"Fatty" Week 1

Fatty was a term that a friend of mine and I used in high school when we were both on the Weight Watchers journey. We were actually both successful at that time! Juliet and I had the best time holding each other accountable--- we'd sneak out of AP English early some days to go and weigh in during the school day and we'd eat fiber one and popcorn like it was our job. It was so much fun having a "partner" to joke around with--- which, is how the term "fatty" was coined. Fatty was our nickname for each other, and unlike most other nicknames, fatty actually stuck for us. Our entire spring semester this word was common in our vocabulary and when we see each other now, it's usually the first word said to each other during our reunion. I must say, however, Fatty has done a much better job staying little than I have... thus, I'm back and I just completed week one of Weight Watchers.

Good news-I lost 3.2 pounds! I know, each week will not always be like this. But, I'll take what I can get in the beginning! It really was a great week. I never went to bed hungry and my awesome girl friends held me accountable--- we cooked delicious healthy meals and they actually enjoyed them as well! From soups to salmon, it was truly a yummy (low point) week.

This week, on the other hand, could be interesting... Kim, Ginny and I are going to Chicago for the three day weekend. My weakness is pizza--- especially Chicago deep dish! Ahh, this could be dangerous!

My first solo project, sort of.

Solo because J isn't here; however, I am so gracious that I have the most incredible girl friends who helped me out!

I've been wanting to add some color to our house, so today I decided to go buy a bucket (okay, two buckets) of paint and start rolling a wall in our guest bedroom. I think I love it-- but I'll decide on a definite opinion after the paint is dry and the bedroom is back in order. But, it's beautiful... a nice blue grey color.

I will post pictures tomorrow of the before and after- get excited!

Quick Fix?

Anyone know how to "thaw" a frozen drain from a shower??? Thank goodness it's not mine, but it's Kim's and it has been a process trying to find an answer. Each person who has an answer has a different opinion, but I guess that's life. The problem is that no one has an answer that works! Boiled salt water, heat lamps, insulation on the outside? I never knew winter weather could be so exciting!

No matter what, I'm learning a lot living in Omaha in the coldest winter in 100 years. I've learned how to use 4WD and how to thaw pipes. I've learned how to slide across ice without looking like a fool (unless I fall). I've learned that's it's really not TOO TOO cold outside if you have a good winter coat (thanks again, Santa). Most importantly (I know, this is so cheesy... but so true), it can still be fun if you're surrounded by such wonderful friends, who are like family.

But, I'm ready for positive temperatures again. We can have even more fun when it's nice outside!

The (first) blizzard of 2010

As everyone as read via facebook status updates or heard from a phone conversation, it's rather chilly in Omaha. The weatherman said last night that it's the coldest winter since 78-79. Well, it's snowing again today and we're expecting another six inches... I'm off to shovel my driveway, probably for the first of a few times in the next 24 hours.

The view from the front door. Ridiculous.

Points

Just like a million and one other people, a new year means another goal of losing a few pounds. Well, I'm hopping on the bandwagon and joining Weight Watchers... again. My mom and I did WW my senior year in high school and absolutely loved it! The best part about WW is that you don't have to eliminate anything from your diet. It's just a great reminder about portion control. I started on Monday so I will try and update on here each week; however, this will NOT turn into a weight loss blog. But it will keep me accountable. My main goal is to write down everything I eat... it's much harder for me to eat a whole bag of M&M's when I am reminded that it will be written on a sheet of paper that I ate them. Eww.

Update in Pictures

I am so frustrated with blogspot right now--- I can never post my pictures in the right order??? Does anyone have any suggestions? They always come up backwards with big gaps... hmm.

2009 was truly a fabulous year for me and the last few weeks were no different! We were very fortunate to be able to spend Christmas in both North Carolina and Florida with both of our families. We were able to see so many friends--- the only downside was how quick both trips were. Oh, and how can I forget how much I hate Delta/Northwest!


As I say in every post, I will try to do better at blogging--- and thank you, Farrah, for that reminder again today! But, here are the pictures that captured our Christmas and New Years. And if you're one of those people who like everything in order... start at the bottom! I'm sorry for the doubles and the funky captions (someone help me with this problem)!

We celebrated New Years at Chris and Erin's--- the girls before midnight.

Natalia, Stephanie and Me

Out in Tampa with the UCF crowd

Jason's birthday in Winter Haven, Florida

Christmas morning after Santa

Jason and me for our first married Christmas

Ryan and Jack

Family photo with Mr. Jack--- I love him!

The group after Christmas Eve candlelight service--- we had the best time!

We made a peppermint cake for a Christmas dinner party--- Delicious!

Our beautiful tree

our mantle

Our living room decorated for Christmas

Christmas china put to use!

Winter is here

It's official. In case you haven't heard, winter is here!!! We've been in a blizzard warning for the past three days and we probably have 10-12 inches of fresh powder; however, it looks much deeper because the wind is blowing snow drifts up for four or five feet! It's absolutely crazy. I haven't been this cold in my life--- the high today is 8 and the low is -12 tonight. North Carolina doesn't get weather like this.

We've shoveled our drive way four times in the past 24 hours. Jason really wants a snowblower now for Christmas. Sadly, they're like $500 for one that does a decent job. I told him that we are able-bodied young people and should be able to handle it. That doesn't mean that everytime I get bundled up to go back outside to shovel I don't think of how nice it would be to have a machine that could do the hard part for us.

None the less, we're having a ball playing in the snow. I just made a pumpkin pie and a big pot of chili for tonight! The house smells delicious. We went sledding yesterday afternoon and we've watched mindless television. It's crazy because all of the schools are closed, now for the second day, which rarely happens. The most fun of all is watching all of the kids play!