Me and My Crazy Ideas

But what if they aren’t so crazy.

I have said it before that Ken plays the lottery and we have fun dreaming about what we would do with all that cash. Pay off the debt is always number one for me. However, no matter how much fun it is to dream, I have never thought that winning money (as in millions and be set for life) was in God’s plan for me. Although if it happened you wouldn’t hear a negative peep out of me other than some of “those people” coming out of the wood work asking for cash. I have always believed that no matter what happens in my life, I have and always will be blessed. It has been a pretty easy me because God has given me all the tools I need to be successful and comfortable. I might not ever have Bill Gate’s money, but I also know that is because I’m not willing to give up things in my life to work that hard to earn it. I don’t need it. Money is not what drives me.

That being said, I have always gotten these ideas in my head. Friends and I used to joke about if I would just act on one, perhaps I’d be a millionaire. I have notebooks with half written books……..little art projects………marketing materials saved on my computer for ideas I have yet to act on completely. I suppose you could say, on some things, I lack follow through. Like the story of Formula 409 If that were my idea, it would never have happened. I would have given up back on try number 100 or so. The thing is that I know what path I am supposed to take, or at least I think I do. And it is all really a matter of taking that leap of faith to make it all happen.

Anyway, I got this great idea to attend arts and crafts shows as a vendor and make extra money. SO that soon I can yell, “We’re debt free!!!!” on the Dave Ramsey show.

I think I have said that I’m been making jewelry on the side. Mainly it has been for me, but as gifts as well. I have been making wreaths since ………….(hmmm, I got the scar on my leg from hot glue…..in 4th grade…..) a LONG time, so I’ll make a few of those. Odd combination, I know, but……. I had a great idea this morning as I was wrapping a gift for a friend. I’m not telling what it is, but now I cannot wait to get home to SC and test it out. Just have to find an inexpensive way to make them…… stay tuned.

So, what was one of your million dollar ideas? I promise I won’t steal it! And heck, even if I did steal it I’d most likely sit on my bum and do nothing with it, so you are safe. (ha ha ha ha)

Corporate Barbie is BACK, Baby!!!

As part of my "plan" by corporate, I am now required to visit the home office, Atlanta, for a whole week once a month. (I do believe I was the one to suggest regular office visits when we first talked about my working from home, but whatever.....) So as a show of just how committed I am to a company that doesn't give a.....(crap, for lack of a better term. Albeit, a word less Barbie like might suit the REAL feeling better.) about their employees, I came to the office this week even though I was not required to begin this until the end of February. (BTW- this is SO not a skirt I am currently stalking at Ann Taylor Loft. {Oh yes, you will be MINE.})

Anyhoo, driving into work this morning it hit me how much I miss putting on a suit and heels with a laptop bag thrown over my shoulder and a hot cup of Starbucks (homemade coffee lately. The budget friendly route)in my hand. Gosh it felt good. For the first time in a long time, I felt powerful (A bunny slippers wearing telecommuter never intimidated anyone.) I took a meeting with my boss and signed a contract (a step by step plan to bring up overall numbers and that if I don't I'm at corporates whim.) without being nervous or fearing for my job. I just flipped back my hair and said, "Consider it a done deal."

I have come to the conclusion that I am not meant to sell software from home. Its not me. I have had cabin fever for almost a year now. And with my corporate (the European one) office's issues, I have been a nervous wreck. But, no more.....I have prayed about it and Corporate Barbie is BACK. Whether I continue selling software or God has nothing plan for me.....I'll be fine. And if HQ doesn't like it, they can kiss my grits! (Yes, the Midwestern is using Southern terms. What can I say, I've lived here for 14 years now......must be in the water.)

So, what makes you feel empowered?

OSB - Week 3

I am such an all or nothing, lady that I drafted out my plan last week. So, if I come off as Mrs. Know-It-ALL, I really don't know that much, but unless I p-ut it all in writing, I don't hold myslef accountable. Besides, prehaps my little self plan might help my fellow OPeration Skinny Bitch Ladies. Here it is.

Exercise Schedule:

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays - stretch. 10 jumping jacks. 20 squats. 10 jacks. 20 twisted knee lifts to elbows. 10 jacks. leg lifts (Right leg 20 front, 20 side, 20 back. repeat on left side.) 10 jacks. 10 V crunches. Holding V-shape for 5 seconds at a time. 10 jacks. 10 lifted leg circles. (10 each direction.) Will increase each item by 10 each week and V-shape hold by 5 seconds.

Tuesdays and Thursdays - Walk the uppies around the neighborhood. 30 minutes of Yoga for Weightloss

Friendly foods for weight loss:

Breakfast every morning. Either from the South Beach book (how I lost weight the first time. from 180 to 130 which was kept off until meeting Ken.)

One egg (hard boiled, over easy, or scrambled using water instead of milk.
Fiber One cereal with fat free milk. Either Publix brand or Organic.
2 veggie quiche cups to go.

Snacks:

String Cheese, an orange, grapes, or one slice of cheddar cheese.

Lunch: normally left overs from whatever we had for dinner the night before.

Desserts:
Sugar free Strawberry Jello; sugar free Jello pudding with half & half and heavy whipping cream whipped to be moose like; 10 frozen green grapes; or one Dove dark chocolate Promise.

Other tricks: Drinking half my currently body weight in ounces of water (yes, this does lead to going to the ladiesroom often. I suggest starting this over the weekend so your body has time to adjust.)Only drinking water and one cup of coffee a day. Drinking a full glass of water 15 minutes before I eat anything. Eating dinner off of a salad plate rather than a dinner plate, tricks your mind into thinking it is getting more. Eating dessert with a little spoon, helps to slow you down. I have also snack packed all of the fun food so I eat the right portion every time. This last part is not working so well for Ken, he just eats two or three of my pre-made snack packs. (LOL, oh well.)

Today's weigh-in:
155, so that's what a gain of 3 ounces....I blame the cake. But, it was SOOOO good. So, I'll just work extra had this coming week.
Feel free to join Operation Skinny Bitch

Wordless Tuesday

Yes, I know most bloggers do wordless Wednesday, however I have my OSB blog on Wednesdays. So, here we go.


I was feeling a little Barbieish this morning. All part of my new effort to not be one of "those" telecommuters. (ie: in your pjs after noon.)


The Uppy and me working hard in our new office down stairs.



The Pups trying to tell me it was time for the afternoon milkbone.

It's Monday Again and It Wasn't ME

Not Me Mondays are the brain child of the MkcMama. I look forward to them every week just that I am reminded weekly that no matter how much I plan and schedule, I am not in control and am only human.

I DID NOT get a free Pepperidge Farm Cake with my purchase of frozen pasta at the grocery store on Friday. I did NOT think this was FAB-U-LOUS and disregard the plan I had for OSB. Ken and I did NOT eat the whole cake within 3 days.

I was NOT fusing at the couch, because the slip cover shrunk after being washed. I KNOW I followed the washing instructions! Ok well I think I did.

My back does NOT hurt after trying to do a back bend with my 10-year-old niece on Saturday. When exactly did I get to be so old?!

I was NOT the queen of unfinished projects this weekend. Started many finished one.

I am NOT trying to jump the season by making a Spring wreath for the front door. The unfinished project did NOT get packed up to go to Mamma Spawn's on Wednesday with me.

I was NOT whinny most the week when Ken worked in the shop until 10 pm and that I felt neglected and then tell him he was being too needy on Sunday when he needed my opinion every 20 to 30 minutes on a house he was drawing........for my parents. What kind of wife does that.

I was NOT inspired by HGTV on Sunday afternoon and then walk around staging my house as IF we were going to put it on the market or host a grand party. yes, I am a bit odd some days. But, I make Ken laugh.

"A Hard Knock Life" from Annie was not running through my head as I cleaned the carpets and swept the floors. I did NOT dance at all, because that would just be cheesy. Plus it might not be so great if you had played with a 10-year-old the day before.

I did NOT spend 3 hours trying to make place mats and hem a few skirts and pants. Only to realize that it has been so long since I have hemmed anything that I have completely forgotten the rules about tension on my machine. I did NOT get so mad at it after ripping out seams three times that I gave up and used fabric glue. Who does that? My great grandma was most likely NOT watching this event and shaking her head. (She is the one to teach me how to sew, or not sew as the case may be.)

The uppy puppy has is NOT now barking at me when like he's a big dog when I eat breakfast and don't share with him. He is not spoiled rotten to his core. Nope, not him.

Feel free to join the NOT ME's on MkcMama's blog or just tell me a few things you "Haven't" done this week.......

A Few of My Favorite Things

The uppy puppy and Big dog. They are my babies and make me laugh several times a day.



No, I'm not 80, but I do collect tea cups. Not jsut any tea cups. These are a few of my other great grandmother's collection. When my grandpa was in the Army he sent her tea cups from every country he was stationed in.


I took a bad picture, but the Mamma Spawn painted this and I love that I have some of her art work in our home.


Our whole house, because Ken and his brother built it. This fire place, because Ken builds fires for me on cold nights.



Hot candle lit bubble baths with a glass of wine after a hard day.


Ken wearing either Polo Black or Axe ChocoLate (yum, yum).


I LVOE the smell of bleach and clean clothes. Yes, I am a bit OCD.


While the is replica (duh), my favorite artist is Claude Monet. Oh, how I would love to have a real one. Well, not in my house, that would make me nervous, but one I lent to a museum and could visit whenever I wanted and know that it was mine.


My great grandparent's bedroom set. They were some of my favorite people and I got my love for antiques from them.



Despite the fact that I need to landscape the side yard. Ken and I got married under this in Alpharetta, GA.



Chasing my dreams to becoming a wedding planner.

Will Work for Shoes

Frustrated, up-set, perturbed, nervous, afraid, and mad as hell.........have all been felt over my work situation. Well, this morning I have a meeting with the boss. They are putting me on a "plan" which is the next step before you are gone. Our corporate office has no intension of selling us at this point, becuase that would bring to light few things out of their closet. (Don't ask how I know that.) So, their plan is to pick off the employees one at a time. I know this becuase it explains how 30 people in our European office left two at a time each month last year. Plus, this happen to the other coworker I told you about. I just so happen to be next in line and apparently in our office they are going all the way to the top. As a whole all of our numbers are down. Moral is not low, but subterrainian and this is their plan to motivate us or get rid of us.

Yes, my first reaction was to cry and pray. But, I am looking at this as God's way of pushing me out the door. Change makes me nervous and I won't look for it on my own. So, this is my kick in the butt to move on. Where I don't know, but I won't be crippled by fear. Instead I will let this empower me to do what I probably should have a while ago. (Don't ask why but the song these boots were made of walking is now in my head. LOL). The resume has been dusted off and updated, yes I will work to bring my numbers up, but I'll work even harder to leave. Not the best timing since Ken is a general contractor, but God has been taking care of us on that front and I know he always has my best interest in mind. "Where there is hope there can be faith, where there is faith miracles can occur.'

So, here's my sign:

Will work for shoes Four years of sales experience in a leading technology firm and six years hands on experience in customer service in a fast paced / time critical environment. Seeking a position in sales, marketing, Public relations, Event planning perferred (Hey a girls gotta hope on that last one.)

The Potato Brush Diabolical of 2008

While this posting is slightly dated, Ken refreshed my memory by asking if he could “boil” the potato brush. What?

A brief history: (Scene: Sometime in June 2008, Barbie is preparing baked potatoes for a cook-out.)

Barbie: “Ken, where is the potato brush?”

Ken: “What potato brush?”

Barbie: The brush that was in the bin under the kitchen sink. The OXO one. That’s a potato brush. You know, you scrub potatoes with it……”

Ken: “Ah, was it that black brush thing…….”

Barbie: “Yes, that one. Where is it? I need it to clean the potatoes.”

Ken: “Ummmm, I used it on the carpet…..”

“You did WHAT?! YOU USED THE POTATO BRUSH ON THE CARPET? For WHAT?!”

Ken: “Well, Giz got poo stains on the carpet so I found the brush and used it.”

Barbie: “UGH!!!! That went with my salad spinner! And was for POTATOES!”


Since then the potato brush has been used for carpet cleaning and needless to say…..you cannot get another OXO potato brush unless you purchase another salad spinner. I am over that whole potato brush diabolical. Lately, we have been making potato soup and I make Ken wash the potatoes. After our second batch of potato soup thins season, Ken decided potato brusher might be handy. Yesterday, the uppy pup puked on the floor. I cleaned it, but there was still a slight stain so I retreated and left for later. This morning the hubs (decided I had no clue how to clean carpets and tried to give me Carpet Cleaning 101) helpfully cleaned the spot again with the former potato brush. He then looks at me and says, “I think I’ll boil the potato brush so we can use it on potatoes again.” (What? Yuck! Gag, gag, gag.)

The whole thing is hilarious to me in a Men are from Mars, Women from Venus kind of way. While Ken is very intelligent, I really don’t understand why he does the things he does some days. We will be purchasing a new potato brush soon. I had not bought a new one purely on principle.

Hubbys are an interesting group. What odd thing has your’s done?

OSB - Week 2

As I told you last Wednesday, I joined the Operation Skinny Bitches. I am hoping this will keep me accountable for what I eat and how often I exercise. I will not ever say anything like, "Oh my gosh I'm so fat..." Because, it is never a matter of being fat. I just so happen to have a love affair with chocolate, that's all.

Hello Dove Chocolate. Yes, I do hear you calling my name at all hours of the day.

Your promises of not going to my bum and thighs are lies, I tell you lies!

Much to my chagrin, I am quickly gaining my grandma's double chin.

I fear the seasons cake, cookies, and pies, will eventually lead to the demise (of my waist line that is.)

I have tried and tried to be thin, but my love for you has me back here again.

Don't ask about the little poem about chocolate. It's 0430 and I am tired out of my mind. The big dog decided she needed to potty at 0230 and I have been up ever since. Yes, I have had sweets on the brain since November. And the Cupcakes Take the Cake

blog is NOT helping with their continued postings for delectable desserts.

Oh sorry, and for my OSB weigh in for today, I cheated and checked this morning. 158! UGH! Perhaps I'll be lighter at a regular hour of the morning? Not so much. While 158 is not huge deal, my jeans are too tight. (The history of the Barbie weight, I was 115 at 5'10 all through high school without even trying and forget my playing soccer etc, because I could have sat on my bum ...... You know what , who cares blah blah blah blah. I need to kick these 30 pounds I have packed on since meeting Ken. THEY MUST GO!!!! Exercise is going to be my middle name!

I'm posting now, but not sure any of this really makes sense, so be ready for edits later in the day.

UPDATE: Ok so apparently waiting until 0900, worked becuase I reweighed in at 154.7. Woohoo. I'll take the 3 pound loss. All I have been doing is only drink one cup of joe in the morning with Splinda. Eating breakfast: either South Beach style (one egg and two strips turkey bacon) or eating a bowl of Fiber One cereal. Then I try to eat a piece of fruit mid morning and eat a light lunch.

Michelle Obama

Ever the Republican Barbie, I still cannot get enough of Michelle. yes, the first lady and I are tight like that....first name basis and all. I mean no disrespect to her, its just that she seems so personable. There is just something so Jackie O about her. I LOVE that she is a fellow fashionista. LOVED the dress today! (The designer used to be with Ann Klein. Love love love!) Gold was a perfect color for the day. She looked warm enough and glowing. Such grace, poise and she just embodies what a first lady should be. Hmmm, do I have a crush on Mrs. Obama? perhaps.

I loved that she took her $100K to redecorate the White House and purchased things from Pottery Barn. I could just see it. Michelle and I meet for Starbucks, pick up a pair of shoes or two and then of course run by the William Sonoma for a few items.

So what are your thoughts on our new first lady? Newlywed Stilettos is pretty impressed with the Obama girls.

SNOW in the South

I'm a Midwestern transplant by way of Georgia. So for me, this is NOT snow!
Last night all the schools in our area were canceled for today. Can you believe it?! For the readers in the North, who might be curious how Southerns can get so worked up over so little snow......... salt trucks are few and far between here and the locals do NOT know how to drive in it. It is not unheard of for there to be a rush on Milk, bread and beer with the threat of snow. After living almost half my life in the South I still don't know why this is. So, my dear Southern readers, please shed some light on this.

I must say the sight of snow did bring out the kid in me. I was SO excited with visions of snow angels and snowmen dancing in my head. Fond memories of home. (sniff, sniff).

The uppy puppy wasn't sure what to do with this new white wet stuff. Proving just how spoiled he is....he was carried out to potty. Yes, I know....... I am SO sad. There I was in my UGA sweatshirt, black yoga pants (not that I've done yoga in months, but you never know when I might break into warrior pose.), and my slippers trying to convince my little man that snow was ok. Of course I just HAD to grab my camera for the uppy pup's first snow. Gizzie was nonplussed over the snow as she was born in MN. The uppies were having so much fun, that they woke up "Daddy" by bouncing on his head. This sent me into a fit of laughter. I was unable to get any "good" picture of the "Puppy's first snow encounter".
Ken taught the uppy to eat snow. Mr. Uppiness has range his bell every 30 minute since. Sadly, all our snow was gone by noon. Such is life here in SC. The uppies are snuggled next to me on the couch as we watch the new Pres. take office. (More on that tomorrow, unless I have something else on my mind.)

So, I ask you, what is your favorite snow activity?

It's Monday Again and It WASN'T ME

Woohoo, NOT ME Monday, AGAIN!!!!

I DID NOT freak out, so much I could hardly work, over the fact that one of my co-workers is leaving the company and our corporate office is still being thick headed about everything.

I DID NOT laugh out loud realizing that Ken being in my life is God’s way of teaching me PATIENCE!

I AM NOT more excited about Ken’s birthday than he is. And I am NOT the evil wife who reminded him that while he was in High School and driving, I was still in elementary school. That would just be wrong.

I WAS NOT snuggled up by the fire most of the weekend when it hit 9 freakin’ degrees! HELLO, this is the SOUTH!!!

I WAS NOT completely humbled by a woman at church yesterday (I could tell they are worse off than we are) as she talked about how blessed they were and that they want to share their good fortune with the church. And here I was been all woe-is-me because I cannot spend money the way I used to. I also did not thank God for keeping me in check.

I AM NOT totally in love with Ken as of late and think he is adorable. And I’m NOT thankful to God for that either.

I DON’T love that Ken made homemade sushi from his sushi cookbook for me last night and it only cost us a cucumber, onion, and crab meat. He is my own sushi master. LOL.

I AM NOT overjoyed about moving forward with my event planning dreams by creating a Wedding planning blog Notes From the Bridal Brain It got old sitting on my bum and not acting on what I want.

I DID NOT that I seem to be dressed like my 6th grade art teach today. (Jeans, black turtle neck, lime green suede shirt/jacket, black socks and Crocs. Can you say, comfort!

I did NOT just realize I still need to make Ken's birthday dessert. (Sugar free cheesecake Jello pudding, with part half & Half and heavy whipping cream. It's yummy.

What did you "NOT" do this week?

Notes to Self

As I was cleaning today, I came across a note I wrote to myself about what I wanted out of life at that moment when I was 26-years old and still discovery who I was. I often write things to myself or sealed letters to God when I am at my lowest.

So, here is the list:
Have my first child between the ages of 28 and 30. (LOL- Well, I'm a little late on that one, but it's all good. We have the uppy puppies for now. Barbie:0 Plans: 1)
Have a better relationship with God. (Still my goal and I work on it daily. Barbie:1 Plans:1)

Get married to a man I absolutely love by the time I am 29 or 30 and stay married for the rest of my life. (Again good goal and I made it. We got married a month before my 30th birthday. Woohoo!!! Barbie: 2 Plans: 1)

Graduate by Fall 2004 (College was complicated. I began pre-med, because the plan was to be a doctor since I was two. No pressures from my parents, I just woke up one morning at two and told Mamma Spawn I was going to be a doctor. Well, that didn't happen, but I did FINALLY graduate with a degree in Public relations by my due date. Again woohoo!!! Barbie:3 Plans:1)

Have a career doing something in Public Relations (Ah, yeah, software sales has NOTHING to do with PR, but its all good. The resume needed some sales experience. Plus I would not change this to a career in Event planning.)

Be happy no matter what. (Again good goal. But hard to measure...so we shall leave the scale as is.)

grow old gracefully (Once again, good goal. And I still hope this happens. I am definitely pro-aging with beauty and grace. Have you ever since a gorgeous older woman? There is nothing more amazing to me. I saw a woman like this when I was 16. I complimented her and asked how she did it. Her answer was she never smoked, drank lots of water and used sun screen. I have been following that advise since that day.)

Visit Ireland before I die.(Has not happened yet. as I said before my great grandpa was Irish and his dream was to make it back before he died. Well it didn't happen for him, but he shared his love for the old country with me. Might sound do but I identify with my Irish ancestry. My real name is Gaelic.)

Be a great mom and wife. (This is still a work in progress. I think I am a great mom to the uppies, but that great wife stuff, I am sure I fall short.)

Don't sweat the small stuff and everything is small stuff (If I had achieved this by now .....I might have all of life's answers. LOL.)

Be kind to people.

Manage my money better. (Again, great goal, int he works, the jury is still out on who gets the point.)

Send more time with Teacher Barbie. (She is the bestest best.)

It is funny how some of what I want in life has changed, while other things will always remain the same.

So tell me, how has your life and goals changed in the last 4 years?

today's Song: Fever by Meiko (the singer not the barbie. Ha ha)

She Had a Bad Day Again.......

Not only is this one of my favorite songs by Fuel, but it completely describes my day today. Yes, the Barbie likes Fuel. NUF said. Work woes have me some what down today, but I refuse to give into the dis pare completely. The best medicine for a bad day............



WINE

It is in fact 3:00 pm so no need to do the "It's five o'clock somewhere". And for those of you Nye Sayers who might bring up the negatives of drinking while you are feeling bummed......I'm Catholic! It's a right of passage. We have wine with the good, the bad and the ugly. Plus, I'm part Irish, hello!


GOD
Ok, so God should be first, but we're somewhat going in the order I am doing things. And God and I talked as I poured the wine, so there. This is the only bible I own. I love that it is so well worn, but it means more than that. This was presented to my great grandfather (the Irish one) by my great grandmother on Christmas 1970. They were some of my favorite people growing up and praying with this bible is like having them with me when I feel alone. There are bits of paper from their life together and I always seem to come across exactly what I need to hear at the time I need to hear it. My great grandpa was also a writer. Not sure if he wrote this, but it was from a newspaper clipping. Today I found this "WHEN YOU REMEMBER ME" dated 1954. It was stuck in the Book of Samuel chapter 5 - "When you remember me think of....the hours filled with laughter...the kisses warm with kindness...and the magic things thereafter...when you remember me recall ...the good things I did...the shortcomings I used to have..should be forever hid...when you remember me, ponder ...upon the smiles we shared..the moment filled with understanding..showing how we cared..when you remember me look to..the summer's golden glow...the spell of spring and autumn..and winter's ice and snow...think of these things when I am gone.. and I am sure you'll see...the happiness of bygone days...when you remember me."


CHOCOLATEI am sure no explanation is need for this one. Chocolate is the answer to a bad day. But, in true operation skinny bitch fashion, I only had four pieces. Plus, it REALLY brought out the wine.


RECALL HAPPIER DAYS

This was one of the happiest days of my life. Marrying Ken. It was one of those moments when I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be in life. It all could not have been more perfect. Most days, I feel so completely blessed having Ken in my life. He can be so wonderful.

(Disclaimer: pms tends to make the Barbie overly emotional. Add to that wine and some chocolate and we have an all out Barbie pity party. It is good that this little event is occurring while Ken is at work. Please tune in next time when the Barbie has a sunny disposition.)

Today's Song is, of course, Bad Day by Fuel

Operation Skinny B*tch – Day 1

This is how it all got started. This evilly fabulous image was Ken and my wedding cake. Butter recipe yellow cake with chcolate moose between the layers and topped with chocolate ganache. YES, it was as fabulous as it looked. And Thus began the weight gain.

As I have said before, this Barbie’s jeans have been steadily shrinking since last April. I LOVE chocolate and since getting married I have eaten more chocolate and exercised less. I found the Operation Skinny Bitch blog the other day and decided to hop on board. Not only is this for my health and on behalf of my over stretched clothes but also the fact that PR Barbie is getting married in May and Weight Lifter Barbie (another girl friend from college. Who married English Ken (ex-serious relationship just before meeting Ken)’s younger brother in November will most likely be in attendance.)) Not that I am in competition with Weight Lifter Barbie, trust me, I could not keep up with her. But NO self respecting Barbie attends a wedding not looking her best and sending a lovely message to the ex “EAT YOUR HEART OUT, BUD! Smooches and wish you all the best.” No I don’t hate the ex, nor do I not know that I am better off with Construction Ken. I just, need that small victory, for me that’s all. Silly I know.

Ok so Day one of OSB!!!! Bring it! I can do this! So, hopped onto the scale this morning and…………Survey says…..ding, ding, ding 157.8. OMG!!! Its just a number and in fact it would be no big deal if I had not gained this over the course of 9 months without there being a little person involved. You see, I did not go on a diet before my wedding; I just took it at what it was and went with it. But, love handles have popped out and I definitely have some chub to get rid of. Other than the weigh in, the first order of business was to get cracking on the exercise. Woke up, froze my bum off taking the uppies for a walk. The Uppies are all too happy to be a part of OSB. Once back at home 20 jumping jacks and 3 reps of ten on the ad lounger before hopping in the shower. 20 more jumping jacks while in robe. My mission today is to add exercise back into my life so it becomes a normal part of my day, drink more water, and eat less chocolate. I won’t give up chocolate all together, because let’s be honest……Ken would not want to know me off chocolate and why set yourself up to fail to begin with. I’ll eat one Dove Dark Chocolate Promise a day. Besides dark chocolate is good for you. Its like taking your vitamins. So there!!! I’ll keep you posted on how I do. Feel free to join the ban wagon as well.

$2.5 Million..........I gave it away for free

Ok so I was busy expanding my knowledge of international current events as any intelligent Barbie should and a coworker passed this tidbit o’ hard hitting news. Some bird (UK version of chick) is auctioning off her virginity for so far $2.5 million pounds (yes, the Barbie brain quickly went through the exchange rate and my mouth still dropped.) Side stepping the morally good Catholic Barbie within, I thought, HOLY COW!!! SHE’s getting paid LARGE amounts of money for something I gave away for free. WHAT the heck!!!! And there I was holding out for LOVE all those years, silly me.

Dear first person I slept with, please send back payment on what you got years ago. I will accept a $100 a month until it is paid in full. Thanks and hope all is going well with you.

Then I was slightly jealous that I have absolutely NOTHING that anyone would pay $2.5 million pounds for and well IF I in fact do, I don’t want to know what it is. “Indecent Proposal” much!!!! Article:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/4222155/Student-auctions-off-virginity-for-offers-of-more-than-2.5-million.html

Now on the whole moral ground of it, kinda sad really that this girl is going to those lengths to get a higher education and I imagine $2.5 Million pounds wouldn’t have been enough for me to have sold myself.

But back to the fun side of thinking about $2.5 million…..(Ken is a lotto player, don’t ask me why, but he is and if $2 a week makes him happy then it is money well worth being budgeted. Plus we have fun talking about what we would do with the money.) So, $2.5 million…………rather than even thinking about how I got that, we’ll go with God connected me to my long lost relative’s family fortune. So, first things first

tithe that is $25000 directly to our church

Then wipeout the debt
Dear Bank of America, Visa, and Master card, I would say that I hate you, but that would imply that I cared and in fact I don’t. Feel free to kiss my bum from here on. Take these last payments as my last eff you. I realize I got myself into the problems, but what did you honestly think would happen when you gave a 20-year-old plastic and said “have fun!”? I’m a cash girl now. So, leave me alone or I’ll sick Dave Ramsey on you.

give Ken about $50 to $100K to just blow on whatever he wanted because well that is about all I’m willing to chalk up to tools, boats, etc

50K or so on the ***NEW*** Barbie wardrobe (Dear Coach, I still love you very much. I’m sorry we haven’t talked much, but I had a few things I had to take care of. I’m sorry I sold a few of your friends on Craig’s List and those knock-off handbags I looked at meant nothing to me. I’m back, BABY!!! Oh and please feel free to tell Burberry I said hello and I have always liked plaid.

Then I would finally get a car. I have been driving the same Toyota Corolla since 2000. Toyota makes such a good car, but enough is enough all ready.

From there I’d invest and open my event planning venue. Yes, I would still work. Ken thinks this is the oddest thing ever, but I know this about myself, I enjoy working. Shhh, don’t tell my boss, but I do.

Ok so back to work for me, because the $2.5 mill hasn’t fallen in my lap yet and I have to run to my bank so I have Barbie mansion payment money in my account.

Monday Again and It wasn't ME

Not Me Monday was created by McKMamma from MyCharmingKids blog. I have been involved for about a month. Ever the planner and perfectionist, this is a nice outlet to laugh about that fact that I am only human and far from perfect. Plus, its something to look forward to on a Monday.

I did NOT finally take down all the Christmas decor last Thursday. There are strict rules in this house that the Christmas decor is up the day after Thanksgiving and down a day after New Years. I could give the excuse that I was in fact ill last week, blah, blah, blah. But, seeing as how it didn't happen (wink, wink).......

I DO NOT have zits popping up all over my face because I was a lazy bum last week and did not go through the WHOLE make-up removal routine and go to bed.

Friday was NOT spent researching Event planning jobs, locations, other coordinators and dreaming of the day when I can make the career leap of being an Event Planner.

The Barbie Mansion (lol) was NOT cleaned from top to bottom (Had to get it "company clean.") on Saturday, because Ken (the hubs. Barbie and Ken, get it.) invited people over to watch the football games on Sunday. On the same note, I was NOT a crabby PMSy butt about it. Nor did I turn my simple cleaning project into an all day event by reorganizing the linen and master closets.

I also did NOT look forward to going to the St. Andrews Bridal Showcase all week, only to wimp out about going by myself, claiming that Ken needed my help to prepare for the football guests. He actually did need my help.

We are NOT attempting to train the uppies based on things I saw on "It's Me or the Dog."

I did NOT break a Dave Ramsey Total Money Makeover rule and use some of my Christmas money from my grandparents to buy shoes and Ken's birthday presents instead for putting it toward the debt.

I did NOT gain 20 pounds since our wedding in April and the Bon bons are NOT calling my name from the pantry as I type.

I am NOT surprised and happy that Ken and I have gone almost a month without arguing and getting completely tick off at each other. We are working VERY hard to be a cohesive unit. I can fully admit, I like the hubs a lot as of late.

Marriage 101

Traveling together, especially by car, tends to bring out the “color” in our relationship and I often find myself asking God, “Is this what you had planned for my life? When I said I wanted to get married THIS is NOT what I had planned!” Just when you think it is safe to think, life would be so much simpler if it was just you, perhaps less fulfilling, but you’ll take simple for now…..the other person does something that reminds you that “Yeah, you kinda like this guy” ( admitting love at that point would kill the Barbie ego, so you go with the baby step of you like him.) And in true God fashion, there on Yahoo’s homepage is an article about the 7 things no one tells you about marriage. I thought the article was good one. (See the link below)

The top items in the 7 things:
1. You will look at the person lying next to you and wonder, Is this it? Forever?

Wednesday, I was in true “Evil Baby Spawn” form. I’m in sales it was the end of my month, end of my quarter, end of my year and I was still $40K out from making my committed numbers. Stress-free was not in my vocabulary. Plus, our corporate office was riding our bums. Ken (had the nerve to speak to me) kept asking me questions about our trip to Atlanta. He then asked if I was going to be in a bad mood all day and I said (“I don’t know, do you plan on continuing to speak to me?”) “Not really.”
To be honest, there are days I do not like Ken, I have no clue why on Earth God sent him to me, or what the heck I was thinking when I said yes. I cannot tell you how many times in the last nine months, I have thought about leaving.

Dear Friends and Family: I regret to inform you that I in fact met the wrong guy and gave him the wrong finger. Best wishes and Lots of Love…..Mieko!”

My great grandma (whom was married for about 70 years) once told me that marriage was a choice. She said there were many days, even up to the very end, she thought about getting a divorce, but she continued to make the choice to stay. On a side note, she also reminded my great grandpa that she made a choice to marry him and he better do his best to make that choice as easy as possible. But, then something happens (usually small, because that is how God works), Ken makes me smile or laugh and I realize I like him. And I make the choice to remain married. Again…..

6. You'll realize that you can only change yourself.

Ken and I are driving along to Atlanta…….Yay, New Year’s Eve……… and he is (Yelling, swirving, commenting, honking and a few phrases in sign language) gentling giving other drivers helpful tips. I was in the passenger seat (wondering if it is wrong to wish God would make my husband mute) asking God to help Ken with the tough situation he was currently in. It occurred to me that this is the man, I married. This IS in fact IT!

Wonderful guy with a great heart, but Oh the list of little improvements to make him perfect………. But, that’s the thing……..I cannot change him. And every negative thought I had, God made me realize that perhaps I do it as well. It is as they say, “If you think your dog is fat, you probably need exercise.” I need to learn patience ~ I need to be less selfish – I need to dress for success – I need to love less conditionally – I need to look on the bright side of things.

Happiness is a state of mind and along the way you always have options. Each morning, we are faced with life and whether or not we will be happy. Through God, all things are possible. And today, I choose to let God be in control and to worry about tomorrow later. Baby steps, people, baby steps.



http://dating.personals.yahoo.com/singles/relationships/24191/dating-101-seven-things-no-one-tells-you-about-marriage