The life and times of Stephanie W

Stolen recipe - Candy Apple Salad

2009-05-15T10:45:00.002-04:00

The lovely blogger, Dusty, over at All Things G+D, posted an absolutely deeeelicious looking recipe that I have to steal and share with anyone who might read this (I even stole her pictures, shhhhh.) Book mark Dusty's blog, she has a lot of great stuff on there! Here's the recipe!

What you need:
Apples (granny smith would probably be the best)
Snickers candy bar (frozen)
Cool Whip
Instant butterscotch pudding mix

Directions:
1) Chop up about 5 large apples into bite-sized pieces.

2) Add Snickers pieces - about 8-10 snack sized bars are good (Stephanie note: I would so add more than that! )

Dusty's tip - Put the Snickers in the freezer and then use the smooth side of a meat tenderizer to mash the bar, all while it's in the wrapper.

3) Mix in 1 pack of instant butterscotch pudding mix (just the powder) and 1 small container of Cool Whip to the apples and Snickers.

4) Stick it in the fridge until serving. Or..... eat it all because you have no control, like me!

I don't know about you, but I plan on making this one pretty soon. I kinda want to leave work to try it right now, but that's because I have a ridiculous sweet tooth.

Separate post coming soon about our (hopefully!) new house! Stay tuned

Me = bad blogger

2009-05-04T12:51:00.003-04:00

I've been a terrible blogger lately. Rett & I have been crazy busy with work and we're in the process of looking to buy our first home! Yay! Renting for 8 years was waaaaaaaay too long, but the economy has kind of worked in our favor, since we're able to get more house for our budget than we would have been able to get a couple years ago. Of course, the $8,000 tax credit is pretty nice too!

Other than that, nothing too exciting with us. I've managed to lose 11 lbs since January, but it should really be more than that. I have to get back to kicking my own booty to jump start weight loss again.

Promise to blog again soon!

New Years resolution, version 3.30.09

2009-03-30T09:45:00.003-04:00

It's a long known fact that, for most people, New Years resolutions just don't work. Rett & I did the requisite "We're going to lose weight this year!" resolution, even joining a gym. Of course, we don't go as much as we should for the amount we're paying, but that's just part of the resolution, right?

Therefore, I'm instituting my New Years resolution, version 3.30.09, to be started immediately. We spend way, way, way, way x10 much money going out for food. I loathe cooking, with a passion. Rett is a good cook, but he's not really good at making a healthy meal. He just likes to throw things together and call it a casserole. It always tastes good, but it's not the best way to eat on a regular basis. I'm not going to pretend that I'm going to become a world class chef, but I can throw a can of soup over some chicken and make some rice.

We're going grocery shopping tonight & I'm trying to organize an actual list with my coupons so we don't just throw random junk in the cart. Does anyone have any suggestions for some easy, yummy, not too expensive meals?

Disconnected

2009-03-18T10:18:00.003-04:00

-disclaimer- this is a boring no pictures, no fun information or insight post.

Lately I've been feeling really disconnected. It feels that people aren't understanding me and I'm not understanding them, almost as though I was just picked up and place in the middle of a foreign country and no one speaks English or cares to help me find a way out. I'm just lost in a fog of confusion and disappointment.

I don't feel that it's anyone's fault other than my own, but I find myself making promises and then backing out, feeling like I just can't leave the house or get motivated to participate in something. I feel overwhelmed by the things I desire and see no light at the end of the tunnel to work toward. I need to go through a mountain of paperwork to file for reimbursement for my flex spending account, which one would think I could done in the hours after work before going to bed at 10pm - but, no, I end up sitting there stressed by the fact that there is so much to go through and no where to start. The logical part of my brain knows to just start somewhere and it'll get done, but the OCD crazy part of my brain wants an "attack plan" before I start.

Rett's scheduled changed that he now gets off at 5:30pm, instead of 7:30pm. I'm hoping that he can help me be more productive, since I was using him as an excuse. (I couldn't do anything before he got home, because I wouldn't be done in time and I couldn't do it after because I would want to spend time with him.) All of my excuses are really pathetic ones. I wish there was just an easy way to say "OK, I'm motivated and ready to work! Here I go, nothing holding me back!" but it just doesn't seem to work like that for me.

Maybe tonight will be better. At least, I can hope that it will be.

I want, I want, I want, I want!!!!!!

2009-03-03T11:13:00.004-05:00

While checking out one of the cutest blogs in the world - LOLcats - I noticed a little ad at the bottom, which lead me to the best, cutest, stuffed animals in.the.world. The site is called Squishable and OMG I want one soooo bad. I don't think I can wait until my birthday in June. I've had a long obsession with stuffed animals. I used to have 3 shelves full of them in my closet as a kid, with about a dozen more on my bed. Big stuffed animals are always the best too

Now I just have to decide which one I want to beg Rett to get for me....

The un-crafty girl, part deux

2009-03-02T09:54:00.002-05:00

I can not rave enough about this bag from my very good friend Steph V. I have a gorgeous one in a red/ brown floral pattern, and the one you see below I bought for my mother-in-law for her birthday. It is the best bag I've ever owned, hands down. It's big, but doesn't feel big when you carry it and doesn't seem to get heavy no matter what I put in it! It's reversible (as you can see) and has 6 large pockets that hold just about anything. Check out Steph's etsy shop, Mada's Place, to order one!

Just another manic Monday

2009-02-23T08:21:00.002-05:00

The un-crafty girl

2009-02-20T12:21:00.002-05:00

I really wish I was good at crafting, but the fact is I can't even draw a stick person. Luckily, I have a lot of friends who are fantasticly crafty and I can buy things from them! Check out my most recent purchase from one of my best friends, Janny, over at Hoo Made It on Etsy.

The pictures are kinda small, but it's a glittered wooden sign that says "Our Nest." I have no idea where I'm going to put it, but since it was glittered, I had to buy it!

This weekend, I'm going to take pictures of the bag I've been using for the past month that was made by one of my other best friends, Stephanie, from her shop on Etsy called Mada's Place. I abso-freakin-lutely adore it!

Goal: Lose 10 more pounds by March

2009-02-19T10:29:00.006-05:00

So my current goal is to lose 10 lbs by March 1. Yes, it's kinda pushing it, but I have a darn good reason why I want to do it. Two words:
SHAMROCK SHAKE!

Seriously, if you've never had one, you NEED to go to McDonald's in March to get one. They are sooooooooooo yummy. (If you're McDonald's doesn't have one, here's a recipe that I found online.) It seems so simple, just a vanilla milkshake with some mint extract, but it's heaven in a cup. Then again, I'm a total whore for anything mint flavored, so that might be why I get so excited about it.

December 2008, Arby's came out with this fantastical Mint Chocolate shake and, dear G-d, it was orgasmic. I hadn't even heard about them and Rett just randomly drove me to an Arby's to get one. Gotta love a husband that feeds my addiction to anything mint flavored!

giggles

2009-02-16T22:16:00.004-05:00

You might need makeup tips if....

2009-02-16T12:47:00.005-05:00

You might need makeup tips if..... you show up at a red carpet looking like this:

(Obviously stolen from Perez Hilton, with his trademark photo comments! LOL)

I'm not exactly a fashion plate myself, but I at least take the time make sure my powder is blended in the right way. I'm not even going to comment on her "Look, Ma, I just had an eyelift" look that she has, and just hope that she hasn't started having cosmetic surgery at the age of 22.

Don't I have just the most random blogs?

Here we go Steelers!!!!

2009-02-02T08:14:00.004-05:00

Super Bowl XLIII Champs!!!! Woo hoo!!!! Not only are they the best team (hush, Browns fans, you know it's true!) but they have now won more Super Bowls than any other team!

And, of course, I have to say something about our Super Bowl MVP, former Buckeye, Santonio Holmes! That last play was fantastic - click here to see the video of it.

I'm glad football's over for this year, but I still can't wait for September and the Buckeyes to start playing again.

I may not be a leader....

2009-01-30T12:39:00.003-05:00

I may not be a leader, but that doesn't mean you can't be my follower! Just click on the link on the right hand side of my blog and become a follower of my blog.

For those of you like me that use a reader for all of your blogs, try this link--> click here

How do YOU get motivated to excercise?

2009-01-29T15:06:00.010-05:00

I'd love to see some responses to this! Rett and I joined a gym a couple of weeks ago and I'm still working on my motivation to get off the couch and actually go. I've done a few water aerobics classes, which are surprisingly a lot of fun. As part of our membership, we each get 3 sessions with a trainer and I have my first session tomorrow night. My biological clock is ringing loudly & my arms are craving a baby, so I'm determined to find ways to stay motivated and keep up with a work out routine!
Here's a list of things that I'm thinking would be good motivators, please comment if you have anything to add to the list!

1. Take classes. Whether it's a different type of exercise than you normally do or just a different instructor, trying a new fitness class keeps your interest more than just running the treadmilll again.

2. Set small goals. Even if you have over 100 pounds to lose (like myself) setting a small goal is a lot more rewarding and can keep you working to reach that next goal.

3. Buy an outfit 1 size smaller than you normally wear for the next season (so right now you would buy spring/summer). No one wants to waste money, so you better make sure you can fit in it by time that season rolls around

4. Blog about it! I know I sure as heck won't want to report on here that I gained weight or quit working out. If you're not interested in blogging, talk about it publicly with co-workers or friends and they'll more than likely want to keep tabs on you to see how you're doing and if you're succeeding.

5. Keep a record for yourself of how much weight you've lost and how many inches have disappeared. Nothing will keep you motivated like knowing what a great job you've already done!

Ladies! Free makeup on Tuesday!

2009-01-17T22:19:00.005-05:00

Have you guys seen this? Apparently there was some class action lawsuit with makeup people and now they're giving away free makeup to pay it back! Just get your little cuteness to Macy's (and some other stores, but Macy's is the only one we have in Columbus I think) and you get something free. First come first serve, so go early!

Check out this site for all the details:
http://www.cosmeticssettlement.com/

Fat is out, thin is in

2009-01-15T09:22:00.011-05:00

Why couldn't I live in the 1800's? That's when it was cool to be fat, since that meant you were rich. Oh well.

Rett and I are going to be joining a gym tonight. I can't believe how expensive gyms are now! The cheapest I could find was about $70, and others went up to $150! We decided to go to the one closest to us, since we don't need to add driving distance to the list of excuses to not go.

Since this blog should be more than me just complaining and ranting, I'm going to try to start including interesting little tid-bits or articles that I come across in my random internet searching. Here's an article from MSN/Prevention magazine that I've basically copied and pasted on here so it's all on one page. It has some pretty interesting information for those of us who try to buy "diet" foods. Apparently, they aren't as healthy as we thought!
____________________________________

Even if you haven't bought full-fat mayo or sugary soda since blue eye shadow was in style (the first time), you may be getting duped into less-than-stellar food choices at the supermarket. The culprit? The "health halo." "From a distance, some foods seem like healthful choices because of the way they're packaged or labeled," says Janel Ovrut, MS, RD, a Boston-based dietitian. "But just because a product's marketing gives it an aura of health doesn't necessarily mean it's good for you." Here, eight notorious health food impostors, plus smarter swaps that up the nutritional ante and still give you the flavor you crave.

Baked potato chips - Yes, they're lower in fat. But they're still high in calories and low in nutrients, with little fiber to fill you up.
Smarter sub: Popcorn. You'll get the salt and crunch of chips plus fiber, and around 65 percent fewer calories per cup. Look for oil-free microwave popcorn or brands that are air-popped or popped in healthful oils such as olive or canola.
Health bonus: Heart-healthy whole grains. Adults who eat popcorn take in as much as 2 1/2 times more whole grains than people who do not, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.
Try: Good Health HalfNaked pre-popped popcorn, made with olive oil. One serving (4 cups) has 120 calories, 0 g sat fat, 4 g fiber.

Gummy fruit snacks - Although these products may contain some juice, they're usually nothing more than candy infused with vitamins. They also contain high fructose corn syrup, which is linked with obesity, and heart-unhealthy partially hydrogenated oils.
Smarter sub: Fresh or dried fruit. Both are packed with filling fiber, which you'll miss if you opt for gummy snacks.
Health bonus: Cancer-fighting antioxidants. Real fruit is loaded with immune-boosting nutrients that fruit-flavored snacks could never mimic. A recent Greek study found that women who ate the most fruits and veggies were the least likely to develop any type of cancer.
Try: Peeled Snacks Fruit Picks dried fruit (peeledsnacks.com). One serving (one bag) of Go-Mango-Man-Go has 120 calories, 0 g sat fat, 2 g fiber.

Light ice cream - Light ice cream can have fewer calories than regular, but there's no guarantee. Take Häagen-Dazs Dulce de Leche light ice cream: With 220 calories per 1/2 cup serving, it's still higher in calories than the average full-fat ice cream, which has around 140 calories per serving. What's more, some light ice creams can lack the rich taste you crave, so you're less satisfied and may be inclined to eat more than one serving.
Smarter sub: Dairy-free ice cream. Soy and coconut milk ice creams may save you a few calories, and they have a creamy, satisfying texture.
Health bonus: Digestion-friendly fiber. Some dairy-free ice creams are made with chicory root, a natural source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber that can increase healthy bacteria in the gut and help the body absorb calcium and iron.
Try: Turtle Mountain Purely Decadent, made with coconut milk. One serving (1/2 cup) of vanilla has 150 calories, 7 g sat fat, and 6 g fiber. (Studies show that the saturated fat in coconut may not raise cholesterol like the saturated fat in butter and meat.)

Diet soda - In a 2008 study, researchers linked drinking just one diet soda a day with metabolic syndrome — the collection of symptoms including belly fat that puts you at high risk of heart disease. Researchers aren't sure if it's an ingredient in diet soda or the drinkers' eating habits that caused the association.
Smarter sub: Flavored seltzer water. It has zero calories and is free of artificial sweeteners but provides fizz and flavor. Beware of clear sparkling beverages that look like seltzer yet contain artificial sweeteners — they're no better than diet soda. Or try a sparkling juice; we recommend watering it down with seltzer to stretch your calories even further.
Health bonus: Hydration (without chemicals). Water is essential for nearly every body process.
Try: Your supermarket's low-cost seltzer brand. The taste is the same as the bigger name brands.

'Calorie-free' spray margarine - Even though some spray margarines claim to be "calorie-free," labeling laws allow products with fewer than 5 calories per serving to claim to have zero calories. So, while one spritz may be inconsequential, the whole bottle could have as much as 900 calories.
Smarter sub: Spray-it-yourself olive oil. In this case, a bit of real fat is more healthful and flavorful — and within a reasonable calorie range if you watch your portions. Investing in an olive oil mister ensures you don't put on too much.
Health bonus: Decreased inflammation throughout the body, which helps your heart and lowers cancer risk, thanks to monounsaturated fatty acids.
Try: Misto olive oil sprayer. Find one at any kitchen store for around $10.

Nonfat salad dressing - Fat-free salad dressings are often packed with sugar — so your dressing may be loaded with calories. Ironically, a salad without fat is not living up to its potential. "You need a little fat to absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K and other nutrients," says Katherine Tallmadge, RD, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.
Smarter sub: Oil-based salad dressings. You'll get good-for-you fats instead of the saturated fat found in some creamy dressings. Look for ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, and herbs.
Health bonus: Vision protection. As many as five times more carotenoids — antioxidants that are essential for eye-sight — are absorbed when salads are consumed with fat rather than with no fat.
Try: Newman's Own Olive Oil & Vinegar Dressing. Two tablespoons have 150 calories, 2.5 g sat fat, 0 g fiber.

Low-fat cookies - Do you remember the SnackWell's craze? Low-fat cookies are still popular, and many dieters think they can indulge guilt free. The problem is that most of these snacks are made with extra sugar, which means they often have just as many calories as the full-fat version, if not more.
Smarter sub: Oatmeal cookies. These are a great way to indulge a cookie craving while also getting whole grains. Not all are created equal, though: Skip those made with high fructose corn syrup, white flour, and butter in favor of varieties made with honey or cane juice, whole wheat flour, and oil.
Health bonus: Lower cholesterol. The fiber found in oatmeal keeps your body from absorbing bad cholesterol.
Try: Kashi TLC Cookies. One cookie has 130 calories, 1.5 g sat fat, 4 g fiber.

100-calorie snack packs - You might want to skip these if you're trying to lose weight. A recent study showed that people may eat more food and calories if the portions are presented in small sizes and packages. With smaller serving sizes, study participants didn't feel the need to regulate their intake, so they ate more than one portion before feeling satisfied.
Smarter sub: A small serving of almonds. Their healthy monounsaturated fat, fiber, and protein will tide you over until your next meal.
Health bonus: Stronger bones. Almonds are an excellent source of bone-building magnesium, as well as the immune-boosting antioxidant vitamin E.
Try: Blue Diamond Natural Oven Roasted Almonds. A 1 oz serving has 160 calories, 1 g sat fat, 3 g fiber.
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Some of that really surprised me! Especially, the margarine spray and 100 calorie packs. I guess the old adage still holds up -- If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

Starting the New Year off right

2008-12-31T10:34:00.012-05:00

Hopefully everyone had a wonderful holiday! We had a nice relaxing day at Rett's dad's house with yummy food and watched Iron Man, which was surprisingly good. Tonight Rett and I are just going to rent a couple of movies (any suggestions are welcome!) and hang out together. We got very spoiled when he was only working until 5p, so now that he doesn't get home until 8p from work, we feel like we never see each other. It's nice to know that after 8 years together, he still gets upset when he doesn't get to see me a lot.

I thought I would include something a little different in my post today, since I found an interesting article on Delish.com. Our family usually gets together for a relaxed dinner on New Year's Day just to hang out, watch football and kind of end the season of big dinners. If you haven't planned what you're having tomorrow night, here are some ideas based on foods that different cultures believe to bring good luck in the New Year!

Noodles -- In many Asian countries, long noodles are eaten on New Year's Day in order to bring a long life. One catch: You can't break the noodle before it is all in your mouth.

Black-Eyed Peas -- A common good luck food in the southern United States, black-eyed peas are thought to bring prosperity, especially when served with collard greens. (I'll probably just play Fergie's CD since I'm not a fan of the Black-Eyed Peas in the food variety, just the music! ha ha ha)

Cabbage -- In Germany, Ireland, and parts of the United States, cabbage is associated with luck and fortune since it is green and resembles money. (One of our favorites has been to do an Irish dinner with corned beef, cabbage and red skin potatoes. Yum!)

Lentils -- Thought to resemble coins, lentils are eaten throughout Italy for good fortune in the New Year.

Pomegranates -- Long associated with abundance and fertility, pomegranates are eaten in Turkey and other Mediterranean countries for luck in the New Year.

Fish -- In North America, Asia, and Europe, people eat fish to celebrate the new year. In some countries, people associate fish with moving forward into the new year since fish swim forward. Other people think fish symbolize abundance since they swim in schools.

I hope everyone has a healthy & happy New Year! If you're going out tonight, please don't drink and drive. Be safe!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-23T11:54:00.010-05:00

As some of you know, I celebrate both Hannukah & Christmas. My dad is Jewish and my mom is Catholic, but they chose to raise my brother and I in Judaism. We've always celebrated both Jewish and Christian holidays though, since my mom wanted us to be aware of her beliefs as well. So in that spirit....

and

The lazy guide to holiday shopping

2008-12-22T13:02:00.005-05:00

My holiday shopping was soooooo easy this year. How? I did everything site-to-store. I think Rett fell in love with me all over again, because shopping for my family and his took less than 2 hours. I ordered everything online, then we just had to go to customer service and pick it up. It's amazing how many places have it as an option! (I used Circuit City, Sears and Walmart, for example)

So that's my shopping tip of the year - don't go searching in the store, have them search for you and just go pick it up!

Winding down the year with a survey

2008-12-19T11:00:00.005-05:00

I completely stole this poll from another blogger, but I saved the list and lost who I stole it from! So credit to someone for the list :-)

~ What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before? I can't think of anything I did that was new.....
~ Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? My generic resolution last year was to lose weight, which was an epic fail. Next year my only resolution is to be healthy, nothing specific on weight (since losing weight is an obvious part of being healthy.)
~ Did anyone close to you give birth? I had several friends have babies! :)
~ Did anyone close to you die? My grandpa :(
~ What countries did you spend time in this year? Just the good ole U.S. of A.
~ What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? A house!!!
~ What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? I can't think of any specific dates off the top of my head.
~ What was your biggest achievement of the year? Learning how to be a better person and not hold grudges against others
~ What was your biggest failure? Not pushing myself harder to lose weight and keep the house neater.
~ Did you suffer any serious injury or illness? Not personally, knock on wood
~ What was the best thing you bought? New clothes from my part time job at Avenue - I needed them desparately.
~ Whose behaviour merited celebration? Rett, for always standing by me no matter what.
~ Whose behaviour made you appalled and/or depressed? I can't think of anyone specific right now
~ Where did most of your money go? Darn bills
~ What did you get really, really, really excited about? Rett finally getting a job in November!
~ Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? little sadder
b) thinner or fatter? little fatter
c) richer or poorer? lot poorer
~ What do you wish you'd done more of? exercise
~ What do you wish you'd done less of? eat! lol
~How did you spend Christmas? This year will be pretty typical - Christmas Eve with my parents, Christmas day spent with Rett's family
~ Did you fall in love in 2008? Only more in love with Rett :)
~ What are the main websites you used? My chat board with my friends, Pogo games (I'm addicted!), my Google blog reader and Facebook
~ How many one-night stands? Heck no
~ What was your favorite TV program? I have too many! CSI, Grey's Anatomy, Chuck, Heroes, House, True Blood, and some more.
~ Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? Nope
~ What was the best book you read? The Twilight Series!!!!! I fell in total and complete love with it.
~ What did you want and not get? A house and a baby in my belly
~ What was your favorite film of this year? Twilight. lol
~ What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I must be getting old, because I don't remember. I turned 26.
~ What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Rett not losing his job this summer.
~ How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Don't look like a slob
~ What kept you sane? Rett and my friends
~ What political issue stirred you the most? Not really any specific issue, but I found it really amazing how strongly everyone felt this year. It didn't seem like there were many people in the middle of the road, everyone
~ Who did you miss? My grandpa
~ Who was the best new person you met? I made several new friends :-) Sarah, Emily, Lindsay, Fara, Jeff, and some others.
~ Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. Sometimes people hurt us, but the only way to really deal with it is to keep your head high and remember that you stayed true to yourself.
~ What sums up this year? (a word, a quote...?) Stressful!

Idiot of the year

2008-12-17T12:11:00.006-05:00

I'm going to try to be nice - but I can't promise much since I'm totally flaming over this article.

MSN posted this story about a family who named their child after Adolf Hitler and is now mad that they're encountering prejudice against the name. To quote the SNL Weekend Update skit... "REALLY?" Really moron people, you didn't think that people might find it a bit off-putting that you named your child after one of the most evil men in history? You really think they need to "They need to accept a name. A name's a name" - because there are lots of deragatory names I can think of right now that you probably wouldn't just "accept" as a name. It's great that they say they're not teaching prejudice to their child, but they obviously didn't think about the struggle he is going to have once he is in school and learning about the Holocaust and everything that his namesake did to innocent people.

I need to cut this off now - before I say something completely inappropriate. Suffice it to say - these people do not need to have any more children, in my opinion.

I'm a sucker for good prices

2008-12-12T10:08:00.003-05:00

Just as I was about to order one of the purses from Overstock, I decided to check eBay to see if there were any good deals. That's how I ended up with one of the purses I didn't even list yesterday! Check it out -- only $20 including shipping, which is $10 less than the Overstock price! :-)

Now, I ask you, who could pass up a deal like that?! Certainly not a stingy girl named Stephanie W (you might have heard of her.) I might try to convince Rett that it's okay for me to get another one though, since I did get such a good deal on this one. I see lots of eye batting and beggining in my future, LOL. The black & white one needs a happy home :-)

Opinions needed!

2008-12-11T09:58:00.010-05:00

So I want to get a new purse, and I've decided I want a tote bag type. I found a style I like on Overstock - but now I can't decide which fabric pattern to get! I would get them all, but we know I don't have that kind of money

Here are the options, in no particular order:

1.

2.

3.

4.

Whatcha think? Which one should I pick? I'm not one of those girls that cares about matching shoe color and purses. I pick a purse I like and then carry it for 6-8 months until I get tired of it. Thanks in advance to anyone who responds!

*********************EDIT*********************
Now I found this one I like too! Arrrgh!!!

To sleep, perchance to dream...

2008-12-08T12:50:00.003-05:00

Sleep is so under-rated. I love sleeping in, napping, cuddling in bed, warm blankets -- all that great stuff. Lately though, I haven't been able to sleep at all. I've had nights that I stay up all night, no matter what I do to fall asleep. I don't remember the last time I was in bed for midnight.

My main problem has been dreaming about my grandpa. Every night since he's passed (2 weeks ago today), I've had a dream about him. This weekend I had one that we went to the funeral home for the viewing and Grandpa was sittting there and asked why we left him there overnight, said he was hungry and wanted to go to dinner. The oddest thing about it was that we just acted like it was no big deal ("Sorry Grandpa, we didn't know. How does Bob Evan's sound?") I keep trying to tell myself that it's just my grandpa's way of letting me know he's okay and it's like nothing changed, he's happy, etc -- but geez I'm tired of dreaming that he's alive every night :-(

Trying to get back in the swing of blogging

2008-12-01T14:28:00.007-05:00

Hi again, anyone who's still with me

It's been a rough couple of months in the Rett & Stephanie house. My grandpa passed away, my parents aren't sure if they'll be able to keep their house, Rett not being able to make sales because of the "wonderful" economy, etc. Sometimes still being afloat is all that we can ask. Rett finally got a job that he starts next week, and it seems like it'll be perfect for him. He's going to work for Safelite Auto Glass doing in-bound sales, but he's paid hourly not by commission

I'm starting a new chapter in my weight loss battles. I'm going to start checking out Ohio State's bariatric surgery program. Our insurance requires that we start with a 6 month diet and exercise program that's followed by their registered dieticians, so I'm hoping that it will be enough for me to really start with my dieting and getting where I need to be with my weight. My goal is to not need the surgery, but if I go through the 6 month program and can't lose 10% of my body weight, then it seems like surgery might be the best next option. I'm nervous since I've heard as many horror stories as I have good stories, but I'm just taking it one step at a time at this point.

Anyway, hopefully this will mark my return to blogging, as I see where life leads us next!