Best Birthday Gift Ever!

Well, today is my birthday.  I'm still 40-something.

Interesting aside . . . I share a birthday with one of Amy's sons.  Isn't that neat? What are the odds I'd make an Internet friend whose son has my same birthday . . . although I'm sure we were born several decades apart, LOL.

Also my little sister's birthday was three days ago so we had a nice shared birthday dinner on Sunday.  All of my family and in-law's family came.  That was very nice.

But . . . here's the best gift ever I hinted to in the title:

Yesterday I was on campus and for the first time in the history of me going back to school, I was able to get the three Bs - my Belly, my Booty, and my Backpack - into a regular sized bathroom stall without slathering up with butter first or getting out of breath!  WOO HOO!!!

I'm down 50 pounds on my diet!  I still have another 50 pounds or so to go, but I'm sooooo excited.  This was a really big deal for me.  I usually have to use the handicapped stall because I was too uncomfortable in the regular sized stalls . . . apparently 50 pounds too uncomfortable.  Now I'm not!

Happy Birthday To Me!!

Have you accomplished anything spectacular lately?  I'll be more than happy to celebrate with you.

Tell me about it.



Until next time . . .

 

This is . . .

. . . my wild child.

 Found her like this.  Straightened her out and covered her up.

A little bit later, found her like this. 

Which is why we keep her bed so close to the ground.

And this is just her sleeping personality.  You should see this little Texas Tornado when she's awake!


Until next time . . .

 

Apparently There is NO Justice in this World!

After surviving:

• The most frightening night of the year for any dieter, Halloween, without eating a single piece of candy.

•  A family dinner in which your Mother-in-Law, the slimmest lady in the world, fries ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING plus serves delicious desserts including a heavenly cake and scrumptious homemade cookies by drinking a couple of gallons of water and saying "No, thank you" excessively.

AND . . .

•  Sitting across from your brother-in-law who is shoveling desserts into his mouth like a human hoover while STILL WEARING a compression garment from the LIPOSUCTION he just had the very day before.

I got up this morning and weighed in.  I only lost 0.8 pounds this week.

Life. Is. Not. Fair.

That. Is. All.  

Until next time . . .

 

DIRRRTTTYYY THIRRRTTTYYY!!!!!

This morning I finally passed the 30 pound mark on my weight loss challenge. 

I still have a looonnnngggggg way to go, but 30 pounds down is a great start! 

I'm sooooooo excited, I think I'll celebrate with a 0 point value apple!


*SIGH*   ;-)


Until next time . . .

 

Sounds of Spring

I am many weeks late properly thanking  :)De for her beautiful Springtime gift, but her kindness is really on my mind today as we enjoy the Sounds of Spring on our back patio.

It is such a relaxing sound.  I love it! 

Until next time . . .

 

The Clutter-Free Guarantee

In my absence I've been busy clearing the various clutter from around the house.  While not completely done, I think I'm off to a great start.

Vanity Before - A complete disaster.  Not only too many products, but a lot of trash that just simply never made it into the bin.  For shame!

Vanity After - I got rid off a lot of stuff.  What I simply could not live without, I stacked up neatly.  I think a shelf will be nice in this area.  I've kept it clean for about two weeks now, so this system does seem to be working. 

Nightstand Before - A catch-all for anything that I brought with me when getting ready for bed.

Nightstand After - Pared down to the bare necessities.  

 

Even those two silly boxes that were on the floor next to the nightstand are completely gone! POOF!

The dresser has been the biggest disaster in the house for YEARS!  Mom #2 and I have just piled every single thing up there that didn't really have an assigned spot.  I had been putting off cleaning it because it just seemed too overwhelming.  I was finally forced into cleaning it this past weekend. 

My Mom was coming over so that Mom #2 could show her how to use some computer software.  The software is only installed on Mom #2's computer, which is in our bedroom.  We couldn't find the original software disc to install it on another computer in the house . . . so cleaning my room from floor to ceiling was the only option.  Believe me, my Mom NOTICES cleanliness (or the lack thereof).  I was raised as a military brat, don't forget; both my parents are veterans.  Cleaning was my JOB growing up.

But I digress.  Here's the Dresser Before - A complete catastrophe. 

Dresser After - Spectacularly Clean! 

 Amazing! Yes?  (I know "amazing" is completely overused lately, but in this case . . . it's the appropriate word, believe me ;-)

That's all I have to report for today.  I know you all thought I was slacking off and not posting because I'm too lazy, but I have been busy, LOL. 

I do have a lot of other stuff to blog about, but those posts are still :"simmering."  I'll get to it soon!
 
 
Until next time . . .

 

The Taste of Victory!!!!

Last Thursday was the OFFICIAL last day of the semester for Baby Boy and me!!!

Since we're so darn proud of ourselves, we decided to have a victory meal.  Baby Boy planned the menu as follows:

• Barbecue Chicken Wings
• Homemade Pasta Salad, and
• Hand-cut Home Fries

Which, of course doesn't include the strawberry fruit bars we had for dessert, YUMMY.   

I have to admit, it is one of the strangest meals I've ever eaten.   Mom #2 and I thought the entire thing was hilarious, but Baby Boy REALLY enjoyed the Taste of Victory!

We never could say "No" to the tummy desires of a hungry Baby Boy.  It's just the Mom in us, I guess.  I'm so proud of him for getting another semester of school behind him.

Congratulations, Baby Boy, YOU DID IT!!!!

 
Until next time . . .

I'm Already Having a Freaky Fun Christmas!!!

Well I'd like to say that I successfully completed two VERY intense presentations at school over the last couple of weeks.  One in Spanish, OMG, that was tough.  The other was presenting a research poster on a project I've been working on all semester.  It was so intense and scary.  I hate speaking in front of groups, especially when I'm supposed to be an expert on something and I feel like a blubbering idiot on the subject, LOL.  But look, I'm still alive . . . I'm battling hell week right now, but that's ok, after this, it'll be over. 

One reason I was able to get through the last week was because of some great advice and just a general friendly listening ear from one of my very best blogging buddies, Freakmom.  Thanks to her years of experience speaking in front of groups, she really helped me calm my nerves and get the job done.  I was all ready to send her a thank-you email, when something super special showed up in my mailbox. 

 Isn't it beautiful??!!!! 

It's a real live handmade knitted from scratch scarf!  I've never had anyone sit down and actually make something with their own two hands while thinking of me.  I just about burst into tears when I saw it.  It's just the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me.  It really made my whole day/week/month/year/lifetime. 

It got here just in time too, because it's been freakishly cold here in Central Texas.  You know, I don't do well when the temperature falls below 65 degrees.  That's hibernating weather to me!

See, I like it so much, I'm wearing it right now.  

This is how my face looks with no make-up.  Don't allow your small children to look directly into the computer screen, they may turn to stone.  Grownups, you can just ignore it if you like.  How do you like my Merry Christmas Rudolph pajamas?  We're already in full-fledged Christmas mode right now.  

Anyway, What a Freaky Fresh start to the Christmas season. 

Thanks, Freakmom!

Until next time . . .

Week 7 Observations, Baggage of Sorts

The week after the 6 week point goes without a hitch.  The quiz in Japanese goes ever so smoothly, just as the test did, in which I passed with a pretty darn good grade.  

 It is, however coming around to exam time in psychology, and the heat is starting to reach a fever pitch.  Will it be tough?  Most likely.  Will I crumble under the pressure?  NEVER!   

It is time to march into class armed and ready to beat down exam#2.   

Until next time. . .

After I had a tiny breakdown last week and a not-so-tiny breakdown earlier this week, Mom #2 sat me down and had a really long and thorough talking with me.  It felt good to kind of get all of my emotions about not homeschooling anymore; having an adult son (!); and interacting all day long with young, skinny co-eds.  I think I may have been keeping too much locked up inside.

Whatever it was, I feel MUCH better now, and I'm refocused on being successful in my studies, which is a good thing, because they aren't getting any easier. I think that's all I'm going to say about that this week.:) 

My main observation this week is all of the STUFF I've noticed around campus.  Why do college students have so much stuff?  Myself included. 

I leave the house on school days with the following baggage

The big one is the backpack, which holds textbooks, binders, pens, pencils, paper, and other. . . ahem . . . necessities.  The smaller one is my lunch and, most importantly, extra water since it's hotter than Hades here.  I still don't understand why I'm not skinny yet; I walk miles and miles (it seems) every day with hundreds of pounds on my back, but I digress.

Today as I waited for my bus, which was running late, as usual, I noticed that I'm not the only one who likes to keep all of their stuff with them at all times.  Take a look.

 This lady has one large bag on her arm and one medium bag cross-body.

 This lady has a ginormous backpack, but that isn't enough, she still has the big red bag that looks like a bunch of kittens are trying to break out of it. 

This lady is trying to deceive everyone into thinking she's packing light, but look closely and you can see the great big bag she sat down on the bench.  I saw her set it there, so I know for sure it's hers. 

And the grand prize winner of the Overburdened In Academia Award is this lady who has a great big overstuffed backpack, and not one but TWO additional bags.  One over each shoulder.  I mean seriously, did she leave anything in her dorm room? 

 

I think we've all turned into a society of mobile hoarders.  Our houses are squeaky clean, but we still don't have the heart to throw anything away.  We just shove it in a bag, and bring it with us wherever we go. ;-)

Well those are my observations for the week.  I promised my Mom I'd go to a church-lady luncheon with her today, so I need to practice not being a Heathen for a couple hours so nothing sacrilegious comes flying out of my mouth in front of everyone, LOL. 

Have a fantastic weekend, Everyone

Until next time . . .

That's ROYAL WEDDING JELLYBEANS to You, If You Don't Mind

 Although no one else in my family gives a darn, Baby Doggy and I are sitting up late, on a sugar high (from eating 75% off after-Easter jellybeans) and watching every. single. moment. of the Royal Wedding coverage.

Look who just walked in:

• The Beckhams are simply the sexiest couple I've ever seen.  That slicked back hair David is sporting  today is greasily delicious!

• Sir Elton John looked simply divine stuffed into that smart ensemble! Tres Chic!

I keep switching back and forth between NBC, ABC, and E!.  

• On NBC I have a not-so-secret crush on Matt Lauer and try to get a look at him anytime I can plus I've been a supporter of Meredith Vieira since her days on The View.  

• ABC has the BEST and most CLOSE UP angles of everyone and everything plus I also secretly have a cougar-crush on Barbara Walters and can't believe how awesome she is.  

• On E! I just love the GOSSIPY coverage that Giuliana is dishing.  She knows what designer everyone is wearing and gives girlfriend scoop on who looks good and who needs to go home and try again.  

What I'd really like to do is get Giuliana to run over to the ABC vantage point and sit with Barbara Walters and give me a little girlfriend dish in between Barbara's reserved commentary, plus then Giuliana would have a better view of what everyone is wearing.  I guess a lowly basic cable station can't get as good placement as the established camps.  Such a pity!

I can't wait to get a glimpse of THE DRESS!

I don't care how superficial and silly anyone thinks I am.  We haven't had much to look forward to around here lately.  Sleep if you like.  Royal weddings are SPECTACULAR and worth staying up late for!


More jellybeans? 

Until next time . . .

¡Vuelo!

Baby Boy and I went to see the opera Flight! last night. 

It is a modern era opera (oxymoron?) and an even rarer phenomenon, an English language opera.  Which leads me to question why I titled this post in Spanish.  Well, I'm trying to really speak Spanish all day every day, so when I sat down at the computer, that was actually the first word that came to my mind - I'm getting there!

Anyway, the show was racy, raunchy, and riotous.  Baby Boy and I laughed so hard we almost cried at some scenes and blushed so hard we almost burst into flames at others.  If this show is coming to a performing arts center near you, leave the littles at home. Consider this your one and only warning.

Baby Boy and I chatted and giggled all the way home and then I went to bed humming the tunes of the countertenor (Simply amazing!) and chuckling to myself. 

I am so thrilled to have a son who understands and loves me enough to indulge my passion for the arts.  He's the best escort a girl could ever want. 


Have a FANTASTIC WEEKEND!

Until next time . . .

Depression Hurts . . .

 . . . And so does my hip. :(

I got a little over excited playing Wii Just Dance 2. 

That darn Rhianna song on there really got me jamming and I threw out my hip. 

I'm so freaking depressed because it seems like every time I have try to have some physical fun with the family, I hurt myself. 

Mom #2 says it's because I'm too competitive and push myself too hard so I can win every single game.  I do admit that I am a tad bit competitive . . . but still . . . games are fun . . . but . . . winning games is AWESOME!!!

Y'all should see me gimping around campus with my backpack.  Considering I'm at least twice as old as everyone else there, that limp really adds to my old lady charm. I mean, seriously, geriatric much? 

*SIGH*  Never a dull moment over here at Dos Mamas.



Until next time . . .

Yucky Outside - Yummy Inside!!

We're not letting the Big Winter Storm of 2011 bother us.  Mom #2 cooked up an spectacular pot of Big Winter Storm Repellent!

First, she mixed some luxuriously smooth cream into her special homemade chicken broth . . . 

 

. . . then she chucked in a a stick of butter . . .

. . . which was followed by the rolling . . .

. . . and cutting of some super sized dumplings.   

Of course she didn't forget the seasoning . . . 

. . . and adding of shredded free-range chicken.  

Baby Boy and I danced with anticipation as it simmered delectably throughout the house all morning long  . . .

. . . until we finally got a delicious bowl to eat . . .

. . . in front of a toasty roaring fire!

See, I told you . . .Big Winter Storm Repellent!


Stay Warm!!!


Until next time . . .

On Broccoli and Bunny Rabbits . . .

Tonight Mom #2 is making a delicious Asian stir-fry with the first beautiful broccoli of the season from our very own garden! 

She managed to save this one from the bunny rabbits, rabbits, and more rabbits by leaving a couple of lettuces right out in the open for them to nibble on while hiding the broccoli in a very inconvenient location.  

Silly Rabbits!

I can't wait.  Dinner's going to be so delicious!

Until next time . . .

Italian, Anyone?

It's that time again, Boys and Girls . . . let's go to the opera!

First up in 2011 is L'italiana in Algeri, a true classic by Gioachino Antonio Rossini. 

Baby Boy and I are so excited!  Well, actually, I'm so excited, Baby Boy understands that culture and the arts are some of the sparkliest tools in a well-rounded young man's toolbox.  He likes it too, maybe not as much as I do, but I'm still trying to develop it.  

Besides an evening out with my favorite young man is something I've been looking forward to for weeks! 

Plus, he's such a fabulous escort.


Until next time . . .

No Chocolate for Me, Thanks

I'm trying to lose weight.  *SIGH* 

I'm doing it for my back, for my heart, for my blood pressure, and because I just plain need to.   

Mom #2 and I are piecing together our own pseudo Weight Watchers plan since we're too cheap to join up for real.   We've been doing pretty good.  We haven't gone over our allotted points at all, even though it has been more than tempting on a few occasions.  

My biggest problem is Dessert.  I love Dessert.  Dessert if my favorite food.  I really enjoy Dessert before, during, and after each meal . . . between meals too . . . cake . . . cookies . . . ice cream . . . all of these things are my favorite foods.  I am a bonafide sugar addict.  

So I've been trying to limit myself to one low calorie Dessert a day.  It's been so hard.  So very very very hard.  I really miss Dessert.  It's like breaking up a really good marriage.  Dessert and I have had a love affair that has outlasted pretty much every other relationship I've ever had. 

My problem is that low calorie Desserts seem to all have one thing in common . . . chocolate. 

I hate chocolate.  

I know, you may be shocked when you read that there is really one stressed out student-wife-Mom who does not think that the optimal way to end a long day is with a piece of chocolate.  Every single low calorie Dessert has chocolate sprinkles, chocolate chips, chocolate bits, chocolate ribbons, or chocolate swirls added to it.  It doesn't matter what the heck it is, a piece of sugar-free cardboard perhaps, it'll be smothered in chocolate to make it palatable to the chocoholics out there.  YUCK!

I just about fell off the wagon last night, after saving up 5 points for 1/4 cup of Weight Watchers Peanut Butter Delight ice cream, I popped it open to discover it was swimming in chocolate.  WHY????  I almost burst into tears.  It's called Peanut Butter Delight, the peanut butter is what makes it delightful.  Who decided that adding chocolate was a good idea?  Sheeze!

I just need a good, sweet, satifying, low calorie Dessert that has NO CHOCOLATE in it . . . PLEASE . . . my future depends on it. 

That's all. 



Until next time . . .