Thank You Veterans!!

Oh yeah, and you're welcome!

I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. 
So help me God.
(US Navy Oath of Enlistment)

 Dad, me, Lee (my adopted sister), my Lieutenant cousin, Mom.
At my bootcamp graduation, May 1992

 Me, Laura & Ginnie.
USS Canopus As-34 (1992 - 1994)

 The USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72 post office crew
(1994 - 1997)

 Mom, me & F-14 on USS Lincoln flight deck.

October 1995

It was truly an honor and a privilege to have served for 8 years in the Navy.  

I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

Disgusted!

I am so mad at myself right now.  This is the 3rd week in a row that I've had a gain.  

3.0 FLIPPIN' LBS !!!!

Holy crap.   I did OK eating at work this week, since I ate what I packed (due to the massive rut I'm in) but mid-afternoon I start to get hungry.  So as soon as I get home, I'm raiding the cabinets.  I know more than one day this week I've had a bowl of cereal + refills as a snack.  Last weekend was a total bust at the dance convention.  I didn't even try, altho I did take fruit to the hotel with us.  And a 24 pack of water.

I ate a banana. 

Yeah.  One whole piece of fruit over the entire weekend.  Had pizza 2 days.  A bagel & cream cheese from the hotel coffee shop.  Mini muffins & low-fat PopTarts.  Lunch from A&W one day and the hotel buffet the other.  A bottle (yes - the entire bottle!) of chocolate wine with chocolate milk mixed in it.

Need I go on??   A whole lotta crap. 

I haven't even thought about tracking for days!  Totally forgot. 

What the heck can I do to remember to track???  When phone upgrade time rolls around, I want to get one that I can get a WW app on.  But until then (April) I have to fend for myself.  I've heard people mention wearing a charm bracelet.  Since I don't normally have anything on my wrists, that could work.  Then i could get a charm for each milestone when I finally reach them.  Hmm.  Thought to ponder.

I am so hating myself right now.  Plus I feel bloated & gross for some reason.  It's not TOM, and because I knew I was weighing in tonight, I didn't have anything bad.

THEN I'm going in for a physical tomorrow.  Yay.  Another scale to get on! 

Warning...TMI !!   I am going to ask the doc to be put back on the Pill when I go in.  We haven't been "preventing" for over 4 years now.  Obviously there aren't any Love babies in the cards and honestly - I'm 38 and my only child is 14.  As much as I still get the little pang in my chest when I see a baby, I don't really want one.  My body would hurt so badly!!!  Plus, babies are way too high-maintenance for my current level of laziness. Right now, I can leave said child home alone without fear of her burning the house down.  She can fix her own food.  She can (if nagged) do chores.

I'm really trying to convince myself to believe this. 

If it does nothing else (besides what it's supposed to!) it'll get my cycle back regular.  YAY!!!!

Fire Up for Fall - week 8

Happy Monday!

Boy - it was a long weekend !  Miss Angela had to go to the Tremaine Dance Convention for the weekend as a requirement to be on the studio dance team.  They go to classes for hip-hop, jazz, rhythm tap, ballet, contemporary dance and something called Turbo Jazz.  It's actually a fun weekend - the kids dance for hours & the parents who stayed could watch the classes and visit.  The only issue I have is that this is the second year that the hotel scheduled a hockey convention for the same weekend.  Does any one building in the world need that many hormones running around???  1,000 girls, ranging from 6 - 18 years old, most of whom are wearing very skimpy & tight clothing and another 1,000 boys in the same age range.  From all over lower Michigan, Ohio & Ontario.  I may have exaggerated, but there were easily 300-400 girls there.  And for the boys?  I know there were busloads of them showing up!

 But on the plus side....this year they instituted a curfew that no kid could be roaming the hotel after 11 pm without an adult.  YAY!   That sure cut down on the noise and the random knocking on the doors all night (of course it didn't help that most of the studios let the girls decorate their doors - making them obvious targets!)

Needless to say - the food choices weren't the best!  We ate before we left home Friday night, but unless we chose to be up at some insane hour, we had to take food for breakfast.  So I took low-fat PopTarts and packages of muffins - along with bananas and grapes.  I also took a couple bags of Doritos and some trail mix for evening munchies.  Oh, and the bottle of ChocVine (which went down WAY too easy!)  Lunch Saturday was at A&W and Sunday at the hotel buffet.  Dinner Saturday night & Sunday both was pizza. 

So yeah.  Not a good food weekend at all!   However, I did a lot of walking around the hotel.  We shared a room with another Mom & dancer and Laura has a bum knee, so I felt I needed to fetch for her.  She's a friend anyway, so it wasn't a big deal.  And I went swimming, too.  I did way too much sitting tho.

Angel trying to be the sign.

 The tap teacher's shoes.  When she danced - you couldn't help but be hypnotized.

I love that she posed so I could take a pic of her shoes!!

 Angel & friend doing round-offs.

 The hip-hop teacher that all the girls were in love with.

Now... on to business!

 

As usual, I will link back to Rebecca's page after I answer my questions.

 

What have you done this week to achieve your goals? 

Loss on the scale?  Epic Fail!!  I was up 1.2 lbs.  I blame Halloween & TOM.

Get out the Wii?  Another Fail!

Get out walking?  Somewhat.  I did all that walking around the hotel this weekend.  But actually getting outside?  No.

Cider & donuts?  Win!  Actually - I discovered something worse than cider this weekend.  A beverage called Apple Pie.  Consists of apple juice, apple cider, sugar, cinnamon & Everclear.  OMG.  Tastes just like apple pie filling!  I only had a couple glasses, since I had my chocolate wine, too.  It was one of those things that tasted so good that you don't realize just how much alcohol is in it.

New Recipe?  Heck no.  It was a busy week so meals were quick & easy.

What have you done to make yourself feel fabulous? Ummm, nothing really.  I did sit in a jacuzzi tub for a while.  But it loses its enjoyment when you have to share with kids that don't belong to you.

How important is a social life to you? Are you a loner or a butterfly or somewhere in between?  I'm somewhat in between.  I do like to go out once in a while - but am also OK with staying home.   Like Rebecca - my kid is a total social butterfly!!! 

How do you balance life outside your home with healthy living?   I need to work on this one.  Like if we need to stop while out & about - I'll get a grilled chicken sandwich with no mayo and a diet Coke - which is great!  But then I'll eat an order of french fries. 

What do you like to do for fun?  I have a pretty broad range of what I think is fun.  Blogging is fun - so is going horseback riding.  Taking the dog for a walk or watching a Red Wings game.   Exploring creepy old cemeteries. Playing hidden object games on the computer.  Hanging out with friends.  People watching.  Riding on wave runners. 

Positive pic?  I'm just going to use the above pics as my positive images this week.  My daughter has been dancing for 9 years now and is really good - however it leaves me in awe to watch the more advanced dancers who make those insane jumps & turns look so effortless! 

Oh yeah - Laura with the bum knee that I mentioned above?  She's supposed to get a knee replacement probably next summer & we agreed that once she does....she's going to sign up for the adult jazz class at the studio and I'm going to sign up, too!  

Tremaine & Friend Makin' Monday

Happy Monday!

Boy - it was a long weekend !  Miss Angela had to go to the Tremaine Dance Convention for the weekend as a requirement to be on the studio dance team.  They go to classes for hip-hop, jazz, rhythm tap, ballet, contemporary dance and something called Turbo Jazz.  It's actually a fun weekend - the kids dance for hours & the parents who stayed could watch the classes and visit.  The only issue I have is that this is the second year that the hotel scheduled a hockey convention for the same weekend.  Does any one building in the world need that many hormones running around???  1,000 girls, ranging from 6 - 18 years old, most of whom are wearing very skimpy & tight clothing and another 1,000 boys in the same age range.  From all over lower Michigan, Ohio & Ontario.  But on the plus side....this year they instituted a curfew that no kid could be roaming the hotel after 11 pm without an adult.  YAY!   That sure cut down on the noise and the random knocking on the doors all night (of course it didn't help that most of the studios let the girls decorate their doors - making them obvious targets!)

Needless to say - the food choices weren't the best!  We ate before we left home Friday night, but unless we chose to be up at some insane hour, we had to take food for breakfast.  So I took low-fat PopTarts and packages of muffins - along with bananas and grapes.  I also took a couple bags of chips and some trail mix for evening munchies.  Oh, and the bottle of ChocVine (which went down WAY too easy!)  Lunch Saturday was at A&W and Sunday at the hotel buffet.  Dinner Saturday night & Sunday both was pizza. 

So yeah.  Not a good food weekend at all!   However, I did a lot of walking around the hotel.  We shared a room with another Mom & dancer and Laura has a bum knee, so I felt I needed to fetch for her.  She's a friend anyway, so it wasn't a big deal.  And I went swimming, too.  I did way too much sitting tho.

 Angel trying to pose like the sign.

 This was the tap teacher's shoes.  When she danced - they hypnotized you!!

 Angel & friend doing round-offs between classes.

 The hip-hop teacher that all the girls were in love with.

Now - on to business!! 

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: http://www.alltheweigh.com/2011/11/friend-makin-mondays-dating/www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!



FMM: Dating

What is your current relationship status? (Be as specific as you’d like to be!)  happily married.  We dated for a year - lived together for 3 & have been married for 5.  He said he knew almost immediately that I was going to be the one he was going to spend the rest of his life with.  I wasn't as quick.

List a few qualities that you look for in a significant other.  I found this changed as I matured.  In high school, I thought I wanted to marry a 90 year old millionaire & never have kids.  Early 20s - someone who was sexy & fun & looked great in a tight pair of Wranglers (my daughter's dad resembled Tim McGraw - but notice I'm not with him anymore!!!).  After I divorced him - I found that personality and character were most important.  My husband now is a short, chubby, computer geek & I won't trade him for nothing because he treats me & the girl well.

If you could choose to date one character in TV or film, who would you choose?  And which characteristics are most appealing?   Ummm.  Gil Grissom (William Petersen) from CSI.  He was smart & sexy in his own odd way.  He'd be fascinating to talk to .

How long should you date before becoming exclusive?  I guess that would depend on the circumstances.

What are your thoughts on public displays of affection?  I'm all for holding hands and brief smooches. And I've been known to randomly grab Randy's butt as we're walking together.  But when it makes people around you uncomfortable - it's time to get a room!  I think the cutest thing in the world are 2 old people walking along holding hands!

Do you kiss on the first date?  I didn't.  The first several times it a hug before it went further.

Biggest turn-off?  Rudeness & arrogance.

What’s the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?  Eyes.  Arms (I like strong arms!!) and I also have a weird infatuation with backsides.  I like a nice butt, too!

How long do you/did you wait before becoming intimate?  Gosh, I don't really remember.  I know I didn't jump right in the sack with him.    

Describe your dream date.  We do all sorts of stuff together at isn't exactly "normal".  One of our first dates was to go see Monster Jam (monster trucks).  I don't think it has to be a standard dinner & movie.  Just spending time together doing something that you mutually enjoy.  But I should be someplace where you can talk - not a concert or such.

Happy November!

Gosh - I didn't do Fire Up for Fall or Friend Makin' Monday this week!  Well, it was Halloween after all.  I had a half day of work, then spent a quality 45 minutes at my least favorite place on earth - the dentist.  I finally got my darn crown cemented back on.  I really thought it was worse than it was - WHEW!!!

Then I went home & actually relaxed for a while - then as soon as Angel got home from school,  I took her to both Mom's & sister Linda's house to show off her costume.

 Little Red Awesome Hood 

 or...Helga the barmaid?

I wore a black top and skirt with green & black striped socks. 

And (in the words of the dental assistant) rocked the feathers!

Then because of a combination of traffic, Randy having to work late and her friend not knowing how to give directions - Angel stayed home with me for trick-or-treating.  She didn't seem horribly upset about it.  In fact, she was out in the driveway with me the entire time.   I so love to see the kids of all ages dressed up!  

Anyway.  Then the latest drama at the Love Shaque is....

She who is currently in her 9th year of dance / 2nd year of competition.....tripped while walking at school and fell against a wall.  And sprained her wrist.  She called me around lunchtime and sounded like she was fighting tears.  My wonderful, awesome boss (most of the time) didn't hesitate to let me leave.  When I got there, her wrist was all swollen and the bone stuck out kind of funny.  I'd already called the doctor but couldn't get her in for like 2 hours.  So I took her to Wendy's for a Frosty (chocolate makes everything better!! - but I was good & had diet Coke) and then home.  When I took her in - the doc suspected it was sprained, but still sent her for x-rays to make sure.  And it was.  Whew!  So she has to wear the brace for 2-3 weeks while at school & dance, but can take it off at home. 

So back to weigh in tonight......dun dun dun.......+1.2 lbs.  I'm really not surprised, since TOM just ended (which always seems to see a gain) and Halloween.  At least it wasn't a 5 lb gain like a lady had who was in there the same time I was!  She obviously partied harder than I did! However, on Tuesday, I took the day off work and did some shopping (after-H'ween sales!!) and then took my entire yard display down and put it away.  Then I got the front yard mowed until I ran out of daylight.  I finished the backyard while waiting to take Miss Angela to the doc on Wednesday.  So at least I haven't been a total slug! 

My challenge for this weekend is that I'm going to be stuck in a hotel (most likely bored) from Friday night til Sunday afternoon.  Angel's got a dance convention with her studio comp team in Detroit so she'll be busy.  I have an observer band to go in to watch the classes, but that can still get boring after a while.  I plan to take a cooler for water & snacks to keep in the room.  And likely a bottle of chocolate wine to share with the other mom who will be in the room with us.  I already know there will be pizza Saturday night.  Ugh.

Anyway, wish me luck!