Vroom

So the Nascar race was AWESOME! Not like I didn't think it would be. But we had so much fun. Getting up at 4am? Not so much.

This year we didn't have rain!! For the first time. This was my 3rd race and no rain! It was, of course, hot and humid. I drank tons of water and hardly ate anything. I had a bagel with cream cheese and a vanilla soft serve cone with shots (yummy). We did TONS of walking. It is just a great experience. The sound of the cars, the smell of the gas and rubber of the tires. It's just so awesome. It is so loud yet amazing. I can't even explain it. You have to enjoy Nascar to know what I mean.

I didn't take many pictures at all. I thought I would but I didn't. I planned on it, but I didn't.

And I fell asleep about an hour after I got home and slept for 13 hours. I was beat. And sun burned. But it was so much fun. My sister's driver nearly won the race. And then our second favorite driver (we have the same second favorite but not the same first ha ha) almost one, too. But the driver that one? We are not fans of. Eh-what can you do? My guy, Ryan Newman, finished 6th, which is awesome. And I was super happy that one my favorite drivers, Reed Sorenson, drove. He doesn't have a full time ride ride now and I adore the boy. I remember when he started at 18 and now he's 24. I adore him!!! I was so happy when I found out he would be racing in New Hampshire.

Oh-I love Nascar-I don't talk about it a lot but I love it.

I am having some serious exercise issues. I lost my mojo and need it back. I'm not sure where it went and need it back. *sigh* I keep saying I will start again but I haven't. And I am flabby and want to tone up. I'm happy to be 209.6 right now but I want to lose more and tighten up and all that. UGH! Frustrating!!

I have mega blogs to catch up on.

It's early but...

I'm waiting for my sister to come get me so we can head up to New Hampshire for some Nascar racing! Vroom, Vroom!! Can't wait. It's going to be a blast!! I know I'm going to be exhausted when I get home. I've been up for an hour. It's 5:30am right now.

I LOVE my food processor. It's a beautiful piece of machinery. Why did I not have one before?

And the banana soft serve? Heaven.

I was so mad yesterday at a certain store coughFASHIONBUGcough that was out of my bra size as usual when I went to get some. They were having a buy 2 get 2 sale. That being said I didn't buy anything I was so pissed off. I had a 4 items in my hands, too. 2 tops (XL thank you) and 2 tank tops (also XL) and I put them back. You lose, good day sir!

Also I lost 2.8 pounds this week. What? I don't know either. So I'm now 209.6 pounds. That much closer to 200 and being under 200. Holla!!

Tomorrow it is BACK to the gym and exercise. It happens. I've been doing crunches since Thursday because I have to get rid of this muffin top.

I have to finish getting ready but I wanted to update y'all on what was up! Happy Sunday!!

Honored

I am honored. To say the least. I won an award.


Online Schools


I think it's pretty cool. You can see the complete list of winners here.

A whole bunch of good stuff

Now that I am feeling "whole" again, with the hubby home, I feel that I can have a proper blog update.

Last night I got a food processor. I am so excited. With the banana soft serve recipe that has been going around blog world, I had to try it. So once I get some 'nanas (tomorrow night) I am going to try it out for myself. My stomach isn't too pleased with banana's so I will have to watch it but I can't wait.

It is time to get back on the exercise wagon. Whether it be at home or at the gym. I don't care. I need to get back at it. So I am going to try and hit the treadmill tomorrow morning and then do a little free weights before work.

Why?

I tried on a bathing suit tonight. It didn't look as bad as I thought but it didn't looks great. Of course it's a bathing suit. I hate them but I may need it soon so I wanted to see what it looked like. And it's a 16. And it fits.

It is not the first 16 I have been able to wear lately. I have a pair of work pants that I can now wear that are 16's. And my 18 jeans are now getting big. It's strange. I'm not working out yet I continue to eat clean and the weight is coming off.

Speaking of eating, I didn't plan a lunch for work today so I stopped at the store on my way to work to pick something. WOW! Did that cost me more then I thought it would. Yikes. I got stuff for a salad and since the salad bar wasn't open at the store yet I had to pay more then normal. It was super good and I enjoyed it but I don't do that again. And last night I almost ate junk but decided on a veggie sub from Subway instead. And was really happy about it.

I really hope it doesn't rain on Sunday. Nascar races don't happen in the rain.

I can't wait for this week to be over! I swear it is dragging!!

Home!!!

My hubby is HOME!!

He was gone for a week but now all is right in the world.

That is all that I was having problems with. I will post more later.

I just missed him and he didn't want me to talk about it in the "blog world" or "twitter world" in case something happened.

But now he is home and I am a happy woman. I missed him like mad.

That is all.

Better post coming I promise.

Sunday mumblings

I've spent most of today sitting around the house doing NOTHING. It's rather depressing.

But I'm feeling a little better now, even with the thought of having to go back to work tomorrow.

I also have to get back into a gym routine, a better eating routine, etc. Not that my eating isn't good. But it could be better. So after next weekend, which is the Nascar race in New Hampshire (holla!!) I plan to do something exercise wise. Whether it be at home or the gym or whatever. At least 3 days a week. I don't care. I have to do something.

Because my 10 year wedding anniversary is 3 months away and I need to lose 12.4 pound to get to 200 where I would like to be by then. And that is totally doable. And to be honest, I would LOVE to be like 199. You know. Just to be under and out of the 200's. Just saying.

With that being said it has been 16 years exactly today that I lost my Dad. It's been a hard day for me to say the least but I'm handling it alright.

Here is to hoping this week is much better then last week. It can only get better right?

Eating clean works?

212.4 this morning. Huh? So I guess eating clean must work, right? Because there was no exercise this week. Unless you count all the walking that was done on Saturday from the car to the concert and back again. And trust me-there was a lot of it. A lot. And I was not huffing and puffing at all. The race next Sunday should be interesting. And there are no healthy options there when it comes to food. And I am okay with that. I am going to relax and enjoy the race food. I want the ice cream. I wanted it 2 years ago and didn't get it. This year it is mine!!

I would like to get back to the gym at some point this century though.

I baked in the sun this morning for 2 hours before I had 2 come inside. I turn pink very quickly.

Now I am going to do some cleaning and enjoy my Saturday.

After I kick the cats out of the clean laundry basket. Why do they insist on climbing into the clean clothes?

Floating

Don't worry. I'm alive.

Floating or at least floating along.

Eating is good.

Exercise is coming. I know it. I just need to hang on a little while longer.

It's been a rough week. And I just have to get through this week and I think (or hope) it well get back to normal.

Wish me luck.

I am now onto the next book in the Millennium series. "The Girl Who Played With Fire". I want to see the movie, the Swedish one, of "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" now. It's kind of of obsessive now. I was hesitate at first to read the books. I wasn't really interested but my Mom insisted. And now I can't stop.

The plans for tomorrow? Hopefully treadmill. Bake in the sun after that for a little. Then do some cleaning.

What is missing? No work. I am not going into the office tomorrow. I decided against it. I need the money, sure, but it's overtime and I need a break. 6 days a week is killing me.

We'll see how the exercise goes.

Things are strange

Things are strange here. I'll post about it more next week when they are back to "normal". I just can't talk about it right now. But I can tell you that NO I am not pregnant (I wish).

This has been such a long week. I wish it was Friday. I can't believe it's only Thursday.

I'm reading a lot. Which is great. I'm just about done with "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" which has been amazing and getting ready for the next book in the series, "The Girl Who Played With Fire". My Mother gave me both books while she was here. She is currently finishing up "The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets Nest". So guess what I get when she is done with that? You can probably tell where I got my love of reading from. I love her for that. I have so many books I could open my own library and then some.

Work has been very horrible this week. I can't even begin to talk about it. If you follow me on twitter you see my tweets. I just hope things change soon before I go bat crazy.

I got the newest issue of "Clean Eating Magazine" in the mail last night. Love that magazine. It's so awesome.

Eating is good. Exercise is still not.

That is all for now. Hope you all are well.

Saturday concert recap

I spent most of yesterday sleeping after the concert on Saturday night. We had a total blast!!

Turns out the show started at 5:15pm. And we didn't get there until 6pm. I was kind of mad at first because when we got there Keith Urban was already playing and I thought we had missed the Dixie Chicks. You all know I wanted to see Keith Urban more then anything! Even though I had already seen him twice.

And I guess I should have checked to see myself when the concert started. Even though my sister had the tickets. Actually mad is not the word I would use to descibe it. I was so angry. And she knew it, too. But it turns out we didn't miss the Dixie Chicks. They went on after Keith Urban. So we missed a few of his songs and saw the Chicks. And then the Eagles.

It rained the entire time. And this was an outdoor stadium concert. I was so cold and so wet by the time we left. Brrrr... But like I said we had so much fun.

Everyone put on a great show. Of course I loved me some Keith Urban. Always. But it was great to finally see the Dixie Chicks. I love them. And seeing the Eagles was great. They are true legends. My sister got me into them. She used to listen to them all the time when I was a kid. So it was cool to see them in concert.

I brought my own snacks to eat so I didn't any of their food there. I only bought a diet soda. To help me stay awake. And I needed some sugar. I always like a diet soda at a concert.

The line to the ladies bathroom was some kind of crazy. We stood there for like 20 minutes. I refused to do it more then once and held it on the way home.

I bought myself a t-shirt at a concert for the first time in a very long time. In an X-Large. And it fits. Go me! I am so happy. I love it.

And Keith Urban will be back in Connecticut in September. So I think we'll be going to see him again. Yes-we love him that much.

We got home late on Sunday morning. Or is that early? It was nearly 2am. So like I said I slept most of the day yesterday. And my allergies were a bitch so I was taking my medication. So that didn't help.

I ducked out of work after 3 hours today because I didn't feel well. And slept some more. But have to go in tomorrow because I have too much work to do to miss anymore work.

I seriously have to get back to the gym.

And watch "True Blood" from last night. We were celebrating hubby's Birthday last night so we didn't watch it.

That is my recap of the weekend. Off to make some dinner and get ready for some "True Blood".

What do you think?

Do you see a difference? The first one was taken in July 2009. I was around 247 pounds. And of course the the other one on the right was taken last month when I was around 216. Do you see a difference? I can see one in my face for sure.

All I can think of is that I look like my Mother in the one on the left. WOW!

I need to take my bike for a spin.

72.8 pounds gone!!

Did I mention I had pizza on Sunday night? Mmmm hmmm. I did.

But somehow I managed to lose 0.8 pounds this week anyway. Without any exercise. Must be all the clean eating I did the rest of the week.

214.2 pounds. Wow. It's been a very long time since I saw that number. It's been a very long time since I've been under 220 actually. It still amazes me I've come this far. I knew I could do it. I've done it before. I just didn't think I could do it again. Strange how that is. And even though I'm struggling with the exercise right now I know I'll get back to that again, too. It takes time.

I hit up the store on my way home from work and picked up 2 ponchos. Going to need those for tonight. You know last year it rained this weekend, too? My sister and I went to see Brad Paisley. And then the next day the hubby and I did the Kidney Walk. It rained. But we enjoyed ourselves.

I feel horrible today because it's the hubby's Birthday. And I'm going out without him. He gave me his blessing but I feel bad anyway. I love him. Tomorrow we are celebrating.

I had a miserable day working overtime today.

Hitting the shower so I can get ready for tonight.

The one in which I kind of ramble

I totally wish I had some pictures to post. I actually enjoyed posting them. And thanks for the comments. Y'all are too kind. There may be silly pictures from tomorrow night though.

Sooooo....tomorrow is the Dixie Chicks, Keith Urban and Eagles concert. How excited am I?! I am about ready to burst. How is that for excited? I thought today would never end at work. Really I wanted to go for Keith Urban. Because let's face it. He is my favorite country music artist. And I do adore the Dixie Chicks. But hi-this is Keith Urban. And you may ask-Sarah how do you like country AND rock music? I don't know. I just do. It's how I roll. Go with it. I like a lot of music. Just not rap. Unless it's the Beastie Boys. Because I love them Beastie Boys, yo.

By the way, I am already missing "Breaking Bad" and Jesse Pinkman and the season hasn't been over a week yet. That boy is HYSTERICAL! And if you haven't watched that show what are you waiting for? It is one of the best. You will never look at the Dad from "Malcolm in the Middle" the same. Honestly.

But back to the concert. It's going to rock. And I don't care that it's going to rain. Ponchos will be our best friends. But tomorrow also happens to be my husbands Birthday. And he isn't going to the concert. I wish he was. I feel terrible. But he said it was okay that I went. I asked him to go. But he doesn't like country. AT ALL. In fact he hates it. A LOT. So um there is that. But we will celebrate on Sunday. Since he is out tonight. I owe him. BIG TIME!

I've been getting a lot of weight loss compliments lately. People have been noticing that I have lost weight. I get called "slim" or "skinny" a lot. Which at 215 pounds I'm far from but it feels good. I feel better. I have more confidence now. Much more then when I was 240 pounds. I would just like my exercise mojo back. The compliments make me want to work harder at the weight loss.

And seriously? I have to get some new clothes. Because pretty much everything I own for work is too big. I feel HUGE in in my work clothes because some are 2 sizes too big at this point. So on Friday I get compliments because we wear jeans. But the rest of the week I wear these huge outfits that hide my body that make me look bigger then I am. Some are size 22. Um hello? Time for some retail therapy.

For lunch today I really was craving a salad. And of course I really watched a Whole Foods salad (I miss you Whole Foods) but it's 30 minutes away. But the salad I picked up at the salad bar from the supermarket was really good. It filled me up and held me over. So I will do that again for sure.

I need a vacation. Work is totally draining me. Working 6 days a week can do that.

TRUE BLOOD STARTS SUNDAY! Hello?! I cannot wait!!

Happy weekend, y'all!!

I won!

An award that is. From the lovely and awesome Muffin Fixation (back on May 25th). I'm behind. I'm trying to catch up on things.
In case you forgot, the rules are:
1. Get really excited that you got the coolest award EVER!
2. Choose ONE of the following options of accepting the OMB award:
(a) Get really drunk and blog for 15 minutes straight, or for as long as you can focus.
(b) Write about your most embarrassing moment.
(c) Write a “Soundtrack of your childhood” post.
(d) Make your next blog a ‘vlog’/video blog. Basically, you’re talking to the camera about whatever.
(e) Take a picture of yourself first thing in the morning, before you do anything else (hair, makeup, etc) and post it.
3. Pass this award onto at least 3, but preferably more, awesome bloggers as yourself. Don’t forget to tell them.

Well I got #1 all set. I love awards and I don't win many of them. So thank you, sweetie. We talk on twitter so you know I'm thankful for it. I told you before. I'm sorry it took me so long to post this.

#2? I don't know. I don't drink much. I don't really get embarrassed easily and the last time I did it was really bad and I don't like to talk about it. I don't even know what a soundtrack of my childhood would be. I'm not sure I could figure out how to upload a video to my blog. And you saw how long it took me to post pictures of myself last time. Ugh. So I guess I'll have to pass on this one. Ha!!

#3. This is pretty easy!!

Healthy Lynn
Jewlia Goulia
OK Just One More Beer

Of course there are so many other awesome blogs out there but these are just a few of my favorite inspiring ladies.

Plenty of pictures!!

I have plenty of pictures that I owe you!! I'm so bad about posting pictures.
I am going to start with the lovely Jaime and the awesome package she sent me which I received on April 23rd.
Oh the excitement! I couldn't wait to open it up!!How did she know I have a thing for bags? I do. I have plenty of them already but who can't use more?

A yummy new magazine with some great new foodie ideas.These Ketchup chips lasted about 5 seconds before I ate them. Ha! I enjoyed every single awesome bite of them, too. I can't seem to find them around here anymore. So good!!
Here is the rest of the awesome goodies. And I am not sure why blogger decided to turn this picture on me. I can't figure it out and it is really annoying the heck out of me. I have tried to fix it but it keeps going back. Ugh!! Also the Magnet? I didn't have a Canada magnet and I am so happy to have it. I collect magnets, too!!
This was my first cross border exchange and I did enjoy it. I however, didn't mail my package until today. Which is horrible of me. And I feel terrible about it. I just hope that Jaime enjoys my package as much as I enjoyed hers.

Next is a picture of me taken on April 22nd the day of Stars on Ice. I was 225 pounds which is about 20 pound lighter then the picture I have posted right now on my blog. And 10 pounds heavier then I am right now.
Why yes...I am dressed up to go to Stars on Ice. Why do you ask? *Giggle*

Notice the dresses hanging up behind me? The one to my left I hated and that was my back up for the wedding. The one to my right I loved and wore to the bridal shower a few days later. It's actually too big but I wore it anyway. I bought it two years ago for another wedding and hate to part with it. It' a beautiful dress.


And here it is. The dress I worked my tail off to get into for the wedding. I don't actually LIKE how I look in this picture. Kind of awkward but this is my picture. And no sausage. And I didn't have to squeeze myself into spanx to smooth things out. And I'm not wearing nylons. I hate nylons. Ha!!


And this is the last picture, taken this past Saturday. I was feeling pretty good and thought I would take it. I was happy to be able to walk into Old Navy and buy clothes for the first time in about 5 years and was wearing one of the shirts. We were getting ready to go out to dinner with my Mom.

That about does it for now for pictures. I'll have more after the Nascar race on the 27th. Can't wait!! That will be a BLAST!!

Kick me in the butt PLEASE

My trip to the gym last night that I talked about yesterday? Didn't happen. I hate going at night. HATE IT! It's just too busy and once I get home I don't want to go back out.

I am not sure what my problem is these days about working out. I was doing so freaking good. I went from 240 to 215 in a little over 3 months which for me is amazing. I don't normally lose that quickly.

I was working out 4 days a week which is just want a I wanted. 3 days of weights and cardio and one day of just cardio. I was so happy with it. I was happy. I was not stressed or grumpy. I was feeling awesome.

But now? I have not been able to get back at it.

I need to get back in the saddle again. My 10 year wedding anniversary is coming. We are planning a trip to Arizona and Vegas. I would like to be 200 pounds or maybe 199. Ugh.

I need a swift kick in the ass.

However I am not really feeling SORRY for myself. I am happy with where I am for the time being. But I just want to lose these weight and be done with it.

I feel so much better when I am working out.

Freezing!

I have had such a hard time getting up in the morning lately. I am not sure why. So...I have decided to try and go to the gym tonight. I hate going to the gym at night but if I can't go before work what other choice do I have?

Besides I just sit home on my butt anyway. It's better to do something good for myself.

So we'll see what happens.

It is freezing here this morning. Brrrr....It's not even 60 degrees right now. In June. What?!

Blog Hop

100 Day Challenge

Check this out. Amy is having a 100 Day Challenge. Why not go over to her blog and check it out? I am hoping it helps push me along for the summer. I was doing so well and then I kind of stalled it a bit. I need something to push me along.

I thought for sure I was going to gain this week. But for some strange reason I ended up losing 0.4 pounds. I'll take it!! Woohoo! So I'm at an even 215 pounds this week. I hope to see a better loss next week.

Right now we're under a tornado warning here in Connecticut. Odd. Considering we're not flat or anything. And we're used to snow storms and hurricanes. But we have had tornadoes in the past. If you don't hear from in the next few days I am probably "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" with the Tin Man and the Munchkins. Who knows. I may like it in the merry old land of oz. By the way-I love that movie. I just don't want to piss off any mean green witches by landing on their sisters with my house. And Toto is going to be my cat Molly, a purebred Siamese cat. Ha!!

My Mom leaves tomorrow. I'm sad about this. Tonight I am having dinner with her and my sisters. Plus my hubby. And my Aunt is coming by, too. Should be fun.

Tomorrow I am going to a baby shower. I am not exactly excited about this. I wish it was my baby shower. The girl that is pregnant is my hubby's cousin. She is 26. I am a bit jealous, yes. *sigh*

Oh I did workout today for the first time in like 2 weeks. I hit the treadmill and it was great. I think I want to run a 5K in November. We'll just see how it goes I guess.

Happy weekend ya'll!! I hope it's a good one!!

Someone just PUSH me to the gym

I need to get exercising again! I am not sure why I am stuck in this rut but I can't seem to get myself MOVING!!

Eating is great. No problems there. But the exercise? I can't seem to get moving at all. And I know that they go hand in hand.

I keep telling myself tomorrow, tomorrow. And then tomorrow comes and I start that cycle all over again.

Not cool.

I have to kick myself in the butt and just DO IT! Although I'm not a commercial but you get what I mean.

I am sad that my Mom leaves to go home to Arizona on Sunday. The month went by so fast. But hopefully the hubby and I will be going out there in September if everything goes as planned.

Keith Urban concert next Saturday!! Woohoo!! Also I am trying to convince the husband to go see Stone Temple Pilots with me in August. He doesn't want to see them again. For a 4th time. But I wanna!! Boo!! Ha. I love their new album. It rocks!!