Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Pushing 30....er.....33 really

Well it has been over 30 days (OK maybe allot over 30 days) since my last post and at that time I was on a mission to lose weight - well in the midst of the last 30+ days I also turned 33 (hence food), threw a surprise party for my mom's birthday (hence food), Labor Day came and went (hence food) and college football started......need I say more. So no I haven't lost any weight just gained, but I am back on a mission and have a plan that I think will work......

The last month or so has really flown by and now that fall is upon us it doesn't even feel like summer was here! I have been dog sitting my mom's dogs while she and my step dad transition in San Antonio, and I have been nicknamed the CDL or Crazy Dog Lady :) I mean there is only 5 total - but ya it's allot in my tiny house so the PK is keeping Murphy (100lb+ Lab) and that has really helped.
Please check out the surprise party here; it was so awesome and I couldn't have done it without Jess, B and PK - it was really a collective family effort and it was just beautiful and mom was so surprised - so much fun!

My birthday was perfect! I not only received tickets to the Carrie Underwood concert, but also to Sugarland, a brand new "boutique" pair of cowboy boots and coach bag! I was so excited and it was absolutely perfect - we topped it off with some chicken fried steak and a little two steppin' :)

Hope all is well with you and yours!














Sunday, July 25, 2010

Umpa Umpa Umpa-a-dee-doo.....

For those of you not familiar with the Willy Wonka Umpa Lumpa - this is him:



This is actually the 1970's version; the actual current umpa lumpa would be this picture with my head inserted on the body (sans the Jersey Shore fake tan).

Seriously the weight gain is OUT OF CONTROL, so much so I don't mind posting here that I am at my highest weight ever of 175 pounds. The game plan is to start a version of weight watchers and drop this extra flab.....

I am actually so fat that over this past weekend on a visit to my mother's we were discussing clothes and some pants that I had purchased for her that happened to be white; while talking about the pants and her possible (major) dislike of them she asked this question.....and I quote "well do YOU wear white pants?" which basically in laments terms means "hey fattie do you wear white, because if you can than I certainly am comfortable wearing them". If you are a woman reading this post (and for my 3+ readers I know you are), you know that white is either your best friend when you feel svelt and sexy or it is your WORSE enemy and mocks every dimple and roll.

Whatever the reason, my weight has continued to sky rocket and the scale is screaming at me as I step on it. And it isn't screaming in a good way, like hey its been awhile I have missed you, where have you been - oh you, you aren't that heavy - ahem - ahem.

With that said let the Jess/Tam "weight watch-a" (as said by Carl the Iphone cutie and my new luva) plan commence on August 8th!


Sunday, June 27, 2010

Revisiting childhood.......




I have to give props to Jess, she asked me to go to the above flic this Sunday morning (at 10:00am - so Jess's style) and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Of course I was the last one strolling in as Ali and Jess were waiting, seats already picked out and looking great on a Sunday morning at 10:00am, completely ready, make up and all - while I of course am in a hat, no make up and barely awake........
That aside it was a fantastic movie! 3-D and all....I have to give it props as well. As much as I was holding out on this "trend" it was really cool and I am sold. There are actually several more movies that were in the previews that I would love to see in 3-D that are upcoming this year. If you haven't seen this yet, then go. Since it is Pixar you will not be disappointed!



(See what I mean, look how polished they are....and then there's me. I need to get on the stick)

On another note I was thinking to myself about the Walt Disney "Logo" that comes up on all movies, and I was thinking about that damn castle. And I have to say it is very misleading when you are a little girl, you think that all of the fairies, princesses and queens reside there and they are awaiting for the princes to arrive.......how disappointing it is for a 5 year old, big blue -eyed little girl (me) to want nothing more than to see this castle at Disneyland, who soon finds out that it is just a walk-thru, that's right a bridge of sorts to the other side of the park. Nothing inside but cement and gallery windows to sell you the newest and "must haves" at the gift shops! Oh well, reality sucks - might as well learn the lesson early in life......there will always be reality but wouldn't it be nice to hold onto the Disney "dream".

See the movie!

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Fried Potato.

(and no I am not talking about him, but he is pretty fried too)

That is all I have to say for what my state of mind is right now and in the last week. You see I have taken in a dog, and I not so coincidentally named him, Tator. He is a really sweet shitzu, but let's just say he is a little mental. Basically it was a friend of a friend of a friend email that found it's way to me and I couldn't let him go to Free To Live; his original owners gave him to another family and they decided not to keep him so he ended back up with me.

The only way I know how to paint a picture of his issues and demeanor as the days have gone, is that he has chewed through the metal crate that I was keeping him in during the day. Did I mention that he is only 14 pounds? So ya needless to say he has some things going on in that little noggin' of his.

Jess is standing by me, while the rest of the pack has called it quits and said I needed to find him another home, including Sam in his own doggie language - basically he keeps looking at me like "mom wtf?!". But I am not deterred; I am getting him neutered this Friday along with vaccines and hoping that may help his disposition some. I think it is safe to say that he was very neglected before he found his way to me, so I am hoping some TLC will do the trick as well. I am also hoping some TLC will do the PK some good as well and he will come back around to the "Tator Tot".

So that is the news on the home front.........fried potato and all.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

New adventure!

So I have decided that I am sitting on my ass too much lately, and it is growing - my ass that is!

With that said, I have researched and found an organization that I feel strongly about and that I also used last year! As most of you know I am avid about community service, and anything to do with animals and old people. Since I haven't been doing any kind of "giving back" recently I thought why not really start looking for an outlet to let my little giving heart go -

And this is Best Friends of Pets! It is a program that helps less fortunate animals in the OKC community, fosters and aids in adoptions; along with providing health care for animals at a discount - which is ideal, so that everyone and every animal can get the appropriate care at a discounted price!

Please check out their site here! I actually meet with one of the directors for Best Friends in June, and will be evaluated for a Board of Directors position within the organization; I am very excited!

Hug your pet!



Sunday, April 25, 2010

And finally presenting.......

Disclaimer: These pictures are in no particular order because I couldn't get them uploaded correctly and it started pissing me off so I just gave up......enjoy anyway :)

























Friday, April 9, 2010

Free at last, Free at last....Thank god almighty, I am FREE at last!

Debt free that is!

OK so maybe I still have the car payment and now the house payment, but today was the day that I officially paid off all of the credit card debt, every single penny!
I should note that I owe a huge amount of gratitude to all of you tax payers out there, because without you I wouldn't have qualified for the home tax buyer credit that not only helped me pay off all of this debt, but also become a home owner as well. I hope that I have made you all proud by doing "the right thing" and being responsible.
A shout out should also go to this gal, without her constant guidance and help with the realization of reality I would not have come this far and it has been a hell of a first quarter of 2010 for me!!!
Update: My Easter weekend was excellent, I had lots of quality family time and even got to spend an entire evening with my real dad and his family, well my family :) I woke up and had coffee and donuts with him and my Lisa, it was the most amazing feeling to be sitting where I hadn't been in over 15 years. It was a great Easter in deed, and although I missed my papa like crazy and it was an emotional weekend and hard to celebrate without him, I think we all pulled together and did our best and he would have been very happy and proud!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

North Side vs. South Side

Disclaimer:
This post may come off as snotty; but does not mean to offend anyone. (:-)

OK so something else that I have been struggling with lately (BTW what is up with all of these struggles, I need to get over it); it is the location of my new home. Now I know what you are thinking, "didn't you seriously consider the area before you purchased?" and my answer would be yes; however I was also considering other factors and those were priorities as well.

Here's the deal for those of you who aren't familiar with OKC; there are two very distinct areas and those would be North side and South side. And you are either a North side girl (which I am) or a South side girl........it's no secret that the South side is the less desirable of the two (remember my disclaimer above please). Personally anything south of N.W. 63rd street is "south side" for me; realistically it would be anything south of I-40. So with my house being located south of N.W. 50th street makes me feel way out of my element. Although I am familiar with the area, I don't want to get out and walk around the neighborhood if you know what I mean. I am used to the 5-6 mile radius known as Lake Hefner and the Village; and this is where my peeps are still located. I feel away from the "flock" so to speak.......it's not that I am unsafe (I need to quit watching 48 hours and freaking myself out though), it is that I feel "south" and for some reason it just hasn't worked itself out with me yet.

No turning back now, and the PQ pad is seriously cute and in the very near future will be getting even more blinged out, just something that has been on my mind. Good news is, is that I am slowly starting to get over myself :).

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Meat and Potatoes=LOVE

OK so I am struggling; I am a huge animal advocate-enough so that I have researched products that have treated products on animals and it sickens me. It is a topic that people wish to pass over and act like doesn't happen and we all know that it does in fact exist. There are many labels we use everyday that condemn these poor, defenseless, and voiceless animals to their deaths. I know it is a fact and I have seen the evidence.

I am the type of person, like so many, that think since I am a meat eater (cows, etc.) that these animals are treated more "humane". I know that this isn't the case but I kidd myself, because it's easier to turn a blind eye. I am not trying to start a revolution, but if I know anything, I know myself. And above an elderly person, there is nothing more than I love than an animal. And to know that I feel this way and can contribute to their demise, whether by beauty product or steak I pick, is does sicken me.

I struggle.

The only reason I haven't been able to give it up yet is my granny's steak fingers and mashed potatoes. I am not making excuses, and I am not blaming my up bringing. It is what it is. The fact remains that memories I have from this meal, with the ones I love, means more to me than you can imagine. It's the love that I taste in every bite, of the gravy, the steak, the potatoes and then the gravy with bread. It is my granny standing in her kitchen preparing every detail with love, and my papa sitting on the stool next to the phone talking to me about the time he picked me up at school in Claremore and brought me back to this "home" away from home and we had this same meal time and time again, why? Because I loved it and they loved that I loved it-it made memories more than anyone could know.

I had this meal with granny the last time I was "home", and even though the love hadn't changed, the meal tasted different. Because he wasn't sitting across from me, saying "Baby how was your week, I know you are busy and we miss you-you work hard baby doll but do you remember when....." and what I want to say, that I never said-is that I remember. I remember every moment with you, every smell, every story, every talk, every steak......

I am a meat and potatoes kind of girl, I don't approve of cruelty to animals anymore than I approve of cruelty to seniors. It doesn't mean it doesn't happen, it just means that for me the two mean something combined. I hope the cows can forgive me....

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Disclaimer: The picture below has nothing to do with my St. Patrick's Day

That's right there is no green beer in the PQ's near future; I am actually officially on the couch with a fever and strep throat......this all started yesterday and ended this afternoon at the doctor. So all of my visions of dancing leprechaun's, green beer, rainbows and friends has been put out with an antibiotic induced haze......

Well not all is lost, I am in the company of the fur babies (my niece Tia and my son Sam). The Dets are actually on their way to Orlando for a 3 day cruise with some of Det's friends and I am sure they will have a good time and it is some much needed time away for the both of them. That means I am house sitting and hanging out; now with meds.

Hope all of you have a great St. Patty's Day and drink some of the green stuff for me!



P.S. I have not forgotten that you haven't seen the actual pics of the PQ pad, and I will have some up and posted soon-swear it!

Friday, February 26, 2010

Fried Potato......

Well it has officially been 2 weeks since I signed the paperwork and became a homeowner. In that 2 weeks we have completely given the "pad" many updates, including paint-fixtures-plugs-a good deep Potato Queen cleaning (and the matriarch helped as well). And then the final straw was moving last weekend; this week has been spent catching up at work and getting things unpacked at home......needless to say it isn't quite "home" yet. I need a TV and some reality TV up in that biatch, and then it will be home. So TV shopping is on the agenda next week!

The PK, Det, Jess, my mom, poppie and countless others have helped to get me situated and comfortable and to them I am very thankful and grateful-pics will be posted soon (just as soon as i get the Internet at home next week) and you all can see my new little place.

Sam is adjusting too and has finally decided to eat and not be at a stand off with me; I finally told him the other night that this was our house now and he needed to adjust....we have a mortgage-he ate that night :)

Needless to say, I am a "fried potato" and am very tired, but a very tired happy homeowner!

For everyone that is interested, the PK and I are fine and back on track-he has completely stepped up the last few weeks and made things happen at my new place, along with several nice dinners thrown in the mix and 2 dozen red roses :)

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Can you say "Potato Pad"!

OK so I know this all I seem to blog about lately; but it just so happens to be one of the biggest moments in my life-a home owner, all on my own! And we are officially down to a 48 hour count down-official signing is 3:00pm on Friday and a little christening with champagne after!

Then the work begins; some paint, some cleaning, some beer, some more painting, cleaning and then some sleep! I am ready to move stuff in but I will be doing that over a course of the week.......

Spent the last weekend in Tulsa, and it is always so great to see granny and spend time with her. I wish it was under better circumstances but it is what it is and we always make the best of it and have a great time. She purchased me a microwave for a house warming; I secretly think she was concerned that without one I may not eat :) I also spent time with my cousin, dad, step mom and sister......have I mentioned how peaceful my life is these days-on the family front that is......everything else is up in the air; meaning relationship, work and general day to day.



Speaking of relationship-I think that the PK is maybe over over dating before it really began. Things were going great and then I screwed stuff up yesterday; meaning I reverted to an "old" place and feeling, reacted and it totally blew up in my face and I was the one in the wrong. So after some apologizing and pride swallowing it still doesn't seem any better so we'll see. Note to self when thinking crazy, don't act in the moment-call your BF first and have her talk sense into you, not after and then have her lead you towards the light......I dunno I feel really bad and like I blew it but only time will tell.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Holy Moly!

I don't know how I have lived without this service; but I have. I found a site that you can order cards from, birthday, etc. and they will deliver them to you (stamped and addressed if you prefer); while keeping track of all of your contacts and when birthdays, anniversaries, etc. are up and coming! For those of you who knew about this site or something like it. please bear with me, I don't get out and about often on the net to search and actually happened upon this while going through the latest Vanity Fair magazine!

www.jackcards.com

I am so excited!!!!

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Countdown.....

So I officially close on the Potato Pad February 12th at 3:00pm. I am so excited I can hardly stand it! I haven't really thought about much else that weekend, like moving, etc. other than just the closing date and sitting in my own house that night! I have also purchased a washer and dryer-my first to be exact and my first real adult purchase for the house. You know me, you have to have something to do laundry in and keep things clean :)

In other news.......The PK has made a reappearance within the last couple of weeks and seems to have had a change of heart. He really put it all on the line and asked me to dinner to talk about a week ago, and I have to say it seems as if this change is genuine and very well thought out.

We talked allot about the relationship and just things in general. He asked if I would be open to dating and I told him yes; I decided that I really do care for Andrew and if he could come this far then I needed to give him the chance to prove it to me. So the "proving" has commenced and I have to say I am really enjoying our time together.

I guess as times passes, you realize more and more what is important and what really isn't.........this is of course is going to move slowly, and I am trying my best not to fall back into old habits and comfort with him; which is hard when you have spent time with someone.....but I am focused on the house and us seeing each other.

2010 may be the year to put many things behind me and to rest............

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Update: Potato Pad

(Prior to an update by your's truly)

Some good news to report! Inspections on the house went well, and although there are items that need some attention, all in all it was a good report and nothing that I can't live with; so we are now headed towards an appraisal and all of the final paperwork!

I hate the paperwork part but I know that it is part of the process and puts me one step closer to my "pad" :) If all goes as planned I should be celebrating this Valentine's Day in my new place with a glass of wine, in a place that is ALL mine and I did it all by myself! Jess was right when she said that it would be the best feeling in the world and mean so much more to me, and I know exactly what she is talking about now!

So out of the last 2 weeks there are still bright spots; and this is surely one of them! Not to mention all of the time that I have got to spend in Tulsa, especially this last weekend with family.

There is always light at the end of the tunnel........always.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Lack of Motivation......

I guess it is no secret that when you have a death in the family, and especially someone dies that you are very close with, things start to come into perspective a little more....I would say this is true for me at this point. I am having a hard time getting motivated at work and in general, I mean things that some people think are "life and death" (or act as if they are) just aren't that important and I find it hard to get all worked up about it. Don't get me wrong I am guilty of this as well, getting worked up over nothing and losing sight of what really matters......and what really matters would be your time spent with family and friends.

Which brings me to my next point, just exactly who are you surrounding yourself with these days? I think more and more I will be spending my time with those people that mean the most to me and vice versa.....I don't mean to sound all holier than though-just trying to get some life perspective......

Needless to say it has been a rough week and I feel like I have been on an emotional roller coaster for most of it.....I know time heals all wounds......but right now that just isn't very comforting....I am not really sure what would be comforting at this point. I am headed back to Tulsa this weekend to spend more time with granny and family, being back at the house I basically grew up in will have to bring me some sort of peace.

I just find it so weird how you lose someone so special and that had been around for so long, but then life just continues as normal.......and life is anything but normal for me without him in it.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

19 days.......

It has been 19 days since my last post. There are a lot of things that can happen in 19 days; I put an offer in on a house, and it was accepted so I am in the process of purchasing now. Christmas came and went (please see Jess's post for all of our XMAS details); the blizzard of 2009 has occured and on December 29 I lost a man that meant the most to me, my papa passed away.

Needless to say it has been a whirlwind of a week since last Sunday and all of my days have been spent in Tulsa. I will tell you that I was able to speak to him via phone on Christmas night before things took a turn for the worse on Dec. 26th. He was at home and surrounded by the ones he loved in his last days and I am comforted by the fact that I was able to be with him when he passed. It has been a very emotional week and the mourning will continue for some time I am sure. I just returned to OKC yesterday for the graveside services, and then had to say goodbye to the family that I have been surrounded by this last week-and that was hard in itself. Out of one of the largest losses I have experienced has provided a new ray of light; my father-birth father-and I have been able to spend time together and start anew with papa's passing. There is a comfort that comes from the love of a father and I know that papa surely had his hand in our reconciliation. I am not sure what road lies ahead, as I never am, but I do feel more at peace than I have in a very long time. I am in hopes that 2010 will be a true year for healing in all aspects of my life.

I wanted to send my thanks to all of my friends that have sent wishes of support and love through this very difficult time. I am forever grateful for you and your love.

Again I am not sure what lies ahead for me but I know that papa is rooting me on and will always be on my side, whether he is in this life or the next.