Friend Makin' Monday

I am a day late and a dollar short. (Ok, a whole lotta dollars short...)

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 here at: 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!

Tech Questions

1.  PC or Mac?  I grew up a PC girl.  I love my iPhone, but when it comes to computers... I'm still a PC girl.  But, that could only be because I've never owned a Mac...

2. When did you get your first computer?  2003.

3. Do you use cable, DSL or something else?  I have cable internet. 

4. When choosing a laptop, do you think it’s more important to choose the fastest one, or the lightest one?  I'd probably go with the fastest one.  I haven't ever purchased one.  My boyfriend bought me a Notebook last year for my birthday... And it's sloooooooooooow.

5. What kind of cell phone do you own?  Do you like it? iPhone.  I LOVE it!  I shattered one about 8 months ago and was using my boyfriends Droid.  I hated that damn thing!

6. How do you carry your laptop when you travel?  Again, I'm lame.  I don't own a laptop and rarely travel....

7. How many e-mails do you send on an average day? Oh a ton.  But, that is basically just 'work emails'.

8. Do you ever blog using your iPad or similar tablet? Again, me = lame (or possibly, poor) ... I don't have an iPad or tablet.  I do blog from my iPhone a lot though...

9. What do you use more often – a desktop or a laptop? My phone. 

10.  As a blogger, are there other gadgets that you need to get the job done?  If so, what are they?  Pictures!!  So, a camera!

My Saint Geezy end of Summer VACAY

This past weekend Mike and I decided that we needed a weekend getaway.

We were tossing around ideas, there was Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Lava Hot Springs, Jackson Hole, Moab, Grand Junction, Vegas, and St. George.

Luckily Mike's co-worker owns a few Condo's in St. George and was able to rent us one for a cheap price for the whole weekend.  Like, a REALLY cheap price!!

We left shortly after we got off work on Friday and made just a few stops along our way.  The first was in Payson to see my Bailee and surprise her with a back-to-school gift and an I'm-sorry-we're-not-taking-you-with-us gift.

This will be my Goo's second concert.  And I am more than thrilled to spend it with her!!

After visiting with the Bug, we headed on towards the Geezy.

It was a fun road trip.  We giggled, listened to the radio, and then to my iPod (not Mike's choice...)...

Our stop before St. Geez was in in the Beav.  I have, for the past 8ish years wanted an 'I Love Beaver' T-Shirt...and a pic of me in the big, ole, Beaver rocking chair.  My dreams were fulfilled!!

We finally hit St. George at around 11pm.  Because we were in a different condo than the last time, I took pictures of the whole place.  But, for some reason my photo editor won't let me rotate and edit them tonight, so I give up...

However- here are some other fun little pictures!  The first is the AWESOME pool!

This next one I absolutely LOVE.  It was a total candid moment.  I can't stand still when anyone touches my neck.  Mike knows this and rarely ever kisses me there.  I was standing there with him getting ready to take a pic and he attacked my neck.... You can already see it was making me Giggle out of control... but, I have to admit, I did need to do a little ass kicking afterwards!  My neck is OFF LIMITS!  (unless.....oh, nevermind...haha)

Here is the pic we took AFTER the neck attack.  Geez, I sure love this sexy piece of man meat!!

And here is me giving him "loving" kisses. ;)

We sure love each other so very much.  I completely agree that we were made just for each other.

The next day I met up with my old High School Buddy and we got Pedicure, went shopping, and went to lunch.  I loved every minute of seeing her and catching up.

The worst thing about this pedicure is that they SUCKED!  $30 for a pedi where your polish chips after a day and your feet don't end up smooth and soft.... yeah (sorry for the language) that's fucked up. I'm sorry Ivy, this was your first Pedi... come to SLC and I'll take you to an amazing place that charges less than $30 and your feet are soft for weeks, and the polish doesn't chip unless your nails grow out or you chip your nail yourself!

For lunch we went to:

It was mediocre at best, but of course the Cheddar Biscuits were to die for!!!

After our lunch and little shopping spree at Target (I needed a new swim suit and of course some cute dresses haha) we went our separate ways and I went back to our Condo with my Lover.  The next group of pictures is of me FRIED after the vacay, Mike and I in the condo before swimming, Ivy and my tootsies, and me floating on a swim raft.

There was also a LOT of Margarita drinking...which, I know, I should have paced myself.  But, I was on Vacay!  For the first time in a long time without Bailee!!  So, please don't judge. :)

We laid by the pool pretty much every waking second.  It was so amazing!  It brought me back to my natural roots where I loved summer, the water, and the sun.  

I don't think most of you know, but I was a crazy swimmer from about 2.  I started on the swim team at an early age (4, I believe) and did amazing.  I had mad, crazy, blue ribbons for being so super awesome and fast!  My Uncle, Shane, was my best friend and my most amazing supporter/team member/partner during these times.  (I still and always will consider him my big brother).  Anyways, because of my old swimming roots, I was drawn to the pool this entire trip.  

Frying my legs...

I took the temp picture at about 9am.... while we were at the pool it was over 100.

And I paid for it.  I haven't gotten this much sun since about 2002 (pre-Bee)

The top picture is of me at 3am after we got home from our vacay...you can see some of my ouchiness from my sunburn.  The other pic is of course a fun little picture of my Mr and I at the pool.

Here are a few more fun pictures from our stay at the Condo...

Me, cheesing it up!

Floatin' .... I could do this for HOURS!!

My handsome, soon to be (hopefully sooner than later) hubby

At this point I was bored and was just snapping away!!

I am not lying.  I am fried!  Still! :(


On Sunday on our way home I really wanted to stop and visit my Grandparents 'resting' place.  I haven't been there yet and I have been aching to sit and just talk to them.  So, we stopped by the Hurricane Cemetery and found their plots.  I put my blanket down, planted some gorgeous daisies for Grandma, and placed a handful of Pine Nuts for Grandpa.  And then I broke down.  I cried for so long.  I talked to them about how horrible I feel for not being the best grandchild and visiting or calling more, I cried because I don't feel like I got enough time with them...for example, my grandma died at 62.  It was such an emotional reunion, but I felt them right next to me holding me tight and letting me know in their own way that I am special.  I really can't wait to visit them many times a year.  I haven't lost anyone close to me besides the two of them.  So, just sitting there and crying and talking to them helps so much!  I also can't wait to take Bailee there and let her talk to them.  To end this post I am going to add some photos I took while chatting with my grandparents.

I miss them so very much.  And I hate myself daily for not being the 'perfect' granddaughter that I could have been.  It's also not easy having a family member make you feel like crap, when you already feel awful.

I miss having a connection with my family.  Things have changed so much over the years and I am saddened that we have all grown so far apart that we're afraid to call each other just to check in.  Maybe it is just a part of getting older.  But, I am not close at all with my family.  And it kills me every day.  I went through such a crazy spell after my divorce with Eric, and I have lost soooo many people who were so important to me.  
How do I fix it??  I've tried calling, texting, fbing.... Ugh, I give up.  I'm not who I was a year or two ago.  I have GROWN so much in the past six months.
I guess I know who my real friends are now.  And the sad thing, it's not very many.  I would've stuck by you when or if you went crazy for a short amount of time.

Either way-  I have Mike.  I have Bailee.  And I have Eric.  And to be honest... I am HAPPIER than I've been in years!!  Betcha' can't say that without a lie. 

MY Mr. Fitch

This is my Mr. 

This is my best friend.

This is my mostest favoritest person in all the world!  (next to my daughter, of course)

I love you baby!!

FMM (a day late)

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 here at: 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!

Inappropriate Questions

1. Will you vote in the upcoming presidential election?  Yes.  I'm ready for a change.

2. Do you say curse words? Unfortunately.  My daughter yells at me all the time.

3. Have you ever kissed a stranger? Yes

4. If you could choose to meet only one fellow blogger in person right now who would you choose? Wowza.  I actually don't know that one... I need more blogger buddies!!! (HINT HINT)

5. What is the most inappropriate pick-up line that anyone has ever used on you?  I don't really find pickup lines inappropriate or lame.  They make me laugh so hard!  I did have an old dude pick up on me here at work.  I was talking to him about his account over the phone and he asked me if I could give him my personal number so that we could meet up sometime.  Creepy??  I also had another client ask my age and wanted to set me up with his son.  These people don't even know what I look like!  Silly Men!

6. Do you sing in the shower?  All the time.  I am ALWAYS singing or humming.

7. How often do you get drunk?  Every couple weekends.  Gotta let loose!!

8. Have you ever been fired from a job?  Yes.

9. Were you popular in high school?  I feel that I was.  I was friends with EVERYBODY. 

10. Who is your current celebrity crush? Bradley Cooper.... MMMM
Now it’s your turn to answer this week’s questions.  Don’t forget to come back and link up in the comments!  Happy Monday, friends!

I am terrible

My blogging has SUCKED pretty badly lately.

I promise to get back to it.

I just got back from a fun vacation in St. George with my Mr. and I am FRIED!!

I'll post all about it ASAP.

xoxoxo

Help! I've fallen, and I can't get back up!

I posted earlier this week about me not being so good on my diet as of late.  I said that there would be more on that later.  Today is later.

It all started on July 28th when we took my daughter and her little best friend to Lagoon (a Utah Amusement Park) for one of her many birthday parties.

It was a hot day.  And by hot, I mean- it was like 103.  We were huffing and puffing all around the park and I was dehydrated (even though I had downed probably 145 oz already).  I was also STARRRRRVING!  And, to make matters worse, I was out of the 'easy and tasty' Medifast meals.  The easiest meals I had were the shakes that I had to mix myself.

Now, I was extremely starving and everyone else was eating a delicious turkey sandwich.  I caved.  The last thing my body wanted was more liquid- it needed substance.

I wish that was my only caving.

But I have pretty much jumped head-first off of this diet plan.  I kept at at it for a few days, and then got sick.  (Yes, I know... AGAIN?!!)

I told myself I'd get right back on on Tuesday after I was feeling better.  And then guess what?  I went and signed myself up for 19 hours of overtime in 4 days.  I'm crazy right?

So- I'm still 'off' the wagon for right now.  With EVERY intent to jump back on when I finish all of this overtime.  (I have 3 more hours for this week and then another 15 next week.)

I am, however, maintaining what I have already lost.  So... that's good?  Right!?!

Reading material

Right now I am reading 100 Days of Weight Loss. I can't tell you yet if it is a good read because I just started it this morning. But by skimming through it, it looks pretty good. My Health Coach referred it to me.
I am also still reading (from time to time) Dr. A's Habits of Health.

I haven't been the best dieter this past week (more on that later)... So I'm hoping I can find my motivation again in these books.

Know of any other good reads?? Please let me know!!!

19 hours of OT

I may not be posting much this week. 

Or next week.

I'll try my hardest.

I went and signed myself up for 19 hours of overtime for this week, and 15 the next.

I am going to be super tired, and probably crabby. (poor boyfriend)

Hopefully I can remain strong with my diet!! 

And not die from exhaustion... ;)

Friend Makin' Monday

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 here at: 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!

 A Little More Personal

1. Are you a morning person?  Absolutely NOT!  If I wasn't a Mother I would still opt to work the afternoon/evening shift.  But, because I am...I am awake at 5:30am everyday.  Which is hard, considering I'm a night owl and insomniac.  I rarely get more than 6 hours a sleep a night.

2. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?  Extrovert

3. Are you addicted to anything? If so, what?  My iPhone.  It's right by my side all day long.  I don't know what I'd do without it.  Which is lame, I know...

4. How many times have you been in love?  Three.  My high school boyfriend, Craig.  My ex-husband and father of my daughter, Eric.  And my Mike. :)  Three is all.. I'm keeping Mike forever! ;)

5. What is your position on politics?  Don't get me started.  I hate discussing politics.

6. Are you religious?  Not really.

7. Would you prefer backpacking or a luxury hotel?  I love both.  I grew up camping almost every weekend... But I enjoy being pampered too.

8. Do you have/want pets?  I have my adorable kitty, Tipsee.

9. Are you a sports fan?  Sorta.  I really only like College Football (Utah Utes), NBA (Utah Jazz), and any baseball game.  But- I only watch them if I'm actually at the game.  Oh- and I won't pass up watching swimming in the Olympics! 

10. How often do you brush your teeth?  At least twice a day.

11. Do you have tattoos and/or piercings?  I have a butterfly tattoo on my foot, and my ears are pierced.  However, I never wear earrings because my ears are really sensitive.

12. What’s your favorite clothing brand?  I wouldn't say I have a favorite...

13. Should a man open doors for a woman? Yes…

14. Which season is your favorite?  Autumn!!  I love it when it's crisp and the leaves change colors. 

15. Would you rather eat less or workout more?  Can't I not work out and eat more?  All while losing weight?  Haha

16. What’s your idea of romance?  Spending your life with your best friend.  The one who you can act like a complete and total idiot around and they still look at you like you're the only person in the world!

17. How often do you do things that are outside of your comfort zone?  Quite often.  I think it comes from being an extrovert. ;)

18. Christmas or Halloween?  Halloween!  Hands down my favorite holiday.  I love dressing my daughter up and taking her trick-o-treating.  I love the spooky decorations and colors.  But, I think I just relate it to my birthday (3 days before Halloween), and the fact that it is fall.  :)

19. Would you rather live in the country or the city?  Country... Close to the City.  Maybe someday...

20. Share your life philosophy.  Wow- That's deep.  I just want to be an optimistic, joyful person.  I want to finally feel comfortable in my skin.  And to not waste any time being who I really am.

Passing up pizza

Today our team at work went bowling for our summer activity.

I knew they'd order pizza for every one because it's cheap and easy so I was intimidated and planned to just not eat.

When I got there I asked my boss if it'd be ok for me to get a salad instead and I was excited when he said yes.

It wasn't even slightly hard for me to pass on the yummy looking pizza. I am so happy for what this new way of life has already done for my train if thought.

Another one bites the dust

Wahoo!!!!!

The scale has started moving in a downright position.

I lost another 1.5 lbs!!

Hopefully this continues.

HAPPINESS

Tomato-Basil Pita with Tuna

I took my MF Tomato soup 'bread' recipe from my previous post and added a thin layer of Laughing Cow Light Swiss and a small amount of a tuna mixture to the top.

I am counting this as my last MF meal and am deducting the healthy fat, lean, and condiment from my daily intake.

This meal is going to be a favorite!!

Holy moly deliciousness!!

This counts as 1, just ONE, MF meal. And it is delicious!!!

An instagram/medifast friend of mine (angelgurl798) asked today for a bread recipe using the MF tomato soup and I immediately googled it. Seriously? WAS there such a thing?? I love the tomato soup and was totally intrigued so I went to google to find the answer for us both.
I was so happy when I stumbled upon simplyflabuloss.blogspot.com with a recipe.
Tonight I decided to re-create it.

- 1 MF Cream of Tomato Soup Mix
- 2 T water
- 1/4 baking powder
- garlic powder to taste
- rosemary
- basil

Mix all together and spoon onto a parchment lined cookie sheet. Flatten it as thin as you'd like and bake in a 425 degree oven. Bake for 3-5 minutes and then flip, baking the other side just as long. (oven times vary on oven and altitude)

Enjoy plain, or add anything (on plan) to it.

Make sure that if you are adding ingredients, that you subtract from your L&G, condiments, or healthy fats.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!

Welcome to Week 7

It's quite hard to believe that today is the start of week 7.

I still weigh the same as I did at the start of week 5.

I'm still frustrated.

But, I'm still sticking with it.

Hopefully at the start of week 8 I'll weigh less.

Friend Makin' Mondays

I saw this on a blog that I read and thought that I'd give it a try! 

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 here at: 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!

Goals and More

1. Brag about some of your daily, healthy habits.  I drink a lot of water.  And by a lot, I mean.... a LOT!  Sometimes close to 2 gallons.  And I never drink soda.  I also eat 6 times a day because of being on medifast.

2. Do you track your daily food intake? If so, how? I do sometimes.  Not really because I just make sure I am eating my 5 medifast meals and my 1 lean and green meal.  I do have an alarm on my phone set to go off every 2 1/2 hours to remember to eat my meal.

3. What do you want to change most about your daily routine?  Being lazy right after work.  Instead of going home and laying around watching TV (which in turn causes me to get bored and hungry) I would like to find an activity to do a couple times a week, and then make sure I am cleaning my house as well.  Summers are harder for me to be active because of the heat, and my daughter is with her dad and my boyfriend works late.  I get bored!

4. How often do you exercise?  Not that often.  But that will be changing this week!  I'm going to start out with 2 days a week and gradually add days every week.

5. How do you stay on track when you’re on the go? I make sure to have bottles of water on me and my medifast meals. 

6. What’s one excuse you use that prevents you from reaching your goals?  That I'm too tired to exercise or it's too hot outside.  Or, it's been a long and exhausting day- I deserve that alcoholic beverage.

7. What scares your most about your journey? Giving up.  I don't want to quit.  I hate that I have quit so many diets.  But, I don't consider this one as a 'diet'.  It's a new way of life.  I am training my mind and body to be healthier.  The other thing I am scared about is not ever getting to the point of feeling 'thin'.

8. What do you think will change most when you reach your goal? (If you have reached it, what’s different?)  I am hoping my body image.  I can already feel myself feeling slightly more confident even after losing the first 15 pounds.  Imagine how I'll feel once I'm at my goal!!

9. What motivates you to reach your goals?  The fact that I will be turning 30 in a few short months.  Also, my daughter and my boyfriend.  There will be a wedding coming up (eventually) and I want to look super sexy in my wedding photos.  I am excited to wear clothes that I used to do and to just feel good naked!

10. Share a few of your goals. Uhmmm, I want to lose at least 50 pounds by my 30th birthday.  I want to be able to do a Dirty Dash with my family next summer.  I can't wait until I am able to fit in to some of my pants/skirts/shorts from 9 years ago.  I want to be able to swim 3 days a week.  That's just a few...

What about you?  Join FMM!!

Week 6 Day 3

I know I haven't posted much of an update in awhile.  The reason being is because I have stopped weighing and measuring myself. 
I was getting so frustrated with my scale not moving.  Or moving and then going back up.  So I decided to just stop.
No, not stop the diet- I am still going strong.  I just don't want to feel tied to the scale. 
I still hop on it from time to time, but I am enjoying doing it this way much more.
I know I am still losing because of the way my clothes fit, and because of the way I am feeling.

When I do decide to hop on that darned scale again, I'll be sure to let you know!!

Tasty Dish: Baked Cauliflower Florets

I saw a recipe for baked cauliflower florets somewhere.  I can't remember if it was on someone elses blog, or pinterest.  But, last night I was determined re-create it for my 'green'.

They were so yummy!  The lady who orginally posted the recipe (I wish I could remember where I found it so that I could give her credit!), said they tasted a lot like french fries.  And I agree.  Sure, they still have that cauliflower-y taste, but they were scrumptious!

How to make:

-Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
- Break up a head of cauliflower, cut off as much of the stem as you can, and cut/break them into bite sized pieces.
- In a small bowl combine olive oil, salt, and pepper. (you could also use other spices to make them taste differently)
- Coat the cauliflower pieces in the oil mixture and place on a parchment paper covered cookie sheet.
- Bake for 1 hour, turning the pieces about 3 times during that hour so that they are brown and crispy on each side.

Enjoy!

Tasty Dish: Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti

Last Friday night I finally used my Spaghetti Squash to make some spaghetti noodles. 

The verdict: It was DELICIOUS! 

How to make:


Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti Noodles
- Take your squash and poke holes into it.  I used a skewer and poked about 10 holes in each side.
- Microwave the squash for 4-5 minutes and then flip it over and microwave it for another 4-5 minutes.
- Cut the squash in half and scrape out the seeds.
-Take fork and scrape the insides of the squash, this should come out looking like little noodles.

Spaghetti Sauce
-Brown 1 lb. ground hamburger or turkey.  I used turkey because it leaner and I could have more of it.
-Combine hamburger and a can of whole tomatoes in a pot. 
-Add a small can of tomato paste.
-Mash the whole tomatoes in the sauce.
-Add water as needed for desired consistency of sauce. (won't always need water)
-Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. (and any other spices you might like) 
-Simmer on low for at least 30 minutes. (I like to simmer for as long as possible, up to 2 hours)

I love making my own spaghetti sauce because you can make sure there isn't any added sugar, although- when not on plan I do like to add a little sugar to the recipe. 

Happy 9th Birthday Bailee!!!!

A little over 9 years ago I looked like this:

Roughly 2-3 weeks later, I looked like this (after getting the epidural):



And the very next morning, this was my reward:

I am the proudest mama there is.  I love this little girl more than I could possibly imagine!  She is my angel, and my bestest friend.

I hope you have a great birthday Bailee!!  Know that Mama loves you the mostest!!

xoxoxox

My best friend: George Foreman

This little machine is the love of my life. He's been a part of me for just about 9 years now and has been by my side through every diet. He is quick and easy (not what she said..haha) and cooks my meat leanly, and efficiently. Lately I use him about 3 times a week for my quick and easy turkey burgers. MMM MMM and MMMMMMMM!!!

Chicago!

I had a fabulous time with my family for my Grandmas bday yesterday in Park City.

Read all about it here: http://ejbwray.blogspot.com/2012/07/chicago.html?m=1

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Spaghetti

Squash!

I bought this today and can't wait to cook it up and try it out this week! Hopefully tomorrow!

I'll let you know if it's good.

Inspirational Pin

Oh how it'd be to go at least a whole MONTH without getting sick!

Wishful thinking?

At least this time it wasn't the pukeys...

I came down Saturday afternoon with a scratchy throat and was extremely exhausted.  On Sunday I felt worse and slept pretty much most of the day.  I stayed on plan, but all I wanted was some comfort food that Medifast wasn't going to provide.

Monday morning I got up for work and hopped in the shower and just couldn't stop coughing or really keep my eyes open.  And I had no energy to really wash myself.  It was time to admit that I caught a bug.  Bummer.

I tried my hardest to just stick to Medifast and not go off plan, but my body was so weak and I felt so awful and was craving comfort food so bad. 

I ended up giving in on Monday evening and yesterday.  But hey!  I am back to work again today and back on plan!

Sometimes you can't be perfect all the time.  Sometimes you do have to listen to your body.  My body was telling me I needed something to help me get better, and it worked.

I decided not to get mad at myself for going off plan, as long as I jumped right back on when I felt better.

However, I felt soooooo icky eating foods that I haven't eaten in a month!  Last night I was dying trying to sleep.  I was sooooo uncomfortable!!  Processed foods, high carbohydrates, and dairy are obviously not good for you for a reason.

I am happy to be back on plan and am going to kick it into high gear as I did when I first began.  Making sure I weigh EVERYTHING I eat for my L&G and keeping an eye on my snacks and condiments.

Also, next week (once I get my body used to being back on Medifast full-time) I will begin an exercise plan.  Of course I plan to start very slow... But, I'm hoping it'll help!

By the way... Yesterday was the start of 4 weeks on this plan!  I'm so happy!!

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