Thought I'd give you a Weight Watchers update. It has almost been 2 weeks since I started and I'm loving it!
My new motto is, I can, I did, I am.
I can lose weight, I did lose weight, and I AM losing weight.
This isn't a miracle program, it doesn't promise 10 pounds in 10 days or anything crazy. It's a forever change. It takes time, it takes dedication and it takes patience. One to two pounds per week is what you can expect and shoot for.
I lost two pounds the first week and I'll let you know on Monday what I lost the second week. I have found Skinny Cow ice cream is my newest love. They are ONE point! ONE point for all that goodness. Yum, totally worth it. If I can lose weight and still eat stuff that good, this WILL work!
My daily schedule looks a little like this, encase you're curious. My ridiculously skinny sister {yeah that's you Tiff} asked me if I had any tips. I told her to fly a kite. But I'll give you the low down anyway..
Breakfast: I try to eat fruit like a banana(2 points) or an orange and get the water started for the day. Other days I'll have two pieces of whole wheat bread (Sara Lee 45 calorie bread) (2 points) and I'll either have I can't believe it's not butter, on it, or Laughing Cow cream cheese (1 point). I also found some wheat bagels at Sam's worth 1 point, and yes they are actually good! I try to drink 3 glasses of water or tea before lunch.
Lunch: I stick to the Weight Watchers Smart Ones meals. They are super easy for me to grab in the morning and throw in the freezer at work. Planning for lunch is now hassle free and it MAKES me stick to the plan. It's portioned and the point value is controlled. And, they are actually GOOD! I've tried nutrisystem before and I can honestly say the Smart Ones meals are by far better than those. I haven't had a bad one yet. Most of them are worth 4-6 points.
Supper: I eat whatever the rest of the family is eating. I just look up what the portion size is and how many points, so I know how much I can have to stay within my limit. We had taco's last night. I had mine on a whole wheat shell, 3 ounces of taco meat and loaded it with lettuce, tomatoes, and olives, with a little cheese and a tablespoon of light sour cream. I had a hand full of tortilla chips with salsa and stayed within my daily allowance.
For a treat I had a Skinny Cow fudge ice cream. Heavenly. Yum. I also walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes and went 2 miles. At noon I walked to pick Jayda up from school and walked her to daycare, then continued to walk (total of 20 minutes) then ate my lunch for 10 minutes.
That's the run down! Totally do-able right? I get 23 points per day, and my brain seems to be responding to satisfying that goal, rather than cheating or being naughty. I don't feel like I CAN'T eat something or my whole day is blown. It's just picking the right thing. I let Jayda pick out some sugar cookies from the grocery store. When I looked up their point value, it was 5! So you basically can have that cookie, or you can have your entire meal? What's it going to be? Knowledge is truly power here. I could have easily ate two of those cookies and unknowingly consumed almost half of my point value for the DAY. Gross. I no longer want that cookie.
Encourage one another!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Pray for You
Today I could hit someone. If she came in this room and said the wrong thing...her face may meet my fist.
Please note, this is probably going to turn into a venting session. Read on at your own risk. Go away otherwise.
You know that song, "Pray for you?" It goes like this:
"So I listened to the preacher, as he told me what to do,
He said "You can't go hatin' others who have done wrong to you,
Sometimes we get angry but we must not condemn.
Let the good Lord do his job, you just pray for them."
I pray your brakes go out runnin' down a hill.
I pray a flower pot falls from a window sill,
And knocks you in the head like I'd like to.
I pray your birthday comes and nobody calls.
I pray you're flyin' high when your engine stalls.
I pray all your dreams never come true.
Just know wherever you are, honey,
I pray for you.
That pretty much sums it up. . . perfectly. Blows my mind how people can be so manipulative. So two faced. Their whole life is spent covering their actions and fooling others to believe they are someone else. Wouldn't it just be easier to BE someone else, instead of pretending to be?
Please note, this is probably going to turn into a venting session. Read on at your own risk. Go away otherwise.
You know that song, "Pray for you?" It goes like this:
"So I listened to the preacher, as he told me what to do,
He said "You can't go hatin' others who have done wrong to you,
Sometimes we get angry but we must not condemn.
Let the good Lord do his job, you just pray for them."
I pray your brakes go out runnin' down a hill.
I pray a flower pot falls from a window sill,
And knocks you in the head like I'd like to.
I pray your birthday comes and nobody calls.
I pray you're flyin' high when your engine stalls.
I pray all your dreams never come true.
Just know wherever you are, honey,
I pray for you.
That pretty much sums it up. . . perfectly. Blows my mind how people can be so manipulative. So two faced. Their whole life is spent covering their actions and fooling others to believe they are someone else. Wouldn't it just be easier to BE someone else, instead of pretending to be?
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Joke's on you Mr. Postman
Jayda feels slightly duped, but she was able to laugh about it and now thinks it's at least slightly funny.
G-ma Pam and G-pa Scott came over on Sunday. Gpa had a bag full of jolly ranchers that he generously shared with Jayda throughout their visit. As they were leaving he told her he'd stick some in the mailbox for her to get the following day. Seemed like a logical deal at the time.
The following day, Jed went to the mail box to get the mail, not really thinking about the candy, and not knowing if Scott actually stopped and put some in there. He got the mail. Went on with his business.
Later than evening when the girls and I came home, Jayda made me stop to see if there was any candy in the mail box.
Empty.
Nope.
She got home and asked Jed if he took the candy out when he got the mail.
Nope. There wasn't any candy in there.
Turns out the mail man must have thought it was a treat for him! Probably even made him smile when he opened the box to find a thoughtful treat waiting inside.
She was a little bummed last night, but this morning on her way to school she thought it was hilarious. She asked me if she could tell her friends at school about it! "That sneaky mail man STOLE my candy!"
Then I told her how happy it probably made him, and she agreed. "I bet he thought they were good."
G-ma Pam and G-pa Scott came over on Sunday. Gpa had a bag full of jolly ranchers that he generously shared with Jayda throughout their visit. As they were leaving he told her he'd stick some in the mailbox for her to get the following day. Seemed like a logical deal at the time.
The following day, Jed went to the mail box to get the mail, not really thinking about the candy, and not knowing if Scott actually stopped and put some in there. He got the mail. Went on with his business.
Later than evening when the girls and I came home, Jayda made me stop to see if there was any candy in the mail box.
Empty.
Nope.
She got home and asked Jed if he took the candy out when he got the mail.
Nope. There wasn't any candy in there.
Turns out the mail man must have thought it was a treat for him! Probably even made him smile when he opened the box to find a thoughtful treat waiting inside.
She was a little bummed last night, but this morning on her way to school she thought it was hilarious. She asked me if she could tell her friends at school about it! "That sneaky mail man STOLE my candy!"
Then I told her how happy it probably made him, and she agreed. "I bet he thought they were good."
Monday, September 27, 2010
When did that happen
I was just looking at my calendar on my desk. Friday is October 1st.
WHAT? Huh? OCTOBER? Wasn't it just like July?? Was I sleeping and missed August and September?
October? That's like winter. Well it's really Fall, but in South Dakota, its like winter. Last week felt like winter. This week feels like summer. Guess that makes it Fall. Are you confused yet? My wardrobe is. Last week my long sleeved shirts and vests were cheerfully jumping for joy. It was their turn to come out and play. This week the summer clothes are saying, "What the? We thought we were done for the year?"
Jayda is having a hard time letting her summer clothes have a break. I'm going to have to clean out her dressers and put them out of reach. Skirts, shorts and tank tops are her picks. Doesn't matter the temperature, she'll try to sneak them on. I bought her some "school clothes" and told her they were "school clothes," so we're doing slightly better in the mornings. I just have to tell her to go put on some school clothes, and she tries her best. If only she could do her own hair, we'd be set.
This weekend she was passed down some "heelys," (shoes with wheels in the heel). I'd like to thank Amy for them, except that would be a lie. Jayda loves them. Momma...not so much. She wants to wear them every where. Except she hasn't really gotten the hang of them, so she falls a dozen times before she gets from point A to point B. I have a feeling a broken bone (or butt) is in her near future. Thanks Sandquist's! Kidding, I'm really glad I didn't have to pay money for them, which also excludes me from fault, when I do have to take her to the ER.
WHAT? Huh? OCTOBER? Wasn't it just like July?? Was I sleeping and missed August and September?
October? That's like winter. Well it's really Fall, but in South Dakota, its like winter. Last week felt like winter. This week feels like summer. Guess that makes it Fall. Are you confused yet? My wardrobe is. Last week my long sleeved shirts and vests were cheerfully jumping for joy. It was their turn to come out and play. This week the summer clothes are saying, "What the? We thought we were done for the year?"
Jayda is having a hard time letting her summer clothes have a break. I'm going to have to clean out her dressers and put them out of reach. Skirts, shorts and tank tops are her picks. Doesn't matter the temperature, she'll try to sneak them on. I bought her some "school clothes" and told her they were "school clothes," so we're doing slightly better in the mornings. I just have to tell her to go put on some school clothes, and she tries her best. If only she could do her own hair, we'd be set.
This weekend she was passed down some "heelys," (shoes with wheels in the heel). I'd like to thank Amy for them, except that would be a lie. Jayda loves them. Momma...not so much. She wants to wear them every where. Except she hasn't really gotten the hang of them, so she falls a dozen times before she gets from point A to point B. I have a feeling a broken bone (or butt) is in her near future. Thanks Sandquist's! Kidding, I'm really glad I didn't have to pay money for them, which also excludes me from fault, when I do have to take her to the ER.
A year ago
A year ago today, I posted thishttp://tjseim.blogspot.com/2009/09/day-that-had-to-come.html
It was the last day of my maternity leave. Wow. It seems like I've been back at work for a century, but at the same time seems like the first year of Paisley's life has flown by. She's not a wiwl baybay anymore. She's walking! She waves bye bye, but it looks more like she's saying "come here." She puts up one finger when you say, "ONE." She doesn't have a bottle. I barely need a diaper bag. She's wearing clothes Jayda wore when she was nearly two!
Her and Jayda are beginning to "play" together. It'll be so fun for them both to have built in playmates. Built in friends forever. I know sisters will have their moments of dislike, but I wouldn't trade my sisters for a stinky boy, any day. I hope they'll feel the same.
I know I've been slacking in the photo department. My camera is currently holding a few shots hostage. Will post soon.
It was the last day of my maternity leave. Wow. It seems like I've been back at work for a century, but at the same time seems like the first year of Paisley's life has flown by. She's not a wiwl baybay anymore. She's walking! She waves bye bye, but it looks more like she's saying "come here." She puts up one finger when you say, "ONE." She doesn't have a bottle. I barely need a diaper bag. She's wearing clothes Jayda wore when she was nearly two!
Her and Jayda are beginning to "play" together. It'll be so fun for them both to have built in playmates. Built in friends forever. I know sisters will have their moments of dislike, but I wouldn't trade my sisters for a stinky boy, any day. I hope they'll feel the same.
I know I've been slacking in the photo department. My camera is currently holding a few shots hostage. Will post soon.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Makeup Favorites
I was recently asked what kind of make-up I wear and it reminded me that I was once going to post this since a few other people had previously asked me the same question. Not trying to toot my own horn here, but these are my absolute favorites. Try em!
Click on the "Foundation" link to go directly to clinique's website. I wear Neutral in this. It goes from summer to winter seamlessly without the need to change colors.
I've shown you what mascara I use already HERE. I used to use Clinique's until I ran out one time and didn't have time to go to the mall. So I grabbed the brightest orangest tube and ran with it. Turned out to be my new fav.
I know Clinique is a bit spendier than your Walmart brands, but the quality is truely worth it, to me. I order most of mine online, so I get emails with free shipping offers or discounts. It's like having an easy button in your make-up bag. If only someone would put it on for you every morning. Those Clinique gals are always great to me and helped me find the right shades, colors ect. I always wonder how their makeup stays so incredibly perfect ALL day. Is that a job requirement?
Click on the "Foundation" link to go directly to clinique's website. I wear Neutral in this. It goes from summer to winter seamlessly without the need to change colors.
Even Better
Super Powder Double Face Makeup.
(Don't worry, it won't make you two-faced. I promise)
Fresh Bloom All Over Colour
I love this blush because you can chose how light or dark you want to go by putting your brush in those areas. They also offer a Almond Blossom color that has a great bronzer tone to it. These blend so well into any complexion and really do flatter your own color.
I can't live without this stuff anymore. It's an addiction. You put it on before you put eye shadow on and it makes your eye shadow flawless all day. It also makes the eye shadow go on smoother and the true color show. I like the canvas light color or the buff lighting, but really they all are fantastic.
I use a variety of eye shadows so I won't go into detail here. I love the stay matte shadows from clinique. They offer color, without all the sparkly's. They are easy to layer on depending on how dark or light you want to go for the day. I also have several of the eye shadow Trios. They put together such pretty tones!
I'll link a few of my favs for you below
Cream shaper for eyes
I use a pencil for my lower lash line and liquid for my upper lash line. Weird I know, but I have small eyes so it works. I don't like the harshness of liquid liner for my lower lash line. I use Revlon liquid liner in black and the above pencil in Chocolate Lustre.
I like to go to Herbergers when it's bonus time and try out a variety of things I wouldn't normally buy or try. They give away great samples and full size items, especially lip glosses.
I've shown you what mascara I use already HERE. I used to use Clinique's until I ran out one time and didn't have time to go to the mall. So I grabbed the brightest orangest tube and ran with it. Turned out to be my new fav.
I know Clinique is a bit spendier than your Walmart brands, but the quality is truely worth it, to me. I order most of mine online, so I get emails with free shipping offers or discounts. It's like having an easy button in your make-up bag. If only someone would put it on for you every morning. Those Clinique gals are always great to me and helped me find the right shades, colors ect. I always wonder how their makeup stays so incredibly perfect ALL day. Is that a job requirement?
Friday, September 24, 2010
St. Louis Part III
I promise this will be the last installment of the saga. I'm getting sick of it, so I'm sure you are too. But the truth must be told!
You may have remembered me mentioning a few kids at day care had pink eye a few weeks ago. I asked for your prayers, begged for your prayers and demanded your prayers. I may have even thanked you for your prayers, since it appeared we had evaded the plague of pink eye. . . almost.
It (pink eye) decided to show up when Mommy was a thousand miles away and utterly helpless. My sister agreed to watch Jayda and Paisley while I was gone, so Jed could continue with his daily business and help my parents with the cattle drive. Tuesday morning (the first real day of our meetings) I get a text from Tiff saying she thinks Paisley may have pink eye. {really? I JUST GOT HERE, couldn't this wait a day or two to kick in?}
The next morning I get this picture via text message
Do u think its pink eye?
Me: Uhm...it's definitely something.
It wasn't your normal pink eye, but her eyes were boogery in the mornings and the one eye was very swollen. Almost like a bug bite. I guess there are a few kinds of pink eye...I'm not the expert. It's just what "they" say.
So Tiff calls the Dr to see if she can bring Paisley in. Sure, no problem, we just need a bunch of papers faxed with her parent's signature, blah blah blah. Mind you, Tiff has her own three children to get to school each day, picked up, taken to practice, go to games, here, there, every where. You get the point. This is not exactly convenient.
So I call the Bison clinic to see if they will just call in a prescription for me. They say yes, no problem. {Phew} Problem solved. A few hours later.....still no prescription. I then get a phone call from Bison, saying since they've never actually seen Paisley, just Jayda, they cannot call in a prescription without seeing her first. Ugh. Thank you for wasting two hours.
I then text Nancy, get Hettinger's phone number. Call them, get Bowman's phone number, where my doctor is. Call them, tell them my story. The nurse says she'll call the prescription right in, asks what pharmacy and we hang up. It's now about 1pm and I'm thinking we've finally got this taken care of. A few hours later, still no prescription.
Am I in the twilight zone? What is going on here? Can anyone do their job?
I call Bowman back, and the nurse says they couldn't find the Walgreen's number in Rapid. At this point all of my nice-Tally persona is gone. This is ridiculous. I tell her to get on WWW.WHITEPAGES DOT COM and LOOK IT UP.For the love of God, how do you people function each day? You are at a clinic and you don't have access to pharmacy's in South Dakota? It took all I had, NOT to freak out at this point. Thankfully I was standing near an elevator and there were a lot of people around. I didn't want to scare anyone.
I hung up, and Tiff text me the phone number to the pharmacy, so I called right back and told the receptionist to PLEASE give this number to the nurse and PLEASE get the damn prescription called in NOW.
End
of
story
It took from 8am until 4pm to get a prescription for eye drops called in. Something is very wrong in the world we live in.
Lastly, some of Jayda's thoughts about the whole shabang.
Jayda: Is it big up there in the sky?
She had a hard time understanding that you don't stay up in the sky when you fly. You go up and land on the ground some where far away. Wait, what am I doing explaining that to y'all?
She thought you got off the plane some where in the sky. She also begged to come to the airport and watch our plane take off for a week. Then on they way to Rapid, she changed her mind.
Jayda: Mom can you take me to Tiff's house and drop me off, before you get on the airplane?
Me: Yes, that's the plan.
Jayda: Oh good. I don't wanna see you go way up in the sky and not come down.
Me {hmmm that's comforting}
Lastly, some of Jayda's thoughts about the whole shabang.
Jayda: Is it big up there in the sky?
She had a hard time understanding that you don't stay up in the sky when you fly. You go up and land on the ground some where far away. Wait, what am I doing explaining that to y'all?
She thought you got off the plane some where in the sky. She also begged to come to the airport and watch our plane take off for a week. Then on they way to Rapid, she changed her mind.
Jayda: Mom can you take me to Tiff's house and drop me off, before you get on the airplane?
Me: Yes, that's the plan.
Jayda: Oh good. I don't wanna see you go way up in the sky and not come down.
Me {hmmm that's comforting}
Thursday, September 23, 2010
St. Louis Part II
Alright...where were we. Ahh. Somewhere in St. Louis. We arrive at the airport and stood in line for a good hour if not more. Take note..if your elderly parents, grandparents, whoever, are traveling. HELP THEM. They can really slow down the entire show, for everyone.
Not a big deal, we made it through, got to our gate, no problems. Waited a half hour, boarded our plane and OFF we go! YAY, that was too easy to be true. No problems? On our happy way home! Put our seats in recline position and off to sleepy town we went. {sigh, thank goodness}.
DING. "This is your captain speaking. We are having some engine issues and we'll be turning around at this point to go back to the St. Louis airport."
DING? WHAT? HUH? Was I dreaming? Are we all gonna die?
We've been in the air twenty minutes at this point. On our happy way. WRONG. Turns out there was something wrong with the engine that wouldn't allow us to get to the right altitude and keep cabin pressure. I just got a little more tired.
Think positive, think positive. We'll land, they'll fix the problem and we'll be back in the air in no time. Yeah, feel free to laugh now.
Two hours later we boarded a different plane to Denver. We arrived in Denver at 9pm. Ran down to customer service (since we were well aware of where it was located). Got a standby ticket, ran down to the gate. Just as we got there, our names were being called. Went to the desk, got our tickets, walked onto the plane and off we went. {ahhh} We made it! It's a miracle. Something good actually happened!
Somehow our bags also made the journey with us. We got to Rapid at 11pm, went to get something to eat, since we hadn't been able to for 12 hours. I could have slept for the next two days.
It was real. It was fun. But it wasn't Real Fun.
That stuff just stresses me out more than it probably should. I'm a planner and an organizer. There's no room for such chaos. Things need to go as planned! OK, nothing ever goes as planned. But it's nice when it almost does.
The third part of this story, will come later. It involves 876 phone calls and texts to and from doctors, nurses and my sister. And PINK EYE.
Not a big deal, we made it through, got to our gate, no problems. Waited a half hour, boarded our plane and OFF we go! YAY, that was too easy to be true. No problems? On our happy way home! Put our seats in recline position and off to sleepy town we went. {sigh, thank goodness}.
DING. "This is your captain speaking. We are having some engine issues and we'll be turning around at this point to go back to the St. Louis airport."
DING? WHAT? HUH? Was I dreaming? Are we all gonna die?
We've been in the air twenty minutes at this point. On our happy way. WRONG. Turns out there was something wrong with the engine that wouldn't allow us to get to the right altitude and keep cabin pressure. I just got a little more tired.
Think positive, think positive. We'll land, they'll fix the problem and we'll be back in the air in no time. Yeah, feel free to laugh now.
Two hours later we boarded a different plane to Denver. We arrived in Denver at 9pm. Ran down to customer service (since we were well aware of where it was located). Got a standby ticket, ran down to the gate. Just as we got there, our names were being called. Went to the desk, got our tickets, walked onto the plane and off we went. {ahhh} We made it! It's a miracle. Something good actually happened!
Somehow our bags also made the journey with us. We got to Rapid at 11pm, went to get something to eat, since we hadn't been able to for 12 hours. I could have slept for the next two days.
It was real. It was fun. But it wasn't Real Fun.
That stuff just stresses me out more than it probably should. I'm a planner and an organizer. There's no room for such chaos. Things need to go as planned! OK, nothing ever goes as planned. But it's nice when it almost does.
The third part of this story, will come later. It involves 876 phone calls and texts to and from doctors, nurses and my sister. And PINK EYE.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
St. Louis- Part I
It seems like I should blog about my St. Louis trip, but I can't muster up enough energy to even go there. I'm trying...still trying..ok I'll give it a shot.
The meetings were great and the actual time spent in St Louis was great also. Good company, good atmosphere and we had FUN.
The getting there and back part....Ugh. I'm still recovering. I'll let you know when I'm back to glass half full stage.
We started our morning off bright and early in Rapid on Monday. Tonya and I thought we'd go grab a quick breakfast at McDonald's before heading to the airport. This is the beginning of where it all went wrong...
We went through the drive-thru and placed our seemingly simple orders. Drove around, picked up our food and off we went. I generally check the bag, but this order seemed too easy to mess up. Wrong. Never ever underestimate the stupidity of a drive-thru worker. Sorry if you are one, or were ever one, or know one. Seriously LEARN your job. This isn't rocket science.
So we get going down the road, and notice our order is completely wrong..not even close. Turn around, go back, get the right good. Painlessly, thankfully. We get to the Rapid airport and have no problems, I even commented how friendly the bag check lady was, and extremely helpful. Above and beyond helpful really. I should have shoved her in my bag to take along. She would have come in handy down the road.
So we had a good hour and a half before our flight left. Definitely there early enough. About 2 minutes before we get ready to board our plane, my phone rings. A strange number comes up, so I answer and hear a recording from United, telling me our flight from Denver to St Louis has been cancelled. Not delayed..CANCELLED. Lovely. I call Pam back at our work office. (love you Pam!!) Tell her the situation and she works her magic while we are en-route to Denver. By the time we landed, she had our flights changed to Delta. Problem fixed. Phew. We had to then go from Denver, to Minneapolis, then to St Louis. Round about way of getting there, but still getting there. United's only offer was to fly out the following morning at 6am. Uhm No. Not happening.
We got to Minneapolis and RAN, I mean RAN to catch our St Louis flight. They were boarding as we approached the gate. Hit the bathroom and off we went. Phew, we made it! St. Louis here we come! However only two of our bags came with us. The third person's bag somehow didn't get on in Denver. We spent another two hours in St. Louis's baggage claim trying to track her bag down and find out when it would be coming. Thankfully it did get on a later flight and made it to St. Louis at 12:30am. The airline brought it to our hotel and all was good with the world.
We went to a Cardinals baseball game Tueday night. Beautiful weather and always a fun atmosphere I think. But I'm a baseball fan, so I could be biased. It was a nice, chill, relaxed evening. Wednesday night was the banquet. Good food, good entertainment ect. For some reason it's a tradition to go to a "piano bar," after the banquet so we went there the rest of the night. It blows my mind how those people can know EVERY song requested and they hammer them out on the piano like no body's business. Incredible really. I know a piano bar sounds pretty lame-o, but it's actually quite entertaining.
Thursday we had a couple classes in the AM, which we may or may not have went to? I'll never tell. Hehe. We ate lunch, then went and got pedicures since we had time to burn. The pedicures were amazing. Worth the $25 for sure! Then we walked back to the hotel and headed to the airport. Ugh{ sigh of dread}.
This is getting long so I'll write the rest in a Part II series.
The meetings were great and the actual time spent in St Louis was great also. Good company, good atmosphere and we had FUN.
The getting there and back part....Ugh. I'm still recovering. I'll let you know when I'm back to glass half full stage.
We started our morning off bright and early in Rapid on Monday. Tonya and I thought we'd go grab a quick breakfast at McDonald's before heading to the airport. This is the beginning of where it all went wrong...
We went through the drive-thru and placed our seemingly simple orders. Drove around, picked up our food and off we went. I generally check the bag, but this order seemed too easy to mess up. Wrong. Never ever underestimate the stupidity of a drive-thru worker. Sorry if you are one, or were ever one, or know one. Seriously LEARN your job. This isn't rocket science.
So we get going down the road, and notice our order is completely wrong..not even close. Turn around, go back, get the right good. Painlessly, thankfully. We get to the Rapid airport and have no problems, I even commented how friendly the bag check lady was, and extremely helpful. Above and beyond helpful really. I should have shoved her in my bag to take along. She would have come in handy down the road.
So we had a good hour and a half before our flight left. Definitely there early enough. About 2 minutes before we get ready to board our plane, my phone rings. A strange number comes up, so I answer and hear a recording from United, telling me our flight from Denver to St Louis has been cancelled. Not delayed..CANCELLED. Lovely. I call Pam back at our work office. (love you Pam!!) Tell her the situation and she works her magic while we are en-route to Denver. By the time we landed, she had our flights changed to Delta. Problem fixed. Phew. We had to then go from Denver, to Minneapolis, then to St Louis. Round about way of getting there, but still getting there. United's only offer was to fly out the following morning at 6am. Uhm No. Not happening.
We got to Minneapolis and RAN, I mean RAN to catch our St Louis flight. They were boarding as we approached the gate. Hit the bathroom and off we went. Phew, we made it! St. Louis here we come! However only two of our bags came with us. The third person's bag somehow didn't get on in Denver. We spent another two hours in St. Louis's baggage claim trying to track her bag down and find out when it would be coming. Thankfully it did get on a later flight and made it to St. Louis at 12:30am. The airline brought it to our hotel and all was good with the world.
We went to a Cardinals baseball game Tueday night. Beautiful weather and always a fun atmosphere I think. But I'm a baseball fan, so I could be biased. It was a nice, chill, relaxed evening. Wednesday night was the banquet. Good food, good entertainment ect. For some reason it's a tradition to go to a "piano bar," after the banquet so we went there the rest of the night. It blows my mind how those people can know EVERY song requested and they hammer them out on the piano like no body's business. Incredible really. I know a piano bar sounds pretty lame-o, but it's actually quite entertaining.
Thursday we had a couple classes in the AM, which we may or may not have went to? I'll never tell. Hehe. We ate lunch, then went and got pedicures since we had time to burn. The pedicures were amazing. Worth the $25 for sure! Then we walked back to the hotel and headed to the airport. Ugh{ sigh of dread}.
This is getting long so I'll write the rest in a Part II series.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Weight watcher
Here goes another goal session. Sorry to bore you with the details of my life, but I feel like making others aware of my goals, is my best tool in actually obtaining them. The more people who know, the more who will help me stay in check.
So I signed up for Weight Watchers online program on Sunday. I cannot tell a lie...I was HUNGRY all day yesterday and thinking....this is already a failure. Today was better. Turns out putting a roast in the crock pot and smelling it cook ALL DAY, isn't very helpful for ones' self control. Being busy at work however, does help. Weekends will probably always be my danger zone. But I think this might just be my ticket. It's already opened my eyes to the food no no's and point hogs that I probably did daily...minimum. It really is about transforming your mind and your habits. The online tools are what I think are the best part. I'm sort of an online nerd and like keeping track of dorky things. Every day I enter the foods I eat, and I've been doing it as I eat them so I know where I am for the day. There's also neat tools to look up what basically anything is worth.
I like that the program encourages you to eat "real" foods and learn how to recognize portion sizes better. Being aware of how many points those chicken nuggets will cost you versus something else on the menu is a powerful tool. Tonight I didn't feel like cooking so I popped in a Tombstone pizza. I can eat two pieces and feel like I'm not missing out on anything.
So here's to success! I'd give you a before picture, but that's where I draw the line. I should tell you my weight, but that's just embarrassing, so too bad for you!
Oh and before I go, my short term goal is to lose 10 pounds. Long term is 30 pounds.
So I signed up for Weight Watchers online program on Sunday. I cannot tell a lie...I was HUNGRY all day yesterday and thinking....this is already a failure. Today was better. Turns out putting a roast in the crock pot and smelling it cook ALL DAY, isn't very helpful for ones' self control. Being busy at work however, does help. Weekends will probably always be my danger zone. But I think this might just be my ticket. It's already opened my eyes to the food no no's and point hogs that I probably did daily...minimum. It really is about transforming your mind and your habits. The online tools are what I think are the best part. I'm sort of an online nerd and like keeping track of dorky things. Every day I enter the foods I eat, and I've been doing it as I eat them so I know where I am for the day. There's also neat tools to look up what basically anything is worth.
I like that the program encourages you to eat "real" foods and learn how to recognize portion sizes better. Being aware of how many points those chicken nuggets will cost you versus something else on the menu is a powerful tool. Tonight I didn't feel like cooking so I popped in a Tombstone pizza. I can eat two pieces and feel like I'm not missing out on anything.
So here's to success! I'd give you a before picture, but that's where I draw the line. I should tell you my weight, but that's just embarrassing, so too bad for you!
Oh and before I go, my short term goal is to lose 10 pounds. Long term is 30 pounds.
And we're walking
Here is the video I meant to send last week. It causes less neck and eye strain. Sorry about that.
This was last week when Paisley FINALLY learned her feet move. She took off with her little cart, but still thinks it's quicker to just get down and dirty and crawl.
This weekend {at home alas} she has started taking a few steps solo. She gets so excited she starts flapping her arms and tumbles. Full-blown walking is near my friends. Look out!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Leaving on a jet plane
Tomorrow I will drive from the north end of South Dakota, to the south end of South Dakota, it will take me 2.5 hours. The following day I will get on an airplane at 8:45 am and be in St. Louis by 3pm! Airplane travel blows my mind sometimes. It's just weird how you can be in two completely far far way places in the same day.
I always wanted someone to casually ask, hey, what did you do this morning..or where did you have breakfast...
And then I'd answer, I was in St Louis at the Grand Renaisance Hotel eating bagels and Starbucks. {and I WILL be drinking Starbucks, how handy it is to have one IN my hotel!}.
And then that person would be like, whoa, you were in Missouri a few hours ago and now you're in South Dakota...freaky!
While flying is by no means a new invention, it still seems a bit surreal.
Anyway, I'm going to St. Louis for four days. Be back Thursday evening, just in time for the cattle drive. The girls are staying with my sister and Jed will be coming down some time mid-week to help my dad in the hills. I'm so completely looking forward to a week away from work. A week away from driving to Bison, cooking meals, cleaning the kitchen, doing laundry. The normal every day stuff we all need a break from occasionally. It'll be refreshing and FUN! I'm going with two great girls that I get along with. We are going to a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game on Tuesday, a banquet on Wednesday and possibly a spa on Thursday before our flight leaves {and yes...work meetings during the day}.
See y'all in a week!
I always wanted someone to casually ask, hey, what did you do this morning..or where did you have breakfast...
And then I'd answer, I was in St Louis at the Grand Renaisance Hotel eating bagels and Starbucks. {and I WILL be drinking Starbucks, how handy it is to have one IN my hotel!}.
And then that person would be like, whoa, you were in Missouri a few hours ago and now you're in South Dakota...freaky!
While flying is by no means a new invention, it still seems a bit surreal.
Anyway, I'm going to St. Louis for four days. Be back Thursday evening, just in time for the cattle drive. The girls are staying with my sister and Jed will be coming down some time mid-week to help my dad in the hills. I'm so completely looking forward to a week away from work. A week away from driving to Bison, cooking meals, cleaning the kitchen, doing laundry. The normal every day stuff we all need a break from occasionally. It'll be refreshing and FUN! I'm going with two great girls that I get along with. We are going to a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game on Tuesday, a banquet on Wednesday and possibly a spa on Thursday before our flight leaves {and yes...work meetings during the day}.
See y'all in a week!
Friday, September 10, 2010
First {almost full week} of Head Start and Pre-school
Sorry for any confusion between Head Start and Pre-school, since they are actually BOTH pre-schools. For our own sanity we have to call them different names so we can distinguish where were are going on which day and what time one gets out. Oh poo what am I apologizing for? It's how we deal. Get used to it!
Busy busy busy...is the life of Jayda and I. Mondays and Thursdays she goes to Head Start (which she also went to last year). It's a free program and we semi-love it. We don't full-blown love it because there's a lot of paper work (it's a government funded program) and sometimes it's a bit annoying how many hoops you have to jump to stay on top of every thing. She goes from 8am until 12:30 pm and they serve lunch. Got that? There will be a quiz at the end.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays she goes to a Church run Pre school. It is not government run, and we have to pay for it. (but so worth it). We completely love it here! The teacher is great, the learning material is great. The activities they do are great. Jayda can't wait to go each day. It's also only open to 4 and 5 year olds. These kids are eager to learn and know how this whole school business is supposed to run. The Head Start program is open to 3 year olds up to 5. Needless to say, it's a bit chaotic and exhausting at times. This one starts at 8am and gets out at 11:30, no lunch.
My new purpose in life is to keep track of what day it is, and which school she is at and what time I have to transport her from school to day care. I dread the day I forget, or get the two mixed up. Thus the reason for cell phone reminders. What handy little devices they are!
She is enjoying being a "big kid" at head start and helping the newbies get familiar with how things work. Her teachers commented on how well she is writing her name this year compared to last year. We've really been working on that the past month, and I wish I would have helped her with letters all summer. She found a pre-K book we bought for her a few years ago actually and has been obsessed with doing activities in it every night. She loves rhyming and matching lately. She dreads counting, but has improved after a couple weeks of drilling it in her head. I can tell a major difference in her willingness to learn this year compared to last year. She is eager and interested, versus last year when it almost felt too forced. I think their little minds have to be given the time to develop and be allowed to become curious on their own. I was worried going 4 days a week might be too much, but she's doing better than expected. On her day off (Friday if you lost track) she is bummed she has to go to day care, all day. Although today was "Jayda" day at day care. Each Friday she draws a name out of a hat and it is that kids "day." They get to pick what they eat for lunch, what snack they have and what games they play. Ahhh to be 4 again. I want a "Tally" day!!! FUN
Busy busy busy...is the life of Jayda and I. Mondays and Thursdays she goes to Head Start (which she also went to last year). It's a free program and we semi-love it. We don't full-blown love it because there's a lot of paper work (it's a government funded program) and sometimes it's a bit annoying how many hoops you have to jump to stay on top of every thing. She goes from 8am until 12:30 pm and they serve lunch. Got that? There will be a quiz at the end.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays she goes to a Church run Pre school. It is not government run, and we have to pay for it. (but so worth it). We completely love it here! The teacher is great, the learning material is great. The activities they do are great. Jayda can't wait to go each day. It's also only open to 4 and 5 year olds. These kids are eager to learn and know how this whole school business is supposed to run. The Head Start program is open to 3 year olds up to 5. Needless to say, it's a bit chaotic and exhausting at times. This one starts at 8am and gets out at 11:30, no lunch.
My new purpose in life is to keep track of what day it is, and which school she is at and what time I have to transport her from school to day care. I dread the day I forget, or get the two mixed up. Thus the reason for cell phone reminders. What handy little devices they are!
She is enjoying being a "big kid" at head start and helping the newbies get familiar with how things work. Her teachers commented on how well she is writing her name this year compared to last year. We've really been working on that the past month, and I wish I would have helped her with letters all summer. She found a pre-K book we bought for her a few years ago actually and has been obsessed with doing activities in it every night. She loves rhyming and matching lately. She dreads counting, but has improved after a couple weeks of drilling it in her head. I can tell a major difference in her willingness to learn this year compared to last year. She is eager and interested, versus last year when it almost felt too forced. I think their little minds have to be given the time to develop and be allowed to become curious on their own. I was worried going 4 days a week might be too much, but she's doing better than expected. On her day off (Friday if you lost track) she is bummed she has to go to day care, all day. Although today was "Jayda" day at day care. Each Friday she draws a name out of a hat and it is that kids "day." They get to pick what they eat for lunch, what snack they have and what games they play. Ahhh to be 4 again. I want a "Tally" day!!! FUN
Officially OLD
Don't worry, you didn't miss my birthday or any spectacular birthday party in my honor. But today it has been confirmed that I AM OLD. I can't deny it any longer, no use fighting it. It's time to accept what is and what is not.
Here is my reasoning for this assumption:
1. On my way to work I turned the radio UP to listen to what the people were saying, and DOWN when the music came on.
DANG, I hated it when my mom did that, and never could understand her logic. You can't jam out to commercials and radio talk, you turn it up to jam to the MUSIC.
2. I got a catalog for Pier 1 and actually was excited to look at it.
What? Pier 1, Pottery Barn,. Who am I? When did this happen? Ugh, I used to despise Pier 1 and the countless hours that were consumed while in one. Come on Mom...are we done yet???
3. Once a week I let Jayda go to the convenience store in Bison on our way home and get a treat. And...here's the kicker..I don't get ANYTHING?
I remember begging to go to "the store" after school and get a pop and a candy bar. Those were the days. Carmelo's or Reese's or Butterfingers's were my top choices. Or snickers or starburst or skittles, or..OK you get the point.
4. I heard myself say things like "When I was in high school," or "When I was a kid, we didn't...." Or "We didn't have digital cameras, or {gasp} cell phones!"
I was in college when I got my first cell phone. How did I function? How did I know where to go after school or who was going to pick me up? Oh, that's right. WE TALKED in person, made plans AHEAD of time. Huh....strange.
5. I use phrases like, "Not until after supper," "Do you want a spank'in?" Words like jammies, yummy, yucky, No-No.
{Sigh} See what motherhood does to a person. Turns you into a total sap. Do you want a spank'in? Really?...who came up with that question.
6. I forget things more often than I should.
I was reaching for something in the kitchen a few days ago, and actually forgot what I was reaching for, mid-reach. What the? Who does that. My hand got to the utensil can and my mind went...huh? what? what are you doing digging in the utensil can? I had to sit down and think about it for a minute.. . . .tick tock tick tock. OHHH yeah, I was cooking...hello spoon. Nice to meet you.
7. I take coffee breaks at work, but don't drink coffee.
My daily grind revolves around 8am get to work, 10am coffee, 12pm lunch, 3pm coffee, 4:30pm go home. Interupt this cycle and we've got a bad day on our hands. Look out. I mean it...LOOK OUT.
8. I'm slightly more irritable than I remember being.
Or could it possibly be that people are just more annoying? Yeah...that has to be it. Wait, what was I talking about? ha See #6 above.
9. I take naps, and I like it. I go to bed at 9pm. Sometimes 10 if I'm feeling really crazy.
If Jed asks if I want to rent a movie, I look at the clock and say, "What? Are you crazy. it's already 8 o'clock. It wouldn't get over until {gasp} 10pm! Good thing for video on demand and not having to wait for pay per view's scheduling. Ugh
10. I watch the news.
Not only do I watch it, I look forward to it. I also read the paper, I read lots of papers. Rapid, Bison, Faith, Lemmon. Why do I have to know so much? Why?
However I DO NOT watch FOX NEWS or MSNBC, or whatever all those Anderson Cooper, Bill O'Reilly, Nancy Grace people are on. Don't worry about how I know their names. That's beside the point. Stick with me here.
Here is my reasoning for this assumption:
1. On my way to work I turned the radio UP to listen to what the people were saying, and DOWN when the music came on.
DANG, I hated it when my mom did that, and never could understand her logic. You can't jam out to commercials and radio talk, you turn it up to jam to the MUSIC.
2. I got a catalog for Pier 1 and actually was excited to look at it.
What? Pier 1, Pottery Barn,. Who am I? When did this happen? Ugh, I used to despise Pier 1 and the countless hours that were consumed while in one. Come on Mom...are we done yet???
3. Once a week I let Jayda go to the convenience store in Bison on our way home and get a treat. And...here's the kicker..I don't get ANYTHING?
I remember begging to go to "the store" after school and get a pop and a candy bar. Those were the days. Carmelo's or Reese's or Butterfingers's were my top choices. Or snickers or starburst or skittles, or..OK you get the point.
4. I heard myself say things like "When I was in high school," or "When I was a kid, we didn't...." Or "We didn't have digital cameras, or {gasp} cell phones!"
I was in college when I got my first cell phone. How did I function? How did I know where to go after school or who was going to pick me up? Oh, that's right. WE TALKED in person, made plans AHEAD of time. Huh....strange.
5. I use phrases like, "Not until after supper," "Do you want a spank'in?" Words like jammies, yummy, yucky, No-No.
{Sigh} See what motherhood does to a person. Turns you into a total sap. Do you want a spank'in? Really?...who came up with that question.
6. I forget things more often than I should.
I was reaching for something in the kitchen a few days ago, and actually forgot what I was reaching for, mid-reach. What the? Who does that. My hand got to the utensil can and my mind went...huh? what? what are you doing digging in the utensil can? I had to sit down and think about it for a minute.. . . .tick tock tick tock. OHHH yeah, I was cooking...hello spoon. Nice to meet you.
7. I take coffee breaks at work, but don't drink coffee.
My daily grind revolves around 8am get to work, 10am coffee, 12pm lunch, 3pm coffee, 4:30pm go home. Interupt this cycle and we've got a bad day on our hands. Look out. I mean it...LOOK OUT.
8. I'm slightly more irritable than I remember being.
Or could it possibly be that people are just more annoying? Yeah...that has to be it. Wait, what was I talking about? ha See #6 above.
9. I take naps, and I like it. I go to bed at 9pm. Sometimes 10 if I'm feeling really crazy.
If Jed asks if I want to rent a movie, I look at the clock and say, "What? Are you crazy. it's already 8 o'clock. It wouldn't get over until {gasp} 10pm! Good thing for video on demand and not having to wait for pay per view's scheduling. Ugh
10. I watch the news.
Not only do I watch it, I look forward to it. I also read the paper, I read lots of papers. Rapid, Bison, Faith, Lemmon. Why do I have to know so much? Why?
However I DO NOT watch FOX NEWS or MSNBC, or whatever all those Anderson Cooper, Bill O'Reilly, Nancy Grace people are on. Don't worry about how I know their names. That's beside the point. Stick with me here.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Gone Rop'in
Jed went to Bison to rope with some of his buddies. Jayda got to take Lucy along for the first time. I think she was kind of nervous to go at first, then she got over it and got into "cowgirl" mode. She loves her time with her dad, on their horses. I hope she'll always beg for him to take her riding, or at least enjoy her time in the saddle.
Chomper (above) wanted to go along. He even loaded himself in the trailer! Sneaky lil bugger
The expression on Jayda's face above is her concerned about the availability of snacks while they'll be gone. Snacks are basically her only concern in life. Fresh undies, nope, hair brushed, nope, shoes on her feet, nope. Snacks and snacks alone rule her world.
I think she's saying, "How long will we be gone? Are we gonna stop to eat sumptin? Can we stop at the bus stop (Buzz Stop)?" {Hmmmm is it too late to change my mind?}
I think this is where he said, "If you're gonna go, quit your whining and go get yer spurs." {and yes we'll stop for a snack because Daddy likes his snacky snacks too}
Yeah, that's right. I'm rough and tough, and I like snacky's.
On a side note, after viewing these pictures, he said, "Those jeans look pretty good on me don't they? Come look at them...I mean right?"
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
One year height and weight
Lil miss Paisley had her 1 year shots on Monday. She also had to get her toe poked for a hemoglobin test. She was slightly pissed about the toe business and really didn't like the gigantic band aid they put on it afterwards. She couldn't get past that annoyance, long enough to let her shots bother her. She wasn't too happy about it, but nothing two M&M's couldn't solve. Those and a teddy bear. Pais loves her stuffed animals. It's really strange how much she actually does LOVE stuffed animals. She cuddles them and smooches them. Her immunization bear is now her car seat buddy. She cuddles it every day on the way to Bison and home again. {awwww, how sweet is she?}
She is 22 pounds and 29 1/2 inches tall. They said her hemoglobin was excellent for her age. "She must eat well," the nurse said! Uhm, clearly!! If only that eating well habit would last forever. Even Jayda knows Paisley eats better than her. She'll say, "just give it to Paisley, she'll eat anything." When Jayda has something left that she doesn't want to finish. She speaks the truth, what can I say!
She didn't get a fever or anything this time, really didn't phase her thankfully. She's my happy camper.
No pink eye yet either, keep praying please!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Crafters corner
The Christmas spirit must have bitten me lately. I don't know. Must be because I have had to turn the heat on in the car in the morning for the girlies. Burr Jayda says! Paisley would too. . . if she was into that sort of thing. Talking, you know..
Anyway, I saw these cute little hats on a website today. They wanted $22 for them. They are on sale for a reasonable price too, but as a looked at them a little harder, I thought, OK, I could make these in about 30 seconds and have one in every color if I really wanted to.
Anyway, I saw these cute little hats on a website today. They wanted $22 for them. They are on sale for a reasonable price too, but as a looked at them a little harder, I thought, OK, I could make these in about 30 seconds and have one in every color if I really wanted to.
Cute stocking stuffers is what I had in mind. Sorry to my readers who have boys. You can make them for someone else's children! Share the love.
Of course they are even cuter on! {I have no idea who this child is btw}
If I was into craft fairs and that sorta thing, I think I'd whip up about 50 of these babies and watch them sell like hotcakes. But I'm not, so I won't. But you can! Or you can do like me, and make them for your own children and call it good.
I'm lovin the idea of having spare time to do these little projects I keep dreaming up. I almost forgot to mention how wonderfully fabulous it was to watch everyone else go back to school this year, everyone except ME! {Sigh} Now if only some good TV shows would start! If that isn't the laziest statement of the day, I don't know what is. Almost makes me want to get up and go for a walk. I said almost. I tried last night and a swarm of mosquito's tried to carry me away. They gave up since I was too heavy and resigned to eating me alive.
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