Devastation.....

So, a truly horrible tragedy occurred two days ago that I just can't seem to get over. I broke a nail. Now this might not seem to be a big deal to many people, but anyone that knows me knows the struggles I have overcome concerning my nails. I used to bite them until they bled. Then I wore artificial nails for years and damaged my nails so horribly that I didn't think they would ever be okay. And now they only seem to grow for about one month out of the year. And so I have one chance to have long, polishable nails. They were all 10 long and beautiful, and I had a wonderful french manicure. and then I was opening up a package, and one of them not only broke, it nearly tore off half of my finger. It broke so low that it was bleeding. It was very hard not to cry. So, here's to hoping that it will grow out quickly and I can have another shot at a french manicure since I spent $50,000 on the supplies.

I have 45 fans in my fan club! I find this exciting, because I was all set to be sad about only having 3 or 4. But apparently there are people who will join anything they get an invite to. I heart those people. I did invite my bff from Cali to join, but he said he was too busy doing family stuff. Sounds to me like an excuse to not admitting to being a fan of me. Someday he will give in, because I know that you can only ask someone something 8 million times before they either give in or throw a stapler at you.

Last night I had dinner at Zam-Zam's. He tricked me into eating mock duck. It was actually pretty good. But I don't think it's eating fake duck that makes me gag. It is the thought of eating real duck. And had me tricked me into eating real duck, then he would have been cleaning up my puke and would have found he had one less member in the Zam Zessin Fan Club. I will not EVER eat duck. NEVER!

I should maybe get some more work done......or go on facebook. One or the other.

A fan club? For me?

My bff Zam has created a facebook fan club for me. At this moment I have 34 fans. If I'm counting myself. Can you even believe that Zam-Zam would bestow such an honor on me? Pretty sure that he is starting it now so that when I am a famous actress he can say that he started the very first club to wprship my talents. Or he was bored.

We are having a 2nd trailer park reunion at the legion. Pretty sure I'm going to get drunk. Especially since I haven't for months and months. And yes, I grew up in a trailer park. And I am very, very trashy. Or not.

I went to a Vikings pre-season game last Saturday night with my sister, Zisa. And I only had to watch Favre play for the first half. Still not a fan, but I haven't said one bad things about him tso far this season. It's not his fault he sucks. And that I hold a grudge. I had the company seats: lower level, row 16, 40 yard line. Best seats in the house!! You wouldn't want to be any closer. And the row in front of us was partially empty, so Zenny, who has season tickets in row 999999, came down to sit by me. Haven't seen her for ages, so that was great.

My dryer broke. There is no heat it in, but it does work with cold air. Which doesn't really dry anything. So I went over to my dad's yesterday to use his washer and dryer. His washer and dryer are electronical and extremely complicated. I think he told me that with all the options and choices available, there are 279 different ways you can wash your clothes. My washer has a "start" button. I did 5 loads and watched 2 movies while I was at his house. At least I have clean clothes.

Ok, off to see if somehow I got a 35th member in my fan club.

Another addiction.....

I'm beginning to truly believe that I have a problem with addictions. Lip gloss, chai tea, Facebook, and now my blackberry. I never really thought I needed one, but when it was time to upgrade my Gravity, I decided to go the blackberry route. And now I can't put the stupid thing down. It provides me with 24/7 access to the internet (meaning facebook, of course) and is so easy to text and e-mail on. Although it doesn't make chai, it does allow me to purchase lip gloss with 2 clicks.

And to make matters worse, Zam got a blackberry last week. So now I spend 27 hours a day blackberry messaging with him. And he told me about a really cool app I could download that would make the blinking light change colors when certain people call or text me. So now when Zam and Zalyssa text me, the light blinks in a cool pattern called "disco". I freaking love this phone.

This phone is both the best and worst thing that has ever happened to me. With both Zam and ZarahZou having gone from a set amount of texts to unlimited, I am now spending an outrageous amount of time texting. I used to average around 200 per month. My number is now more than 10 times that. Not nearly as many as MissZalyssa's 12,000, but I'm working on it. I may need to have the phone surgically removed from my hand.

And yes, I could even blog from my phone if I wanted to. So I have no excuses for not blogging.

Autumn.....

I can't believe that summer is almost over. This has been one of the best summers I can remember in a very long time. But, on the other hand, it is also the summer that I became certifiably loony toons cuckoo clock crazy, so maybe not?? I have learned a lot about me these past couple of months. And I have also learned that I have the best friends that anybody could ask for. When I really needed them, they were here for me. And that is despite the fact that all the drama I was going through was completely my fault. They listened, they didn't judge (to my face), and they offered the advice that I needed to hear. So, ZarahZou, Zosie, and Zam: I zove you all. Thank you!

This is also the summer that I met my bff Zam. I am so grateful for all of the times you listened to me whine about the mess I created. And you didn't hold my bad choices against me. I love knowing that I have multiple people that I can really count on, and I'm not sure if I've felt that before.

Then, of course, there are the things that led me to a near breakdown. And I'm a little bit sad that I lost a few people that I found out I couldn't trust or count on. So, to the boy who looks like a goat, coffee guy, and ex-therapist-guy: I don't regret to have met you, but I most certainly regret that I trusted you all with my inner-most thoughts and dreams and feelings. Maybe I was too forthcoming with personal information? Or maybe I just am that naive? If nothing else, I will no longer immediately trust or believe the new people I meet. I have always been pretty good at judging people's character. Until you 3. and it sucks to get so completely f*cked over 3 times in 2 months. But I think going through these situations has helped me to find myself. And I am not nearly as cuckoo clock as I was in June. And yeah, maybe it's all the prescription drugs. Or maybe it's just the experiences I had that made me see who I am and who I want to be. Although the drugs are certainly nice. ;)

And so, I am ready to bid adieu to summer and move forward into the fall. Fall means football and it means it is almost time for college basketball. Even with Favre as the quarterback, I am looking forward to an excellent season. I'm going to the game next Saturday, and even though it's pre-season, it's still exciting. And with the good news that Mbakwe will be playing for the Gopher's, I can not wait for the first tip off. It is going to be a great basketball season!!

So much to look forward to..........

And the Oscar goes to.....

Um, Me! I am making my off-off-off Broadway Debut in a community production of Peter Pan. And because my reputation proceeds me, I didn't even need to audition! Plus, I know people. I have the most stage time of anyone. And I'm playing the most important role. I will soon be known as the actress that played Fluff the Sleeping Cloud. With 2 whole lines, within the first 5 minutes. I spend the rest of the time sleeping on stage. This is perfect for me! After we wrap up the production, I'm moving to Hollywood to audition for a starring role opposite Jake Gyllenhaal. Or not.

I gave up my virtual fish on facebook in order to devote more time to practicing my lines. You'd think I would be able to remember 2 sentences. But, not really.

Tomorrow is pedicure playdate day with my friend ZarahZou. She is also the costume director for the theater. And she is playing the mother and a pirate. And my favorite 5 year old friend Josh is playing little Michael!

After my pedi, I'm driving up to the northernest most point in MN to pick up MissZalyssa's bestest friend who moved up there after graduation. They haven't seen each other in weeks, so it is imperative that I drive 4 hours to pick her up. I am such a good mom!

I have a new bff. And since he might be reading this, Hi!! to my new bff in CA!

It's United Way time. And as co-chair, I'm soliciting donations. So if my loyal reader has anything else she wants to donate, please let me know.

Still sick....

this cough just won't go away. It's after 11, I should be in bed. But I can't sleep and the coughing is driving me crazy. Plus I now have a sore throat. Ugh! It is getting so old. and I still have nothing to really blog about.

I have a lot on my mind, but it is not appropriate for this type of forum. Or any type of forum, for that matter. I'm just really mentally exhausted. I could really use a vacation. But I have used up so much PTO with being sick. I've never taken off so much work in such a short period of time. But sitting at work coughing is terrible. and then everyone comes up to me to ask if I'm okay. Geez, I'm just coughing.

And now I've written 2 paragraphs about coughing. This should be a very interesting blog. It used to be a funny, intelligent and witty blog (in my opinion). And now it has become quite lame. And for that I'm sorry. I promise that as soon as I feel better, I will post a blog that will make you AGU. or GOL, whichever is your thing.

Today I spent 6 hours on facebook. 6 straight hours. Is that not pathetic? That is 6 hours I will never get back. And I didn't really accomplish much on facebook, either. Except I did get my fish fed. And I iced a couple of rival mafia people. What a nice Sunday!

I'm very glad I don't have to work tomorrow. Another day of rest! Hopefully tomorrow will be the day I wake up not coughing!

Ok, back to facebook......

Good intentions.....bad follow through......

I had very good intentions to blog regularly, but I just haven't had much to say. Plus, I've been really sick. I don't think I have ever been this sick before. I've been to the doctor 3 times in 2 weeks. I'm on antibiotics and have 2 different prescription cough medicines, but it is not really helping. This sucks! Not sure how much longer I can go without sleeping through the night. I wake up coughing at least 5 times a night. I'm so tired. But I just can't sleep. at least I have a 3 day weekend to hopefully rest.

I have not been able to exercise for 2 weeks. I miss walking, but I just can't quit coughing long enough. And I feel woozy-ish. Going for a walk would probably not be a good idea if I'm going to pass out a mile from home.

I now have a house full of teenagers. 3, including MissZalyssa. Two teenage boys. It's crowded, but comfortable. The two boys are very good kids, they just really needed a place to stay, and maybe some positive guidance. Yeah, I'm probably not qualified for that. But, I'll try.

There is not much else going on in my life. I've only had one pedicure so far this season. ZarahZou suggested a couple days, but family obligations prevent those days from working for me. I think we have a date set, but I need to make the appointments. I forgot. All of the drugs I'm taking to make me get better are making me quite forgetful.

Ok, I am going to try to go back to bed.

Nothing to say.....

It's hard to blog when you have nothing to say. And I don't feel like I have anything to say. Good thing that won't stop me from trying, huh? My free time is currently being consumed by a quest to lose weight. And Facebook. I sort of have an addiction to Facebook. I spend hours (and hours, sometimes) a day feeding my fishies, icing people on mafia wars, and lurking on people's profiles. I also, with the help of a couple of enablers, started a cult. Because cults are way cool. It's actually turning out to be not unsuccessful, and it amuses me greatly. I am also greatly entertained by new fbf (facebook friend) Sam. He has a quite hilarious page about referring to conditioner as cream rinse. It makes me AGU (audibly giggle uncontrollably) sometimes.

Saturday is my first pedicure of the season. CAN! NOT! WAIT! I really need one, I have had to resort to polishing my own toenails. And this will be the first ever appointment booked by ZarahZou, so we are not quite sure if it is for 2 people with 2 feet at 9 am, or 9 people with 2 toes at 2 pm. I guess we will see on Saturday at 9 am. That means I have to get up at 7 am. On a Saturday. But a pedi is totally worth it.

I tried to get drunk last Saturday night to help me sleep since I've been sick and unable to sleep. But even after 52 quarts of vodka, all I had to do was pee really bad. And I felt a slight bit tipsy-ish. But not drunk. that made me sad.

A week ago I had beautiful fingernails. But, sadly, 4 of them have met their demise. Is it pathetic to cry over broken fingernails? Because I am. They were so lovely. And now they suck.

I'm out of things to say. But I am blaming the large quantities of cold medication that I have consumed. As soon as I am no longer eating Sudafed by the handful I will try blogging again.

Where there used to be a blog.....

there is now an empty space. Well, not an empty space really since all the previous blog postings are still there. I don't know why, but I just haven't felt like blogging. and I've always got something to say, so I don't know what's going on. I still don't feel like blogging. But I am anyway. I thought I would share one of my most favoritest po-ems in the entire universe, since it's a little how I'm feeling right now.

The Puppet

The music is soft
yet it is deep
it is slowly begininning to seep
into the inner most thoughts I keep

He hits the piano, his fingers leap
from note to note and key to key
It's hard to believe he's playing for me.

But he is.
Or so he said
by now he's got control
of my head.

I will do
whatever he may say
I am his puppet,
it is me he will play.

~jw 1991

New BFF.....

Sorry, google. You've been replaced. Google and I have been best friends for the past 5+ years. Google has been able to help me with everything from phone numbers to funeral appropriate dressing. But in light of the fact that I'm sleeping less than 3 hours a night, I've had find a replacement best friend. My new BFF is Sheer Cover light/medium concealer duo. Yes, a few more syllables than google, but it definitely comes in handy in covering up the dark circles under my eyes. I'm not sure what I'm going to do when I run out, because I am not buying a best friend that costs $22. The one I have came in a kit for $25 for 12 pieces. hopefully I can find a concealer in my price range that works just as well. But I doubt it.

This past Saturday I helped ZarahZou move practically across the universe. Her new house is quite cute. And much more conveniently located. She's right down the road from the Mall of America. That would be awesome! My entire body hurts from the physical exertion. I carried at least 3 boxes, so it's understandable why I would be in so much pain. And I got a really nifty "Moving Day Swag Bag". It contained a jar of Olay Pro X wrinkle cream. I am using it around the eye area, hopefully it will eliminate the deep lines under my eyes, and maybe even help with the dark circles. Thank you, ZarahZou.

Saturday night I went to see Always....Patsy Cline. It's a 2 woman play about a lady who loves Patsy's music and then gets a chance to meet her and become friends. It was one of the most entertaining shows I've ever seen. It was quite funny and the music was beautiful. I'm so glad I went. But I've Had "Crazy" stuck in my head since the show. her music is so wonderful.

I've started Christmas shopping. So far I am done with Alyssa's stocking and my m-i-l. I still have some shopping to do. Oh, and I'm done with ZarahZou's either birthday or Christmas present. Probably birthday because it may be sacrilegious to give her this gift for Christmas. So I should probably get started on her Christmas present since I am 23% sure what I want to do, and 187% sure that it probably beyond my skills/motivation. I guess we'll see if I can work it out. If not, she is getting something I find in the back of my closet or garage.

Ok, work to do.

I'm so dizzy, my head is spinning....

I'm wondering if I set a record today for the most OTC pills taken by a non-drug addict? I'm so freekin' sick (Thanks Zindy). So this morning I took: 1 claritin (Allergies), 1 Mucinex (for my extra mucus - ewww), 1 multi- vitamin (cause I do every day), 1 flax seed oil pill (for my triglycerides), 2 sudafed (decongestant), 2 fish oils (cause my dr. told me to), 4 advil (cause I have a headache), and 6 vitamin c's (cause I can). That is a total of 18 pills. I'm really, really, really sick. And I'm feeling whiny. And tired. And dizzy.

I got 4 inches cut off my hair. For probably the first time in 10 years I do not have any layers. And I'm not sure I like it. I think I might need the layers for volume. It took me over 30 minutes to get my hair to look "wash and go". And I think it might make my face look fat(ter). But I'd like to grow it all out with no layers. Hair is so complicated.

In case anyone (besides me, of course) cares, Dusty Rychart commented on one of my blog postings - from July of 2006. http://zenniezou.blogspot.com/2006/07/my-dusty-autograph.html I just now noticed it when I was re-reading some of my past entries. Not sure when he commented, so I'm not going to respond to the comment. My Dusty autograph is my third most prized possession, the first two being my child and my mom's anniversary ring. I got the autograph by mailing him the picture to Australia and then he signed it and mailed it back to me. My 4th most prized possession is the envelope that he mailed it to me in. While that may seem to some people to be a pretty lame prized possession, it doesn't have much competition. The only other things I own are lip gloss and hand bags. My fake Kate Spade is #5, followed by my authentic Coach scribble tote at #6. I guess if I was making a list, my Dooney & Bourke is #7. My wedding ring comes in at #8- does that make me terrible? I would rate my marriage at my #2 most prized intangible possession, being a mom is #1. If I lost the ring, I'd still be married. I guess ZickyZou is stuck with me. The ring is much less important than the marriage.

MissZalyssa really wants to go to the Jingle Ball concert. She should probably have chosen a better time to ask me. Right now my head is spinning and I feel like crap. The thought of 10,000 teenage girls screaming makes me want to throw up. The thought of spending at least $50 per ticket makes me want to throw up even more. And the concert is at the Xcel. Driving in St. Paul = throw up. Maybe she'll get tickets for Christmas, because I'm such a good mom.

Ok, back to work......

Favoritest is my favoritest word.....

I found a bottle of my very favoritest lotion while cleaning out my bathroom closet. It's from Mary Kay and is called Kisses by Candlelight. They retired the scent about 4 years ago, so this bottle is OLD. I decided to use it anyway because it smells(ed) so wonderful. So today I smell like 1/2 cinnamony-vanilly yumminess and 1/2 rancid. I hope when people get close to me they only detect the cinnamony-vanilly yumminess. I wish they'd bring the lotion back so I wouldn't have to smell half rancid.

I have a good tip for anyone who commutes to work. If you leave 10 minutes late for work because you just had to feed your virtual fish, there is a good chance you will arrive at work late. I don't actually know this from experience, but I'm guessing that's the way it works. Two days in a row. So if your virtual fish need fed, get up ten minutes earlier to take care of them to avoid being late.

I decided to wear my glasses today, since I did make an agreement with my eye doctor that I would only wear contacts half the week and I'd wear glasses the other half. So I got dressed and was certain I looked great. My hair was perfect, my remnants of acne scarring was exquisitely covered up, I acheived the perfect level of skin evenness, my eyes were expertly lined in a deep purple-plum.. then I put my glasses on and my hair turned into a ratty mess, the scars showed, my skin looked blotchy and pale, and my eyes looked racoonish. This is why I don't wear my glasses more often, they make me look terrible. So I applied an extra coat of blush, because that fixes everything.

I gave in to temptation and bought a new pair of pants so I would have something to wear. They are not a size 8, although I did try on the 8's. And I promptly returned them to the rack for a size (or 2) larger. Someday, hopefully soon, I will be able to wear an 8 again. I can't believe that just one year ago I was wearing an 8. I also can't believe what a huge difference 10 (or 15) pounds makes. But because I'm so undertall, and tend to gain weight in the midsection, 15 pounds is two sizes. Not really fair, but entirely my fault. Eat less, exercise more. And I really am trying to do just that.

I wish I lived with someone who could give me fashion advice. When I ask "Does this look okay", the Zalyssa-monster tells me "Yes" just so I'll leave her alone. And ZickyZou says "You look great in everything you wear" because he thinks I'm fishing for a compliment. But I'm not a fisher-person, I just really want to know if the colors and styles coordinate and if if the top looks a little bit sexy or a lotta bit trashy. I never ask unfair questions like "does this make me look fat". I have a scale to answer that question. I want to know if I match. I'd like them to be more helpful.

Ok, work to do......

5-0!!! Rock On!

Even with Favre, the Vikings are 5-0! This has been a fantastic season so far. I'm trying really hard to not get too excited, while still trying to be helplessly and hopelessly optimistic. It is so fun to see them win.

So just 2 hours after I posted my last blog entry, I received the company newsletter. I know I'm avoiding writing about work, but this is only semi-work related. So anyhow, there was an article about communication and vocabulary. I won't go into the whole article, but it said that people that tangle words come across as silly. So I assume that goes for people that make up and use words such as electronical, clothesetically, and wonterfullerific. When I told the writer that his article offended me, he seemed to have gotten a little offended. I wasn't really offended, but he may have been. So I hope he knows I think his article was excellent, and I'm sorry if he was unhappy with my comments. I thought my vocabulation-extraordination was part of my endearing charm, but maybe it does make me silly. I can accept that. Anyhow, he's a good-article-writer-guyer, and an all-around-good-guyer, and I don't want him mad at me. And I wonder if he has any idea how hard using spellcheck is for me. =)

Last night I had the house to myself. Zalyssa was at her dad's house and ZickyZou went some kind of hunting. So what did I do? I cleaned my facebook virtual fish tank. then I cleaned other people's virtual fish tanks so that I could get more money to buy more fish for my fish tank. I am officially the LAMEST person I know. I could have gone out somewhere, or watched a movie, or even read a book. Instead, I cleaned online fish tanks. And now the very next question is - why did I start another online thing when I hardly have enough time to take care of my real life, let alone mafia wars and bejeweled blitz. I haven't planted in farmtown in at least 2 weeks. Do I need a fish tank to take care of?

Ok, I have laundry to do and a treadmill to walk on.

Friday.....I'm in love

Not only is it Friday, and I'm blogging, but I have started to reestablish my infatuation-relationship with the English language. I don't think we'll get past the honeymoon stage, but for today I'm in heart with it. I have always wanted to use the word thwarted in a sentence where it fits. And now I finally have one. It is one of the coolest words ever because of the thw combo. Yes, you may call me a nerd or whatever other name you feel suits me. it is a very multipurposeful word.

Anyhow, my plans about letting the bank have my house have been thwarted. My adjustable mortgage rate has adjusted. To 4.375%. I expected it to remain stable or even adjust UP to the current rate. But, no, it goes down. I cannot walk away from 4.375. It's too good of a rate. So I'm thinking we are going to be stuck in this house for at least another year. Our payment went down over $100 and now the payment is less than the rent would be on the rental I was looking at. My dreams of a swimming pool have been thwarted. And I got to use thwarted twice (or 3 times?) in one paragraph.

Another word I have been liking is electronical. I'm not sure it's actually a word, but it sure sounds cool. Maybe it will catch on.

I'm quite clothesetically challenged at the moment. I'm pretty sure I made up the word clothesetically. Nothing in my flipping closet fits me. I need to lose 10 pounds if I want to wear pants this winter. And since pants are typically not optional at work, I am increasing my workouts. Yes, I could wear skirts, but those don't fit either. It's been a long six months, and I'm okay with only gaining 10 pounds with all the stress I've been under. But don't you think I should have lost weight with all of the hardcore 5k training? And I am now walking 2-3 miles at least 5 times a week. I can't run right now because I'm waiting for the PAINFUL shin splints to heal. One of my poor shins still hurts. But at least I finished a 5k in a semi-decent time. The plan is to do another one in April, and then a 10k next September. This should allow ample time for my shin to heal. The time goal for April is 35 minutes. That should be no problem. Maybe a marathon is not so far-fetched. Or maybe it is. I guess we'll see.

I still have not changed my mind about Favre being a whiny crybaby, but I will say that if he gets me a ring I will apologize to him on my blog and take back 62% of what I said about him. Or maybe 68% if the game is a blowout.

I have to make a heart wrenching decision about what to do with my hair. I'm due for a trim, but do I just trim or do I cut. I don't know if I'm ready to go with a new style, but I would really like a change. I have not colored my hair for a year and I am very happy with the natural color, even though some people don't believe that it's my real color. But now what do I do with it style-wise? Do I grow it out? Or cut it all off? I'm so torn and confused.

I can not wait for the start of the college bball season. If I was counting, which I'm not, I would say that we're about 35 days, 12 hours, 14 minutes, and 11 seconds away from the season opener. But since I'm not counting, the time is not exact. I could be off by a few seconds. I

Back to work.....

Two in the same week!

Maybe blogging will become a regular thing again. lol I spent the day in Becker at a family reunion. We have one every year, my moms side of the family. Kinda weird without her being there. But I'm glad we went. Lots of food, it was very hard to eat just a regular amount, especially from the dessert table. I could eat brownies all day. But I just had one. And next year, I get to be on the reunion planning committee. I am very good at committees.

I forgot I had an ipod, but I do. And I decided I should use it. So as I running/walking on the treadmill, I pulled out the pretty hot pink ipod. I know a lot of people say that they like all types of music, but I when I say I do, I really mean it. My ipod (thank you MissZalyssa for loading it) has such a wide variety of my favorite cd's. Nirvana, Hole, Poison, Martina McBride, Wilson Phillips, George Michael, Foreigner, Elton John, Everclear. It is a good mix of all of my fav's.

I finished my 3 miles in 44:10 today, so I am certain that I will be 5k ready next month. I was so tempted to take today off, it is Saturday and you shouldn't have to exercise on Saturdays, right? But then I remembered that it is not strictly for exercise, and that if I don't do it today, tomorrow will be that much harder. And plus what if I really need a day off sometime?? So I ran/walked and am glad I did.

I'd like to spend the day on the couch tomorrow in front of the tv, but I think I may need to go to the grocery store. I hate to get dressed for such a quick trip, maybe ZickyZou will stop and pick up a couple things? That would be so nice of him. And he's such a nice guy (as I type, he's looking over my shoulder).

Okay, it's midnight and I'm tired.

Yes, I know I still have a blog...

I have not blogged in what seems like forever. But I haven't really had much to blog about. My life has been consumed by two things - my mom and work. All of my time and energy has been focused on those two things, and neither are topics that belong in my blog.

But now that I am starting to get back into what is the new "normal", I'm planning on blogging a lot more. Something exciting- I am going to be doing my first ever 5k in September. I have no doubt that I can finish it, I've walked many more than 3 miles, I'm more focused on finishing it by hopefully running/jogging the whole way. Thank you, ZarahZou, for asking me to do this with you. This has been an excellent way to both focus on something positive and get a lot of exercise. I have been on the treadmill every night trying to get myself ready.

Sometime down the road I am planning on volunteering for a hospice program. I'm not ready yet, but eventually I know that it would be a really rewarding experience to visit with patients that are in hospice. I'm thinking that by the spring I should be able to do this. It would be wonderful to be able to give back something to the program that offered so much to my family.

ZickyZou and I are strongly considering moving to Minnetonka. We could rent a place with more room than we have now, for less than our mortgage. And since we both work in Minnetonka, we would save a total of 80 miles per day in commuting. At first I was hesitant about an apartment, but really what is the difference between an apartment and a townhouse? I think home ownership is way overrated. Every time something breaks, we need to pay to fix it. We've spent $1000 on our furnace over the past 3 years. I am okay with renting, and if we made a list of the pro's and con's about moving, there are way more pro's. The money savings, the commute, gas, and we would definitely go with a place that has a swimming pool. and a work out room. Then we wouldn't have a treadmill and an elliptical machine in our living room. We won't be making any moves until the spring, but I'm thinking that it makes the most sense to start packing.

So the Vikings signed Brett Fav-re. I've never been a big fan of him, and that has not changed. I could write pages about my objections to signing him ( like that he's 78 years old, he flip-flops more than I do after a pedicure, and his name is pronounced wrong) , but it's just not worth my time. Maybe later.

Ok, it's way past my bedtime......

It's been a while....

Thanks for being my first...

What an odd, and funny, statement to hear from a T-Mobile level 3 customer care representative. Lol. I called because Miss Zalyssa's new phone, an LG Xenon, would not send or receive picture messages. Since it's an out-of-network phone, they need to program it for T-Mobile. Aside from one representative who asked if I really needed to be able to use my phone at my home, I have had nothing but positive experiences with T-Mobile customer service. She could not find the phone in her system because it is relatively new. We chatted about the phone for quite a while, it's a pretty cool phone, a touchscreen slider. then she was able to get it programmed and MissZalyssa is now able to take pictures and e-mail them to herself so she can post them on myspace. The level 3 rep ended the call with "thank you for being my first" because this was the first Xenon she had set up. It was funny.

MissZalyssa had to leave her boyfriend for the weekend because she is going up to a cabin with her dad and his family. And Zemily is going with. It was sad, and funny, to see Zalyssa and Zryan say goodbye. I'll miss you *kiss-kiss*, I'll miss you more. lol He's a good kid, very polite and nice. But I'm not sure if I'm ready for the Zalyssa-monster to have a real boyfriend. I'm getting old. I'm thankful for the hilarious fact that she won't even let him near her bedroom because it's such a mess. And she has no desire to clean it, so he may never see the inside of it. That's a good thing! I never thought I'd be glad she had a messy room.

I'm slightly miffed that the T-Wolves did not draft Stephen Curry. Actually, slightly miffed is an understatement. I'm downright cranky and p*ssed. He can score. And he's hot. Super hot. At least they were able to draft 182 guards. Whether the motivation behind drafting every single available guard was to trade or not, passing on Curry is, in my opinion, a huge mistake. Even if my opinion is based mostly on his level of hotness. And Rubio has said he doesn't even want to play in MN. What if we wasted a draft pick on a player we can never sign? On paper, their draft choices aren't terrible. But in real life, we need to rebuild. and we need a franchise player, a face for the team. Curry would have been perfect. At least I'll save money because if Curry was on the team, I'd have gone to a few games.

I'm sad about Michael Jackson passing away. He is THE greatest entertainer ever. He was accused of many horrible things. A jury acquitted him. It's all now between him and God. I am not going to debate whether or not he was guilty, but I am going to state that if he was not guilty, that only added to the torment that he was already going through based on his childhood and teenage years. His music has had a great impact on so many people. He was truly the King of Pop. And his poor children.....I am praying for them, and also that Michael has found the peace in death that he never experienced while alive. So, I end this with some lyrics to my favorite MJ song - "Heal the world, make it a better place, for you and for me and the entire human race. There are people dying, if you care enough for living, make a better place for you and for me".

March Madness Begins......

I find it very interesting that I can post a review on toysrus.com, and if I type in my password it can automatically add it to my blog. Pretty cool. Not totally sure that I want the review on my blog, but it does make it look like I've been blogging more than I have. Plus, it accounts for the time I haven't been able to blog- I've been wii-fitting.

I am totally addicted to bejeweled blitz on facebook. This is even worse than mobsters on myspace. I will let myself play for one week, and then I will need to give it up. It is sucking up too much of my time.

I'm very disappointed that the Gophers lost to Michigan yesterday. That game could be the deciding factor on whether or not they make it to the tournament. It has been an excellent season, and I'm really glad that I got to see a lot of good games. And the win at Wisconsin - WOW! And the WI Sweep, that is *almost* as good as a one-and-done in the dance. Not quite, but still pretty awesome. And next year......I don't like wishing time away, but I can't wait until next season. And there is always the Big Ten Tournament. Maybe they can win it all. Wouldn't that be awesome?

It is my most favoritest time of year. Non-stop basketball. I just watched the womens Big Ten Tourney. MN lost their first game. They had a decent season, but didn't play very well in a game that could decide their NCAA Tournament fate.

Ok, enough about basketball. I am going to do the breakfast dishes and then maybe clean my house. Well, at least the living room. But first one more game of bejeweled blitz.

My Review of Wii Fit with Balance Board for Nintendo Wii

Toys R Us

The hit combination of Wii Sports and the Wii Remote brought golf swings and tennis serves into people's homes. Now Nintendo turns the living room into a fitness center for the whole family with Wii Fit and the Wii Balance Board. Family members will have fun getting a core workout, and talking abou...

Wii Fit with Balance Board for Nintendo Wii

Excellent workout!

zenniezou Minnesota 3/6/2009

 

5 5

Pros: Fast Setup, Easy To Use

Describe Yourself: Casual Gamer

You can get a REALLY intense workout with the step program and boxing, or you can keep it light with the balance games. The yoga is fun and has improved my flexibilty. I alternate the wii fit with my eliptical machine every other day, and that works great. This would be excellent for someone just starting to exercise, and it's great for someone like me that has exercised 5 times a week for years.

()

#45

So, I started playing a stupid myspace game called Bloodlines in order to get $25,000in Own Your Friends money. I have managed to get a couple of people very angry at me because apparently I have breached vampire etiquette by attacking the same person more than 3 times. I am only trying to reach stupid level 12 so that I can get the stupid money. and I attacked the same person because I finally found someone I could beat, what with my clan of 1 and my one pair of fangs. whatever. I am on level 11 after 2 days, and I plan to hit level 12 tonight and then I can delete the app and be done with it.

I am halfway done with the third Twilight book. Wow, is it good. I can not believe how into these I am. In case anyone cares, I think I am leaning towards Team Jacob. I think I know that it is not going to happen for Jacob and Bella, but I wish she's reconsider. If he wasn't a vampire, I would think that Edward is a slight bit psychotically-stalkerish-controlling, as sweet as he may be. But, what do I know?

So,I just realized that Colton Iverson (Gophers) is wearing #45. Now, aside from the whole cutesy "Colt 45" thing, my issue with this is that HELLO, there is already a #45, and he can not be replaced. Dusty is, and always will be, #45! Iverson is a perfectly acceptable player, but Dusty Rychart is a large part of the reason that I am a gopher fan, watching him play was inspiring and fun. Plus, he's hot. How can someone else be #45? Did Dusty approve this? My Dusty autograph is signed with #45, and it is a picture of Dusty wearing his #45 jersey. My autograph is now more worthless than it was 10 minutes ago. Actually, to quote a post on Dusty's website "Value is in the eye of the beholder". So to me it is worth eleventymilliodollars! but it has now been devalued by Colt 44 (which sounds fine to me). This is a travesty. Anyone care enough to start a petition?? I would, but I'm kinda lazy. But if someone else starts one, I will definitely sign (provided that they send me a link and I don't have to fill in my name, address and date of birth- that's too much work).

I just ran spell check. Apparently stalkerish isn't really a word??? Someone should start a petition for Merriam-Webster to get that one official. It's a good word.

Ok, back to work......

I heart boys who sparkle...

I am just about to start reading the second book in the Twilight series. I am excited, even though MissZalyssa told me that it is boring. What does she know?!?! The Gophers won today, they are 13-1. Woo Hoo! That makes me happy. It is so much fun to see them winning. Tubby Smith is a fantastic coach. This is such a change from the past few years when watching them was almost painful. I guess this year is my reward for all of the heartche being a gophers fan has caused me the past few years. I hung in there, and now I am THRILLED!

I am trying to become an expert at Guitar Hero. I'm a long way from moving off the easy setting, but eventually I may be able to move to medium. I can get 100% on Misery Business by Paramour, and I have done a handful of songs missing only 1 note, but then I tried BYOB by System of a Down, and I have a long way to go before I can move up.

I'm waiting for Zickyzou to leave so that I can take a nice long bubblebath with New Moon (the Twilight book). Then maybe I can go to bed early since I have to leave tomorrow at 10 to get my oil changed. I spent today helping MissZalyssa with school.

I took a personality test at mypersonality.info or something like that. I'm an ISTJ. I think the letters stand for introverted, sensory, thinker, and judging??? I don't know, but it was all true.

Ok, bath time.....

23.....23......23.....23.....23.....23....23

Yes, it's December 23rd. But the 23's are also something much more significant. Important enough for me to actually blog about. I am so freekin' excited. The Gophers are ranked #23!!! I was tempted to print out the poll and sleep with it under my pillow. Not only is Tubby Smith the coach, but we are winning. 10-0!!! We just beat the #9 ranked team in the country. Who, sadly (boo-hoo), dropped to 19. My only wish now is that Blake Hoffarber was oh, say 7-10 years older than he is so that I could have a crush on him. While it would be perfectly legal for me to think he's hot, he was born in 1988, and that just seems wrong.

On a different note, we (meaning MissZalyssa & I) just watched the Get Smart movie. Holy freekin' hilarious. It was one of the funniest movies I've ever seen. We were both rotfloao. At some parts we were laughing so hard we could hardly breath. I recommend it. I didn't expect to like it, and I thought it'd be dumb. But it was very, very funny.

2 days until Christmas. Tomorrow I am baking the bars to take to my sisters house. I am excited about making them. Maybe cause I'm super hungry right now. I could have breakfast, but that would require me leaving my desk. And I'm lazy.

I just finished re-reading Digital Fortress by Dan Brown. Good to quite good. I am now reading Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult. I just started it, but it seems like it will be good.

My big plans for my Christmas vacation include watching The Stand and redeeming myself at Trivial Pursuit the 80's edition. When I play with MissZalyssa, I go through the questions and try to find ones that she has a chance of answering. And she usually gets them right, so she ends up winning. Since I lived through the
80's and she was born in 1992, I figure she deserves a bit of help. Next time I am going to not let her win.....She also beat me at the Simpson's Clue game. That was luck on her part.

Ok, I should probably get back to work. I just wanted to make sure the entire world knows that the Gophers are # freekin' 23. And that I would think Blake Hoffarber was hot if I was under 23.

Hmmmm...

Just trying to figure out why I've been such a bad-blogger-keeper-upper-person? The only real answer is that I'm lazy. I'd rather watch tv or exercise. Plus my life is sooo boring.

Last Saturday I went to the legion. I drank too much. Way too much. I even danced. Except I can't actually dance. I puked. A lot. I had fun. I'm planning on doing it again, except I'll skip the last 2 gin & tonics. I was fine with 3 beers, 3 vodka/cranberries and 1 vodka/cranberry/sour. It was the stupid gin & tonics that got me drunk.

I cooked a most-excellent Thanksgiving dinner. I'm a pretty fantastic cook. And I have tons of leftovers. We are going to be eating turkey for at least 2 weeks. Yippy to no cooking.

I didn't want to do any Black Friday shopping, but around noon I decided to run to Walmart to get milk and bread. I spent $150 and was able to cross nobody off my Christmas shopping list. But I did get a couple of really great stocking stuffers for ZickyZou & the Zalyssa-monster. Plus, I decided to jump on the bandwagon and I bought the Twilight book. I'm about to start reading it. It better be as good as everyone says. I'm just torn about starting it right now because I am watching the movie Lorenzo's Oil, and it is rather fascinating. I like the whole science part of the movie.

Ok, I'm going to finish the movie and then maybe be trendy and read this book. Zalyssa finished it in a few hours, she actually stayed up late reading a book. First time ever....

Tonight!

Well I guess it's a brand new day after all
Every time we hear the curtain call

Yes, tonight is the New Kids on the Concert. I am way freekin' excited. I have been listening to my greatest hits cd and feeling nostalgic. I so remember why I hearted New Kids. The music, while very cheesy, is excellent. I still love every song. And I still love Joey McIntyre. I feel so junior high, but I've been waiting for this night since we first started talking about buying the tickets in March. They want on sale in June, so I have known I'm going for 5 months! That's almost half a year. It better be worth the wait.

I'm still trying to decide what to wear. This shouldn't be such a hard decision. I'm also debating about leaving work early. But I have tomorrow off so I have to get some work done. Not much being done today, just listening to my nkotb cd.

Ok- work to do so I can leave on time!

Sundae???

I'm really feeling like I'd like some ice cream. It is 9:00 on a Sunday morning, I haven't had breakfast, and I'm sitting around in a bathrobe and slipper socks. And all I can think about is ice cream. Maybe I should have some real food first. I think for breakfast today I will have my very last Nutrisystem blueberry panacke (package says makes 2-3, yeah, right!) topped with fresh strawberries and banana. And maybe some milk.

I made chili yesterday. MissZalyssa said it was the best chili she's ever had. But she wasn't sure if it was because the chili was super good or because it was the first time that she had chili topped with sour cream. She loves sour cream. I thought the chili was most excellent. I am a very good chili-cooker-person.

I got an invitation to a Halloween party at the heating and cooling fixing place that I have on retainer. MissZalyssa was reading the invitation and then she said "OMG, that is so gross". OK, what's so gross? "They are eating a horse". Now, I had already read the invitation and don't remember reading that. So I asked her what she was talking about. "They are serving horse devours. What are horse devours". So I think for a second. And then another second. Then I crack up. I mean I really crack up, the kind of laughing that makes tears run down your face and you get out of breath. Then I explained that they are having hors d'oeuvres. So then she asked why it's spelled like "horse devours". And for once when I said "it's French" I was actually correct.

I am on level 137 on Mobsters. That makes me feel sad about all the hours I've wasted playing that stupid game. It is so flipping pointless. And it's the same thing over and over. Fight some mobsters, do one of 3 missions, buy a property, do missions again, buy a massive missle thingy. Repeat. Reapeat. Repeat. It's getting kind of boring.

Ok, I'm going to go make those pancakes (right after I fight a couple mobsters).

...or not.

Wow, it's been awhile. I'm a bad-blogger-keeper-upper. But since very few people read this anyway, does it even matter?

Weight Watchers update- Last Saturday I got my 25 pound award. This Saturday I will be returning it since I am certain I have gained at least 25 pounds this week. A donut, 3 pieces of pizza, 5 pieces of licorice, 3 (or 4 or 5) mini candy bars, lots and lots and lots of applecrisp. It's been a bad week. But I am accepting responsibility for my errors in judgement and am moving on.

I really, really, really wish that George Michaal wasn't such a freakazoid, because I am listening to my The Best of George Michael 2 disc set, and I love him, the songs, his voice. So why does he have to break the law so much??? I think that Father Figure may be on my top ten all time favorite song list. That list has been in the works for months. When I started the list, there were about 100 songs on it. I'm trying to get it down to 10. Anyhow, I really like Father Figure, and I think it may be the sexiest, romanticist, tragicist, lovelyist, dramaticist, beautifulist song ever. Or it could be perverted and about child molestation. I'm going with option A and to the critics, I say take the song at face value and don't over-think it. I'm going with the crime part referencing homesexuality (not an illegal type of crime, but one that some people may see as a moral crime) and the tiny hands signifying that the singer is stronger than the person he is singing to (therefore, he is not singing to a child). Why do people have to try to turn something beautiful and innocent into something creepy? I heart George Michael.

The biggest problem I am having with the list of my favorite songs is that I really love so many songs. How do I choose just one song from Madonna or Elton John? Impossible. So I left Madonna off the list and went with The One by Elton. It is the second most sexiest, romanticist, tragicist, lovelyist, dramaticist, beautifulist song ever. My goal is to finish the list sometime this year.

I'm cranky. I am having lots of people-relating issues.

I'm having an issue with someone that is suffering from an overinflated self-image. People that think they are more important then they actually are really bug me. I'm not going to name names or give details.

There are 2 people that are being rather negative towards my weight loss success. They are purposely trying to sabatoge me and they constantly ridicule my healthy food choices. They tell me that I exercise too much and that they don't have time to exercise. Then they complain that they can't lose weight. Then they shove a donut into their mouth. Then they repeat the entire process, but this time they add that it's unfair that I have lost weight when they haven't. Then they have fast food for lunch. Then ice cream for lunch-dessert. Then they repeat that they can't lose weight. Ugh!

Ok, time to go home.....

I heart vanity sizing....

Ok, so the last time I weighed 150 pounds, I wore a very comfortable size 14. That was in 2001. Today at 150 pounds I can comfortably wear some size 10's. At my goal weight in 1999 I could barely fit into 10's. When I lose 10 more pounds to get to goal this time, I will likely be comfortable in 8's. Apparently some manufacturers made these changes to make women feel better about their pants size. Yeah, well, all it really does is frustrate me because now when I shop consignment, I need to try on items because I don't know if it's a 2008 size 10 or a 2001 size 10.

My weigh in on Saturday was not bad. I lost another pound for a grand total of 22.2. Or 42.2 depending on where you want to start counting from - my top weight or my joining weight watchers weight. I celebrated by having a small popcorn and a large diet pepsi at the American Idol concert. Thanks to my wonderful cousins for giving me the ticket. Unfortunately, another cousin had to get sick in order for me to go, but I wish her a speedy recovery. The concert was excellent. I really like Jason Castro. I enjoy the folksy-relaxing type of music he sings. But I also REALLY like David Cook. He is rather hot. I had fun and it was nice to get out.

Speaking of getting out, I have a pedicure scheduled for next Saturday. I really like pedicures. I also like getting together with Zarah-Zou, so combining 2 of my favorite activities is a win-win. I am thinking I'd like to go with a light pink color this time. I went from Lincoln Park After Dark (a dark black-purple) to Redipus Oedipus, which is a pearly pink - dark red. So I am thinking either a mauve or a light pink. hmmmm..... decisions.

I am getting so frustrated with the myspace mobsters game. I keep getting my azz kicked and all my money is going to equipment upkeep so I can't buy any more properties to make more money. I am (embarrassed to admit) that I am on level 61. That proves that I am pathetic and I have no life. But now I'm rather stuck since I can't win any more fights because I don't have enough equipment. I can't buy more because my money is being sucked up. I guess the only answer is to quit playing???

Next Monday is my one year anniversary. Hard to believe that I've been married for a whole year. We are going to celebrate by going out for Mexican. And I am going to eat the whole basket of chips and white dip. Well, I'll eat chips until the white dip is gone. I don't want any chips without the white dip. And then I am going to have a cheese enchilada. and I'm going to enjoy it. While I completely realize that nothing tastes as good as being thin feels, the white dip comes close. Plus, isn't that what my 35 weekly flex points are for?

Ok, I should probably get some work done....

I heart stickers......

So I haven't blogged for awhile because I just haven't felt like it. I don't really want to write about serious issues, and since I am dealing with a serious issue, it's been easier not to blog. But since real life is not going to just go away, I will have to deal with reality sometime. Just not in my blog. I want it to be light-hearted, maybe even slightly humourous. So, therefore, I shall not address any real issues and concerns. Because I don't want to and I don't have to. Maybe once I sort out my mind, I can write about my mom's health. So just because I don't write it doesn't mean that it is not on my mind every waking hour.

So, moving on, I should probably note that my heart has been shattered in my fantasy life. I hate, hate, hate my addiction my websites like mncriminals.com. I have been trying hard to stay away, and it's been months, but I went there today. And I entered the name of my most favoritest basketball player ever. The basketball player that I have been lusting after for freaking 10 years. The only man I would ever drop everything and run away with. My one and only true love (besides, of course, my husband). So, anyhow, his name came up with a violation. Turns out my dream man got himself a dwi in June. I know that plenty of good people get dwi's. Just not the people that I am planning on living on a secluded island with. I thought he was smarter than this. He's freekin' loaded, no reason he should be behind the wheel risking his life and the lives of others. I'm not quite sure how to deal with this. 10 years of dreams and fantasies down the drain. I suppose to some people, a dwi isn't a major deal-breaker. But to me(maybe because of my families history with alcoholism??) it just might be. He's 30. He's lived in 7 different countries. He should be old enough and responsible enough to figure out a back up plan. Maybe I can get past this. Or, maybe I should grow up and get over my crush on some guy I'll likely never meet (although I do have his autograph). The end.

Saturday night I went to the Tokio Hotel concert. Wow! I was not (and might still not be) a huge fan, but something about being that close to the stage was amazing. I was probably 7 rows away from the stage - it was standing room only. I got water thrown on me by either Bill or Tom (I don't know who's who). Zalyssa and Zemily were one row away from the stage. They swear that Tom or Bill made eye contact with them. They had a blast. We split up so that they could get closer, and the certainly did. I have never thrown more elbows at minors in my entire life. But people kept pushing into me, and it was really making me mad. I had to yell a couple of times because there was a kid a couple people in front of me that kept getting pushed into. I think I scared people because I was the only person that had foot room, leg room, and plenty of elbow room. And I got a thumbs up from the kids parents. But, memo to the guy dressed all in white that was missing a tooth that was pushing the heck out of me trying to get in front of me: 1) the all white didn't work, you look dumb. 2) You spit in my hair when you talked because of your missing tooth. Not cool. Rather disgusting. A sign of dumbness 3) I hope the elbow in the ribs left a mark. I'm pretty sure you are dumb.

I am very glad I went to the concert. It was an excellent experience. And Tom and Bill (or is it Bob) are pretty hot, and they are totally over 18 so it's okay for me to say that. I never thought I'd dig the androgynous look, but it's working for them. And they do a great performance. I may buy a cd. Or I may not. I'm getting old for celebrity crushes. And since I may have ended my fantasy affair with the b-ball player, it would be unwise to replace him with 2 rockstars not even old enough to drink.

Oh, my weigh-in update- total lost as of 8/16 is 19.4 pounds. I have changed my weigh in meeting day to Saturday mornings at 8:15. That seems to fit in better with my newly redesigned life. I hate getting up that early on a Saturday, but it's the only way I can work it out to be able to help my mom with breakfast on Saturdays. So, I guess I gotta do what I gotta do. I would really like to hit 20 pounds on Saturday. Then I get a sticker. I like stickers. They make me happy. When I hit 20 pounds lost, I will officially be only 12 pounds overweight. 12 pounds away from the "normal" bmi. I started with an obese bmi, so I am making progress. But it will be nice to be normal. And hopefully healithier. And in a smaller size. Ok, that's it for now.

I'm cranky....

For the first time ever, I almost started crying in the dentist's chair. I was in for my routine 6 month cleaning. I mentioned that the crown that I had gotten in December on the tooth that I got root canaled last September was extremely sensitive to hot and cold sometimes. The doctor said that I shouldn't feel anything in that tooth and she immediately ordered an xray.

Good news- the tooth that I had the root canal in is minorly infected. The tooth behind that tooth is really infected. And I need to have the wisdom tooth that is behind that tooth removed. Can we say eleventy-million-dollars. Nice, huh? I heart the dentist. No, I double-heart the dentist.

So, I get to go and see a specialist to see what the "plan of action" is. Lovely.

I really wanted to hit 10% at Weight Watchers. I did not. I am 1 pound away from 10%. I did, however, lose 16 pounds. So now everyone knows how much I weigh. Oh, well. Whatever. Does it really matter if everyone knows how much I weigh? They can simply look at me and tell that I am not at a healthy weight. Not a secret. I am 16 pounds away from my WW goal weight.

Ok, I am going to the mall to return some pants that I ordered on-line and they are TOO BIG. Unbelievable. Nothing is ever too big for me. Until now...

I'm very sad....

I just got a very sad e-mail from Zenny, who was my best friend in the entire world for all of junior high and high school and for quite a few years after that. Her mom, who was one of my favoritest people in the world, passed away. I really, really loved Ann, she was a most excellent person. I got to do so many great things that I would not have been able to do without her. Going on the field trip to see the murals in Minneapolis, picketing when the post office was on strike (I still remember "Working for Runyan gives us bunions" or whatever it was that we chanted as we marched), going to Tybee Island in GA.... There are so many fun memories. I'm glad I have those.

The memorial service is on my birthday. There should be a rule against funerals on your birthday. You should never, ever have to feel sad on that day. With this happening on top of knowing that we are going to start looking at assisted living facilities for my mom, I am very sad and could really use a pedicure. ZarahZou, when is the next Saturday you are free? Not that a pedicure will cure what ails me, but it would be an hour where I could escape from reality. I could use a break from real life.

I'm back from my vacation. It was so hard to come back. I had so much. We did so many fun things- Epcot, Universal, Islands of Adventure, Cocoa Beach, and an outlet mall. I went to an outlet mall and didn't even buy myself anything. Unless you count a smoothie at TCBY as buying myself something. I did buy misszalyssa her very own Coach handbag. It's a swing pack, and was on super-sale for an excellent price. I was quite tempted to buy myself one. But I just can't justify $71 for a bag that is too small to carry.

The plane ride down there was very TURBLUENT. I was certain that the end wasnear. It felt like someone picked up the plane and was shaking it side to side and up and down. I was quite terrified. But we made it through.Florida was HOT! and HUMID! I sweated (which apparently isn't a word???) a lot. One day I wore misszalyssa's Hollister shorts and tank top. I never thought I'd be able to squeeze myself into Hollister, but I did, and I think it looked ok. Not great, but ok.

Too bad I had to come home. I like vacation. At least I only have a 3 day work week thanks to the 4th of July. I like 3 day work weeks. I got started back on counting points yesterday, and I even walked on the treadmill. Very hard to do after 8 days of undisciplined eating and no structured exercise. I can't wait to see how much I gained when I weigh in tomorrow night. I will be okay with a gain of 3 pounds. But no more than that.

I find it quite ironic that the same person that was making fun of the people who ran down to the cafeteria for "FREE DONUTS" is eating Jimmy John's for lunch. I don't want to spoil the fun for anyone, so I invite you to go to Jimmy John's website yourself and check out the nutritional information of any of the sandwiches. Any of them. They are all equally as bad. Many of them are equal to or exceed my full days allotment of WeightWatchers points. You'd think that a vegetarian sandwich would be a healthy choice. Not true, unless a healthy choice has 640 calories and 36 grams offat. So I could have 3 "unhealthy" donuts or a "healthy" vegetarian sandwich. Hmmm......

I have a stye in my eye...

Of course I have a stye in my eye, I am leaving for Florida in 4 days. My vacation would not be complete without a major disfigurement. I am currently holding a hot compress to my eyelid and praying.

I had my weekly weigh-in tonight. I am .2 pounds away from 15 pounds lost. Two tenths of a pound. Sooo close. And I had no clothes I could take off to assist me. I won't be going next Thursday since I will be on vacation, but maybe the week after that I can hit the 15 pound mark.

In happier news, the Big Ten Network and Comcast reached an agreement!!! This is frickin' fantastic. Yippy for being able to watch the Gophers in my own house!!! It almost makes me feel better about having my vacation ruined by an enlarged eyelid.

Ok, it's late....

3 cool things....

Ok, first cool thing. I went over to ZarahZou's today to meet her adorable little baby girl. She did not name her rudolphtherednosedreindeerfionahonker. Zarisol is just the sweetest little thing, and made me briefly contemplate the possibility....But, no. No more.

Next cool thing - when I went to my Weight Watchers weigh-in, I wanted to lose 2 pounds to hit the 10 pound mark and get another 5 pound sticker. I not only hit the 10 pound mark, I am halfway to another 5 pound sticker. My total weight loss to date is 12.8 pounds. woo-hoo.

3rd cool thing- I am for surely going to the New Kids on the Block concert. We have our tickets. 16th row. Just close enough for Joey to hear me screaming. I listened to the Hangin' Tough cd on the way home from ZarahZou's. Since there was a detour, it took me like an hour and a half to get home, so I had plenty of time to listen. I still know all the words. I'm ready. I just can't decide what to wear.

I am having a problem with deoderant residue build-up. How in the h-e-double-hockey-sticks do I get it off my armpits. I have tried regular soap, exfoliator, shampoo, dish soap, laundry detergent, and face wash. Maybe I need to try some bleach and a bristle pad???

Ok, I am going to have my 4 point snack and then I'm going to bed. I really like that I am on a "food plan" where I am able to eat this close to bedtime guilt-free. As long as I plan right, I can save enough points for a decent snack, and I like that. I heart food. But I also think I would heart being at a healthy weight. So combining the two things I heart would be awesome!

My friend, the scale....

At my Thursday weigh-in, I was very happy to find out that my total weight loss for two weeks is 8.6 pounds. I am only 1.4 pounds away from 10 pounds! I am not mad at the scale this week. Usually I hate the scale. Now I have only 23.4 pounds to go. Woo-hoo!!!

I also found out that I may be getting a $250 bonus for getting my CISR designation. I was reading the employee manual and it said that, so I asked about it and it looks like I will get it! Free money! Right in time for my trip to Florida. Only 4 weeks to go! I can't wait.

Tomorrow morning I am getting up at 7:00 so we can drive to North Dakota. It's about a 7 hour drive. We'll drive down there, go to a graduation party for about 3 hours, spend the night in a hotel and then get up at 7:00 Monday to drive 7 hours home. I like being in the car for 14 hours in 2 days. I packed a bunch of 2 point bars and snacks so that I have super Weight Watcher friendly things to eat. I am getting good at planning ahead.

There is an awesome ebay seller who sells really cute shoes. So far I have bought 4 pairs from her. I just got a super cute pair of brown sandals. I have been looking for sandals like this forever. And they were brand new. I also got a couple pairs of nearly new Naturalizer sandals for super cheap.

I am making a pizza for dinner. 1/5th of the pizza is 9 points. I have 13.5 points left for the day. But how do I figure out 1/5 of the pizza??? I can cut it in 6ths. But how do I cut it in 5ths?

Ok, the timer is going off.....

The weigh....

Last night was my first Weight Watcher's weigh in. I was very happy with the results. I lost 5.8 pounds the first week. Almost 6 pounds is a significant amount, in my opinion. I am pretty good at losing weight. I just wish I wasn't even better at gaining it back. I keep telling myself that this time it will be different because I'm more devoted, more dedicated, more inspired. But I start every time with those same thoughts. But maybe this time will be different. Plus, I'm really too broke to buy food, so that will certainly help. Weight Watchers is so easy, so I can't understand why I have had such problems in the past staying on track. It really is simple - you have a set amount of points for the day. When the points are gone, you are done eating. And I even had enough points to have a piece of cake on Mother's day. Oh, well. 5.8 down, 26.2 to go.

I'm starting to get really tan. And Florida is getting closer and closer. 5 weeks. I can't wait! I could really, really use a vacation. I like vacations.

So, are New Kids on the Block going to bring their tour to Minnesota? Because I'd really like to see them in concert again. It's been, um, a few years since I was 14 and attended my very first concert. I was convinced that Joey McIntyre was going to marry me. Things didn't exactly turn out as I had dreamed they would, but I guess my current reality is better than my junior high fantasy. Plus, he's not really as cute as I thought he was back then. And he's not nearly as successful in real life as he was in my dreams. Oh, well.

I got a new garbage can for the kitchen. It is much better than the old one. Only problem is that now I have 2 garbage cans in a kitchen that was hardly big enough for 1. I really need to clean my house, starting with the kitchen. The old one needs to go. Why am I so lazy and unmotivated? At least I'm wearing semi-clean clothes and I almost even brushed my hair today. I have some issues to work on. I'll start tomorrow.

Next Sunday I am going to North Dakota for my nieces graduation party. I can't believe that she's graduating high school already. I used to babysit her when she was 3 years old. Time flies. It is going to be challenging to stay on Weight Watcher's while going on a trip like this. Even though it's only 1 night, there is still so much to deal with. We are leaving at 7:00 in the morning and stopping for breakfast. So I need to plan for that. Then we'll be stopping for lunch. And then dinner. Then breakfast the next day. And maybe lunch. And I want to stay as on-track as possible. This is going to take some planning and motivation.

Ok, back to work......

Third times the charm?!?!?!

So I joined Weight Watchers again. This is the third time. Hopefully this time it will "stick". I know what to do, I just don't know why I have such a problem doing it. I am very good with walking on the treadmill and drinking water and eating vegetables. But why do I have to undo all the good by eating cake and candy and garlic bread and other junk?

We had a Mother's day lunch at my sister's house. We grilled WW-friendly turkey burgers on low fat buns w/ low fat garlic-dill mayo. Very, very good. And I made a most excellent broccoli-cauliflower salad w/ fat free mayo. Yum! Alyssa made a cake w/ a fat free tapioca and fresh strawberry center. It was excellent, but it cost me all of my WW points. Oh,well. It was worth it.

I know that I should be walking on the treadmill, but what if I just don't want to? I guess I get to do it anyway, huh? Maybe I'll get an elliptical machine? But where would we put it? We are kind of way out of extra room.

MissZalyssa and I went to Great Clips to get our haircut on Saturday. It cost me $52 for 2 haircuts. The girl who cut my hair managed to convince me that I need this $15 bottle of heat protection stuff. She told me that I have excellent hair and that if I protect the ends, it will be even more healthy and beautiful. How could I say no to that?

Ok, I have some dishes to do, laundry to fold, and an appointment with my friend, the treadmill.

And the winner is....

Me, of course. I win. I started a new contest. It's called "Let's go to the grocery store and see who can spend the most money without actually buying anything". I just spent $50 and left with hardly anything. Some banana's (which must be $17.59 a pound) and a couple of items that were 10 for $10.

I am very excited that I am going to see Kathy Griffin in October. Yippy!

Secret memo to ZarahZou- when do you want to get a practice pedicure? It's probably a good idea if we get lots of practice ones before I go to Florida so that I can make sure I know how to get them. What if I forget?

My dentist sent me a very nice courtesy reminder that I haven't paid my bill yet. That was so thoughtful of them. Memo to the dentist: I can't pay my bill right now because I'm too busy giving all of my to the grocery store in exchange for a couple of banana's and a tub of sour cream.

I'm selling my pink Coach on ebay. I'm kinda worried because the bidding is only up to $23.50. It's worth about $70-80, but I'd like at least $50. But that's the risk you take when you start the bidding at $.99. I hope it goes up.

Ok, I'm going to do the dishes. I like doing the dishes just about as much as I like paying the dentist.

I'm not really a waitress,,,,

But I do have really pretty toes. "I'm not really a waitress" is the name of the OPI nail polish that I have on my toes. I got my first pedicure of the season yesterday, and it was most excellent! I like pedicures. After the pedicure, ZarahZou and I went to a Chinese buffet for lunch. I like Chinese buffet's, too. It was an excellent day. I also got my Pampered Chef products. it was almost like Christmas. I got so many fun things. I can't wait to use them.

ZickyZou thinks I'm brilliant. He told me so about 50 times. We went out for Chinese Friday night. Like I always do, I dipped my egg roll first in the spicy mustard then in the sweet & sour. He told me that it looked disgusting. I told him it was most excellent and to try it. He did. And he liked it. And told me that I was absolutely brilliant for inventing it. And he told me a zillion times over the rest of the night how brilliant I am. It's the little things.

I'm going back to Weight Watchers. The third time might be the charm. Hopefully. I'd really like to lose 30 pounds. But I'll settle for 25. I weigh about what I weighed the first time I joined WW. And I was able to lose 25 pounds. too bad I couldn't keep it off. This time I am more determined.

I'm selling my pink Coach pebbled leather handbag on ebay. It's going to be hard, but it's time to let it go. Plus I need to $$. So, I'm off to take pictures of it.....

Tator tot hotdish

Tonight I made tator tot hotdish. Even thought ZickyZou doesn't really like it, it's something that both me and princess enjoy, so every so often I make it. And since I rinsed off the 93/7 hamburger and used 98% fat free cream of celery, it isn't terribly unhealthy. Except that the tator tots are my favorite part. And there is enough elftover that we can have it again on Thursday (we are having chicken tomorrow night since I already took it out of the freezer) and maybe even some left for Friday!

Last Friday night ZickyZou and I went to the Twins game. It probably would have been fun (awesome seats) but they lost. And plus ZickyZou promised to catch me a Justin Morneau home-run. Except the Twins didn't even score one run, let alone a home-run. That was sad. But it was a nice night out.

Next Saturday morning I have an appointment for my first pedicure of the season. I am meeting ZarahZou at the beauty school so we can both get our feet made pretty. Then we can go out to lunch and show them off. I miss e-mailing with her everyday. (sniffle...sniffle). But today I spent my work day learning about the quadratic equation. I am now a semi-expert on -b - the square root of b squared times 4 times a times b over 2a. I hope that's right since I've been chanting it to myself for the past 4 hours. I now think I know semi-enough to teach it to my daughter maybe. Except she doesn't want to learn it. And I really wish that someone would give me an example of how it applicable to real life. Plus, it doesn't make sense to me how a math problem can have 2 answers. Oh, well.

I just finished reading Duma Key, the newest Stephen King novel. It was actually not bad. I expected it to be crazy. I read Lisey's Story and couldn't believe that the brilliant guy that wrote The Stand wrote about Lisey. But, Duma Key helps him redeem himself. I just started the newest book by Harlan Coben, but I can't remember the name. It's okay so far, but I think I need to read something lighter next. Maybe I'll re-read a Shopaholic book.

MissZalyssa wants to get a job so that she can get another cat. I don't think that Tabby-Wabby would appreciate that. She doesn't even like that we live here, I can't imagine how she would feel about another animal.

Ok, I need to go over to my parents house to help my mom with something. Then the treadmill......

I hate my treadmill....

I just had to say that. It works perfectly fine. But it makes my feet hurt and it makes tired. If only it would make me skinny.....I just saw an ad on myspace that said "Are you fat? Take this quiz to find out". Do people actually click on that crap? I don't really need an on-line quiz to tell me that I need to lose weight (I have my doctor for that). Do you type in your height and weight and then SHAZAM! it tells you if you're fat? Brilliant. I wonder if you have to put in you credit card # first.

Saturday zarahzou and I are co-hosting a Pampered Chef party. I am rather excited because I am going to make my favorite taco dip and I have been walking extra on the treadmill so that I can eat it and only feel slightly guilty. It's no wonder that I hate my treadmill. I have walked for 60 minutes a night, 4 (sometimes 5) nights a week for a month. I have eaten around 1500 calories most days, 1800 a couple of days. I have lost .5 pounds. Yes, that is half a pound. at that rate, I am going to walk 5,865,432 miles before I lose 10 pounds. And my doctor suggested I lose 20 to even consider going off the blood pressure medication.

Misszalyssa wants a new ipod. Since I just bought her a new phone, I told her that she needed to find a way to pay for it. She is returning her new Juicy Couture swimsuit (that I know she really wants to keep) and she is selling a bunch of stuff on ebay. Hopefully she'll get enough $. Selling stuff on ebay is a pain in the azz. But it's a good lesson for the princess - having to give up old stuff to get new stuff.

I just finished a book called "Damaged" by Cathy Glass. The book is very well-written, but the subject matter is extremely disturbing, especially since it is a true story. It's written by a lady who is a foster care provider and it's about one of the children she took in and the horrific abuse that the little girl suffered before being placed into foster care. When I finished it, I was deeply disturbed and sad. I read the whole book on Saturday because I couldn't put it down. I wanted a happy ending. But I don't think that there is truly happy ending for a child who is put through so much.

I also just finished "Honor Thyself" by Danielle Steele. It was okay. Just another Danielle Steele book. They are pretty much all the same. I am now reading a double novel by Harlan Coben. I think I may have read at least one of the two books before. Good thing my memory is shot. I can re-read a book and not even know it.

Zomeone that I e-mail every single work day, usually at least 100 e-mails a day back and forth got in trouble for sending me e-mails. I'm sad without being able to e-mail her. I told Zickyzou that she got in trouble for e-mailing me. He said that it was dumb she got into trouble. Then I told him how many e-mails we usually send and he said that we should both get written up. But the funny thing is, I get more work done when I'm e-mailing her than when I'm not. When I am e-mailing her, I have to stay at my desk and work super fast. When I'm not e-mailing her, it's easy to get up and walk around and talk to people or to get side-tracked and be doing something off of the computer.

Ok, it's 9:10 and I want to go to bed early.

March Madness!!

It's that time of year- my favorite time. Hours upon hours of basketball. The only thing that could make it better would be if the Gopher's were going to the dance. They should make it to the NIT, and they did have a decent season, so I'm not totally disappointed. And there's always next year.

My house is almost clean. Nick and I just finished a 3 hour marathon of scrubbing and vacuuming and dusting. There is still plenty left to do, but we got a lot done. We are cleaning in anticipation of Easter dinner. I'm making lasagne, ham, homemade mac & cheese and green bean casserole. I can't wait.

Last week Alyssa decided that she wanted to become a vegetarian. I decided to semi-join her. I will gladly eat veggie burgers and fake chicken patties for dinner, but there is no way in the world that I'm swearing off steak. I am willing to completely give up chicken and pork, but there is nothing better than a huge slab of steak, somewhere between rare and medium-rare. So, we ate vegetarian every night last week. Maybe we'll become healthy.

Tabby-wabby can be quite the bratty-watty. She knows how to get treats. I've told her 10 times today that she wasn't getting any more treats. So what does she do??? She lies down right behind the computer chair so that it can't be pulled out because she thinks that that is going to get her a treat to get her to move. It worked. This time.

Ok, the selection show is about to start. That's the real kick-off to March Madness.

I heart ebay!

I booked my trip to Orlando last week. June 23-30th. That is a long ways away, but it should give me enough time to lose 20 more pounds. That's my goal. But I'll accept 15 because I'm an underacheiver.

I just bought all of my Florida shorts off of ebay. I just got three pairs from the same seller (2 Old Navy's and a DKNY) for $24.50 total. Then from another seller I got 2 pairs of Old Navy's for about $15. That is 5 pairs of shorts, and the exact amount I need for my vacation. I'm happy with my purchases. And I have like 4 sleeveless tops that I got from Kohls on clearance for $4 or less each. I think I'm ready to start packing.

Last night I watched 2 movies and the new episode of Degrassi. I watched "A Mighty Heart" with Angelina Jolie. It's the story of the journalist Daniel Pearl who was kidnapped and beheaded in Pakistan. It was very good, but so sad. I also watched "28 Weeks Later." It freaked me out. I was watching it in bed, and Nick was leaving to play video games with my brother and he asked me if he should turn out the light. I asked him to leave it on. I love scary movies. This one was excellent. It kind of reminds me of "The Stand", but you don't get to kow the characters as well in a movie that's only an hour and a half long.

Today is "date day". Nick and I are going out to lunch and then we are going to a movie. We are going to see "Jumper". We were going to go shopping for a treadmill, but I just got a coupon in the mail for 10% off next saturday at Sears. And since that's where we were going to go.....

I redid my bathroom last week. If I get time, I'll post pics. It's certainly different that the turquoise and line green that it was. It is not floraly and pink. I think I like it better.

Ok, I suppose I should go throw in a load of laundry. And maybe start getting dressed.