Mama's Gettin' Her Hair Did

Happy Thursday hookers!  I was absolutely about to write a post full of bitching and moaning since I was up most of the night due to grizzly bear snoring and then a puking child.  BUT, I decided nobody wants to hear me complain some more and I was going to be positive!  I looked at some funny shit on pinterest that made me laugh, and now I'm on the happy train for now.  I also had a de-waitforit-licious sanwich (yeah that's sandwich without the d because that's how I pronounce it for some reason) from Subway that made my belly happy.  And tomorrow is Friday, so holla for that!

This afternoon I am going to finally get my hurr did!  I LOVE my hair lady and am always excited to see what she will do to my locks.  For the past year or so, I've been getting BRIGHT RED in my hair.  And when I say bright, I mean BRIGHT.  That shit shines like Ronald McDonald's hair in the sunlight.  I don't do it all over though, so don't be scurred for me.  I usually don't go too crazy until closer to May, when I won't be at work much longer and have the summer to do whatever the eff I want with my hair.  Not only does it always look amazing and get me lots of compliments, it also drives my mom and meemaw crazy, and well, even though I'm almost 28, I still like to make them shake their heads every now and then!

Last year in the Spring, I was fatter and tired of my long hair and I decided (even though I knew better) to chop it all off.  Note to self, short hair is NOT cute on this fatter face.  So the very few pics I took last summer I hate, not just becaues of my weight, but because my hair was short and did nothing but frame my puffy cheeks and double chin.  That WILL NOT be happening again this summer.

I'm trying to grow this mess out and while I keep seeing super cute styles like this:

I'm pretty sure I'm just going to get a "trim" today.  Although it has been since October that I had it cut/colored, so a "trim" may very well be like an inch off!  Either way, I can't wait.  I'm not sure exactly how I'm going to have her color it...I'll probably just tell her to do whatever she wants, as usual.  She likes that I trust her and tend to be on the crazy side, so we're a match made in heaven.  No doubt I will have some ridiculous pics on instagram later today as I sit with my head full of foil lookin' like I'm trying to catch a signal for something.  I know you can't wait to see that!

And now I shall leave you with some pictures of random color phases I've gone through with my hair...and I'm even postig a couple of those short hair fat girl pics from last summer.  Mostly as a reminder as to why I am working hard to get rid of those chubby cheeks and not have squinty eyes anymore!  I'm having a mini panic attack just looking at those fat pictures and now I'm about to share them...shoot me now.  Enjoy (but not too much)!

Fall '09...black...blonde...brown...idk what else.

Summer '10...black and blonde.

Summer '11...black and bonde and maybe some red.

Summer '12...fat and black and red.

Summer '12...fat and black and red.

And eventually I will have a Summer '13 that just says HOT and you won't even notice my hair :)

Tell Me About It Tuesday

It's Tuesday, so let me tell you about what's been going on!  As most of you know, I was at a Pre-Kindergarten Teachers of Texas conference in San Marcos the past two days.  I absolutely LOVE the San Marcos/New Braunfels/Gruene area.  I would move there in a second if I could take all of my friends and family with me.  Christopher and I frequent the river quite often, but it never gets old to me.  So when I first found out about this conference, I jumped all over it!

 

My poor Kason has not been feeling well for several days (terrible cough, sleeping way more than usual, vomitting spaghetti in my car on the way back from their dad's Sunday, no appetite, upset stomach, you get the picture) and I was not happy to have to leave him for two days.  I woke up too effing early at 5 a.m. Monday morning, and after learning that Kason had a fever, decided to forego my attempt to have Christopher take him to school, and instead packed the boys up, went and picked up Kaylee (my friend and teaching partner) and the school car, and then dropped the kiddos off at my mom's.  I felt so guilty about leaving him, but I knew he would be in good hands and I could turn around at any moment if things got worse.  (Side note, got home this afternoon and miraculously was able to get him in to see the doctor...only to test negative for the flu and be told it's probably something viral and not much can be done other than to let it run it's course.  Glad it's not the flu, but that's always the worst suggestion for a cure, "wait it out".  You wait it out bish, you don't have to take care of his poor sickly little self!)  Now back to the trip...

 

After I got the boys dropped off, we got on the road and headed to San Marcos.  There were some great sessions that we attended, as well as a few not so great sessions that literally almost put me to sleep.  But, we made it through the day and then headed over to the outlet mall next door for some shopping.  It never fails that when I'm somewhere away from home, instead of shopping at stores we DON'T have in our area, I end up at the same ones I shop at at home.  And that worked in my favor this time because I found the CUTEST new rug for my living room!  I LOVE paisley and once we rip up the wine stained ugly carpet and get new floors, it is going to look PERFECT!

 

 

 

 

 

I didn't want to go too crazy at the mall, so after a few other stops we headed out to find somewhere to eat.  I wasn't even THINKING about Gruene until we passed the Gristmill sign and Kaylee, who had never been there, suggested we go!  I felt bad because that's kind of like mine and Christopher's place, and I didn't want to cheat on him with Kaylee by going there...but she twisted my arm just kidding and we went.  It was ridiculously good, as usual, and I had plenty of leftovers to bring home to my man, so it was a win win situation!

 

 

 

Don't worry, the beer was on my tab, not my school's :)

 

 

We also popped into Gruene Hall for a second just to see what was going on.  Apparently it was geriatric night because there was nothing but 60+ year olds in there getting "rowdy" with the little old man up at the front singing, "This land is your land".  I'm not joking.  We had a few laughs and then headed back to the hotel.  Which I don't think I mentioned was pretty awesome.  Our conference was being held at the hotel and that meant we got to sleep in a little later.

 

 

 

 

Today's sessions were significantly more boring than yesterday's, but we did get a fun new CD to share with our kiddos and of course all of the awesome ideas from the previous day's presenters.  I can already tell my mindset is different because as I'm sitting here typing this, Kutter has decided that we need to rearrange our living room.  He is talking nonstop and I told him he should draw a picture for me.  After he finished the picture, I told him he should label his picture.  Of course he got dramatic and told me how he can't spell, but I thought about the importance of being patient and being encouraging when teaching children to write and read, and he is now working on the words.  I'm sure by the time I finish this post he will be done and I will show off his work! 

 

 

No really I left one session early because I couldn't take her reading

out of a textbook anymore and I chilled on the King for about 15 glorious minutes before my next session started.  Just keeping it real.

 

 

 

I absolutely love my jobs as a mom and a teacher.  I'm passionate about what I do, and I love learning new things.  I also know that I can get complacent in my teaching styles sometimes and tend to just go through the same routines and motions every day.  I am so glad that I had the chance to get away for a couple of days (everyone needs that from time to time) and also gain some new ideas and a new perspective that I can take back to my classroom, and also use at home with my own children. 

 

 

He did finish, PROUDLY.  Not too bad, but I'm a little biased :)

 

 

So yeah, that's what's been going on!  I've been slacking on the workout front this week, but I'll be back at it tomorrow full force.  We won't even talk about food.  I'm not worried about the damage though because while I did indulge in a few goodies, I did it in moderation and didn't let it get out of control.  And I fit into my new "jeggings" (despite the fact they are too effing long #shortgirlproblems) and bought two new shirts at the conference that are a medium.  Bye bye XL and L shirts!!  Ooooh and I also got home today to find my car clean and sparkling in the driveway, and when I got in it, had a full tank of gas.  That man is a keeper fa sho!

 

 

My extra long jeggings and cute new $4.48 flats from Target

that rubbed my pinky toes in all the wrong ways.

 

 

Our new shirts say, "We get WILD in Pre-K"!!

 

 

 

BOTH days they had dessert sitting out on the table before any other food.  WTF.  Fat girl gods are mean.  Just sayin'.  I ate a little of both, but not all, so I'm going to pretend like that makes it ok.         I didn't finish it off and then lick the plate bish, so booyah.

 

 

 

And the lovely sign that was sitting on our toilet.

What are you 7?  Ok it was kinda funny.

 

 

 

Hope everyone has had a great week so far!  Pretty excited tomorrow is Wednesday and I only have a three day week ;)  I'll stop rubbing it in now! 

Friday: My Second Favorite F Word

This week has sucked donkey balls.  It should have been fantastic considering I was off on Monday and had my Gigi Hill launch party on Wednesday.  But Kason has been barking like a seal coughing all week, I've been in a pissy mood, and then I got the ear ache/seal bark/sinus/allergy mix and left work at 8:30 yesterday so I could go home and go to bed.  Today isn't much better, but I'm going to tough it out so I don't use up all of my leave.  Movie day in Pre-K anyone??  I'm hoping Kason starts feeling better today because I HATE sending them to their dad's house for the weekend when they aren't feeling well.  Daddy doesn't know how to take care of sick babes like Mama does.  Also, my computer at work has gone batshit crazy and I either get locked out, the internet won't work, or my screen goes blank.  And there usually isn't enough "quiet time" at my house in the evenings to sit down and blog it out.  So on top of the shittiness that has been my week, even if had I wanted to work on posts this week, I couldn't have.

On a happier note, my launch party was a HUGE success!  If everyone had been paying in cash it woulda been raining dolla dolla bills yall!  I have the BEST friends and family, not to mention I'm selling the BEST bags round, put those two things together, and well everything was amazing.  I can't wait until everyone gets their bags in and falls in love with them, because I have no doubt they will.  I am definitely feeling like I made the right decision by joining the Gigi Hill team.


I have no big plans this weekend, other than I absofreakinglutely have to go get a pedicure!  I haven't had one since December 14th (I remember that date because I was sitting there getting my toes did as the news about the Sandy Hook shooting began to unfold).  I still have a snowman and the remnants of some snowflakes on my big toes that gotsta go ASAP.  Plus I'm probably going to puncture Christopher in my sleep or tear up our sheets if I don't get these janky toes fixed up like now.  I'm leaving Monday morning with my friend and fellow Pre-K teacher Kaylee to go to San Marcos for a teaching conference.  I am super excited because A) It's always fun to get new ideas for my classroom (I think I'm obligated to say that) B) I am looking forward to being off from the workplace for TWO days and C) there is an outlet mall in San Marcos and I plan to get my shop on after we get out of our conference the first day!  I'll be back Tuesday evening maybe and hopefully I'll be all refreshed and rejuvenated because next week HAS GOT to be better than this week was. 

Has anyone else had a craptastic week?  Anyone else in need of a 90 lb Asian to rub their feet and legs and make their toes purdy?  Have any big plans for the weekend?

Happy (thank you baby Jesus it's finally here) Friday!

And that's all I have to say about that...

I love having this blog.  It gives me a place to document the pictures and shenanigans that my children and I get into.  It gives me a place to vent when I am sad or hurt or angry or just want to ramble about absolutely nothing.  Through this blog, I have come in contact with some pretty awesome ladies who are going through their everyday life the same way as me.  One foot in front of the other, one day at a time, drink in hand.  I realize this blog is out in the open, for all to see, and that's great.  I have a lot of friends, family members, and strangers that read my blog, for reasons that are beyond me :)  I am happy to share my life for those that are interested and use my words POSITIVELY.  However, it has been brought to my attention that there may be readers who visit my blog for all the wrong reasons.  (To my friends who read this and know this is not about YOU, please just read through and then know that the last paragraph is for you!)

If you are reading my blog in an effort to mock my life or my lifestyle in any way, then maybe you shouldn't read.  I realize that my personal life, parenting skillz, teaching style, and hobbies are effing awesome not the "norm" for everyone (and thank God for that, because I'm not on this earth to mimick everyone else), but you don't HAVE to read about any of those things.  You CHOOSE to stalk read this blog  I have a dirty mouth and a dirty mind and my sense of humor is offensive even to myself sometimes.  But that's who I am.  If you don't like it...well kindly move your cursor to the top right corner and click the hell out of that X.  I don't "make" anyone read this nonsense, so it baffles me as to why people who don't like me or my blog...continue to take interest in both! 

 

 

 

 

We all holla fo a dolla every now and then honey-booboo-child.

 

 

If you read my blog to get pleasure from my pain, you shouldn't be reading.  When I write about my insecurities, it is not so that others can feel better about themselves because I am struggling (yeah, there are sick people out there who do that).  It is for me to be honest with myself and to try and figure out how I can overcome whatever obstacles may be in my way.  I need people who are going to help me fight those battles, not add more fuel to the fire that may already be burning me up.

Oprah's so smart.

If you read my blog to share what is going on in my life with people from my past, who should have no desire to be in my current business, please stop clicking on my link or typing in my address.  If you are someone from my "past", there is probably a reason that you are not a part of my present or my future.  I'm flattered that you're interested, but it's time to move on.  I have made amends with my past, am happy with my present, and am beyond excited for my future.

Can I get an AMEN??

 

 :)

 

This blog isn't here for you to mock my weight, or my struggle with losing said weight.  When I spoke of insecurities earlier, weight is one of the biggest ones.  Every person's body is different.  I know people who eat everything in sight, never workout, and are a size 2.  I know people who sacrifice all things tasty, eating things like packaged cement protein bars and tasteless food, let Jillian Michaels kick their ass daily, and are a size 16.  Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight isn't easy for everyone, and it's certainly not easy for me.  I'm here to vent about my downfalls, cheer about my successes, and hope that someone out there can either relate or support me along the way.  If you are not a part of one of those categories, peace.  And while I would like to apologize that most of my posts lately have been weight/workout related and haven't been full of crazy stories or my filthy mouth...I can't!  That's the forefront of what's going in my life right now, so that's what I write about.

Get your own.

I'm here for fun and for positive followers and positive feedback.  I don't need negativity.  I am not 12 and I do not want to be a part of Jr. High drama.  So, to my 'you shouldn't be here and you know it' reader(s), if you are reading this, as I am assuming you will be, please stop.  Leave me alone.  Stop worrying about me, my family, and my cray cray life, and go and take care of you and yours. 

I kid, I kid.  Kinda...

And last, but certainly not least, to MY REAL FRIENDS, I thank you.  Whether I have known you for years, recently met you, or have only shared words and laughs with you in our little blog/instagram/facebook/keek world, I think yall are all amazing.  It is because of all of YOU that I am able to brush off the bullshit and keep on keepin' on.  It is beause of all of YOU that I am able to laugh at myself (and you of course) as we maneuver our way through this crazy thing we call life.  Thanks for lifting me up, shoving me along, and being my personal cheerleading squad.  I love yall like a fat kid who am I kidding, I love yall like I love all things peanut butter and chocolate loves cake!

 

 

 

I have no doubt this will ring true after this is posted...

 

Adios amigos (and non-amigos)!

 

 

 

Friday Motivation

Today I'm linking up with Lora to talk about MFP (My Fitness Pal) and the success I've had with it.  I missed fully completing my daily diary a couple of days, so I didn't 100% complete her two week challenge, but I did pretty good anyway!  For those that don't know, MFP is an app where you can enter your daily food intake (and any exercise you do).  When you start, you put your current information in and choose whether you are trying to maintain your current weight or trying to lose a certain amount of weight per week.  Based on that information MFP will calculate how many calories you should *ideally* be eating each day.

It takes a few days to get used to, not gonna lie. But, once you figure it out, it becomes habit.  Everytime I'm about to eat, I think about what I'm eating, why I'm eating it, and how many calories it will be.  Dinner time is my nemesis because I'm not a big planner and don't always know what we're having.  With MFP I am able to make sure I don't overindulge during the day so that I have plenty of calories left for the evening.  I also LOVE seeing some of my calories earned back after a workout.  I usually don't end up "using" those extra calories, but it is nice to see my hard work paying off.  The only time MFP is an issue is when we are having meals cooked by other people (like Granny) and I'm not sure how to calculate those calories.  Pretty much everything else I can find.

All that nonsense being said, I am down 2 pounds this week!  That brings my total to 15!  Last Sunday after I weighed, I said I wasn't going to get back on that bitch the scale again for a while.  But, I knew I busted my ass working out this week, I was under my calorie goal each day, and I was dying to see my number drop.  And luckily it did!  Prior to seeing the proof on the scale though, I saw the proof in my clothing.  I told some of yall on Monday about a pair of size 10 pants that fit me after years of being too damn small.  And yesterday I fit into another pair of pants that I could barely get my legs into a few months ago.  So even before I saw that the pounds were gone, I knew that I was losing inches because I could see and feel it in my body.  And Christopher also mentioned to me last night (more than once) that I was looking "slim".  That my friends is almost as good as seeing the number on the scale drop and having my clothes fit. 

Yesterday was the first day for our "group workout" with some of my friends from work.  I was a little nervous about it, but the fact that FIVE people showed up made those nerves disappear.  I was so excited that they were there with me and were trusting me to help them with their workout and to motivate them!  I put together a quick workout, mostly using the "3 Circuit" type routines found on the 30 Day Shred.  The girls hated loved it and I knew they were feeling the burn right along with me!  I'm sore today and a few of them have stopped me in the hall today and told me they were sore, but felt good!  I'm looking forward to next week because the weather is supposed to be GORGEOUS and Christopher is going to help me plan out some "stations" for us to do.  I'm hoping the same five awesome ladies show up next Tuesday, and maybe some that weren't there this week will show up too!

On that note, I am going to leave you with a post I did a while back that I came across.  It kind of revalidated all of the hard work I have been doing, reminded me why I'm doing it, and motivated me to keep going.  I hope whether you've read it before or today is your first time, you will read it and maybe find something you've been looking for.

Happy Friday!

Disclaimer: Thanks Mama Laughlin for the inspiration!  (I did inform her months ago that I was using her post because it inspired me so much and adding some of my own insight on it, so don't get all cray cray on me those of you that follow Mama Laughlin religiously and think I jacked her stuff!)  www.mamalaughlin.com

 

This is what I know...

I know how it feels to cry uncontrollably because you are that unhappy with your body.

I know how it feels to scour the back of the clothes rack, only to realize the biggest size they carry in store doesn't fit you.

I know what it's like to feel defeated in the dressing room.

I know how it feels to grab the XL thinking it will be too big and come to find out, it's actually too small.

I know how it feels to sit down and pull at your shirt to try and hide your rolls.

I know what it's like to pour yourself into your jeans.

I know how it feels when the buttons from those jeans cut into your skin and leave painful marks.

I know what it's like to stand in your closet full of clothes that are all too small wondering what you're going to wear that day.

I know all about not owning or refusing to step on the scale to “avoid the truth”.

I know what it's like to change over and over every day before you finally find something that doesn't make you look THAT fat.

I know what it's like to hide fast food wrappers from your significant other.

I know how it feels to see cute fashion trends, only to realize they don't make them in your size.

I know how it is to think "oh SOMEDAY I'll get back into my skinny jeans".

I know how it feels to be so out of breath from just doing the simplest of tasks.

I know all about avoiding outings with family and friends because you are ashamed of how you look and don’t want to be "the fat girl" amongst the skinny folks.

I know all about lying to those family and friends about not being able to go out with them because you’d rather stay home in pajamas and feel sorry for yourself rather than put on an outfit that you feel hideous in.

I know all about "Starting my diet on Monday".

I know how shameful it feels when that diet fails.

I know the only thing that seems to cure that shame (at that moment) is more junk food.

I know all about that vicious cycle.

I know how it is to feel like a prisoner in your own body.


BUT, I also know how great it feels after you've been eating healthy for a few weeks.

And how amazing it is to see the pounds melt off.

And how it feels when you go to put on a pair of pants that were tight last month and now they're too big!

And how strong you feel when you run your first mile.

And how much better you sleep after you rid your body of all the junk you've been feeding it.

And how much more energy you have.

And how it feels to buy a smaller size.

And how it feels to hear people say that you look great.

And how you never knew you could be so proud of yourself for something.

And how it feels to do it the RIGHT way, with hard work and dedication.

And how all of a sudden you crave foods that are good for you.

And how it feels to look at a picture you didn't know was being taken and actually think you look cute and NOT fat.

And how great it feels when your significant other tells you how sexy you are, and you actually believe him instead of assuming he’s just lying to make you feel better.

And that amazing sense of accomplishment you will feel when you step on the scale and you've reached your goal.

I know.

So don't tell me it's hard.

I know.

Don't tell me it's not possible.

IT IS.

Don't tell me "I'll start Monday."

Start today.

Don't tell me you can't do it.

I know I can, and so can you.

So What Wednesday

So it's Wednesday, my favorite day to post because I get to spew random nonsense and pretend it's important wait that's all of my posts.  Hope everyone's having a spanktacular week thus far.  Hump it up!

So what...

If after spending TWO HOURS at the doctor's office to get TWO SHOTS for the boys, I was aggravated, cold, tired, and I went home and did NOTHING yesterday.  Today's a new day... 

If after eating great and being way under my calorie goal for several days, I ate mexican food for dinner.  I didn't eat it ALL, but I ate it.

If I'm using a safety pin to hold my britches together because I broke the button.  It didn't break because of my gut this time though, it broke because they are the only pair of khaki pants that fit me anymore and I wear them probably three times a week and I just wore that shit out.

If this morning after my lesson over Martin Luther King, Jr. the kids were supposed to draw/color their own "I have a dream" picture, and as I went around the room asking what everyone's dream was, one answer was "to be a grandparent".  Hey it's something...right?

If I need to get my oil changed, badly, but it's cold and I don't wanna deal with it.

If I think it's hilarious that Pinterest has "secret boards" now and they pretend it's so people can pin shit that might be a "surprise" for someone.  Ah-bullshit-choo!  Those bad boys are for you to pin all the awesome stuff you see but don't want to pin because you're a selfish bish and don't want your friends to see it.  Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about!

If I'm daydreaming about getting to go back to Christopher's World Grille at the beginning of February to celebrate (my) Christopher's birthday.  And then again in March to celebrate mine! 

If I'm done now.

Happy Hump Day!

Gigi Hill

Greetings from cold ass Texas!  It's currently 33 degrees with some random sprinkles and me no likey.  I like "cool" weather, like 50's and 60's.  And sometimes I'm ok with the 40's if the sun is shining.  But add in the clouds and rain and complete and total gloominess and I'm done.  Today was supposed to be the first day of our group workout at the track, but that is not going to happen.  Hopefully the chicas will want to come to my "home gym" since the track is out.  If not, I'll still be there!  I have to take K&K to get their flu shots today, and while that sucks for them, it means I get to leave work a little earlier and start working out sooner!  Who knew I would ever be EXCITED about working out?  Not me.  I know that changes are happening not only to my body, but to my mind as well. 

I know this because yesterday when I got off, I was tired and cramping (yeah thanks mother nature for hating women) and it was cold and all I wanted to do was go home, put on pajamas, curl up in bed, eat junk food, and watch crappy afternoon TV.  BUT, that's not what I did.  I went home, changed into my workout clothes, had my pre-workout drink, and got my arse in the gym!  My shoulder was bugging me like it does when the weather is crazy, so I decided it was going to be an all cardio day.  I did 15 minutes on the bike and 30 on the treadmill.  I alternated between *brisk* walking (saying that makes me feel like an old lady, like I need to justify my walking speed), jogging, and running at a high speed.  I listened to some of my new jams and the time just flew by.  I was a hot sweaty mess when I was done, and it felt AMAZING. 

Now onto what this post was REALLY supposed to be about.  My cousin Lindsey talked me into becoming a stylist with Gigi Hill (I was so hard to convince).  They sell the CUTEST bags (all sizes, for all uses)!  I have some of their bags and LOVE them.  I bought a bag from Lindsey last summer that I used  daily when we would go swimming, used it at the beach and Schlitterbahn, and now I use it as my teacher bag.  It is cute and durable and I get tons of compliments on it.  And you cannot tell that I have been using it almost daily for the past 8 months.  It is clean and the leather straps look just as good as the day I bought it.  I can't wait to get my new bags in this week to show off!  I am planning on hosting a party next week (Wednesday the 23rd), and while many of you don't live in Texas, I would still like to extend the party invite to yall!  If you visit my site www.gigihill.com/kadi and see something you like, let me know and I will get you the information you need to be able to order as part of my first PARTY!  Also, you can visit that site and order through me at anytime you want to go shopping!

I wouldn't sell these bags if I didn't love them!  For those of you who don't know me very well, I'm kinda sorta addicted to Coach.  I have four Coach bags with matching wallets, and I love them.  I'm not a "high maintenance" kind of girl, and the only things I "splurge" on are usually my Coach purses and getting my hair did.  Having said that, I believe that Gigi Hill is going to be my new Coach.  Their bags are cuter and more versatile and in general a lot less expensive, win win!  Anywho, go check them out!  You can e-mail me at thataggiegirl09(at)yahoo(dot)com if you have any questions!  And for those of you who DO live in Texas and are close to me, if you're interested in hosting a party and receiving some amazing Gigi Hill goodies and discounts, holla atcha girl! 

Just a few of the cuties that could be yours!

Monday Mumbo Jumbo

I loved Amy's "Sunday Social" link up, but since I'm a day late and thousands of dollars short I decided to use it as part of my Monday Mumbo Jumbo.  Let's get to it, shall we?

1. What is the name of your blog? How long have you been blogging?

The name of my blog is "Mama's Gettin' Real" but I'm actually thinking of changing it up a bit once I get the new blog design.  I'm a baby blogger and only just started last September.  Or maybe August.  Either way, not long.


2. Why do you blog?

I started because I wanted to have a place to post all of my crafts and recipes and pictures of my kiddos.  It has now become a place for me to document my weight loss journey, vent about life, meet new people, and make sure there is plenty of evidence of all of my awesomeness.  I kid, I kid not really.

3. What is the first blog you ever followed? 
The first blog I ever followed was Holly's.  She is absolutely adorable and I love reading about her, her precious kids, kooky husband, and her "inner fat girl" lol!

4. What is your favorite post you wrote in 2012?
One of my favorite posts was when I wrote a letter to Kason and a letter to Kutter for their 6th Birthday.  You can read it here.  So many times because they are "twins", people (including me) tend to forget about them as individuals and writing these letters to them made me really focus on their differences and how much I love them not just together, but apart. 

5. What are your blogging goals for 2013?  
I agree with Amy, I'd like to quit my job and blog full time (getting paid for it of course)!  But my realistic goals are to just keep gaining new followers and hopefully inspiring people, or at least entertaining them as much as possible.

 
6. Top 3 favorite blogs to follow?

My top 3 favorite blogs are: Lindsey (Nancy Clue), Mel (4kottez), and Lora (Raising Steppe Sisters) I have lots more, but those are definitely a few that I make sure to check daily!

So that about wraps it up for today.  My weekend wasn't very exciting, although we did go bowling Saturday night at an older bowling alley that was like stepping back in time, bowling Big Lebowski style.  It was a lot of fun and I think next time we want to bowl we will go there instead of the larger, fancier, much more expensive bowling alley we usually go to.  Oh and can SOMEONE please take down that pretty boy Tom Brady and the Patriots??  I could care less about any of the teams that are left in the play-offs, but I CANNOT stand Tom Brady and I don't want to have to boycott the Super Bowl because he's in it!  That is all :)

Just kidding, I forgot to mention that this morning I decided to be ballsy and try on an OLD ASS pair of pants, and guess what??  They FIT ME!!  I haven't been in a size 10 in well...it's been too damn long.  And even if they aren't a "true 10" and I can't fit into anything else that size just yet, I don't give a you know what!  I'm getting closer to single digits, YAY!!!

Hurts So Good

Welp, I did it.  I composed the e-mail and sent it out to some fellow co-workers inviting them to join me at the HS track for some "fun workouts" twice a week.  I let them know I was half kidding about the "fun" part, but that I would do my best to make it as un-miserable as possible muahahahaha.  I don't know why I was so scared to press send, maybe it was because I didn't want anyone to think I was "targeting" them and saying they were fat, maybe it was because I knew once that invitation went out into cyber space there was no turning back.  If they said "yes", it would mean I will now be accountable to many more people, not just myself.  If they said "no", well I would cry and think no one loved me just kidding.  Well, guess what?  I received several immediate replies full of "Thank yous" and "You're awesome for doing this" and "I've been thinking about working out but didn't know where to start".  I am overwhelemed about how excited they seem to be and even though I'm kind of nervous about being the "leader" of these workout shenanigans, I think it is going to be really great for all of us. 

Love this.

I have also had a couple of people who are not co-workers, but friends who read the blog, that have expressed interest in joining me, so that's pretty sweet too!  I think once I get this whole thing started, I will reach out to more people via Facebook.  But I need to take baby steps or else I'm going to get freaked out!  The weather 'round these parts has been out of control lately so I'm hoping the atmospher gets it's shit together and shapes up so we aren't battling freezing temperatures and/or rain when we (hopefully) get started next week!  I know you're going to be on pins and needles waiting to hear how it goes, so I will most definitely keep you posted.

We're teachers, we can't afford no dang surgery!

Moving along...as stated in my last post, I was getting kind of bored with the 30 Day Shred, and this week I cheated on Jillian.  Not only was I getting bored, but that bitch fooled me and had me thinking I was all bad ass because I was making it through Workout 1 without problems, so I decided to try out Workout 2.  Ughh-no-thank-you-very-much!  Just watching it made me want to cry.  I "attempted" some of the exercises, but pretty much gave up by Circuit 3.  I felt pretty defeated after that day and decided it was time to stow JM away for a little while and do something else.  So the past couple of days I have been doing the treadmill for 30 minutes, alternating between a fast walk at about Speed 3.5 and then running at 5.0 and occasionally cranking the incline up to 10 during my walking.  After that I do some ab stuff and squats and other random things that make it hurt so good.  Today I'm planning to either go on a bike ride or go to the gym (the real gym, not the gym at my house).  I've been using the My Fitness Pal app all week and have managed to stay under my calorie goal of 1200 everyday so far.  Hopefully when I weigh-in soon the scale will throw me a bone and show a loss.  We shall see! 

I've also been drinking a shit-ton of water and while my piss is now clear, I also have to pee every five minutes.  That isn't very fun when you are teaching, or trying to sleep, or out running errands.  Or grocery shopping with your 6 year old twins.  I almost popped a squat in the parking lot of Walmart last night because I didn't think I would make it inside.  I'm sure people have done way worse in Walmart parking lots so I really wouldn't have felt too bad.  Don't worry, I didn't do it.  I had kids with me remember!  I definitely think the increase in water has helped me to feel more "full" my bladder anyway and chugging a bunch of H20 before I eat makes me eat less.  I also ordered a Diet Coke last night at McDonald's (to go with my grilled chicken wrap and small kid fries, hey at least they weren't super sized) and probably didn't drink 1/4 of it because I got full and it didn't make me feel good.  Damn all these new healthy ways!  Just kidding of course. 

Gatoraaaaade.........H20!!!

So now that I've rambled on for far too long about things you care nothing about...I will kindly end this post.  Mostly becauseI have to pee.

Hope yall are all having a great week and making it HURT SO GOOD at home, at the gym, or wherever it is you get your sweat on!  I have that song on my workout playlist and I LOVE IT!

Btw when I looked up "hurts so good" on google and pinterest to find some sort of picture, there were some very disturbing images that came up, so don't do it!  Damn 50 Shades for corrupting America! I kid, I kid.  And Kimmy if you're reading this, listen to me this time and DON'T GOOGLE IT!  At least not while you're at work.  You learned your lesson last time with the rusty trombone friend.

Tell Me About It Tuesday

It's Tuesday, so let me tell you about some things that are going on! 

He just gets it.

First, today was my first 'official' day back at work WITH kids (yesterday we had a "work day" and in case any of my bosses are reading this, I'll just leave it at that) after a two week break.  It was also the starting day for my Student Teacher.  I was scared for her.  A two week Christmas break is great for a teacher's mind, but terrible for a child's mind.  They can lose so much in that short period when they are out of their normal routine and not being fed all of that awesome knowledge that I feed them daily.  I was certain they were going to be batshit crazy and scare this poor girl off, making her change her mind about teaching and head to McDonald's to fill out an application.  Luckily for her, they were all excited to be back and all but one of them were on their very best behavior.  I could be that great of a teacher, or they could just still be on Santa overload and not care what's going on.  Either way, it was a pleasant first day back. 



Thanks, I worked hard on that.

I have been nervous about the whole Student Teacher thing for many reasons.  1) Is because I'm really not a "people" person.  *How can she say that and be a teacher you may be wondering.*  And the answer is...I have no effing clue.  I can deal with kids with no problem, but it's adults that I have a hard time with.  Not all adults, just the ones that piss me off.  2) I'm used to having my own "space" and being able to shoo away 4 and 5 year olds who like to invade it.  They are easily distracted so besides the usual hug or kiss I can get rid of them quickly.  But having another adult (and female at that) in my space ALL DAY, EVERY DAY, well...that's a different story.  She may not enjoy my form of shooing her away.  3) Let's just face it, women are crazy and can have so many different personalities it's unreal.  I'm a nutcase, no need to lie here.  Put a bunch of crazies in a classroom together and you never know what's going to happen.

Thank you for noticing, Adam!

BUT, this girl seems *normal* (although that may not be saying much considering my standards idk) and we get along really great so far.  She didn't stay stuck up my ass all day and made herself at home around the kids, which was great because I didn't want to feel like I was babysitting anyone.  Again, it's only been ONE day, but I am being optimistic where the eff did that come from.  I am going to attempt to embrace having her in our room, do my best to teach her everything I know, and enjoy having extra help (like when she has "Full Responsibility" for two weeks at a time, holla!!).  I didn't have the greatest experience when I was student teaching, so hopefully I can help her to enjoy this journey as much as possible.  I know I joke a lot about what I do and make jokes regarding the shenanigans that go down in my classroom, but I truly do love what I do and I hope to pass along my passion to her. Gag.

Who else is excited I now get to go pee

whenever I need to, and don't have to hold

it for 3+ hours??  No one?  Screw you.

On a side note, I have been thinking about reaching out to some of my co-workers about forming a little "work out group" that meets up a couple of times a week after work.  We have a nice track a few streets over from our School and it would be the perfect place for us to get our sweat on.  I am getting bored just doing Jillian because we're not doing it the right way and I don't want to get complacent.  I think if I mix things up and go running one day, play tennis with Christopher another, workout with the girls another, and so on, it will keep my body guessing and hopefully my mind from talking itself out of getting work done.  *On a side note, Christopher has offered many times to workout with me or have me join his group of workout buddies in the morning, I'm just not ready for all that testosterone and I'm still too self conscious to work out with a bunch of dudes.  One of these days...*  Do yall have any thoughts on how I can make this co-worker work out happen?  I kind of feel like I'm not "qualified" to start such a group because I am not in any kind of shape besides chubby (yeah, it's my own special shape) and am not an exercise expert by any means.  But, I know a little and probably enough to get us started.  What do yall think?