Friday's Music of the Week

So, this week I have been listening to Emphatic. Love them! This is my favorite song.

They have a lot of great songs. Enjoy!

Tattoo Etsy Treasury

I haven't done one of these in a while but its fun and you never know what you can find on etsy. I have had an itch for a new tattoo or piercing for a while now so I am attempting to control the beast that is the itch with this treasury list. Silly I know but until I can go get one, this will have to do. Enjoy.

'Tattoos' by lesliemarquezdesigns

I love Tattoos. I would be covered in them if I could! But until I win the lottery, I will make do with Tattoo inspired things.

Barber For Life Tattoo Art P... ParlorTattooPr... $30	Tattoo Art Tattoo Parlor Sid... DexMex $30	Old School Tattoo Moon Art L... illustratedink $10
A4 deer tattoo print PixiesParlour $5	Retro Tattoo Cuff Bracelet BuffaloGoods $14	Tattoo Choker Vintage Stretc... BeadsndBobs $0.5
1 Pair of Temporary Tattoo M... cclstore $4	Tattoo sleeve Onesie Newborn... oohlalajanie $20	Divergent Inspired Four Tatt... Geekalacarte $15
Grassy Meadow Tattoo Tights ... kellyatlarge $28	Wall Decal Skull Crossbones ... WallStarGraphi... $175	1950's Vintage Pinup Gir... circlewallart $13.99
koi fish vinyl wall decal, t... beepart $48	Audrey Hepburn tattooing Mar... TheVintageHamm... $35	El Corazon Tarot Playing Car... PigAndGin $8
Vintage Tattoos Lampshade La... SpookyShades $47.9

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Lets do this!

OK, so it helps to have a goal when on a fitness journey. My Dad brought up a 5k run that is done in the woodlands, Run through the woods, around Thanksgiving. I have never done a 5k run in my life. 5k walk, sure, been there done that but never a run. I want to do this. In my fatter days, I used to say that I don't run unless I was being chased or the zombie apocalypse has hit. It was my joke to cover up my inability to actually do it. I tend to joke to cover up or make excuses for things.

While this is completely true, it's still an excuse!

So, I have started a workout program called Couch 2 5k.  I will admit that I have started this before but I barely completed a few days much less completed the program. So, I am determined to complete it. I started this morning with it. I did better than I could ever imagined. I think the fact that I have switched to vapor cigarettes has helped with the breathing and I used to get really out of breath before and I have slight asthma to begin with so it's no wonder I would give up, not to mention that I was not in the right frame of mind to push myself in that respect. So, the breathing, this time, was not an issue and I completed the first day with little to no problems! Yay! Now, the run itself was no problem. The aftermath, holy hell. I am so sore. I have sore muscles where I didn't know I had muscles. My abs, butt and legs scream every time I stand up. I make the old person noise every time, too! 

But I will keep going. I am on a positive changes kick. I will not let anything hold me back anymore. In that same aspect, I am going to finish what I started, even if its a little late, and complete the Thankful Challenge.

Today I am thankful for:

1. Positive Changes - I have to keep this in mind and change myself in a positive way little by little. Be it physically, mentally, emotionally, or otherwise. I will continue to strive for a positive change everyday.

2. Sore Muscles - They remind me that I am doing the right thing for my body and remind me that I am alive! 

3. My best friend - Who supports me even when I don't deserve it and you know who you are. 

I now challenge 3 people to do this challenge. I will tag you in my Facebook post so you know who you are. And I hope you are a bit more diligent in doing it than I was. 

The Thankful Challenge Day 5

Day 5

So, I missed a day, sue me!

I am thankful for:

1.  Energy Drinks. How do you think I keep up with four kids? No one has that much natural energy. If you do, you might want to see a doctor. 
2. Flip Flops - Because putting on actual shoes is sometimes a pain in the butt. 
3. Text Messaging - I am thankful for text messaging because for one, I sound like I have turrets syndrome when I am talking on the phone. With four kids, it is never easy to have a conversation on the phone when your always talking to a little person or yelling at someone. Two, I am not always good with the spoken word, I would much rather say what I need to in writing.  

Ok, I am going to work out now! Later! 

The Thankful Challenge Day 5

Day 5

I am thankful for...

1. My best friends. I had a great outing last night with friends, many of which I hadn't seen in a while. I am truly thankful to have the kind of friends that time and space do not affect how were are around each other. We laugh and joke and talk like no time has past. We still finish each others sentences and jokes and only we would get the weirdness of the jokes too. Love you guys!
2. My e-cig. I am trying to quit smoking. I will admit I have lapses, especially when out at a bar! But I will quit, for my health, for my kids and for myself.
3. Bedtime rituals. With my kids every night we read a story, say prayers and have kisses before bed. It is a quiet way to end the day and get ready for the much needed night of sleep. It also means I will get some peace and quiet soon after. YAY! 

The Thankful Challenge Day 4

Day 4

1. Biscuit in a can - or cinnamon rolls, or crescent rolls in a can. I am thankful for anything that makes my life easier in the morning.  I DO NOT function well in the morning. We joke that we are vampires and that we can't take the light. I kid you not, we do not turn turn on lights, we barely speak to each other. 
2. Coffee - like I said we do not function well in the morning. Give me coffee or give me death. Must have caffeine. 
3. My cell phone - How do we all stay connected to family and friends without them. I can actually remember a time when we didn't have cell phones. Hell, I remember when I had a pager, not that I always answered the page (sorry Dad) but I remember how hard it used to be to keep track of everyone.
   

The Thankful Challenge Day 3 and Music of the Week

Day 3

1. My past - I am thankful for my past because without it how do we grow, how do we learn and how to move on to our future. 

2. Music - Music has always had the power to lift up or make me contemplate. I listen to music when I am happy or sad. It is the blanket that keeps me warm and the ice that wakes me up. 

3. Art - It allows me to express myself in ways I can't in words. It allows me to say what I can't. 

For music of the week, I chose Icon for hire. They are a band I found through Pandora. They remind me of Paramore before they became poppy.  The words speak to me and pick me up at the same time. I love them

I want her hair, and to be a rock star but that's a story for another time.

The Thankful Challenge Day 2

Day 2

1,  My Dad - He has been another huge help in this very interesting time in my life. He has always been there with knowledge and wisdom and good advice. Love ya Dad.

2. My Siblings - My Brother and Sister are the best. We haven't always got along, we are siblings of course, but there is no doubt we all love each other, help each other and are there for each other no matter what distance lies between us. We are one big, LOUD, crazy family and I wouldn't have it any other way! Love you guys!

3. My Car - which is another shout out to my Mom and Dad. I am thankful to have a nice, semi-new, clean, great on gas mileage car. I love my little mint colored Ford Focus. I will work hard to keep it clean (I do have four kids, so, this is a major battle), nice and running properly, I love my car!!! 

I really like this challenge. It is so easy to forget how much we really have to be grateful and thankful for. I encourage anyone reading this that if you haven't been challenged, don't wait, it really makes you think. It also gives me something positive to focus on. I have good days and bad just like anyone else, but those that know me know I have bad days that just suck, and this allows me to stop and think about what I really love and appreciate. Thanks go to my friend for the challenging. You are next on my list!

Oh, and FYI, I love the Biggest Loser Boot Camp DVD, but man, the second day hurt. I woke up this morning with my leg muscles screaming at me!

Ok, I might be exaggerating a bit with the picture above, but I am ao sore.  However, I still got up and did the workout. I am more sore now, but I know the results will be worth it, more energy, healthier, looking good, and a clearer head! 

  

Best workout video ever!

The Thankful Challenge Day 1

So, I woke up this morning to this challenge from a very good friend of mine, you know who you are!

So, I thought why not share this on my blog. So here are my three things I am thankful for.

1. My kids

They may drive me a bit crazy but there are times when I appreciate the craziness. They are uniquely their own people and I wouldn't want them any other way.

2. My Mom

There have been huge changes in my life lately that I wouldn't have made it through without her. I love you Mom.

3. Having an in house washer and dryer.

Its the little thing, but my last place didn't have hook ups for a washer and dryer. I have 4 kids!! They dirty a lot of clothing, towels, etc! I swear I want to kiss the washer and dryer all the time. Even when its on the fritz I am still thankful for it.

So, In keeping with my exercise journey. I tried to get up this morning for my early, early morning walk. I will be honest, I failed miserably. I couldn't get up, too tired. So, I got up an hour later, got the kids up, got them to school, determined to exercise when I got home using the Biggest Loser Boot Camp DVD. I have used it for years, cause its a great work out you can do right in your own home. It's not just a basic work out dvd either, (I sound like an infomercial) it is a complete workout plan. You do the warm up, first set and cool down for the first week then add work outs as you go. LOVE IT.

Click above to buy it from amazon, you won't be sorry. 

See, sweaty, red and happy!!

I logged into Endomondo just to have a record of it. See...

Woah!

Wow,

I remember  back when I was serious into the blogging crafting thing and I looked at the overview on blogger to see how many people had looked at my blog all the time, practically drooling to see that number. One blog post and I had 152 views since the first post! Yay! Silly I know but hey, I get my thrills where I can lately. ha ha!

So, I found some inspiration today and made some more collage art. I haven't started my new job yet, so until then I am using as much of my time making and blogging.  Oh and spending time with this little booger!

She is dying to go to school like her other siblings. Poor thing doesn't know how much mommy wants the same thing!! 

Any way, So today I made these. I am still finding my voice or personal style when it comes to collage art but I have fun with it even if they turn out to be crap. 

I don't even know if these are any good. Please comment below and let me know what you think, even if you don't like it or think something has too much. I am open to criticism. 

Do your worst people! (or your best, I will gladly accept compliments too!!!)

Oh, and FYI, 

I got up early yesterday morning and walked. I have proof!

So, I did it, but it nearly killed me. I was so tired, I fell asleep in the couch with the above mentioned booger. I am not used to getting up or something, cause drool on my shirt midday is not attractive. HA HA HA! but I started the process and that's all that matters, right? Humor me people!

Here goes Nothing!!

So I haven't been blogging for a while now. Over a year to be more precise. Sooooo much has happened. Some of which I won't go into great detail about but some I will because I have things to be proud of. For starters, I have lost 70 pounds and kept it off for over a year. I still have some to lose but I will be using my blog to keep myself more accountable and get over this plateau. Below is a picture of the tremendous change I have gone through, a before and after picture if you will.

Still want to loose another 20 or 30 pounds but I have kind of been stuck. I am going to hit the diet and exercise thing again to keep going and post what and when I exercise. Thankfully Endomondo has a way to embed data directly on my blog. Thank you Endomondo. If you don't have the app, get it. I love it. It tracks everything. Wish I had the paid version. For those Family and Friends that are reading this, I want the full version of the app for Christmas! Although, I am hopeful that I will just be maintaining again by then. Wishful thinking, I know.  This is what the widget looks like. 

 I have also been doing a lot of collage art lately. Which is very cathartic for me. I made these recently. 

I have decided to get back into crafting as a second job. Right now, everything is helpful. I will be starting my etsy shop back up as well. 

I am also starting a new job at Jersey Village High School! Go Falcons! I worked there years ago when I was pregnant with my second child and had to give it up due to doctor prescribed bed rest. 

I look forward to starting the new job, getting healthy and making beautiful art and crafts I can be proud of. 

Music of the week: Default

I have been listening to Default lately. They are from Canada and believe it or not, they were started by Chad Kroeger of Nickleback, which I thought was a cool tidbit of information. One song in particular has been stuck in my head, which I am not complaining about this time. "It only Hurts" is a great song, the lyrics speak of heart break and how it hurts to even be awake. I can understand that. So, here is a video with lyrics I found. Unfortunately, they didn't make an official video for it but oh well. I included a few more videos of the band. They have some greats!!!

Update: Where the hell have I been?

So, I realized today that I haven't posted anything since November. Life has been hectic and crazy with no sign of reprieve. I actually started to miss ranting and crafting and music posts. I think I might need to go gonzo style with some ranting one day for the therapeutic benefit. I have been so busy with life in general that I kind of became overwhelmed and shut down. I have lost 50 pounds and have kept it off for months, but I haven't been exercising lately and man, can I feel it. I feel broken and weak. There was a full two weeks where every one of my kids were sick, which means the hubby and I got sick too. So that put a damper on things.

When I say shut down, I mean I was literally doing just enough to get by. There comes a point when everything is too much and you don't want to do anything. I think that is what happened with the blog not to mention my life.

So, in honor of trying to get my sh*t together I am posting this in an attempt to coax some encouragement out of my readers. I plan to start back up my music of the day on Fridays. I have found some amazing music lately, but I have been keeping it myself (Bad Girl!) Also, the one thing I have been doing to reading. A lot!!! So, I thought I would start doing some book reviews. FYI, I read paranormal romances, Sci-Fi and contemporary romances (usually involving bad boys, rock stars or bikers, love me some bad boys). I can't wait to tell you some of the great books I have found. I have a few book boyfriends, as I call them, that I want to introduce you too so I am not the only one swooning over imaginary characters! HA! I will get back into craft tutorials when I have time to actually craft something. I will be updating my weight loss journey, with pictures I might add. Because, and I am totally tooting my own horn here, but I have lost 50 pounds and I think I look pretty hot, for a big girl anyway.

Once again, I am pulling for encouragement people!!! Pathetic I know, but I don't' really have any cheerleaders around me so I will beg if I have to!!!!

Watch for Friday when I showcase Default! Started listening to some of their older stuff and found some amazing music that has been stuck in my head for weeks, which oddly enough, is not a complaint!!! See you then.

Friday's music of the week: Young Guns

So, I have recently been on hiatus from my blog. I have been going through some personal stuff and I realized I needed to let myself breathe and get my head straight. Story of my life. But even when I am in a funk, my music is always there for me and I need it like I need air some days. So, in the spirit of this, I found new music that I want to share. I recently heard the song "Bones" by Young Guns and immediately fell in love. The band is from the UK, been around since 2009, but I have only recently heard them. I like them, the lyrics are beautifully written and the fact that they are major British eye candy doesn't hurt. Here are a few videos, one of "Bones" and "Stitches." Enjoy!

My latest obsession and why I haven't posted much lately.

OK, I know I keep saying this, but I guess that is my guilt talking. I have not been writing much on my blog because my attention has been on books, and work, and kids, and life. Pretty sure I am driving my husband crazy. What started as just wanting to know what the hype was about, I read "Fifty Shade of Grey", led to reading the other two in the series and from there I kind of went nuts. All I can say is, did it just get hot in here? Not the best written books, but I enjoyed them none the less. I forget how much I love reading. I don't have a lot of time for much, but when I get obsessed about something, I go kind of nuts. My husband and I are both like that. Anyway, so After reading these, I started searching the internet for more books. Usually, I don't read romance books, but I found books that I like from this other book review blog, http://www.maryse.net/ (Thank you, Maryse!) So here is the list of books I have read lately, and bare with me its long...


1. Bared to You - This one was good, alot like 50 shades, but instead of one damaged person, there are two in the relationship and of course there is the billionaire aspect, which is always a fun fantasy. Who wouldn't love to have all the money in the world??? This is also part of a series, the second one, reflected in you, just recently came out, which is a good one too.

2. Gabriel's inferno - This one, I have to admit was not one of my favorites. It was long and kind of slow and kind of mushy. Not that that is a bad thing, but not what I was expecting. Lots of emotions, but like I said, not what I was looking for. This one is a teacher and student relationship. It was sad at times because of the complications of the teacher/student aspect. I am not saying it wasn't worth the read, but it was lacking something for me.

3. Beautiful Disaster - This one BY FAR, is my favorite. Its got your bad boy, a girl with a past she is trying to run from and lots of chemistry and complications that at times, pissed me off. But as all good stories go, it has a great ending. It has a college setting, which I kind of liked. All of it was great. I really like it.

4. Thoughtless - This one I was a bit reluctant to start just because the synopsis suggested cheating within the relationship, but once I got started, I couldn't stop. It has the rock star bad boy, the surfer boy good guy and a silly girl who can't make up her mind. It was emotional and heartbreaking at times, other times it was really hot!!! The second book to the series, Effortless, was really good as well. There is a third one coming out next year!!! I can't wait!!

5. Slammed - This one was really good, and sad. My friend was so mad that I didn't warn her about how sad it was but the story as a whole was really heartfelt. It is a guy who had his entire life dropped in his lap when his parents died and left him with his kid brother to take care of and the girl who moved across the street when her dad died and mom moved them there. There is also the Teacher/student aspect, which is never a good thing. They go to lots of slam poetry nights that yield some really great poems. The second one, Point of Retreat, might have been better than the first one, mainly because of the roller coaster of emotions.

6.Rock Me - Ahh, who doesn't love a hot tattoo artist.... But how do you fall for one when your pretentious parental figures would never go for it. This one was hot and emotional. Definitely a good read!

7. How to Kill a Rock Star - This one I just finished this weekend. I don't want to admit this, but three fourths of the way through the book, I was crying and wanted to throw the book. Luckily I didn't because I was reading it on my android phone and would have broken it. But I finished it and really liked it. I would definitely recommend this one.

8. Fall from Grace - Now on to Paranormal Romances. I tend to like these more, just because I love Vampire, angel, demon books, werewolf  books. I will admit I read the twilight series, but not till after I read the Anne Rice Vampire Chronicles books, all of them, I might add. I love supernatural stuff. I was reading this type before they were popular. Anyway, this is a good one, its a little confusing at first, just cause your not sure what the main character is, but once that was clear it was amazing. She is a soul trapped on earth, going from body to body for centuries all because she kissed an angel back in the day. She searches for him for centuries with the help of the Archangel Gabriel, or so you think. Pretty Cool, huh? They just came out with the second one, Saving Grace, which I haven't read yet, but I am looking forward to it.

9. A touch of crimson - Another Paranormal Romance (this is how most sites categorize them, not my words!) More Angels, More Demons and a girl that has a touch of both. Actually, it has an army of angels, which makes it interesting. I enjoyed this one and am looking forward to reading the rest.

10. Bait - Vampire Romance Book. I liked this one. She is, well, the bait for a vampire. She works for a group of mercenaries and they are out to get the "overlord" vampire. So, she is trying to get one vampire and ends up being "given" as a gift to the overlord. Its just gets more exciting from there.  Kind of racy at parts, but who doesn't like a little raciness (is that a word?) This is also part of a series. I haven't read the rest of them, but I am sure I will. Oh and this one is free on Amazon, for kindle at least!!!!

11. Awakened - Another Vampire Romance book, just set in college, and you really don't get that he is a vamp until well into the book. At first, you just think he is a frat boy, little do the unsuspecting co-eds know. So, bad boy vamp, cute girl, lots of excitement and drama. What more could you ask for? Free, that's what. Its free from Amazon.

12. Branded This one was really good. Jessica tries to never fall asleep. If she does, she goes to trial for people she doesn't know in front of angels and demons, who decide the souls fate, up or down. If they go down, she gets the brand, a giant X on her neck, every time. She even has the marks when she wakes up. Its horrifying and she is terrified, but its been happening for years. It gets better when the evil one falls for her while she is falling for another. So, its a fight to keep her sanity. Love this one!

So, I know its a long list and not even all of the books I have read and I will probably give more of my suggestions as I go. Right now, I am reading, Conversion, Vampire romance. He is a part-vampire, part-human, with a crazy part vampire family. I haven't gotten far in it, but I am enjoying it. I will let you know how it goes.

Friday Music of the Week: In this Moment

Ok, so my music this week comes to us from the band In This Moment. As odd as this is to say for me, this is harder music than I usually listen to. But I love it. Its angry and loud and the lead singer, Maria Brink, has the most incredible scream. I think I have a new girl crush. The band rocks and allows me to get my angry on. The video for "blood" is crazy, I don't even know what the significance of the video is, but its weird and scary, my two favorite things. So, here are a few songs from In This Moment. Enjoy!

Music of the Week: Three Days Grace

Yeah, their Canadian, but we won't fault them for that because the rock. I have been listening to these guys for years. They truly have staying power. I always hate when I first find a band and like them, and then you never hear from them after their first album. Happens a lot to stuff I love, I think, because my tastes are a little more on the outskirts of popular music. I love all types of music, but they stuff I tend to listen to most, does not suit most people. Ah, to each their own.

So, Three days grace are coming out with a new album on October 2, and I am soooo excited. Their newest song that they released is really good, can't wait to hear the rest. Its called "Chalk Outline" and it does not disappoint! You can listen to the whole album here!

Chalk Outline

"Without you!"

I absolutely think this is my favorite song from the album Life starts now. Unfortunately, I don't think it was ever played on the radio. Its is amazing and spoke to me when I need it... Music soothes the savage beast, I think that is the phrase.

"Lost in You!"

I love this song too!! So well written and the lyrics can make you melt!

Music of the Week: Halestorm

Lzzy Hale has to be one of the most awesome women of rock. I love that I can listen to her all the time on Lou Brutus's Hard drive XL radio show. He has an entire segment called "ask Lzzy." Its nice when you can hear them talk and they are normal people. She is a lot of fun and insane! I think I have a girl crush on her or maybe I'm just jealous! Anyway, Halestorm is the band, they are made of Lzzy, her brother Arejay, Joe Hottinger, and Josh Smith. When Halestorm first started, Lzzy and Arejay's dad, Roger Hale played bass for them until Josh Smith started in 2004. I think its awesome that it was a family band before they went big. Anyway, I have been listening to the latest album,The Strange Case Of..., for a while, but this week it has been stuck on repeat. Its great to work out to, scream at the top of you lungs in the car, and rock out with the kids to (Kiera's favorite song right now is "Love bites", that's my rocker daughter for you!) So, here are a few of the songs I like the most. Enjoy!!!

I miss the Misery!

I Get off!

Love Bites

(Kiera's Favorite)

ABC's of life

 I first saw this on my friend Holli's page, who stole it from Insanity rule's blog. Love the idea, so, yes, I stole it!

A} Age:  33

B} Bed Size: King, My husband is one big, heated teddy bear, and we both need our space, I HAVE to have my body pillow or I don't sleep.

C} Chore you dislike: All of them?? But mostly I HATE cleaning the kitchen. With 6 people in my household there are a lot of dishes. Can you say 2 loads a day? I thought you could!

D} Dogs:  Technically, we have a rat terrier named "angel" but she lives with my in-laws, can't have pets in my rental. But I have four kids, that's enough animals for me.
 
E} Essential start to your day: COFFEE, COFFEE, COFFEE

F} Favorite Colors: Black, maybe turquoise, maybe scarlet red, it changes weekly.

G} Gold or Silver: Silver, Always

H} Height: 5'9"

I} Instruments you play (past/present): Piano, I played for like 14 years. All through public school, and two years in college, I "thought" I wanted to be a Choral Director, Silly me...

J} Job Title: Administrative Secretary for the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (sounds way more impressive than it is)

K} Kids: four, Elena, Kiera, Gabriel and Nevin.

I never tire of this picture

L} Live: The great state of Texas!

M} Mom’s name: Neena
 
N} Nicknames: Les, Mom, Babe....

O} Overnight hospital stays: When I had my babies...

P} Pet Peeves: Slow drivers that don't know the right lane is for "passing". Same thing goes for people who see someone trying to politely go around them in the grocery store with four kids in tow and THEY DON'T MOVE!!!

Q} Quote from a Movie:  I would be considered a sick person probably in my past life but I will always love "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." Hunter Thompson was an amazing writer so my quote is "There he goes. One of God's own prototypes. A high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die."

R} Righty or Lefty: Right

S} Siblings: Two, Older Brother, Younger Sister

T} Time you wake up: I get up at 5 to exercise every morning. It is the only peace and quiet I get all day!

U} URL favorite these days: Facebook, Blogger, TMZ (yes, I am guilty of this one indulgence!)

V} Vegetables you don’t like: Collard greens, there aren't many.

W} What makes you run late: Did I mention I had four kids under 8.

X} X-Rays: Had my shoulder x-ray'd in college when I was trying to show off and do something stupid (isn't thats what college is for?) Bad idea. My now husband, he wasn't at the time, made me go to the hospital, if I remember correctly, its kind of fuzzy. Also, wouldn't let me drive home for the weekend, he drove me, and some one followed to take him back. Hadn't thought of that till now. He was sweet to me even before we dated...

Y} Yesterday memory: My son (who has speaking issues) came up to me and without any prodding, said "I love you, mommy!"

Z} Zoo Animal Favorite: Monkey's, not that I don't have four at home already

Weight loss update: down 40 pounds peeps!!!

So, if you follow my blog, you will notice the lack of posts. Sorry about that, with school starting, it has taken us a while to get into the swing of things. My life is nothing but logistics, which I hate. My mornings consist of getting up at 5 to go for a walk/jog, get dressed, get kids up and dressed by 7, in the car by 7:15ish, get the two oldest to school, the two youngest to the babysitters, the hubby to work, then I get to work at 8. I barely have time to do anything lately, especially crafts or blogging. Which I hate. I hate logistics. I feel like a chauffeur or a maid, half the time, not a wife or a mother, or me for that matter. Thats what started my weight loss journey to begin with. I felt like I had lost "me." So I started exercising, which is definetly paying off. I have now lost 40 pounds. I will now say my actual weight. 245. Its hurts to write it but if I think that 40 pounds ago, I was 285. I can proudly say the other number. GO ME!!

Love this. Think this will become my new background on my android!

Another thing I am doing to reconnect me to myself is I am going to get a tattoo at the end of the month. I am so excited. I have been wanting to do this for years, but there was never time, money or I was pregnant (I think I was pregnant for like 5 years straight, so that kind of dampens any chance getting a tattoo!) So, I am getting it on my wrist and this is what I want...

I am going to get it put on my wrist. Not big, but big enough to read it. Whatcha think! 

Anyway, I have never been able to say this before (which is sad since I am 33!) but I am really proud of myself. I have been in a bad place in my head for too long and I realized I was tired of being miserable. Tired of being fat. Tired of disappearing into the crowd. I used to pride myself on standing out, being a bit of an odd ball, being different. I try to instill that sense of originality in my kids. I don't want them to be one of the masses. I want them to stand out because they are smart, beautiful, and one of a kind. But I have to start with myself before I can convince them of this. Luckily, they are starting to see the changes. Kiera, minion #2, tells me I am beautiful everyday, and she hasn't said that to me until the last couple of months. It makes me melt and then I tell her she is also beautiful, and smart and funny and .....the list goes on. So, I guess I am doing something right...