Life in the Fast Lane

RAOK 365 - Month 1

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 04:07:00 +0000

Hi, Friends!

It has definitely been a WHILE!

Life happens.

In the meantime. we had a family friend who for his 40th birthday wanted to do 40 Random Acts of Kindness.

It moved me and made ME want to be a better person.

So...the beginning of RAOK 365.

A Random Act of Kindness for each day of the year.

It will be challenging and likely somewhat repetitive.

BUT...it's important.

Drum Roll Please....

RAOK Month 1

***Days in orange related to money. Those in black were free. :)

Day 1 - I wrote a note to the pharmacist who filled my prescription and thanked her for working on New Year's Day so others could feel better and told her that I truly appreciated her. :)

Day 2 - We put a note of thanks for the mailman in our mailbox along with some candy bars. :)

Day 3 - I sent a virtual bouquet of flowers and a note to a friend telling her how awesome she is and how much I appreciate her. www.virtualgifts4u.com is a great site! A FREE way to show kindness and someone's day!

Day 4 – Left money on the table for a dessert for the next customer.

Day 5 – Put our snowflakes in the mail for Operation Sandy Hook. These snowflakes will decorate the new Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Day 6 - Sent a Barnes and Noble egift card to a certain someone at Kaley's school who ALWAYS has a smile on her face and has such a sweet, positive spirit! She is a great representative of Kelly Milly! Can't put her name on here so it will be a surprise!

Day 7 - Paid for the car behind us at Dairy Queen! Someone got some free ice cream!

Day 8 - Sent a letter of thanks to our troops to say thank you for their service and sacrifice. http://www.amillionthanks.org/

Day 9 - Made a donation to Operation Gratitude. Operation Gratitude sends approximately 100,000 care packages each year to deployed troops.

http://www.operationgratitude.com/

Day 10 - Our neighborhood McDonalds is normally VERY inefficient. Today it was the the opposite. The girl who took our order was very pleasant and patient. The line moved quickly, and we were out within 2 minutes. I asked to speak to the manager and praised the girl taking the orders and the efficiency of today's visit.

Day 11 - Sent 11 emails to parents to tell them how proud I was of their student's progress.

Day 12 - Went to www.freerice.org and answered enough questions correctly to donate 1,000 grains of rice.

Day 13 - Made a donation to the Armed Forces Children’s Education Fund (AFCEF). The goal of AFCEF is to be able to financially assist the educational needs of the surviving children of the U.S. Military men and women who lost their lives on or after October 7, 2001, the commencement of Afghanistan operations, as part of the global war on terrorism defined as "Operation Enduring Freedom.”

http://www.afcef.org/

Day 14 - Gave our waitress tonight a VERY generous tip.

Day 15 – Left some change taped on the vending machine for the next person.

Day 16 – As part of my commitment to a Random Act of Kindness each day this year, I have created a Click for Kids page. This page is a fundraiser for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. My goal is $500. If EACH of my Facebook friends donated just $2, I would far exceed my goal. PLEASE consider donating whatever you can and perform a random act of kindness of your own. Thank you in advance!!

http://click4kids.kintera.org/jayeraok365

Day 17 - Read a book online which automatically donates books to children in need.

http://www.wegivebooks.org/

Day 18 - Left a note for our waitress at lunch telling her I appreciated her humor and the attention she gave to us.

Day 19 - Sent an email to a friend telling her how important she is to me and how thankful I am to have her as a friend.

Day 20 – Read and donated another book via www.wegivebooks.org

Day 21 – Donated to Sgt. Christopher’s Surdyk’s wish via www.woundedsoldierswish.org

Day 22 - Kaley and I gave some of her toys to the little princess on our street who lost many of hers in a fire.

Day 23 - Paid for all the Philanthropy badges for Kaley's Girl Scout Troop.

Day 24 - A colleague had the joy yesterday of her new husband adopting her 8 year old, and they are now a LEGAL family!! Today I ordered the newest member of the Cantrell family some personalized stickers and bookmarks with her new name. Shipped them as a SURPRISE. Shhhhh....

Day 25 - Made an appreciative comment on a Blogger friend's post.

Day 26 - Signed an online pledge to do my part in recyling.

Day 27 - Dropped several dollars into the Ronald McDonald donation box at McDonalds.

Day 28 - Paid for the car behind us at McDonalds. (Anyone sensing a theme? HA!)

Day 29 - Donated to friends of a friend who are adopting a special needs baby.

Day 30 - Clicked on www.care2.com and helped raise money for Children International - an organization that is helping children and families overcome poverty through child sponsorships.

Day 31 – Left a double sized tip for our server at dinner tonight.

Live a YES life.

Make a difference.

Give!

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 03:34:00 +0000

The death toll from the tornadoes in the south is over 300.

Neighborhoods are destroyed.

Homes are GONE.

Help is desperately needed in these areas.

EVERYONE can help - regardless of whether you don't have extra money to donate, or you don't live close to physically help.

Donate blood.

It's desperately needed and a FREE gift that can save lives!

Visit The Red Cross to find a donation center close to you!

I'm going tomorrow!!

Unbelievable

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 03:50:00 +0000

Today has been a horrific day in Alabama and Georgia weather wise.

There have been more tornadoes touch down today than have EVER touched down in one day.

The death toll is already close to 100 and will probably be higher.

A MILE wide tornado went through Tuscaloosa, Alabama where the University of Alabama is located, but MISSED the campus.

Unbelievable.

And something to be incredibly thankful for on this devastating day.

We are still waiting on the storms to get to us in our part of Georgia.

Everyone stay safe.

Hugs and prayers!

Is it a CSN Review I see in my future?

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:09:00 +0000

I believe it is!

Spring and summer are just around the corner, and kids are chomping at the bits to get outside and play - particularly on outdoor playsets!

CSN stores has over 200 online stores where you can find anything you need, whether it be that new outdoor playset, fitness equipment or even cute cookware!

There are SO many options to chose from so I'm going over NOW to check out some cookware!

What's on YOUR wish list?

Precious Memories

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:15:00 +0000

AFriday was the the Father/Daughter Dance at Baby Chicklet's school.

A perfect opportunity for some pampering and feeling like a princess!

Before the dance we were off to Sweet and Sassy for the full treatment.

First, a pedicure...

Looks like she could get used to this!

Then the manicure! Although by this point she was "bored." HA!

Eldest Chicklet came home for the weekend to see Baby Chicklet off.

Those two have so much fun together!

Of course, we had to have a couple of practice dances...

And then off to dance the night away!

With a little pose thrown in...

Looks like our sweet girl had the time of her life!

Hello...gym...

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 03:38:00 +0000

Here I come!

Well, at least I did today!

My week three weigh in was today, and...

I'm DOWN two more pounds!

Thrilled beyond words (which for me is a rarity), my first thought was MORE WORKING OUT!

Crazy, huh?

But I was so thrilled with my success, especially with my Super Bowl naughtiness, that I wanted MORE of the success.

I wonder if that counts as an addiction?

Hmmm...

Here's the weekly run down.

Week 1: -8.5

Week 2: -3.5

Week 3: -2

Total pounds loss - 14

YIPPEE!!!

It truly does feel awesome, and I'm SO incredibly proud of myself.

Bring it, Weight Loss Challenge.

I'm ready!

Super Bowl

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 22:17:00 +0000

NOT so SUPER hot for the weight loss plan!

Way too much beer was had by DJ Fatty Fat!

And of course if beer was had, the munchies set it.

And my NEMESIS...HOT WINGS were there to devour!

DAMN IT!

However, being the ever so smart (and modest) Fatty I am, I made my weigh in day for the middle of the week so I had recovery time for whatever bad decisions I make on the weekends!

I am a scale addict - get on every morning - and know that I'm not doing so hot.

BUT since my official weigh in date is not until Wednesday, it TOTALLY doesn't count! ;)

Fingers crossed that my GOOD choices today and tomorrow will overcome the BAD ones!

In the meantime, I'm jumping in on a Weight Loss Challenge!

It's all about the support, sistas!

Here are my beginning stats....

Week 1: -8.5

Week 2: -3.5

Week 3: See ya Wednesday!

Weigh In - Week 2

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 19:48:00 +0000

Gotta admit...

I'm liking my results!!!

DOWN 3.5 pounds!!!

Woo to the HOO!!!

Weight Loss Standings:

DJ Fatty Fat: -12

Portly Pioneer: -5

Jilly Jelly Roll: -6

Hermalinda Linda: -4

Not shabby!

Last night Pumpkin and I watched The Biggest Loser. Now THAT is some serious motivation.

I can't image being in that intense, hard-core environment.

BUT the results can't be disputed!

It really is incredible.

This week's philosophy - If they can do it, SO CAN I!

She's a STAR

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 01:22:00 +0000

Baby Chicklet is the STAR Student for her class this month!

We are SO proud of her!

A STAR Student exhibits School Spirit, Team Work, positive Attitude and Respect!

It is a great honor, and we couldn't be happier!

Only one student is chosen each month, so it is quite special!

She is such a joy to US and obviously to her teacher and peers!

CONGRATULATIONS, Baby Chicklet!!!

Yesterday was...

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:49:00 +0000

A great day!

It's always nice to spend time with JUST the Eldest Chicklet.

She called a couple of weeks ago to see if I wanted to come down for the dedication of her sorority chapter room.

ROAD TRIP!

Well, kinda....since her school is only 2 1/2 hours from our house.

Japanese lunch (yes, NOT Weight Watchers, but it was a special day!), hanging out with EC, the dedication and a little shopping...

Yep, a great day!

HECK YEAH!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:23:00 +0000

Well...

My first weigh in was pretty darn successful!

DOWN 8.5 pounds!!!!

Holy crapsicles! I'm so pumped!

Portly Pioneer is down 5! GO GIRL!

Jilly Jelly Roll is down 5! GO GIRL!

Hermelinda Linda still has to weigh in...GO GIRL!

I'm SO EXCITED!

Tomorrow...you're only a day away!

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 03:00:00 +0000

Weight in day is TOMORROW!

I never thought I'd be excited about getting on a scale, but I AM!

I've stayed on track the entire week, AND I've done p90x.

Not every day, 'cause that's just NUTS!

But enough for me to feel good about it!

So, Mr. Scale....

BRING IT!

'Cause I am!

Party Problems?

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 17:52:00 +0000

NAH!!!

I managed to go to a football party last night and stay within my daily points and only use a couple of my exercise points for the week!

Pretty impressive, I'd say!

I really don't like use the "extra" weekly points. I know they are there, and I can use them if I need to, but I feel like I would be cheating.

So, until desperation sets in, I'm not using them.

Introducing...

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 01:06:00 +0000

DJ Fatty Fat

Portly Pioneer

Jilly Jelly Roll

Hermelinda Linda

I, along with three of my good friends, decided that it was TIME to lose some weight!

YAY US!

So - Operation Fatty HAS BEGUN!

We've jumped on the Weight Watchers train and are PUMPED!

To put a little silly factor in, we have all decided on "Fatty" names.

Once we are new and improved skinny goddesses, we'll get new names!

Drum Roll....

Me - I'm DJ Fatty Fat.

Our leader is Portly Pioneer.

From Jersey, we have Jilly Jelly Roll!

And last, but not least, our spicy Chilean is Hermelinda Linda.

So far, so good!

Portly Pioneer and Jilly Jell Roll are a week in and doing great!

Myself and Hermelinda Linda are 5 days in and ROCKIN' it!

We had bunco last night and still managed to stay on track.

Now THAT is impressive!

Of course, throwing in a P90X session helped with some extra points!

We know it's not going to easy, and there will certainly be times we will stray from the path of the skinny, BUT here we go!!

SUCCESS!

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:49:00 +0000

Eldest Chicklet is home from her first semester of college!

It's nice to have her home for an extended period of time.

Also, nice...it seems her first semester was a SUCCESS!

She's still waiting on a few grades, but....

She has a very good chance of being on the Dean's List!

WOOHOO!

Ashley the Elf

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:25:00 +0000

Kaley's elf, Ashley, came!

First "trick"...taking the ornaments off the tree in Kaley's room.

She was SO excited!

Love her

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 03:57:00 +0000

She's not the other two.

Britt is the oldest.

She's smart. She's loving. She's gorgeous.

Tripp is the middle.

He's an xBox addict. He's a gifted athlete. He has a tender heart.

She's my baby.

She's adorable.

She has an amazing sense of humor.

She sings "She wears short shirts; I wear t-shirts" and "God is great, beer is good and people are crazy" with all her heart.

She's Kaley.

Vampires Galore

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 23:05:00 +0000

I LOVE me some True Blood.

Especially the delightfully delicious Eric Northman!

BUT.....

I don't like the way the TV series is deviating from the Sookie Stackhouse books.

I understand that there has to be some artistic leeway and some change.

However, this season was WAY different than the third book.

Come on, people!!

Give us some YUM while still following the book!!

Beach...AHHHH

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 03:11:00 +0000

Last weekend Pumpkin and I went to the beach for the first time WITHOUT kids since our honeymoon.

It was DIVINE!

We went with 15 other adults.

Many laughs, gobs of great food, lots of beer, tons of beach time.

Ahhhhh....

So when can we go BACK?!?!

Labor Day Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:03:00 +0000

MANY thanks to our FABULOUS friends, the Danas, for having us for the weekend!

We had a great time at the lake!

Watched some football, drank beer, rode in the boat, drank beer, watched kids bounce off the trampoline "a la Wipeout," drank beer, played on the jetski, drank beer, ate, drank beer...

Pattern anyone?

Baby Chicklet loved EVERYTHING about the lake!

Pumpkin and the Middle Chicklet enjoyed some dusk fishing.

Of course, we missed our Eldest Chicklet, but she was busy ringing in the new football season as as college freshman!

We couldn't have had a better kick off to fall!

Graduation

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:24:00 +0000

Our lovely Eldest Chicklet graduated in June.

Yep. I'm aware it is virtually September.

Better late than never!

We are so proud of all of her accomplishments!

One that I believe she is most proud of is her leadership as Vice President of Student Government.

And there is no bigger fan than Baby Chicklet.

Congratulations, Brittney!!!

We love you and are SO proud of you!

Kindergarten!

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 01:42:00 +0000

Our Baby Chicklet is OFFICIALLY a Kindergartner!!

And she LOVES it!

Sadly lacking

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:28:00 +0000

Exactly what my posting has been.

I could blame it on being busy...

Eldest Chicklet starting college and Baby Chicklet starting Kindergarten, last year of middle school for the Middle Chicklet. Me doing a long term sub at a different school, and Pumpkin traveling.

Or I could just call it what it is.

Lazy.

I've got to get back to blogging.

I love it. Really and truly love it.

Almost as much as my trashy, yet wonderful, True Blood.

Almost.

There have been so many things happening in our life in the past month and NONE of it did I put on here.

Shame on me.

Time to start catching up!

Out of the Mouth of Baby Chicklet

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:23:00 +0000

"Daddy and Tripp are related."

"They both poot."

Well, then...

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 03:37:00 +0000

Pumpkin started playing in our neighorhood poker league.

I had him teach me to play so I hang out with him some more.

Apparently he's a damn good teacher...

'Cause Saturday I WON!

1st place out of 31, and I was the ONLY chick!

$400 and a "lovely" Poker Champion bracelet.

So the question is...

Should I stay home or go on the world tour for Poker?

;)