Fancy Friday

Friday was nothing short of extraordinary!

MV was coming home for the weekend, so we decided to take a little shopping excursion to Syracuse for the day. We met Jax in Scaryville and then I drove the girls up. Jacki lives in a weird part of town. It's not scary during the day obviously, but let's just say I wouldn't be walking in her neighborhood at night! We laughed and caught up most of the ride there. This weekend we were celebrating birthdays! April is always a tight month for birthdays, and I've been lucky enough to share it with friends. Saturday was Ashley's birthday, Laura and Pat's are on Monday, Mark's is on Tuesday, and mine and Kristen's are on Wednesday. The list literally goes on and on.

We got to the mall, and it was a lot of fun! We had lunch at Ruby Tuesdays first, we were all starving! Luckily none of us over ate at all, or we'd be in trouble in the dressing rooms. Although there wasn't anything special clothing wise, we all splurged a bit on accessories. I've lost 27lbs so far, and I'm super close to losing 30. Every 10lbs I lose, I get to reward myself. The first 10lbs I lost, I bought myself a Toy Watch. I was super excited about it. Watches are really great trendy accessories, especially when you don't accessorize too much. The new Michael Kors store had just opened up, and I was in some serious luck. Anyone that knows me, knows I love Michael Kors. I'm obsessed with watching Project Runway and love his designs and sense of fashion for women. 

Marissa and Jacki in front of the store

The store of course was small, but super clean and chic. They did carry some clothing, but nothing really that great. His website of course, has so many better things to choose from. Either way, we walked in and were instantly overwhelmed. There was so much to look at. His bags in particular are a special favorite of mine. He has such a good sense of design and functionality for the modern girl. I went over to look at the totes they carried, and discovered that they didn't have enough pockets for me. I was cruising around to find a new bag, but if I was planning on dropping that kind of money I had to be sure. The totes came in all sizes and styles. Rhonda got me this Harry Potter tote for Christmas I carry everyday with me to work. It's perfect. I have a Gianni Berinni bag for my everyday purse, so I just toss it in the tote with all the rest of my stuff. The only time I'd probably use a tote, is when I'm traveling so that idea was out. We cruised around some more. While Jacki and Marissa were finding exactly what they wanted, I was stuck in a rut. I'm super picky about buying big purchases. I usually research them way ahead of time, and I was flying by the seat of my pants on this one. Marissa found me a really nice bag. Although it had gold on it, I liked the style and the shape of it. I wear mostly black leather bags, they mostly match everything. I don't wear a lot of browns, so I didn't see the point in getting the white or brown one.

I kept picking it up and putting it back down. Then I would scurry all over the store to find more bags that I liked. Poor Marissa and Jacki were probably like sick of me in the store. I kept himming and hawing about which bag to get! Jacki made a good point. She works super hard for her money and feels no guilt about spending on herself. I ALWAYS buy for other people. I don't know why. I like spending on others, because the stuff I get is not necessarily what I would get for myself...thus making it a fun experience for me! The sales girl Brittney that was there, was the last convincing person that suggested I get it. They have a lot of merch movement in the store, and she assured me they'd be getting more in.  However, the bag was just my size, and my style. Looking back on it now, I'm not sure if I'd really prefer if it had silver accents instead of gold. It seems to work either way!

So do I feel guilty about spending $300 on a bag? NO! It was incredibly invigorating to spend that much on myself. For Christmas my sister helped me buy a $300 Michael Kors watch. I finally figured that if I spent that much on a watch, I could spend it on a purse. I would get way more use out of the purse, than I have gotten with the watch. Don't get me wrong, I totally love it. The bag for me is a big milestone. I'm treating myself with an accomplishment that is way more valuable than a $300 purse. It's changing my life. I'm starting to transform in the person that I finally feel like I am. It's starting to show on the outside more now, than just hiding in me all this time! 

Happy 20/30lbs loss and early birthday to myself!

Lots to do!

These past few days have been non stop.

I had some errands to run today, and I'm totally kicking myself in the ass. I totally should have done them while I was out yesterday, but whatever. Target, is always high risk for me as everyone knows. About $70 later, I was off an on my way!

A few posts ago, y'all had seen I ripped out my sun visor from my car. It has become increasingly difficult to drive without the bitch, let me tell you. So bad, that I HAD to bring my car in today or I may have ripped out something else in my car lol. They know me at the local dealership pretty well. I do admit, I feel bad. I didn't buy my car from their lot. I purchased my car in Pennsylvania, at a rival dealership. Too bad, they had better prices and exactly what I needed. Guess they shouldn't mind so much, considering this dealership is closer to home and they get my business. The guy came out to look at my car, and I was in luck. The clip/arm where the sun visor hooks on seems to be intact and just fine. The estimate came out to be $125 to replace the visor. Do I feel bad about ripped it out? Hell no! Would ANY of you let that stupid sun visor stop you from driving your car?! Fuck no. Rick said I wouldn't have to leave my car, it is most likely something I can wait to be fixed. Excellent news, considering I'd hate to pay for a stupid rental car. The last time I rented a car from them, they gave me a Sienna. My future grocery getter. 

I was so exhausted today, I slept in til about 11:00. Today is my sister's birthday. I felt bad I didn't wish her a happy birthday earlier, but she said it wasn't a big deal. My mom had us exactly two years and six days apart. We're very close, I'm luck to have a sibling I can depend on. Anyway, I'm excited for my birthday coming up also. I'm off this weekend, and this is the only time I can celebrate with my friends. Laura's birthday is the 9th, so we thought we should do something together. Judging as I haven't heard anything from her, and I'm seriously not inclined to plan my own festivities I'm just going with the flow. We're supposed to do dinner at a Japanese place, my favorite actually on Saturday. My friend Anthony is coming home from Phoenix, I haven't seen him since high school. This weekend should be fun!

Tomorrow Marissa is coming home in the morning, and we have plans to go shopping. Jacki is going with us to Syracuse to hit up the mall. I need some new threads desperately. The jeans I had on today, made me look fat and frumpy. They're super lose in the legs, and my other jeans are becoming the same. There's a Forever 21 in Syracuse, so I'm super pumped to hit it up. I have better luck at the one in the city, but I'll do what I can tomorrow. Speaking of which, I need to text the girls and arrange plans! 

Skinny girl fab

Wednesday was fun!

There was a lot to do Wednesday! I wasn't able to sleep in, but it was totally worth it! The dentist was late as usual. It drives me crazy sometimes, showing up for appointments on time. I try not to make my patients wait too long, but a hospital has an excuse. STAT patients from the floor or ER can put us back, but jeez what takes so long in a regular office?! Anyway, I was glad I was only about 15 minutes behind for my lunch plans!

This was the first time I've seen Rhonda in a few months, and I was super excited to see her! We went to our usual lunch spot meeting. When I walked in, I immediately recognized her by her face of course. It wasn't until she stood up when I got the full effect! She's lost over 100lbs and looks great! I had my fleece on and when I unzipped it, we both shared shrieks of joy for one another! It was definitely exactly what I needed. This is so sad to point out, but this lunch was especially great because we had no problems with our food. For some reason we don't have the greatest amount of luck there, but the food is really good. It's a local Italian family restaurant, and the sauce is fantastic. It's really the only place I like to eat spaghetti--considering that it's really not my favorite pasta at all. 

Rhonda brought me a few gifts for my birthday, and they were the boost I needed to keep going on. She got me a Super Boy Voo-doo key chain doll, and it's super cute. I definitely could use it for work! She also got me a super sparkly bracelet and I love anything that sparkles. After our lunch and story exchange, we hit up Ulta Beauty store. It just opened in my area, but Rhonda has them in North Carolina. I have a few girlfriends that work there. Although I love my Sephora, I was surprised at how much they had. Sephora will always be number one in my book, but it's a total relief to know I don't have to go to the city to get all my make up supplies anymore.

I bought this stuff called "The Love Handler" made by Bliss. They also make the product called "Fat Girl Slim". This is a gel based lotion that help reduce cellulite and make your skin tighter. Pretty pricey, but I've heard a lot of good things about the product. About 54% of women who used the love handler lotion, saw a reduction in their abdominal fat. You're supposed to put it on about 20-30 seconds before working out. A lot of reviews say to let it soak in for longer than that, but it is supposed to keep working on your body up to eight hours post application.

I'll give it a review in at least six weeks to see how I make out with it. Anyway, I was excited to check out some new things there, and catch up with my girls. It was really nice to see Rhonda, even though we only had a little bit of time together. I'm planning on going to North Carolina at the end of May to visit a few people. I have some friends in Charlotte and plan on visiting Rhonda on the way there. Sounds like fun!

Happy ending!

Today, was a GREAT day!

I went in for my nurse visit this morning. Sitting there in the waiting room all kinds of nervous, I decided to play Temple Run. It's an over the top incredibly addicting game, where you run away from these vulture/gorilla hybrid nasty things chasing you. If I play too long, I really feel like I'd have an epileptic seizure from the screen moving so fast but I just can't help myself!

Cody was back in the office today, and I was excited to see her. I hopped on my scales today, and discovered that AGAIN all this time they've been wrong! I had estimated I only lost about two pounds since last visit. Keep in mind, my last appointment was almost two weeks ago. Hopping on the scale today, I was super afraid to see a number that I maybe didn't want to see. To my total and utter surprise, I lost six pounds! Holy crap!!!! I can't even express how excited and happy I was! It definitely started my day off right! We looked through my paperwork and totaled everything up. As of today, I have officially lost 27 pounds!

27 POUNDS I'VE MELTED AWAY!

Can you believe that?! All this time has gone by, and I've literally felt like I was at a stand still. I can't even tell you how anxious and excited I am to hit my next ten pound goal! As of today, I am down to 182lbs. I haven't been at this weight since probably my senior year of high school. Keep plugging along with things, you'll get there!

I was looking at myself today while I was staring out the window. The reflection of myself was smaller, but still frumpy. Ashly is going to burn some work out DVD's for me, which I'm super excited about. Like I said, I've increased my walking and stair climbing but haven't been to the gym in a while. I just feel like I need to shed some more weight, before I hit the gym hard and start to tone. Call me crazy, but I have a plan about this. My BMI states my weight should be like 125-145. I was in my sophmore year of high school the last time I weighed 145lbs. Seems like a long time ago! Even though I was definitely small, I look back now and can't help but think I was too small. Everyone carries their weight differently. My goal from the start was to get to 145lbs, roughly about 65-70lbs I need to lose. I'm half way to my goal, and I'm feeling better than ever.

This day could not have came any sooner. It gave me the boost of confidence I needed, and something else to focus on. My weight and health are absolutely under my control, and I'm regaining my strength to a happier and healthier life! I'm meeting up with Rhonda for lunch tomorrow, and I can imagine we'll be doing a lot of squealing seeing each other. This is the first time I will have seen her this small, and vice versa! It'll be great! We're doing lunch at one of our favorite spots, and then hunting down a friend of ours to harass him with a visit! Can't wait to be off this week, finally!

Nip it in the bud

Easier said than done!

I will be forever grateful when this week is over. Entering a career at such a young age, can be super difficult at times. I've been working professionally for five years now. When I started, I wasn't even legal to drink yet! 20 years old, seemed like a good age to get a firm grasp on things. They don't ever teach you in school how to deal with various things. Developing people skills, is something that you just can't teach someone. 

I've been fortunate enough to been raised in such a social setting. I learned early on, how to work people. How to take signals and hints. Being an observant child made me understand people more. Observant as in, sit back and watch for a bit. I've had to make decisions recently that involved dealing with confrontation. Ew. I despise confrontation. I don't like doing it, especially in the work place where I risk getting a boot to the ass.

Anyone who knows me, would probably consider me to be super friendly. I totally am super friendly, but I have no problems being a heinous bitch when it gets right down to it. I'd honestly rather not be, but some people just push me to the point where I gotta do what I gotta do! When i don't like someone, I usually just ignore them and avoid them. It's easier for me to remove myself from the situation versus exploding upon impact. There is never a nice way to confront someone. Either way, it is going to absolutely be uncomfortable with both parties. 

I've been dealing with addressing and confronting people in the work place for the past year. Although I feel like I'm getting better at it, I can't help but feel like people don't take me seriously sometimes. I've been pegged and labeled as a guilty by association thing and it's not fun. Once someone puts a label on you, it tends to stick. I don't give a rats ass about what other people think about me. What I do give a shit about, is working effectively. I go there to get a paycheck, and I'm good at what I do. To anyone who has gone through this, I'm sure it gets better right? Eventually things will even out sooner or later, and I'll just learn how to cope with these things better. No one should have to tolerate feeling uncomfortable in the workplace. We all do things as defense mechanisms and to each their own. Your choice in dealing with something, may not be someone else's view of "doing it properly". 

I would give advice to anyone dealing with this from what I know. It is better to nip things in the bud when they start, but really you should definitely think things through first. Don't just make a rash action, because you're all emotional. Take some time out to figure out what the exact problem is, and then go from there. I've learned to do this, and I feel like it's made a difference for me personally. How my actions have been viewed by others, are a different story. Don't wait and let things fester, take care of business while it's still fresh and you still can. Just some food for thought.

Happy April!

Yay!

It is finally April and I'm feeling pretty good about the time that has passed. My appointment is on Tuesday morning before work, and if all goes well I'll be down five pounds from last weigh in. I was hoping to lose more than five, but I'll take what I can get right now!

To be perfectly honest, I haven't been doing well with going to the gym at all. These past few weeks have been really difficult, and I fell off the wagon. Shit happens. I looked at myself in the mirror today, and realized that a lot of my stretch marks on my stomach are going away. If I could just lose my spare tire, I'd be set. I despise having a pooch. It has to be the most unattractive thing about my body. Everything else I can work off at the gym. 

No time for April Fools pranks today, just wanted to relax! I'm super sad that the NCAA tournament is over, but eager for the weather to break again! I can't wait til this week is done! Only two more work days and I'm literally home free! Rhonda is home from North Carolina, and I can't wait to see her! Pictures, as we all know usually don't do justice. It'll be great to see each other in person! Marissa squared (lol) are coming home this weekend too! We are planning to hit up Ulta on Friday. It just opened in our area, and I need some retail therapy! This weekend, is technically my birthday weekend. I actually go back to work next week on the day of my birthday, what a gift! Laura and I usually do joint parties together, so I'm excited to cut loose and let go of all the stress I've had for good!

Hustle

Some days, are just non stop.

Work was a bit hectic today. I always feel like I'm moving non stop. Probably because I am. I punch in ready to work. If there's something to be done, I go do it. What's the point in waiting around? Hoping someone else will just do it for you? There's no such thing as that when it comes to me. I just suck it up and go do it.

My appointment is on Tuesday. I'm REALLY hoping that I can lose as much as I can this week. I've been careful about my meal choices, and have been pretty good about taking my vitamins. Although, I did forget to take them today. Oh well, I'll pick up where I left off tomorrow. I have another nurse visit, before I get to see Dr. Cusimano again. I'm starting to get antsy, so I'm hoping that I can just schedule my appointments when I go Tuesday. It's getting increasingly hard to see her, so I should really just make my appointments as far in advance as I can.

I haven't been exercising like I should this week. I have tried to get in enough walking and stairs. My friend Ashly at work started doing Insanity. That whole thing scares me. She's really fit, and she's small. Ashly was doing the warm up for it, and told me she thought it was the work out. The poor girl was so tired after it, she couldn't even get to the work out session! I don't want to go to that extreme, until I'm ready lol. I ran into my other friend Jason and he's been doing P90X. I've heard rave reviews about that program, but it'll totally kick your ass for sure. Maybe when I get a little more buff, I'll take a stab at it.

For now, I'm pretty content in managing what I eat and fitting in exercise. It's almost bathing suit season, and I plan on looking GREAT! So excited! Oh, and my face is starting to get thin! I also noticed that my stretch marks on my abdomen are going away! Thank the lord, because I really really didn't like them. Now only if I could get this jiggly fat to get off of my arms...