I had the best birthday celebration!!!

Well the float trip was a success. It was so much fun and I can't wait till we can go again. I tried to remember to take pictures BUT when your in the moment and trying not to flip your canoe every 5 minutes you get a little side tracked. Plus I've never been the picture taking kind of person BUT here are a few I was able to snap yesterday.

Floating down the Buffalo...

The views were beautiful!!!


Here's my view I had all day...these lovely ladies....funniest girls ever!

Well that's it for now. I'm going to Lake of Fayetteville to bike with some friends. Everyone enjoy the rest of this beautiful weekend!!!

A floatin' we will go...

So ya'll I'm so freaking excited about tomorrow!!! It's my birthday bash James planned. We're going floating and camping for the weekend. Can you say fun???? FUN FUN FUN!!! Haha ok ok I'll calm down.

It's supposed to be 0% of rain and high 80's tomorrow...so it's gonna be PERFECT! The only bad part about camping is packing. It takes like a day to pack and then like hours to load the car and you always forget SOMETHING. Then the worst part is packing it all up to go home afterwards. Oh well. I'm focusing on the fun...like the s'mores, friends, and floating down the river (don't you like how I mention food first??? haha).

Anyways, hope everyone has a great weekend!!!!!!

HELP!!!

Ok so I need your help (not that we already didn't know this). I'm trying to figure out what kind of favors to do for the wedding. I know I have like 4 months to decide BUT we all know Mary is on a budget and needs time to plan and prepare. Soooo here are some ideas I've seen a lot of and some of them I really like.

I know earlier I was really leaning towards doing the candy buffets. Now I'm changing my mind and wanting to do something a little more personable. I really really like the cookie idea. I have some great family recipes I could use and it would be pretty cheap. So many choices though. Candy, cookies, drinks, cd's, and so much more!!!!! What do ya'll think???

Happy Memorial Day!

It always seems to rain on Memorial Day here. So we know not to plan anything outdoors like a camping trip or anything. Not that it matters much though since this year both me and James are working. NO fun! Ha...but he's working from home so he's the lucky one.

James arrived safely from North Carolina last night and I'm so thankful. He had a wonderful trip and I think it was a good little mini vacation for him. I think he's also in shock that his best friend is married and not just Matt but a husband to someone. Little does he realize it'll be him next and his friends will be thinking the same ;). Getting married is definitely one of those life changing wake up calls that say "YOUR AN ADULT"!!!

Anyways, my weekend was pretty slam packed. Friday after work I went and ran for about an hour with a friend. Then, I met my mom at the hospital and visited with my granny for a while. We then went to my grandpa's to give him his insulin shots that he has to have EVERY night at 9pm. Talk about a pain in the BUTT...only reminds me why its so important to take care of yourself and be healthy. Ya, not a typical 21 year olds Friday night but hey I love my family!

So anywho on to Saturday...I worked a little on wedding invitations and worked a LOT on my never ending pile of laundry. Met a friend at Lake of Fayetteville to bike ride. The weather had other plans...as we drive up it starts POURING...so we climbed the wall at Lewis and Clark...well more like Anna climbed the wall. After that we adventured up to the "camping" floor where some crazy old man talked oh about 30 minutes on float trips and yada yada so we got scared off and went back to the car and realized the rain was NOT going away. Drove to Sonic...oh how us southerners LOVE our Sonic drinks :) . Then, we decided to go back to Lake of Fayetteville to see if it was still raining...oh and it was...so we said told the rain off and decided to bike in the rain. Now, lets think...how long has it been since Mary has rode a bike...hmmm...well TOO long! I probably made it 1/4 of a mile and was like "ewww...ohhhh...ahhhh"...lets just say I was in extreme pain...that little vajay-jay killer of a seat almost made it unbearable to ride. Needless to say biking 7 miles in the rain and my yahoo hurting wasn't the greatest thing in the world but a GREAT exercise...jogging it is actually easier then bike riding it...who would of thought???

Ok so Sunday I woke up extremely late because I COULD NOT go to sleep that night before morning. I woke up unrested feeling so lets just say Princess Mar Mar was CRANKY...just ask my mom ;) haha so I get ready to go to my boobie's house (aka my brother James) and finally get out the door at like 2pm. Stop at the post office to pick up boobie's mail and run back to my car because its STILL raining and who do you think locked her keys in the car??? Not me....Not the person that locks her keys in the car on a MONTHLY basis...no no not me (I should post this on NOT ME! Monday's blog). So I wait for my mom to bring me the spare keys...took forever...slow driver...so I'm really not in a good mood at this point. Finally get to boobie's and we look through the family photos for the ones he wants to scan and get larger prints of. We get to Wally World and stand in line for oh about 30 minutes and no movement on the lines at the photo kiosk's. So boobie decides he wants to get groceries (bad idea)...he takes longer then my grandma shopping. After like 2 hours of that we go to the home decor section and look at picture frames...he decides he doesn't like them...so he wants to go to Target...ahhhhhhhhhhhhh...that was my reaction at that point. Anyways, back to standing in line at the photo kiosk's...wait another 3o minutes...FINALLY...(there really should be a time limit people have at those)...it takes us like 5 minutes to scan and make selections of the photo's...another 20 minutes waiting on the stupid thing to print them. Praise God we make it out of Wally World after 4 hours...or what it felt like...I think it was actually 2 hours...but hey who's counting at that point. THEN we go to Target...thankfully since we have groceries I have a good excuse to hurry boobie...buy 15 picture frames...TOTAL: $250....LIKE WTF...PICTURE FRAMES!!!???? Not my money so I don't worry...lol. Finally, make it back to his house and put up frames and GADZOOKS the living room is finally finished...yay...must take pictures and post...later...when I have time...and who knows when that might be. Soooooo then...yes there is more...I clean his house...(he pays me to clean)...and at this point I'm about to die I'm so tired (its like 9pm)...drive home...which takes like an hour from his house...so ya that's my Sunday pretty much in a nut shell.

I'm totally lacking on the whole taking pictures and posting but what can I say...I'm never gonna be that girl that has a camera attacked to her hip. Plus I am horrible at picture taking and they never seem to look how I want them too. Ok so if you've read to this point you have to be poking your eye balls out of boredom. So that's all for now folks.

Oh and complete random and off note...another "NOT ME! Monday" ....I totally mixed up the dates for my best friend Dannielle's wedding that I thought was next week and its not for 2 weeks (wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't in NC and I wasn't in it)...this is why I have to carry a planner with me...at all times!

I need a vacation...with no agenda!

Running Running Running...

Oh so sad James is getting on his flight to North Carolina as I type. It sucks being apart for days at a time. I guess I should enjoy my time alone since one day coming soon we'll always be together ;) . He's a groomsmen in our friends wedding and I so wanted to go with him but since I'll be leaving in a few weeks for a wedding I'm in and taking off work and everything I didn't think I should.

So I've gotten back to running again. About 2 summers ago when I lost a lot of weight it was all because of running every day. There is NO better exercise then this for ME. I definitely lose the most weight running then I do with any other exercising. Plus running is good for EVERYTHING. It tones EVERYTHING!!! I just need to work on building my stamina up again. I love running outside but hate it on a treadmill. Which is usually opposite for most people. I guess because when I'm on a treadmill I watch the time go by.

Anyways, that's it for now...I gotta get back to work!!!

Why Why Why???

I don't understand for the life of me why business try to take advantage of people when it comes to money. Ok well I do understand but really? Do these people really have any decency??? Take for instance. Our caterer....we go in for our first appointment and she says oh we can definitely have a full meal for $10 a person. Then once we put down our deposit everything changed. She acted like we were from a different planet when we told her our budget. Thankfully after negotiating she finally came back down to our planet Earth and gave us the price we wanted. Then, our photographer. I love the man and I got my senior pictures done by them and they even go to my church. However, we were talked into a package that was way too much for our budget and that we really didn't even need. Now that I've finally woke up and looked at the packages again I see that we really just need a base package for over $1000 less then what he originally had us setup for. Next, the Briar Patch. Love the ladies in there and they were all helpful and nice. BUT the first appointment I had I was quoted a price and when I went back in to pay the price changed $200 more then what I was originally told. Then all the hidden fees are included and well you got double more then what you had budgeted for. It makes me so mad that people do this. I mean to take advantage of a young couple is heartless. I know most people that come into these places have mommy and daddy's wallet with them and there is no concept of a budget but still. Where is the honesty?

Thankfully, I'm only getting married once because honestly I couldn't do this again. Don't get me wrong. I love all of our vendors and everything. They are only doing what they were hired to say and do. I know I'll be happy the day of my wedding with their services. I just wish I wouldn't have gotten suckered into some things. It's a learning experience though. I now know and realize that I'm the customer and they have to give me what I WANT not what they want. It was a hard lesson to learn...believe me.

Great Monday start huh? The only thing keeping a smile on my face is knowing that once I get off work I get to hang out with Danni and go for a jog. Oh and that I lost 2 more pounds ;)

So excited!!!

I've been waiting for this summer to get here for what seems like an eternity. All my friends are here and this coming week is jam packed and I'm loving it!!!! This is how its supposed to be all along. I really really want to plan a birthday camping trip with all the girls. Maybe even like white water rafting or something.

Now that things are getting busy I have to remind myself to stick to my diet and still work out every day. I love how I'm turning all my get togethers into exercising dates. Haha! We used to go out to eat and get a drink and now I'm making them sweat. I'm such a good friend huh?

Anyways, going to the hospital to visit with my granny. Update later!

A few of my favorite

Since I'm on the diet and health kick I thought I would blog about what things I love best while working out or just being on a diet right now. These things are my favorite right now.

What's a diet with out a food scale??? This is something that I think is a necessity. Especially when your doing portion control and calorie counting. You have no idea what you should be really eating until you get a food scale. You might be shocked!

My favorite snack is wheat crackers with some laughing cow cheese. I'm getting my calcium and it tastes like cheese whiz...not kidding. I think we all love some cheese whiz ;)

I just started taking these AcaiBerry supplements. You should read up on these. The Acai Berry has a long list of uses and benefits. It's mostly a detox and energy booster. We'll see if they help any in the next few weeks...I'll let ya know.

I LOVE getting me some cold smartwater when I go to the gym. James laughs at me because he thinks I'm ridiculous getting this kind of water...mainly because its expensive. I really honestly do think it tastes better though. I think all brands of water taste different...so each to their own.

I'm not going to call it the Bible but my food journal is with me daily. Writing down what I eat and recording goals and accomplishments really keeps me accountable and motivated.

My nike shox get me through walking 6 miles a day without my feet being sore. I love them not only because they are comfortable and pink but because they have a place for me....

That's right...my apple chip that I connect my ipod to. This has got to be one of the coolest and smartest things EVER. Not only does it tell you how far you've walked/ran but it tells you how many calories and then you can even get sound tracks from itunes with like Lance Armstrong motivating you. Its pure genius!!!

What's a apple chip with out the ipod??? I'm loving the new ipod touch. Apple just keeps getting better and better with their products. Can't wait to see what's next!

Ok, here's my last thing. I don't have it yet but I so so want this badly. It's called a bodybug and the Biggest Loser contestants use these. Let me tell you about them...its real simple. It records the calories you've consumed and the calories you've burned. Their whole moto is "weight loss made easy" and the simple known fact you have to burn more then you consume to lose weight. Only downside is that these puppies cost $350. Ya...I know...YIKES!!!

Well there you have it ya'll. My favorite weight loss things right now.

Tomorrow is Friday!!!! Yippeeeee!!!!

The weeks are flying by and I can't catch a breath it seems. The weekends come as fast as they go. I'm getting anxious and excited about my best friends wedding coming up in a few weeks as well. However, not only that but this weekend I'm going to get my wedding dress :) yay!!!! Woo Woo!!!! I couldn't be more excited about this weekend. Spending time with my family and James.

I have a to-do list a mile long of wedding stuff:

• Finish Invitations
• Order Danni's Bridesmaids Dress
• Find Bridesmaids Shoes
• Get Flower Girl Measurements
• Make Flower Girl Dress
• Finish Guest Lists and Addresses
• Find Wedding Shoes
• Book Rehearsal Dinner
• Make Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
• Rent Tuxes
• Order Flowers
• Rent Reception Linens and Decor
• Finalize Details for Fayetteville Shower
• Book Hair and Makeup for Wedding Day
• Buy Bridesmaids Gifts
• Get Name Change Kit

And the list just goes on...thankfully I have 99% planned out its just a matter of DOING IT!

Things are going to change...

So today I was thinking about how things are going to change when me and James get married. Not like anything life changing...haha. But like the little things. Some things we are totally a like but in other ways we are so opposite. For example...don't laugh...but peanut butter.

James likes...

I like...

Now, I know this is minor...and we can buy both...but what kind of person likes Peter Pan??? Ugh it doesn't even taste right. Ok so enough about peanut butter. It's interesting to learn how other people were raised. For instance...we NEVER EVER EVER leave food out. If its opened or left overs we put it immediately in the fridge. James...not so much. He leaves left overs, butter, syrup, and other condiments out all day. My mom would have a heart attack haha. I'm not bashing James or saying its wrong how he does things. Just different from me :) . I love him...even though he eats Peter Pan Peanut Butter.

I also was thinking how I'll get to see him every night and wake up with him. Oh how I can't wait. I love him soooo much and the best is only to come!!!!

Ok so that was my randomness for today...

Not Me! Monday

I did NOT spend all weekend trying to figure out how to make a 3 column blog and waisting hours of my time when I should have been doing my 2 weeks worth of laundry.

I did NOT forget to feed my cat for two days straight...no no I would never do that to my beloved kitty.

I did NOT forget to call my friend Dannielle and tell her I'd call her back in a few hours...which turned out to be a few days later.

I did NOT eat my weight in Olive Garden bread sticks this weekend and gain back the 8 pounds I lost last week.

Tour of Homes

So Kelly from Kelly's Korner is doing her 2nd week of tour of homes. This week is living rooms. I was thinking about how I'm going to mine and James living room in October. Well since he's moving into our place in August I'll probably start decorating then ;) haha. Lately, I'm loving the blue hues. I don't know why...but I'm sure James won't appose to it since at least its not pink or something else girly. Here's a living room I found that I LOVE and is very much my style.

I love this bedroom as well. I like the crisp white clean look. I love neutrals in general though. I like color but since I'm that kind of person that likes change and will probably rearrange furniture and change throw pillows at least twice a year then I think sticking with neutrals is best for me and then I can add a little color by throw pillows, rugs, or floral arrangements.

I have a feeling though we'll have a lot of blue in our first place though...haha. I think James will go along with it ;) . I'm also in love with chocolate browns and the blue together. I know its been popular for a while now but what can I say...I love it.

Anywho, my friend Michelle (my MOH) is coming into town today and I'm glad to be able to hang out with her for a couple hours. Then UofA graduation is tomorrow. Got a few invitations but I think I'll be staying far far away from that mad house. Plus I've been once and will never go again...its so freaking long. I also am getting up early to go pick up living room furniture with my booby and then spend the day putting together the kitchen and living room...fun fun. Not a whole lot going on I guess for me this weekend. I'll post pictures on Monday!!!

Lots of stuff going on...

It's been over a week since I've blogged. Which is not like me...I'm usually addicted to blogging. Lots of stuff going on though. Mostly bad which is sad to say. Thankfully, God has helped me through and things are looking better.

My grandmother had open heart surgery last week. We thought it wouldn't be anything to worry about SINCE she's had it once before. Unfortunately, they had to repair more then one valve and so it caused her to be in surgery longer to be expected. Which led to more and more problems. The doctors are not optimistic. Today she is doing her second round of dialysis. We hope it will help. We're praying for a full recovery. I'm sad to think I might never talk to her again. Who will play Yahtzee with me for hours? Who can I call that will talk to me for hours? Who will help me cook and give me recipes? Who will cut coupons for me? Who will call me shorty...knowing I'm a foot taller then her ;) ? Who will be my grandma grunt? More then anything though my grandpa depends on her since he can't walk and is wheel chaired bound. I'm hoping for the best but preparing for the worst as they say...

So 156 days till I get married. Me and James went and look at a place last night. It was really nice and everything I want. A little high in price but doable. Location isn't the greatest. It could be a winner though. We still have a few months though so we'll see what James decides on. Money woe's are the biggest worry and stress these days. However, even though we have to sacrifice the big and small things these days...it'll all pay off eventually. I'm just thankful for a great job and that we have the money to get James back into school this Fall semester. Count your blessings!!!

Anyways, I lost 8 pounds last week. I was pretty excited about...heck I'm still excited about it. I need to lose a lot more though...and I WILL!!! I have been kind of slacking this week. Still sticking to my diet but haven't had much time to exercise which is the key for me. With my grandmother and then bubba coming home this week I've been busy.

I'm so excited James is home though. Saturday we are going to finish getting furniture and then putting it all together. I'll definitely post pictures and see what ya'll think. I may not have a degree in interior design but it doesn't take rocket science to put together a room. However, some people just lack creativity.