Back to the Grind

My mom left to go back to Washington this morning. I was SO sad to see her go. I loved having her here, we got so much accomplished, and even more so... I realized how much there is left to do, and I sure wish she were here to do it with me. But that's life I guess - time to get back to my normal routine... at least I'm looking forward to returning to regular exercise!

Here's a look back at our last two days together....

On New Year's Day we all slept in a little bit after our very late night. Then my mom, Andy, and I headed out for the shopping trip from hell. Mission: bedroom curtains. Problem: I love all things neutral... white, gray, taupe... love it. Andy on the other hand said he does not want to live in a hospital for the rest of his life. Ugh. We looked for HOURS. My knee hurt from all of the walking around. I was so frustrated. This was no way to start the year! Finally we gave up and went home to make dinner.

You might remember our tradition on New Year's Day is to have "Good Luck Pot." It's basically a chili made with black eyed peas, stewed tomatoes, and breakfast sausage... it's delicious, and yes, I broke my "no starch" rule to have a bowl.

Well, that Good Luck Pot did the trick because after dinner my mom and I went to Target and found EVERYTHING for the bedroom... curtains, pillows, and a rug. I'll post a picture as soon as I find a place for all of my clothes, but let me tell you... our bedroom looks GOOD.

The next day our plan was to go cake tasting in Ithaca. Thanks to a ton of snow, that trip got cancelled. Since we never get tons of snow in Washington (except the mountains) my mom had fun shoveling. :-)

Shovellin' Kay

Instead my mom and I had lunch with Sarah and her mom. :-) Then we did a little grocery shopping and spent the rest of the day holed up inside, which was actually good because it gave us an excuse to finally sit down and start working on the invitations for the wedding. Those are going to take a lot longer than I originally anticipated...

And here I am, back at Job #1, although I must say it was much nicer to come to my freshly decorated office ON TIME. Take that New Year's Resolution! Off to a meeting... back at it already.

TGI2014!!!!

Happy New Year! I've been waiting for this day for a looooong time. 2012 was a great year - Andy and I ran our first marathon and got engaged. I'm pretty sure I got a nice promotion that year too. I knew 2013 would probably pale in comparison to 2012, but I had know idea it would be as bad as it was!

The worst part of the year for me? Definitely dealing with my knee. I had surgery. But I wasn't the only one to have surgery. My mom had surgery. My dad had surgery. My grandpa had surgery. My aunt had surgery. My Mema was in the hospital for a month (almost didn't make it). Seriously?! And thankfully for me, mine was the easiest, least risky surgery of all. My family definitely deserves a better year this year.

The best part of my year? Meeting Seetha. Hands down.

If this last week is any indication of how the New Year will be, then I think I'm relatively safe from a 2013 repeat. Lots of good things have been going on - here's a recap, mostly in pictures. I wish I would have written earlier so I could say more, but I don't want the post to drag on too long!

Christmas day ended with some non-traditional Christmas drinks.

A new take on beer goggles

Ali had the "great" idea to do shots of Apple Cider Vinegar...

I can't believe I did it....

Cindy took it like a champ!

The next morning my mom arrived! Her first two days here consisted of a trip to see our wedding venue, appointments with two florists, and a trip to try on the wedding dress I liked best from when I went shopping with friends back in September (she tried hard to like it but I could tell she still wasn't nuts about it).

Then on December 27th.... GREAT news!!! Nicole had her little boy!!!

Welcome to the world Leif Arthur Hovland!!!!

Proud Papa Matt :-)

Nichi - I'm so freaking proud/amazed/ecstatic for you!! I know you will be a GREAT mom. :-)

Fast forward through the next few days of my mom's visit here... we did a LOT of wedding dress shopping. A LOT. I tried on so many - at each place I'd try to convince myself that I had found my dress - but there was always something about each one I wasn't crazy about. Friends... I was getting stressed. Thankfully on Monday morning I finally found my dress!!!! And there isn't one thing about it I don't like. Phew!!!! While I'm really excited to wear it again for the big day, at this point I am mostly just feeling relief because I was really stressing that I would never really find anything I loved. Yay! I said YES to the dress!!!

My mom and Andy were also suuuuuper helpful in getting my office decorated. I got some fabric about a year and a half ago. Now it's finally hanging on my walls. :-) I wouldn't say I'm looking forward to going back to work, but having a nicely decorated office will certainly make it easier.

Nice and Bright!

We also managed to get (almost) all of the parts to our invitations printed so they just need to be assembled. And my mom's been incredibly helpful in getting our bedrooms more put together.

Last night was New Year's Eve. We all headed to Buffalo to have dinner with Andy's family. It was really nice and I had a lot of fun sitting around the table with my mom, Andy's mom, and sister talking about wedding details. I'm lucky that everyone involved is happy and positive about the whole experience. No "zillas" in the crowd!

Later that night we headed up to Niagara Falls (Canada) to ring in the new year at the casino. It wouldn't be a visit with my mom without a trip to a casino somewhere!! The one in Niagara Falls is really nice.

Inside the casino

Weird fountain

Niagara Falls (Canada Side)

Unfortunately we did not win any money, but we did all our gambling in 2013, so I'd like to think I left all that bad luck behind. Then we went outside (quickly because it was freezing) for the fireworks.

Happy New Year Andy and Babs!

Happy New Year Mom!!!

The drive home was less than desired. It took us an hour to get out of the parking garage. It took another hour to get back across the border. Needless to say, I finally fell in bed at 4:45am. Good Lord.

And here it is - the "morning" of the New Year. I'm a little more tired/cranky/headachy than I would like to start off, but I think it's pretty understandable considering the amount of sleep I had last night. And of course I've made a resolution (two actually). 1) Get to work on time. I have to fix this. 2) Get rid of clothes. My plan is to get rid of 12 things in January, 11 things in February, 10 things in March, etc... by the end of the year I'll have donated 78 articles of clothing. And yes, I really do have that many that I can donate.

Now you're up to date! I hope you all have a fantastic New Year. :-)

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas friends! It's my first Christmas not spent with my parents, and while I miss them very much and wish very badly that we were together, I'm still having a good day. :-) It helps knowing my mom will be here tomorrow morning!!!

So much has happened since I last posted. First - I finished working for 2013!! I am SO happy to have a nice long break from both jobs, although come mid January when the paychecks are small, I won't be so happy. Oh well, what can you do.

Friday after Job #1 I went to vinyasa yoga with Lisa. It was so interesting to go to that class after having done so much Bikram lately. I've decided vinyasa yoga is like a hug from a good friend, where as Bikram is like a spanking from your Grandmother. I think they both have a place in my life.

Friday night was date night - Andy and I went to dinner at "Yummy Garden Hot Pot"… basically fondue Chinese style.

At the hostess stand…

Ready to cook!

 I'll be honest… it wasn't the most flavorful meal I've ever had, and Andy and I both left feeling like we'd be hungry again in about 20 minutes, but it was a fun new experience and I'm glad we tried it.

Early Saturday morning, Andy helped me take my car to the shop to get a new alternator. Merry Christmas car and thank you Mom and Dad!! Then I had to go work my normal shift at Job #2… there were SO many baddies at the front desk. I was 10 seconds away from giving in and eating everything… then at the most perfect moment I got a text…. from Seetha. She asked if I wanted to go to Bikram at 4:00 and then go to Starbucks afterwards. Thank you Seetha!!!! That was all I needed to regain my resolve, so I'm happy to say I made it through my shift without pigging out on treats. Bikram that afternoon was really good, and I really enjoyed talking to Seetha afterwards. More than my "life guru," I'm starting to think of her as a friend. :-)

That night I wrapped some presents. At one point I turned around to see this…

Poco in an Amazon box :-)

Sunday was tough. In the evening I started my period (sorry, tmi) which explained a lot… I cried ALL day long. I was just so upset that I wasn't going to be home for Christmas. But despite what felt like a black hole of sadness, there were still some good parts to the day. Andy and I finished Christmas shopping for his family in record time (Dad, you would have been proud). I also met Anna and Lisa for coffee. It was so fun to hear all of Anna's stories from India!

Babs and Lisa with our gifts from India!!

Anna, the Indian Newlywed!

Later that night we all gathered at Will and Rose's for dinner. Nothing says happy holidays like some Chinese takeout!

Leave it to Lisa and Anna to do creepy pose!

Will and Rose - it was quite the feast

Andy wearing his new shirt from India!

Monday was 10,000 times better than my Sunday cry-fest. The morning started by going to a Bikram class…. and Zumba Sarah came too! She did such a good job! It really meant a lot to me that she would try the class with me knowing that yoga is not her most favorite thing ever. After class we went (disgustingly sweaty) to get lunch at Panera. I gave her a platter I had painted for her - she loved it!

The Logo for Sarah's Dessert Company!

And thanks to Sarah, I will be receiving a new Stitch Fix order on my birthday. Yes!!! I can't wait!!! Well, I can wait to turn 31… but I can't wait for my Stitch Fix to come!

Later that afternoon I met with Seetha again. :-) We got coffee at Starbucks and talked for quite awhile. I am so thankful for her - meeting her was probably the best thing that happened to me in 2013.

That night we had people over for one final hang - Lisa, Rose, and Will were all flying out the next day to spend the holidays with their families, and Ben and Lydia were driving their moving truck to Ben's new job in Charlotte, NC. We made dinner using the food Ben and Lydia cleared out of their fridge. We also played a new game called "Truth be told." It wasn't the best game in the world, but it was still pretty fun.

Game time

I also did a little nail art for Rose :-)

Tuesday was Christmas Eve! I took Lisa to the airport super early at 6am. Came home, took a quick nap, then got back up… I was tired… I wanted to go to Bikram, but I was also really tired, I had a lot of things to do… when Andy said he would go with me I woke up really fast! Holy cow what a surprise!! We got ready and went to Bikram - Andy was a champ!!!! He didn't even think it was that hot! I was really tired by the end of the day, and didn't get quite as much accomplished as I'd hoped for, but I am SO glad we went.

Sweaty Post-Bikram Andy

After we cleaned up and did a few chores, we headed off to Buffalo to hang out with Andy's family on Christmas Eve. They were very nice and agreed to follow my families KFC dinner tradition!

Ali and Babs

Andy digging in to chicken

We also played a game and watched the movie Madagascar, which just happened to be on TV. It was fun to hang out with a belly full of KFC. Although it was really late, we drove home so we could sleep in our own bed. Which meant….

This morning Andy and I had our first Christmas morning just the two of us. :-)

My stocking :-) Thanks Mom and Dad!

Andy looking sharp in his new coat

THANK YOU SANTA MOM AND DAD!!!!

Andy got me so many wonderful things - best of all, a new bag for my yoga mat from Lululemon! I will be so stylish now when I go to yoga. :-) We also had a little Christmas breakfast together - veggie egg bake, chicken sausage, and coffee with warm frothed milk (I topped mine with crushed candy cane!). We quickly got cleaned up, and hoped in the car to head back to Andy's parent's house.

With Andy, Ali, Chris, and Bailey the dog

(I wish I had fixed my shirt… stupid static cling). We opened presents - Andy's parents got me a soda stream! Now we can make our own carbonated drinks at home… cool! I think everyone had a good Christmas… it seemed like everyone really enjoyed their gifts.

Bacon Scented Dryer Sheets for Chris!! (it was a prank box)

Andy and his "new" record player :-)

And now we're up to speed! I need to sign off and put together my crockpot bread pudding. I've stayed starch free ever since my last juice reset a week and a half ago. I intend to continue my starch free ways through Christmas dinner, but I am going to cheat and try my bread pudding. It's one of my most favorite things. :-)

Merry Christmas! I hope you are all having a wonderful day.

Babs Beats the Barrage of Baddies!!!

RRRAAAARRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!

Quick recap. Wednesday night Bikram - felt like crap, but still pushed through. Thursday - both Jobs, long day, so tired, had cramps ALL day, resisted all of the baddies at both jobs (Job #1 = cookies, pear upside down cake, chocolate. Job #2 = chocolate, fudge, truffles, pretzels, twizzlers, and assorted candy). Friday - this morning I weighed more. What gives??? I still go to yoga and manage to pass up all the treats... but no. Didn't seem to matter.

So today I am frustrated! I still have cramps! I am irritable! I am annoyed that I cannot go to work without having baddies shoved in my face! How are my coworkers not 500 pounds???

I emailed Seetha. My mom. Andy. And Sheena. And while I'm still incredibly irritated, I have decided - THESE BADDIES WILL NOT WIN TODAY!!!!

Here is what I am not having.

Box of Donuts

Bourbon Balls

Muffins, Bagels, Pear Cake, Crackers (and fruit)

Gummy bears and the biggest box of Reese's ever!!!

Baddies hiding in the fruit bowl!

I got to escape the office in the middle of the day to go to the Brass Quintet's holiday performance at the hospital. I wasn't even safe there!!!!!

PUNCH AND COOKIES!!!!!!

There was more too that I wasn't able to get a picture of.... quiche, asparagus in puffed pastry, spanikopita, lots more donuts/muffins/bagels than shown, and a number of candy and chocolate dishes scattered around. Oh, and I also got invited to go get pizza for lunch.

LEAVE ME ALONE FOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And with that, I am signing off. On my way to yoga, followed by dinner with Andy. Tomorrow I have Job #2 (and WWIII against the baddies there again),  and then.... FREEDOM!!!! No more work until 2014!! Woohooooo!!!!!!!!!!!

The Countdown Is On!

With less than one week until Christmas, the holiday season is in full swing! We had our holiday party for Job #1 on Tuesday night. It was nice in the fact that there were a lot of healthy food choices for me, so I was able to have a dinner that stayed on track. It was also nice because I managed to not have to talk to that many people, haha.

Babs, Lisa, Laura, and Heather

"Full swing holiday season" also means there are tons of baddies at both jobs right now. So far so good. Meeting with Seetha every other day is really helping me stay accountable. I am very lucky that she so generously spends all that time with me. :-)

Anyway, last night (Wednesday) I went to Bikram again. It was not good. I got cramps less than halfway through, and spent the rest of class either feeling like I was going to puke or pass out. I'm still proud of myself for going, but it was not enjoyable. 

Right now I'm at Job #1, sitting at my desk... I still have cramps... I'm tired... ugh. I just want to crawl in bed, but nope - have to work Job #2 tonight before that can happen. :-( Needless to say I'm counting down things I'm looking forward to in hopes to make myself feel better...

8: hours until I can go home

7: days until my mom comes!

6: days until Christmas!!

5: days until Christmas Eve KFC!!! (yes you read that right)

4: days until Sarah tries Bikram with me!!!!

3: people I still need to buy presents for (Andy's mom, dad, and sister)

2: shifts left at Job#2 (until 2014)

1: more full day at Job #1 (until 2014) 

Wish me luck making it through my day! :-/

Good Start To The (Cold) Week

Happy Tuesday. Today's a little different from a typical Tuesday - instead of going to Job #2 after Job #1, I'll be going to Job #1's big holiday party. Woohoo.... (I don't really want to go).

Yesterday at Job #1 we had our office gift exchange. I scored! My Secret Santa got me a mug, mint tea, warm socks (gray and white striped - very cute), and a book: "The Buddha Walks into a Bar." I like all of these things, and together I think they'll create quite a nice and quiet evening for myself.

My gift - and holiday fascinator!

I was also proud that I stuck to my Seetha-approved foods at the party.

(I went back for more fruit)

I'm planning to have the same food success at tonight's party.

Anyway, last night I went to my third Bikram class in a row. It must have been extra hot last night - I was sweating like crazy! But it felt good and I really enjoyed the whole class. Seetha was even there, so it was a bonus to see her again too. I love her so much!

Now I'll leave you with one last (poor quality) picture. It's been very snowy and cold here - last night the temperature was a whopping 1 degree. The kitty cats were not having the cold and for the first time they both made a beeline for our bed.

Poco all up in my grill

Guess there's warmth in numbers? :-)

BikramBabs

Seetha wins again!!!!

Yesterday (Sunday) I: meditated twice, went to Bikram yoga, and completed my juice reset. I even managed to down some apple cider vinegar too. Success!

The morning started with a trip to the store to stock up on juice. Then home to change for Bikram. We got TONS of snow this weekend, so it was interesting to get bundled up, only to strip down for a 100+ degree room.

Bikram in the snow

The class went well - I was proud of myself for going alone. :-) When I got back home, Andy's parents were there... they decided to make the trip out from Buffalo just to hang out. I'll admit - it was not easy.... they made a huge pot of chili for lunch and sat around eating it while I just had juice. I understand that normal people eat food of course, haha, but of all days... a juice day... and of all foods... chili. Do you know how fragrant chili is?! Very. Why not a sandwich?? But I stuck to my plan and I'm so proud of myself for taking care of myself rather than sacrificing to fit in.

That evening Andy had to listen to some auditions, so I was on my own. I had the best night ever! First I met Lisa for tea at Starbucks (tea is allowed on juice days). It was so nice talking to her. Then I headed out for a special "Christmas Mission," followed by the grocery store to get prepped for the week, then back home where I cleaned out the fridge, made my lunch for the next day, and painted my nails. Wonderful.

And today is Monday. I woke up (after a really bad night of sleep to be honest) feeling alive, happy, and back to my usual self again. And what has made today even better is that I got to meet with Seetha over my lunch break. :-) Knowing I would see her today definitely helped me stay on track yesterday for sure. And it turns out I will see her again tonight - we are both planning to go to the same Bikram class again. Seetha twice in one day - wow! Now I really can't skip the class.

Alright, time for me to wrap this up. We have our Job #1 office holiday party/gift exchange in 15 minutes. I'm excited to see what present I'll get, haha. So mature I know. I also have a special holiday fascinator that I've brought to wear too. Stay tuned for a picture of it in tomorrow's post!