SO it seems since my DSL has been unhooked for the two weeks, I've been out of the loop BUT I AM BACK. And this time to KICK SOME FAT BUTT. I was staring at myself in the mirror and although I'm not super skinny or extremely obese, I range somewhere annoyingly in the middle where I look like I have a bierr belly which, hence, is where my analogy of the Budha Belly comes into play. Rub me for good luck and good fortune...lol.

BUT ALL SERIOUSNESS, I'm fed up! I need HELP and MOTIVATION and I need to see where I'm messing up and need advice on how to lose the weight and keep it off.

MY goals are to find different and healthier ways to work out and eat properly. This weekend was HORRIBLE and I don't know if it's because I over ate and ate too much junk or what not. Definitely alcohol is horrible and good at the same time. It's like this evil demon....provoking me.

For most of you who know me, I'm still working hard to get where I need to be with teaching and trying to get in and get a position. Plus there's a wedding I'm in in Sept. so I need to get fit and trim for that. SO wish me luck!!! I will need all the support possible!

Melinda :D

Hi, Mel!!! :wave: You will do it!!! :cheer:

I don't have any advice, but I do know that you seem determined and feel you'll get to that fit 'n trim September with no trouble.

Hi Mel

Good Luck!!!! You can do it!

Renee:)

hi Mel,
here's to ridding yourself of that Buddha Belly, babe..i still have remnants of one myself so i am with you on that quest!
You are such a strong and determined person...i know you can do it!
hugs bell :)

Hey Mel, I like your new journal. Glad to see ya back! :hug: Glad the DSL is hooked up as well. You can visit more often!

I would like to get rid of my buddah belly as well! The other parts of me are toning nicely. Then I get this annoying belly that WON'T go away!!!

Are you and DH going to start running? I have found that it is the best exercise for me. I love it. It was sure hard to get into, though. I was also overeating the past couple of days, but I started my cal counting journal again, and I think it's going to help. I'd like to be at goal before Christmas! It'd be fun. Then all the cute summer clothes/bikinis will be on sale, and I can go hog wild on a new wardrobe. We should go shopping together, dontcha think? I'll come to Florida right away!

Love ya babe. :D GOOD LUCK!!! %%-

Hi everyone!

I'm so glad to be back and on track with myself. I just needed the motivation. My friend from work has been trying to get me to join her gym and gave me and DH free passes for July, so we might check it out.

We started running tonight. We're starting out slow. We're walking partial way first and then running the remainder way home. It was nice. And I was proud of myself for not stopping or complaining. I just kept focussed and I am so proud of myself! I also did a set of situps and I intend to start swimming once our landlord goes to the rec center near us and switches everything over in our name. Then I think I'll swim in mornings before work and run after with DH and then once we get enough money, maybe join another gym. We will see!!!

I started eating healthy again, after a really crappy weekend and up until yesterday when I rid of all the fattening crap we had in our house. However, we did buy fat free ice cream so I had a small bowl this afternoon, but I'm so cutting back completely.



Other news...had a busy week. DH's cool cousin and cool gf came down from NC and we hung out with them last night before they headed back for NC today. They spent time in Orlando the other day and then came here to spend time with their grams and aunt who is also visiting. They also found out the blah news that annoying cousin and annoying gf are attending cool cousin's bro's wedding in Aug and we won't be able to make it. Cool gf was disappointed and promised to steer clear of annoying gf and annoying cousin. lol.

Still no teaching position yet. Fingers crossed that something opens up and soon. I guess we'll wait and see. Getting a little anxious and little impatient, but I'm certain something will come up. Or at least I'm being positive that something will come up.

Here is my calorie intake and I will post again in the next few days!!

TTFN
Melinda :D

THURSDAY: BK-1 c Honey Nut Cheerios
LUNCH: salad with Italian Dressing and grilled chicken on top, 1/4 c pistachios, 8 oz c yogurt, vitamins, 32 oz water
SNACK: granola bar, 32 oz water, 1 c low fat vanilla yogurt
DINNER: sweet and sour chicken with whole wheat rice, 1 c steamed veggies, 23 oz water

RIKKI-you're more then welcome to come down to FL to go shopping with moi! HOPEFULLY I will have a better job by that time and more time off and more money! I will need a new cool wardrobe also!!!
AFRAIN-you're sweet! Thanks for dropping in.
BELL-I'm glad to be back to and I am so determined to rid of the Budha Belly.
ATHLETEA-thanks girl :D

Hey Mel, you're off to a great start! Your meals sound so healthy. I'm proud of you! And for running! That was really hard for me to get into, but it's sort of addictive. I started out slow too. I was only running a mile or two. My mom and dad go walking in the mornings, and they do a little running as well. DH told me that running is the best exercise and burns the most calories per minute than any other exercise. I think swimming might be close to or the same as running. Any and all exercise is good, but I like running the best. It has toned my legs!

It's starting to work on the tummy too. That is the body part I hate the worst. And it's the last place I'm losing. I keep doing sit-ups, but the running is starting to burn lots of fat, so I'm noticing definition where there was none before! We will get rid of these! :D Have a great day and a great weekend!

Hi, Melinda, thanks for visiting my journal. As for you, your menu looks great. Just stick with it, and take life a day at a time.

I am impressed with your running. You and Rikki are both doing so well. Maybe you are motivating each other.

Have you and your DH decided what part of the country you want to live in? I know you said once that Florida was not going to be a permanent home for you. Are you seriously looking elsewhere?

Have a good summer -

Hey Mel! Long time no talk! My Florida buddy... looks like we lucked out on this Dennis the Menis hurricane huh? Well let's just cross our fingers! Anyways, I've been gone for a while too- so I'm back to KICK SOME BUTT! Running is always a good way to shed those pounds. One tip if you do decide to join a gym OR even if you're doing crunches and stuff at home is... TAKE YOUR TIME. Working your muscles slowly and accurately can almost double the effectivness... so many times, people go to the gym, hurry through the exercises and leave. A personal trainer told me that rushing through workouts was my biggest problem, and within the last 2 weeks, I have actually NOTICED a difference! So there's a good tip for you =)

Have a great weekend girly!!!

And, I WANNA GO SHOPPING TOO!!! Ellenton Outlet sounds good to me! :D

YOu can do it!!!!!!!! :D

Hi! So how is married life? I thought of you earlier today when they were talking hurricanes and remembered how much you LOVED them last summer.

Sounds like you have some great plans. Good luck and have a great weekend.

Hello. I am posting some pics tonight. I'm feeling ambitious, what can I say. I had a long week to say the least, like the week would never end. But I'm glad it's over! The kids were really driving me bonkers, seriously.

My diet has been good today except for a few flaws. Ran/Walked tonight with hubby and should be swimming next week if weather permits and they figure out how to let me into the rec center without creating controversy with our landlord. Long annoying story, but found out ways to get around it. Nice!

Anyhoo, start of a new weekend...hopefully and relaxing one. Other than the misfit of Dennis brewing in the Gulf. Too early in the season, quite frankly. Hope this is the last to threaten FL.

Anyway, have to run. Tired!! Enjoy the pics.

Melinda :D

JO-DH and I are still planning to move out to the Pacific NW. I am looking into getting experience teaching first and then moving out there once I complete the grad program in education, if I get accepted. That's six semester, so a little over two years. That's all I granting myself to stay in FL. I miss the moutains too much!!!
SANNHET-thanks for dropping in!
RIKKI- I like the running. I'm working on gradually adding miles. I don't want to over do it or get serious shin splints. No fun! But I love swimming...sigh
SUSAN-yeah, I know! ANOTHER hurricane. At least this time around I'm not freaking out just yet. I mean, if it decides to do an evil turn to the east then I'll be nervous, but trying not to think about that possibility. Married life is parfait thus far! No complaints!!
FSUgirl-nice to see you back in action! Thanks for the tip. A lot of trainers push the fast circuit training. I'm not worried about weight training just yet, but I do like it! And I'd love to make it to the outlet malls again! They have such good deals and cute Aeropostale!! Sigh. 8-|

Here's some recent pics of moi and DH on our honeymoon. One is of us dressed up for our formal night on the cruise. I love that dress, BTW!! The second is of me hugging a HUGE stuffed moose in Ketchikan,(I love moose so that's why I was giving some love to the moose :o ), and the last one is of DH and I on my favorite of tours in Juneau where we saw all the whales. It was so beautiful up there!!!

Enjoy!!!

Melinda :laugh:

Hey, Mel! Good to "meet" you! Great photos, Alaska must have been a great time.

I should be around here for a while (at the very best pace I won't reach my goals until Nov/Dec) and look forward to working together to keep up our motivation! :)

P.S. Love the moose. :)

Hi

More great pictures. Looks like Alaska was alot of fun.

Renee:)

Good morning!

I forgot to post my food intake yesterday. I plugged it into Fitday and my calorie intake was at 1850, and I've decided I don't want my intake to go over 1900, so that was exciting! Nice!

YESTERDAY DIET: BK-1 c honey nut cheerios
Lunch: 2 slices cheese pizza, grilled chicken salad with lite greek dressing, 8 oz yoplait Carb Monitor, 32 oz water
SNACK: granola bar, 32 oz water, 14 c pistachios
DINNER: 2 bean and cheese burritos, 23 oz water, nachos(small order).


So I can't sleep. It's 6am. Awoke to one of the many outer rain bands will be getting. I'm still pooped. sigh. Go figure, thanks Dennis. X-( It looks like it weakened, so that's a good thing. Thank God for the mountains in Cuba. But this puts a damper on DHs side job. And we really need that money. :help:

Anyway, nothing else is going on. I'm not going to be able to exercise today. Hopefully Dennis will be long gone enough where I won't have to not run tomorrow. I'm really motivated and enjoying it.

Well, that's all for now unless I get bored later on in the day from no TV.

Melinda :D

Afrain-thanks for dropping in and seeing my other pics too!
Sabrina-Alaska rocked! We had a blast but now we're broke. Go figure!!! I look forward to sharing motivation with you also! Woo hoo!!

Awe, Melinda, I love the pictures! And you look GREAT in that dress! I love the cut of it. So cute!

Hope that DH's job is still "on". What is he doing? I bet the rain puts a damper on most things... 8-|

I'm glad you're loving running! Hope the weather cooperates. It has been a little windy/rainy/cloudy/cool here in the mornings, but the running nazi (aka Matt) makes me get up. Sigh. At least it's helping me, right? I'll thank him when I'm a supermodel! :D

Love ya babe! Have a great weekend!

Hey Mel,

Thanks for the visit, hope you saw my reply, I did not mean to imply that anyone was 'bad'.


Looks like you are doing great. A cruise, how fun, looks like you had a great time.

Keep up the good work.

:wave:

Hi Melinda, Thanks for visiting my journal. Yes, I am busy with the garden. I could not do this if I did not have the summers off. I know I need to do less of it, too. I woke up today and could not "scrunch" a fist. Too much peeling, etc. I always plant too much and hate to see it go to waste.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend!! :)

DIET: Saturday: BK-cheerios, two slices whole grain toast
lunch: 1 c cooked pasta with 1 tsp butter and sprinkle with parmesan cheese, 23 oz water
dinner: mac and cheese(2 c) and 2 hotdogs, 32 oz water
1 small bowl ice cream

SUNDAY: BK-oatmeal, 23 oz water
LUNCH: 2 hotdogs, 23 oz water
DINNER: 1 c skillet meal, 23 oz water

MONDAY: BK-1 c cheerios
LUNCH: grilled chicken salad with greek vinegarette dressing(1 tbsp), 8oz Yoplait Whip Yogurt, 1/4 pistachios, 32 oz water
SNACK: 32 oz water
DINNER: 1 c crock pot meal, 23 oz water

EXERCISE: Saturday-none
SUNDAY: ran 1.8 miles
MONDAY: running tonight--1.8 miles

NEWS:

Not too much going on. I am down four lbs though and that's exciting. Makes me happy to say the least!! I have a doc appt. wed. for a pain I've had in my left side for a while. It seems to worsen when I'm close to TOM so I don't know exactly what could be causing it. Sigh.

I have an interview tomorrow. I have already interviewed for this position but I guess they're rehiring for this position, so we will see. I am basically "giving up" and letting whatever happens happen. I'm getting impatient slightly though. It's getting me stresed and tired. sigh...

WELL that's that. I need to run.

Melinda :D

YAY! -down four pounds!!! Good luck on the job front!

Melinda, good luck on the job interview, but I agree dont stress over it. Congrats on the 4 pound loss too... I would like one of those about now :)

Congrats on the 4 lbs. Sometimes, they have you back for a 2nd interview. Anyways, good luck with it. Hopefully, the doc appointment goes well and they figure out the pain.

Renee:)

WAHOO!!!!!!!!! :caf:
CONGRATS ON DOWN 4 LBS!!!!! :caf:
Melinda, I'm so happy for you! You're doing great. The food looks good, the running is good. You say you have no idea how that could be possible, but I do! Keep up the good work!

You know how most women try so hard to fit into their wedding dress years down the road? Well, won't it be cool that ours won't fit!!! Because they're too big! I love that feeling. Keep up the great work, girl, and I'll be thinking good thoughts for you on the interview. As for the pain, I think I mentioned I had a similar experience, and they found it was a cyst. Hope all goes well.

Love ya babe! :D

Melinda, congratulations on the four lbs. gone forever. That's wonderful!!

And the best of luck to you on both your job interview and also your doctor appointment. These are stressful events, don't let them cause you to binge or something silly.

Keep smiling -

DIET: Tuesday: BK-cheerios
Lunch: Leftover crockpot meal 1 serving, 8 oz yogurt, 32 oz water,1/4 c pistachios
SNACK: apple, 32 oz water
DINNER: 1 BLT sandwich and 1 serving scrambled eggs, 23 oz water
WED: BK-oatmeal, 1 c coffee
LUNCH: grilled chicken salad with red wine vinegarette dressing, 8 oz yogurt, 32 oz water
SNACK: snack pack of carrots, 1/4 c pistachios, 32 oz water, plus a large size caramello bar
DINNER: grilled chicken,(1 slice), marinated in BBQ sauce, 1 c rice, 1 c cooked carrots with dillweed. 1 biscuit 2 glasses white wine
DESSERT: 1 bowl of low fat chocolate ice cream
THURSDAY: BK-cheerios (1 c)
LUNCH: leftover chicken and rice, cottage cheese/fruit pack, 32 oz water, 1/4 pistachios
SNACK: small chocolate shake, 32 oz water
DINNER: 2 sloppy joes, 1 c corn, 10 potato chips(yes, I actually counted them), 23 oz water

EXERCISE: Tuesday-walked/ran
Wed: walked/ran
Thurs: planning to run tonight.

NEWS ON THE HOME FRONT...

Haven't posted in journals but plan to hit them this weekend when I have more motivation and time. Not much time tonight. Diet went okay until TOM hit, go figure, and my urge and yearning for chocolate quadrupled. BUT it's all good. Should be under control soon, I suppose. :)

Interview went well but won't hear anything until next week. Hopefully it's good news. Makes me nervous. Just a tad. DR appt...she's pretty certain it's endometriosis but I have to go to a specialist and get checked out in the near future. I have to get an ultra sound done and some lapto thing to check if it's really that or not. Fun fun. My mom had it too, so we will see. Glad it's only that and nothing more serious, but we will see.

Other than that, I'm starting swimming tomorrow and hopefully will be able to continue my routine but am unsure since may be needed earlier than usual next week. It all depends. No worries, it'll work out fine! We have one more week at the preschool before vacation there, so that's going to be nice.

I need to go though. Have to get ready for our run and then bed calls.

Melinda :D

Wow! 4 lbs! congratulations. Good luck with the interview. Enjoy your weekend!

fingers crossed for a congratulations call about the interview..job interviews can be nerve wracking cant they?
Great job on eliminating 4 pounds of fat already...thats awesome Mel!
Hope you get to go running today and that the rain clears up.
Have you got anything exciting planned for the weekend?
hugs bell :)

DIET: Friday AM-bk-bowl of cheerios(1 c)
Lunch: lean cuisine whole grain rice and rosemary chicken meal, snack pack of carrots, 32 oz water
SNACK: apple, 1/3 c almonds, 8 oz yogurt 32, oz water
DINNER: 3 slices pizza, 4 chicken wings, 2 low carb Barcadi Silver Red Cherry
SAT: Lunch:(I skipped breakfast b/c I slept so late), 2 hotdogs, 64 oz water
DINNER: grilled chicken sandwich with french fries, two Mich. Utlras
PM: 1 bacardi silver low carb black cherry

EXERCISE: Thurs-ran/walked
FRIDAY: AM-5:30-ran/walked 2 mi
8:00-swam 45 min
SAT: none

Nothing to report around here. I'm glad it's the weekend. No plans, Bell. I just had a girls night last night and we ordered pizza and watched a movie. It was nice and relaxig although DH stayed around b/c he hadn't seen the movie we watched...the Pacifier with Vin Disel---what a hottie!!! :D

Today consisted of grocery shopping and refilling a prescription. WAS going to buy the Harry Potter book but my sister called last night and bought it for me and said she'd send it right away. Thought that was cool AND it saved me $25 bucks.

Other than that, nothing else to report. Plan to post in journals tomorrow. DH has to finish a side job and plan to post after church. So yeah.

Have to run.

Melinda :D

Hi Mel,
didnt get my usual parking space at the gym yesterday because all these Harry Potter fans were staking out the book stores waiting for it to come out..i was thinking of yu as i was cursing not finding a space :)
The Pacifier was a cute movie. seeing Vin Diesel in just a towel was worth the money alone for the ticket!!!! It got terrible reviews here in Australia especially for Vin..i think those reviews were written by skinny geeks jealous of Vin's rippling biceps! :laugh:
Have a great weekend babe!
hugs bell :)

Hi

Glad the interview went well. Hope you hear something positive soon.

I didnt' even try to get the new Harry Potter book. The book store on base took advance orders on the book so people wouldn't have to stand in line, but that probably wouldn't happen here anyways. I'll just wait for the movie to come out and see it at the drive in. :laugh:

Have a great Sunday.
Renee

SUNDAY MORNING: ***DIET***: Breakfast-new Special K with fruit and yogurt, 3/4 c and 1/4 c 1% milk
1 c coffee with cream(1 tbsp)
AM SNACK: whole grain granola bar

EXERCISE: Running tonight with DH when he gets home.

Nothing to report, as it usually goes during the weekend. I need to take a nap. I was up when DH went to work,(doing a side job with two of his co-workers), and that was seven. I went to church and came home and have been posting ever since. I WAS going to clean out the office/computer area, but I don't really feel like doing that today. I did reorganize our closet; it was such a mess!!!

My plans today consist of eating lunch here shortly, making dinner, and running later tonight. I also have to write. That's my utlimate goal. I just keep putting it off. It annoys me to no avail. Thinking of starting a book proposal...see what becomes of it.

No news about the job yet. I probably won't hear anything til this comign week. They all will be making their final desicions this week. My dad says I'm impatient. I agree with him. DH said even if I don't get a teaching position, he said I will sub to get my foot in the door and work PT at the preschool and start grad school in the spring. I really want a teachign position. We need the money...pooh...and don't want to take up a second job...I hate financial crap. What a mess... 8-|

Well, now that I've vented and what not, going to cook up something healthy for lunch. Yummy!!

Melinda :D

Renee-I know I didn't reserve the book either. But I was at Walgreens yesterday and they had like 30 some odd copies. So it's little holes in the wall that carry it and no one knows about it. I like that!
Bell-I THOUGHT about being crazy and standing in line at midnight on Friday but I changed my mind. I am freak until my sister called and sent me the book. How nice is she?

Hi, Melinda--

Don't sweat the job interview stuff too much. Waiting is the hardest! I feel ya, though. I've been out of college two years, and I had to take a teaching position at a school I hated just so I'd have something. I just now got a position I actually want. Another one of my friends, also a teacher, had to sub and fill in maternity leaves the past two years, and just got a permanent job last week... and we both got excellent grades and recommendations; it's not a reflection on any of us that schools don't see our obvious value as teachers. :) It will happen for you, too! Plus, it's July.... lots of head honcho administrators take their vacations this month; you may not hear news for a bit. Don't let it get you down. Something will happen!

You're going to grad school in the spring--- for education? That's really cool. I want to start next summer. I'm going to give a word of unsolicited advice,--- don't shoot!---- I have heard from some administrators that graduate degrees can actually hurt teachers looking for their first job or two in the public school system. I don't know how Florida works, but schools around here base everything on a salary scale. (We don't do merit pay.) The more experience, the more pay, and you also get extra pay for graduate degrees, too. The thing is, though, having a choice between two rookie teachers, one with a masters and one with a BA or BS, a lot of schools will pick the LESS educated person, simply because they're cheaper and help keep the budget lower. I knew a few people who actually took their masters degrees off their resumes to get into a school. Makes no sense...

SUNDAY: DIET CONT: Dinner: spaghetti(1 serving size) with meat sauce,(homemade), 3 slices small garlic/butter sourdough bread, 1 c salad with 1 tbsp Greek Vinegarette Dressing, 2 glasses Red Merlot
Dessert: 1 c butterscotch pudding

Teach-Thanks for the heads up and interesting info about the grad school thing. I didn't know that. I was going to go back to grad school instead of obtaining a second Bachelors so that I'd have the education background and someone might hirer me. Trying to be patient, trying to be...oh so hard. sigh... 8-| I will keep that in mind though and I am not sure how that works here. Whatever will be will be.

It has rained not once, but twice today thus far and hoping it ends by 8 so we can go running. Not that I don't appreciate the rain but I'd rather not run in it. No fun.

Lazy day today, though. DH came home RIGHT when I lay down to nap. LOL. Yesterday he came home when I was already half-way into a nap. OH, shoot...makes me laugh. I cherish my weekend naps and am looking forward to my week off at the preschool so I can nap even more. lol.

WELL, gotta jet. PLanning to write now. And post in Fitday.

Melinda :D

Hi, Melinda. Thanks for visiting my journal.

Your educational plans sound wonderful. Every bit of learning you acquire enhances you and gives you that added bit of self-confidence. Our son got a second Bachelors Degree, and I admire him for it. He would like to work towards his Masters, but he right now has too many family committments. Maybe later.

Hope you got your nap.

Keep smiling -

Hey girl. Did you like the Pacifier? It looked funny. I do like Vin Disel! I watched The Fast and the Furious the other day while I was quilting. I think Paul Walker and Vin are both hotties! :)

Do you like the Bacardi Low Carb Black Cherries? I so DO NOT. I think they're pretty gross. I wanna try the apple ones. I like Mike's Light. Only 76 (?) cals. Yum!

Glad you had a nice weekend. :) Keep up the great work, babay!

MONDAY DIET: BK-special K,(fruit and yogurt 3/4 c plus 1/4 c 1% milk)
AM SNACK: 10 cherries, small slice of chocolate birthday cake
LUNCH: 32 oz water, chicken salad, 8 oz yogurt, almonds(3/4 c)
PM SNACK: fruit salad
DINNER: pot roast(fist size serving), 1 c mashed potatoes, 1 c steamed broccoli and carrots, 16 oz water, 2 slices bread

EXERCISE: Tonight-run run run!!

Hello. Here I am back into a very LONG week. We go on vacation at the preschool next week so that will be super nice. But today was grueling. Had to be at work at 8:30 and two new babies started this week with very "concerned" mommies. It's okay, but annoying at times. Both babies were super good and slept most of the day since they're so little, so it was nice! But it looks like I'll be working lots of OT this week, which I don't mind since DH and I really need the money.

Other GREAT news...on the job front, I got a call for a 2nd interview for tomorrow! I am very excited and HOPEFULLY this is the job I get. I really want it b/c it's a new school opening and the only grades are 9 and 10th and I think it'd be a perfect opportunity to get my foot in the door and also all the other teachers would be starting out fresh and new too, so I am praying BIG TIME for this interview. I also have two more interviews this week, one for a kindgergarten position and then a TA position on Thurs and then I have one for next week to for another TA position. It's very exciting. I also have to call three schools I interviewed with three weeks ago to see what their final say is. But I need lots of prays. I just really feel the High school position would best suit me with it being a new school and new beginnings, etc. FINGERS CROSSED!! Plus, I found out my co-worker/friend's dad is hiring at his legal firm for a legal secretary. They pay full benefits and for schooling and have all the county holidays off PLUS piad vacation and start at 30grand. I am giving her my resume to give to him, too. You never know! I guess it's all in God's hands, too. Fingers crossed!!

Anyway, other than that, doing well on the exercise. Very proud of myself for stickign with it. I won't get to swim this week but plan to next week. I volunteered to watch one of the kids from the preschool the week we're closed, on Mon and Wed, so that'll be fun. I figure we can go to the pool that's by my house and then go play in the park behind the pool afterward. Wear her out and then she can crash in our guest room for nap. Maybe I'll nap while she does. :)

Wish I knew more. NEED LOTS OF PRAYERS. That's about it!!

TTFN

Melinda :D

Jo-thanks! I am trying educationally to succeed so hopefully I will be able fly through grad school. Although, I have to get in techinically first. I had debated on getting my second bachelors but figured I could still get my masters and be qualified enough to teach, so that won't be too bad. And I did get my nap. :)

Rikki-Yeah, the pacifier was pretty cute. I liked it. And Vin Diesel is just too cute I swear!

The job prospects sound exciting! Way to go on the exercise routine!

TUESDAY: BK-2 whole grain waffles, 1 c coffee with cream
AM SNACK: bowl of mixed fruit
LUNCH: 32 oz water, 1 c pasta with sauce, 3/4 c almonds, 1 cottage cheese and fruit container
PM SNACK: carrots and celery sticks
DINNER: 7 oz sirloin(1/2 eaten), 1/2 eaten ceasar salad, 1 lobster tail, 2 Mich Ultras, 2 slices bread with honey butter, 3 glasses champagne

EXERCISE: none tonight.

EXCITING NEWS!! Of course, how in the heck would I be able to afford to eat out at a steak rest. if I didn't have exciting news? I don't pop bottles of champagne for nothing! lol. :laugh:

I GOT THE JOB! I am soo excited, so nervous, so determined, so ready, so scared...okay lots of adjectives and verbs, no direction. Woo hoo!! Yeah, I got the position working at a brand new high school that will be opening this fall. It's a new school, new teachers, new curriculum and I'll be teaching language arts for soph and fresh. I am soo thrilled. I can't wait. I start Mon. I was thinking 8/1 but they start a week earlier than the other schools so I really am excited. New challenge and the perfect job, so wish me luck!!

I didn't exercise tonight b/c we went out a celebrated and then went to the island to talk to one of Dh's co-workers. His gf lost her job so I'm trying to get her a job with my friend's dad. We will see. I hope things look up for them too. I am just excited we'll finally be out of debt and be able to take vacations and such. It'll be super nice!!

Other than that nothing going on. I think I'll read some of this teacher help book my new boss gave me to review. Very helpful! Just thought I'd share. Hope to post with everyone tomorrow though, in everyone elses journals.

Melinda :D

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! WOW!!!! I cannot believe you start already. I know you have been waiting a while for this. So glad for you and wishing you the best!! :)

YAY!!! That's fabulous news, mel!!

YAHOO FOR MELINDA! Take me on one of your fabulous vacations!!!! :) Actually, if we move this fall, I might be able to DRIVE to come see you! I wouldn't be THAT far away... Well, less far than I am now. Then we really CAN go shopping and lay on the beach all day! :D

Good job, Mel. I'm so proud/happy/excited/etc. for you! I knew you could do it! :) And disreguard the "pick-me-up" card I sent you yesterday... :o

THANKS SUSAN, JESS, RIKKI...so excited!

Anyhoo, just a quick post. No exercise due to rain today. Pooh. My tooth and head is hurting tremedously too...bed is looking real nice here in the next few minutes....

STILL no HP BOOK. I am becoming very disgruntled with a non-communitive sister who refuses to answer her cell phone and it picks up to voicemail every time. X-( Instead I am forced to read a different book that just isn't that good and am super frustrated. BLAH.

Diet wise, well, check it out:
BREAKFAST: 1 c honey nut cheerios, 1/2 c 1 % milk
AM SNACK: fruit salad
LUNCH: 32 oz water, remainder of steak from last night(about 1 c of cubed slices), cucumbers and vinegar(1 c sliced cucumbers), 1 small slice of remaining bread from last night.
PM SNACK: 8 oz yogurt, 1/4 c almonds 32 oz water, 10 whoppers(serving size)
DINNER: fish, whole grain rice(1 c), 23 oz water, mixed carrots and broccoli

NOT BAD, could be better. I am very proud of my small portions so that makes me happy.

UM going clothes shopping for teacher outifts this weekend. OKay, professional gear to look nice since I lack in that department. Excited. My wardrobe consists of sweats and tank tops. Go figure.

SO yeah. I have to make a list of things to do tomorrow:
* work, (woo hoo!)
* call school about getting background check info completed and the times and stuff for next week.
* call tailor to get dress altered for wedding in Sept
* look at airline tickets
* run
*write

I have to admit I stole these ideas from Jess's journals. It's nice listing...really!

Melinda :D

Hey Mel! Have fun shopping! I always did when I had to find "professional" clothes. I like my sweats, though. OK, don't laugh, but I sometimes find really cute things at "The Grandma Store" Christopher and Banks. I know! It's crazy. I always said I'd never shop there becuase my mom shops there! But they do have some cute stuff. You might want to check it out. I like the plain or striped tops. I haven't bought any pants, but I have bought a few cute skirts. If you check the sale rack, you can usually find cute stuff. One time, I found a khaki and a yellow skirt for $6 each! Anyway...

You're lookin' good! Keep up the great work! :)

Good luck with your shopping. Looking professional, I believe, is important in the classroom. I don't buy real expensive clothes, but don't believe in dressing grungy.

Advice? HMMM, Be prepared, know your stuff or be prepared to find out, Listen, be consistent, be a friend but don't cross the line to be "one of the gang." You will do fine. You have been working with kids, though much younger ones. You will find that these H.S. students are much like what you have been working with, just older. :)

Great job on your eating choices. Hope you week continues to go well.

Hi, Melinda, congratulations on the new job. That is just wonderful, I am so happy for you.

I bet you are smiling. I am.

DIET: Thurs-BK-special k
AM SNACK: fruit salad
LUNCH: salad, 8 oz yogurt, 1/4 c almonds, 32 OZ water
PM SNACK: 32 oz water, carrots and celery sticks
DINNER: mac and cheese, 10 fishsticks, 23 oz water
Friday-BK-cheerios, 1 c coffee with creamer
AM SNACK: cottage cheese, 1 small slice of pizza
LUNCH: 32 oz water, pasta,(1/4 c), small slice of lasgna, 1 small bowl of salad, 1 slice of garlic bread
PM SNACK: 32 oz water, cherries
DINNER: grilled chicken breast, 1/4 c mashed potatoes, mixed veggies steamed, 4 lemonades
Sat-bk-cheerios, 23 oz water
LUNCH: grilled chicken sandwich, french frieds, 2 16 oz waters
SNACKS: granola bar, 32 oz water
DINNER: bowl of chili, 2 slices bread with butter, 2 23 oz waters
Sun-BK-Special K
Snacks: granola bar, 32 oz water
Lunch: fish and chips, 1 beer
Dinner: 3 slices homemade cheese pizza, 23 oz water

EXERCISE: Thurs-blah, Fri-blah, Sat-walking, Sun-ran 1 mile

NOTHING TO NEW HERE. Start the new job tomorrow. Excited and nervous, but it's all pre-school stuff, so it should run smoothly. No worries. I bought all sorts of cute clothes and I'm excited to "show them off." :) I love shopping, but I spent too much money, so hopefully once things run smoothly, I'll get back in the swing of things and paying things off quickly. We're already talking about vacations for next summer and stuff and for Christmas. That's exciting! BUT we want to get things paid and I'm most certain we will.

UM, other news, not too much. I have a second doc appt on 8/4 so hopefully I'll get things situated there and figured out what is going on considering my diagnosis. I might ask them to check my thyroid b/c I've been having issues losing weight, but we will see!!

My last day at the preschool was Friday. hard and fun though. It was hard saying goodbye to the babies. And then one of my faves needed a sitter for this week while we're closed and I can't do it b/c i start tomorrow. I felt so bad and she is soo cute and one of my favorites...sigh. My boss had a luncheon for me and another woman who put her two weeks in. This other woman is so complicated and pretty annoying. My boss admitted that she was sad to see me go but wasn't so upset about the other woman quitting. Me neither. She is very determined but thinks the world will be handed to her b/c she's biligual and b/c she thinks she can get whatever she wants. Very frustrating.

Other than that, nothign is new. Just having a decent week and looking forward to my new job.

Melinda :D

Jo-I don't think I've stopped smiling. I'm so thrilled!!
Rikki-I had a blast shopping and bought some cute stuff! They have what is called black week here and that means no tax so that was nice. :)
Susan-thanks for the advice! One teacher suggested I invest in a book called The First Days of School. I'm about half way through it and it's really helpful. It's giving me great insight and good advice. I have a lot of ideas on how to be consistent and get them into a routine. I even found a cool first week lesson plan that will introduce them to each other but also give me a feel for their social skills, writing skills, listening skills, and reading. It's going to be fun, I'm sure, and hard, but I'm so ready!

You will do great!!! You are so mentally prepared and that is most of it. Good luck!!! Enjoy the new outfits. :)

Good luck with your first day of school, Mrs. Melinda! :)

Corinna

Have a great first day! :)

Hope your first day of school went well! High schoolers aren't that different from preschoolers, only bigger with bigger problems. Just remember to be firm with them from the start or they will try and walk all over you. And never let on if you are nervous, they will use it.

Take care
Renee:)

DIET MONDAYBK-special K, 2 c coffee
Lunch-leftovers from applebees, yogurt, cottage cheese fruit pack 32 oz water
PM SNACK: granola bar, 32 oz water
DINNER: grilled Pork Chop, rice, steamed broccoli 23 oz water
TUESDAYBK-bowl of oatmeal, 1 c coffee
LUNCH: turkey sandwich, yogurt, 32 oz water
PM SNACK: fruit, 32 oz water
DINNER: crockpot pasta meal, 2 slices garlic cheese bread, 23 oz water, salad, and caramello bar for desert
WEDNESDAYBK-special K
AM SNACK: 32 oz water, salad, yogurt, almonds
LUNCH: leftover rice with chicken and 1 slice velveta cheese, 32 oz water
DINNER: 2 chili things, 23 oz water

EXERCISE MONDAY-ran 1 mile
TUESDAY- ran 2 miles
WEDNESDAY: will be running tonight!!!


SO, nothing going on. I am in the third day of training for my school job. I love it and getting so excited. I am enjoying all the new teachers and getting to know each other. Not only that, I really like my department and have all sorts of creative ideas and can't wait. School offically begins on 8/8, one week away! I'm just nervous, so yeah...I know everything will run smoothly. From what it sounds like, our principal is no-nonsense kind of guy so that is very helpful!

SO I'm a little sleepy and since the weather is not making up it's mind on whether it's going to rain or not, I think I'll take a nap and curl up with a good book. SO yeah!

Anyway, gotta jet.

Melinda :D

Did you get HP yet from your sis? You should curl up with that.

Glad the job training is going well! I'm so excited for you! I'll be thinking good thoughts for you on 8/8!!! :)

THURS: diet-bk-cheerios(out of milk)
AM SNACK: granola bar, 32 oz water
LUNCH: 2 slices pizza, 1 slice garlic bread, 1 dessert pizza slice and a 16 oz sprite
DINNER: taco bell(didn't feel like cooking), 32 oz water
FRIDAY:BK-oatmeal
AM SNACK: granola bar, 32 oz water
LUNCH: sandwich, 1 small bag doritos, 1 12 oz sprite, 1 m&m cookie
DINNER: 32 oz water, chicken fetticini(1 serving), 2 glasses white wine, 2 slices garlic bread, 1 salad with lite dressing
SAT: breakfast-a doughnut at a teacher appreciation thing at Office Depot, 8 oz juice
LUNCH: leftover chicken fetticini 32 oz water
DINNER: 3 chicken fajitas, 2 beers, 32 oz water, chips and salsa
SUN: BK-nothing
LUNCH: mac and cheese, 2 hotdogs, 32 oz water
SNACK: low fat chocolate pudding, handful of animal crackers, 32 oz water
DINNER: still undecided

EXERCISE: THUR-walked instead of ran(knee has been bothering me slightly)
FRI-ran 1.8 miles
SAT-no exercise
SUN-plan to run tonight

I should be preparing some of my school stuff but I have failed to even get started. Plus we had company over last night and we were up really late so today has been an extremely lazy day where I have done mostly nothing but sleep, watch a couple movies, and recover. Go figure.

My week was long and hectic and very overwhelming. I feel like I have a million and one things to do and absolutely no time, but everything will work out. I try to keep reminding myself that. I am very nervous and anxious about starting the school year. I know it will all go smoothly, but I am nervous that somethings won't. I guess this anticipation is natural and I have a terrific staff so I'm not too worried.

Other than that, nothing else to report. Rikki, I still haven't gotten the HP book and my sister is calling the PO to see what happened to it. It is really weird and makes me concerned and upset too. She sent it well over two weeks and it should've been here by now. But I'm reading a book to the follow of another book called Last Witness. Retribution is the first book and both by Juliane Hoffman. I highly recommend them both!

Well I don't have time to post in everyone's journals tonight as I had planned. Maybe tomorrow afternoon. For now, I need to run!

Melinda :D

Hey, good going on the running! And having a lazy day after enjoying friends is a good thing! :)

Corinna

Melinda:

A new job is always so exciting!! I am very happy for you and I know this is something that you have been looking for for a long time.

Enjoy -

Hey babe, congrats on all the running! It's addictive, isn't it?

I would be P*SSED about HP. Hope you get it soon. I hope a postal worker didn't go *postal* and steal it! :laugh:

Have a great day. ;)

MONDAY: BK-1 doughnut, 1 c coffee
LUNCH: PB&j sandwich, granola bar, apple, 32 oz water
PM SNACK: animal crackers, 32 oz water
DINNER: hamburger helper, 23 oz water

EXERCISE: Sunday-ran 1.8 miles
MON-ran 1.8 miles

HELLO! It's been a nice day considering I didn't have to be at work this morning and am going to attend an inservice this afternoon. We don't even need to be at school until 1:30 so no worries! My inservice isn't for another half hour and it's right by my house, so I'm wasting time. I should be working on lesson plans, but I have all day tomorrow and most of Thursday too. SO I'm not too concerned. Everything will work out.

Nothing going on really. I have decided to get back into my swim routine that I was planning to do, starting tomorrow. I don't have to be at the school any time before 8 so I figure I'll swim at 8 and then head over there about 9:30 and stay at the school all day working on lesson plans and stuff. My room is pretty much set up but I have a few things to get done and then it'll be fabulous!!! DH and I have also started an ab routine too. I am so disappointed with my self image and very aggravated at the moment.

ANYWAY, Baby, one of our kitties, is getting spayed today. I felt so bad, she was scared out of her mind, but everything should run smoothly. I love her much! I am so tired, too. I might go to the inservice and then come home and nap. Don't have to be back at the school until 1:30...sigh.

WELL I need to run. TTFN! I plan to post tonight for certain in everyone's journals. :)

THANKS EVERYONE FOR STOPPING BY! IT'S GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Melinda :D

Hey Mel! Hope Baby is ok. When my kitties got "fixed" they were so cuddly for a while. Probably because they were all morphined up. I felt bad for 'em. But they were back on their feet (and causing trouble) in no time! :cat:

THe ab routine sounds like fun! I started doing pilates 2 times a week. I hope I see some results in the next few weeks.

Have a great day! :D

:up: yay, running!(and the swim plan sounds cool, too!) Sounds like you're into a great work situation. Keep the exercise up and the better self esteem/body image will follow...

DIET: Tues-BK-cheerios
Lunch: pasta and a hot dog, 32 oz water
Snack: animal crackers, 32 oz water
Dinner: 2 slices deep dish pizza, 23 oz water
WED: Bk-leftover slice of pizza, 32 oz water
Lunch: chicken salad with greek dressing, yogurt(8 oz) 32 oz water
SNACK: animal crackers, 32 oz water
DINNER: chili(1 c), 3 slices cornbread, 23 oz water

EXERCISE:
Tues-we walked instead of ran. My shins were beginning to hurt
Wed: swam this AM for thirty minutes and didn't do anything this afternoon. Will be doing abs tonight though.

SO here we are, four days away from school starting, going a tad insane but not too concerned! I'm actually pretty far ahead of myself considering we've pretty much mapped out the upcoming two weeks in my department meeting, so I'm sure everything will go smoothly. One of my colleagues was quite impressed that I was already this far ahead. I was too! But I am very organized and so eager to learn and share and get advice. It's so exciting!

I feel like I'm gushing too much! :o But it is exciting...anyway, Baby is doing good! She's back to her normal self, considering she just had surgery yesterday. I mean, normal for her is getting crazy and playing and stuff but right now she's taking an easy and lounging which I don't blame her. She's doing good though!

Tomorrow I have my doc appt. for the endrometreois thing. Fun fun. Sure everything will go fine though.

Not too much else is going on. DH's sister is supposed to be here any minute but I figured I'd take time and check into journals since I've been such a bad journal poster! I love everyone posting, it means much!! So supportive.

Anyhoo, gotta jet. Hope to post soon again, knowing I will!

Melinda :D

Just a quick post...I have to have a laptoscopy done on Aug. 19th due to the endrometrosis ordeal. SO just thought I'd inform everyone and anyone who's concerned.

Have to make this short.

Melinda :D

Hiya Mel!

Glad the kitty came through fine.....I know I worried through each of ours!! :o

I had to have a laparoscopy done about 5 years ago for PCOS, and a word of advice......whatever you do, DO NOT eat a DQ hot fudge sundae while you're still doped up!! Geo's sister took me to the hospital and afterwards on the way home wanted to pick up ice cream. It tasted soooooo good.......and there I am half an hour later, lying on the couch, and all of a sudden......warm puddle of partially digested sundae on the living room carpet. 8-| Embarassing......thank goodness Geo loves me cuz he got to clean it up!! :laugh: Ack!

Glad the job is going well and you are finding it exciting and enjoyable. I do love to teach - most of the time. I am gearing up to return and spent time there today. A TV was moved and remounted so I had to move bookcases, etc. around and lots of stuff. While there I moved desks around and sort of got things settled where I want them. I have a couple weeks yet. This should be a much better year. I am looking forward to fewer behavior problems. (cross my fingers!!) Have a great weekend.

Good luck at the docs, glad everything is going well. :)

Hi

Good luck! Not only with the doc but with the start of school. You will be a wonderful teacher.

We don't start until the end of the month. I'm so ready for the kids to go back to school.

renee:)

Hey babe. WIll be keeping you in my thoughts. Hope all goes well with the doc. I sure hate the docs! I hate being sick. Sometimes there's nothing you can do about it, right?

Gosh, school is almost ready to start for you! Good luck on your fist big day! %%-

Keep a runnin! :)

Thanks for visiting. Sorry I have been so lazy about getting back. For the tofu smoothie, I just use ice, tofu, soy milk, and fruit. Just blend until creamy. Sometimes I add oats in for a little extra staying power to get me through the morning.
Sending good thoughts your way about the doctor's visit.

:cat: How is the cat doing?

DIET:
THURS: BK-cheerios
AM SNACK: 32 oz water
LUNCH: grilled chicken sandwich and french fries and 23 oz water
PM SNACK: 32 oz water
DINNER: ham,(1 slice), steamed broccoli and 1 c mashed potatoes and 1 slice chocolate cake for dessert. 64 oz water and a 1/2 glass of red wine.
FRI-Bk-oatmeal
SNACK: 32 oz water, granola bar
LUNCH: pizza(1 slice) and a greek salad, and 12 oz sprite
DINNER: hot dog(1) and several beers(4?) and a mudslide
SAT: bk-cheerios
AM SNACK: granola bar, 32 oz water
LUNCH: mac and cheese and fishsticks, 32 oz water
DINNER: 2 slices pizza, 2 chocolate chip cookies, 1 bottle cheap wine and 2 glasses strawberry daquiri and 3 jello shots
SUNDAY: bk-mac and cheese and 32 oz water

EXERCISE: slacker since wednesday.

SOOOO tomorrow we start school. AHHHHHH!!!!! :help: No, I'm sure everything will go fine and perfect or at least I'm hoping. :) I am really nervous and excited and scared but it will all run smoothly, I'm certain about that. I just am still unsure of how to teach what and what to teach exactly. Especially with their sticken emphasis on the FCAT, this horribly hard standardized test. Pooh. BUT it will work out. Day by day, right? No worries. I just want to make it through the first week and go from there. I was soo busy all week, it's just been nuts! I don't even know where time went, either. But looking forward to getting my first paycheck on the 25th. That will be helpful. Exciting!!

Anyway, LONG weekend to say the least too. DH's sister and bf came down for a couple days. That was okay. Her bf isn't all that great but he has a lot of potential. I don't know what it is w/his family and friends from NY but it seems they have no motivation to make themselves better people and succeed at something. To be honest, they're all pretty lazy. It's sad. BUT you can't change people. That's life, eh? BUT it was interesting to say the least. We went to his grams on Friday and annoying cousin and gf were there. Annoying gf I have never seen smoke or drink and she was pretty loopy and even more annoying. And listening to annoying cousin brag about all the things he doesn't have was ridiculious. Not to mention how he is bragging about how he finally got his discharge papers from the going AWOL from the army a while back and wants to apply to the sheriff's dept and I found out he can't b/c he has dishonorable discharge. Yeah....he's such a jerko bragging about all this money he claims to make and rubs it in all our faces. It's like, how old r u?

Anyway, it really discourages me with people like that. Especially him. AND then Dh's sister decides SHE might move down here. I guess everyone and their dog is moving down here and I wouldn't mind it if I actually LIKED it here, but considering we'll be moving in three years or so it's pointless. So yeah. I just can't stand being around his family all the time...is that terrible? No...it's realistic.

ANYWAY, Saturday night we went to my old co-workers house and hung out over there with a bunch of her friends and my other two old co-workers. It was nice and we had a good time. Today I finished all my school stuff for tomorrow. I think I'm ready. I'm also going in a tad bit early but hey, need to considering there won't be any place to park!!

LASTLY, we have a new friend that has adopted us. A little calico kitten has been hanging out at our house. She showed up Friday. SO cute, but we can't keep her. Her coloration is awesome! She's been sleeping behind the couch in the carport and then in Dh's land cruiser. How funny.

WELL I need to run. Need to post and then work on my novel some more. I'm actually starting the proposal process.

TTFN!

Melinda :D

JUMP-Baby is doing good. She's still lounging a bit, relaxing and all, but she's acting much better and eating and all that jazz. So glad!!!
GEO-ewe gross! That is funny though. I will definitely take your advice, though.
SUSAN- yeah, I got my seating arrangements all taken care of yesterday and everything copied, all that jazz. So excited! I feel like a kid again!! :)
RENEE and RIKKI- thanks!
RUNT- that smoothie sounds kind of good. I might have to try it. :)

Hey babe. GOOD LUCK ON YOUR FIRST DAY! I know you've been looking forward to this. Let us know how it goes, ok?

Glad :cat: is doing well. How cute about the kitten who has adopted you! Wish you could keep it. Post some pics if you get a chance.

Have a terrific last day of freedom! :D

DIET: Fri-Breakfast-bowl of cheerios, 16 oz coffee
Lunch: turkey sandwich, carrot snack pack, 32 oz water
snack: yogurt, chocolate South Beach Diet granola bar
dinner: chicken fetticini alfredo, 3 beers, and ceasar salad
SAT: bK-bowl of oatmeal

Exercise: um, terrible person I am....none.

News:

Not to much to report. It's been a busy week and I am loving the idea of relaxing all weekend. I do have to prepare my lesson plans and I have to grade their summer reading projects. So yeah. I gave them a lot of homework and they weren't too thrilled about that, but they'll get over it. C'est la vie, right?

Anyway, I'm just happy I survived. It makes my life a lot easier! Other news, my great uncle passed away two days ago and his funeral is today. I wish I could be there but it's too far away and we have no money, as usual, so it is upsetting. I hate living here sometimes. Other times, it's okay, but most of the time, no it's not. I'm too far away from everything and everyone here walks so slow!!

Otherwise, I guess there isn't too much else to report. My surgery is due for sept. 30th, so hopefully everything goes smoothly. I am planning to post in everyone's journals tomorrow.

Melinda :D

Hi, The first few days are behind you, so you can take that deep breath!! AHHHH! Glad to read things are going well.

Sorry to read about Uncle, though. I hear you about being so far away. I have dealt with that for over 20 yrs. since leaving Michigan to find a teaching job. Sometimes I am sad at all I missed in my family. But I wanted to teach so bad, not just sub. Sometimes I wonder what if . . . But no sense wondering.

Awesome job in staying active with exercise. Don't let the school day take over your life like I do. Believe me, you will NEVER get it ALL done. Make time for yourself and be happy. :)

Melinda babe, I'm glad that your first week went well. Good luck to you this week! Hope you got in some good relaxing. Steamboat was fun, but it was a long drive. We will see this week what the decision is!

Have a great week! :)