is good because we're pretty much drowning with work.
30. November 30, 2012: I am thankful that today is payday. I checked my statement and my paycheck is awesome-sauce! Partly because it's the third paycheck of the month, so no benefits are taken out, but mostly because I had 25 hours of overtime. I already used it to pay rent and bills and I have enough left over to go Christmas shopping. I should finish, if not get really close to being done Christmas shopping.
Friday, November 30, 2012
December Goals
1. Run and/or walk 100 miles.
2. Continue writing Isabel's novel.
3. Stay within budget for Christmas.
4. Continue to not use any credit cards. Make a plan to pay off all debts by the end of 2013.
5. Get organized and stay organized.
2. Continue writing Isabel's novel.
3. Stay within budget for Christmas.
4. Continue to not use any credit cards. Make a plan to pay off all debts by the end of 2013.
5. Get organized and stay organized.
November Goals
1. Run and/or walk 100 miles.
Epic Fail.
2. Complete NaNoWriMo. 50,000 is a lot of words, so I'm going to change the goal to stick with NaNoWriMo all month, to not give up even if I don't hit the word count.
Epic Win! 51071 words! I ended up adding a lot from my blog, but at the same time, that's a part of my life and I think it's an important part to add to my book to Isabel. I'm no where near done and am excited that there's no time line to reach a certain word count.
3. Stick to the agreed upon budget for Christmas. (Start Christmas shopping..)
So far so good. I'm pretty sure I can finish Christmas shopping with either this paycheck, if not I'll only need to use very little next paycheck. It's so nice knowing that I won't have to go into debt this year.
4. Make better eating choices.
Epic Fail.
5. Exercise: minimum 2-3 times per week running and 1-2 times per week strength.
Epic Fail.
My eating and exercising has been none existant. I don't know what's going on, but I'm not going to push it because then I'll fail and it will all be worse than it is now. I will find that motivation when I'm ready.
Epic Fail.
2. Complete NaNoWriMo. 50,000 is a lot of words, so I'm going to change the goal to stick with NaNoWriMo all month, to not give up even if I don't hit the word count.
Epic Win! 51071 words! I ended up adding a lot from my blog, but at the same time, that's a part of my life and I think it's an important part to add to my book to Isabel. I'm no where near done and am excited that there's no time line to reach a certain word count.
3. Stick to the agreed upon budget for Christmas. (Start Christmas shopping..)
So far so good. I'm pretty sure I can finish Christmas shopping with either this paycheck, if not I'll only need to use very little next paycheck. It's so nice knowing that I won't have to go into debt this year.
4. Make better eating choices.
Epic Fail.
5. Exercise: minimum 2-3 times per week running and 1-2 times per week strength.
Epic Fail.
My eating and exercising has been none existant. I don't know what's going on, but I'm not going to push it because then I'll fail and it will all be worse than it is now. I will find that motivation when I'm ready.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Ending NaNoWriMo, Starting WEverb12
As November raps up I am reminded that I still have about 1500 words to write tonight to reach my goal of 50,000 words for NaNoWriMo. Although I will not be submitting my novel on the site, I am planning on calling it a success.
My novel is no where near done at it's current word count of 48,514 words. Considering it's an ongoing journal I don't know if it will ever be done. At least not until I give it to Isabel.
I think participating in NaNoWriMo really gave me a kick start to writing this and I'm really glad I decided to participate this year. I'm honestly not sure I will do it again unless I have a really good idea for a fiction novel, but I'm really happy I did it this year.
That being said, it's on to the next challenge. While searching the Weight Watchers boards this morning, I was pointed in the direction of a new challenge for December. WEverb12 is a series of prompts, one each day in December, that are intended to help you reflect on the year.
I really think this will help me blog more often and get out of this little funk I'm in. There's no harm in trying.
My novel is no where near done at it's current word count of 48,514 words. Considering it's an ongoing journal I don't know if it will ever be done. At least not until I give it to Isabel.
I think participating in NaNoWriMo really gave me a kick start to writing this and I'm really glad I decided to participate this year. I'm honestly not sure I will do it again unless I have a really good idea for a fiction novel, but I'm really happy I did it this year.
That being said, it's on to the next challenge. While searching the Weight Watchers boards this morning, I was pointed in the direction of a new challenge for December. WEverb12 is a series of prompts, one each day in December, that are intended to help you reflect on the year.
I really think this will help me blog more often and get out of this little funk I'm in. There's no harm in trying.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Still Grieving...
The following can also be found here.
Here is the grief model called "The 7 Stages of Grief":
7 Stages of Grief...
1. SHOCK & DENIAL-
You will probably react to learning of the loss with numbed disbelief. You may deny the reality of the loss at some level, in order to avoid the pain. Shock provides emotional protection from being overwhelmed all at once. This may last for weeks.
2. PAIN & GUILT-
As the shock wears off, it is replaced with the suffering of unbelievable pain. Although excruciating and almost unbearable, it is important that you experience the pain fully, and not hide it, avoid it or escape from it with alcohol or drugs.
You may have guilty feelings or remorse over things you did or didn't do with your loved one. Life feels chaotic and scary during this phase.
3. ANGER & BARGAINING-
Frustration gives way to anger, and you may lash out and lay unwarranted blame for the death on someone else. Please try to control this, as permanent damage to your relationships may result. This is a time for the release of bottled up emotion.
You may rail against fate, questioning "Why me?" You may also try to bargain in vain with the powers that be for a way out of your despair ("I will never drink again if you just bring him back")
4. "DEPRESSION", REFLECTION, LONELINESS-
Just when your friends may think you should be getting on with your life, a long period of sad reflection will likely overtake you. This is a normal stage of grief, so do not be "talked out of it" by well-meaning outsiders. Encouragement from others is not helpful to you during this stage of grieving.
During this time, you finally realize the true magnitude of your loss, and it depresses you. You may isolate yourself on purpose, reflect on things you did with your lost one, and focus on memories of the past. You may sense feelings of emptiness or despair.
7 Stages of Grief...
5. THE UPWARD TURN-
As you start to adjust to life without your dear one, your life becomes a little calmer and more organized. Your physical symptoms lessen, and your "depression" begins to lift slightly.
6. RECONSTRUCTION & WORKING THROUGH-
As you become more functional, your mind starts working again, and you will find yourself seeking realistic solutions to problems posed by life without your loved one. You will start to work on practical and financial problems and reconstructing yourself and your life without him or her.
7. ACCEPTANCE & HOPE-
During this, the last of the seven stages in this grief model, you learn to accept and deal with the reality of your situation. Acceptance does not necessarily mean instant happiness. Given the pain and turmoil you have experienced, you can never return to the carefree, untroubled YOU that existed before this tragedy. But you will find a way forward.
7 stages of grief...
You will start to look forward and actually plan things for the future. Eventually, you will be able to think about your lost loved one without pain; sadness, yes, but the wrenching pain will be gone. You will once again anticipate some good times to come, and yes, even find joy again in the experience of living.
________________________________________________
I truly thought that after saying our goodbyes this past Sunday that I would begin to feel different about Sid's death. I thought that I was waiting for closure. Waiting two months to say goodbye seemed like a ridiculous amount of time to wait and I felt I was holding out for something more.
And yet I haven't moved on from feeling shocked that he's gone. It hits me like a ton of bricks when I least expect it. I've thought about him every single day since we received the news and have cried so many tears over it. I've cried out of sadness, out of anger, out of wishing I had made more of an effort to spend more time with him. I've cried while thinking that I'd give a lot to have him back, even just for one day so that he could be told that he was so deeply cared for by so many people.
The reason the service was postponed so many times was because it is required that the mortuary spend a certain amount of time searching for any living relatives. Unfortunately, Sid did not have any. And yet, while sitting at the service, everywhere you looked you could see family. He had so many people that he called a friend, so many people that cared about him that he didn't need relatives to have family.
I know from past experiences with death that I do not take it well. I cannot be consoled and told that he's in a better place when I'm selfish and want him here. I cannot be told that he's happier because he's with his mom (whom he loved so much) because I do not know that as a fact even though I want to believe it with everything that I have.
I know that death can be used as a reminder to tell the people you love that you love them. I am trying to start to incorporate that more into my daily life, taking Thanksgiving as a good time to let people know that I am thankful for them. My sister and her husband have also lost quite a few people this year due to tragic situations and we all are so grateful that we have each other and find it's important to let them know because you just never know when you might lose someone.
I feel like I'm starting to ramble. So I'll end here. I'm hoping that some time soon I can stop feeling so sad and begin to remember the memories of Sid that can make me smile, even laugh. His service was filled with laughter as people stood up and told stories of Sid and his comedic sense of humor. For me, I will always be thankful to him for Patrick because if it wasn't for Sid, Patrick and I would have never met.
Someone at the service said, "No matter how much time you have with a loved one, it will never be long enough." So, so true..
Here is the grief model called "The 7 Stages of Grief":
7 Stages of Grief...
1. SHOCK & DENIAL-
You will probably react to learning of the loss with numbed disbelief. You may deny the reality of the loss at some level, in order to avoid the pain. Shock provides emotional protection from being overwhelmed all at once. This may last for weeks.
2. PAIN & GUILT-
As the shock wears off, it is replaced with the suffering of unbelievable pain. Although excruciating and almost unbearable, it is important that you experience the pain fully, and not hide it, avoid it or escape from it with alcohol or drugs.
You may have guilty feelings or remorse over things you did or didn't do with your loved one. Life feels chaotic and scary during this phase.
3. ANGER & BARGAINING-
Frustration gives way to anger, and you may lash out and lay unwarranted blame for the death on someone else. Please try to control this, as permanent damage to your relationships may result. This is a time for the release of bottled up emotion.
You may rail against fate, questioning "Why me?" You may also try to bargain in vain with the powers that be for a way out of your despair ("I will never drink again if you just bring him back")
4. "DEPRESSION", REFLECTION, LONELINESS-
Just when your friends may think you should be getting on with your life, a long period of sad reflection will likely overtake you. This is a normal stage of grief, so do not be "talked out of it" by well-meaning outsiders. Encouragement from others is not helpful to you during this stage of grieving.
During this time, you finally realize the true magnitude of your loss, and it depresses you. You may isolate yourself on purpose, reflect on things you did with your lost one, and focus on memories of the past. You may sense feelings of emptiness or despair.
7 Stages of Grief...
5. THE UPWARD TURN-
As you start to adjust to life without your dear one, your life becomes a little calmer and more organized. Your physical symptoms lessen, and your "depression" begins to lift slightly.
6. RECONSTRUCTION & WORKING THROUGH-
As you become more functional, your mind starts working again, and you will find yourself seeking realistic solutions to problems posed by life without your loved one. You will start to work on practical and financial problems and reconstructing yourself and your life without him or her.
7. ACCEPTANCE & HOPE-
During this, the last of the seven stages in this grief model, you learn to accept and deal with the reality of your situation. Acceptance does not necessarily mean instant happiness. Given the pain and turmoil you have experienced, you can never return to the carefree, untroubled YOU that existed before this tragedy. But you will find a way forward.
7 stages of grief...
You will start to look forward and actually plan things for the future. Eventually, you will be able to think about your lost loved one without pain; sadness, yes, but the wrenching pain will be gone. You will once again anticipate some good times to come, and yes, even find joy again in the experience of living.
________________________________________________
I truly thought that after saying our goodbyes this past Sunday that I would begin to feel different about Sid's death. I thought that I was waiting for closure. Waiting two months to say goodbye seemed like a ridiculous amount of time to wait and I felt I was holding out for something more.
And yet I haven't moved on from feeling shocked that he's gone. It hits me like a ton of bricks when I least expect it. I've thought about him every single day since we received the news and have cried so many tears over it. I've cried out of sadness, out of anger, out of wishing I had made more of an effort to spend more time with him. I've cried while thinking that I'd give a lot to have him back, even just for one day so that he could be told that he was so deeply cared for by so many people.
The reason the service was postponed so many times was because it is required that the mortuary spend a certain amount of time searching for any living relatives. Unfortunately, Sid did not have any. And yet, while sitting at the service, everywhere you looked you could see family. He had so many people that he called a friend, so many people that cared about him that he didn't need relatives to have family.
I know from past experiences with death that I do not take it well. I cannot be consoled and told that he's in a better place when I'm selfish and want him here. I cannot be told that he's happier because he's with his mom (whom he loved so much) because I do not know that as a fact even though I want to believe it with everything that I have.
I know that death can be used as a reminder to tell the people you love that you love them. I am trying to start to incorporate that more into my daily life, taking Thanksgiving as a good time to let people know that I am thankful for them. My sister and her husband have also lost quite a few people this year due to tragic situations and we all are so grateful that we have each other and find it's important to let them know because you just never know when you might lose someone.
I feel like I'm starting to ramble. So I'll end here. I'm hoping that some time soon I can stop feeling so sad and begin to remember the memories of Sid that can make me smile, even laugh. His service was filled with laughter as people stood up and told stories of Sid and his comedic sense of humor. For me, I will always be thankful to him for Patrick because if it wasn't for Sid, Patrick and I would have never met.
Someone at the service said, "No matter how much time you have with a loved one, it will never be long enough." So, so true..
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Totally Awesome!
I took Isabel to the Fresh Beat Band concert today. It was, in Isabel's words "totally awesome!"
I couldn't agree more. To be honest, the Fresh Beat Band is one of the least annoying shows out there, at least in my opinion. And I wouldn't have purchased the tickets if I couldn't stand them.
Of course it was all worth it when Isabel hugged me and said thank you before the concert even started. She was so happy to be there, wearing her new t-shirt with the Fresh Beat Band on it and I was so happy that I could do that for her.
I hope that I can continue to make her this happy by doing something so simple as take her to a concert.
I couldn't agree more. To be honest, the Fresh Beat Band is one of the least annoying shows out there, at least in my opinion. And I wouldn't have purchased the tickets if I couldn't stand them.
Of course it was all worth it when Isabel hugged me and said thank you before the concert even started. She was so happy to be there, wearing her new t-shirt with the Fresh Beat Band on it and I was so happy that I could do that for her.
I hope that I can continue to make her this happy by doing something so simple as take her to a concert.
Thanksgiving in Las Vegas
Our family decided a few months ago to spend Thanksgiving in Las Vegas. It's not the first time we've gone for the holiday, and I'm sure it won't be the last.
Shortly after deciding to go we all collectively received room discounts for the Flamingo, the hotel we always stay at (we're loyal). Our rooms were all free! What amazing luck! I'm not quite sure Patrick and I would have been able to go if we hadn't received this deal.
I decided to work on Wednesday until 12. Our office closed at 3, but I wanted us to get on the road a little earlier than that. Unfortunately it didn't help much and our 4.5 hour drive to Vegas turned into about a 7 hour drive.
We missed dinner Wednesday night with the family, but Patrick and I were able to hang out with Rachel and Shawn for a little while as my mom graciously offered to watch the girls for a little while.
We were able to sleep in a little Thursday morning. We went downstairs for a quick breakfast and then met the family for our walk from the Flamingo to the Luxor. My mom, sister, brother in law, niece, Patrick and I all went to the Bodies Exhibit exhibit at the Luxor. It was amazing and I'm so glad we were able to go.
We ended up at the buffet for Thanksgiving dinner. I'm not going to lie, the food was pretty good! I was disappointed with the turkey, but I'm not a huge turkey fan to begin with. Everything else was amazing!
Friday came pretty quickly. We had to leave Friday as I had already bought tickets for Isabel and myself to go to The Fresh Beat Band concert. We checked out of our hotel and then walked down to the M&M factory. When we got back to the Flamingo we met up with everyone and ended up going to South Point to play bingo. Although non of us won anything I still had an amazing time!
My goal was to not spend any money gambling, other than at Bingo. I totally kicked that goals behind! I am actually really proud of myself because it's not easy for me to go out and watch other people gamble without pulling a $20 (or more) out and sticking it in a machine myself. My biggest weakness is 3-card poker, so that was difficult sitting with Rachel, Shawn and Patrick while they played. But I survived and am proud of myself.
I did spend a little more on food and souvenir's than I had wanted to, but that's what you do on vacation. Especially with a little one...
Shortly after deciding to go we all collectively received room discounts for the Flamingo, the hotel we always stay at (we're loyal). Our rooms were all free! What amazing luck! I'm not quite sure Patrick and I would have been able to go if we hadn't received this deal.
I decided to work on Wednesday until 12. Our office closed at 3, but I wanted us to get on the road a little earlier than that. Unfortunately it didn't help much and our 4.5 hour drive to Vegas turned into about a 7 hour drive.
We missed dinner Wednesday night with the family, but Patrick and I were able to hang out with Rachel and Shawn for a little while as my mom graciously offered to watch the girls for a little while.
We were able to sleep in a little Thursday morning. We went downstairs for a quick breakfast and then met the family for our walk from the Flamingo to the Luxor. My mom, sister, brother in law, niece, Patrick and I all went to the Bodies Exhibit exhibit at the Luxor. It was amazing and I'm so glad we were able to go.
We ended up at the buffet for Thanksgiving dinner. I'm not going to lie, the food was pretty good! I was disappointed with the turkey, but I'm not a huge turkey fan to begin with. Everything else was amazing!
Friday came pretty quickly. We had to leave Friday as I had already bought tickets for Isabel and myself to go to The Fresh Beat Band concert. We checked out of our hotel and then walked down to the M&M factory. When we got back to the Flamingo we met up with everyone and ended up going to South Point to play bingo. Although non of us won anything I still had an amazing time!
My goal was to not spend any money gambling, other than at Bingo. I totally kicked that goals behind! I am actually really proud of myself because it's not easy for me to go out and watch other people gamble without pulling a $20 (or more) out and sticking it in a machine myself. My biggest weakness is 3-card poker, so that was difficult sitting with Rachel, Shawn and Patrick while they played. But I survived and am proud of myself.
I did spend a little more on food and souvenir's than I had wanted to, but that's what you do on vacation. Especially with a little one...
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Christmas Scarf- Take 2
I decided to keep the first scarf I made yesterday for myself. It just wasn't something I was willing to give away, it wasn't good enough.
So I tried again today and it turned out a lot better. I decided to go from 550 stitches to 400. Much better. Plus, since this one's for a Christmas party I decided to make it more Christmasey.
So I tried again today and it turned out a lot better. I decided to go from 550 stitches to 400. Much better. Plus, since this one's for a Christmas party I decided to make it more Christmasey.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Scarf Making
I posted yesterday about a craft I wanted to make for our family Christmas party and for Leah and Emma for Christmas. I finished my first scarf today. It didn't turn out as well as I had hoped, but it's not horrible either. Plus it gives me a jumping off point. It can only get better from here, right?
This scarf has 16 strands, each strand with approximately 550 stitches. It came out way too long. Next one will be a lot shorter but with the same amount of strands. I'm thinking of doing 4 colors, 4 strands each instead of one strand of each color.
I can only hope that whoever gets the gift at our Christmas Bunko party likes it..
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Making A Christmas Gift
I've been trying to think of gifts to get the kids for Christmas. It has not been easy...
Last year I spent way too much money. WAY too much. So this year Patrick and I agreed on a budget.
While the kids were here this weekend Leah complimented the scarf I was wearing, a scarf I had made a few months ago. I immediately decided that I was going to make her a scarf.
I didn't want to do something simple like how mine was, so tonight I started looking at easy patterns online. Believe me, they're not as easy as they look. Things like this are difficult for me to learn from reading. I have to watch someone and then have someone watch me.
But then I came across this and I really think that it's going to be something different that she's going to love. I hope...
Come to think of it, I think it may be simple enough, and I may have given myself enough time, that I can make one for our family Christmas party, one for Leah and one for my niece Emma. I'm probably getting ahead of myself, but this may be my new thing. For now at least.
Last year I spent way too much money. WAY too much. So this year Patrick and I agreed on a budget.
While the kids were here this weekend Leah complimented the scarf I was wearing, a scarf I had made a few months ago. I immediately decided that I was going to make her a scarf.
I didn't want to do something simple like how mine was, so tonight I started looking at easy patterns online. Believe me, they're not as easy as they look. Things like this are difficult for me to learn from reading. I have to watch someone and then have someone watch me.
But then I came across this and I really think that it's going to be something different that she's going to love. I hope...
Come to think of it, I think it may be simple enough, and I may have given myself enough time, that I can make one for our family Christmas party, one for Leah and one for my niece Emma. I'm probably getting ahead of myself, but this may be my new thing. For now at least.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
November Goals- Check In
1. Run and/or walk 100 miles.
12.43/100. Most likely will not reach this goal again this month. Next year is so my year to reach my goal of total miles reached. I'm sure once my motivation kicks back in the miles will increase as well.
2. Complete NaNoWriMo. 50,000 is a lot of words, so I'm going to change the goal to stick with NaNoWriMo all month, to not give up even if I don't hit the word count.
20,676/50,000. I think I'll make the goal, but I've been at this word count for about a week now. It's not necessarily because I have nothing to write, but because I have no time to write. Work has been so busy that I've been bringing work home.
3. Stick to the agreed upon budget for Christmas. (Start Christmas shopping..)
Patrick and I discussed what we want to spend and since then have downsized even more. I may have convinced him to spend just a little more on the kids (I want them to be able to open presents at our house instead of just a gift card). I purchased three things online yesterday (two for Leah and one for Kaleb) and have lots of ideas for Isabel. I may need to wait until December to continue shopping though.
4. Make better eating choices.
I keep thinking if I make this goal and start a new post once a week that I'm starting over then it will just click, but it hasn't yet. I feel I'm nearing a new start though. I'm over this lifestyle and I'm over avoiding mirrors.
5. Exercise: minimum 2-3 times per week running and 1-2 times per week strength.
Another fail. I only go running once a week with the group. I really need to get on this. Le Sigh.
12.43/100. Most likely will not reach this goal again this month. Next year is so my year to reach my goal of total miles reached. I'm sure once my motivation kicks back in the miles will increase as well.
2. Complete NaNoWriMo. 50,000 is a lot of words, so I'm going to change the goal to stick with NaNoWriMo all month, to not give up even if I don't hit the word count.
20,676/50,000. I think I'll make the goal, but I've been at this word count for about a week now. It's not necessarily because I have nothing to write, but because I have no time to write. Work has been so busy that I've been bringing work home.
3. Stick to the agreed upon budget for Christmas. (Start Christmas shopping..)
Patrick and I discussed what we want to spend and since then have downsized even more. I may have convinced him to spend just a little more on the kids (I want them to be able to open presents at our house instead of just a gift card). I purchased three things online yesterday (two for Leah and one for Kaleb) and have lots of ideas for Isabel. I may need to wait until December to continue shopping though.
4. Make better eating choices.
I keep thinking if I make this goal and start a new post once a week that I'm starting over then it will just click, but it hasn't yet. I feel I'm nearing a new start though. I'm over this lifestyle and I'm over avoiding mirrors.
5. Exercise: minimum 2-3 times per week running and 1-2 times per week strength.
Another fail. I only go running once a week with the group. I really need to get on this. Le Sigh.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Taking a Moment
Okay, so I've been slacking lately with the whole blog thing. It's either wedding related or weight loss related. I know I'm pretty bored with talking about them, so I'm sure you're pretty bored with reading about them.
So, I give you the following. One for the dog lovers and one for the cat lovers.
I needed this. I needed to take a moment to stop stressing about work, money, a clean apartment, laundry, etc. I needed an Awww moment. After reading this I decided I needed to watch more and found the following. I'm sure there are cuter out there, but I honestly said "Awwww" while watching these.
It's either animal videos or this:
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Running Recap 11/10/12
Today was a four mile group run. Rachel and I are on a different training plan since our next race is in December, so we had to add an extra two miles to add on at the end.
It was pretty cold this morning, so I wore my LA Marathon long sleeve shirt. Turns out other people had the same idea and there were five of us with the same shirt on. It was pretty awesome.
The first four miles were pretty good. No pain like I normally have. I think I was thinking too much about how cold I felt to be concerned about little pains in my shins, knees and ankles.
We stayed at a pretty good pace for the first four miles and then increased our speed for the last two miles. It was pretty good and I think that's how we're going to try to run Santa to the Sea. We've been told this before, so I don't know why it's taken us so long to figure it out, but it's better to start a race of slower than planned and then increase your speed about halfway through. Save your energy till the end. It's difficult though, especially when you have race day jitters and excitement.
I was thinking about it while I was running. I'm really close to being ready to get back on track with getting healthy. I'm tired of my pants being tight. I'm tired of avoiding mirrors and windows. I'm tired of lugging around an extra 10 pounds. It makes it so much more difficult to run! Especially since when I started running I still wanted to lose another 15 pounds!
I'm not quite there yet, but I'm really close. Not sure when it's going to happen, but I know I have to get to that point before I can start, otherwise I will just fail yet again. Plus I'm really sick of starting this post every week and then deleting it or not following up on it. I'm getting as annoyed as you are.
Total miles: 1:21:11
Total time: 6:06
Mile 1: 13:52
Mile 2: 13:51
Mile 3: 13:29
Mile 4: 13:30
Mile 5: 12:49
Mile 6: 12:59
Next week is a 10 miler. Rachel won't be there, so it's going to be a quiet run. I tend to not talk if she's not there. I'm so anti-social... I wish I wasn't. I really wish it was easier for me to feel comfortable with other people. I wish I had more friends.
And on that note I'm going to stop before I get to deep on a Saturday night. Time to put the kiddo's to bed and try to get some sleep myself.
It was pretty cold this morning, so I wore my LA Marathon long sleeve shirt. Turns out other people had the same idea and there were five of us with the same shirt on. It was pretty awesome.
The first four miles were pretty good. No pain like I normally have. I think I was thinking too much about how cold I felt to be concerned about little pains in my shins, knees and ankles.
We stayed at a pretty good pace for the first four miles and then increased our speed for the last two miles. It was pretty good and I think that's how we're going to try to run Santa to the Sea. We've been told this before, so I don't know why it's taken us so long to figure it out, but it's better to start a race of slower than planned and then increase your speed about halfway through. Save your energy till the end. It's difficult though, especially when you have race day jitters and excitement.
I was thinking about it while I was running. I'm really close to being ready to get back on track with getting healthy. I'm tired of my pants being tight. I'm tired of avoiding mirrors and windows. I'm tired of lugging around an extra 10 pounds. It makes it so much more difficult to run! Especially since when I started running I still wanted to lose another 15 pounds!
I'm not quite there yet, but I'm really close. Not sure when it's going to happen, but I know I have to get to that point before I can start, otherwise I will just fail yet again. Plus I'm really sick of starting this post every week and then deleting it or not following up on it. I'm getting as annoyed as you are.
Total miles: 1:21:11
Total time: 6:06
Mile 1: 13:52
Mile 2: 13:51
Mile 3: 13:29
Mile 4: 13:30
Mile 5: 12:49
Mile 6: 12:59
Next week is a 10 miler. Rachel won't be there, so it's going to be a quiet run. I tend to not talk if she's not there. I'm so anti-social... I wish I wasn't. I really wish it was easier for me to feel comfortable with other people. I wish I had more friends.
And on that note I'm going to stop before I get to deep on a Saturday night. Time to put the kiddo's to bed and try to get some sleep myself.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Wedding Photo's
I did my best to narrow it down to my absolute favorites, but out of over 650 pictures I have over 600 absolute favorites. But since this is my blog I guess I can do whatever I want..
HA! Just kidding. I did add a lot, but not nearly as many as I wanted to. Patrick talked me into taking it down from 100 (not by much though).
I hope you enjoy them as much as I do, although I doubt you will..
Getting Ready:
Details:
HA! Just kidding. I did add a lot, but not nearly as many as I wanted to. Patrick talked me into taking it down from 100 (not by much though).
I hope you enjoy them as much as I do, although I doubt you will..
Getting Ready:
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| Isabel wearing my wedding dress. |
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| Rachel putting on my "something borrowed." A beautiful bracelet from my new mother in law. |
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| Finishing touches. |
Details:
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| Head table decor. |
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| Centerpiece and party favor. |
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| Head table centerpiece. |
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| Centerpiece. |
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| Guestbook. |
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| Our rings. |
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| Garter. |
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| Cake. |
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| Cake topper. |
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| S'mores. |
Ceremony:
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| Patrick's parents, Lorie and Dave. |
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| Patrick and his best man Jeff. |
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| Shane, Jessica and Sean. |
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| Kelly, Lorien and Bryan. |
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| Rachel. |
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| My niece Emma. |
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| Kaleb, Isabel and Leah. |
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| Patrick's first look at me. |
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| Ceremony. |
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| Josh during his reading. |
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| First kiss. |
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| Just announced as Mr and Mrs. |
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| Pure happiness. |
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| And they lived happily ever after. |
Wedding Party:
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| Isabel- Flower Girl. |
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| Rachel- Matron of Honor. |
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| Lorien- Bridesmaid. |
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| Jessica- Bridesmaid. |
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| The Girls. |
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| Emma- Flower Girl. |
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| Leah- Ring Bearer. |
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| Kaleb- Ring Bearer. |
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| Bryan- Groomsmen. |
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| Jeff- Best Man. |
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| Kelly- Groomsmen. |
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| Sean- Groomsmen. |
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| Shane- Groomsmen. |
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| The Boys. |
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| My new family. |
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| Our Wedding Party- acting normal. |
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| Our Wedding Party- acting like themselves. |
Husband & Wife:
Reception:
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| Logan. |
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| Best man's speech. |
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| Maid of honor speech. |
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| Shedding a tear. |
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| Cheers! |
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| First Dance. |
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| Dip. |
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| Mother/Son Dance. |
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| Dance! |
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| On our way to cut the cake. |
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| Taking a moment. |
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| I'm a horrible dancer. |
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| You make me want to SHOUT! |
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| Look at those moves. |
It was absolutely the best night of my life. I wish we were able to go back and do it again, but for now I'm happy to have the memories of that night, and now the pictures to look back on.
All photo's by Charise Proctor.
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