Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Journey with Jenny: First Weigh-In


So on August 11th I went into the Jenny Craig Center and signed for a year long program under the Premium Success Program. I got my first two weeks of food because the center is about 45 minutes to an hour away I don't plan to go to the center every week. I'll do my alternate week check-ins by phone. So this past Saturday in the middle of a crazy rain storm that rivaled some of the hurricanes we've had I drove to the center to get my food (and my Mom's) and to do my first in person meeting and weigh in. So here it is.

8/11/2012: Starting Weight: 246.6
8/25/2012: 240.2 = 6.4 loss *insert excited squeal here*

My Mom asked me what I thought it was about this program that I was willing to follow it as opposed to some of the other programs that I ignored the advice and did what I wanted. Personally I think it is because they tell me what to eat. I have printed menus that say eat this for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and add fruit, salad, or veges here or there. Which makes it really easy to do. Also their food is really quite tasty, there have only been a few things that I didn't like and those were just my personal taste someone else might love them.

On this program they really encourage you to eat only their food every day for every meal and snack but I will admit sometimes I just want something from a restaurant with company. But I've followed their advice and examples for what to eat and have learned to limit portion sizes, etc.


Monday, August 27, 2012

Show and Tell Monday Link Up: Marriage Edition


I saw this over on The Misadventures of Mrs. Duh and thought it was kinda neat so I figured I'd link up...

1. Are you married? If so when did you get married, and tell us about your special day. If not? How would you describe your dream wedding?
My husband and I got married September 5th, 2009 at his family reunion at a camp ground in Indiana and then again at our church in Virginia on January 10th, 2010. So I have two special days.

The first wedding we surprised his family with the fact that we were getting married the next day. We had contacted a local retired minister who was gracious enough to perform the wedding including communion with J's family. It took place in a picnic shelter on a lake. It was a sunny beautiful day and we were surrounded by his siblings (most of them), his parents, his nieces and nephews, and a minister who blended beautifully. We had cake and then went back to the cabins to change and have dinner around the camp fire. It was perfect! Our talented niece-in-law took the most amazing pictures. This is also the wedding that he got cake up my nose and I got it on his cheek.

The second wedding was a formal ordeal in a church with our friends and family from Virginia. The ceremony was put together by J and I and it was a very formal ceremony and we loved it. This wedding also had communion which was served by our mothers. His father was the best man and my brother was the man of honor. Following the wedding is when the drama hit. J has biological sisters but was raised in his adoptive family and didn't know them until he was 21. Well his biological sister M was at this wedding and so were his adoptive parents. Immediately following the wedding she ambushed his parents with a hug and proceeded to become a bundle of mess. His parents weren't prepared for this and this of course wasn't how J wanted the meeting to occur so that kinda put a cloud over the pictures and the reception. His mother was very upset by it because she feels that she has her children and M has her mother so there is no need for her to know M. So we had to spend part of our day putting out fires. But overall it was a lovely service and reception.

2. Show us some wedding pictures. Either yours or of some that you love.
During the ceremony our nephew read scriptures from Ruth and 1 Corinthians

The Cake War

An Artistic Picture that we later used for our program at our second wedding

The kiss during the toast
In the Limo

My brother the Man of Honor

One of my Favorites from the Reception

The nice cake feeding
3. How about the engagement? Tell us your story. If not engaged, what's your dream proposal?
Hmm about that...well it's like this. We didn't have a formal proposal because both of us had been married before and it didn't work out so well. I told J I wasn't too worried about a true proposal. We had discussed getting married and we knew he was headed to Japan in July of 2010 and we had decided we'd like to be married before that. We were headed to his family reunion where I would meet the rest of his family that I hadn't met yet and my Mom of all people suggested we get married there since his whole family would be there. She of course also suggested a second wedding in Virginia. So J talked to my father and got his permission which meant a lot to my Dad because my first husband hadn't. We didn't tell anyone really except my parents and my brother and one of his sisters T who in turn told his other sister L. In essence we kind of eloped.

But one night before we headed to the reunion we were laying in bed talking about something not too important. When he looked at me with a very serious look and held my hand and said "we have this wedding planned and I just wanted to ask...do you want to?." To which I smiled and said "yes."

4. Show us your wedding rings or an engagement photo! If not engaged/married, show us your "dream" ring.
I've received some interesting comments on this but I don't have an engagement ring. It is two fold really. First of all again I had the ring the first time around and it just didn't go so well so I wasn't too hung up on it for the second time around. Second we were on a limited budget at the time and I didn't want a chunk of money spent on a ring I probably wouldn't wear that often. And third (I know I know I said it was two fold...work with me) I'm not a huge jewelry person. I wear basic silver earrings, necklaces, etc. I've told him if he wants to get me something he can get me a Ford Mustang. He laughs and says a ring would be cheaper and safer.

My ring is a white gold band and his is a tungsten band that is light gray on the outsides with a dark shiny band in the center.
Our rings and my Bouquet
5. Tell us why you think marriage doesn't work out for so many? What can we do to make things last?
I think the main reasons marriage doesn't work out is because of expectations and a lack of commitment***. People have expectations that are either unrealistic or they forget to share them with their spouse. Your spouse is not from a movie or a story book they will not be perfect all the time (and surprise neither will you) and they also cannot read your mind no matter how hard they try or how long you hope it's not going to happen. You must communicate your expectations.

As for commitment it has shocked and amazed me the number of couples who didn't even make it to the year mark without bringing up the "D" word. You made a commitment to this person til death do you part. How does that go out the window so quickly? Ok so it isn't the fairy tale you thought it would be. Marriage takes work. And it takes a 100% commitment on the part of both parties. When the going gets tough talk about it, go see your pastor or a counselor, make time for each other, laugh together, and above all keep talking (yes I know I said it twice it's that important).

For J and I we have the following rules:

  • We won't go to bed angry and we haven't. 
  • We won't ever throw out the "D" word (we've both been through it and it sucks so no thank you). 
  • We will laugh in an argument because one of us throws out a funny word like farfignewton.
  • We will communicate even when we are on different continents.
  • We will always kiss good night/good bye and say "I love you" because you never know when that will be the last time. 

***If there is abuse of any kind in a relationship you should not stay! Whether it is physical, sexual, mental, emotional, verbal, etc you should seek help. You do not deserve abuse no matter what you have or haven't done and you are not quitting if you leave an abusive relationship.

Now head over to From Mrs to Mama and link up!

Thursday, August 16, 2012

What a Difference a Year Makes...

My Hubby
Having your spouse gone is a challenge whether it is for a week, a month, 6 months or a year. You have to take care of the house, the bills, the pets and/or children, yourself, and much more. On July 1st we hit the one year mark of when I put J back on the plane to go to Japan. Our first part of our deployment was 7 months that was long but because of going through that I figured a year wouldn't be too bad. And maybe it wouldn't have been too bad if I had gotten him back after a year but here we are at 13 1/2 months and I still don't have him back. Thanks to some scheduling issues it looks like I won't get him back for his last R&R until the beginning of next year sometime. The only good news is that means we won't have too long until he's home for good when he goes back.

But for now it is hitting me hard. Much harder than I anticipated. I find myself emotional...sometimes grumpy...sometimes envious...and impatient. I'm trying to work on my eating and my exercise because I know both help balance me. But I feel like I may need to do something else like go to a support group or go talk to a counselor or or something. It was a little easier for the past two weeks because he was in a port so we could talk on the phone and text some. But now he is back underway so we are back to sporadic emails. I know that each day that passes puts us closer to him coming home but still it is tough. I miss him...a lot!

This too shall pass and God is with me through it all but I'm ready for it to pass and to have my husband with me through it all.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Journey with Jenny


Ok so I talk about weight loss semi frequently (in all fairness I've struggled with my weight since I was in 4th grade so it's an issue for me) and in the past few years I've tried Weight Watchers, First Place 4 Health, Weight Watchers again, and just cutting my portions none of which were overly successful. In essence I've gained and lost the same 10lbs over and over again. I'm at the highest weight I've ever been and I hate it (the weight, not myself). So I decided to do something I've contemplated a couple different times in the past. I joined Jenny Craig. Part of my problem with J gone is that I often stop and pick up something on the way home (McDonalds, Arbys, Fazolis, you get the picture). And some days I literally eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner from a restaurant mostly out of laziness because it's easier. So I decided that I would sign up for Jenny Craig and let them do the thinking for me food wise.

I signed up on Saturday so I'm on day four of the food. So far most of the food has been quite yummy. One of my favorites was the Turkey Burger for lunch followed closely by the Chicken Fettuccine for dinner. Oh and the Triple Chocolate Cheesecake is downright amazing...if I didn't know it was healthy I wouldn't believe it. As I said I'm just at the beginning but so far I feel the most positive I've felt in a long time on a eating program. Now I just need to get my butt moving literally. But one step at a time.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Writer's Block

Sometimes I feel like I have so much to write about I don't know where to begin. This is how I've felt for the whole month of July almost. I've had so much going on that I didn't want to short change something for something else so I wrote nothing. Perhaps not the best way to handle it (and to be honest I'm a journal person so I write to deal with it) but it is what I did for July. July was a rough, hectic, and exhausting month physically, mentally, and emotionally. That and I didn't want to share only down things but a lot of down things happened in July so most of my posts would have revolved around those. I am working on some posts about different topics to keep things interesting. So don't give up on me...I'm back and I'll keep things interesting.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

6th Bead Soup 2nd Reveal


Bead Soup Reveal

I haven't done a bead soup project in a while because of crazy schedules. I missed doing them. This one was fun. My partner Pam sent me a lot of fun beads and goodies. It took me a little while to decide what to do with my gems. I hadn't made a fiber necklace in a while so I decided to go that route. Pam sent me some really pretty fiber that I incorporated into the necklace. When you're done here make sure you take a moment to head to her blog...
Purple Notes from the Studio and the other lovelies below. (my camera hasn't been working too well so the pictures came out a bit dark...I have a friend coming tomorrow to take a few more so I'll post those later)
The collection of beady goodness

The stunning focal and clasp
And now for the creation...

The focal with some of the fiber and the beads
This is my first time using a clasp on a fiber necklace...I have a few thoughts for next time
The necklace...I love the silver spirals she sent they add some  extra whimsy

Hostess, Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

Adlinah Kamsir, Dream Struck Designs
Adrienn Lukacs, Raszputyin Designs
Agata Grygiel, Cytherea Bijoux 
Alenka Obid, Pepita Handmade 
Amy Dickerson, Damyjo Designs 
Amy Schmidt, Amy's Treasure 
Amy Severino, Amy Beads 

Andra Weber, Andra's Joyful Journey
Andrea Trank, Heaven Lane Creations
Anke Humpert, Anart Island Studios
Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye
April Grinaway, Brooklyn Bead Goddess 
Ashley Bunting, Miss Ashely Kate 
Astrid Boyce, Astrid Boyce Beads 
B.R. Kuhlman, Mixed Mayhem Studios 
Barb Fernald, Barbara S. Fernald Jewelry 
Barbe Saint John, Saints and Sinners

Beata Benkone Meggyesi, Beahobbi
Brandy McNair, Bella Vita Handmade Jewelry 
 Bryna Lumb, Bryna's Bead Box
Carmen Lau, Little Maketto
Cate van Alphen, Fulgorine
Cathie Carroll, Cathie Carroll's Studio
Cathy Khoury, Touch Jewelry 
Christina Stofmeel, Feng Beads 

 Collette Collins, Fire Fly Myst Artisan Jewelry
Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul 
Crystal Thain, Here Bead Dragons
Cynthia Abner, Created Treasures
Deana Hager, Just Deez'Art & Life
Debbie Davis, Natural Treasures by Deb
Debbie Phenes, Deb Joy Sing
Dhea Powers, Java Bead


Diana Welte, Lilyweeds
Dita Basu, alankarshilpa
Dorota Zeranska, gdymamczas 
Dot Lewallwn, Speedie Beadie
Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals
Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs
Emma Todd, A Polymer Penchant
Eva Sherman, Eva Sherman Designs
Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead and Metal Works
Francy Inman, Francy's Studio


Ginger Bishop, lilmummy likes...
Giorgia Rossini, Jo in Wonderland
Ine Vande Cappelle, Jewels by Ine 
Iveth Caruso, Creative Atelier 
JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
Jackie Ryan, Kydo Jewellery
Jeannie Dukic, Jeannie's Blog
Jelveh Jaferian, Jelveh Designs
Jenna Tomalka, Twin Birch Studio
Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Beads


Jennifer Van Horn, Jennifers Jewels and Junk
Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation
Johanna Rhodes-Nash, Fire Phoenix Creations 
 Joyce Blair, Bent Wire West Coast
JuLee Wolfe, The Polymer Penguin
Karen Vincent, Swallow Tail Jewellery
Karin Slaton, Backstory Beads
Kayla Potega, The Eclectic Element 
Kim Dworak, CianciBlue
Krafty Max, Krafty Max Originals
Kris Lanae Binsfeld, Cherish Designs by Kris Lanae


Kristen Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs
Kumi Fisher, Malie Kai Designs
Kym Hunter, Kym Hunter Designs
Lennis Carrier, Windbent
Leslie Wayment, AA Beads & More
Linda Murphy, Bonita Bead
Lisa Johnson, Whimsey Wonders
Lisa Lodge, Pine Ridge Treasures


Lisa Sittniewski, Love, Yesterdays
Lois Moon, Que Onda, Q'Town?
Lola Surwillo, Bead Lola Bead
Lorelei Eurto, Lorelei's Blog
Lori Bowring Michaud, Artfully Ornamental
Lori Finney, Using My Beads
Marcia Dunne, The Alternative Foundry
Margareta Saari, Mags-koruja
Maria Horvath, Horimarika Beads
Marian Hertzog, M's Place


 Mary Ellen Parker, BeeTree by m.e.
Mary K McGraw, MK's Creative Musings
MaryLou Holvenstot, time2cre8 
Martha Aleo, Ornamento
 Maybeline Tay, The Jewelry Larder
Megan Collins, Churchy & Her Sailor
Melissa Meman, Art. Life. Love.
Melissa Mesara, One-Eared Pig Beads
Melissa Muir, Kelsi's Closet Jewelbox
Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs


Pam Farren, re-maker
Pam Hurst, Pam Hurst Designs
Patricia Handschuh, The Color of Dreams
Patty Miller, CabariBeads
Penney Klapoth, Faerie Acres
Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings
Rhea Freitag, starrgazer creates
Rochelle Brisson, A Creative Chelle


Sabine Dittrich, PerlenDschungel
Sandra McGriff, Creative Chaos
Sandra Neights, Petalo Azul
Sandra Young, It's a Bead Life!
Sara Oehler, SoftFlex Girl
Saturday Sequins, Saturday Sequins
Shanti Johnson, Sunshine Bliss
Shari Replogle, Plays With Paper
Sonya Stille, Dreamin' of Beads


Stefanie Teufel, Stefanies Sammelsurium
Tammie Everly, TTE Designs
Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs
Therese Frank, Therese's Treasures
Tina Holden, Polymer Clay Bytes!
Toltec Jewels, Jewel School Friends 


Tracey Nanstad, A Beadiful Mess
Tracy Choy, BumbleBeads Designs
Valerie Norton, Hot Art