REALLY?

As I was perusing about the internet this fine afternoon I came across this GEM of a piece. It is truly something to share, you're life will not be complete without reading it.
People, PEOPLE!!! We have hit a new LOW in society. PLEASE, I'm begging you, PLEASE click on this link. It will horrify and amuse you all at the same time (most especially the last comment made by this "lovely" woman). Man, people are AWESOME!!

Love Handles Save Woman's Life


And alls I'm sayin is....I'm feeling PRET-TEE good about my love handles these days!!




Fatty and SAFE,

Allyson

What's that you say?

Word on the street is that my Dad is embarrassed or ashamed to read my blog because of my swearing. Sucka say WHA? This bit of info surprises me on two accounts.

1. I had no idea that my Dad ever even attempted to read my little ol' blog.

2. Are we talking about MY DAD! The man who has never shied away from a good swear. I grew up with a liberal usage of hells, damns, dammits and even shits. Now, in his defense, he was nowhere near Jere levels of swearing (who is?) but he certainly was free and easy with the swears. Shoot, he still IS!! Let it be said, I was a pure and innocent little thing and I would actually cringe and be a bit traumitized anytime he would swear. Like the time he was Bishop and I was asking for some help on math homework, and he totally swore at me, 'cause i wasn't getting it, and he was clearly stressed out. Whatever Tonester, talk about the pot calling the kettle black. I am just so stunned by this turn.


Where did I learn this inside scoop? From my mother, who told it to Lana and Jere whilst they were all at the Sal-on discussing my blog for some reason. She shoots out this gem and then apparently rolled her eyes at the silliness of it all. I mean, my MOM isn't offended and she is NOT so much a swearer. Growing up, if my Mom swore, it was VERY rare and VERY disturbing when she would. There was the time that I was doing something at the piano, and I s'pose I had irritaed her too much, because she told me to "stop being a jack ass." Well, you would have thought she told me she'd killed my baby brother. I went to my room and proceeded to sob and wail over this horrific infraction. Jenny happened to be in our room, on her bed. She asked me why I was crying and I said, in between great gasping breaths and sobs..."How ::gasp gasp:: would you::sniff, sob:: like it::snort, cry:: if Mom call you a Jaaaaack Asssss ::wail, cry sob::? I mean really, she just didn't bust out the swears. But then there is this story, my FAVORITE in all family lore. In fact, so great, that it deserves it's own space on the page.





It seems that Jenny and Dixie were having a knock down drag out fight in the bathroom one day. They were fighting to the death over.....wait for it......WAIT FOR IT....the CLEARASIL. Yeah, freaking clearasil nearly took this sisterhood down. Anyway, there was screeching and scratching and fighting at great volume. Enter me madre, the non swearer that she is. Noone can seem to remember exactly the events that transpired next, except that Jenny, it was determined in my Moms mind was the cause of this conflict. So, in the heat of the moment, my Mom called Jenny, are you even ready for this? She called her a "shit ass witch." It was so shocking and so painful to Jenny that my Mom has never lived it down. And frankly, we all giggle at the thought of it. Really? That phrase? Too funny.




Ok, so my whole point is this...I haven't offended my Mom, and yet somehow my Dad is embarrassed? I don't feel like I use a profuse amount of profanity. Do I? I feel like I keep it in check. Don't I? No really, am I just confused? But really, sometimes a good swear is the perfect punctuation to a story. Sometimes, it just makes it funnier. Sometimes, it's just necessary. Whatever, I KNOW it's not necessary, but I just tell myself that.




The crazy part is, I was so not a swearer. Well, minus that little blip in 6th grade where Nicole Rice and I decided to try out our "badness" and practice swearing. We would literally go to the park by our house, sit on the swings and say every swear word we knew. Oh, we were sooo naughty. Then again, that 6th grade year and that Nicole were all so enlightening and naughty. I should write a post just on the things I did and learned that year...not the least of which was; Mormons got babies by having "the sex" not just by hugging. Talk about a shocker to my sweet innocence. Yeah, I was THAT naive. Anywhodle, I'm so off course here. What i'm saying is, I was not a swearer until after highschool and then I picked up "shit" from my beloved Angie, 'cause she said it Allllllll the time. I gave it up for my mission, except for that tragic moment when I was walking into my apartment and suddenly was hurtling earthward face first. As my ankle was spinning and popping I let out a LOUD "shiiiiiiiiiiit". Talk about embarrassing. I was a SISTER MISSIONARY for crying out loud...which meant I was s'posed to be "perfect". hee hee OY! I wasn't proud of that moment, but then again, I was in a lot of pain. Anyway, I really didn't swear much. Then came Jere, and life in theatre and Jere and well, it just is what it is. I do swear people, I am NOT perfect. I know that it's not the classiest thing, and it's a bit un-mormony of me. But darnit, I do it, and I'll own it.





So, sorry Dad, sorry for embarrassing you or shaming you . Sorry to anyone else of you that might get offended, or that I MIGHT have offended along the way. Just know that,at this site,in this blog....DAMMIT....swears happen.






Hellfire and damnation,


Allyson

I guess I can't do EVERYTHING afterall

Sooo, the clock struck 7:30 last night and I was in bed. It had been a DAY, if you know what I'm sayin. Well, I guess it's been a week, and a long time coming. Apparently, I can't do it all....who knew?



The day started off with Max waking up at 4 a.m. and insisting on being in bed with me, except he would sleep, wake up, sleep wake up, whatever. Needless to say, I didn't get to go to the gym, never a good start. Then I had an ENTIRE day of Maggie at her bi-polar best. If you say yes, she says NO just to go opposite you. She has to battle me on EVERY.SINGLE.THING, "hey Maggie, let's do you hair." NOOOOOOOOOOO. "Hey Maggie, let's get your shoes on so we can go outsid." Nooooooooooo, or she is distracted by 20 other things. Maggie you want a cookie? "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" bawling, tears, screaming, wahtever. But, the most frustrating had to be "Mommy, I need to go potty." Ok, let's get on there. Go through all the effort of undressing her, putting her on the potty, and instantly, "I don't need to go potty." Or, she'd get off, then want back on, off, on. Fight me, doesn't want to put the panties back on, doesn't want to do anything. It just gets soooo exhausting. Add to that that I was seriously more exhausted than I can remember being in a LONG time. I couldn't pull it together, AT ALL. I was frustrated and grumpy and tired. So, to have to listen bickering and fighting between the girls, and all the screaming and crying from Maggie, over NOTHING, I just couldn't deal. The end came when we had bathtime. She likes to tell ME when she's ready to get out, or how to wash her hair out, etc. So, there were some battles, but we made it through. Finally, she was happy, things were good. We were getting her dressed, and then I had the audacity to try and brush her hair. I thought it was safe, she was smiling and laughing. But, I attempted to brush and she lost her ever lovin mind on me. Started bawling and yelling at me out of control. I just put the brush down, and walked into my room and laid on my bed. I seriously couldn't take it another minute. After letting her scream and cry for a good 5 minutes, she was yelling "OK you can brush my hair, I want down (I left her on the dresser, because she gets down from it all the time by herself), etc. So, I went back in, calmly brushed her hair, but couldn't even speak to her. I walked out to Jere, told him to go see the movie he needed to for school and then just busted out crying. It caught us all by surprise. Maggie started cying beause I was crying, Jere was stunned and I was just DONE! I explained that I couldn't take it for one more minute. I was too tired to be alive and I couldn't deal with Maggie and her crazy town anymore. Thankfully Julie is amazing and sort of took over. She handed me a sleeping pill and told me to take it and not worry about anything with the kids. I just stood there and bawled. I could not stop crying. I didn't realize that I was THAT tired and THAT stressed. Good grief! So, I got ready for bed, took the pill and laid down. It was 7:30 p.m. Who does that? I do i guess! I'm pretty sure it was the longest period of time I've spent in a bed in about EVER! Of course my sweet kiddos didn't make a PEEP the entire night. I mean, NOTHING, no wake ups, no crys, NOTHING!! Whatever! Needless to say, I DID get to go to the gym this morning, and I've had a much better day today.







I guess the moral of the story is...we all just need a break sometime. I know I can't be the only one who loses it and needs a bawl fest and a bed, right? Kids and their demands are overwhelming!





Here's to hoping for a better day and better mothering.






Stress outs and sleeplessness,

Allyson

Meh, and a couple of lists...

Le Sigh....yet ANOTHER pointless, money spending holiday is upon us. I really, really could do without Valentines Day, it's just...well, for lack of a better word..dumb. I am NOT a romantic. I mean, if you scrub my toilet, or fold the laundry, or pick up your side of the room without me asking, or watch the kids so I can do something in peace, well then you have my undying love. However, if you want to give me flowers, or chocolates or ::shudder:: jewelry, then I might like to kick you. I have NO USE for useless things. Therefore, no use for this overdone, ridiculous, mush fest of a "holiday." And, I promise that even if I had oodles of money to spend, I STILL would not care for this particular day. I know, I sound like such a bitter Betty. And really, last year I got PUT.IN.MY.PLACE over it. But as I was getting ready yesterday afternoon my inner monologue was something like this:

"Oh hey, it's s'posed to be stupid Valentines and I honestly haven't thought of it once. I don't even have a card, nor do I care. I'm a bad person. No I'm not, it's a bad holiday. Who is the world to make me feel guilty?"

Yep, that was my thought process. Anyway...as we all know, Jere Hates, HAtes, HATES this aspect of me. I ruin his joy because I don't WANT, nor NEED anything, especially because it costs money. And he wants and "needs" everything, ALL the time. So, I decided to compile a list. A list of "if money were NO object, this is what I'd want/get" kind of list. This way, he can look at it and know that at least I DO have a list. This list will be followed closely by, if I were to win the lottery, this is how I'd spend it list. Pretty exciting huh?

IF MONEY WERE NO OBJECT:

1. I would get massages weekly

2. I'd go to the chiropractor weekly

3. I'd have a facial once a month

4. I would get pedicures maybe twice a month.

5. I would buy out Milanos of every music book I ever wanted or needed.

6. I'd get really nice running shoes, ones that didn't give me blisters.

7. Oh, excuse me, this would be NUMBER ONE, I would get laser hair removal, allll over. I mean, you're all aware of my tragice "beard" situation, but I want to get rid of all over unsightly hair.

8. Perfume, good expensive perfume. Oh wait, it's ALL expensive, unless youre getting the poo smell of exclamation. hehe

9. My piano tuned and fixed.

10. LOTS of year supply.

11. My van cleaned and detailed on a regular basis.

12. Voice lessons. I know, weird for me to say, but you can never really stop learning, and I need to USE my voice other than teaching.

13. I'd want to travel to New York and see shows. And well, just travel.

14. A new bed.

15. A house cleaner, someone that would come in twice a month and do the DEEP cleaning. I've got the other stuff covered just fine.

16. A really great photo session of my kids with a great photographer.

17. Go out to dinner. We really don't do it very often at all.

18. New Swim suit(s). Do you EVEN know how ridiculously expensive they are? Seriously 100 bucks. SO DUMB!

19. A set of Calphalon cookware. (drool)

20. All new towels, really NICE towels, bath and kitchen. It never ceases to amaze me just how expensive towels are.

21. New Kitchen table and chairs.

22. New couches.

Well, good enough for now. Let it be known, there ARE things I like, and or could use, just if "money were no object."

So, let's discuss my next list. If I were to win the lottery...first of all, I have rules and stipulations regarding the lottery. I won't even consider playing unless it's above 100 million. Whatever, don't judge me if I play. I don't, well I have, but I don't, but I might again. Preferably it's in the 150 to 200 million range. I mean c'mon, the last guy who won 147 million, his take home, after taking lump sum and taxes was a mere 49 million, or something like that. So,you can see, no need to mess around with this piddly 30 million jackpot. I've got NEEDS, desires, things to do people. So, if you're gonna dream, DREAM BIG!

IF I WERE TO WIN THE LOTTERY I'D SPEND IT:

1. MOST IMPORTANT, I'd pay off EVERY ounce of debt I have. I mean, down to the many pennies I owe ANYONE, forgotten or otherwise. I can't even imagine the feeling of joy of being debt free.

2. I'd set up a scholarsip fund in my name at ASU for Music Theatre studens. It's freaking hard to be in that program, expected to be in shows all the time, not really able to work, and live. There are not enough scholarships for the arts.

3. I'd give my parents a crap load of money, 'cause they deserve it, and they've done soooo much for me.

4. I'd give each of my siblings a huge lump sum, depending on what my winnings were would depend on said lump sum.

5. I'd set up big trust/college funds for my kids.

6. I'd buy a house, OF COURSE!

7. I would decorate said house any way I wanted. Which means I could shop for DAYS at all my favorite home stores and be guilt free. More importantly, I'd get to decorate, which we all know is my joy!

8. I'd get a huge mamber jamber copy machine, industrial size, so I could make all the copies I ever needed.

9. We'd get Jere a truck. He DREAMS of having a big truck.

10. I'd buy a big apartment in New York, that way we could go visit/stay anytime we wanted, and my friends or family could use it if and when they ever went out to New York.

11. I'd get allllll the dental work done that I need to. Like all new teeth really. But, that is another post altogether.

12. Travel.

13. I'd get a tummy tuck, boob job, arms, all of it. WHAT? You lose 200 lbs., have 2 kids, gain weight, lose weight, and then talk to me about how your body looks. There is A LOT of work that needs to be done here. But most important of all is this belly. OY!

14. Savings, invest, savings, invest.

15. New computers

16. New TV

17. I would so take care of all my friends that have been so kind to us. From footing the bill at dinners to getting them things they might need.

18. I'd probably do a lot of anonymous, secret donating. See, you might not know this, but I am a giver. I LIKE to give, and I USED to do it A LOT. But, when money became SUCH an issue in life, I retreated. I hate feeling like I'm selfish, or that I only receive. I WANT to GIVE!

19. I'd buy a cabin in GREER! A really, really nice, HUGE cabin that could accommodate my entire family.

20. I'd spend my summers in Greer and Pennsylvania with my parents at their new house that they can build because I gave them money.

21. I'd buy a really nice road bike for triathlons.

22. Every bit of year supply that I could get, and emergency preparedness stuff. I want to know that we will be prepared when the time comes. Including, wheat grinders, generators, water filters, etc.

Ok, good enough for now. I had to think hard to get that much. Mostly, more than anything else, I just want to lift the weight of debt. I really don't need much, just peace of mind.

And so, off I go to earn a buck, pay a bill and dream a little dream.

Hearts and mush,

Allyson

Family picture wall...budget style

The alarm clock went off just after 5:00 and literally scared the poopadoodle out of me! I couldn't get to it fast enough, it's soooo loud and sooo offensive in every way. After turning it off, I pondered the meaning of life, and wrestled with going or not. The devil won, or my inner voice gave me warning (I prefer to look at it that way) and I didn't go. At precisely 6 a.m. Maggie started crying, a wierd cry, but it was insistent. So, I wandered in to her room to see what was wrong, help her, make sure she didn't wake Max, whatever. Apparently, though she WAS crying, she wasn't fully awake, because when I came in and touched her, it scared the CRAP outta her. She jumped a mile high and then cried some more. So, I tried valiently to calm her, picked her up and carried her into my room. Point of the story? Maggie is sick. She's had a random fever for the last couple of days, sort of here and there at 101. I'd give her motrin, it'd go away and she'd play the day away like nothing. But, a cough has developed and this morning, she was burning up and totally bawly and wierd. I tried to give her medicine and she fought me off with the strength of 10 men, all the while YELLLING, "I don't want that." You'll be glad to know I apparently have the strength of 11 men and the pluck that I WON and she DID take that medicine. But, no amount of sweet talking, reasoning, holding, snuggling, could get her to stop crying, and or demanding things and yelling. Needless to say, Max woke up, and I knew I was in for a "fabulous" sort of day. Why is it that MY sick kid has to be the demanding, bawling type, instead of the cuddly whimperer? It figures.


She looked a bit like this, minus the tutu and crown. But, you get the idea. I have a prima donna sick kid. Good news is.....after the medicine took effect (THANK YO MOTRIN) she is much nicer and now playing. I just hope that whatever this is will run its course quickly and we'll be back to sunshine and flowers soon.

Ok, now, to the topic at hand. When it was time to decorate for Christmas, i found myself in a quandry. I no longer had a mantle and was therefore screwed out of one of my favorite decorating places. So, out of necessity is born motivation. I had my shelf from my kitchen that no longer had a home, since my new kitchen had no wall for said shelf. The shelf had been sitting forlornly out in my shed, waiting for some love. Truth be told, I HATE painting things and prepping, etc. However, as I said, there were Christmas decorations that needed a home, and really, my wall above the couch needed the shelf anyway. SO, enter spray primer and spray paint. HELLO, why have I not used this genius method on everything before? Spray paint is the way to go. In seriously 20 minutes, with NO sanding I might add, I had a fabulously repainted shelf. I hung it on the wall and enjoyed it's Christmas splendor. Well then Christmas was over, NOW WHAT? I had no money to buy decorations, and frankly, I had no idea what to put on it. But, again, when you HAVE to get something done, you get it done. I went on a treasure hunt through my house and found a few items and did it up. Thanks to Jenny D. for the pretty red box of caramels for Christmas, as it makes a lovely little plant box now on the shelf.

BEFORE:

I've had this "print" since we got married and it hung over our bed. It was the largest picture I owned, so therefore, by default went over the couch when we moved in. Then, after we got our family pictures done, Jere really wanted them put over our couch. I was SURE that blowing up a pic to 20x30 or 16x20 would be too expensive. NOT TRUE! To get a 16x20 (my resolution was too low for a 20x30) at Costco was ONLY $5.99. SCORE! So, I had a large pic made and then 4 8x10's. I went to Fallas Paredes (GENIUS store, all should go, because it's INSANELY cheap) and got 4 frames for 2.99 a piece and they're nice frames. Went to Kohl's which as you know is eternally "on sale" and picked up the large "letter" V for 7 bucks and the big 16x20 frame for 20 bucks. Came home, framed up the pictures, laid out a plan and this is my result.

AFTER:

In the end, I'm pleased enough with the outcome. There is definitely some tweaking I'd like to do to the shelf, and even with the wall, but overall, not bad.

Picture frames and demanding divas,

Allyson

What'd YOU do today?

First and foremost, let's just get this out of the way. I am having a freaking FANTASTIC hair day! No really, these aren't easy to come by when you're semi balding. But alas, the hair gods smiled and it's great. This is good, because I have a wedding dinner to attend tonight, and one must look their best when at wedding festivities! So hooray, let's celebrate the small things in life! Good hair day, check! Thanks be!



Secondly, I forgot that I did a batch of laundry last night, which in and of itself is no biggy. However, in that batch was my bra, my ONE and ONLY bra. Needless to say, due to my lack of follow through, I am now wearing a bra that is to small. OY! Nothing worse than a too small bra. It creates boob muffins, and frankly, they are just so classless. I mean really, if we were keeping a list of classless attributes one could have, right up there next to visible hickeys is boob muffins. You KNOW what I'm talkin about. Where the bra is too small, so the extra boob fat spills up and over the top and is visible through your shirt. Ick, so gross! It's really too bad i didn't need to go to Wal-mart today. Alright, now I have an idea...how can I leave a running tally of things that are classless attributes on the side of my blog or something.. We could all add our 2 cents worth. I think it would be funny. I've given us one and two, now you add in your thoughts.








Third thought...Maggie is on day 3 of no accidents and excellent potty skills. I guess she finally decided it was worth it. That, or the hershey kisses are too alluring to pass up. Whatever the case, she's doing awesome! YAY! I DID tell her that she would not be able to attend pre-school (which she is obsessed about doing) if she didn't go potty on the big girl potty. So, maybe that was the convincing factor?






Alright, so you're really here because of my blog title, you're dying to know what it means right? You wanna know what I did today? Well ok, I'll tell ya!!





I, Allyson S. Van Patten walked/jogged/ran 3.25 miles this morning. Oh whatever, don't be let down. THAT is a HUGE accomplishment for me. You wanna know why? Ok, I'll tell you. See, last year,in all my fine tri training, I did a lot of walking/running, etc. However, I have only EVER done 3+ miles three times. Once, early on, Dixie sadistcally made us do 5 miles one Saturday morning. That sucked! Then, the week before the tri we went out and did the course, which is 3.1 miles. Then, the tri itself, and you may recall, oh ye trusty readers of mine, i developed blisters the size of small Moldovian countries on EACH heel. It was excruciating times a THOUSAND and took weeks to heal. So anyway, I just have always kept my "run" movement to 2.5 or less miles. Enter Raceday and the tri workout for yesterday....it was a hideou samount of reverse crunches and flutter kicks, followed by this 3.5 mile run. First of all, I missed yesterday, due to some rather unfortunate all night long wakeups with the kiddies. Then, this mornings was s'posed to be a 55 min. bikeride. Rasberrries on that. I already did that last week, LOONG and eh. Secondly, I need to work my running capabilities up. So, this morning, it was with determination that I went into the gym to get that 3.5 miles. Mind you, I only have so much time before I need to get back home and relieve the troops. So, I did the crunches (curse, swear, curse) and the flutter kicks and then faced my nemesis the treadmill. No really, treadmills suck! I'd much rather be doing the running on a track. Anyway, I mounted that bad boy and made it mine. hahahahahahahaha The instructions were to do 1/2 mile normal or slower and 1/2 mile fast, until you were done with the whole thing. So, I did my first 1/2 mile at about a 3.7 or 4, then did the second 1/2 mile at a 5. A WHOLE half mile at a 5, I was sweatin buckets, and sucking wind. So, next 1/2 mile fluctuated between 3.5, 3.7, 4.0, second half mile, 5, 5.3, 3.5, 6.0. Two miles down, this is my normal quitting spot, but alas, I was gonna conquer this Biznatch. So, the next 1/2 mile was back in that 4.0 range, final half mile I did two sections at 7.0 (and people, ain't NOTHIN pretty about fat slapping as you run at such speeds. Thank goodness I have music blastingin my ears, sorry to those around who don't. 'Cause,ewww!), some 6.0 and some 3.5. Here's the deal...I actually MUCH prefer to run over walking. I prefer to go faster as opposed to medium speed. It feels so much better on my legs, however, my lungs have not yet received that memo, so the severe lack of oxygen wreaks a little havoc. When said oxygen is not being obtained, pretty quickly the leggies get all leaden and wierd and I wanna fall and fly off the treadmill. So, before I make a complete arse of myself, I jump off and reduce the speed. I will truly conquer it someday. I WILL actually do a full run at 6 or higher for 2 full miles, i really will. I don't know when, but I WILL! Anyway, the good news is this...I did the 3.25, and i did it in 45 minutes. Not great, but not absolutely horrible either. But best of all, I sweated buckets and I felt accomplished and happy and ready to face this day. Oh, but better than ALL of that. I kicked that stupid six pounds ASS and it sneakily slunk away. So, now I just need to lose a REAL six pounds in a week and I'll feel so much better. hahahaha Oh please, that would require good eating habits. Still working on that.






Yeah, so that's what I did today...3.25 miles...BOOYA! What'd YOU do today?






Fat slapping and brownie bites,


Allyson





Well what? ok seriously, I made the YUMMIEST brownies last night, and they keep sneaking into my mouth.

Here's the Deal...

So, the thing is...I have so MANY things rolling around in my head, so MANY topics I want to vent about, discuss, etc. that I just end up NOT writing anything. Well, add on the fact that I'm just freaking tired, and i feel like I don't have the time to sit and devote to a well thought out post, and well, you get silence from yours truly. I know right? You miss me terribly and cry every day that I don't have an update. Well whatever...then prove it. Beg for my return people, BEG for it. Ok, I kid. But, here it is 9:15ish on a Wed. night and I just caught a second wind. I mean seriously, at 6:00 when I needed to head out to fill the water jugs (MAN I HATE that job) I had a total crash. I seriously laid down on the couch with Maggie snuggled into me and Max meandering around the room, intermitently playing and bawling for about an hour. Finally, with Max DYING to go to bed, I summoned up enough strength to get him ready and in bed and Maggie pj'd up and back to snuggle on the couch. Max fell dead asleep at 7:00 and Maggie ate a brownie for dinner and snuggled up to me. I know, judge away. She was NOT intersted in the delicious dinner I made and offered her earlier. She's sick today, had a random fever and just was clingy. Who am I to deny girl a brownie if that is what she wants? Anywho, she and I "watched" an episode of Ellen and then she watched Little Einsteins while I again fell asleep. When that was over I gave her some motrin, filled her sippy and carried her off to bed. I ate a brownie, sat down on the couch to read my workout for the day tomorrow, catch up on world events, play on facebook, and now here I am. Because frankly, I'm far to STUPID to just go to bed at a decent hour. So anyway.....topic numero UNO...




THE GYM





For enquiring minds...I am back at the gym. I'm in my second week and I can not even begin to tell you what happiness and joy this brings me. No really, it's AMAZING to me what a difference getting up and going to work out really makes in my life. I'm signed up at 24 hour fitness, just down the road from me. I LURVE IT! I especially love the indoor pool, because those swim workouts last year, whilst memory making with Dixie, were NOT fun in the outdoor pool at the Y. But, here is what I really want to say.



I was really and truly in a downward depression spiral. I found myself on more than one morning just laying on my bed, while the kids did whatever they wanted to the house, and just wallowing. I would sleep, or try to sleep, or just lay there in a funk. That is NOT me. I NEVER go back to bed once the kids are up. I NEVER just lay around while they have their way with things. I felt like a sloth. I could actually "hear myself getting fatter." But, I felt stuck. I am someone who NEEDS a place to be, and machines and bikes, and warmth. I tried a little to go out by myself around here, but it's cold and dark and scarey to be running/walking alone at 5:30 a.m. So anyway, my amazing family to the rescue once again. Happy Birthday to me, I get to go to the gym for 8 months. There are NO words to describe the joy I feel. I genuinely love getting up at that UnGODLY hour and going to work out. I love the feeling of sweating and knowng that I'm doing something good for myself. I LOVE being up that early and ready for the day. It has made everything so much better for the last 2 weeks. I have accomplished more, I'm happier, it's just bliss. I NEVER, EVER thought I would be that person. The one who NEEDED to work out to feel happy or fulfilled or whatever. But, I AM! I actually WISH I could stay longer at the gym and just keep working and working. I'm so excited to do Sherox again this year, and I'm totally working toward that. It feels good to be back in the pool, to get my "run" on again, 'cause goodness knows I have regressed A LOT there! I'm just missing my tri group and all our challenges from last year, that's all I'm missing. The only sucky thing about this is...I've delightfully GAINED six pounds in ONE WEEK since starting to workout. What the HELL? If it doesn't improve after this week, I'm seriously gonna go with the "I have a tumor" option. But anyway, I'm happy there, glad to be back, looking forward to Sherox and actual days of accomplishment again. Anyone out there want to come and do a tri with me? Want to create our OWN tri group? We can revisit all of Dixies challenges from last year. It's just so nice to have people to report to and work on things together. Goodness knows, I NEED to lose a buttload of weight, so that my hideous BUTT front will decrease! I don't want to have another kid until I lose all this poundage! What do you say? You know you wanna do it!










Jere...vanity is thy name:

Well folks, Jere has reached that stage of post gastricness where you become totally "vain" and obsessed with your looks. It's not just him, it's all of us who have gone through a huge transformation so fast. I mean really, when you go from insanely FAT to normal, and you can suddenly buy clothes at normal stores and you feel good, you get a little obsessive. I know for me, suddenly I couldn't get enough jewelry, necklaces, 'cause I had a collar bone, earings, RINGS...just wanted to accesorize myself. And I would look in the mirror all the time, making sure I looked ok. So anyway, Jere is at that point. He will lament how "fat" he looks, pull his extra belly fat up and down (there is a lot of that when you lose 150 lbs. in 8 months), or just stare at himself in certain outfits and talk about how "hot" he is. It's funny, wierd, annoying, funny and just something you can't quite get unless you've "been there." Anyway,he's all obsessive about clothes, as in, he wants them, and lots of them. So, we wanderd over to Kohl's last week and used some of his financial aide money to get him some new clothes. Why this ridiculously huge buildup? Because....we got him a pair of Sunday pants for FIVE dollars and FIFTY cents. You read that right, FIVE freaking dollars for a pair of pants. It was the GREATEST day EVER! We also got quite a few nice shirts for el cheapo too. Man, normal sizes are sooooo fun to buy for. So anyway, that's the good news there. Oh, and also, Jer is really loving all his classes this semester and doing well thus far. That's a good thing too. OH, AND he's now co-directing a Glee club on Monday nights with our friend Tracie, and gonna direct Annie JR. at Studio 3 in Gilbert. These are exciting things on the Jere front.






What else has been on my mind? How ridiculous, I'm drawing a total blank here.
I know, I'll list possible blog options, things I've thought about or need to write about. YOU choose what I write next. NO, I MEAN it you! Make a freaking comment, choose something.





1. PJ Bunko party
2. cleanliness is next to Godliness (a rant)
3. Max, we've got a LIVE one people.
4. Looking forward and not living in the past
5. Finding ways to serve
6. Maggie and her funny, FUNNY comments
7. WHY must I be so damn tired all the time? OR, how to finally be that self motivator that I've NEVER been.
8. Meal planning, I have some questions
9. Pop culture update...Biggest Loser anyone?
10. The one where my sister is moving three doors down from my brother and I'm totally jealous. NOT of their neighborhood or house, but of their neighborness.
11. Family room wall update...little decore re-do







Bum pain and sweat drops,


Allyson