First Love

Hello Friends-

I hope your week has been fabulous.

So far, mine has been pretty good....minus that one moment when I was mowing Monday night and drove the lawn mower off the curb and had to get Martinez to hobble on out on his crutches to fix the situation.
I would have to say the "Nothing Runs Like a Deere" quote didn't quite apply with one wheel hanging off the curb.


First Love- Topic 2


It was a beautiful, sunny day when I met him and I knew immediately.
We would spend hours sitting outside on my front porch while he sang songs and played his guitar.  I can't sing, so I would just listen and soak it all in and paint my toenails. When he wasn't singing to me, we would ride horses and four wheelers and just enjoy being outside.   He was very artistic, which is totally opposite from me, and a welcome change.  We were together for two years before he moved away because his band was getting big.  It was sad, but I knew I had to let him go. We both needed to move on with our lives and do the things we were supposed to do and meet those perfect people for us.

All lies. And yes, that's exactly how I'd imagine it would be if Steven Tyler was a young fella in my time.

So if you are wondering why we even have this topic, then you can get the background here.

When the DeShazo and I were first introduced to this topic via Pinterest, there was some eye rolling because neither one of us have a mushy bone in our body and we immediately were thinking we would have to write out our love lives.  And we are so not those people.  Then, the light bulb went off and we realized we could take an different approach.

I've been trying to figure out what my first love was.  What/Who was the first thing I can remember really loving?

Was it the Little Debbie shortcake rolls that I used to pop in the freezer and then unroll and eat?  Please remember, yet again, that this blog was originally for weight maintenance......

Or was it fishing in the pond we used to have when I was kid in our side yard in the evenings with my brother?  Since he's MUCH older (love you bro ), he would always be a dear and take my fish off the hook for me, as I seemed to always fail miserably at this and get finned and then I'd whine.

1. 

 We really need some updated photographs.

Or was it riding horses?  Music?

This topic was a tough one for me.

I ultimately decided on reading.  I know. Lame.
I can't even remember when I knew I loved to read.  It just happened.
I spent hours and hours reading book after book.
I would read just about anything ... except my history book that I should have been reading.

In the summers, my mom would take me to the library every Monday to get a new set of books for the week.  Monday was her "grocery shopping day",  so we hit the library up before that.  Geez, I wonder why I do things on certain days??
After I tried to sneak a Stephen King book in the stack somewhere around age 9, she cracked down on my choices.....
I mean, I liked scary movies just like her.....but I remember very clearly that that defense wasn't helping my situation at all. 

My days would be spent in a fantasy world of whatever book I was reading.  It's an escape in your mind- you are in a different place- a different person.... and then I'd be shaken from the spot on the couch I'd been in for hours to "get up and water the horses" or "fold the laundry" because after all, I'd been in that spot an entire day and onto my second book before I realized how much time had passed.

.....This sums me up.....

Reading was so fun then and still is to me now- there's just little time now to squeeze it in.


A few photos from this week....

Check out The DeShazo's blog here.


Until Next Time.......

The Best Parts of Fall

The DeShazo had a thought.
Why don't we have a list of blog topics and choose one each week to write about?
Good thought, right?

We pondered over whether or not to actually commit to this.  I mean, this is us (oh- if you haven't watched the new show "This Is Us"- watch it now.  Right. Now.)  We tend to make up all sorts of things for us to do and then we never follow through.
Ultimately, we remembered that in the old days, three years ago, we liked reading what the other would post, even though we knew what it would say and that we might catch some criticism from those that read our words. She had a blog to keep her accountable to exercise and I had one to keep myself accountable for weight loss.....and we both had one because Vic wanted us to have one (so Vic....please resurrect Chillin with Mrs. Dillon. We are all busy....so no excuses!)

We wrote down a list of topics from good ole' Pinterest and then in true form, eliminated every single deep, emotional, mushy and sappy topic.  It's just not us.
We then went through the list and weeded it out more.
One of our rules was that we would write about the topic chosen from our fabulous container, no matter what we drew out.
Also in true form, the first topic we drew went back and we chose another. Control issues???

I'm gonna say this- if you are someone who has clicked on this blog and you think this is dumb/immature/insert anything negative, just remember you do not have to read these words.  It's a choice you are making. We all do different things in the spare minutes we have- and this something we've chosen to do for a while in ours.  Also, my intent will never be to offend- but if you are offended about something I've written....again, remember that reading this is a choice.

And with that....


The Best Parts of Fall

1) Hello....Candy Corn

You know, some of us love it so much that in order to maintain our weight loss status, we have to use portion control and bag them up by days.

I will confess that if I have a broken piece - I get another broken piece and count that as one...

2) Pumpkin Patch!

I look forward to taking the kids to the pumpkin patch so much.  Open fields, hay rides, pony rides, pumpkins everywhere....and I love it when it's just a tad cool and beautiful sunshine !

I do not remember ever going to the pumpkin patch as a child.  We may have gone, but I don't remember and I cannot get enough of the pumpkin patch.  So basically, I'm saying that my kids will probably hate going at some point because I will enforce going as long as I can!

A few photos from the last couple of years....

I told Martinez that he better be able to attend the pumpkin patch in a few weeks.  He had a partial knee replacement last week that turned out to be more that either of us thought!  It's kicked our family's rear!


3) Perfect Temps/ Bonfires

Maybe in a few more weeks? I'm so ready to break out the plaid, jeggings/leggings/ boots!
And this also means being able to stay outside more. I love being outside with my babies !!

4)  All things pumpkin

 Pumpkin bread, pumpkin spice coffee (please say it as cawfee to get the full affect), decor....

5) The CMA's

Every November, I watch the CMA's.  I love it.  I know that many people feel "today's country music" is awful.  I don't disagree that it has certainly changed, but I like the old, the middle and the new!  I mean, I miss Diamond Rio, Shenandoah, Blackhawk, Vincee Poo, you know, all those good songs, but the new is good too. I will confess to keeping recorded CMA shows from years past on my dvr for months and re-watching them over and over. It's pathetic.  I realize it.  Now that we no longer have a dvr, that option is out and Martinez is saying "Amen". I've already let Mrs. L know that I will not be at Awanas on November 2nd- or for the Wednesday each November in the future that it airs because I will be at my house staring at my tv... and ..screaming.... and... crying and.... laughing.... and listening.  I would equate this to how some watch football.
This is my football.

And if you haven't heard "Forever Country".... I've listened so many times I've lost count.  I've watched it so many times I've lost count, and while my sweet Randy couldn't sing, he is visible for about 2 seconds. That makes my heart melt.
And though I have earbuds in, when The DeShazo hears the screeching, high pitched squeal escaping my body that may resemble the sound of an ostrich.... she knows I'm trying to "hit that note"....

I want to attend the CMA's so much.  Maybe one day !

6)  Beautiful leaves changing and falling

7) Halloween

Halloween is a noteworthy holiday for our family.  I always make chili, my kids will always (unless there is a circumstance preventing it) go trick or treating the old fashioned door- to - door way, and they will always be able to dress up.  It's fun.  I know that many people feel like it's Satan's day- or it's too dangerous- or whatever.  I don't have time for that.  In our house it's not treated in such a way- it's treated as a fun day to be whoever you want to be- go get lots of candy and see your friends and others dressed as who they want.


8) Hocus Pocus

Hocus Pocus will air about 10 times and I will try to catch it every time.  I mean, is there a need to explain?

Maybe I'll be Winifred for Halloween this year.

9) Thanksgiving

10) Did I mention the candy corn???

This is totally weird, but I like to eat each piece cautiously and carefully.  Start with the white point, and just nibble your way up....I mean, that yellow end piece....to die for.... (Please note that this blog was originally for weight loss... I wonder why?)

I'm planning to make these again with my big girl in a couple weeks...

She was so tiny here !


Make sure to catch The DeShazo's post here.

Until Next Time,

It seems as though I've resurrected the blog- but only for this one post ? I'll need to remember the details of the day at some point in life.

I won't have any photos because I've not updated Google + in a loonnngg time.

Much thought has gone into Livi going to school. We moved 3 years ago with a main reason to be in this specific school district and while sending her to school is sad- it's also exciting and a blessing to watch her grow.
Due to our work schedules and lack of family around, we hired someone who will pick her up from school. I've arranged with my boss to adjust my time in the office in order to take her to school (thanks Rick !)... Along with many other details/ plans - just like all parents do!

An additional detail that most of you are able to forego- practice driving to school .🙄
My close peeps are understanding this, as I get lost in malls, parking lots, large buildings, etc.
I practiced physically and mentally. Which roads will I take there? Which roads back to Angela's? Which way is faster ?

The first day of school started off fabulous. I had succeeded at getting everyone up on time because being late kills me.
Well, that's not true. We had 45 minutes to spare.... And 45 minutes is just inside that window of being too comfortable.
That should have been my sign.

Liv's clothes were ironed, our Pinterest mimicked first day of school sign was prepared and photos were taken.... So off we went.

Let's just say I didn't practice enough.

I was listening to the radio- and realized much too late that I missed my road.  This seems to happen a lot.....but today wasn't a great day for this to happen.

Inner panic occurred.  I called The DeShazo who cheerfully got me turned around and assured me I wouldn't be late, because after all, it wasn't even 8:10 yet- which is the earliest drop off.

I made it to the school, only to find there is nowhere to park. Nowhere.
Nowhere.
So, I called The DeShazo as I'm turning around, ready to flee.
She tells me to park my car on the road and calm down.

I get everybody out, put Beckham on my hip and to the classroom we went.
Livi's teacher seems absolutely awesome.

I get B strapped in, spend what seems like forever trying to get through traffic and head to Angela's.

Unfortunately, I got behind a slow car and I turned down d different road.
Big mistake. I got lost.
This time, I called Martinez.  Who did not answer. I got a response via text saying he was in a meeting, so guess who I called a third time ?😁
She makes sure I'm going right.

I get to Angela's, exit my car..... And lock it. With keys inside..... And the baby.

I break into hysterics.

I ran (yes I run in emergencies !) into Angela's and scream that I've locked my baby in the car.

I'm sweating, I'm crying, I'm freezing.... I'm. A. Lunatic.

Let me be clear - B was not hot or without air! And he was asleep !

Angela is laughing so much she can't breathe.  Somehow, that calmed me down.  (And Angela is fabulous so don't think she was being mean!!)

I call The DeShazo a 4th time (after I had texted Martinez that I locked up our son ").
She laughs- throws out suggestions- listens to my dramatic state.

Ultimately, Angela called the fire department. My baby was rescued and slept through the whole thing.... And I was a basket case.

In the midst of my hysterics and the phone calls, my boss texted me about a case to which I responded " I can't deal with that right now"....and then realized that I wanted to keep my status as "employed" ...so I followed it with " I locked my baby in the car with my keys".

It looked like I stole a baby. He was in Liv's old pink/flowered car seat, I couldn't answer any questions from the fireman about my car. I was a mess. I mean, I don't think about where my buttons on my car are located....but now I do :)
Thankfully, when I asked them if they kept a black book with people's names who do this - they said no.

(They probably made a file with my name on it though)

To the OKC Fire Dept- thank you! You guys were so awesome and nice and fast. You do not get enough credit and I wish I had your names !

It was an off day. I brought my lunch and tried to stick it in the microwave instead of the fridge.

I also took out the earbuds I stole took borrowed from my boss and accidentally allowed one bud to fall into my coffee....

Other people have these days....right???


And after picking up my sweet girl from this first day - here are some quotes:

"They have a bathroom there !!!!"

"There's this thing called a cafeteria, and you eat lunch there!"

"My teacher has a magic wand !"

She had a great day and I'm thankful for all the teachers who dedicate themselves to educating kids.
There are so many details and extra things they do.
I appreciate you !



And I actually talked to The DeShazo a 5th time.






So long and I'm sure I have many typos....


Ma'dam Martinez

I Want To Be Dirty

All thanks to Alisa ......
I'm a happy girl today.

I should report that I am 2 weeks and 1 day coke free- not because I'm trying to quit drinking coke- but just b/c it hasn't sounded good....until now!!
I'm going to drink each and every one of these very slowly and I'm going to spread them out over time so they'll last.  It'll be like when you get new clothes and you save them before you wear them.
(I may be the only person who does that).

If anyone needs a fantastic nail tech and friend... please hit up Alisa at Allure Salon.  She's so sweet and a fabulous tech.  I'm EXTREMELY picky about having my nails done and even examine for crooked brush strokes (just ask The DeShazo)....and Alisa never disappointed.  She's fabulous.
I do my own gel nails now...but if I didn't- Alisa is the one !

Lately, I've become obsessed with fruit water.

No sugar, no cals....and it's fabulously carbonated.  The lemonade one is the best, followed by the watermelon punch, just in case you decide to try it.

So...I decided a couple days ago that I want to be dirtier.
Not as in my person, but as in my house.
I spend a ridiculous amount of time cleaning, planning menus, cleaning, and cleaning. I've practiced being dirty for almost 48 hours.  I noticed dust on the kitchen table and I just wiped it upon arriving home today, where normally I would immediately bust out my off brand pledge.
I've also noticed spots on the kitchen floor (I'm sure from LG's cup) and I've just walked on by, where normally I would grab a wet cloth and wipe it up- and then mop the next day.
It's clearly bothering me that it's there....but I'm just tired and I don't want to spend my time cleaning right now.... I want to hang out with Martinez & LG and try this exercise mess for The DeShazo.....which leaves little time. So, we shall see how long being dirty lasts.
(And I'm not judging ppl for being dirty if this is normal for you... I just live by certain rules...like....no dishes in the sink.....all beds must be made....don't leave the house with things strewn about.... you get the picture...which is why I really want to figure out how to relax about it).
Anyway.... my attempt so far has been to scrub the bathrooms like crazy since I'm trying to wait til Thursday to mop....which I suppose ultimately isn't solving anything.

Food Log Challenge Day 8 (Last day)

Bf- oatmeal, 3 slices of turkey bacon
      french vanilla kcup

snack- turkey pepperoni and mozz stick

Lunch- tortilla with spinach, chicken tenderloin, cucumber, carrots, celery

snack- 2 loft house cookies (it's The DeShazo's birthday...which means it's mine too) & then The DeShazo threw M & M's at me....so naturally, I ate those too.

Dinner- Cheesy Cowboy Casserole  & Corn

Drank 80-100oz of water, a lemonade fruit water...and......wait for it....

a vanilla coke zero!!!!



Until Next Time....



** Sorry for the typos**

My Kid Kissed An Alligator

Weekend recap....

Friday, LG and I were able to hangout with Dana, A & N.    Our little ones have such a great time together !

Martinez and I slipped back into our old ways just for one night and enjoyed some On The Border.....and my child ate so many chips she couldn't hold her dinner.

Saturday- we played outside quite a bit....

My big girl loves to be outside!

Sunday was church and then a fun birthday party...

Yep....that's my kiddo about to kiss an alligator. (photo credit to Michelle!). Though I didn't actually see her kiss it....Melissa and Diana confirmed a kiss right on the mouth.....This girl ain't scared of nuttin.....and this mama has never been so happy for a taped alligator mouth.

and then holding an armadillo....

and.....a snake....

She's quite the animal lover....

There was also some sort of lizard that was also licking her....and the lady giving instruction informed us that they hold lots of bacteria in their mouths....so you know the clean freak in me was thinking about how many clorox wipes I was gonna use on her later.

Just kidding.....They weren't actually clorox wipes.

We had tons of fun!

I woke up in a super cranky mood today....I have no idea why. Well, I kinda know why.  I completed Day 3 of C25K (which is still a big deal b/c I've on my own exercised twice without The DeShazo forcing me....and by the way....she turns 31 tomorrow, hehe) and I should have waited more than 30 minutes (duh!) after eating to go out in the 95 degree record breaking Oklahoma temp for this time of year to exercise....and today it was freaking 100 per my car !
I'm really sorry for how that sentence is....but I won't retype it.
Anyway, I got major heartburn....the heartburn that keeps me awake.....and makes me think I'm having a heart attack.
So, I'm cranky....
Then, the Miss Me capris I found last night and decided to order this morning were gone in my size....gone...like no one else has this same pair....I looked....and complained....which led to our Intern Chase stating that he has a hard time buying denims as well b/c he has child bearing hips.
It made us laugh all day....so I'm over the capris finally.

Food Log Challenge Day 7

Bf- boiled eggs, four slices of Turkey bacon
      french vanilla cappuccino kcup

lunch- super late ...Napoleon's....I tried to eat the salad I brought I promise....but after I spit two bites b/c I just couldn't bear swallowing spinach today .....and after The DeShazo's apple had mold in it....we had no choice but to go to Napoleon's.  Then, while at the checkout, this brownies were staring at me and I'm pretty sure I really did hear voice.  The voice said "Anna, since your capris are now gone...you should eat me." 
I'm pretty good at listening to voices, so I bought it, and then made The DeShazo eat half of it because after all, we had already made one bad decision and we were both going down together.

Dinner- 1 chicken/bacon/ ranch tenderloin and 2 black bean brownies.  It's like the half of a brownie I had earlier just wasn't enough. 

-Drank 80 oz of water and 2 fruit waters

Let's just chalk today up as a bad food day.

And we did not start week 2 today.......maybe tomorrow?

My sweet girl today....

Until Next Time....

Blast from the 90's

Food Log Day #5

Bf- boiled egg and 4 slices of turkey bacon

      french vanilla cappuccino kcup

lunch- subway club- baked bbq chips

snack- sugar free pudding

dinner- a bowl of fit & active cereal with unsweetened almond milk

-Drank my normal 80-100 oz of water and a fruit water


Yesterday, The DeShazo and I swindled a day off at work....we just have to wait until Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to enjoy it.  While many people have that day off already....we do did not.

The boss has been waiting on a pair of shoes to be delivered for a few weeks.  While he was in court yesterday, the shoes arrived.
Naturally, we hid them. This isn't the first time we've hid packages....we just can't stay out of his business apparently.
We ended up making clues for him to find his shoes ( like we are in third grade and creating a scavenger hunt).  One of his clues was to report to our Intern, wherein a note was left for him stating that he must advise his staff that we would be off for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day AND Veterans Day- and after those days were granted off- the next clue would be given.
We had to compromise....and he gave us Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  We'll take it.
The DeShazo and I had no idea that when we awoke yesterday morning that by noon we would have added an extra day off to our work calendar! (Just to clarify- he's pretty generous about days off.)
Victory !


I'd call that a successful day's work.

Confession:  I heard a Backstreet Boys song on the way to work this morning and after I got to work, I might have jammed out to more of the Backstreet Boys....and then The DeShazo and I may or may not have continued to sing...."I don't care who you are.....where you're from....".

You're welcome for getting that stuck in your head.

Then, The DeShazo promptly informed me that she is NOT a Backstreet Boys fan, but rather Nsync allllll the way.  So we sang Bye, Bye, Bye out of respect for her. 

And now you're welcome for getting that stuck in your head.


Food Log Day #6

Bf- atkins bar
      french vanilla cappuccino kcup

lunch- salad- spinach, taco meat, black beans, salsa, sour cream

snack- three watermelon slices

snack- 3 mini bite oreos

dinner- leftover chicken fiesta

snack- 2 pieces of chocolate Easter candy



drank my normal 80-100 oz of water and a black raspberry fruit water

and I'll prolly have a bowl of cereal before bed because my heart so desires :)


Until Next Time.....

 

A & A Landscaping

So...my PIC made me exercise....and by made me.... I mean she decided that I would download a C25K immediately and then after work meet her to start.  I tried to get out of it.  I tried hard.  I even thought the rain was going to get me out of it.
I was wrong.
I went.  I normally need a two-week in advance notice before I change my scheduled plans...even if those plans are to go straight home after work.  This is the second time in a week I've done something on the spot.
Last week, we decided that The DeShazo's flower bed needed to be done immediately.  After work, we took our kiddos to Lowes, loaded up all our stuff (two suv's full) and got to work.
We were feeling quite ambitious.... and maybe miscalculated how much mulch we actually needed...

For the record, this flower bed is massive, and the five bags we "thought" we needed, turned into 22 bags. Over a few day period, the flower bed was completed..... and The DeShazo was able to get her much wanted Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar....

Naturally, we think we are landscaping professionals now that we've completed this task (minus a few very large rocks that will be added) and all the plants are still alive one week later.....so..... A & A Landscaping may be our future venture. :):)

Back to the exercise yesterday..... I survived.... I completed it successfully.....and even added some tricep dips just for Jen !  In fact, we might have done three sets of those dips:)
We shall see if I can/will keep up.  You never can tell.





Food Log Day #5

BF- boiled egg, four slices of turkey bacon
       french vanilla cappuccino kcup

lunch- salad- spinach leaves, taco meat, black beans, salsa & sour cream

snack- 3 triangle shaped watermelon slices, one skinny cow treat (Thanks V), 2 spoonfuls of peanut butter

dinner- chicken fiesta (It's basically taco soup with rice...and then I threw in some spinach for Jen)

-Drank my normal 80-100 oz of water and a lemon-lime fruit water

It's clear from my snacks that I have an eating issue today.  It's possible that I may end up eating a sugar free pudding later....we'll see if this Pamprin knocks me out first.

I also did Day 2 of the C25k tonight...on my own......by myself....alone.....without anyone.....you get the point.


Until Next Time....


Ma'dam Martinez