Amy’s 5 new favorite things.

Amy’s 5 new favorite things.

Fruit chillers- they are awesome. I am in love with the strawberry and peach, but not so much the grape. $2.69

YMCA – I’m trying to get back on the wagon. I am enjoying it. I hope to lose some weight but most of all feel better.

My Garden – Thanks to Jess I have acquired a green thumb and lovin it. My baby veggies are so cute. See facebook for pictures.

Sandra’s money saving new cooking show – it comes on at noon on Sunday’s so I have to DVR it. I have made the meatballs and they were the best ever. She is so awesome. I still love you Paula.

Shiloh – My new niece that I got to watch be born on May 1st. It was also awesome. She is so unique and beautiful.

The other day Riah came over for a visit and she wanted to take a walk up to the woods. So off we go. I love to walk the woods and Riah had only been one other time more then a year ago. Once we reached the opening of the woods Riah said she was scared. I told her these woods were just like the woods on Bambi but this forest was a magical forest because all the trees grew over instead of up (I left out that the big ice storm of 06 had caused them to bend over like that). She was amazed. As we walked we talked about what kind of animals live in the forest. Rain deer, rabbits, birds and foxes. She was really hoping to see some of those. I was too. Riah then said she wanted to go to the tire swing we have in the woods. I was really impressed that she even remembered that I had one. I had to break the bad news that someone had taken the tire down but there was still a rope she could swing on. So off we went. Riah swung a little then said she really wanted to see some animals. I told her there was a dog that lived next door. A little pathetic but it was the best I could come up with. She was excited. So off we went and exited the woods to see the dog, Levi. We had to call him to the fence and wait about 5 minutes for him to get there (he is a basset hound). As Levi licked Riah’s had I looked up and spotted 4 full grown “rain” deer trotting across my neighbor’s front lawn. I showed Riah and that made our day. We had seen a dog and deer. This was the best walk ever.

Let it go

My house is busting at the seams. Every closet and cabinet you open is completely full. I have decided to have a yard sell the last weekend in April. So I’m cleaning out everything, with no luck at all. I’m not usually one to have a hard time letting things go. But for some reason every time I look at something I think well I could use it if I …… but I never do. Most things I have had for 10 or so years. I have four different kinds of dishes, every appliance in the world and hardly use any of them and clothes in every size from 4 to 12. Let’s face it I will never see a 4 again. This is going to be a challenge for me but I love a challenge.

My quiet time today was just as awesome as yesterday; But just a little different. I was slowly flipping the pages of my super awesome cookbook when I looked to the left. I noticed how beautiful my land was. Everything was turning green; my son AM was out there riding his dirt bike. I was thinking about how lucky I was to have that land. How much God has blessed us with our small house to keep our family close, my wonderful family and food on our table. I began thinking about how much we all take advantage of our time here on earth. Basically I go to work and come home.

A good many years ago I went to the doctor to complain about being cold and tired. He jumped to say I was depressed. I assured him he was wrong. He assured me he wasn’t. He asked what I like to do. So after a long thought I gave him a small list of things I liked to do. Then he said when’s the last time I did any of those things was. I could even answer him. I hadn’t done any of them recently. I told him I worked too much. He then asked me if I thought my work really cared about my heath, had they ever even asked. NO. I had to take charge. He prescribed a month in the tanning bed for some good UV brain stimulation and of course some drugs that I never took. The tanning bed worked though. It was great. I feel I have fell back into that routine.

I love to bake. I worked at Publix in the bakery once and fell in love with it. I like puzzles and I once read a book or two and enjoyed it. I like to scrapbook, even though I don’t really know how. I like to sit on my porch in front of a fire and talk to my husband. I love to sit and look at my children. I love pictures. I look at them over and over again. I like to hike and take nature walks. I like to drink coffee with my dad and he likes to drink it with me. I like to look at my mom’s (Vicki) magazines and sit on her couch and talk to her. I LOVE recipe books. I love to make things for others. I love to fight with my sisters. I always win. I think I could go on and on.

I have got to let work be just that an 8 hour event that ends when I leave. Than my life starts.

Quiet time

My friend Jess inspired me on this one, mandatory quiet time. I love it. Today I couldn’t wait to get home and have my quiet time. I grabbed my new cookbook and sat on my porch swing with my faithful dog Sammy (he was trying to read or eat the book too) and spent a good 30 min looking at recipes. The birds were singing, my neighbor’s dog was barking, my neighbor was yelling at her dog to shut up, that’s nature if I ever heard it. No husband, no kids, no phone or TV; only the sound of nature.

Some of you may or may not know but I am completely addicted to cookbooks but I never get to really look good and hard at them. I am taking this opportunity to do that. I found a ton of great recipes that I can’t wait to try.

I am also making my kids take quiet time. They are not as happy about it as I am. Quiet time consisted of no music, electronics or phones. Lose touch with the world and get in touch with yourself and God.

I feel a lot more relaxed after my quiet time today. Everyone should try it.

I am finding that finding another church home is become really hard.

I have attended my church off and on for 13 years. My children have just about never missed a Wednesday with this church. I can remember the first time I was invited to this church, the first Sunday school class that I attended and absolutely did not fit into. I was 19 and a single mother of two children and in a collage and career class. I wasn’t in collage or making a career. Most women in the single women’s class did not have children and I wasn’t married so I did quit going to Sunday school. But I loved that church. They basically helped me raise my children, help send them in the right direction with the Lord. I was soon saved and Baptized into the church. I was so excited. I really felt like a new person and in the right path. I had so much support from Marian, Mr. Rick and Steve Hammond. The church offered camp for my kids and being single mom did not leave me with much money but Mr. Rick and Steve always made it happen. There are so many people in that church that help make my family what it is today. Although I did grow in that church I always felt like something was missing, not sure what but something wasn’t just right. About 3 or 4 years ago I had a member of the church walk up to me and ask had I filled out a visitor’s card. I was hurt and angry. Not angry at the member but at myself. I had not been involved in this church enough for this person to know that I was there. That woke me up. But I just could not find my place in the church. I could not find where I belonged. I did go visit another church and fell in love. I fit in so right and quickly ran into something I had never thought about. My children were attached to PVBC. I did not have the heart to rip them from the only church they had ever known nor were they willing to leave. I felt so selfish. I soon returned to PVBC. But that feeling of needing to do something never left my heart.

So at the beginning of the year our family decided to go visiting other churches. I want to serve the Lord and I know there is something I can be doing to serve Him better. Our quest is to find a church that fits us all. And that does seem to be challenge. I love praise and worship music. I love Bro. Glenn. Ok I know there is only one place to find him. I want to volunteer in the church and participate in church activities. I want the church to be close to my home so that we can do that. I don’t want to compete to fit in. I want to be known for who I am. I want a great youth program that my kids can participate in. So off we go.

Church number one: None will be named. The music was good. What song to the Lord isn’t? The preacher touched my heart. It was small. Only 38 attended that Sunday. Not much of a youth group. It is super close to my house. (Bro. Glenn was not there). I know someone that goes there.

Church number two: The music was awesome. I could have stayed all day for that. It was a big church. 527 attended Sunday school a few Sunday’s ago. Almost felt lost. (Bro. Glenn was not there). It is super close to the house. Has a huge youth group. Good for a second visit.

I am finding it hard to find a church that all will be happy with. We still have more to visit. I am having a hard time “replacing” (lack of a better term) Bro. Glenn. I wish I could scoop him up and take him with me. I have felt like he has preached right to my heart every time he opens his mouth. I understand and hold on to each end every word he preaches. One of my children totally misses PVBC. That again is tugging at my heart. I just fill like I have so much to give. I feel a little homeless right now.

Ok people I am sucking at my diet. I have currently completely quit exercising. I know, I’m bad. I have some ideas to get me back on track. I have had a hard month mentally and I just haven’t felt like getting up and going. I do see a light at the end of the tunnel for my stress. I was sitting in the bath tub (TMI) the other night soaking in self pity and water, trying to wash away all my worries when it hit me like a ton of bricks. My loved saying “you can’t control everyone’s actions but you can control your reaction and how those actions affect your life”. So true and so hard to live by. But I am going to try. I really need to focus on myself more. So to get back on track this is my goal and reward schedule. I have some empty ones, so give me some suggestions for some great rewards.

March 9 – 158 –New purse

March 16 – 156 -

March 23 – 154 – Get hair cut and color!!!

March 30- 152 -

April 6 – 150- Get my nails done

April 13 – 148 -

April 20 – 146 -

April 27 – 144 – New shoes

May 4 – 142 – Banana split ice cream

May 11 – 140 – Massage

May 18 – 138 -

May 25 – 136 -

June 1 – 134 – New bathing suit

new driveway

I accidentally drove my car into my ditch at my house when I got home today. To be honest – I thought it was the funniest thing ever. Scott on the other hand was not so much amused. All he could think about was where was I going to get the $500 to fix it from.

I just can’t quit laughing about it. I don’t even remember turning into the driveway – or rather beside the driveway. The next thing I new I was flooring it and back on the driveway I went. I busted my bumper. But really isn’t that what they are for – to bump with. I pulled into the car port and left my car running. I tried to go in the house but my foot got caught in the door and my shoe fell off. After I recovered from that I was going to lean on the counter and I hit a full glass of tea and it went flying. I look up and my family is looking at me as if I am on drugs. It was all an accident. Things happen. And this fits perfectly into my life right now.

Ok it’s true you can’t lose weight by eating what you want and staying on the couch, even if there is an Ace of cakes marathon on. I officially suck at dieting. But I have hope. I am really good at starting over again and again and again.

4 down 26 to go

4 down and 26 to go

I lost 2 lbs this week and boy has it been a week. The stress level is as high as it has ever been and does not seem to be easing up. Just when you think you can’t take anymore, the avalanche falls on you.

I want to say, “God you have my attention now. My world has been rocked.” I am spinning in circles, please help me stop. What is blocking me from seeing His guidance? I want to give up and let someone else take over. My heart is broke. Pray for me.

Well 2 down and 28 to go. One thing I know is my weight loves me. It never wants to leave. I’m pretty disappointed. I thought it would have been more.

This weekend was a challenge. I had a long road trip. I find it very hard to eat out health. Especially with all this temptations listed right there with the very few good for you things.

I never thought it but I do tend to eat because of my emotions. If I am stressed I think I DESERVE something sweet or unhealthy like a cheese burger. And for some really weird reason it makes me feel better.

I haven’t felt very good lately and have been battling the BFY (Bad For You) foods. I have to pull my way out of this and jump back on the wagon.

You know that saying – keep your friends close and keep your enemies closer- That’s not true. It should say – keep your friends close and pray for your enemies-

I love for my son to brush my hair. He is such a sweetie. (I know, random)

I did really good today. It was perfect.
Breakfast – egg beaters on an English muffin.
Lunch- subway
Dinner – Caribbean Jerk grilled chicken and mashed sweet potatoes

I exercised for 30 min on the elliptical. Once again it whooped my butt. I feel so good when I get off it. This weekend I am going to do some body measuring. This will give me a better idea of what I am losing. I will also be setting weekly goals and rewards for myself.

cookie monster

Cookies…… got to love them. I do love me a good soft gooey chocolate chip cookie. When you hear the word cookie it just makes you all warm inside. I have three cook books that are only about cookies. I do love a cookie.

Well I met the cookie monster today. Yes, there is someone out there that loves their cookie more then me. I found that out the hard way. I ate someone else’s cookie. I am completely innocent in the mater. I ask could I have a piece of the giant 6 foot (exaggerating) cookie and was told yes. I should have known. The devil was living in that cookie. Little did I know that one awesome bite of sin would turn out so wrong. The cookie monster came and scolded me for eating her cookie. I was supposed to know that she was misleading me when she said she would share. It was far too late. The cookie was gone. I was eating it as fast as I could while I was explaining that all I wanted was a piece of cookie. There I was sitting guilty with the chocolate icing all over my face. Dumbfounded!! What had I done wrong? It felt so right. And tasted so good. I had taken someone’s reward and cheated on my diet. I feel so ashamed. A true lesson was learned here.

Don’t say it is ok for someone to eat your cookie if you really don’t want them to. But look deep in your heart. If you have a really big cookie – it is ok to share. Sharing makes me feel good.


Needless to say I broke my diet. I ate a piece of cookie today but other wise I did good. I drank my water, had a sandwich for lunch and ravioli for supper.

I make a pledge today to stay away from other people’s food.

One great day... many more to come

I had a Great day. I drank my water, ate decent and exercised with my favorite workout team (the biggest loser crew). I feel good. I fixed this chicken soup for dinner and it is all gone. It was super simple to fix and low in fat and calories. Go Amy!!!!

1 down 29 to go

The big number is 163. I did lose 1 measly pound. I’m proud. Especially at the week of temptation I had. Can’t wait to see what this week will bring.

I have to lose about 5 or 7 pounds by Feb. 18th because I have a shirt I have to wear that day and currently my arm will not fit. So that is my new goal. I need to weigh 156 by Feb. 18th. I think I can do that. Heck maybe more.

I started good, my typical egg beaters for breakfast and subway for lunch. I have that down pat. I have three big problems.
1. I don’t drink enough water
2. I don’t exercise enough
3. I don’t cook good for you dinners

I have an idea I am going to try for problem one. For the next week I am going to drink one bottle of water as soon as I get to work. Just jug it down. I will drink another one right before (about 5 min) I eat my subway sandwich. I will drink another on as soon as I get home from work. That is 60 oz. of water. Then I will drink some here and there, like while exercising. That will be my focus for the week. I guess I will just pee a lot.

1 down 29 to go.

Life List

How many times do we say I wish? I say it all the time. This is my life list. All my wishes and want to dos.
- go on an all day hike
- learn to play tennis
- go to a spa and get the works
- feel like I belong where I am standing
- let go of bad feelings
- lose control
- stand on top of a mountain
- go to the Grand Canyon
- let God run my life more
- play a Christmas song on the saxophone
- go on a picnic that I didn’t pack
- stop letting the past run today’s life
- laugh till I cry
- cry till it’s all out
- go under water without holding my nose
- color my hair any color
- remember my childhood

I'm sure I will add and take away through out my life.

Let’s not talk about what I ate today. I did exercise today for 30 min and it whooped my tail. My legs felt like jello when I got through. And it did feel good. It always feels good after you are done exercising; it’s during the process that I have a hard time with.

I’ve been inspired this weekend in so many ways it’s making my head spin. I’ve been thinking a lot about what people have been saying, what I’ve been reading and how people have been acting. Just taking it all in, you know. Trying to figure the best direction to travel in. What do I want to do?

Obviously I have to go to work everyday. I’m not going to focus on that. I have my evenings and weekends. So I’m going to make a list of all the things I want to try to do and do them. No, not a bucket list because I am not dying, that I know of, a life list, a list to live by. I will post it tomorrow. I still want o think some.

Well, I didn’t slide today ya’ll. I fell off the entire mountain. And fell on my face. The devil is out to feed me. I started good. Egg beaters for breakfast, but then my boss bought my lunch. One BLT and (hold on to your seats) chili cheese fries and of course Tea. Well since the day was shot. I had pizza for dinner. No water at all today.

Someone throw me a rope. Reel me back to reality. Tomorrow is another day. Again!

I did lose some weight. I cheated and weighed this morning. I may have gained it all back today so I won’t tell you what I weighed. Just have to wait till Monday.

Bad Doctor

I hate doctor’s offices. How about my insurance is making me get a physical. No big deal. NOT! I tried to be a good girl, I made my appointment. It was at 2pm. I was, as usual, 15min early. I get there and sign in. One hour later they take me back to the room. Yea that’s right ONE HOUR. So I say, “How long before he comes in here to see me” – I know how those doctors work, They will put you in a room then it’s forever till the doctor comes in and you are sitting there naked and cold. The nurse said “about an hour”. Yes you heard me right another hour. I said “nope, my appointment was at 2pm and I’m not waiting another hour to see him”. She asked did I want to reschedule, I said “nope, I had to take off work to do this and I’m not doing that again”.

I was so upset I had to go to Dunkin Donuts. I felt better after an iced coffee and five munchkins. Leading to my next subject.

Well, I slipped a little to day. Completely the doctor’s fault. No mine. Other than that I did good. Egg beaters for breakfast, subway for lunch and grill chicken for dinner. I will exercise after I eat at round eight. Still not enough water.

Good Enough

Today was pretty much a success. I had subway for lunch, egg beaters for breakfast and soup and grill cheese for super; fruit for snack. Not enough water yet. No exercise!

Another new practice I have taken up is letting something be good enough. In the past when I had to buy something I would search every store till I found it for the cheapest I could get it. By then I would be so aggravated, tired and probably ran out more in gas then I saved in money. So tonight I practiced it. I took my boys to get shoes and we went to one store and they both found shoes and we paid and left. I have never gone to only one store. Yey me.

But once again tomorrow is another day and I hope to stay on track.

Weight in day could not have been any worse. Weight today 164 lbs. No lie.

I was doing good until I put that hamburger steak down my throat. I was good though; just not good for me. Tomorrow is another day and I will try again. I will have subway for lunch.

I have to drink more water. I just really hate peeing. That is one of those very few times you wish you were a guy. Just whip it out and put it back in.

The only other time I can think of is when a guy can come home and say what’s for dinner. I so wish I could do that.

It seems that every step I take in my life is hard. Nothing is just easy. It seems impossible to do everything you are supposed to do in a single day. There just is not enough time in a day.

The experts recommend eight hours of sleep every night. Ok now we have been knocked down to sixteen hours. Most people have to work eight hours a day. Well, now we have eight left. Take a shower, brush and floss twice a day. Cook breakfast, lunch and dinner, make sure the kids are doing their homework, blow dry your hair, if you got any, make your bed, wash cloths, wash dishes, exercise once a day for at least 30 min.. Be healthy! Be eco friendly!

For goodness sakes don’t stop to think or enjoy your life. No time for that.

I see people that make it work and envy them. How do they do it?

My current kick is to lose some weight and get healthy. I know it can be done. I watch biggest loser. I’m not huge my no means. I just need to lose about thirty pounds.

I’m going to use this blog to help keep me accountable. I will weigh every Monday starting tomorrow. Oh, those are my favorite words. “I will start tomorrow”. I need to find some new favorite words.

Wish me luck!