Oops, better update... (Week 13)

So, I was sitting here, talking to someone special, and realized, I had forgotten to update all of you this week.... I know, I know... You've been waiting at the edge of your seats for this news, I know.... Sorry :)

So, Wednesday, when I "weighed in" I was still at 130.... Not bad, VERY well within my weight "limit" for being 5'7", but slightly frustrating since I had actually hit 128.5 from time to time, and 128 is my "goal"... Just never on a "report day". *Sigh* Plus, I might be running out of time for my competition with this one, so I figured I better get it in while I can.....

Everybody ready? *drumroll please* ...............

Since the last weigh in, I am down two and a half pounds.... YAY for me!! So, since we started our "competition", I've lost a total of 11.5 pounds.... Wonder what she has gained since then.....

"I think you went too far this time..."

Those were the words that came out of my daughter's mouth this weekend. I don't see what the problem is...

Her daddy, sweet man that he is, made me T's for my clothesline a couple weeks ago. He brought them home and told me that I would have to paint them so they wouldn't rust. I asked him what color and he told me that it didn't matter, he didn't care, they were MY clotheslines. Huh. "Even spring green with bright pink polka-dots?"

"Whatever you want, honey." Huh. Ok, we'll see if he really means it....




















I got more reaction from T than from J. He simply shrugged and said "it isn't my clothesline..." Upon further inspection, he saw that I didn't have a bag that holds my clothespins, so he took a laundry detergent container, cut off the top, and told me I could paint it pink if I wanted to.

























She thinks I've gone "too far." I say, at least one of my chores is nice and cheery now.

Updates All Around (Week 12)

Questions have been posed about my last class/test.... I am THRILLED to no end to be done, and I feel pretty confident about the state exam. I am, however, having a difficult time remaining patient while the state processes all the exams and submits our results. I think I can I think I can... wait.

Bud's birthday party was good despite the cold temperatures and rain. All the boys had a great time playing army in the woods for the weekend, complete with VERY IMPORTANT MISSIONS. Seriously. Unfortunately, the camera was without batteries. Not smart. You'll have to take my word for it: he was adorable and the boys were nearly invisible all dressed in camo. Uncle D, you'd be so proud. Oh yeah, and daddy and daddy's best friend stayed in the woods with the boys, and froze, and didn't sleep... So they called me to get me up to come up and start breakfast.... at FIVE. In the MORNING. *sigh* I'm still trying to recoup.

Ah yes... now on to the weight issue. Yes, this week, it IS an issue..... When all was said and done, I lost NOTHING. Which, I know... I said J said "stop" and that I would not actively pursue weight loss.... So, I didn't... I didn't count one single point.... And during the first two days, I lost an additional one and a half pounds... then Bud's birthday rolled around... and a weekend long campout/picnic/cookout..... So I went up two pounds, then back down the half to where I started last Wednesday to begin with. *sigh* Back to counting points. I'm afraid if I don't, those twenty pounds I just so happily shed will easily sneak back on.... Can't have that. I think I can, I think I can.... stay on track.

Feeling Frazzled

As of RIGHT NOW I have just under seven and a half hours to go before my test starts. And we have a camp out birthday party tomorrow and there is... well, basically EVERYTHING... that needs to get done around the house. I just got up a little while ago (ah, life on second shift) and already I feel like my head is spinning around as if in need of the Exorcist. I just want to go back into my room, crawl back on my bed, bury myself under the covers and remain in the fetal position til sometime next week..........

But I can't do that, so I am going to take a deep breath.... and another..... and one more for good measure...... and remember that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." So I will "be anxious for nothing, but in everything (including tests and the structure of my day) by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, (I will) let (my) requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard (my) heart and mind through Christ Jesus." *Philippians 4:13 and 6-7 respectively. Parenthesis my own alterations and additions.*

He Said "Stop" (Week 11)

Sort-of.... The exact words were "I think you can stop now." I told him I will not ACTIVELY try to shed any more pounds. HOWEVER, I will continue to eat the right foods and the right portions and exercise my *little* rear and abs into shape, and if more pounds come off because of it, so be it.

This weeks results? I dropped on more pound, putting me two pounds away from my ultimate goal!! WW says 128 is the bottom "acceptable" weight for someone at 5'7". Various other places say 125, 123 and 121. Doctors vary between the 123 and 125 mark. Fear not, I am not going anorexic or anything of the sort. 128 works for me. I'm not pushing for 125. Seriously, if I could just get rid of the baby bump and keep everything else toned, I'd be thrilled. Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled with 20 lbs in 11 weeks. My goal is definitely to be a little more "in shape" and get rid of the extra belly. (Yes, mom, it can be done :) )

Almost Done!!

Well, tonight was my LAST class.... For the next two years and three months, anyway. Today was just a final review in prep for the BIG TEST on Thursday. I have found that I am stronger in some areas than I thought I was and that I do need the work I thought I needed in others. Overall, if I had to take the test this minute (well, aside from being exhausted), I would pass....

Back to the books.... I will be done soon.

Back on Track! (Week 10)

Grapefruit juice and extra fiber works!! So does getting back on the elliptical. Three pounds down! From what I hear, I'm DEFINITELY kicking her butt. ;)

Accomplished

I did it!!!!! I had my practical exams for EMT-B tonight and I ACED them!!! Woo hoo!! Now I just have our written state exam next Thursday and I'll be done! *happy dance*

Operation: Excavation

J and E live on a hill.
They have an upper driveway.
J decided - take it down,
And E took all the pictures.

We have two driveways - the "lower" and the "upper". We decided having an "upper" driveway was overrated and that we wanted more flat space behind the house. We found someone with bulldozer toys. He started playing yesterday:
















The toy. Mr. Jackson (owner and operator) says this is one of his smaller ones.


















Each scoop is moving up to 5 tons of dirt at a time.

















Getting it all to one level.