Love This Day...

This is a great day. A big pot of freshly brewed strawberry green tea and me on my laptop (I have some designing to do for my copy editing class). Then I'm heading to church with mom. Then the Halloween party at work— it's Disney themed this year, so I decided to be Minnie Mouse. I'll post some pics later.

Now I have to just find a way to keep myself from eating the bags of candy my husband bought for the trick or treaters that will never come! We didn't have a single one last year. I'll put our porch light on early, if someone comes, they're getting the whole bag! Oh well, back to work.

Oh yeaaa...

So today feels like my first lazy day in a long time and I have to admit, I'm loving it! I know that I should be more productive and get some exercise in, but I just have no energy. I did try to get my upcoming bride-to-be friend to go for a walk with me but she's feeling a little under the weather. I'm waiting for the hubby to leave for the gym and then I'm going to do my pilates video and my wii fit. I need it. I've been so busy with work and school- I just haven't been able to get my ass to Jen's classes or hit the pavement or hit the gym. I've been doing some schoolwork and catching up on my fitness and self magazines. I've got some great tips and some great recipe ideas. I can't wait till I have the time to put these new ideas into action. When I do have the time to cook, I'll post the recipes. Promise.

I have to admit, this is my kind of day.

I'm heading towards cup of tea number four and it's 6 p.m. I had my usual two apples with almond butter for breakfast and about an hour ago I had some air popped popcorn with some butter spray and garlic. I love this as a snack— even if I treat it as a meal because I eat a big bowl of it, but let's just say, my stomach loves me for all this fiber that I consume when I eat my big bowl of popcorn.

Right now the hubby is home because he's catching up on some work stuff for a test he has tomorrow for a possible promotion. I hope he does great because he deserves to. By the time I get home from work tonight he'll already be sleeping, so I'm enjoying the fact that the two of us have time to just sit on the couch together— snuggled beneath a king size blanket, not really saying a word, and doing our work. This is my kind of day.

Yesterday, I think I possibly consumed 10 cups of tea. I think I'm becoming totally addicted to its warm deliciousness. Today, I've been drinking green mint tea, but I'm going to switch it up for my next cup which is brewing right now: Blueberry green tea. Oh yea— just enough of a hint of blueberry and the rest green tea. It's pretty much a perfect addition to my green tea cabinet of choices... did I mention that this is my kind of day?

Busy Busy...

I'm very tired. Very sleepy. Sometimes I feel like my eyelids are just going to fall down to my chin. But it's ok because it's almost over. There are like five weeks left of classes and then I can seriously rejoice in my new bathtub...

After going to the doctors today for the first time in three years, I feel like I can hopefully just know that everything comes back normal... all I need to do now is go to the gastroenterologist and know that my stomach issues are just normal issues. I hate having IBS. Thankfully when I went to the doctor today I didn't eat or drink anything beforehand because I was able to get bloodwork done at the same time... starving afterwards, but happy that I didn't need to make another appointment.

After my appointment I headed over to a bathtub showroom because we're redoing our bathtub to include jets. The only problem is that the hubby wants a one-piece shower tub combo and I want a deep bathtub with air jets. Let me tell you, this is a hard combo to find. I think I found one here, but it has a roof on it, so I'm not sure if it will fit. I guess we've got to talk to our contractor. I can't wait to be able to soak in a tub again. I love taking baths and being all warm and bubbly in a jetted tub. That's the one thing I miss from my mom's house. I'm just happy to have the opportunity to get the new tub. I seriously dream about it. Coming home from a long day of work and school— just soaking in warm bath water with lavender oils (the reason I want an air jet tub, you can't use oils in a standard whirlpool).

Yesterday was a long day... up at 6 a.m. for classes and at school until 5 p.m.- then going to work until 1 a.m. and having some nutty customers to watch the Yankees with. I'm really hoping they can pull it off tonight. Hopefully it's just as busy tonight as it was last night. I drank my warm cup of tea the hubby had made and I just passed out before my head hit the pillow... I like busy nights, I need another one— I need to pay for this tub, don't I?

Just Overwhelmed...

It's been a rough week for me between handling my class load and working. I feel like there isn't enough hours in the day to do all that I need to do or want to do. I talked to my boss about cutting back on some hours just so I can have a little bit more time to do some school work and after doing less work (4 hours less) this weekend, I have almost completely caught up. It feels really good and I'm starting to feel more comfortable with my classes as well. It's amazing how four hours less of work can really change my week. Although it was short, it was still a stressful work weekend. One of the cooks quit (he apparently didn't like taking orders from me) and I had quarters thrown at me from a customer. Oh the perks of working in a bar. This is the first time in awhile that I've looked forward to going to class instead of going to work. The writing is helping to keep me sane— it's what I'm looking forward to.

I hate the fact that it's hard for me to control my emotions and my emotional eating. I ate the icing off of six cupcakes on Sunday! All I wanted to do was eat the icing off of one- see how well that worked out? I can't complain too much, it could have been a lot worse, but the sugar rush killed my head and my stomach. I guess that's what I get right? No more though. I had one day of sugar and I've regretted it ever since. Today I was back to green tea and natural foods. Today I feel more like myself.

11 a.m.- Woke up to cuddling with the hubby and a couple of cups of green tea and organic peanut butter and jelly on matza bread, it's one of my favorites.

Noon- Took the hubby to get his oil changed and then headed to my Uncle's business to pick out a new tub for our bathroom. I can't wait to have a deep tub with jets. I've been looking forward to having a tub like that since I left my mother's house. I love a good bath at the end of a hard day. The husband got some lunch— a cheese steak, oh how I was jealous! Came home to smell the greasy goodness while I did some editing of papers.

1:30- Dropped off the hubby to get his car and headed off to New Paltz.

2:45- 7:20- Had to get more hot water for more green tea, at least three times. Had my favorite class, Feature Writing, and then my next favorite, Copy Editing. I feel like I've learned more from these two professors than I have in my years of schooling. I'm definitely feeling more confident in my writing, which is a great thing because I'm going to have to find an internship soon.

7:30-8:30- Talked to my mom on the drive home about everything and anything.

8:30- Cooked dinner for the hubby and watched some of the best All in the Family episodes. The last one is my favorite. It shows how much Archie loves Edith, even if it's hard for him to say it: "I've been tooting my horn for all these years. But Edith, I'm nothing without you." While watching this I was also doing some work, I swear.

Midnight- Checking out blogs before heading to bed. So nice to not work. I just need to fit my workouts back in and I need some sleep before I have a mental breakdown now...

Sick Again...

I'm sick again. I'm so tired of being sick. This is the second time in two weeks and I have so much school work to do and catch up on. So many interviews to do and I can't keep my eyes open or keep a tissue off of my nose. It's Christmas in October because I definitely look like Rudolf. I have a doctor's appointment for NEXT Thursday. The first time I've been to the doctor in almost three years. Hopefully she can let me know why my immune system sucks so bad because I seem to always be getting sick and I'm the healthiest person I know. I take vitamins, I eat right... granted I never get consistent sleep, but sometimes I get eight hours. Oh well, I've got to head to the bank and then up to New Paltz for class. Yesterday I finally bought some new shirts to fit me from Target and a new comforter for the bed (one that covers both sides of the bed, yea for oversized king comforters!). Now hopefully I don't look like too much of a slob because my clothes don't fit. Then I made dinner for the hubby that he's going to love: thin sliced chicken rolled up and stuffed with laughing cow french onion cheese and parm cheese. He's going to love it.

So, one class and one paper to write for class tomorrow morning, then I'm hitting my bottle of Nyquil because I need to get some sleep and feel better tomorrow morning. Six a.m. comes way too quick. And I've got way too much work ahead of me. I hate not being able to work out right now too because of being sick. But Friday I made an eye doctor appointment too, to figure out why my contacts are killing my one eye. I've been wearing my glasses for over three weeks now and it's getting really old...

Relaxing...

Finally on Friday I got the chance to relax a little bit. I have to admit, sleeping in is probably one of my favorite things. It's so nice to be able to be in bed underneath the covers and know that I don't have to be anywhere in particular, at anytime in particular. Fridays are my favorite day. I honestly look forward to just working on the weekends and not having to go to school. I did my investigative reporting paper and sent out some e-mails about internships, but I haven't heard anything back. It's only been one day, so I'll try not to be impatient.

Noon- Woke up and had my two apples with almond butter and a glass of skim milk. Caught up on some DVR'd TV shows and did my paper for class. Also sent out those e-mails. Made hubby some lunch for work, cleaned the toilets (ughh), did some pilates...

5-7ish- One of my friends from high school finally stopped by my house. We're the friends that won't see each other for a long time but when we do see each other, it's like we never stopped. It was nice, just like old times. Sitting on the couch bullshitting together. It's funny how things change over the years, but I do love her friendship, it's so easy to forget.

7:30-2:30 a.m.- Bartended and had a pretty good night. Of course, it's filled with drama as always, but that's the bar business. I work at a bar/restaurant that's staffed with all women too and our owner is a man- it's a funny combination- he doesn't know how to handle all the estrogen sometimes and the girls are crazy, it's always a fun time.

2:45 a.m. 4 a.m.- Came home and made the hubby some eggs because I didn't feel like going to get Dunkin Donuts for him. Took a nice a hot shower and felt amazing. I love a hot shower before getting comfy sleep clothes on. Perfect end to the day.

Today I had another day of sleeping in. I woke up around noon and now I'm blogging with a big mug of tea with fresh honey in it from New Paltz. I also just got my medical insurance card. It's so exciting that I'm going to be able to make doctor's appointments, it's been way too long since I've been! So now I'm going to set up some appointments and do some copy editing and layout homework before heading to church with my mom. I really don't want to wake up early tomorrow, so Saturday night church is a perfect solution. I love saturdays...

Remember That Procrastination Thingy...

Yea, well my procrastination has finally kicked me in the ass. I apparently had two papers due today for my feature writing class and I only did one. Yes, it was on the syllabus, but we deviate from the syllabus so much that I honestly didn't think anything else was due except for the paper we talked about last week in class. Oh well, I'm allowed to slack a little right? I can't do everything on time. I'm the laziest busy person I know. I want to be lazy so bad, but I just can't find the time to do it! Although I did find the time to sleep in today after leaving work at 1 a.m.- sometimes sleep really is the best medicine (well, that and cuddle time with the hubby)

11:30 a.m.- Woke up to my husband taking a shower and getting ready to leave for work early. He had to pick up the dry cleaning that I dropped off the other day. Today was his first day of his winter uniforms (perfect timing by the way, today was also our first day of snow!)

I, of course, had my favorite breakfast in the world, two apples (yes, I'm addicted, but it could be worse) with fresh almond butter. Peanut butter just doesn't cut it anymore, and Soon's Orchard makes the best- just almonds, no oils, no salt, no sugar- just all good stuff.

12:30-1:30- Picked up around the house and made the bed (a little obsession I have before I leave for the day- as long as the hubby isn't still sleeping). I had to print out the paper that I had done for my class too- then I checked my school e-mail and noticed that she mentioned the assignment that I didn't do. By that point it was just too late to even think about it.

1:30-2:55- Drive up to New Paltz listening to my new favorite artists- David Nail and Joshua Bell- two artists that I don't think could be more different, but nonetheless I love them both. David Nail I heard from awhile back but I just newly discovered his album. Jonathan Bell is discovered from an article in The Washington Post and I had to listen to him. Amazing.

3:05-4:30ish- Feature Writing class where we watched a PBS video on the change of media. A little dated even though it's from 2007. Now I have to write a paper on the video for Monday's class. She let us out early again. I'm not complaining or anything, but driving up there in the snow sucks, especially when the class isn't as long as it's supposed to be. I think I'm the only college student to complain about leaving class early.

4:30-6:50- I talked to my mom on the drive home. I love her so much and I miss her even though she's only 10 minutes away. When I'm in school I just have no time and it sucks. I try to have as many moments with her as possible- she better know how much I cherish them. She was telling me how to make a chicken pot pie for the hubby. I found a recipe that was just so detailed and I didn't have time for it. Thank God for mom and quick recipe fixes. You gotta love how working moms always know how to make good food quick. Made it to Shop Rite and the liquor store (I was out of my favorite wine, I always like to have it in my fridge just incase I'm in the mood). Grocery shopped- my favorite thing, as long as I'm not hungry, otherwise I go crazy.

7:00-10- My best bud came over to go to her first Jen Murphy class. I was really afraid that she wouldn't come, but I so badly want her to get motivated so I was glad that she showed up. As always Jen kicked ass and my friend Trish will definitely be feeling it tomorrow. But she will love Jen and I are her wedding day! After the hour class we sat around the kitchen table talking about the upcoming wedding and looking at pictures of what my dress will look like. It's cute, so I'm actually not dreading it! I can't wait to see her in her dress! We're getting so old! Married women, who would have thought it.

After cooking my hubby's pot pie and cleaning up the kitchen, I'm now relaxing with the him (he got out of work late, so he didn't go to the gym) oh, I'm so upset about it too haha. Now I've got to get moving on sending out some e-mails in order to get an internship. I'm hoping to stay local. Here's hoping that I get the chance. Maybe I should try to play catch up on my school work too. I have to send out some e-mails to teachers too for my interviews for my investigative reporting class. So much to do. So little time. Oh well, I guess I'll go cuddle instead. I need some hubby time. He's what keeps me sane.

Procrastination is a Bitch!

I just realized that I'm again falling behind on school work and hoping to win the lottery is just not going to cut it. I had every intention to wake up early today and actually get some things accomplished, but after having breakfast and turning on the Golden Girls, I found myself drifting back to sleep. Then after my husband woke up, I finally got my ass in gear. Rushing as always.

12:30- I leave the house with books in tow, a 32 ounce bottle of water, my husband's dry cleaning that he needs for Thursday, my half-charged cell, and unfortunately without any green tea. I was a hot mess, dropping stuff while heading downstairs to my car. Stop at a local orchard really quick because I need fresh almond butter, peanut butter, apples, concord grape spread, and apple cider. Luckily my bill was $38 because I had exactly $40 in my pocket.

1:40- I arrive at New Paltz and thankfully pulled right into a parking spot because I was running late and had to go to the bathroom (my 32 oz water was finished on my car ride up).

1:45-4:40- My investigative reporting class. Which I'm realizing I'm falling a little bit behind on, so I'm getting scared. Again, procrastination is a bitch.

5- Drive very quickly out of New Paltz to Middletown in order to drop of my husband's dry cleaning so it can be ready for him to pick up for work on thursday. For some reason he decided it would be great to wait to the last minute... hmmm, I think we're perfect for each other, eh?

6ish- I'm home and have just enough time to change my clothes for work and fill my 32 ounce water bottle back up. I head off to work for a shift that is supposed to start at 4 p.m. but because of school and my very understanding co-workers/friends and boss I'm given lots of leeway on the time.

6:30-1 a.m.- I work and painfully think of the fact that I have school work to do before doing it all over again and waking up at 6 a.m. As one of my customers annoyingly reminded me, my not sleeping thing is, "very dangerous and not good for your health." Really? Thanks, I thought only sleeping an hour or two was completely healthy. Thanks for the input.

1 a.m.-4:45 a.m- I work and research.

4:45 a.m.- Finally I sleep. I e-mailed my professor the homework.

I'm becoming a walking zombie at this point, but I know that it will all be worth it in the end, when I get "there." I just can't wait for those golden moments of eight hours of sleep. I remember them from the summer. I can almost taste them. I still need to get my exercise in because I'm realizing that it keeps me sane. But on days like this one was, it will only be a 20 minute pilates dvd, no Jen Murphy. After class again today, I've got work again tonight. Thankfully, my boss and friends are letting me sleep and I'll be in at 6 p.m. Thank God for friends! Now it's time for bed so I'm not "dangerous" to myself and others.

Back into the Swing of Things

I cannot believe that it's been a month since I've blogged! But my life has definitely been in a whirlwind in the past month; I've been busy, very busy. On September 21, my husband and I got married! Officially. The wedding was perfect. In one word, it was just perfect, there is nothing else to describe the day. I never thought that a day could honestly be as magical as our wedding day was. Not one thing would have been changed- from the flowers, to the dress, to the music, to the candle-lit tables, everything was perfect. Surprisingly, I wasn't crying throughout the entire day- I was composed and giddy. I've never been happier in my life. It was a day to be enjoyed and a day that we'll both never forget. I will also remember, forever, the weight that I was on this day: 143 pounds! I have not thought of being under 150 pounds since I left my teenage years, so this accomplishment was more than I ever expected from myself. Not one time did I think, "do I look fat" or anything like that; not a negative thought was in my head. I've never felt more beautiful in my life. I want to weigh this weight 20 years from now- if we ever have a child, after I have the child, I want to weight 143 pounds. I've never felt better in my life. I wake up feeling sexy. My whole outlook on everything is changing- I feel so proud of myself for reaching my goal of weighing 150 pounds- but I actually beat it. I haven't weighed this little since I was 16- almost 10 years ago. My husband couldn't watch me walk down the aisle because he was getting so emotional; in the receiving line, after the wedding, he asked me to do a little twirl for him so he could see me in my dress... all he keeps talking about is me in "that dress!" what an amazing feeling! I know that on my wedding day I looked amazing and couldn't have felt better. What a feeling! I'll never forget this day.

Now I'm back to reality. After 3 weeks of no workouts, I finally went back to Jen, and oh how I suffered! Her thursday class kicked my butt and friday I was feeling all the aches and pains of her workouts, but I have to admit, it felt so good! I've missed that feeling. Today I had a session with Jen and again she kicked my ass. But I'm not complaining because I see the results and I feel the difference in my workouts- she says I've taken my game to the next level... what a compliment! Now I've got to get my best buddy motivated to lose weight too! She's getting married in July and I'm her matron (so weird to say!) of honor and she needs to get motivated to get into her beautiful wedding dress. So, here I am, a newly converted exercise girl and healthy eater, and now I've got to help my best bud. I know it's not going to be easy, but like me, she's got no choice in the matter but to get her ass in gear. So i'm going to be the angel on her shoulder telling her what to do- hopefully I can help her out. First step, Jen Murphy classes. She's such a motivation, so I'm hoping she'll motivate my friend too.

This weekend was Jen, pilates dvd's, and wii fit... I've just got to keep motivated, just like I have been. My mii on wii fit is now at "normal" weight and is looking skinny and trim. I'm at 22 percent body fat. I was at 28. I couldn't be more proud, but I think I said that already. Good things are always worth repeating. I can't wait to wake up tomorrow to some windsor pilates. As my nutritionist doctor has said, dedicate at least 10 minutes everyday to exercise and you'll never fall back to being overweight. With Jen at least 2 to 3 times a week and my wii fit and windsor pilates dvd's I can't fail. I never want to fall back to being overweight again. My husband can't stop looking at me, Oh what a feeling that I never want to lose! I just keep having faith that this feeling will never end.