Best Day Ever!!! ... Okay. Just a pretty decent day.

Hello Beauties! I took a sick day today. My voice is running for the hills and decided to leave its box. I opted out of going to work, where it's required that I chat a whole lot & hang out at home. Mostly. I did get a pedicure and a haircut and a cheeseburger & fries and now I'm drinking wine. Guess what all time favorite show on which I'm catching up?!?!? Ehh... Do I hear The Daily Show! You.Are.So.Right. I've also got a little bit on my mind about where I'll end up in the next month or so. If I'll like it. Should I try to go some other place and do some other things. I am very well aware that I am capable of making all places and situations great, so I guess TennTucky better get ready for me.

Other random rampant thoughts: What in the hades will happen to Piper when "Orange Is the New Black" returns? Why have I not started watching "Breaking Bad" or "Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23" yet? Should I start growing my hair out? The short doo is oh so convenient. Do I dare try a semi-long distance with Country Fella? Maybe. He's hanging on like someone climbing Sandia Peak for the first & last time. **Wine refill break** I so hope Toronto's Mayor Ford gets some help and STAT! Wine is delicious. Netflix is super awesome. Anyone seen Dreamy Matthew Mc's new movie yet? It just seems like something I shouldn't pass up. Love that grungy fella.

Before this gets more random, I will end this. Plus, the wine is kicking in. And it's nearly Seinfeld time. Yahoo! Hope you're all well and healthy and enjoying Fall. Wrap up in a scarf. Rock some fierce boots. Wear an au natural face because you are quite stunning in the nude. Love the ones you're with.

Cheers! Oh, Neil Degrasse Tyson is brilliant!

Waffle House & Banana Clips!

Good Morning & Happy Emmy Sunday! At least I hope the Emmy's are tonight, as I've been hearing quite the hype over them. Let's go.... Wait. I don't watch t.v. so I'm not sure what's great. The Daily Show, perhaps?!?!? :-)  And Big Bang Theory! Anyhoo, I've been meaning to comment for weeks on how an introvert or person who's not comfortable with public speaking should get a gig at the Waffle House. This is the absolute BEST place to find your voice! You have to be a screamer to work there. The lady in the video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSNtY4yfr1E) is pretty mild, but here in the Baby A there's a whole heap of yellin'! HASHBROWNS SCATTERED! GRITS CHEESE RAISIN WIDDA SIDE OF SAW-SUGE! I say again, if you're shy, consider a working part time at the WH. Hell, it's gotta be good practice for a future thespian as well.

If you've ever mourned the loss of a banana clip for your hair, mourn no more. There are plenty of them (apparently) here in the Baby A. Or at least in my neighborhood. There's one woman in particular that is sporting a banana clip every time I see her out walking her dog & being angry that she still smokes ciggies. I had to look really close at her big ol' JorrJuh doo and sure `nough, there was a banana clip keeping it all in. Mostly. I can look around for some at my local Dollar Tree or thrift store if any of you are interested in going retro for life. Maybe I'll see her like this on Halloween:

I've still been traveling all over the place & gotta say I've loved Chicago the most. Ms. Awesome, why did you never mention how absolutely AWESOME ChiCity is?!?! I head to Salt Lake City (or as it's pronounced in The Book of Mormon -- Salta Lake a'Sittee) tomorrow. I'm excited to hike and drink IPA's and eat green chile my friends are roasting just for me. There's been a mini-battle about me staying in GA after completing my internship in December. I've pretty much settled on going to Colorado Springs. I'll keep you all posted. I haven't quit fitness, but I've not been giving it all I got either. But hey, a new week starts today & maybe I'll shimmy a bit more. The Country Fella is hanging in there but I am sorta okay with letting him go as the result of a move. Not sure if I've ever mentioned this before, but I end relationships by relocating. I'm a coward that way. Hope you're all well.

Celebrations:

♠  Finally getting to Chicago

♠  Finally seeing The Book of Mormon

♠  Watching an episode of Duck Dynasty & realizing how folks can really be in to it

♠  Not really gaining any weight despite slowing down on fitness

♠  Super short hair

Objectives:

♣  Keep smiling

♣  Start purging and packing

♣  Shimmy a whole lot more

Just Thought I'd Ramble

Hello Delights! Happy Weekend and Summer and Back to School Madness!

Where have we been? Living! That's what we all must be up to these days. And awaiting Jon Stewart's return to the U.S. and his phenomenal show. TAPS, congrats to you and your family on your bundle news. I had a ton of random thoughts today during my walk to and from Kroger. I tried to keep them all positive. So, here they go:  I freakin' love my neighborhood Kroger grocery store. Every Friday you get a free download coupon for something sorta great. I've gotten Colgate Toothpaste, some fancy men's shampoo, Ultimate Hamburger Helper (who eats this still?!?! NPR did a whole segment on this stuff!), a huge bag of Cheetos. There's a Starbucks inside & the barista is able to make my macchiato's and check out my grocery products. Genius idea! I finally went to see The Heat yesterday. Melissa McCarthy is comedic platinum. She was amazing and I loved all the fun extra characters: Michael Rapaport, Bill Burr, Jane Curtain and other greats. And the soundtrack was as random as me, so I loved it! As I was really beginning to enjoy my forced three-day weekends due to furlough, they're coming to an end. Our furlough days have been decreased from 11 to 6. I'll be back in the office on Fridays. :-(   :-)    Yea, I'm bi-polar about the whole thing. The Feds need a good financial adviser. Maybe Dave Ramsey can help them figure out how much they can save by not spending frivolously. I'm still able to take all the work trips in the world, but we're furloughed. That's dumb and ridiculous. Oops...I crossed over to the negative side. And I'm back. I'm focusing on future greatness and okay (for now) with not knowing exactly what I want to as a career. I just want to be paid my worth and deal with as little work place theatrics as possible. I know it's a stretch on the theatrics, but I'll give it all I got. Meanwhile, the Country Fella is still around and doing better. I gotta work on not trying to make him in to what I want, but accept him as he is. I'd want the same from him, so I'll keep working on being better. He's a pretty decent fella & I'm going to allow myself to fell lucky. If anyone wants to borrow 5 lbs from me, I'd be happy to give'em to ya. I promise. Keep them as long as you need to. No pressure to return them. You won't even get a library-like fine of $.25 per day that you do not return them. Hell, I may even give you a quarter per day to keep'em. You're welcome.

I had some other random thoughts, but have now forgotten them. Darn!

Celebrations:
♣  Furlough days being reduced
♣  Completed week 6 (and $21 wealthier) of my 52-Week Savings Challenge
♣  Still getting in 40 minutes of fitness at least 4x per week
♣  Great music
♣  I can see some abs some days

Objectives:
♠  Make it to my office by 11:15 to finish up work. Be outta there by 2.
♠  Not over indulge on junk snacks
♠  Watch Wolverine
♠ Pack
♠ Maybe take a nap
♠ Keep smiling

Enjoy the weekend Lovelies!

Wants Would Become Needs If I Had More Loot

Happy Sunday & Father's Day to the fellas in your lives! 

I made a list of "Wants" earlier today. I'm quite certain I could turn these wants in to definite necessities if I had a bit more fluff in my bank account. DamnitJanet! Why didn't I make wiser money decisions in my youth?!?!?  Anyhoo, here it goes.

I WANT

=  to have started freakin' out about & planning for my upcoming furlough months ago

=  not to always be the dependable offspring and/or sibling

=  someone, ANYONE, besides me to shave my legs on a bi-weekly basis

=  to seriously consider making NPR my homepage so I can stay updated on world happenings

=  to feel more appreciative of folks who like spending far too much time with me

=  a barber to come by my place every 3 weeks instead of me going to him every 5+ weeks & waiting around until I'm next

=  to grow something that doesn't attract a gaggle of gnats. Yes, a baby is outta the question!

=  to re-become a creative writer...again

=  a professional and/or personal leg shaver. It's worth repeating. I'm serious about this!

=  to go back to Kentucky to sip a Mint Julep 

=  a shady patio on which to have umbrella-y drinks

** Each of you to have the most beautiful summer!

Cheers!

Doing Too Much & Getting Nothing Accomplished!

Howdy & Stuff Gals! Happy Mother's Day! You all rock! I'm sittin' still for a moment & enjoying java and a green chile turkey sausage panini. Yea. That's right! Of course, I should be preparing to board a plane for VA in a couple of hours. Uhm... Coffee. Good. Cawwwfeee! Anyhoo, here's the scoop from the past month or so. I am still feeling the negative effects of eating far too much in Kentucky. I've still not hopped back on the regular fitness routine train, but... I've walked a few times. Someone save me. Help me. Damn it...Kick me or something. I'll tell ya what, I'll begin stepping up the fitness stuff once I return from this trip. Yea. I will. I swear. Now, on to things that are a bit more positive.
      =  Trixie (the other intern that rolled with me for a month) & I rocked our rotations in Kentucky & San Antonio. The big weaves were highly impressed with what we know, do, and will do. Apparently, I'll pretty much have my choice of locations once I graduate. As long as there's an opening. And if I like the supervisor. And if the supervisor likes me. And if the folks aren't hillbilly's. And if my co-workers can read. But really... I can go anyplace! :-)

     =  The 5-7lbs I gained last month are falling off. I think I'm down to my normal chubby size.
     =  CF is still hanging in there & plans to just stay around. For some reason, he thinks we're gonna be a great family some day. Ohhhh that fella is something else. I'll keep yall posted.
     =  I've caught up on a month's worth of The Daily Show. Not sure if I've mentioned this in 30 days, but I freakin LOVE me some Jon Stewart. Finito!
     =  Wheat Thins commercials are making me happy!
     =  I've eaten cheese & crackers for dinner for two nights. Wine was the chaser.

Celebrations:
♥  Making a mega To-Do list & putting goals on a calendar
♥  Still being able to fit in my work clothes
♥  Allowing myself to take it easy when I know I'm exhausted
♥  Having friend that make me laugh until my face hurts & is wet with tears
♥  Easy to manage hair

Objectives:
♣  Many, many, many things. But hey... most of'em are on calendar!
♣  Get b-day cards and gifts out on time
♣  Continue having quality experiences & not worry about the quantity of experiences
♣  Make it to a taping of The Daily Show
♣  Laugh and laugh some more

Have a Fabulous Mother's Day!

Bring on the Bourbon!

Hola! Howdy! How'do! Tomorrow, I board a couple of plans and will eventually land in Kentucky. I'll be there for three weeks; learning the in's and other in's and an occasional out of Army education. The nerdy chica in me is excited to learn about the policies, budgets, incentives, and technology used to make decisions on how I perform my daily gig. I've never been to Kentucky and figure if I get bored or lost with any of the processes, I could always find a great bourbon. How dang exciting is that?!?!? After being completely boozed up on bourbon, I'll head to San Antonio for a week of some other learning. [read: detox] So...uh...yea... while I'm not overly thrilled to be away from my own bed for 30 days, I know these two training opportunities will allow the big wigs to see me shine & realize my value to the organization. Bust out your shot glasses, mama's movin' on up! Now, to bring you all up to speed on everything else:

♪  Still rockin' along with the Country Fella, but told him he'll have to stop being so self-absorbed and do a few things for me on occasion.
♪  I've sorta picked up a side beau. He's hilarious & articulate & brings me good coffee.  :-)
♪  Fitness & eating go well most of the time. Mr. Lumberjack has taken up residency in my body for the last week, so my meals have been quite craptacular in nature.  :-\  I'm on the mend, though. I promise. I swear.

♪  My supervisor is not bothering me & I'm just moving along as if we both have good sense. It's easier that way.
♪  I ate at Paula Deen's place last week. It was goooood! Finito!
♪  Got bored watching "Life of Pi" and left the theater. The popcorn was good though.

Celebrations:
♣  Had my first visit from one of my dear San Tony gal pals
♣  PINK JELLYBEANS!
♣  24 hours away from tasty bourbon
♣  I have some abs starting to push through the layer of protective fat
♣  Being happy where I am right now

Objectives:
♠  Not adopt poor eating habits while in KY
♠  Grab some discounted pink jellybeans on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, etc...
♠  Stick with a five-day fitness plan
♠  Clean my place very well before my exodus
♠  Get my fro under countrol
♠  Keep rockin' this happiness!

Happy Easter Weekend, Delights! Go Get It!

Jillian Is No Joke

Good Morning Beautifuls! This morning I barely powered through my first workout with Jillian Michaels. It was a tough one, but I made it to the end. Well...almost. During the last bit of cool down, my elbow hit the "Stop" button on the remote & I tried to fast forward to that stopping place, but it was taking too long on my BluRay player. So, I just went on to the next video and did a mile walk. I took a few body shot photos prior to working out & will track my progress in about a week or two. Now, if I could only keep the Lumberjack at bay, all should be fine.

After spending a week down at another location, I gained a bigger appreciation for where I am and what I do not have to put up with. While everyone was pleasant & accommodating, they do not have the cohesiveness I have with my coworkers. I'll take that and my not-so-stressful workload any day. I'm challenging myself to try not to get so bothered by my supervisor's dumb comments and move on about my business. I know I can use her for great references as I excel in my career. Everything's gonna be alright. Right? Sure. That's really all I got. Besides this random thought: How come I always forget there are two m's in accommodating?!?!?

Celebrations:
♠  Common's station on Pandora
♠  Receiving a tax refund. YEEHAW!
♠  Two workouts in one morning
♠  Almond butter
♠  Not living in Hinesville, GA

Objectives:
♣  Grocery shop & make several meals for the week
♣  Deep condition my fro
♣  Conjure up the gnomes to help clean my apartment
♣  File some papers
♣  Dance!
♣  Catch up on The Daily Show

Happy Sunday & a Productive Week to All!

Waffles Make Things Wonderful

Hey Beauties! Happy Oscar Sunday to you all. You know how I was super angry about being a Thin Mint-eating-white woman last week? Well, some of that ire followed me in to the next work week. I got through the weekend fine, but once I hit the building, I was reminded of the stupid comments made by my supervisor. My co-worker noticed and said " you just don't seem like yourself." I told her a waffle would make me feel better, so off we went to the Huddle House (sorta like Waffle House). And by golly did I ever feel better after gobbling up that waffle. I also decided to comment "There's another one for me to jot down" every time my super says something asinine. It just might scare her in to silence. Cross your toes and eyes for me.

Meanwhile, things are better than average. There's a possibility that we (Department of Defense civilian workers) may be furloughed and have to work four days per week. That'll be a huge chunk of my income missing, but I'll still have an income. That's the upside, right? Yep. Sure. I gotta keep repeating that in order to prevent myself from rocking back & forth in the nearest corner. Things will work out. Even if that means each of you have to mail me a sandwich per week in order to keep me eating...things will work out. Meanwhile, I'll be looking for part-time work opportunities to help me get ahead of debt & stack the loot I need to have a fabulous vacation in June. Or someday. Think someone would pay me for Liking things on Pinterest? I'd be Oprah rich if so. I'm sorta sure that Jamie Foxx shouldn't make music anymore.

Celebrations:
♥  Having a job
♥  Not eating all of my GS cookies in one sitting
♥  Bringing my healthy snacks with me to Ft. Stewart. I'll be working down here all week.
♥  Being away from my office for one week!
♥  Olive oil & lemon juice moisturizing my scalp

Objectives:
♣  Work out every day this week. Last week met me with complete slacking!
♣  Drink tons of water
♣  Apply for at least 3 part time gigs
♣  Eat well
♣  Dance in my hotel room

Make this a superior week!

Thin Mint cookies = White Lady

Hello Delights! My less than brilliant supervisor is at it again. The other day she let me know that I am a white woman trapped in a black woman's body. Wanna know why? You'll love this!!! Because I ordered Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies. Did you all know that only white women eat those? No? Neither did I. How can a person who has spent time travelling the world and has been around so many different folks make the MOST stupid comments ever?!?! She definitely makes my head hurt. But I really wanna make her head and face and knees and toes hurt. Ugh x 33! I've come to the realization that she really doesn't like me - that's fine - and she knows these personal digs are a way to get at me. Was I raging the hell out on in the inside when she said that? Yep. But all I could do was just stare at her, mumble out some nutty response & walk away. Cross all your body parts that she retires by the summer or else I could very well be charged with assault. Who wants that? Not me. Not you.

Meanwhile, I've cheated a little more on not eating sweets, but sorta holding steady with no alcoholic beverages. I've got one more week to go. Can I make it?!?! Highly unlikely, but I'll give it all I got. Keep crossing your body parts. Exercising is going well & probably the only thing that keeps me from going bat crap out here in the beautiful south. So...I've just decided to turn this posting around & make it positive. The south is pretty. I've met some great, smart folks. My boss doesn't have to like me for me to move onward, forward, and upward. All is freakin' spectacular! :-)

Celebrations:
♥  Finding some positives in all the chaos
♥  Relaxing Sunday's
♥  Having a reliable & trusty fella work on my car para gratis
♥  Country Fella (yea...I know)
♥  Being down a few pounds

Objections:
♣  Keep fighting through my supervisor's ridiculousness
♣  Not eating the White Lady Thin Mints until next Sunday
♣  Stick to my budget & stay focused to have my credit card paid off in 18 months
♣  Eat well
♣  Find a solution for my dry scalp

Enjoy the week!

I cheat a little...

Howdy Delights! I'm doing a 2-week challenge with a friend of mine. One where I'm not supposed to have unrefined sugars or candy bars or really anything craptacular! I'm not good at challenges. I've cheated a wee little bit each day. Handful of Reeses Pieces here. A square of Dove chocolate there. Small, salty french fries from Burger King. I'm tellin' ya... I'm a cheat and a thief! Maybe I should have a 5lb weight loss challenge next time. Help! As of late, I've been sorta freakin' out about my money and financial security. I am a terrible over-spender & know it. I try to rein myself in, but it just doesn't work out like it should. Suggestions from those who are great budget'ers are welcome.

Country Fella is still around. We've not had an in depth discussion about me paying for our entertainment, but I think we'll get to it soon. Hell, I need to have a talk with myself about paying for my entertainment! There's not even strippers or porn involved, so where the hades is all my cash going? Otherwise, things are mostly okay. I've decided not to get wrapped up in the ignorant comments made by my co-workers and supervisor about me being Mexican. Or stupid comments made by anyone, for that matter. I can't control what spews out of folks' mouths, but I can choose how I process the information. So...here's to better processing! I would toast your glasses, mugs, and cups but I'm off the booze for 2 weeks also. I'm tellin' ya... This challenge blows chunks! Who's going to see "Identity Thief" this weekend?

Celebrations:
♥  Getting the Valentine's cards & gifts in the mail for just about everyone
♥  Practicing acceptance of me & others
♥  Finding more items to donate
♥  Discounted movie tickets
♥  New magazines to read


Objectives:
♣  Curl up on the sofa & take a nap
♣  Catch up on The Daily Show
♣  File my taxes
♣  Clean my dining room table
♣  Upload & organize photos
♣  Drink more water

"Tomorrow" is not spelled with an A

Great Morning to you, Delights! Oh...let's see if there has been any major happenings over the past week. I'd like to go on record and say, "No. No, there have been no major happenings in my life over the past week." The most major thing I've done is finally donated my stereo to a thrift shop which supports a women's shelter. I'm thinking about letting Country Fella fade out of my life. I need yall's input here. I like the guy. He's nice. A hard worker. Fun. But he's broke (financially)! I mean, broke. I certainly do not mind paying for a meal or an outing, but I do have a problem paying EVERY TIME! I'm trying to figure out a way to discuss finances with him w/o hurting his pride. Recently, he asked to borrow a few hundred dollars. Uhm... HELL NO! Please. Thank you! It wouldn't have bothered me so much if A) he hadn't just bought the Insanity work out; B) he did not buy a fresh new jersey and hat for the San Francisco game last week, C) he made better spending choices. Needless to say, I did not give him any loot. While being broke is not a bad thing, you cannot be broke and make such irresponsible decisions and expect cash from moi! Also, I still do not understand a lot of what he says. Here's an example of one of our conversations:

     CF:  They say immaneeed tuhgooverthere antest. I'ownknowwhatallgonbe. Talked to my cousin anshesaytheynotfrennleeanyway sononeedmewurryin boutwhatdahmansay.

    Me:  Hold on. Slow down. I don't understand.

    CF:  Went.Over.There.Themansaidigotttaninnerview buthedinsaynothinboutnomoneysoooo Iownknow.

   Me:  [silence]

WTHades am I supposed to do with all of that?!?!? HELP ME GALS! Other than that madness, all is okay I suppose. Work is interesting as my cohorts have shotty work ethics and principals. But whatcanyado?!?! I'm looking forward to my month in Kentucky so that I can rub elbows and network with the true decision makers. Onward. Upward.

Celebrations:

♠  Finally donating my stereo & some other clothes

♠  Making a Mega To Do List but not pressing myself about the order of getting things done

♠  Cracked Pepper & Olive Oil Triscuits. They're soooo dang gooooood!

♠  Knowing I need to get back in to a more strenuous fitness routine

♠  Staying positive about most situations

Objectives:

♣  Complete 5 items on the Mega List (I think I've already done 3 this morning)

♣  Read 20 pages from Team of Rivals. I'm a few days behind

♣  Catch up on The Daily Show

♣  Watch a movie from my Netflix queue

♣  Remain positive about most situations

Cheers! Have a great week, Delights!

Not Really Following Through

Hello FTC'ers! Just wanted to let you all know that I am not going to continue in my counseling program. Not right now anyway. Or maybe never. I don't know if it's because I'm not really learning anything new or I just have too much going on inside my noggin, but I'm not feeling this program right now. Not at all. I do want to continue learning. Something. Anything. Everything. But I sorta don't want the pressure of writing soooo much and all that funky jazz. Ugh! Mulling that over was really giving me a headache for about a week. Serenity hit once I decided to forgo the program and just relax for a bit. Thanks for listening and encouraging me and everything else you all do.

For some reason, Maurice's lumberjack friend is loitering around my belly. I'm eating anything and for no good reason. However, working out is going relatively well. Bought some new running (okay, slow trot) shoes yesterday & I hope to give'em a whirl in the a.m. Wish me luck and lung-gevity!

Decided to make one super duper major goal for 2013. Wait, I forgot I've already set a goal to finish Team of Rivals this year. So the second super duper major goal for the year is to go see The Daily Show at least once. `Cause I'm pretty sure I've not told you all yet this year, but I freakin' LOVE this guy:

Celebrations:
= Have made it half-way through the month & have not paid for myself to eat out
= Enlightening & educational discussions about Django with several of my friends
= Reliable internet connections
= Being caught up on The Daily Show
= Rippling beginning to take place in my abs. YAHOO!

Objectives:
♠  Make sure my withdrawal from the counseling program is complete
♠  Get some order to my random fitness routine
♠  Stay engaged with my fitness routine :-)
♠  Evict the lumberjack
♠  Smile

Have a wonderful week, Delights! Own it!

Crown Royal Maple...

is soooo good in my hot chocolate. Hola Delights! Hope 2013 has started out fabulously for each of you and Nichole hasn't punched the annoying girl in the face by now. I'm that sort of PMS'er. Some ladies are criers. I'm just downright mean and HUNGRY! I'd want to punch Miss Annoyance in the mug & then scoop ice cream outta the mug. Bonkers? Yep. But welcome to Carmen's PMS World. So, I'm doing my counseling program & digging the learning but also realizing that this program is freakin' costly. There are 2 residencies (basically, week-long conferences) I have to attend at $1550 a pop. That does not include lodging or transportation. WTFoxtrot?!?! However, I've learned of a college that offers a certificate in counseling and I may go that route. Cheaper. Less work. Just my type of deal. Will I be able to get a job with this certificate? No idea, but I'll deal with that another time. A time when I'm not sipping on Crown and cocoa with a starlight peppermint melting at the bottom of the cup. Might I mention that this concoction is DEEELISH!

My challenge for the month is to not eat out unless someone else pays. Wish me luck & mega bucks. There were some other things I wanted to say here, but can't remember them at the moment. I'm slacking on fitness & am blaming the weather and my crazy sleep patterns as of late. Is that Justin Timberlake I hear in the distance? Yes. Yes, someone please cry me a river. Bleh!

Celebrations:
♠  My nutty supervisor hasn't called me Mexican in quite some time
♠  I got a very slight raise in pay
♠  Many Soldiers have expressed their appreciation for the help I've given
♠  Tons of friends have already donated 40 items/dollars for my 40th b-day wish
♠  Great hair color

Objectives:
♣  The To-Do Now list is too lengthy, so... My objective is to get as much done as I can without making
myself bonkers!

Cheers!