Excited and frightened. Frozen.

When I hung out with Kayla the other day, she said she would talk to her boss about me working there, also. Well, the boss, Carol, wants my resume! I am super excited, but also terrified. I am so afraid that I'll turn it in and she will decide that she doesn't want me. I am so thankful to Kayla for this. I definitely would not have the courage to ask Carol for employment, myself.

So, I just need to turn in the resume and Carol will set up an interview time with me for some time next week. I am kind of worried and scared and excited and frozen in fear.

Cyber Let-Down

I was kind of excited that I was going to actually not have to work ALL day and would be able to check out all my favorite online websites. But once I started looking around it looks like all the BEST deals happened on Black Friday and the Cyber Monday deals aren't half as good.

What a let down.

Wal-Greens does have their ten cent pictures again, so that is good. I'm in the process of putting together an order right now!

December Goals

I always get hyped up at the beginning of a month. I'm so excited to have a clean fresh slate ahead of me to fill in ways that I think are important! It's just so exciting! :) Here are the goals:

1. Take 'nutcracker' pictures w/Andrew
2. Watch Walk the Line
3. Watch Cloud Atlas
4. Make OSU blanket
5. Give Mackenzie her b-day gift
6. Get presents for everyone on X-mas list
7. Hang out with Ashton
8. Hang out with Kaywa
9. Workout at gym at least 12 times
10. Clean room
11. Read (at least) one book- The Kept Man
12. Update blog 12 times
13. Take 'mustache' pictures of people
14. Take 'fighting' pictures of people
15. Organize room
16. Decorate boxes of underwear 
17. Check on Nutcracker tickets for mom
18. Try two new dessert recipes

Pinning!

Pinterest is one of my favorite past times. I mean websites... :/

Anyway, I've been reading through a lot of blogging how-to's which has been making me want to make my blog serious. I don't know what my content focus would be on though so I may work on that.

In general I want to start writing more. Not necessarily blogging, but just in general. I think I need to use my brain more. I feel as if my literacy abilities are decreasing the longer I've been out of high school. November is coming up; which means the start of NaNoWriMo. This kind of excites me! Haha.

I also have my "21-year old" journal that I have six more months to fill up. I definitely need to work on filling that out!

Real Life Problems- When you like a guy, but don't want to be with him long-term.

You know, I don't ever see many bloggers talk about having difficulties with relationships. For the most part these bloggers already have long time committed boyfriends or fiancés or husbands. OR they are 'single and loving it.'

When I was younger, I thought it would be cool to have the affection of so many men. That being liked by tons of guys would be an amazing adventure. Granted, I am not liked by 'tons of guys' but I do have two guys going for my attention.

And I know who I want, I think. I know who I have loved for a looonng time. Does it make it any easier letting the other person go? Not at all. Especially when he is holding on sooo tightly AND I work with him.

So, I guess I feel like writing this post from here on as if it isn't me having this problem, but rather what I expect to see other bloggers writing about if they were to write about this.

Let's say you start dating a guy and you love how funny he is, you think his eyes are mesmerizingly gorgeous, and he makes you feel all tingly inside. You feel like you love him. But then, he doesn't ever want to have kids and he really likes watching porn. Both of which you strongly feel opposite of him. So, you let him know, "Hey, I really like you, but I think we need to go our separate ways." And he doesn't agree. He really loves you and to be honest you always think about him when you guys aren't together. You don't want to make him sad, but you are having trouble not leading him on.

Here's a couple tips to help each of you move on smoothly:

1. Absolutely make up your mind. Either you want him or you don't. Don't idle or try and cheat by wanting him in your life as a booty call because he already has deeper feelings than that. He can't be your best friend at this point either. If you guys are out together- you guys ARE together.
2. Don't get mixed up in his business. If you happen to know that he missed work three days in a row- do not call him and check on him. He has a momma and his own friends. Let them do the babying. He ISN'T YOURS TO TAKE CARE OF.
3. Resist the urge to talk about him to anyone. Don't tell your best friend that you miss him. Don't explain the cute thing he does with his hair. Don't talk bad about him, most importantly.
4. Stay away. Granted, if you work with him this is harder. Get bit by the superhardworker bug and suddenly start doing your work with amazing passion and focus. That's right, scrub those dishes until they squeak and sign those papers like they'll be laminated and enshrined for years to come.
5. Be productive. Move on with your life. There is always something you could be doing that will help better your life or the lives around you. Tell me when the need to wallow in bed and think about life together with your unwanted man beats walking a dog who's starved for attention? One makes nobody happy and the other makes two happy individuals.

Well, there's my list of tips. By following these simple guidelines, you'll be able to move on and he'll see that... eventually he'll move on too.

They had a book, I read a book.

The Power of Half is about a family who decides to take on a huge project to help those who are less fortunate.

They decide to sell their gorgeous giant home and give away half to 'charity'. The book was slow at some times but it was really neat to see how much they cared about the cause and how committed they were.

I would love to know how they are doing now.  The causes they gave to were all supposed to improve the lives of villages in Ghana over the course of five years.

I truly loved the lesson they learned about being hands off. The whole "give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach a man to fish and he eats for life." They had to learn the hard way that they needed to provide a solution, not a fix. It was interesting to learn that many different groups come in and 'fix' things in Ghanian communities such as repainting the church six times in one summer or building wells that the citizens don't know how to repair. They are creating dependency.

Bottom of the Wheel

From my Facebook: "I kinda believe that life is like a spinning wheel. Sometimes you are at the top of the wheel and things couldn't get better. Sometimes you are at the bottom of the wheel and no matter how hard you try, there's no forcing that wheel back up. Right now, I'm on the bottom and this freaking thing has a flat."

 

Spencer and I broke up two Mondays ago. It was sad and slightly expected. I still love the boy. I love him so much. We still live together and he thankfully is letting me use his vehicle and is still paying for almost everything at the house. I simply pay my half of rent. 

Even though he is paying for everything house related- he isn't paying for groceries any more. He isn't paying for my phone or my gas. He isn't paying for my expenses. This is really hard and different for me. He's always been there for me financially and with support. I'm having a difficult time trying to keep my finances together to make sure that I don't run out of gas and to make sure that I eat at least two meals a day. 

 Then, my mother told me that our tuition is too much money. They can't afford it. That I have to pay it if I want to continue with school. This comes with perfect timing. I mean that, of course, in the most ironic and sarcastic way possible. After gas, rent, and groceries (cheese, turkey, and cat food) I had twenty dollars to save. Twenty dollars. Not enough to even pay for half of half of half of a payment. I still have to pay my phone bill and more gas.

I'm twenty one! I'm supposed to be living it up! Y'know? Supposed to be drinking, celebrating life, having fun! Nope. Nope. Nope. Let's also add in the fact that I woke up with a fever again and my throat pain is NOT going away which automatically makes me want to say that it is strep throat. :( The illness of my life! I don't have money to go to the doctor so I guess I'll... I don't know. There really isn't anything I can do. I'll have to let it go until it for sure is something that won't go away.

 I had been spending time with this guy from work. He was very nice and fun to be around. But he automatically assumes that if I don't talk to him when he tries to contact me, that I am back with Spencer. He doesn't care that I'm sick. He freaked out on me because I didn't answer his phone call when my mother was talking to be about school. He ignored me all night and finally texted me around noon today. It truly sickens me- his behavior. How immature and rude. My life is falling apart and he's concerned about himself.

 So, I won't be going to school next semester. Hopefully I can find a well-paying job in the meantime. I need to get the hell away from Mazzio's. I don't get paid that well and they expect way more out of me than is reasonable for my pay. When the girl who sits on the bench when she is bored gets paid the same as me, there is something wrong.

I feel unappreciated. I feel as if I try really hard to make other people happy and yet I get nothing out of it. I try to help others out and be friendly and listen and make an effort to show that somebody cares, but who cares about me? It's like that song-"I'm supergirl and I'm here to save the world, but I wanna know, who's gunna save me?"

 I'm trying so hard to be with Spencer. I love him so much. I try to talk to him and to cuddle with him and to be there for him. He doesn't seem to care. He says he cares. He says he wants to be with me, but I think overall he just pities me. I know he won't miss me when I'm living in the same place as him, but I want to be near him. I want him to be happy with me. I still believe that we are meant to be together. We will get married. We will have a family. We will grow old together. I love him darn it!

So, it seems like things are just falling downhill incredibly quickly. Life will surely look up soon, right? Only so many things can go bad. I don't know how to handle this. I want to be incredibly optimistic. I want to believe that this is my chance to truly prove myself. To show myself that I can and will work for my goal (not that I even know what the heck it is) and not necessarily need anyone's help. I feel like I'm on my own on this one and that's how it'll be. Lots to think about.

Love,
       Lexy

September Goals

Tuesday morning I woke up with a fever and had to call in to work. :/ Bleh. I still don't feel too good and my throat hurts a lot. I'm afraid I have strep throat AGAIN!!!!

Anyway I thought I'd post some goals. I'm starting them... NOW. Because I already broke some of them but I still need to work on them even if it doesn't include all of September.

1. Be on time to work.
2. Be on time to class.
3. Turn in all homework on time.
4. Lose 8 lbs. 
5. Read 1 book.
6. Save $50.00

I think the hardest ones will be the weight and the money.

I just had a difficult discussion with my mother regarding finances. I'll make a blog post about that later because there are a lot of things to think about.

Love,
  Lexy

Changes

Spencer and I broke up. There said it. Put it out there. It is sad and scary and it doesn't feel real.

We are still living together and I still want to be together in the end. But having this break... It isn't so bad. I enjoy not having to worry about him breathing down my back, being up my ass, and ruining his own future. We were reaching a point where we hated to be around each other. Life was awful with a few enjoyable moments. Now I don't feel like I have to spread myself so thin.

I'm not sure what he has been doing, but I've been working and schooling and hanging out with friends. I've been enjoying my freedom and have been staying up all night. Haha, probably not the best decision, but when you don't want to go to sleep- you can't! :)

That is all for now,
                Lexy

Unexpected Guidance?

"...And I think of Jesus's arms and how I need Him, that's who I need and I know I know Him through these friends but that I'm going to have to keep following Him to keep whole."
------ Waiting by Carol Lynch Williams

Today I prayed to God, to Jesus, to help me find guidance. To come closer to him and to understand him more. That's it. That's all I did.

Then I went to my mother's house to look after her. (She just had back surgery) While there, I read an entire book. The one quoted above called Waiting. I picked this book up from the library for fun. Just to read and enjoy. Not anywhere in the description does it mention a theme of religion. Not anywhere does it mention that Jesus was going to step in. However; in the end the protagonist makes statement, quoted above, and it took me by surprise.

The girl lost her brother, her very best friend. Her mother hated her after the loss and her family fell apart. She struggles with getting along with her life. God helps her through.

I am in love with the fact that this has happened to me tonight. That God has answered my prayers just hours after I asked for guidance.

I've been in such a funk lately. I've been so sad and unhappy. I've been completely unwilling to be cheered up or to do anything but what is required of me. I feel strongly that I felt compelled to read this book to help me. To prove that I can turn to Him for guidance.

                            Love,
                                 Lexy

A little thinking about THE big guy.

A religious person I am not. I dabble through stages of learning about God and what it means to be apart of his 'family.' Overall, I never end up convinced and I feel as if God has to prove Himself to me. It is very difficult for me to hand over control and even more difficult for me to put faith in something whose only evidence of existence is man made- the Bible. Sure there are 'miracles' and testimonies from people, but there are people who truly believe all kinds of things and that doesn't make them real.

My point, with this post, is not to go into a rant about how God isn't real. I DON'T KNOW. I am simply a 21 year old girl trying to figure life out. I don't believe that as a human being, anybody on Earth could possibly fathom what God is like, truly. The majesty of a superior being could not be absorbed by our likeness.

That said, I am back into the mood where I am trying to learn about God. I've decided to try this website: http://www.godlife.com/new-believers-guide that has short program for getting started. It has thirty lessons, questions, and people available to talk to if need be.

My main issue is that I don't care for going to church. I don't know where I would go or even what to expect. I know that shouldn't be an issue. However, I am extremely introverted and actually quite afraid of dealing with people. I feel like attending church would help me, but then it would end up feeling like an obligation and I would become resentful towards church and God.

I'm going to explore some more on the internet and see what I come up with.

                                                         Love,
                                                              Lexy

Club?

I was invited to go to a club in about a month. I really want to go since I've never been before. I don't really know if I can dance, but I do want to look hot. So, now I have to find something to wear and try and hurry and get in shape.

I need to lift weights like crazy. I dislike my arms so much and I know it'll be relatively easy to actually fix my strength but maybe not the appearance of the fat. :/

A Lesson in Relationships

Chico and I have been together for almost five years now. We have gone through a lot of crap together and have learned a lot from our biggest blow-out.

The number one thing we learned to do is to keep negative comments to ourselves. This is not to say we do not let each other know about something that annoys/bothers us. Actually, quite the opposite. We ONLY tell each other. We have found that we are far more likely to complain about each other to friends and family but not praise each other to friends and family. This creates a lopsided illusion that makes our relationship sound crappy! Of course our loved ones don't want us in crappy relationships so they tell us ways to be bossy and/or to break up with each other. They don't fight for the other side or try to bring into perspective a story that is only being told from one side.

In the end, when you do something major in a relationship it should be completely your own idea. Getting married before a baby or before moving in, is perhaps traditional, but rushing into something like that isn't intelligent. Every relationship has to run its own course and only the two people involved should have any say over what happens.

It was an incredibly difficult learning experience for Chico and I. And when asked about our relationship we now think of the entirety of it. Not just the last fight we got into. By keeping our fights between us, we don't let anything else weasel its way in.

                     Love,
                        Lexy

July Goals

Clean litter boxes 12 times
Workout 12 times
Read 2 books (1 has to be Wicked)
Water Plants 15 times
Smash book 3 pages
Hang with my family 2 times
Hang with Spencer's family 2 times
Walk Toasty 5 times
Lose 8 pounds



---------------------------------
Last month I didn't really achieve my goals, but I'm cutting myself some slack since I've worked a lot AND I didn't decide my goals until halfway through the month.

We did go to the Lion King show and I was on time to work for 4/5 times. Also, I did weed and mulch my garden! :) More than I thought, haha.

Dinner

Tonight we went to Spencer's parent's house and ate dinner. It was nice because I haven't been going over there lately due to laziness. Haha, and plus I got to see Dakota's hamster- Ham ham.

We had ribs and tatertots. Then, I totally fell asleep. I was just so relaxed.

There's my quick update. I'm trying to play with my hedgehog. :)

Weigh-In

I lost 1.2 pounds today according to weight watchers. :) Yay. Slowly dropping those pounds again. Once I start hitting the gym up I expect to see that number start dropping faster!

Period.

I started my period today, so I'm kind of ho-hum. Bleh.

I plan on going to the dollar store today to get some organizational things. :) Because I'm addicted! I shouldn't be spending money but come on! It's the dollar store!

I want to organize underneath the bathroom sinks and my gardening stuff.

We'll see. I've been pinteresting up a storm here lately. Haha, I think I'm going to go do that and then clean the litter boxes. :/

                Love,

                        Lexy

Finances

Yesterday Spencer and I went out to eat at Arby's and discussed our finances. We don't have very much money and we need to start spending/saving. However, with bills and whatnot it is hard. Of course everyone has bills! We are no different, but it does seem more difficult than it has been.

Mostly, I think, because of the fact that he keeps paying for everything for his brother. Oh well. I can't be naggy towards him. It's just, we can't keep spending twenty dollars for ice cream every time he hangs out with us. It isn't okay that we have to pay for everything just for him to hang out.


Another thing: Yesterday Spencer and I did a couple good deeds. There was a poor man sitting outside Wal-Mart with a sign asking for help- any kind of help. We gave him a couple water bottles, some bananas, and we gave him the $10.00 gift card I got from work for being employee of the month. Later at Homeland there was a family who didn't quite have enough money and put back a little kid's lunchable. He was quite devastated, but was still behaving pretty well. We went ahead and bought it for them and he was very happy. Haha. :)
I know you aren't supposed to 'brag' about doing good things for others. But why not? If the feeling I get from talking about doing good makes ME happy. Then I'm more likely to do it more. Soooo hmph!

                                   Love,
                                         Lexy

Work

My job at work used to be to  make pizzas for two hours, then do register/clean for six hours. This worked fine and dandy.

However, now we've had to make changes to the schedule due to some major conflicts and now I don't come in at 8:00am, but at 9:30. The job I do at 9:30 takes the other person coming in at 8:00am and working until 10:30 to complete. So, basically I have to come in an hour and a half later and do everything they did in one hour before I am FORCED to go do register.

Yesterday it went terribly. As soon as my other register girl came, I ran to the back to try and finish stuff up but it just wasn't working out. Not to mention one of my co-workers is REALLY grumpy in the morning and was just being a jerk to me. On the flip side, one co-worker was really sympathetic and helpful and it made me want to cry!

I'm hoping today goes better.

After all that running around yesterday morning the afternoon was great. My 'work boyfriend' was really sweet to me. It was wonderful. :)


Love,
     Lexy

House Keeping!

So, lately in an effort to accomplish my June goals, I have been cleaning the house more regularly. I've been sweeping like a crazy, cleaning the litterbox daily (should probably already be doing that, huh?), doing dishes, and folding laundry.

This is all normal, I mean... normal cleaning stuff. Cleaning isn't necessarily normal for me. Anyway, because I have work in the morning and am required to wear black- which shows all the cat hair and whatnot I have have been cleaning in my underwear.

I like it! Haha. I don't get all hot and I don't have to worry about getting my clothes dirty. Then I'm also able to tell if I'm missing something that is apart of my uniform. For example, when cleaning with my uniform on- as soon as I have to leave, I leave. Leaving behind my hat, my lunch, etc. Now, I get completely dressed at one time and remember all my clothing. :)

I'll spare you a picture today.

                Love,
                      Lexy

Chazzy's first bath

I filled up the sink with about an inch of warm water and let him run around like a mad man. Actually, he probably was a mad man. He was so grateful when I stuck my hand in there and he was able to climb out. I wrapped him in a towel and he was as snug as a bug in a rug.

Happy Birthday!

My future father-in-law turned fifty three today! So we treated the family to some deeply discounted Mazzio's Buffet. :) Delicious.

Then we went to their house and watched the second half of The Possession and had cake and ice cream. Overall it was a fun night. ;)

Earlier this morning I had a busy day at work and learned quite a lot. Despite having worked there for a while I can't believe how much I really don't know. But I''m learning! I got off work an hour late and then went to K-Mart and got cat food, cat litter, shorts, Diet Root Beer, and some Sharpies. Plus, I decided to treat the cats to some canned cat food! Mija is the only one that actually ate all her's! Kiki and Church decided to lick all the juicy liquid out of them and just leave the actual meat. Those lame-o's! Haha. When I got home I did dishes, cleaned the litter boxes, swept, put two loads of laundry in, and folded a crap-ton of clothing. It felt like quite a productive day.

I'd really feel way more accomplished if I had managed to fit in a workout and a tanning session AND read some of my book. I like the book I am reading right now, Wicked. But I just don't ever seem to find time to read it. I will though. I certainly will.

Love,


     Lexy

Weekend Review

Saturday-- Went and paid bills with Chico. Then we ate Chinese and headed to Bingo. Bingo was a bust haha, we didn't win at all, but we did get in a dabber fight.

Sunday we woke up and saw that mom and dad had decided that we were going rafting- immediately. So we had to jump out of bed and hurry up and get ready. We spent a full day on the river. Boy did I get sunburned. It is just draining me!

Work today was a bit sucky. Definitely not one of my favorite days. I tried to stay cheerful.

I was reading an Oprah magazine during the car ride to the River Ranch Resort and I loved Martha Beck's article. Her's are my favorite part of the magazine along with the book suggestions. Anyway, she listed lazy ways to make others feel better.

One of her suggestions was to pretend that everyone in the room loves you. I loved that suggestion. If I walked into my parents' house, I know everyone loves me and is happy to see me. I let down my guard and so do they. So I think another important aspect is to love everyone in the room back. Doing this I feel we can build much stronger connections and have happier days.

I do feel that I am usually cheerful and optimistic about things, especially at work. Today, things were just really getting me down.

                     Love,
                          Lexy

Goals for June

I know it is already eight days into June, but its never too late to make a goal in my book! Haha.

I just want to live with purpose that way I can look back and KNOW that I did do something!

1. Order Lion King Tickets
2. Go to Lion King Show
3. Read Wicked
4. Pay June Bills
5. Organize Filing System
6. Weed Garden
7. Clean Litter Box at least three times a week
8. Lose Five Pounds
9. Workout Twelve Times
10. Mop Floors

My favorite quote...

"You are what you repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit."

Dollar Store Purchases!

I got off work today basically on time so I went to the Dollar Tree. :)

Cotton pads and nail polish remover. I haven't been painting my nails. Then over the weekend I decided I would. Come Monday, when I had work I remembered why I hadn't been painting them! Because I didn't have nail polish remover, so I had to wear gloves all day just in case. Now I can start painting my nails again with no harm done!

I also bought glue (a two pack) and a book. I just can't resist a cheap book. I found a pack of clothes pins. I'm currently in love with patriotic stuff right now, so I'm thinking I will paint them red, white, and blue for the fourth of july and stuff. I might also paint an Ohio State University one for my Aunt.

Lastly, the main reason I went was to get a metal spatula and some tongs. We have a new (CHEAP) grill and have cooked out the two out of two nights that we've owned it. However, we have been using my parents utensils to cook. Now we have our own.

The total came to $8.??. :) It was a happy shopping day for me.

Introducing...

Chazzy!!!

 

Chazzy is my waayy cute, waay adorable, super muncher hedgehog! Look how freakkkking adorable he is. OMG he is so cute that I can't control my excessive letter-adding! 

In the beginning there was much confusion as to what sex Chazzy was. Haha, boy or girl!?! First he was Chazzy then Nola, then Chazzy, then Nola and now FINALLY (I hope) he is Chazzy! I'm serious, he is the cutest freaking creature ever!

And the cats mostly leave him alone. ;)


So, I'm starting a new... "challenge." I'm going to be blogging 21 days out of the month until my next birthday. Because, y'know, I'm twenty one. 

Also, update on the weight loss..... or lack thereof. Yeah, I haven't lost weight. At all. My eating has been horrendous. Truly truly awful. But something about a whole new month and summer just encourages the heck out of me! So, breakfast was some cherries and water!

On Monday, I'll be starting my running plan too! Be excited for me!

Love,
    Lexy

((P.S. I'm lobster red from Sunfest!))

Hedgehog!!

Got my hedgehog yesterday! So excited. I think (s)he might be cold though because she was shaking a lot. so I have her warming up. :)

Happy mother's day all you mamas!

Also, we have two new cats! Well, they aren't ours, but we are watching them for three weeks.

Pictures later!
          Love,
              Lexy

Decisive

I recently read a book titled Decisive. This book was wonderful! It was part business book/part self-help book. It described a process of making decisions in life and business that best suit your needs. I totally love the book and even visited the website to use some of their resources.

One thing that I've specifically been thinking about is their suggestions of widening your options (AND not OR) and of test driving a certain circumstance. Chico and I had been discussing me quitting my job and taking a break while looking for a more professional job outside of the food industry. So in our mind it was quit/look for a job OR stay at Mazzios. After reading the book, I've decided to keep my job AND look for another but at the same time taking more control of my schedule so that I have time to enter into a job/career search.

In addition, I may be taking classes over the summer at Rogers State University. I hope so anyway. :)

Anyway, I should get to sleep- after all, I have school/finals and work tomorrow.

Love,
   Lexy

Who am I Most Like?

There is a quote that I thought was interesting... something like... "You become more like the top 5 people you spend your time with. Choose wisely."
I probably ruined the crap out of the quote.

Anyway, I spend time with my Chico. Seeing as he is my boyfriend of almost five years and we live together in a house. He can be hilarious and witty and temperamental. There's good and bad of course.

Then I guess... Kiki? My cat?! Haha, she's whiny and beautiful. Can I become more beautiful by being with her? She loves me the most. :) So, I love her the most! Haha.

My next person would probably be Ashton my friend, coworker, and college peer. We talk at work and at school. A lot. We understand each other. She can be short, driven, excited, and blunt. Plus, SHE'S PRETTY. And in shape. Although she claims not to be, but whatever.

My last people would have to be people I strictly work with. I see them daily and honestly spend more time around them, although I am not necessarily hanging out with them. These people are all adults with dry senses of humor, but with their lives already put together. Not much life planning to do. They are are hard-workers and full of knowledge of our city and its resources.

I can't decide if I'm like the people I spend time with. Like, truly similar to them with my characteristics. However, I'm off to go spend more time with them!

Love,
      Lexy

The End is Near

The end of the semester is coming up and I'm super excited!

• Bio. Movie Review
• Humanities Essay Gather Humanities Notes
• Copy Old Test
• Rewrite past notes
• Humanities Exam
• Ethics Exam
• Biology Study Guide (8 Questions a day)
• Go over lab procedures
• Biology Exam

Then unrelated to tests:

• Blog as frequently as possible
• Get Hedgehog Cage Finished!
• Enroll in Fall Semester
• Find Resume

I'm going to go get started. Oh, did I mention that my loving Kiki has decided to help- by attacking my pens!? Such a considerate cat.

Love,
    Lexy

Weight Update

Like I've mentioned before. I have joined Weight Watchers. I've been a member since February 14th, 2013.

 Many people think this is a waste of money. That once you have the information, there is no point in paying about $45 a month just to weigh-in. However, I definitely feel differently. I do weigh-in once a week, on Thursdays and then sit through a half-hour long meeting. They write down my weight, keep it private if I gain, and celebrate if I lose- especially if it is a milestone loss.

I've loss my first five pounds, my 5% goal, and my second five pounds. So, in all I've lost 10.2 pounds! Would I have lost weight without Weight Watchers?! I absolutely do not think so!

Having a weekly meeting hanging over my head does help me make better decisions and I've been able to drastically reduce my portion sizes and eat until satisfied, not stuffed. I love the humor at my meetings and the fun in being surrounded by like-minded people.

I would definitely suggest Weight Watchers to anyone who wants to lose weight in a healthy way. I believe that if you follow the program like intended that the weight will come off, and stay off. Even if you stop tracking points religiously. I don't feel like you have to stay in the program forever and I don't feel like it is a fad diet. I still eat what I want- I seriously do. I just don't eat four servings of everything. You learn to appreciate flavors and to increase intake of fruits and veggies.

Like I said, I've lost a little over 10 pounds, so I'm super happy! My leader suggested that I set a new goal of 15 pounds which is totally doable!! :D I'm looking forward to meeting my new goal and integrating working out into my routine.

               Love,
                    Lexy

And Baby Makes Three.

And by baby I mean kitty.

Meet Kiki!

 We went to the ASPCA one day to pick up a kitten. I was very emotional that day and ended up crying twice while at the pound.

One lady was giving up her dog. I just can't grasp reaching a point where I would give up an animal. I very strongly believe that animals are a part of your family once you adopt them. You don't drop your son off somewhere. For all that owner knows, that dog is going straight to its death!

Anyway, I digress, we went looking for a kitten. We wanted to start our own little family with an adorable little ball of fur. The woman told us that they didn't have any kittens, so did we even want to bother looking? Are you kidding me?! Like I'm EVER going to pass on a chance to hang out with some cool cats. :) So we went to the little trailer that is not attached to the building at all.

The second we walked in, all the cats woke up and were throwing themselves at the cages, trying to get pet. It made me sooooo sad. I'm used to cats being such independent, stuck-up snobs who don't need anyone. I couldn't fathom how lonely those cats were to be soooo eager for human contact.

I instantly was drawn to this giant male cat who was just beautiful and of course he was taken. No problem. I should have known, plus this way I know at least one of those cats had a home.

So we are looking at the cats and petting them all and spending time with them all. This particular trailer had some younger cats who weren't quite mature but weren't kittens. Did I get one of those cats? Nope.

I go to the last cage in the corner of the trailer, bottom row. And there is a beautiful, mostly white calico with GIANT GIANT GIANT blue eyes. Wow, those eyes! I stick my hand in to pet her and you know what she does? She licks me! I loved her! Her information said that her name was Absinthe and that she was two years old (the oldest cat in the trailer!), declawed in the front, and that her previous owner had had her for almost a year and then had 'decided' that she was allergic to the cat. Are you kidding me?!

I start thinking about our white couch and how great it would be to get a white cat whose hair won't show up on it. Her being declawed was also a big bonus because she wouldn't tear it up.

After much fighting and a lot of whining, we finally got Kiki into a cat carrier and filled out her paperwork then took her home. On the way home, her pitiful meowing and scary tearing up of the box forced me to let her out. She realized she was in a car, freaked out, climbed onto my shoulder, and panted the rest of the way home.

For the first hour or so she stayed under the bed. Then, as you can see, we managed to get her to play.

So, that's the story of how I went to the ASPCA to get a kitten and ended up getting the oldest cat they had!

                               Love,
                                    Lexy (and Kiki)

New Weight Loss Plan

So, as of February 14th I have been a member of weight watchers 360. All in all I have lost seven pounds over the course of five weeks.

At first my weight loss was fairly rapid as I strictly adhered to the guidelines. Then, I became bored with the system and enthralled with candy and fast food that I began not tracking my points and eating less fruit.

However, after gaining .2 pounds at the last meeting, I have renewed my attempt. I have been hardcore planning my meals and tracking points. I've made extensive use of my scales and measuring cups. I've learned the importance of protein in a diet and how much drinking water influences hunger. We'll see on Thursday how much I weigh and how this week went. I'm incredibly optimistic because I've put in the effort this last week and it seems to be getting easier.

In addition to joining weight watchers 360, I have also joined a gym, Colaw. I know, kinda silly since I get a free membership at the YMCA because of my brother working there, but at Colaw it is only $9 a month if I go a minimum of 12 times for 15 minutes each. That is incredible incentive to me! If I do not go that many times, the price increases to $30.00 a month! Plus, there is free tanning!

My current short term goal is to lose ten pounds by April 13, my birthday! :)

Forgot who I was?

Hey! It's me again!

I've disappeared for quite a while, but believe me- a lot has been going on.

Quick list- new house, new cat, new furniture, no heat, no oven, close to forty hours of work a week, school, tons of hanging out with friends, shopping, hiking, cooking, weight watchers, CLEANING.

That sums it up quite nicely. :)

I'll do a real post soon!

Love,
  Lexy

Study Sunday

          Focusing on studying on Sunday is a great way to get prepared for your week. Most classes give out a prepared schedule for the semester with the syllabus. Look ahead and mark the chapters you need to read in each class. I personally like to do my homework and studying in the order it is due. When I first get my syllabus, I go through and add everything to my agenda to have a one-stop shop for my Sunday to-do list.

        My list includes high-importance homework items first in order that they need to be done, then high importance studying, then low importance homework. For example, if I have reading chapter questions due on Tuesday I do those first, then I study for my Monday night class by reading the chapter and reading any available notes online, then I work homework that is due Thursday. I have to force myself to study individual classes between doing all my homework assignments because I’ll often just leave studying for another time which hardly ever actually happens. Studying and not just doing homework is very important to achieving success. 

       All in all, the main idea is that things you will be held immediately accountable by matter of grades come first. 

Weigh-in Wednesday Wk. 4

174 pounds... Again.

I've been working out over this past week. Doing at least 5 miles on the bike and jogging/walking at least 1 mile per a gym session. In addition, I've done some weights.

The weight is staying because I keep eating! We went to the movies and I chowed down on candy the whole time... and I mean chowed down! No nibbling for this girl. Plus, I've been drinking sugary/calorie filled pop and noshing on potato chips like they'll be discontinued tomorrow. My fast food habit has gone down and pizza/pasta is on the dinner/lunch list every day considering that is where I work.

I bought some workout clothes courtesy of my loving and caring boyfriend. Of course, who do you think paid for all the candy and fast food? I still love him. :)

I seriously need to focus on water and less junky food. Says the girl who just ate a Lindor chocolate truffle.

           Love,
                    Lexy

Closet Cleaning

 

"I said, I'm sorry Mama, I never meant to hurt you. I never meant to make you cry but tonight, I'm cleaning out my closet." Eminem (hottest man alive!)

 

I am a college student. I used to go to OSU, but found it wasn't my cup of tea (as far as the school itself- I LOVE the people) and that I was incredibly homesick. I ended up transferring to RSU a local college and I moved back home. The second I had moved out the door or my house, my little sister took my room and my godfather took her room. So, when I cam back I had NO WHERE to put my stuff. The put tons of it in the garage, but a girl has to be able to get dressed! Our garage is NOT attached, nor organized. It was a headache every time I had to go out there to find and get something. I had little piles of stuff in the living room which my mom would get ticked off about. So she moved it to the dining room, which is where my family likes to dump ALL of their clothes and so I wouldn't be able to find my stuff or they would have mixed it with their dirty clothes which obviously would anger me. Finally, I cleaned this hall closet that had tons of painting stuff, molding (which was never put up), and boxes- ALL from the last 10 years!

 

So, I occupied it for sometime. Then I got lazy and... Well, I'll just show you. 

 

 

 

 

Magazines, backpacks, lunch bags, sticky notes, stuffed animals, and clothes all littered the ground. In addition my organizer down the center of my closet was too packed with clothing and was spitting it all back up.

Then there was this weird looking tan thing hanging up that I used for my jewelry.

So, I bought this! I knew I could use it for something!

I spray-painted it using a purple glitter and hung it up using a 3m command hook. I absolutely love those things!! I through a couple scarfs on it, and dangled some of my favorite necklaces.

 

 Then I got a little handy and pulled out a flat-head screwdriver and took that ugly tan thing out! I put some more command hooks up and hung more jewelry including my earrings. By the way, I made that earring holder back at OSU to save space. I just recycled a Ramen Noodle box by cutting a heart out and covering with scrapbook paper and then poked holes in it and pulled the ribbon through.

 

As you can see, clothing isn't falling out of the organizer and I've definitely pared down my over the door organizer. Also, I color-coordinated my clothes with shirts/cardigans on one side and tanks, dresses, sweat pants on the other. One thing I realized is odd- I fold my jeans and hang my sweatpants. Isn't it supposed to be the other way around.

 Finally, here is the ground! What a lovely ground it is! Now I can have a dance party in my closet and you're invited!
 
It feels great to have my closet done because it was making me miserable every time I had to get something out of it. Plus, I'm sure my family members appreciate not seeing an avalanche of items spilling out of my closet.

Love,
    Lexy

Weigh-in Wednesday Wk. 3

So, I'm forcing myself to be accountable and more importantly- in the middle of the week! Once I mess up I always push things to Monday, but now that would not make any sense whatsoever!

I weigh: 174 pounds

Which is not where I want to be. I haven't lost anything since my first weight post. In fact, I may have gained!

That said, today and yesterday were the first days that I did any kind of exercise. I'm doing at least 50 squats, 50 bicep curls, and 50 crunches a day. That and walking.

My mother also wants me to go to the gym with her. That'll probably happen tomorrow.

So there is my update.

  Love,
      Lexy

Recap Tuesday

I've decided to create an order to my blog posts so that I know what I should talk about when I feel like I don't have anything to say!

Watched Gangster Squad and Mama with Spencer, Junior, and Dakota.

I enjoyed Gangster Squad a lot! It was a bit sad (I am always really affected by death of fictional characters!), but overall great. There was a nice balance of action and plot. I hate watching those movies where you can't tell who is shooting who and what is going on, but this was perfect. Plus, I love mob-ish stories!

Before watching Mama, the four of us went to Kandy Kraze and made up two bags of candy that totaled $28.00! Can you believe that?! It was entirely too much candy and no, we did not eat it all.

 

Mama was okay. I'd give it 3 out of 5 stars. There was so much computer animation towards the end that I felt like I was watching a kiddie movie.

 

Having watched Gangster Squad I FINALLY realize why people like Ryan Gosling. *swoons* He's sooo cute! My goodness.

*sigh* Look at that man!

 

Spencer and I went over to our coworker's house for her 18 birthday party on Saturday. We spent a lot of time over there and got a glimpse of Mexican culture. They were teaching us a couple phrases here and there, haha. I specifically thought it was cool how when someone came over, they personally greeted and touched each family member. It felt more personal than a simple handshake. It's really hard to explain because it was unlike the usual American greeting, but also similar.

 

Sunday night we went up to Mazzio's Italian Eatery and ate dinner with the same co-workers. Afterwards, Spencer went with them to the casino and I went home to complete some homework.

 Then last night he went to the casino again while I was at school. When I came home I took a quiz and spent a lot of time on Pinterest. :) Overall, he lost $70.00 there.

 

It's been a nice, busy, and fulfilling week.

 

Love,

     Lexy

Catching Up!

Basically, my first week of school is over. I go to school Monday-Wednesday. I work Wednesday-Sunday, though, so I'll have to make sure that I make time to get started on reading and homework.

What I wore Tuesday. The top was from JC Penney for only $8.00!

 

This is what I wore yesterday- when I wasn't at work.

 

I have work today until 2:00pm and then its off to the computer lab for me! I need to print some stuff off for school.

 

 

Love,

     Lexy

School Days

So, I'm quite new to trying to take outfit of the day pictures! Haha, don't ask me what I'm looking at. this is what I wore for my first day of school, yesterday.

I had General Biology and that was it. Afterwards I went to Chico's house for lasagna! It was delicious! I felt quite sick all day yesterday, though, and ended up throwing up a couple times. I'm 100% better today.

 Oh, speaking of throwing up- Chico's little brother is expecting a baby in about 8 months! He's only 17 :/ I hope everything turns out fine.

 

That's all for now.

 

Love,

Lexy

 

Mason Jars

Some time back, I purchased a case of mason jars. I've ALWAYS loved mason jars probably because I love any jar, box, compartment-like thing that I can use for organizing.

 

Since Chico started working at Mazzio's with me, he has started storing away tips. He currently keeps them in his tootsie roll bank that he got at Christmas. I decided to paint a mason jar with chalk paint it. The result is as you see below.

I think I may paint the whole thing all the way around. I think he'd like seeing tidbits of his money though! :)

 

Love,

   Lexy