Random Ish

I have watched more movies on Netflix than I can count this week, some decent, some, not so great.

I got an iPad for Christmas and I absolutely love it.

My manicures have not been lasting. Ugh.

Going back to work is going to be a struggle.

I wonder how many new people will be at the WW meeting I attend on Wednesday.

I need a new camera.

Mission Impossible was great!!

I am sick, and that sucks.

I am going to make me a bling case for my iPad!!!

I want to cut my hair short and get a relaxer!! But I don't know if I will actually do it. I told myself after I lose 50 pounds.

Happy New Year!!!

Huh

So, my meeting was today, and I gained .6 pounds. I'm kind of down about it. I can think of numerous things that I can and will do better this coming week. I am going to be realistic and understand that Christmas is going to be tough. I will not give up though.

A list improvements to make this:
1 - Exercise at least 3 times before the next meeting.
2 - Track as soon as or before I eat.
3 - Eat at least one fruit or vegetable with each meal.

I can think of many different things to add to this list, but I want to succeed, so I'm going to leave it with the three goals above!!

WTH

I hadn't painted my nails in a few days, so, last night I had to put a stop to the madness. I looked through my stash, an settled on a pretty glitter green.

 

Only to get to work and see this.

Ugh

How in the heck did that happen?

The Roller Set

I'm getting better with the roller set, and plan to keep it in rotation.  I don't think I'll do it every week, but it will definitely be regular!!  Thanks to shamiamglam.com for the inspiration.  I'm in the market for a new camera, so excuse my iPhone photos.

I tried sleeping in the rollers the first time I did a roller set, no bueno.  The second time, I rolled, sat under the dryer, and then wrapped, but some reason, the middle was really frizzy.  So, this time, I rolled, sat under the dryer, and pin curled, much better, and I slept great!!  I think I'm going to continue to pin curl until I wash again!!

Christmas Nails

I went to Sally last night to pick up a few hair supplies, mainly rollers, but polish junkie in me couldn't leave without picking up at least one bottle.

I didn't have any glitter polish in my stash, so, that's what I went for. I think I'm going to wear this polish until Christmas. Especially since I don't really see myself wearing it much after.
I didn't have any glitter polish in my stash, so, that's what I went for. I think I'm going to wear this polish until Christmas. Especially since I don't really see myself wearing it much after.

It's the same color as my Christmas tree!

Random Edition

•  I'm mad that I just now tried a roller set on my natural hair, after being natural for going on 7 years...
• I am almost done with my Christmas shopping, and may not wrap another gift...
• I am looking forward to a break from it all - volleyball, WORK, CASA, tutoring, my nieces basketball games, etc...
• I have been so busy, I haven't been keeping polish on my nails...
• I refuse to wear my nails with chipped paint...
• Weight Watchers works...monitoring what I'm eating really sheds light on why I continually gain weight...
• Thinking about giving the CG method (to shampoo, no cones, etc) another try...
• I have known too many people that are dieing lately, it's sad, a wake-up call, and depressing...
• Sooo many young people are getting killed in my city...
• The young lady that I tutor thinks school is for having fun and socializing with friends...her words, not mine...
• Why is it so hard to find a vegetable side dish for Christmas???  I would appreciate any ideas!

SAMCRO

A couple of months ago, someone posted something on Facebook about So.ns of Anarchy, a show that comes on FX.  They said that if you like The Wi.re, you would also like Sons of Anarchy.  I didn't believe the person, because to me, there is no show like The Wi.re.  Well, I was bored one weekend, Netflix had the first two seasons available to stream, so I decided to give it a chance.  Now, I am hooked.  Is it The Wi.re, no, but it is a good show.  Drama, love, suspense, and most of all, it's not reality.  Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against reality TV, I just feel like TV is saturated with it right now.  Because of that, it's hard to find true fictional shows that are entertaining.  Season Four just wrapped up, and I am definitely left wanting more.  Because I watched the first two seasons on Netflix, I am spoiled.  So, I'm thinking next season, I'm not going to watch any of the shows until the season is over.  I'll DVR all of them, and then watch them marathon style!!

Temptation...

Well, Thanksgiving was last week, and I would like to say I did well, but I wouldn't be telling the truth.  I didn't do terrible, but I did ok.  I tried, I had a plan, I started off well.  On the way there, I was so hungry on the road, but I was saving my points for my beloved Chinese Food upon arrival.  So, instead of stopping at a fast food restaurant to get something to 'hold me over'.  We stopped at Meijer, and I bought some fruit. 

Thanksgiving Day, my plate wasn't too bad, a small amount of dressing with turkey in it, a corner of mac and cheese, some chitterlings, cabbage, and a baked chicken wing.  Then came the desserts.  My aunt knows people that sell cakes, and when I tell you these pound cakes are delicious, they are delicious.  So good, that my mother buys multiple cakes to bring back and freeze.  Cake, tempted me ALL weekend, and I gave in, ALL weekend. 

Fast forward to coming back home, realizing that the progress I've made will result in a not so great number on the scale at my meeting this week, has been bringing me down.  Looking at my body in the mirror as I'm working out is bringing me down.  Wanting all the junk food and unhealthy food that I know I shouldn't indulge in is bringing me down.  Thinking about all of the temptation that the month of December will bring is bringing me down. But I digress. 

I keep telling myself, this is a lifestyle change that I'm making, there are going to be good and bad weeks.  The key is to bounce back.  And I truly feel like I'm bouncing back.  I guess I just want to not want the things that got me to where I am, 50+ pounds overweight. 

Successful Week

I counted my points, I made sure I drank my  6 - 8 cups of water a day, I ate fruits and vegetables, and I even exercised.  And what do you know, I lost 5 pounds.  When I found out, I was elated, and proud of myself.  Fast forward a few hours, and I got scared and somewhat sad, just thinking, ok, I'm off to a good start, and I going to do what I always do, and go back to eating like I don't have good sense?  Am I going to stop working out because I don't feel like going to the gym?  Well, only one person holds the answers to those questions, and that's me!!  I can choose to continue getting healthy, or I can choose to be unhealthy. 

What kind of surprised me, is that I wouldn't even say that last week was hard, or tough even.  I simply made healthier decisions.  I never felt like I was forcing myself to eat healthy.  I never felt like the food I was eating wasn't good, I simply put thought into what I was eating.  I could have eaten a double cheeseburger from McDonald's, for 12 points.  Or I could eat Chuck Roast, Potatoes, Carrots, Celery, and Onion for 12 points, made at home.  It's not easy, but it's not impossible either.  It just takes an extra minute, to think about eating something healthy, and making that decision.  And even more than that, it's worth it to make the healthier decision. 

This week will be a little tougher, I'm going out of town, there will be plenty to indulge in, right in my face.  But, I can make it through this week, and not go over my points, I'm sure of it!

NOTD

NOTD

Polish Collection

9/6/11

11/16/11

Wow, I have built quite a collection in two months, needless to say, I don't need another finger nail polish, but that won't stop me.

Defeated...

My neighbor does weight watchers, so I choose the meeting she goes to attend, hoping that we could motivate one another.  Well, she has a defeatist attitude, and it saddens me.  Let me start by saying that I am full aware that I CAN loose weight, I have not made the right decisions to do so.  I guess it's easier to point out the mistakes that other people make, and I'm going to do just that, lol. 

• She eats all day, then waits until the end of the day to write out her points...
• She talks bad about herself when she eats dessert, or has coffee with cream and sugar, or whatever
• She's been giving weight watchers money, every month, but not getting serious about changing her eating habits
• She blames others for her bad decisions
• I don't think she truly believes that she can loose the weight.

I will not sit here and pretend that I haven't made all of the mistakes above, over and over again.  But I don't feel like she's being realistic with herself.  If you already have bad eating habits, and you wait until the end of the day to figure out the point values, you are going to make bad decisions.  If you made a bad decision early in the day, but you know it was a bad decision, you can eat healthier at the end of the day, to stay within your allotted points for the day.

Weight watchers is not cheap, so if you aren't going to buckle down, and at least try to follow the guidelines, why give them that money every month?  I just don't understand it. 

But, I am going to do my best to encourage her (as well as myself) to finally make the changes we need to make!!

Nails

Been A While

I haven't blogged in FOR-EV-ER...  Oh well, I have no excuses, or reasons.

Jumping right in :-).  I've joined weight watchers.  I am gaining weight, at lightening speed.  I'm eating whatever the heck I want, whenever the heck I want.  I'm working out sporadically at best.  I am not focused, I am not motivated.  Which doesn't make any sense, because I feel horrible.  I hate the way I look in pictures, I hate the way my body feels.  I am not happy, yet I eat like everything is fine.  So, I joined weight watchers, hoping the accountability will knock some sense into me.  I know there are other diet's, workout programs, simple things I can do to loose weight.  I know of many things that work for me, but at the end of the day, I am not doing them.  So, I'm doing something I've never done before.  My first weigh in is today, maybe I'll share that.  Maybe putting that number out there will help me to bring it down. 

What is up with me???

• I went to see J. Cole in concert, I love him even more!!!
• My honey and I have been looking at houses...not that we are buying anytime soon (not before a ring comes into play)
• I have no motivation, what-so-ever, to workout, eat right, blog, work...
• I am gaining even more weight :-( (see bullet above)
• I just finished reading The Darkest Child - I wonder about the authors life, did she witness people growing up like this?  Did she grow up like this?  She wrote one book, great book, about a rather disturbing woman...
• I need to learn how to appreciate the journey...My only focus is the destination...In most things
• Fussing comes naturally to me, and I don't like it...Changing it is harder than I ever thought imaginable...But I am changing it...
• I am in a funk...

Seriously???

Crazy - Hey, how are you?
Me - I'm good, how are you?
Crazy - I'm good, did you bevel your hair last week?
Me - Yes.
Crazy - Oh, it was cute, is it all yours?
Dina - Bish what?????
Me - O_o, yes, it's all mine.
Crazy - I really like it, why don't you wear it like that more often?
Dina - Oh, she gone keep stepping out of line.
Me - Because I don't like putting heat on my hair all the time, and I LIKE MY HAIR LIKE THIS...
Crazy - Why don't you put some product in it.
Dina - You just gone let her keep going hunh????
Me - Because I don't want to...as I walk away...

Whew, there were so many things I wanted to say to this trick.  But, I held it together.  I wasn't quick enough on my feet to give her the business politely, I was shocked that she thought this line of questioning was ok.  She wants to be down so bad.  You know the type, only dates black men, tries to talk black (while sounding like a fool).  I just can't with this woman. 

Oh yeah, and please meet Dina, I let her out sometimes, but I try to keep her contained, cause had she come out, I would for sure be getting walked out of the building as you are reading this...

Speak To Me...

I am making a scarf, a knitted scarf, yes, I knit!  Before this hat, it had been so long since I knit, I think people forgot that I actually did it :-).  Anywho, La and I are making a cabled scarf!  I made this scarf a while ago for a coworker, and I always wanted to make one for myself, and never got around to it.  I started it last Friday night, and this is my progress as of last night!

I think I'm making good progress so far.  Actually, for me, I'm making excellent progress! 

I already have a few more projects picked out that I want to make.  I hope my knitting mojo is here to stay!

PS - The name, well, I feel like it looks like waves.  When people wave, they are speaking to you, or me in this instance.  Corny, I know!

Lacy Beret

I actually finished a knitting project recently, and it only took me 4 months!!  I guess that isn't horrible, but it's far from great.  Either way, I can't wait to wear the gem once it gets cold.  I ran out of yarn when I was almost finished, and had to order more, it was a different dye lot, and it's obvious.  Oh well, It doesn't look bad enough for me not to wear it.

Annoyingly Polite

There is this guy at work, if I had to guess his age, I would give him the benefit of the doubt and say that he's around 60.  But I would honestly be surprised if he was any younger than 70.  Anyway, when I first started working here, approximately 5.5 years ago, I thought he was the nicest old man in the world.  He ALWAYS spoke to everyone, by name.  If you slowed down, he would talk to you, try to learn something about you.  Me, being the young naive sweet thing I was (bwwaahhhhaahhhahhahhahha), I would talk to him from time to time.  Well, one day, he asked me if I wanted to have dinner with him.  EVERYBODY HOLD UP: this man is older than my mother (maybe), but as old as my mother.  He's pasty.  And he thinks I want to have dinner with him.  See what I get for being nice?  So now, when I see, I pick up my pace.  Yet, every single time I walk by him, he says, 'Hello Danielle', to which I say hello back, never breaking stride.  Then, he must squeeze in, 'Have a great day'.  Now, typing it out, it doesn't seem that bad, but by the time he even begins to say 'Have', I'm almost out of site.  Just the other day, I saw him as I was going in the restroom, we had our typical exchange.  I saw him as I was leaving the restroom, and he had to say hello again???!???!?!?!  Excuse me sir, I just saw you, not even a minute ago, you don't have to keep speaking to me.  Act like you don't see me, especially if your back is to me as I'm walking by you.  It's ok to not speak to someones back.  In fact, if I'm not looking in your direction, don't feel obligated to speak to me.  Aghh, at first I thought he was just a nice polite old man.  Now, I go out of my way to avoid talking to him...

My Hair

This past weekend, I straightened, clipped my ends, and curled my hair.  My hair is really thin, so it does not look good bone straight.  I hadn't clipped my ends in forever, I was long overdue!  I am proud of myself for not cutting my hair, it's longer than it has ever been.  I don't measure with a ruler or anything, but it's about bra-strap length.

I couldn't get a good picture of the back.

Nail Polish Storage

So, after I purchased 10 nail polishes in about 2 weeks, I knew I would need something else to store my nail polish in, the train case would only suffice for maybe a few more polishes.  So, I went to some stores, to get some ideas, and never really found anything that I truly wanted.  I found some things that would work, but nothing I was excited about.  So, I went to blogland, to see what the real nail enthusiasts used, still never really found anything that tickled my fancy.  So, I went to youtube, seen a couple of videos that gave me some inspiration.  I showed them to my honey, we bought some supplies, and this is what he came up with!

I took this picture about a week or so ago, and I am ashamed to admit that the third tier is half full now?  My bestie gave me like 8 polishes, so that contributed.  I've also purchased about 3 since then.  I absolutely love it, and I think I may need another one soon.  If you can't tell, it's sitting on a shelf in my bookshelf.  It works perfectly for me!

Finally!!!

Well, I have been addicted to painting my nails.  I started out, with it looking like my 8 year old niece was painting my nails.  Then I used the resources available to me and youtube-d 'how to paint your nails.'  Found just a few different videos, and I was on my way.  I was painting, it was looking good, but there was one problem.  I would paint at night (yes, every night), and when I would wake up in the morning, the paint would be smashed and dented.  It wasn't completely dry before I went to bed, and I cannot sleep without tossing and turning apparently.  So, rather than give up my new found hobby, I purchased a small table-top fan (for $3.60) and the infamous Seche Vite that so many polish enthusiasts rave about.  Used both the fan and the quick drying top coat last night, and I couldn't be more happy with the results:

The top coat makes it looks like glass, like when I was getting my nails She.llac-ed.  I plan on doing a manicure on Sunday or Monday and seeing how long it will last.  I have a couple of bbq's to go to this weekend, and may want my nails to match what I'm wearing (feel free to judge :-)). 

Random Happenings!!!

• I am finally slowing down after a busy summer!!!
• What the heck happened to August being the hottest month of the summer????
• Ugh, I have gained weight...
• Started Couch to 5k again...
• I am completely addicted to nail polish...
• And, I'm trying my hand at couponing, mostly for toiletries and things like!
• I want a better camera, maybe I'll ask for one for Christmas...
• I am in decorating mode and coming up with a lot of ideas for the house!
• Pinterest will not let me be great...
• I am head over heels in love with Poetry :-)...
• In about 3 weeks, we will have our 1 year anniversary!!

Nails!!

Well, I am addicted to nail polish, and therefore addicted to painting my nails.  I've been changing colors just about every day, unless the polish looks great.  I just recently started painting my nails, so I'm not that good.  Practice makes perfect right??

Here's a collage of some I've done in the past week!

Top Right: Sinful Colors - Dream On
Top Left: Orly - Spark
Bottom Right: China Glaze - Not sure what the colors name is, it's my best friends and that stingy heffa took it back :-)...
Bottom Left: Sinful Colors - Happy Ending

Of these, I would have to say the Happy Ending was my favorite.  Sinful Colors is a cheap nail polish, but I don't have any complaints about it.  The Orly on the other hand, which is more expensive, was very streaky. 

Challenge: Day 30

Who Am I???

I am a 30 year old black woman.  An aunt, daughter, sister, cousin, and friend.  The only black Software Engineer that I work with, and even see on some days.  A black woman trying to figure out my path in life.  What my passion in life is.  What I want to be when I grow up.  I knit, I eat (too much sometimes), I write (not that well), I exercise (not consistently enough), and I work.  I work at being the best me that I can be.  I am not always successful but I am always striving.  I am strong, and proud.  I am Danielle!!!

Whew, I made it through this challenge!!!

Challenge: Day 29

Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned


I have learned how to paint my nails so that it doesn't look like my 8 year old niece did it!!  I have learned that I can stick with something, if I make it a priority.  I have learned that 30 day challenges can get kind of boring.  Eh, that's all I have!!

Challenge: Day28

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?

 Last Year

 This Year

How I have changed, from last year to this year???  I feel like I'm more confident, I'm more accepting of who I am as a person.  I'm not too concerned about other peoples opinion of me.  I try to do what I think is right, and after that, I don't have much energy to people please.  I'm much more responsible with money.  I'm in love with an awesome man!!  

Challenge: Day 27

Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

I started doing this challenge, because I had lost my desire to blog, and I wanted to get back into it.  I wanted to prove to myself that I could stick with it.  30 days is kind of a long time, especially for me.  That's really the only reason I did it :-).

Challenge: Day 26

Day 26- What you think about your friends
I don't have very many friends, and the ones I have, are very near and dear to me.  They are all very different.


La - She's the most loving person I know.  She wants those close to her to be happy, and will do anything in her power to make it happen.  She's kind of selfish with her friendship, she does not like to share those close to her :-).  


Michael - Does not show any type of emotion what so ever.  But you simply know when he cares for you.  He does not have to tell you how he feels.  It's in the things that he is willing to do for you (like fly to this town for a ridiculously priced plane ticket just to be here to celebrate my 30th birthday with me.).  


My Sister - Like Michael, doesn't show any emotion (but will cry at the drop of a dime).  But I know if I needed anything, she beg borrow or steal to get it for me.  And please don't talk bad about me to her, she will let you know something real quick!!


Simone - The most sarcastic person I know.  Always guaranteed to laugh when she's around.  And like the rest of my friends, if I need something, she has my back for sure.  She's a rock, does not complain about anything.  Rarely lets anything get her down.  Always finds the good in people.


My circle is not large, but it is strong.  These are the people that will ALWAYS be around no matter who comes and goes!!

Challenge: Day 25

Day 25- What I would find in your bag

In my bag:

• An old school phone book and small spiral notebook...
• Makeup bag with personals in it...
• My cell phone (which I used to take the picture)...
• My wallet...
• Checkbook...
• A few pens...
• Random Mail
• Gum, chapstick
  

Challenge: Day 24

Day 24- A letter to your parents
Well, I would have to write two totally different letters.  You see my mom, she is my rock, but my dad, I call him my sperm donor.  So, rather than be negative, I will just write a letter to my mom!!


Dear Mama (you are appreciated :-)),

As a child, I feel like I kind of grew up fast.  You having to work nights to support us, and me always being around people that were older than me.  But I never felt as though you were a bad mom because you weren't home with us at night.  You see, I knew that we had to have food on the table, we had to have clothes on our back, and you made sure we had nothing but the best.  I know you hated leaving us home alone, 17, 13, and 6.  But not working was not an option for you.  Most people would think that we would be out of control, home alone, no adult supervision.  But, back then, we feared you.  We knew that the consequences to most things were not worth the risk.  When I became a teenager, it was just you and I.  I thought I would love it when my brother and sister moved out.  But, you were there to keep a closer eye on me.  During high school, all I could think about was going away to college, so that I could finally be out of your house!  Now, we have a wonderful relationship.  I understand the way you raised us, and I know it was necessary.  I understand that there are consequences to all of my actions.  I understand that no one is going to take care of me, except me.  I understand that anything that I want is attainable, through hard work and perseverance.  I appreciate all that you sacrificed so that we would have a great childhood.  Words cannot express how much I appreciate you!!


I love you mom!!

Challenge: Day 23

Day 23- Something you crave for a lot



I am always craving Mountain Dew and Snicker's.  I do pretty well with not giving in, but I feel like I always want one or both of these!

Challenge: Day 22

Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else

Hmmm, I honestly don't think I have any 1 thing that makes me so much different than anyone else.  So, I'll use this as an opportunity to say what makes me, me!

I am black (not mixed) with hazel eyes.  I wear my hair in it's natural state, not because I'm making a statement.  But because I'm not that fond of straight hair.  I can be nice, but I can also be the biggest b***h you've ever met.  I am ALWAYS ready to snap (I seriously need to work on this one). I am spoiled, but I'm not a brat.  I have a very laid back, comfy, cute style (at least I think so).  I recently became addicted to nail polish.  I have never played a sport that I wasn't decent at.  

Overall, I'm pretty dope.  Just kidding.  While I am confident, I know I am not perfect!

Challenge: Day 21

Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy


There's a place here called Painting Fun Spot and I told Poetry that I wanted to go there in conversation one day as we rode by it.  He didn't really say anything about it, and I didn't really think anything else about it.  Well, last Wednesday (on my birthday), he asked me to go in the room because he had a surprise for me.  When I came out, this setup was sitting on the table:

We spent the evening painting, talking, laughing,  and listening to music.  I really appreciated the thought he put into it.  It's a local business, and they normally only have customers come to their location and paint.  So Poetry talked them into coming up with a way for him to purchase the supplies, and take them with him.  It made sense to them, and we painted.  It was the perfect evening.

Above is the finished product.  Well, one of the finished products.  He bought a few other pieces for us to paint, but we haven't had time yet.

 

This is where it lives in the kitchen!!

Challenge: Day 20

Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future


Well, I see myself marrying Poetry.  We have been together for 11 months, and I am looking forward to the day that we take the next step in our relationship.  I am not in a rush to do so.  But I know when we do, it will be perfect!!  I love him more than I thought I would ever love a guy.  Before we started dating, I was starting to believe that I would be by myself forever.  Not that I didn't date, because I did.  There was always something about the guys, I didn't trust them for one reason or another, they didn't want to be in a relationship, they didn't work, they didn't take care of themselves.  I could go on and on.  I just didn't think I would find someone that I had chemistry with, that wanted the same things I wanted, and that had their stuff together.  Poetry has all that and more!!  He makes me want to be the best person I can be!!

Minted!!

I have been a nail painting machine.  Not really, but I've been buying nail polish, and therefore, have been painting my nails, a few times a week even!!  I'm getting better with painting (meaning my nails don't look like a 4 year old painted them).  I am not looking for storage ideas.  While I don't have too much polish right now, I can see my collection expanding drastically.  I've purchased about 8 bottles in the past 2 - 3 weeks.

Don't look too closely!! 

Challenge: Day 19

Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
 
Dan - This is the name that only my closest family members use.  Not all of the time even, but they use it.  It actually sounds weird when people, not in my family call me this.


Baby D - My cousin/friend calls me this.  It is hilarious to me, I think she got it from a movie.  My aunt, her mother calls me this from time to time as well.


Dani - My best friend calls me this.  And I think other people that hear her call me this, also call me this!


D - Random people call me this, obviously because my name starts with a D.


Dumpling - That's what Poetry calls me.  I have no idea where it came from.

Debo - I wasn't a bully, but I had a bad habit of hitting guys to show them that I was tough when I was in high school.  So, that's what they called me.  I think my cousing (see Baby D above) calls me this from time to time as well.

That's all I can think of, lol.

Challenge: Day 18

Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have 


Lately, I've been trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.  Yes, I'm 30, but I still do not know what it is I want to do with this life of mine.  Working everyday in corporate america doing what I'm doing, isn't making me happy.  I look at my career as a job, which for me, means I won't excel very well.  There was a brief time that I did enjoy my job.  It was stressful, but I didn't mind it.  That was when I was not really doing much technical work, more leadership.  So, I definitely know I need to be some type of leader, but I'm not sure in what capacity.  


I absolutely love to travel, and I've been to the different places in the Caribbean a lot!!  I would love to be able to do some real traveling.  To places that are not mostly tourist locations.  I KNOW I will be able to do this, it's just a matter of making the plans!!


A short term goal that I am working on right now, is getting out of debt.  I've made some very bad decisions with credit, and I am digging myself out.  Another goal, is losing some weight.  I don't have an exact number in mind, but when my body is where I am happy, that will be the number.  Working out is something I tend to do, eating right, is another story!! 

Challenge: Day 17

Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

I've never really even thought about switching lives with someone.  But, off the top of my head, I would want to switch lives with my best friend.  The stories she tells me about the people that come into the library range from being hilarious, sad, and just plain unbelievable.  I think being there for one day, would make me appreciate my job much more than I do!

Challenge: Day 16

Day 16- Another picture of yourself

My best friends sister took some pictures of me, I had a ball!  I loved my hair too!!

Challenge: Day 15

Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play

1. Vivian Green - Gotta Go Gotta Leave (Tired)
2. John Legend - She Don't Have To Know
3. Amy Whinehouse - (There Is) No Greater Love
4. Anthony Hamilton - Do You Feel Me
5. Anita Baker - Body And Soul
6. Keri Hilson Feat. Kanye West - Knock You Down
7. Me'Shell Ndegeocello - Beautiful
8. Jonny Lang - One Person At A Time
9. Eve - Gotta Man
10. Pretty Ricky - Nothin But A Number (Can you say guilty pleasure????)
    

Challenge: Day 14

This is me (orange), my brother, my mom, and my sister!!

Challenge: Day 13

Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently



Hmmm, I can't think of anyone that has hurt me personally recently.  But, I have a letter to a company that is pissed me off recently, Me.nards.


Back Story: I was in Menards on Sunday, looking for wire molding.  Well, we found an employee to lead us in the right direction.  As we were walking, an abandoned cart was sitting in the middle of the aisle, I saw the cart, but I did see the huge arse piece of metal sticking out of the cart, I ran into it, I thought I scraped my arm, no biggie.  Until Poetry looks at my arm in horror and starts leading me towards the door and says we are going to the hospital.  Six stitches later, I figured out that he wasn't joking.  So, their insurance company called me on Monday, letting me know they would pay my doctor bills, but not for my time off of work.  So, here's my letter to Menard's.


Dear Menards,


As a frequent customer of your stores, I am very disappointed in the way your insurance company handled my claim.  The phone call started off calm enough, she explained to me that she wanted to record my statement, I agreed, I gave my statement, she let me know that she was no longer recording.  THEN, she goes on to say that Menard's would not be responsible for me missing work.  They are not liable, because the object was stationary, and it was in a customers cart.  The arguments made no sense whatsoever to me, and I promptly let the insurance representative know that.  The cost of one day of work to me, means more to me than it would to a company of your size.  I'm sure your insurance agents are well aware that it's not worth me getting a lawyer and fighting.  I am extremely disappointed that you are willing to lose me as a customer over one day of wages.  Truth be told, if you were no liable, you would not be covering my medical bills.  Rather than lose sleep, or be upset, I simply will never shop at your store again.  I'm sure the loss is minute to you.  Either way, I will spend my hard earned money elsewhere.

 

Challenge: Day 12

Happy Birthday To ME!!!!

I am 30 today!!!

But anyway, back to the challenge :-).

Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one

I found out about blogger about 6 years ago, and thought, I can write, lol.  Really, I just wanted a space, I could write random things, and go back, and see what was going on with me at certain points in my life.  I've gone through long droughts of not writing.  I started other blogs, that I no longer update. 

Challenge: Day 11

Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
 

Blurry because it's a picture of a picture.  This was after my sister's nuptials with some of my family and my sisters friends.  Well, technically, my best friend is in here, but she's family, and my honey is in here too!

Challenge: Day 10

Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad

This is a tough one for me, I listen to music so much, I can't pin-point exactly what I listen to based on my mood.

But, I can possibly think of some songs that I listen to that may put me in a certain mood.

Happy 
Chrisette Michele - Like a Dream
I love this song, and it does put me in a happy mood!
I had to add this song too!!

Sad
Train - Drops of Jupiter 

I have no idea why I listen to this song when I'm sad, but anytime I'm sad, it is the first song I go to...

Bored
Tweet - Caught Up
I'm not really bored when I listen to this song, but if I'm sitting at home not doing anything, this song will probably be played!!

Hyped
B.o.B - So So
Right now anyway, whenever I'm going out, or just hype for whatever reason, I listen to this song.  I know every single word, lol.

Mad 
Jazmine Sullivan - 10 seconds
It depends on what I'm mad at I guess.  I can imagine this would be a song I would listen to if I were upset about, well, about what she's talking about in the song!!

Challenge: Day 9

Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days

I am proud that I have been really focused on eating healthy.  Not perfect, but definitely making healthier decisions overall.  Not eating out simply because it's convenient.  Not making frozen pizza when I can simply make a turkey sandwich and be just as fulfilled, without the guilt afterwards.  My approach is no longer, I can't eat this right now, but I can eat whatever I want, I'm simply choosing not to eat the junk.  I've realized that the way I think about food needs to change.  I've had some extremely bad eating habits, and I can't expect that it's not going to take work to change them!  One decision at a time!

Challenge: Day 8

Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why

This month, I want to workout, for at least 30 minutes, EVERY DAY!!!  I don't have anything going on where I can't get outside and walk/jog, or hit the gym for at least 30 minutes.

I have been feeling down about my weight.  I feel like I look fat in every single picture that I take.  So, rather than continue to feel depressed about my weight, I need to do something about it.  I am also eating healthier, but I find that if I'm working out, I automatically make healthier choices. 

 

Challenge: Day 7

Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

 This is a picture of myself and most of my cousins after my Grandmother's funeral.  My Grandmother owned 2 beauty salons, owned a home, and retired as a beautician.  She did so with a lot of money.  She was divorced from my Grandfather before I was born, and married again when she was retired, so she did all of the above, on her own, with 8 children.  I learned so much from her, without her ever talking about any of the above.  Words cannot express how much I miss that lady.  I don't have any digital photos of her, which is why I chose the above photo.

Challenge: Day 6

Day 06- Favorite super hero and why

This is a tough one, I don't really have a favorite super hero.  So, I'll just go with something similar.  I absolutely love X-Men - Wolverine.  

I thought Hugh Jackman and Liev Schreiber were extremely sexy (I can be a little shallow).  The move also had good action, and I like all of the X-Men movies!!!

Challenge: Day 5

Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to

 Cleveland vs. Miami in December of 2010

I LOVE Lebron James, and this was his first game back in Cleveland after he left!!

Challenge: Day 4

Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn't have

Hmm, I'm pretty much perfect, so this is tough.

Bwwaahhhhaaaahhhahhaa- just kidding, choosing a blog appropriate habit is what's tough...

I have a habit of procrastinating...I'm getting better, but it is still frustrating.  If it can be put off, I will put it off.  Cleaning up, certain things at work, working out, cooking, you name it, I will put it off!

Challenge: Day 3

Day 03-A picture of you and your friends

 I don't have very many friends, as you can tell.

The top picture, is me and my best friend!!

The bottom picture, is my sister, me, my boyfriend, and my cousin!!

My sister and my cousin are my friends too.  I'm pretty close with another one of my cousins, but I couldn't find a picture readily, maybe I'll update.

Challenge: Day 2

Day 02- The meaning behind your Blogger name

 

Random Thoughts From D -

I knew I didn't want to follow a them for my blog, I just wanted it to be a conglomeration of whatever I found interesting at the time.

Challenge: Day 1

Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself.

This is me on vacation this summer in Jamaica!!

15 Interesting Facts:

1. I am currently in the longest relationship I've been in in my adult life, and it's only been a little over 10 months...
2. I am the youngest off all of my mothers and dads children...
3. I will be 30 on August 10th.
4. I have never been pregnant.
5. My boyfriend is 6 years younger than me (yep, I'm a cougar)...
6. Most people think I'm smart, but I generally feel stupid at work...
7. I have never worn a dress or skirt to work...
8. I bought my first house when I was 25...
9. I hate doing the dishes, but I also hate seeing them in the sink, and using the dishwasher...
10. I knit, although I haven't been lately...
11. I love heels, but I rarely wear them...That is going to change...
12. I never wear makeup, unless my bestie paints my face for me!!
13. I love cardigans, if I had enough, I would wear one everyday...
14. Anytime I fly, I always think about what I would do if the plane went down...
15. I can only swim above water backwards...

Challenge

Since I can't seem to get into a rhythm with blogging, I figured I'd do a 30 day challenge, and see where that get's me :-).  So, here is the challenge:

Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself.

Day 02- The meaning behind your Blogger name
Day 03-A picture of you and your friends

Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn't have

Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Who are you?

I will start tomorrow!!!