Chilly Hodgepodge --- Grab a cup and come on in.

Hello everyone and welcome back to another round of Wednesday Hodgepodge.  Join in with Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond and get involved with meeting new bloggers or just visiting some that you haven’t in a while.  Remember to leave comments so we can all follow back and get to know one another.

Today her focus seems to be on the Snow and cold.  I personally love the snow.  I wish we were getting some like the North East.  I know you think I am crazy.  But I have always loved the snow.  It makes the world look so pure and clean which inspires new ideas and thoughts.  Not to mention it gives you the perfect excuse to stay in your jammies all day curled up with a great book and a awesome cup of coffee. 

So sit back, enjoy your read, maybe you can relate and don’t forget to leave a comment so I can visit you as well.  Happy Hodgepodging.

1. When did someone last suggest you 'chill out'? Or, when did you last tell someone (or want to tell someone) to 'chill out'? Or, when did you last tell yourself to 'chill out'?

----hmmmmm, I honestly don’t know.  I usually try to avoid anyone that gets overly excited.  Except my daughter of course and she is always excited.  I just learn to ignore her…lol.

2. What most recently caused your heart to melt? 

----- My Grandson!!!!!!  Wouldn't this face make your heart melt as well?

3.  "An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered." G.K. Chesterton  

Your thoughts? When did you last experience either an adventure or an inconvenience? How did you see it at first, as an adventure or an inconvenience?  Does it feel the same in hindsight?

----- Everything is an adventure with me especially when I am lost or just out driving.  I love to explore new places and things to do.  My kids and I once drove all the way to Indianapolis just to eat at a Wendy’s so we could get out of the house and have something different to do one day.  The girls loved it and honestly it was great getting to spend quality time in the car with no electronics with my girls.--- YES we drove over an 1 1/2 to eat Wendy's and come home, PRICELESS TIME SPENT.

4.  A Wendy's Frosty, root beer in a frosty mug, or a frosted chocolate cupcake...of these three, which one is your favorite 'frosty' treat?

----- Just one?  No Fair!!!!  I will choose the frosted chocolate cupcake.  Don’t get me wrong I love Wendy’s Frosty’s but I don’t like the brain freeze.

5. Would you say your life so far this year has been more like a circus or a symphony? Explain why.

---- Circus for sure.  I am in the process of totally redoing my home office.  Trying to figure out how to decorate it and make it flow better.  I am also in the process of taking a weight loss class at the local YMCA.  Both of these things are in the mist of me trying to gain more customers and attending meetings and functions for my AVON business, watching my grandson and working full-time.  It is certainly the circus and I am the clown.

6. Since it's a 'snow day' here, what's your favorite song containing the word 'white'?

----- Dirty White Boys by Foreigner.  Love me some rock.

7. If you had to leave the city you currently live in, what would you find the hardest to leave behind?

----- Being able to visit my daughters and moms grave site.  Other than that absolutely not a damn thing!!!!!  As a matter of fact I have been dreaming of moving to Colorado a lot lately.  Although hubby wants to move to Virginia Beach and of course my sister-in-law wants me to move closer to her.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

---- So far since November I have managed to lose 9 lbs.  Not sure how but I will take it.  I have weekly weigh in at the YMCA on Thursday and that helps with keeping me accountable.  I am finding it harder to keep focused on eating right because I am so hungry all the time.  I am constantly looking for ways to get more organized and getting things done and accomplished for the next day so I am not rushing.  So far, I haven’t found that solutions but I am going to keep working on it.

Remember leave a comment and I will be sure to come visit you as well and leave one as well.  I am always looking for more followers and bloggers to get to know better.

Wednesday Hodgepodge Hop on in and enjoy!!!!!!

Hello everyone and welcome back to another edition of Wednesdays Hodgepodge.  Brought to you by our lovely host Miss Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond.   Wow this week has seem to flown by already.  It is hard for me to keep up with it being Wednesday already. 

1. American Idol is back for a 14th season. Are you watching? Have you ever watched? If you were to audition for the show (or were made to audition), what song would you sing?

----- I have not watched this show since season 1.  Just not my thing but if I were made to audition it would have to be with Crystal Gayle “Don’t Make My Brown Eyes Blue”.

2.  Mark Twain is quoted as saying, "If it's your job to eat a frog, it's best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it's your job to eat two frogs, it's best to eat the biggest one first." 

So when did you last have to 'eat a frog'? Or two? How'd that work out? 

----- Cleaning the garage is the biggest frog for me.  I have certainly rearranged a lot of stuff in there and I still have a lot to do.  It will take me some time to finish this frog.  As for the small one well that would be my office.  I have it partially cleaned now and should have it finished by Sunday.

 

I want something more organized and simple like this picture here: 

   

However, I also don't want to spend a fortune on it either.  I love the top one of these but also love the bottom one as well.  The bottom one is from Thirty-One and I already have the middle piece, one of the pockets and both of the caddies that is on the desk.  I just have to put them together.  But I am still drawn to the top one.  I would love to have that one in my kitchen area and the bottom one in my office.  That way I can have my home stuff separate from my AVON and my Thirty-One Business.

3. If you were going on safari, what is the number one animal you'd want to see?
----- Tiger.  Don’t know why maybe because it is my zodiac sign but I love Cats of all kind.  They are just amazing to me.  They look so gentle and yet they are so dangerous at the same time.

4. January 21st is National Granola Bar Day. I know. Do you like granola bars? Chewy or crunchy? Your favorite flavor? How about regular granola? Let's exhaust this topic in honor of the holiday okay?
---- YUCK YUCK YUCK YUCK is all I can say about that topic.  My husband bought some chocolate covered Quaker granola bars and I thought OK it has chocolate on it, maybe it won’t be so bad…uh WRONG!!!!!!!  IT WAS HORRIBLE!!!!!!!

5. If only__________________________________________. 

------ I could have a bigger house with more storage and style.  I don’t feel like my house is big enough and I certainly am tired of the layout in it.  I wish it were more open in away or even have a basement so I could park my car in the garage.

6. You can add one item to your bedroom. What will it be? Keep it family friendly please.

------- That is easy, a dresser.  We have a California King bed and a wardrobe in our room and that is all that will fit beside the clothes hamper.  I want my dresser back!!!!!!!!!!!

7. What is one thing you've enjoyed about winter thus far? If it's not winter in your corner of the globe, what season is it, and what is something you've enjoyed about whatever season it happens to be?

 -----Watching what snow fall we have had so far make the world look like a better place.  I love the snow and how it covers us in white.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

----- Well I am happy to report that my daughter has enrolled in online college courses for an Associates in Accounting.  She has also been asked if she would like to be promoted to Assistant Manager even if it means moving to another store.  (Not happy about her moving to another store even though it is on the other side of the expressway from where she is now.  Getting to that location is a logistic nightmare!!!!!)

My grandson is now 6 months old and is an absolute love and light of my life.  Makes us all smile.

My son is still at his current job but looking for something else.  They keep changing him from shift lead to manager and there is no consistency.  I told him he could do better and to find something else.  He hates the idea because his work is literally 5 minutes from the house and one traffic light. 

I also have to announce that I have joined the Weight Loss Challenge Program at the YMCA and it starts tomorrow.  It is a 12 week course and hopefully by then I will be down a significant amount from where I am currently at in my weight.

Well I hope you all enjoyed this edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge.  Be sure to leave a comment and then hope on over to Joyce’s blog at the From This Side of the Pond and join in on the fun.  Remember to leave comments as you visit other bloggers.

Thankful Thursday Prayer Answered

♥This Bee is for the Queen Honey Bee Miss Pat ♥

Hello everyone and welcome back to my little ole blog.  Today I am doing a Thankful Thursday Post because I have a lot to be Thankful for and I want to share one thing specifically that I am THANKFUL for and that is Miss Pat Gilbert.  This is a picture of her at the end of one of our meetings where she said she would have light refreshments.  This woman done cooked us a full course meal.  

I hope she don't mind me sharing her photo.  If you she does then I will take it down.  But I had to share who this incredible woman is.

I am THANKFUL for my dear friend Pat Gilbert or as she likes to be called “Miss Pat”.  This is an incredible woman who I am honored to know.  She is a colleague with AVON, she is a go getter, determined, much willed and a fighter.  But above all else she is a true friend.  Miss Pat has had to deal with a lot of medical stays last year and still managed to grow her AVON business in customers and team members.  She is facing more medical stays yet again this year.  I found out last night that she had to have emergency surgery on her back.

I just seen her last week and she looked great.  But of course Miss Pat wouldn't tell you different because she is just that way.  She is a true people person and wants to know about others and how they are doing.  She is truly a blessing to know and if you ever got the chance to meet her then you would certainly agree. 

Needless to say when I got the phone call last night from our Upline Sonye’ that she was back in the hospital my heart sunk.  She has already had to endure so much of this medical malarkey last year that she was due for a break.  She had been having back pain and finally went to the doctor and after some testing they decided that she needed back surgery.  I immediately got on Facebook and sent out Prayer request.  We all were praying and I had shared with so many people that God had of heard us.  She came out of her 6 hrs surgery with flying colors and is now in recovery.

Now she is insisting that everyone go and do what they need to do and not sit up there at the hospital with her doing nothing.  She is so thoughtful that she wants people to be happy before putting herself first.  She is truly, truly remarkable and if you don’t know her then I am sorry because you are missing out on one unique person. 

Miss Pat, if you are reading this by phone, tablet or on paper that has been printed for you, I want you to know that we are all truly blessed to have you as a friend and team member.  You keep us on our toes with your upbeat attitude and keep us in laughs with your unpredictable comments and still make us humble with all your knowledge and wisdom you have and continue to share with us all.

So THANK YOU Miss Pat for being the person you are and the person we all LOVE.  Have a speedy recovery and I can't wait to see you.  Hugs and Kisses.

Wednesdays Words Hodgepodge

Hello everyone and welcome back to another edition of Wednesday Hodgepodge.  Thanks to Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond we are bringing you the first Hodgepodge of the New Year.  It is certainly one to make you think.  So click on the link above and join in on the fun.  Don't forget to visit several blogs and leave some blog lovin comments.

1. What's your best piece of advice for a newly married couple? I'm asking for a friend.

---- Communicate, communicate, and communicate.  There is nothing worse than one of you feeling that everything is fine when the other doesn’t feel that way.  A lot of possible problems can be greatly avoided by doing this one simple task.  

2. Before we're too far into the new year I wanted to post a question Teresa submitted during the December giveaway. Teresa blogs over at Being Refined As Silver, so everyone go say hi.

Teresa asks, "What were you doing on December 31st, 1999?"and "Did you or your family make preparations for Y2K?"
bae (before anyone else), polar vortex, hack, skill set, swag, foodie, curate/curated, friend-raising, enhanced interrogation, cra-cra (as in crazy), takeaway, and -nation (a suffering sports suffix).

Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Is there a word not on the list you'd like to add?

---- Wow I have no clue what I was doing.  Probably the same thing I have done every year since I was 16 and that is sit at home and watch t.v.  Yes nothing sounds more exciting, right?  I never really got into the whole celebrate the New Year thing.  It just didn’t seem productive to me.

3. According to Global Language Monitor, the most used word of 2014 isn't a word. It's the heart emoji. Huh? How can something that's not a word be the most used word, but I digress. What do you think was your most used word in 2014?

----- J a smile.

4. Speaking of words, it's that time again. Time for Lake Superior University to present a list of words they'd like to see banished (for over-use, mis-use, and general uselessness) in 2015. You can read more about the decision making process here, but this year's top vote getters are-

---- How about all of them.  I mean seriously are we that damn lazy that we have to resort to acronyms to say something.  I can understand that you would use an acronym to remember something but if you are calling someone Crazy then use that word instead of using partials or made up shit.  Seriously it gets on my nerves. 

5.  January is National Hot Tea month? Are you a fan? Do you like flavored teas? How do you take your tea? Have a favorite cup or teapot? How many cups of tea do you consume in a given day? 

---- I love sweet ice tea and I will occasionally drink a hot up of tea but I am not that picky when it comes to tea.  I certainly don’t have a tea pot or a tea cup.  I use a plain old coffee cup to drink it out of.  If I have a sore throat then I will add some milk to it and maybe some honey.

6. Whatever happened to________________________________?

---- Game rooms, neighborhood picnics and knowing your neighbors.  I remember when I was a kid we had a game room that we would go to and hang out.  It kept us out of trouble.  The people across the way from us would always get a picnic or a softball game going and we all knew our neighbors.  Seriously sit out on the porch and talk about everything and absolutely nothing at the same time.  We really connected.

7. What is one book on your must-read list this winter? 

---- Saint Odd by Dean Koontz.  I am going to go get it today.  It is the last of the Odd Series and I am kind of sad about it.  Love that series and the character.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

---- I have joined the YMCA and I have to admit shamefully I have only been 1 time since I joined.  I get up late every morning and swear that the day is going to be different and better and I am going to get my ass there but never do.  I wake up extremely tired, hurting all over and absolutely unmotivated.  I hate feeling this way and know that I need to change it.  I so want to lose about 95lbs this year but I know I have to do it in small steps.  I will be joining the Weight Loss Challenge that they have and I know for sure that will force me to get to the gym.  I am putting it on my calendar though for Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  I figure if I can get those days in at the gym every week then I should be good to go. 

It is just so hard with work, AVON, babysitting my grandson and having to do all the running in the house.  Not that I mind being in control of the money in our house but I don’t like all the other stuff to go with it such as being the one that has to go to the grocery store all the time.

Thank you for stopping by and please be sure to leave a comment and let me know you were here.  I would love to find new bloggers and readers to connect with.  Follow me and I will follow you.

New Year New Things NOT RESOLUTIONS!!!!!!

Hello everyone and welcome to another New Year!!!!!  I have been doing alot of searching on the internet to get me ideas on how to get better organized, healthier, in shape, new gadgets and man oh man is there alot out there.

I know that every year people make Resolutions and within the first month usually they give up on them.  Well I learned along time ago not to do that...Make Resolutions that is.  I don't want to set myself up for failure but then again if you don't make a plan then you are planning to fail anyway right!?

This year it is different.  I still didn't make a resolution but I did make myself a promise.  As I am sure alot of you have as well but lets keep each other accountable and see how we did at the end of the year.

I know that most people always make the same resolution of getting in shape, eating healthier and being more aware of others.  Well I can't say that I am any different at all but in a way I am alot different.  You see I know what I have to do and I have known for a long while.  I have even dabbled in it here and there but honestly never gave much effort to what I wanted to achieve.  UNTIL NOW!!!!!

I realized awhile back that I was always tired, hurt everywhere, absolutely had little to no interest in all the things that I used to love.  Like hiking, photography and even cuddling up on the couch and reading my favorite author #DEAN KOONTZ.  If you have never read one of his books then I highly recommend that you start out with his #ODD THOMAS SERIES.  Absolutely love this series and I have approximately 61 books of his and have read about 30 of them.
Color blue..lol.  Sorry, I can't help but to ramble when it comes to this author.   Anyway, back to where I was going with all of this.

I was at my heaviest weight at 220 back in the early 90's and swore I would never get that big again.  I lost alot of weight and went from a 22 to a 12 and stayed there for a short (real short) while.  But I never went above a 16 for many many years until 2008.  Man what a horrible year that was.  If you have read my blog before then you know that 2008 was the year that changed my life forever and not in a good way.  For those that haven't, long story short, my mom died of lung cancer in April, my son moved to his dad so I could take care of mom full time until her death and my oldest daughter (mother of 2) that was 19 died in a motorcycle accident in October the same year, the dad took the kids and I haven't seen them since.  It was horrible plan and simple.

I was still at a size 16 but quickly spiraled upward.  In October/November of 2014 I was on the verge of a 24/26 pants, hurt all over and just absolutely miserable.  Enough was enough and I was going to make a change.  I didn't dive in feet first but instead decided to make small changes at a time.  Well since November I have lost 8lbs.  Yes I went from 232 to 224, NO I am not proud of that number but I am proud that I have managed to lose 8lbs through the holidays.

I am not an extremely active person at all.  I used to be but not so much now.  I think it helped when I had someone that loved to travel, go hiking and just go for a walk.  My husband doesn't like much of any of that so I don't get to do it much.
I was looking through my AVON site the other day and noticed that I had earned Reward Points.  Awesome right.  So when I started looking at the things that I could get I came across the #FITBIT and thought "what the hell, I am not coming out of pocket for it, so why not?"  Needless to say I ordered it.  I got it yesterday and have been playing with it every since.  You can also get it by clicking the link below as well.  The one I have is the one in Orange and it is called the Flex.  As you can see there are a variety of ones to choose from but either way I think you will be pleased with it.

Shop Amazon - New Year, New You Event

I can log everything from either my phone or my computer.  I know that there are alot of people out there that is using this product and I would love to see how you feel about it.  So if you can answer any of these questions please feel free to leave me a message and who knows maybe we can connect through the Fitbit Community.  There are alot of communities on Facebook that you can even join in on and get motivated on constantly moving, eating right such as the 21 Day Fix Challenge.

Do you own one?
Which one do you own?
What has been the best part for you?
Do you find it helpful?
Are you tracking your meals like you should?
Are you more aware of how active you really are even when you don't feel it?

I have been logging all of my meals, noticing that I am making a more conscious effort to watch the food I eat and even drinking my water.  Not to mention you get to log your workouts as well and it is WATERPROOF!!!!!

Speaking of 21 Day Fix , have any of you tried this?  I have had it for several months and never tried it.  I did get the containers out, washed them, labeled them, put peanuts in one and that is it.  Pitiful and pathetic I know.  But it is the truth.  Hell I am still doing research on various meals that I can use for this program and man oh man is there tons of them out there.  It could take me years to get this all together if I wait to start it then it will be too late.

Shop Amazon - New Year, New You Event


I know there are alot of different programs out there and there certainly isn't a one size fits all but what the hell.  I will try it.  After all I have joined the YMCA so that I can get exercise in since I don't have room at my house to do the DVD.

If you have tried it I would love to hear from you and see how you managed to incorporate this into your life.  I am still working on that part but I will get there and it will be soon.

I hope that you all have a wonderful day and accomplish all that you set out to do.  I recommend setting small goals within larger goals so you have something to measure them again.  Remember, just because something works for one person doesn't mean that it will work for everyone.  We are all different for a reason.  Embrace it.

I would love to hear from you and get insight and feed back.  I will be posting once a month about my progress even though it says "21 Day" I know it isn't realistic for me to lose 94 lbs in a month.  This will be a year goal but right now I am celebrating all the 10lbs markers.

***the opions and recommendations are mine and only mine.  I am not getting paid or compensated in anyway to talk about or promote the above products.  The 21 Day Fix and the Fitbit products are both independent of each other and meant as a tool to help and assist.  They are not a answertoall product.  Before beginning any exercise or diet routine please consult your doctor to make sure you are medically able to do so.***

♥♥Friday Letters♥♥

Hello everyone and welcome back to another edition of Friday Letters.  I know it has been awhile since I have posted and I truly apologize for that.  Things are always crazy around the holidays and life in general has been extremely crazy lately.

But I wanted to take this time to get out my letters for today since it has slowed down at work today.  (shhhhh don't tell the boss).

Dear God,  Thank you for another unpromised day.  I look forward everyday to seeing my loved ones and waking up to my precious adorable loving grandson who has discovered how to make spit bubbles and laugh out loud.

Dear Trent,  Thank you for being patient and letting me find things my way.  I know that I am not the easiest person to deal with but you do it with grace.  I Love You.

Dear Victoria, You are an amazing mother.  I know things aren't always easy and they can seem overwhelming at times but remember we mothers have all been there, done that and have the t-shirt.  You are not alone and I am here to help anyway that I can.

Dear Brandon,  I am sorry that things at your job are going the way that they are but you are making the right decision.  Just know that I Love You and I am always in your corner.  Even if you are snappy at me when I knock on your door to tell you dinner is ready.

Dear Kevin and Marie,  I am glad to see that things are starting to turn around.  I know you are so relieved that you are both back to work.  I also wanted to let you know that I put a button for your site on my webpage.  Can't guarantee orders but will do what I can to help out.  Love you guys.

Dear Scott and Kisha,  it was great seeing you all at Christmas.  I hate that you all live so far away but at least we get to talk alot even if we only manage to see each other 2 times a year.  More if you all get a chance to stop in during picking up and dropping off the kids.  Keeping you both in my prayers that you will be able to get the issue resolved and soon.  Love and miss you guys.

Dear Christian,  Can I just say how darn adorable you are?  You certainly bring alot of love and laughter into our house.  We are so blessed that God gave us such a perfect and sweet angel.  I love waking up and seeing my pumpkin first thing in the morning.    But seriously who wouldn't just love this little fella, look at this seriously adorable face.

Dear Laura, thank you for holding Christmas Dinner at your house this year.  Your kids are adorable and we really enjoyed ourselves.  Even though we had to drive across the bridge and back through the rain and construction.  It was great to see you at the holidays and spend some time with you guys.  Love your house.

Dear Zane,  I am so sorry that things are the way they are.  You are in our prayers and we are keeping our fingers crossed that you are going to be done with all of this soon.  I am not going to put it out here for the world to see but I want you to know that your Aunt Trina is thinking about you and wishing you nothing but the best.  Hope you get to come home and live with your daddy soon.

Dear Nikki,  I am certainly glad that you have stopped blowing up my phone with the craziness that you have in your head.  Please forget my number.  Thank you bunches :-)

Dear Chris,  I really wish that things would have been different between us.  I have waited a long time to be a part of your life and I knew it could have went one or two ways but this isn't what I expected.  I pray for you every night.  No matter what I will always Love You.

Dear KayLee and Aadyn,  I miss you so much.  Everyday that goes by I think of you both.  I wonder what your doing, how your doing, what you like doing or not doing, if you are happy, sad, healthy, hurt, scared, lonely and everything else under the sun.  I so wish that your Momma was raising you both but she is watching down from the Heavens on you both.  I just pray that you all get to see each other since your grandpa and grandma Sue get to see you all.  Hopefully you all are around each other and know each other.  It breaks my heart that you can't be together with me, aunt Vicky and uncle Brandon like you were before you were taken away.

Dear Mom and Heather, We Love and Miss You both tremendously everyday.  I so wish that you both were still here living with us instead of being in Heaven watching down on all of us.  There isn't a day that goes by that we aren't quoting you both on something or another.  You both have touched so many lives in ways that you would never have imagined.  It has been 6 years almost 7 that you both left us and your friends still check in on us. I wish I could call you, talk to you, hold you, tell you I love you one more time.  I begged to change places with you and for GOD to take me instead but he wanted the best and that was the both of you.

Well I guess I will close on that line but I hope you all have a wonderful and great weekend.