If You're Happy and You Know It Clap Your Hands

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

Did anyone watch biggest loser last night?  I LOVE THAT SHOW! It's so motivating and inspiring to watch.  Last night the contestants got to go home for 1 week and they had to bike a marathon.  What a HUGE accomplishment for each of them! Everyone finished! Everyone also did really well on their weight loss, the most losing 14 pounds in just a week! AMAZING!!

Tristan has a couple new "tricks".  :-)  His cute trick is HUGGING.  He has a HUGE bear that my mom got for him, and he walks up to it and hugs it - it's adorable! His version of hugging is to lay his head down on the bear and "pat" it.  It's so funny but SO CUTE!  Yesterday he even "hugged" our cat Allie.  He's so sweet!  His 2nd trick is CLAPPING! I've been trying to get him to clap for forever! FINALLY yesterday at Best Buy he decided to clap. YAY!  Shelby and I are standing in the middle of the store cheering for him and clapping with him.  I'm sure we looked silly but we didn't care!  ha ha

Shelby and I have made a good pit of progress towards our move this week.  It was starting to get a  little overwhelming, but we've managed to move past some of that frustration.  I know some of you are reading this and probably wondering, "why are you so stressed out and overwhelmed?".  It might seem stupid to some of you.  I know that being stressed out isn't going to make the process any easier - and I'm trying really hard to stay calm and go with the flow, so to speak.  The frustrating part is that nobody has any answers.  At the beginning of the week Shelby and I were seriously clueless about alot of things.  Important things.  We're slowly finding out (well, we already knew this.. so I guess we're just being reminded) that one person doesn't know what the other person is doing.  For example: there could be 2 people working in the same office, one person tells you one thing and then the other tells you something completely different.  When you try to clarify, each person acts like they have no clue what the other is talking about.  It's really hard to get answers that way.  With most things being on a deadline, it makes it a little stressful when you can't get the answer about what you're supposed to do.  What is really frustrating is that you can't handle this stuff yourself.  You have to go thru someone else who is also clueless about what needs to be done.  It's just a big mess.  Thankfully Shelby was able to call someone himself and get some answers about our car.  We also got a call yesterday that our housing application had been received in Hawaii.  Things are slowly coming together.. it's just so nice to have ANSWERS and not wander around clueless all the time. :)

I just checked my calendar and I've gone 2.5 months with NO SODA so far.  I've passed my goal of 1 month by quite a bit :) That's a nice accomplishment!

Another One Bites the Dust!

Hey Ya'll! I completed a GOAL! Check out my BLOG to find out which one!! :)

I CAN'T FEEL MY FACE..

I had my 2nd tooth extraction this morning - ummmm yeah, it really sucked.

My appointment was at 8am.  I didn't leave until 10am.  It took over 1 hour to remove my tooth.  And I thought this was going to be the easy one ..

I was numbed 4 times during the procedure and 1 time after it was over

Toward the end of my procedure (about the last 20 minutes) my mouth was no longer numb for what reason I don't know and I wasn't "allowed" to have any more numbing medicine for what reason I don't know - so I felt EVERYTHING.  It was a terrible experience - I was in pain - I couldn't sit still - and I was sitting there crying and scared as my dentist worked tediously trying to remove my very non-cooperative tooth.  Finally, it came out.  I couldn't help it - I just started crying.  Part of me was exausted and frustrated and the other part of me was extremely relieved. 

My mouth is still bleeding, but thankfully not as much as it was before.  It was pouring blood - I went thru all my gause and chewed on 2 tea bags (supposed to help stop bleeding).  My face is also still lifeless - I look live I've had a stroke.  Eating and drinking is an experience.

I must say that I am extremely drugged at the moment.  This morning before my appointment I took a Xanax to relieve my nerves.  Now I am doped up on Vicodin on top of my Xanax.. so I am kinda tingly right now.  I feel like I can't concentrate and I wonder how I'm going to drive home (I'm at work right now)

It's taken me a while to write this post.. my hands don't want to work right.

I'll be back later..

Julie, Julia, & Happiness Projects

WELL I'm 29 pages from completing my first book of the year!  I'm currently reading Julie and Julia.  I have to say it's nothing like what I expected, but it's a great book! I've caught myself squirming as she describes some of the things she cooks, but laughing out loud at the same time.  This book really sucked me in!  I can't wait to watch the movie!

The next book I'm going to read is called "The Happiness Project".  I honestly didn't realize it until today, but this is also a book about a woman completing a year long project.  Instead of cooking her way thru a cookbook, she's following every piece of advice about being happy that she can find.  She's testing them out and seeing what works for her.  It's quite interesting!  I can't wait to get started!

If you have a chance, check out The Happiness Project online.  You can check out a few sample pages and that's what kinda got me interested.  I'm all about making myself happier and I felt like I needed something that would help motivate me.  That's why I'm giving this book a try :)

8 Days and Counting ...

It has been 8 days since I've had any type of soda to drink.  I'm trying my best to make a conscious effort to STOP drinking soda all together.  So far I haven't really missed it! YAY!

Goal # 90: Answer “50 QUESTIONS THAT WILL FREE YOUR MIND” PART 1

1. HOW OLD WOULD YOU BE IF YOU DIDN’T KNOW HOW OLD YOU WERE? If I had no clue what so ever how old I actually was, I’d guess that I was around 23 years old. I say 23 because that’s how old I FEEL – especially as I see my upcoming birthday vastly approaching and I tell myself, “There’s no way I’m turning 26.. Really? ALREADY?!” I always say, “I feel like I should be turning 23 instead!” 23 is a good age I think!

2. WHICH IS WORSE, FAILING OR NEVER TRYING? Never trying would be much worse than failing. Besides, if you never try how do you know if you’ll succeed? You might surprise yourself!

3. IF LIFE IS SO SHORT, THEN WHY DO WE DO SO MANY THINGS WE DON’T LIKE AND LIKE SO MANY THINGS WE DON’T DO. I think laziness has a lot do to with this. Or being in your “comfort zone”. For instance, say you have a job that you absolutely HATE but you’ve had it for years and it’s a steady paycheck. You’ve kinda gotten comfortable in that crummy job so chances are you’re not going to leave it for something else.. Especially after you’ve been in it for years. As for not doing things we like, we’re LAZY! Let’s face it! Or.. Maybe we don’t have the means (money) to do those things. I know that sometimes I’m lazy but most of the time we just don’t have the money to do the things we want to do.

4. WHEN IT’S ALL SAID AND DONE, WILL YOU HAVE SAID MORE THAN YOU’VE DONE? Looking back over the past few years, I’ve done a lot of talking but not much action. If I keep that track record, then absolutely. BUT – I will say that so far this year I’ve done a lot more action. It’s motivating!

5. WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU’D LIKE TO CHANGE MOST ABOUT THE WORLD? This is hard, there are so many things I’d like to change about the world. Right off the top of my head, I’d love to stop suffering, poverty, struggling. There are parts of this world who live in terrible conditions. INHUMANE conditions, but it’s all they know! Could you imagine, those of you who are parents, raising your children in those conditions? Could you imagine your child sleeping in a dirt floor, eating out of the trash, drinking water that people use for baths and everything else? Could you imagine your children not having any toys to play with, or being able to get a good education? I’m sure these mothers love their children just as much as we love ours and I wonder if their hearts break when they know that they will never be able to provide anything better for their children? Luckily for us, we don’t know that pain.

Happy Thursday!!

Can you believe it’s already January 7th? How is everyone doing on their goals / resolutions? Still holding strong? I hope so!! (^_^) Mine are going really well. This has been my first full week (Monday – Friday) of being at work and sticking to my goals and all in all, it’s going OK. My husband and I have our work cut out for us this weekend – we have a lot of cleaning and organizing to do. Since we’ve been married we have moved 4 times. We have accumulated random things and some things are still in boxes from our first move! Our goal is to get rid of things we no longer use. I think deep down we both have trouble letting go of things and throwing them away – so this may be a challenge for us! Ha ha!

So, the Alabama vs. Texas game is tonight! (ROLL TIDE!!) Shelby and I are going to eat chili / nachos and watch the game. We have new Alabama shirts and Alabama drinking glasses that we are going to break out tonight as well. Hopefully it will be a fun evening! My sister in law is a student at Alabama, so I figure she and I will be texting throughout the game. (Our usually ritual)

I really don’t have a lot going on this week.. just normal stuff. I apologize for the boring post! As the day goes by I might find other things to write about! (^_^)

I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

10 New Words ...

So I’ve been searching through websites looking for new words to learn. One of my goals is to learn 10 new words per month for 1 year. I FINALLY tapped into my common sense and looked through GRE vocabulary lists. I found an “ADVANCED” list and decided to pick my words from that. Some of these words we all know, and some of them we don’t. I wanted to try and use words that I might actually use in a conversation. And, if I don’t use them in conversation, at least I feel smarter for knowing them. Ha ha.
1. Abate

2. Stipulate

3. Repine

4. Volubility

5. Extirpation

6. Recumbent

7. Culpability

8. Minatory

9. Quintessential

10. Interregnum

As you’re reading this list I’m sure you’re thinking to yourself, “I can’t believe she doesn’t know that word”. Well, have no fear – I DO know some of these words BUT I want to be more familiar with it and possibly use it in a conversation. Feel free to learn these words as well!!

Hello Stranger, Nice to Meet You!

So last night Tristan and I went on a "date" to Panera.  Shelby was working.  We decided on Panera because I had been craving soup for the past few days... I LOVE THEIR SOUP!

We were sitting in our booth, by ourselves - Tristan decided I wasn't too exciting so he took a nap.  I checked everything I could possibly check on my phone and then I decided just to sit in silence and finish my soup.  As I sat there starting at my half eaten baguette, there was a voice saying "Are you eating alone?".  I looked up and there was a lady, my mom's age, standing in front of me with her sandwich in hand.  I said, "Yes" and then she proceeded to ask me, "Would if be weird if I sat and ate with you?"  A MILLION things rushed through my mind in a split seconds time, and before I knew it I heard myself blurt out "NO, Not at all!".  A sudden wave of fear rushed over me .. OH NO - What am I going to talk about? I don't know this person!  WHO DOES THIS?!  Thankfully she did most of the talking - and I was able to learn that she used to be in the Navy, etc.  We talked about past duty stations and I learned that she used to be stationed at our NEXT duty post! WOW we have something in common!  

Our time together lasted about 20 minutes, and then we were done with our meals.  She left to go find a shirt to wear with some "flowy black dress pants" and I headed back to my house.  At the time I was really nervous and didn't know what to do in the situation, but after it was over I was pleased that I got to meet such a nice lady! Isn't it funny how things turn out??

As you know, I'm working on my list for 101 goals to complete in 1001 days.  One of my goals is to do 5 things that are outside my comfort zone.  I wasn't going to start my goals until Jan 1, but I think I'm going to jot last night's encounter down in my log.  It was definitely outside my comfort zone!

Have you ever done something outside your comfort zone?? PLEASE SHARE!!

101 in 1001 Days - Goal List

1 WALK 1 MILE A DAY FOR 30 DAYS

2 DO 25 RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

3 LOSE UP TO 80 LBS

4 COOK DINNER EVERY NIGHT FOR 1 MONTH

5 READ THE BIBLE COVER TO COVER

6 EXPAND MY VOCABULARY - LEARN 10 NEW WORDS PER MONTH FOR 1 YEAR

7 DO MY HAIR AND MAKEUP EVERYDAY FOR 30 DAYS

8 LEARN TO SEW AND MAKE THINGS

9 READ ONE BOOK PER MONTH FOR 1 YEAR

10 START GRADUATE SCHOOL

11 DON'T SAY ANYTHING NEGATIVE FOR 1 MONTH

12 GET MY TEETH FIXED

13 PAY OFF OUR CREDIT CARD DEBT

14 DO TEN THINGS I'VE NEVER DONE BEFORE

15 IDENTIFY 100 THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY

16 FINALLY GO ON A HONEYMOON

17 TRY ONE NEW RECIPE PER WEEK TO BUILD MY RECIPE CATALOG - FOR 1 YEAR

18 RELEARN FRENCH AND BECOME SOMEWHAT FLUENT IN IT

19 HAND WASH MY DISHES EVERYDAY FOR 3O DAYS - TO SEE IF IT SAVES WATER

20 BE THE AUTHOR OF A POPULAR BLOG

21 CELEBRATE LIFE EVERYDAY

22 START RECYCLING AGAIN - EVERYDAY FOR ONE MONTH

23 VISIT THE TUCCI'S IN TEXAS

24 VISIT THE PEARL HARBOR MEMORIAL

25 HAVE A "NORMAL" BMI

26 MAKE A SCRAPBOOK FOR TRISTAN

27 MAKE A CUTE COUCH COVER & THROW PILLOWS FOR OUR COUCH

28 DECORATE FOR EVERY HOLIDAY - FOR ONE YEAR

29 SEND A CARD OUT TO FAMILY FOR EVERY HOLIDAY - FOR ONE YEAR

30 GIVE THE PUGS A BATH ONCE A WEEK FOR 6 WEEKS

31 WRITE MY HUSBAND A SWEET NOTE ONCE A WEEK FOR 1 YEAR

32 WRITE MY BEST FRIEND ONCE A WEEK FOR 1 YEAR

33 SEND BIRTHDAY CARDS TO ALL MY FRIENDS FOR 1 YEAR

34 BE ABLE TO RUN A MILE WITHOUT STOPPING

35 PRAY EVERY MORNING AND EVERY NIGHT FOR 30 DAYS

36 MEMORIZE 25 BIBLE VERSES

37 PARTICIPATE IN A VOLUNTEER PROJECT

38 STOP HAVING TO TAKE MY ANTI-DEPRESSANT MEDICATION

39 SAVE $1000 FOR AN EMERGENCY FUND

40 SAVE MY CHANGE FOR 1 YEAR - DEPOSIT WHAT I'VE SAVED INTO SAVINGS

41 TITHE AT CHURCH EVERY SUNDAY FOR A YEAR - EVEN IF IT'S ONLY $1.00

42 ATTEND EVERY CHURCH FUNCTION I CAN FOR 6 MONTHS

43 DO 5 THINGS THAT ARE OUTSIDE MY COMFORT ZONE

44 GO 30 DAYS WITHOUT BUYING ANYTHING EXCEPT FOR NECESSITIES

45 WATCH 5 CLASSIC MOVIES THAT I'VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE

46 STOP DRINKING SODA

47 STUDY FOR AND TAKE THE GRE

48 CLEAN OUT GARAGE : DONATE / SELL / THROW AWAY

49 CLEAN OUT MY CLOSET : DONATE / SELL / THROW AWAY

50 SEE HOW MANY DAYS I CAN GO WITHOUT EATING SWEETS : AIM FOR 10 OR 15

51 PACK MY LUNCH EVERYDAY FOR ONE MONTH

52 PREPARE A "TO DO" LIST FOR WORK PROJECTS AND COMPLETE IT EVERYDAY : 30 DAYS

53 ALWAYS ANSWER MY PHONE AT WORK -STOP LETTING CALLS ROLL ON

54 STOP USING MY DEBIT CARD - ONLY USE CASH

55 GIVE MY BLOG A MAKEOVER

56 TAKE MY MEDICINE EVERYDAY - STOP SKIPPING DAYS

57 GET DOWN TO A SIZE 8

58 START A SAVINGS ACCOUNT FOR TRISTAN: SAVE THE FIRST $1,000

59 TRY 5 NEW THINGS THAT I'VE NEVER EATEN BEFORE

60 BE A GUEST BLOGGER

61 GET A TATTOO : THAT HAS A MEANING

62 SLOW MY LIFE DOWN, ENJOY EACH DAY AND EACH MOMENT, TAKE IT ALL IN

63 GET TRISTAN ON A BETTER DAILY SCHEDULE AND MAINTAIN IT FOR 1 MONTH

64 PLAN AN AWESOME FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR TRISTAN

65 HAVE ALL MY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING DONE BEFORE DECEMBER 2010

66 BECOME THE NEAT, ORGANIZED, SUZY HOMEMAKER PERSON THAT I WANT TO BE

67 PLAN A "GIRLS DAY" ONCE PER MONTH FOR MY LADY FRIENDS/ NAVY WIVES : 6 MONTHS

68 HAVE TRISTAN'S PICTURES TAKEN AT LEAST 4 TIMES IN 2010: PROFESSIONALLY

69 PRAY FOR MY HUSBAND DAILY: CAN CHECK OFF AFTER 30 DAYS STRAIGHT

70 LET GO OF PAST GRUDGES - BE A BETTER PERSON

71 GET MY EYES CHECKED : GET NEW GLASSES

72 PURCHASE A MATCHING BEDROOM SET

73 PURCHASE A MATCHING LIVING ROOM SET

74 COME UP WITH A DÉCOR THEME FOR EACH ROOM AND FINALLY DECORATE OUR HOME

75 VISIT SAVANNAH GEORGIA BEFORE WE LEAVE FLORIDA

76 VISIT MICANOPY FLORIDA BEFORE WE LEAVE FLORIDA

77 COMPLETE THE LOVE DARE BOOK

78 REMOVE ALL THE NEGATIVE PEOPLE FROM MY LIFE

79 BE A BETTER DAUGHTER IN LAW TO SHELBY'S FAMILY : PUT THEM FIRST - IT'S NOT ABOUT ME

80 BE A BETTER DAUGHTER TO MY FAMILY : PUT THEM FIRST - IT'S NOT ABOUT ME

81 BE A BETTER WIFE TO MY HUSBAND - IT'S NOT ABOUT ME

82 BE A BETTER MOTHER TO MY SON - IT'S NOT ABOUT ME

83 BE A POSITIVE LIGHT TO ALL MY CO-WORKERS

84 SPEND OUR TAX RETURN MONEY WISELY: PAYING OFF DEBT - NO EXCUSES

85 PURCHASE NICER CLOTHES FOR MYSELF : EVERYDAY AND WORK

86 LEARN TO LET GO AND ALLOW MY HUSBAND TO BE IN CHARGE IN OUR MARRIAGE

87 MAKE EACH MOMENT I SPEND WITH TRISTAN SPECIAL AND FUN: HE LOVES TO PLAY AND INTERACT

88 MAKE 5 NEW FRIENDS

89 START AN ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LETTER TO SEND OUT WITH MY CHRISTMAS CARDS

90 ANSWER "50 QUESTIONS THAT WILL FREE YOUR MIND"

91 DONATE 100,000 GRAINS OF RICE ON FREERICE.COM

92 ORGANIZE MY WHOLE HOUSE: DONATE / SELL / THROW AWAY

93 HAVE THE BILLS FIGURED BY THE 1ST OF EVERY MONTH: GIVE SHELBY A HANDOUT

94 ORGANIZE MY COUPON BOOK: START UTILIZING MY COUPONS MORE WHEN GROCERY SHOPPING

95 READ A BOOK THEN WATCH THE MOVIE THAT GOES WITH IT: 5 TIMES

96 HAVE TRISTAN WALKING BY HIMSELF BEFORE HIS 1ST BIRTHDAY

97 HOST A COOKIE EXCHANGE PARTY

98 READ TO TRISTAN EVERY EVENING FOR 1 MONTH

99 SEND MY SISTER-IN-LAW A CARD/NOTE/E-MAIL ONCE A WEEK FOR 1 YEAR

100 SEND MY GRANDPARENTS A CARD/NOTE/E-MAIL ONCE A WEEK FOR 1 YEAR

101 START A NEW LIST!