Police Academy - Soon to be Officer Sarah Jones

Bootsie is so excited for youngest daughter, Sarah! She got the call today that she's been waiting over a year for!! She's accepted in the January TCC Police Academy!! She has been so focused and dedicated to being a police officer for two years and finally she's in!!

I could not be more proud!! That's not to say the Bootsiemama in me isn't a little apprehensive about her 138 pound baby girl being a police woman. However, I've watched her grow and mature into the woman she is and look forward to seeing her in uniform and wearing that badge with pride!! And believe me she will wear it with pride!! Criminal Justice is her forte and she loves it!!

All three of Boostie's daughters are special women and have great personalities! They are all so different and have very unique qualities that make them who they are. They're a pretty well rounded trio, got a elementary school teacher, a dental hygienist (almost, she's in school) and now we're going to have a police officer!

Boostie and Mr. Husband didn't do too bad a job raising them!!

Life and curve balls...not a fan!!

Bootsie is a littel worried and trying really hard not to be depressed, Mr. Husband was laid off from his job!!


Pro: he'll be home.

Con: no job.

Pro: three more checks.

Con: no money.

Pro: the family decided back in October not to exchange Christmas gifts.

Con: won't be buying for my kids :~(

Pro: save money.

Con: feels weired.

Oh well, life goes on!! I've prayed and gave it to the Lord to handle. Hope he remembers what all my bills are :~p Just kidding Lord...I know you know what our needs are!!

New Club WW Plan...PointsPlus!!

Bootsie was briefed on the new Weight Watchers PointsPlus Program last night...OMG!! Trying really hard to wrap my head around this new and improved program!! Talk about TMI...

It will be okay, once the old program is wipped from memory...Bootsie has a hard time reprogramming!!! However, inspration filled the room by the weight loss members as they celebrated at last night's meeting. A couple of people lost 7+ pounds!! And celebrate they did!!

Bootsie really wants her daughter to see a difference when she comes home for Christmas...focus, focus, focus!!!

Give it to me straight...

Bootsie is a big girl you got something to say to me, just say it I can take it!! Don't understand why people would rather spend more time and energy "dancing" around a problem or hurt feelings than dealing with it head on!! Just say it...talk it through and move on!!


On a more pleasant note; at daybreak, the moon and bright star in the eastern sky was spectacular!!!

Winter and colder temps...not a fan!!

Bootsie is a summer girl, prefers beach sand instead of snow!! It was 29 degrees this morning in Benbrook, TX!!! When the dogs went outside this morning to do their business, I'm pretty sure their pee froze in mid stream!!! Burrrrrrrrrrrr!!!




Very sleepy today, late night visiting with Daughter #1 after her Vantel Pearl party...so much fun!! If you've never been to a Vantel Pearl party you need to check it out...diving for oysters and the anticipation of what you get is so much fun!! Daughter #1's oyster produced a 9mm pearl with yellow tones, beautiful!!! The Vantel Pearl Representative said it was the biggest pearl she'd seen in the two years of hosting parties. Another person's oyster produced a beautiful blue/black pearl!! It was stunning!!!

Controlling people!!!

Gotta vent!! Bootsie just doesn't understand why some people have to control EVERYTHING in their path. I don't get it...is it a power thing? ego thing? or just cause they think they can thing?

I try real hard to let it roll off, like "water on a duck's back" as Nanny use to say!! But, I have to tell you, it's getting really old!!

Bootsie's easy going disposition is going pretty quickly at this rate!! Just want to scream...ok, I'm better now!

Thanks for listening!!!

Thanksgiving 2010

Picture is stolen from my friend Dillypoo who did the Turkey Trot too. I didn't take any pictures, but was in a few thanks to Chaye!!

Up and out of the house by 7:15am headed to the Turkey Trot! This is my first time to do the trot, it was fun. We walked with daughter, Jessica her husband, Cam and Cam's brother Chaye and his wife Connie and their five month old baby boy, Michael!! Plus three of Connie's sisters. We finished and that was my goal this year!!

I've been getting into this 5K stuff! This is the second one in two weeks I've done. I'm still in the walking mode, but hope to graduate to jogging/running one day soon!!

Thanksgiving dinner was at my brother's house this year, his girlfriend Stacy did a nice job cooking the turkey, dressing and other dishes. Her family was also there, so there was a nice size group. In addition to turkey, brother roasted a bison primrib!! It was good too.

Two of our three girls were there with their husband and boyfriend. We missed the Lincoln family!!

Coming back!!! Again...

Bootsie has been gone for over a month. Life events have gotten in the way. Not comfortable Blogging about the last month, so starting fresh is the only way!!!

4th of July is Bootsie's favorite holiday!! Summer fun, cook outs, friends, family and of course the beautiful fireworks, but the absolute best part is all the patriotic music!! Brings a tear to my eye every time...I know, I know...Bootsie is a sap!!

Bootsie and Mr. Husband are starting the long weekend going to see Robert Earl Keen tonight at Lone Star Park. Should be fun!! Mr. Husband is a huge REK fan!! The Road Goes on Forever and the Party Never Ends....

Challenging week...in so many ways!!

Okay, so Bootsie has new neighbors, they built a fence, on her property!! Then Miss Fireweed, Bootsie's Jeep had to go in the hospital and it costs $879.00 to spring her out!! UGH!! Oh well, for anyone interested, Miss Fireweed is doing well and blowing very cold air now!!! YEA!!!

Bootsie's is so ready for the three day weekend...dealing with surveyors, mechanics and uncooperative neighbors all week and all alone, because Mr. Husband works in Houston!!! Brain is fried!!!

Bootsie wishes she could go home and hibernate from the world...unfortunately, that's not an option...tonight is nephew's high school graduation, Daughter #2 and her husband are coming to town, tomorrow night is Daughter #2's best friend's wedding reception and Sunday is Daughter #2's one year anniversary!! Maybe hibernation will come on Monday, just in time to come back to work...

Oh and if all that wasn't enough...Bootsie has fallen off the weight loss wagon and trying very hard to find it and jump back on!!

May 14, 2010...New Neighbors

After four years of living next door to a quiet, sweet, elderly lady, named Miss Jane. We got new neighbors. Long story short, or maybe not so short...Miss Jane and the White's (whose house we bought) were best Friends for many years, moved down here from Chicago together and built their houses side by side. Miss Jane is the only one of the four still living. She now lives in a very nice retirement center in Granbury and is doing great at 90 years young!!!

Anyway, Miss Jane and the White's never had a need for a fence between their properties. The lots are odd shaped, plus they were best friends so who needed a fence. Not them...we've lived in our house for four years very peacefully with no fence and the back yard is beautiful, almost has a golf course feel to it. Of course, we knew one day new people would move in and would most likely want to built a fence. Which has happened, Miss Jane sold her house and the couple plans to retire there. So as we suspected, they are building a fence...this is where it gets interesting...

Mr. New Neighbor started drilling holes for his fence posts. Bootsie noticed that five of her sprinkler heads are on the other side of Mr. New Neighbor's fence.

Bootsie: Excuse me sir, I think we have a problem.

Mr. New Neighbor: What?

Bootsie: your fence is on my property. See those sprinkler heads, those are ours.

Mr. New Neighbor: What do you mean?

Bootsie: Here's our survey, see you're building your fence too far over and you're on our property.

Mr. New Neighbor: I'm going by what I have. (an hour later the fence post are in concrete. Five days later fence is complete)

All week Mr. New Neighbor and his brother continue to build fence. On our property!!! All week long Bootsie has been researching the land. Very interesting, found out the plat of land was plotted and filed with Tarrant County in January 1967!! And the surveyor who did the original plotting is still alive and working!!! Amazing!!! Anyway, according to our survey, plat and plot drawings Mr. New Neighbor IS indeed on our property!!!

Now the task and challenge of getting him to move it...we have to be neighbors with these people probably for the rest of our lives!!! Not exactly getting off on the right foot...

Bootsie's back!!!

Been away for a while...lots has have happened...some good, some bad!!!

Most important thing is I'm back and trying really hard to stay positive and focused.

This week has been the week from hell...yes, I know it could be worse!!!

Anitque car show...

Saturday night, Mr. Husband and I are driving down Camp Bowie headed for the liquor store to order a keg for a party next weekend. On the way we spot an antique car show in the parking lot of a BBQ restaurant.

Bootsie: Let's stop and look around.

Mr. Husband: What? Stop? (he's not real spontaneous).

Bootsie: Yeah, let's go look around, it's a pretty evening and it looks like fun.

Mr. Husband: Well, okay.

So there we are walking around looking at all the cars, systematically of course, we start at one end and wind our way to the end. System works pretty good, until Bootsie decides to take pictures only to realize the camera is in the truck.

Bootsie: I want to take pictures.

Mr. Husband: What? Pictures, um okay.

Walked all the way back to the truck to get the camera and started randomly taking pictures.

Mr. Husband: You gotta take a picture of this one with the little guy leaned up against the bumper.

Bootsie: Okay, that is cute.

Mr. Husband: You gotta get the old antique car with the tractor seat on the front...

Bootsie: Um, okay.

Mr. Husband: Oh, and this one with the...

Before Bootsie knew it we were all over the parking lot going from one end to the other and back to the other end...so much for the system!! Just saying...

Bootsie: Okay, I have enough pictures.

Mr. Husband: Okay, are you sure? Did you get the 1931 truck? and the 1947 Bonnie and Clyde car? And what about the pretty blue one?

Bootsie: Yes, let's go in and have a beer and a snack.

Mr. Husband: What? Go in? (you know Mr. Spontaneous) Um, okay.

We go in sit at the bar and have a cold beer, first time in Bootsie's life she says "God, that's good" about a beer!!! Thought Mr. Husband was going to fall off his bar stool!!

Another weight loss...that's what I'm talking about!!!

Bootsie missed Wednesday's meeting so weighted in last night!!! Awesome....lost 2 whole pounds!!! Second week in a row with over a pound loss!! Yippee!! Hell Yeah, and Whoo Hoo...I'm just saying!!!

Finally ventured out of the neighborhood on the bike!! WOW!! What a difference!! Went to bike trails starting at Benbrook YMCA and rode to River Bend Road. Loved it. Only rode about four miles, but it was great!!!

Bootsie has come a long way and plans to keep going. Tomorrow morning will be meeting at Bicycle Inc. on Granbury Road to join a "beginners" group for a 11-18 mile ride!! We'll see how that goes.

Life if good...

Hummm...

Daughter #3 calls me at work, she is hysterical...

Daughter #3: "Mom there's a huge snake on the patio" she screamed while freaking out!!

Bootsie: "what does it look like?"

Daughter #3: "it's black, orange, yellow and BIG, what do I do?" "OMG!! it's moving, OMG!! What do I do?"

Bootsie: "Call animal control or the police department."

Daughter #3: "By the time they get here it'll be gone...OMG, it's moving again!!" "what do I do?"

Bootsie: "Call animal control...I'm at work what can I do?"

Daughter #3: "OMG, I can't see it...what do I do?"

Bootsie: Hung up and called animal control...they were there in 10 minutes!! Mr. Animal Control thinks it's a bull snake, harmless to human...unless you hurt yourself trying to get away from it!!

If Mr. Animal Control doesn't find Mr. Huge Snake that means for the next, oh probably forever we'll be leery of hanging on the patio!! Can't have that, we love hanging on the patio!! Man, this is certainly one disadvantage to having Husband working out of town!! Grrrr!!

Another Bride...Daughter #3 getting married!!

May 3, 2010, David's Bridal...Sarah picks her dress for the big day!!!

You would think after going through two older daughter's weddings I'd be use to this by now!! Well, I'm not...it's heartbreaking that my baby girl is getting married!! Oh, she'll be very happy I have no doubt!! And I'm happy that she's happy, but still...my baby girl getting married!!

What's a mom do to? Well, this mom is distracting myself with a home improvement project!! The master bedroom!! Boy, does it ever need it. Got the painter at the house today and carpet coming next week!!! More up dates later.

Trip to Home Depot carpet shoping...OMG!!

Home Depot carpet department...over whelming!!!

Last weekend Bootsie and Husband went to Home Depot in search of carpet for our bedroom. You know, just plain every day, ordinary carpet. Piece of cake, right? Wrong!!

OMG!! There are so many choices...thicknesses, weaves, sculpture, shag, short shag, etc...then there's the color! Hmmm, sand, mocha chocolate, taupe, latte dust...crazy!!! Not much difference in any of these colors!! So we finally agree on a color take the sample home, put in on the floor to see how it looks. Kind of hard to tell, the sample is only a 4"x 4" square!! Imagination, kicks in...yes, I think it will work.

Of course, when I go back to the store I have to wear blinders so I don't start looking agin and get sidetracked!!! Can be overwhelming!!!

With the decision made, measurement in hand I head for Home Depot. Standing in the carpet department for a while, no one around...hmmm, go to service desk request help for setting up carpet. Go back to carpet department, wait for help. Hmmm, no one comes. Go back to service desk, "is everyone busy?" I asked. "No one came to help you?" the clerk asked. "No, ma'am!!" I answered. Finally, a really nice lady comes to help me...she is very professional and seems to know her way around the carpet ordering process!! After, answering at least 25 questions, I leave with three printed packets of carpet information!! My brain is fried at this point...OMG!! I just want new carpet!!!

Some one will call to schedule an appointment to come take measurements and order the carpet. Then when carpet comes in the installation will be scheduled!! UGH!! I have measurements, it's one room 17'x 14'!! Had no idea buying carpet was so involved!!

The good thing...Home Depot's six month interest free purchase plan!! Yippy!!

Life is good...

True Delight...love them!!!

Quaker Oats True Delights Cafe Squares

Bootsie is loving these little 2 point treats!! Raspberry with dark cholocate goes great with a cup of Java!!

Rode the bike approx. 2 miles last night!! It's funny, now I find myself figuring mileage from point A to point B, so if I'm riding I know how far I've gone!! It's 1.6 miles from the front door to Williams Road, so a round trip would be 3.2 miles!! Plus I'm really aware of hills and incliens now!! Imagine that!! I'm loving the ride...

Son-in-law #2 sent me a link to the Benbrook triathlon being held on May 23!! Yeah, right...Like I'm ready for a triathlon...maybe next year!! LOL!!!

Changes are good!!!

Bootsie is 1.6 pounds lighter this wonderful Thursday morning! Doing the happy dance! The changes made last week worked. YEA!!!

Sitting in Trinity Park for lunch yesterday a Raccoon jumped out of a trash can with a corn cob in it's mouth! Taking a double look to make sure it was a raccoon and not one of the many cats that live in the park. Sure enough it was a raccoon!! It was a shock to see a raccoon in the middle of the day, much less in the middle of a city park!! Wildlife...love it!!

Met one of my best high school girlfriends for dinner and drinks last night!! She found a picture of us and our dates going to a formal dance. She said "Girl, we looked good!" Can't wait until I look good again!!

It's always fun to get with friends from different periods of your life, but especially high school. Reminiscing about, football games, dates, clothes, etc...however, what is most enjoyable is getting to know the old friend as an adult and making new memories!! Loving it!!

Ride Bootsie ride...

Took the new bike out for a test spin yesterday afternoon!! You know, to get use to the breaks and get a feel for how it rides...I'm happy to report no crashes or causalities! Rode for about 20 minutes, before class...ugh!!! I wanted to keep riding!!! However, it's probably best that I had to stop or else I'd be really sore today.

It was fun. Love feeling the wind blow on my face, makes me feel like a kid again. Being outside getting exercise is awesome!! Beats the heck out of the gym!!

Son-in-law #2, the triathlon participant in the family sent me this link to the Benbrook triathlon happening May 23...don't think I'll be ready for a triathlon this year, but next year might be a different story!! Stayed tuned, Bootsie might surprise you!!

http://www.trifind.com/re_12767/TriCowtownSprintTriathlonformerlyBenbrookTri.html

WW weigh in tonight...we'll see how that goes!! Changed a couple of things up this week, we'll see how it worked...might be too soon to tell...tune in tomorrow for the results!! YIKES!!!

Life is good...

Fianlly...got my anniversary present!! Ain't she a beauty!!

Bootsie is rolling now!! Or will be this afternoon. Got this little beauty last night, with matching helmet...now all that's needed is a matching outfit!! hmmmm....can we say Target!!!

So happy I can now ride outside and enjoy the nice weather and maybe catch a little wildlife along the way!!

Life is good...

Morning commute and Sunrise

6:43 am, sunrise

You would think getting up at 5:00 to be at work at 7:00 would be plenty of time, right?

5:00 am: Hit alarm clock, didn't hit snooze button. Actually got up!! WOW, won't have to rush this morning. Its nice to be able to ease into the day instead of, waking up and hushing around.

5:05 am: Let the dogs out.

5:15 am: Get in shower.

5:30 am: Turn on local news. Lay out clothes, start the morning process of getting ready.

5:45 am: Make lunch.

6:00 am: 20 minutes before time to leave, plenty of time. Almost ready, no problem.

6:05 am: have no idea what happen to that 20 minutes...it's a blur!!

6:35 am: Leaving 15 minutes later than my normal 6:20. Grumble, grumble, fussing at self for piddling and not leaving on time!! Grrrr...

6:40 am: Hit every frigging red light on Camp Bowie. And pounding the steering wheel does not make the light change any faster!!!

6:43 am: Sitting at a red light about to enter I-30 W going east still fussing at myself for getting side tracked and running late. I look up and see the most amazing, beautiful sunrise!! It stopped me in my tracks...

6:44 am: Think it was a sign from the "Higher UP" telling me to slow down and enjoy the moment!! Took a deep breath and watched the sunrise paint fabulous colors on the clouds before the brightness took over. It was a moment...

6:45 am: Then a Tom Petty song came on the radio that reminded me of one of my very best girlfriends and a weekend camping trip, so I called her!! Yep, at 6:45 I call her. We listened to the song and reminisced about the camping trip and laugh!!!

6:52 am: Pulled into parking garage.

6:58 am: Sitting at my desk...wasn't even late!! Life is good...

Life lesson: Make time to smell the roses, watch a sunrise, call someone you're thinking about or hug your dog!! But, whatever you do...Enjoy life!!!

Aministrative Assistant Week

Manicure at the local spa...

Pretty plant!! It's an Angel Garden...not sure I live up to the name. oh well...

Last week was Administrative Assistant Week, got a pretty plant and my IAAP group met at the local spa for a treat. Pedicure and manicure...ahhhh!!! Feeling the love...

Made it through the weekend without too much trouble!!! I stayed focused and busy so I didn't get out of control like the previous weekend!! Something to be said for planning!!

Life is good...

Live and Learn lesson...for non believer of WW!!!

Five a day!!!

Bootsie was challenged trying to explain to a new WW person how the points system works...their thought process is:

Diet challenged: if you stay within your points range on WW you should lose weight. Right?

Bootsie: Well, yes normally. What's going on I asked?

Diet challenged: Stayed within my 20 points range, but didn't lose!!!

Bootsie: Sometimes that happens. What did you eat? Did you journal? (I was really beginning to sound a lot like a WW leader)

Diet challenged: I stayed within my points...

Bootsie: What did you eat?

Diet challenged: What does it matter as long as I stayed within my points?

Bootsie: I matters what you spend your points on.

Diet Challenged: Huge break through...Okay, so what you're saying is, if I choose an apple for a snack instead of three cookies I might lose faster?

Bootsie: You got it!! Spend your points wisely!!

If you're allowed 20 points per day and eat 20 points of junk food you're not going to lose as fast or as much as you would if you made better choices. I'm just saying...

The light is dim, but I think it's getting brighter!!!

Bootsie suggested an experiment to Diet Challenged. Try eating 20 points of veggies, fruits and lean meats vs chips, cookies, hamburgers this week. Let's see what happens!!

Dinner any one...

Chicken grilled on the George Foreman with spices, asparagus stir fried with olive oil and garlic!!! Yummy!!

Kept me on track while attending a IAAP meeting last night!!

New meaning for WWW...Weight Watchers Wednesday!!!

Flowers make me smile!!!

I've been bouncing around trying different WW meetings trying to find a leader and members I could connect with!! I think my search is over...Wednesday night's meeting felt like it was meant just for me!!

Bootsie: Walked in meeting.

Group: They were chatting, obviously all familiar with each other and sharing their weekly progress etc...they included me without being prompted!! That was it...I knew I had found my group!!!

Bootsie: Looked at the flip chart and it said "weekends and control"...I thought "OMG, how'd they know?"

As previously posted, last weekend was horrible and out of control!! Guess what the meeting was about? You guessed it, "how to stay in control on the weekends". It was like when you're sitting in church and the preacher starts preaching and it's like the whole sermon was meant especially for you...well, that's how Wednesday night's meeting was for me...

I gained .2 pounds!! this week will be different!!!

Crawfish boil...crazy!!!

Daughter #1 (left) teaching daughter #3 how to peel and eat whole crawfish...I'm a wimp or lazy not sure which, but that's too much work for one little bite!!!

Daughter #1 and husband's annual crawfish boil!! It was fun to watch people work so hard for a little bite of crawfish tail!! I myself refuse to work so hard for a bite!! Don't get me wrong I love crawfish, I'm just not going to tear them apart and suck on their legs, head or any other part for a bite...the mushrooms were the best!!

It was a fun time everyone had a good time!!

Nature it's everywhere!!!

You don't even have to be out in the country to see nature, it's all around you just have to pay attention and take notice!!! I saw this little guy when I was walking up to the Lockheed Martin building for CPS class Tuesday night. He was digging and scampering around in the grass at the entrance of the building. He stood up on his back legs and held his treasure and look at me...of course, by the time I got my camera out I'd missed the really good shot. But, he was just so darn cute I had to get a picture!!

Where did it go...my will power has left the body!!!

Bootsie had a very tough weekend...Not sure what happen to my will power, but it was no where to be found over the weekend!!! Could not get a grip, I wanted to eat everything in sight and almost did!!!

Nothing satisfied me...I tried all the tricks and tips I've leaned from WW...nothing worked!!! Now I'm furious with myself for giving into temptation and loosing my grip!!! I know this week's weigh in will reflect my weakness!!! Rightfully so.

Oh well..."mother said there would be days like this..."

My attitude is better today and I'm slowly getting my focus back...I hate being in a "funk".

It's working...

Healthy snacks really work... morally I weight on Monday nights, but this week I didn't get to a WW meeting until Thursday night...doing the happy dance...lost 1.2 pounds!!!

YEAH!! CHEER!!! YAHOO!!!

Man oh man, I was sweating this week out! After last weekend's Corona and shrimp boil at the beach I just knew I'd be disappointed...guess I was better than I thought I was...and no, I didn't journal last weekend!! Big surprise...

Have been on track all week!!! Another big CHEER!!! Of course, I'll go back to my regular Monday weigh in on Monday and I'm not really expecting to see a loss. But, you never know...stranger things have happened.

Tomorrow is mine and my husband's 29th wedding anniversary...is the honeymoon over when you ask for a bicycle for you anniversary????

Whine, whine, whine...I really want one, so I can ride outside in the beautiful outdoors instead of at the gym on the stationery bike! It will help with my weight loss and build strength and it's a great cardio workout...

Think he's buying it???

Tune in later and we'll see...

Three point snack...

3 point snack. Laughing Cow wedge = 1 point, Multi grain crisp = 2 points

Laughing Cow is our friend!!! It's very good on the multi grain crisp and very satisfying for a long time!!

Almost sounds like a commercial...

Getting healthy takes a constant effort. There is so much to learn about how and what to eat and being creative can be a challenge. Learning to cook differently and trying new combinations of spices and herbs is fun. Even trying my hand at growing an herb garden, so far the results are not very impressive...but, not giving up!!!

Life is good...

Sabotage...Corona and Shrimp boil...Beach food

I missed weigh in on Monday night, however I'll go tonight. Not looking forward to it, cause I'm pretty sure I drank my daily points in Corona at the beach this weekend!! Life's a beach...

Not to mention the insane amount of food...shrimp boil...oh my!!

More later...

Triathlon, Kemah, TX

Son-in-law #2 coming out of the water (bay at Kemah, burrr...it was cold) after swimming a 1/3 of a mile, headed to the 12 mile bike ride.

Headed for the finish line after his 1/3 mile swim, 12 mile bike ride and 3 mile run.

Daughter #2 with husband at finish line after his triathlon!!! He finished in the top 50% and came in 40th (can't remember out of how many) but I think it was around a hundred contestants.

This is the beach house we rented for the weekend...it was awesome!!! It was daughter #3's 22nd birthday and son-in-law #2 was participating in his first triathlon. He did great!!!

And daughter #3, had a great birthday!!

http://www.beachhouses.com/scastle.htm

After the race it was Corona and beach time...

Life is good...especially on the beach!!!

Eagles are awesome...

Homer, Alaska...Eagles hang out there year round, but are in abundance during the winter.

Multiple eagles hanging out in Homer...picture taken by Marlys Jones (my husband's aunt)

Bootsie loves wildlife! Eagles are so awesome! They are very powerful, smart and beautiful birds.

Future goal...Victoria Secret

Pretty undies vs giant grandma panties!!

Needless to say, comfortable panties for the more "mature" figure just aren't pretty!! Functional, yes but absolutely nothing sexy about them!!

This is a very personal goal, but something I look forward to as my weight drops...I want to be able to wear pretty undies again!! Pretty lacy bras and panties makes a girl feel pretty.

You can be wearing a pair of holey jeans with a big baggy shirt and have pretty undies on and feel pretty and have a smile that says "I have a secret". Plus, it surprises your sweetie.

Bootsie isn't normally this bold or open about such things!! However, a new leaf has been turned over!!!

Life is good...

Bootsie is working toward a CPS certification!!!

In January Bootsie started Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) classes. What is CPS you ask, well let me explain!!!

There are three sessions, each are eight weeks long. The first session, Office Systems and Technology, that was a tough one (Bootsie is not techy), Office Administration (attending this class now) it's much easier!! Last but certainly not least is Management (will start in June). Then in October will take a test that last two days!! UGH!! Upon passing the marathon test, the letters CPS will appear behind my name! This will hopefully help advance "my career" (as I like to call it) to an executive level secretary, which will of course be financially gratifying!!

Being a glorified secretary wasn't my lifelong dream (still not sure what that dream was or is), but it's what I do and I do it well. So why not make the best of it and try to advance!!

Maybe one day after paying for the kid’s college and weddings I might try to go back to college and finish a degree I started back in 1977. Why oh why!!! didn't I listen to my daddy way back then...he told me he'd pay for my college if I'd just go!!! Well, I was like most kids at that age and didn't listen. I married my high school sweetheart!! Shouldn't have married so young, could have saved myself a lot of heartache had I waited until I was more mature!!! Oh well, water under the bridge!!! Live and learn...right!?!

2nd marriage in 1981 has been great with no regrets!! But, the girls are grown and the last one is planning to marry next year...after that who knows what Bootsie will do!!!

Life is good...

Bootsie hates paper work!!!

Messy desk, embarrassing!!!

Nice clean organized desk!!!

Bootsie hates paperwork, oh wait I already said that!!! Right??? Well, it's true...

Cleaning the desk and filing all the paid bills and important paperwork is what Bootsie did instead of eating her way through her day off on Friday!!! It felt good...

Bootsie is determined to keep her desk clean and clutter free...and will thrash anyone that messes it up!!! Have started a new routine (which should have been started long ago) process the mail every day!!! WILL NOT LET IT PILE UP AGAIN!!!!

Life is good...

WW Chocolate Pretzel Blast!!! Yummy!!!

This is a great treat!!! Expensive, but worth it this week. I was really needing something sweet that actually tasted sweet and not artificial!! You what I mean? A great substitute for the sugar free, fat free instant pudding!!! I could eat the whole box...but, I won't. Why? Because I have WILL POWER and am FOCUSED!!!

Life is good...

Finally a weight loss...yippee!!!!

Lost 1.2 pounds last week!! I'm happy about the loss, but disappointed too!! Why, you ask am I disappointed ? Well, I'll tell why...I was very strict and focused all week, and 1.2 pounds just didn't seem like a enough!!

However, when I thought about it and realized the size of a pound .2 I felt better. Let me explain, look in the refrigerator at a pound of butter or in the freezer at a pound of hamburger meat. That's a lot of weight I'm not carrying around any more...so I feel better!!!

This week will be even better...Focus, focus, focus!!! Stay on plan!!!

Life is good...

Easter -- ain't what it use to be!!!

As I get older I realize many things change. Change really hit home this Easter. No family get together, no kids hiding Easter eggs, no potluck dinner, no buying pretty new Easter dresses.

Makes me sad...I miss the days my kids were young and every holiday was made special!! Guess, I need to rethink my way of thinking...it's not all about the kids any more!!

I've been very strict with my self this week, so I'm hoping the scale shows a weight loss at weigh in tonight!!! Please, please let me know see some results!!!

Was up at 4:00am this morning and at the gym at 4:30am!!! I'm having a terrible time with my leg calf muscles hurting!!! It really limits my workout...but I'm pushing forward!! A mile one the treadmill, two miles on the bike and a few minutes on the elliptical machine.

Morning snack...black grapes!!! Yummy!!!

These are the best black grapes I've ever eaten!!!

Gone, gone...

See I told you these were the best black grapes I've ever eaten...they're gone!!!

Why OH Why won't kid listen????

This blog has absolutely nothing to do with weight loss...but I had to vent somewhere!!!

You try as parents to guide your kids and teach them right from wrong and most of us do a pretty good job!! However, it's not the right from wrong that worries me, it's the influence others have on them!! Why is it you as their parent can tell them something and they don't listen or tell you you don't know what you're talking about, you just don't understand...I'm like are you kidding me? I didn't get to 50 years old and not learn a few things!!

You try to talk to them and get them to understand you're not against them, you're just trying to keep them from living a very hard life. As parents we all want better for our kids then what we had and you want to protect them from unnecessary heart ache and hard times. But, they don't listen and it's so frustrating and it hurts, because you know where they are headed.

However, a very wise friend once told me...some people (kids) have to live it, before they understand it or see it. The old saying "can't see the forest for the trees" is so true.

Lord help me in this journey of motherhood...Amen!!!

Live and Learn...and be surprised!!!

I went for a walk today at lunch, it was such a lovely day. I've been waiting to explore a bit and find the walking/bike trails by the Trinity River...well, I found them. I was excited, so I started out at a causal pace, strolling and working up to a faster walk. Didn't want to do too much, since I knew I had to go back to work...didn't want to be all hot and stinky!!

Fact of life...if you walk down a hill you will probably have to walk back up it!!! Which is exactly what happened!! It was so easy to walk towards the pretty tree covered trail, the wind was blowing and it was very pleasant out. As I walked I enjoyed the scenery smiled and waved at people as they walked by, then I realized the time and knew I had to head back to the office.

That's when it struck me, oh no I have to walk up that steep hill!! I told myself, no problem I can do it!! Well, I did it and when I used my trusty watch that measures your heart rate I was stunned to fine my heart rate was a whopping 150!!! That's the highest it's ever been to my knowledge (at least in the last 20 years). Not only was I hot and stinky when I got back to the office, I was energized!! To my amazement I felt pretty good...who would have ever thought that????? Certainly not me!!!

Five Weight Loss Myths - check it out!!!

Check this out...

http://shine.yahoo.com/event/makeover/five-weight-loss-myths-1106336/

Thanks to my son-in-law #2, this info reinforces what he's been telling me!!! Thanks son-in-law #2!!! Love ya!!!

Tools for Success!!!

With these simple, but very important tools I hope to stay focused and see a weight loss on Monday, April 5, 2010!!!

I need to keep portion size in perspective!! Changing my way of thinking is a challenge all in it's self. Portion control!!! Just because it's a healthy food doesn't mean it's okay to eat as much as you want!!! That's a hard lesson...

My daughter has lost 18 pounds doing WW online...she is so focused and strict with her self!! I'm so proud of her!! Don't know where she gets her will power from!! I wish I had it!!

Self discipline is not my strong point, but I'm working on it...

Life is good...

Fat picture...UGH!!! do I really look like that?

Biting the bullett...I said I wasn't going to post a fat picture of myself, but maybe it will help motivate me!!! Cause it's really hard to see myself in pictures!! This was taken March 21, 2010 in Grapevine, TX at a place called Tasting, a Wine Experience, I'm with my childhood friend, Patty, she of course is the skinning one on the right!!!

First week's weight in...disappointing!!! Gained .4 pounds

I'm trying so hard to stay focused in spite of my .4 gain!! It's a challenge!! Cause, I thought I was being so good last week and I could feel a loss. However, I looked back at my food journal and see where changes are needed...so this week I'm changing some things.

This Light & Fit yogurt is going to be my friend this week....and it's yummy!!

Life is good...

Razzoo's Cajun way Blackened Tilapia - yummy!!!

Had dinner with Daughter #3 last night...blackened fish is my friend!!! 1/2 cup of seasoned corn, green beans came out swimming in bacon fat!! UGH!! Had to pass them up after one bite!!!

Bad Bootsie: fried crawfish tails oh yeah!!!

Good Bootsie: blackened fish = good results on scale

Bad Bootsie: fried crawfish so good!!!

Good Bootsie: blackened fish = good results on scale!!! SHUT UP Bad Bootsie!!!

Healthy choices, that is the key!! Choosing the blackened Tilapia instead of the fried crawfish tails does not come natural to me!!! But, I chose wisely and I'm proud of myself, hopefully it will pay off with less of me on the scale!!

Sushi - yummy!! Whole roll only 8 points!!! Yippy!!!

Day four of week one...Weight Watchers. Again!!!

Back to Weight Watchers (WW)...yes, I admit I'm a repeat offender!! Thank goodness there is no limit how many times you can "fall off the wagon" and then jump back on. This first week hasn't been terrible, of course I'm always very focused the first week!! The challenge is how to keep that focus...I'll let you know when I figure that out!!

To the gym every night, tread mill, stationary bike, weight machines oh my!!! I'm on a roll.

My weigh in is Monday, March 29. Hopefully, knowing I face the scale Monday will keep me focused through the weekend...Going to be a challenge, my kids are in town and we have a baby shower to attend, which I'm sure will have lots of goodies to munch on...Focus Bootsie focus!!!