Friend Makin' Mondays (On A Wednesday): Twenty Questions

Needless to say Monday was a bad day and I didn't feel right about posting something that seemed so trivial in light of current events. So thanks to a late night puppy ER trip, I'm at home and finding myself at home for the day and able to catch up. Now for this weeks topic:  



 

 

 

If you've take part in FMM before then you know the routine. If you're new, simply take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at All The Weigh - encourage your readers to do the same and we can all connect.

Twenty Questions

 

 

1. Share something that you enjoy doing when you’re alone. 
Painting my nails

2. What do you plan to eat next? Chicken fajitas

3. When did you first travel on a plane?  Where did you go? I can't recall how old I was but it was a quickie flight from San Antonio to Dallas - I think I was 12 or 13 maybe.

4. Do you currently have a crush on someone?  If so, share a few of the reasons why.  I wont call it a crush but I'm intrigued by someone - mostly because I like what I've found out and when I first met this person I didn't like them at all. Due to an age gap and not knowing individual situations, its unlikely to go anywhere. However, it has made me reconsider my whole "no dating" thing.

5. List one thing that disgusts you that probably wouldn’t bother someone else.  Mushrooms.

6. If you could buy a new car tomorrow (and money was no object) what would you buy? Bugatti Veyron - just like this. Anyone have an extra $1.5 mil laying around?

Image courtesy Google

 

7. Who was the first person who broke your heart? Alf when he left Earth for Planet Melmac.

8. If you could spend the night with a celebrity tonight, who would it be? 50 Cent - he just looks like he can get down LOL

Image courtesy Google

9. Are you a morning person or a night person? While I’m definitely a night person, I'm trying to change that (all attempts thus far have been unsuccessful).

10. What’s your favorite board game? Monopoly!

11. Can you play an instrument? If so, what do you play?  Does my CD player count?

12. What is the last thing you ate?  Breakfast taco with refried beans, eggs, cheese and Sriracha.

13. Do you wear a watch?  No, I don't like the feel of anything on my wrists.

14. Do you go to church? I used to in Texas but I haven't found a Church home in Chicago.

15. Do you ever wish on stars? Yes. 

16.  Have you ever been on a motorcycle? Yes, sport and cruisers.

17. What is the last thing you purchased? An extension cord.

18. How big is your bed? Queen.

19. What size shoe do you wear? I used to wear a 9 but now Im between an 8 and 8.5. These awesome shoes are a 7.5 so Im still fluctuating from all the weight being gone (yay!).

20. What are you looking forward to most in the coming week?
Iron Man 3! 05.03.13



That wraps up this weeks questions. As always don't forget to link back up so we can all share!

Have a great rest of the week!



Friend Makin' Mondays: TV, Movies and Me

I've been down with the flu all week so I missed out on last weeks FMM. I just didn't have the strength or desire to sit in front of my computer for any length of time. Thank goodness for auto-post or the few recipes I put up wouldn't have gone out. Happy to report I'm feeling much better and ready to get this week started so I can get it finished and onto the weekend! Is it just me or does your job REALLY interfere with your life too? Note to self - buy a lotto ticket. Now onto this weeks topic:

 

 

If you've take part in FMM before then you know the routine. If you're new, simply take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at All The Weigh - encourage your readers to do the same and we can all connect.

 

 

 

TV, Movies and Me

 

1. If you could be a recurring star on a show that is currently on TV, which show would you choose?  Vampire Diaries! Two reasons, Damon and Klaus. In either order, or at the same time. And Elena needs her butt kicked. Plus I'd be a vampire and wouldn't have to go to work tomorrow. Perfect!
 

Image courtesy of Google

2. Name the movie that you are most embarrassed to admit that you love.  Twilight. I could watch it 100 times and never be bored. Ok maybe a little, but not by much.

 

3. Name one show that you’ve never seen and would love to watch.  I have no idea, I rarely watch TV, as in I turn it on maybe 4 times a month. Sad, I know. I've never seen the Tudors and I heard it was really good so we'll go with that.

 

4. Do you ever go to movies alone?  All the time. I actually prefer it, last time I went with someone they talked thru the whole movie. It doesn't help that I hate chick flicks so most of my friends aren't up to seeing all my action/horror/epic films.

 

5. If you could only watch one TV show for the next year, which show would you choose and why?  I have no idea. I only watch 3 shows: Vampire Diaries, Game of Thrones and Sons of Anarchy. I'm going to have to cross my fingers and hope this never happens because I cant choose from all of this awesomeness!

 

6. If you could star in one reality show, which one would it be and why?  I wouldn't. I just don't understand the concept of taking an hour out of my life to watch someone else's - and all the staged conflict that goes along with it.

 

7. If someone rented a billboard for you, what would it say?  Duh =)

Image courtesy of Google

 

8. Who is the most famous person with whom you have been in the same room? Not the most famous but definitely my favorite - the San Antonio Spurs! I love my boys! Playoffs, baby!!!!

 

9. If you were chosen to be a contestant on a TV game show, which show would you want to be on?  Family Fued

 

10. If there was a movie being made about you, which actor would you choose to play you? Angelina Jolie. I imagine she's as awesome as I am ;)

 

Image courtesy of Google

 

 

Well that wraps up this weeks topic. Don't forget to link back and have a great week!

 

 

Staycation 2013 {photo heavy}

Today is officially the last day of Staycation 2013. It wasn't nearly long enough but it was nice to not have to do anything for 9 days. It was pretty uneventful but I had a few NSV's so I thought I'd share.

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I probably did the most on Monday (03/04) as it was Chicago's 176th birthday and to celebrate they were giving free admission to the Chicago History Museum so I took full advantage of my time in the city. I viewed every section they had open and spent quite a bit of time in the Shalom Exhibit; if you're in the Chicago area this is a great (and inexpensive) day trip! NSV #1: being able to walk/stand all day with no pain or discomfort in back/feet!

 

This is the souvenir I picked out, does this REALLY surprise anyone?

 

 

 

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I spent the majority of Tuesday around the house doing some deep spring cleaning and organizing. I did discover my new favorite snack! Okra chips!

 

 

 

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Wednesday I took my pup, Pugsly, to the vet so he could get a shot for his arthritis.

 

Photo property of SleevedInTheCity

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Thursday evening I went to a friend's album release party and had a TON of fun! This was the first time I've dressed up and gone out since surgery. NSV# 2: the dress (and no sleeves)!

 

NSV#3: being able to stand/dance in these shoes for 4 hours with no back pain!

 

 

 

NSV#4: not being afraid of group pictures anymore!

 

Photo property of SleevedInTheCity

 

 

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Friday was a lazy, recoup day. Bella says hi.

 

Photo property of SleevedInTheCity

 

 

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Saturday was a shopping day. I went to Nordstrom Rack to have a pair of pants altered and I picked up this awesome studded iPhone case. I found this Torani syrup at World Market and it's my favorite yet. I mix 2 tbsps. with my Pure Protein chocolate shake and add some instant coffee granules...woah! 

 

 

 

My last stop was TJMaxx and I ran across a pair of NYMJ on clearance for $20! These things retail for $120 - and the best part? NSV#5....drumroll please.....

 

 

 

IM OFFICIALLY A SIZE 20!! Less than 6 months ago I was a 28 (tight). Not only do I look great, I feel great and I'm getting my health back. Nothing like seeing your hard work pay off =)

 

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That pretty much sums up Staycation 2013. I know Im missing an entry for last weekend and today but since I didn't do anything here is a picture of this weeks polish changes, Im partial to #3 myself.

 

 

 

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Until next time!

Besos xo

 



2012 Wrap-Up!

2012 is definitely one for the books. I've had so many life-enhancing experiences this year - my head is still spinning. I'm hoping 2013 will slow down for me just a bit (as it should since I'm more settled) so I can focus on my plot to take over the world. It's going to be epic! Epic I tell you!

 

Here's a little end of the year survey that I've doing the past few years, its a fun way to say adios!

 

 

Image courtesy of Google






 

1. What did you do in 2012 that you'd never done before?
I left the only place Ive ever called home and moved 1,000 miles away to Chicago

Photo by SleevedintheCity

 

  

2. Did you keep your New Years resolutions? Will you any for 2013?
I did actually, I told myself I was going to lose weight this year and I did. Im making my next years resolutions as we speak!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes! A few people actually - I cant wait until I visit Texas to squeeze baby cheeks!

 

4. Did anyone close to you die?

 Not anyone close but I had some close friends lose people they loved.
 

5. What countries did you visit?

Does Missouri count? Then no.
 

6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
A greater support system and more denero.

 

7. What dates in 2012 will remain etched upon your memory and why?
01/17/12 - Moved to Chicago
08/20/12 - VSG Surgery

 

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Definitely taking the leap of faith to move so far away from home, it gave me the courage to make other leaps in my life!

 

9. What was your biggest failure?
I didn't have any failures in 2012. I had some learning experiences.

 

10. Did you suffer injury or illness?
I got sick twice, once in January and in December.

 

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Smaller underwear, 3 sizes smaller to be exact!

 

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
All the people who support and encourage me.

 

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
All the people who don't believe in themselves enough to make better choices.

 

14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills. Can I borrow $5?

 

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
So many things! Right now Im excited to be moving BACK to Texas next year!

 

16. What song will always remind you of 2012?
Try by P!nk (seriously love her!)

Image courtesy of Rolling Stone

 

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
a) happier b) thinner c) poorer

 

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Seeing all the sights Chicago has to offer, I feel like Im on a time crunch now.

 

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Shopping!

 

20. How did you spend Christmas?

 I went to the movies and saw Django Unchained (awesome!) - took a nap.
 

21. Did you fall in love in 2012?
Only with myself =)

 

22. What was your favorite TV program?
Sons of Anarchy is still numero uno, but I recently got into Game of Thrones!

 

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
 I don't hate anyone. I just realize that boundaries are needed for some people.

 

24. What was the best book you read?
Hunger Games

 

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Kendrick Lamar

 

26. What did you want and get?
To pay my car off, last payment was this month! Woot!

 

27. What did you want and not get?
A new Keurig and a Wii. Im cheap.

 

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
I saw quite a few good ones but Im going with Django Unchained & Skyfall. My favorite live performance was Freud's Last Session.

 

29. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
I turned 35 and my friend Amy surprised me with afternoon tea at the Drake Hotel!

Photo from SleevedintheCity

 

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If I had gotten to see my family in Texas for the holidays.

 

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?
Big and baggy! Im refusing to buy new clothes. I've got a twine belt and am wearing my pants until they fall off LOL

 

32. What kept you sane?
Coffee, blogging and remembering tomorrow is a new day.

 

33. What celebrity/public figure did you fancy most?
P!nk. She's not only extremely talented but she's fit, healthy, and strong. I'm obsessed!

 

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Lets just say my vote counted.

 

35. Who did you miss?
My papito.

 

36. Who is the best new person you met?
Ive met so many great people this year that its hard to choose just one.

 

37. What is a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012?
"Forgiveness has nothing to do with absolving a criminal of his crime. It has everything to so with relieving oneself of the burden of being a victim -- letting go of the pain and transforming oneself from victim to survivor." ~ C.R. Strahan

 

38. What was the best new blog you discovered this year?
Iowa Girl Eats and I also rediscovered And Then We Saved

 

39. Who inspired you the most in 2012?
Not to sound cocky, but I inspired myself. I saw so much strength and determination in myself this year; I know I can do anything I set my mind to.
 

40. What do you want to happen in 2013?
I want to move back to Texas, lose 80 more pounds, maybe go on a date, run an entire 5k.

 

 
Here's to a new year, a new you and new dreams! Happy 2013!

 

 

 

Friend Makin' Mondays: Fill in the Blanks

Merry Christmas Eve! I don't know about you guys, but I'm ready for the holidays to be over and things get back to normal. I'm excited to be piloting a new program at work that starts right after the New Year so I'm sure that has something to do with my haste =)

 

 



If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

 

 

 

 

FILL in the BLANKS...

 

 

1. I want to.... make 2013 as successful and adventurous as 2012 has been!

 

2. I've never.... been skydiving but I'm going with a friend to do just that in October!

 

3. I believe.... everything happens for a reason.

 

4. My mind often wonders.... the most random things and all the time too. I have ADHD.

 

5. Last night I dreamed that.... I was in a battlefield with dragons. No more Game of Thrones before bed.

 

6. This morning for breakfast I ate.... waffles - a rarity for me.

 

7. My love life is.... non-existent but that's ok I'm purposely taking time off for myself.

 

8. I enjoy.... a great cup of coffee.

 

9. When I was a child I used to.... ride my dogs like horses.

 

10. When I'm in the kitchen I.... wash my hands a hundred times.

 

11. My favorite exercise is.... Zumba!

 

12. When I travel I.... make sure there's extra room in my suitcase for souvenirs!

 

13. My friends would tell you that I am.... funny and opinionated.

 

14. If I had to eat at a restaurant today I would choose.... Razzoo's Cajun Café - they have the BEST grilled jalapeno catfish!

 

15. My favorite.... time of the day is pup cuddling.

 

16. My home is.... hot as hell. My apartment is right next to the boiler room.

 

17. I read.... just about anything if I can learn something from it. I've just started Wuthering Heights.

 

18. The last movie I saw was.... Savages on Redbox. Going to see Django Unchained tomorrow!

 

19. Music makes me feel.... expressive, I love how music can often find the words I am unable to.

 

20. All I want for Christmas is.... a new Keurig! Mine went kaput.  

 

 

Well that's it for this weeks edition! Don't forget to link up! I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

 

 

Friend Makin' Mondays: 12 Things

Now…If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

 

 

Twelve in 2012

1. What was your greatest personal accomplishment in 2012?  I like to think I did several cool things this year but moving to Chicago was by far the most awesome!

2. What’s the best thing your did for your health?  I had gastric sleeve surgery. It not only cured my diabetes but I've lost 65 pounds so far and I'm getting healthier by the day. I also haven't had any pop or carbonated beverages in 5 months - no alcohol either!

3. Share one thing that caused a significant change in your life this year.  I hate to sound repetitive but moving to Chicago, picking up and moving my entire life has given me the courage to do so much more!

4. List a few things that you experienced for the first time at some point over the last twelve months.  
- I sailed on Lake Michigan (in a pirate ship!)
- This is my first apartment "underground"
- I did the Color Run
- I mailed out Christmas cards (I never had to before since I was local)

5. What was the coolest place you visited? Chicago of course ;)

6. If you could change one thing about the last year what would it be?  I would have curbed my extra spending slightly (OK a little more than slightly) - but I'll be starting the AndThenWeSaved program next year - super excited about that.

7. What is the best meal you ate this year? Giordano's stuffed pizza and Alfie's zucchini chips. Both of which are on my do-not-eat-or-it-will-turn-you-into-a-fat-ass-again list.

8. Tell us about a new friend you made.  All of my friends have been new this year, I cant point just one particular person out, they're all great!

9. What did you hope to accomplish this year that you did not? I wanted to travel some.

10. Share something you learned in 2012.  Don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle.

11. Share an odd and unexpected thing that you experienced this year.  I can't say anything odd or unexpected happened to me this year. It's been pretty normal for once lol

12. How do you think 2013 will differ from 2012? It is going to be full of so much awesome. I'm going to be skinny. I'm going to be rich(er). I'm going to travel. I'm going to (continue to) be badass.

Now it's your turn! Don't forget to link up! Happy Monday everyone!

 

Friend Makin’ Mondays: Christmas Questions

 

Its that time of the week again! You know what to do, answer these questions on your blog (after commenting on mine of course lol) and link back to www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

 

 

Christmas Questions

 

 

1. How will you celebrate the holidays this year? This year I'm going solo, all my family is back in Texas. I'm not sad though, its my first Chicago Christmas so there's lots of new traditions to be made.

2. What’s the weather currently like where you live? Its starting to get colder but as we've now hit a record 281 days without snow, I can say I'm far past ready for some white powder awesomeness!

3. Do you decorate your home for the holidays? If so, share a picture please!  I did a little as I left most of my decorations at my parents house in Texas. Here is my mini tree:

4. What is your favorite Christmas movie?  ELF! Best Christmas movie, EVER. A do have a soft spot for the old claymation classics and who can forget Emmitt Otter's Jug-Band Christmas? Love!

Image courtesy of google.com

5. What is your favorite Christmas songs?  Carol of the Bells, Feliz Navidad, Last Christmas, Little Drummer Boy and Santa Baby top my list.

6. Do you have an advent calendar?  No, I had one every year as a child but I've grown out of them.

7. Do you prefer color lights or white lights?  I have white lights on my tree but I prefer colored lights on the outside of a home.

8. What is your favorite food to eat over the holidays?  That's hard to say, ever since the surgery I haven't been indulging (yay me!). It used to be pumpkin flavored anything, now I'd have to say its an XL coffee with Peppermint Mocha from Dunkin Donuts. I live dangerously, I know.

Image courtesy of google.com

9. Do you display a live tree, or do you prefer fake trees? I'm a city dweller in an apartment, its nothing but fake for me!

10. What would you need to make your holiday perfect this year?  I'm alive, healthy, losing weight, employed, and have happy pups...I'd say its already perfect =)

 

Okie dokie, your turn! Don't forget to link back!

 

Happy Monday!

 

The Beginning of the End

Its officially the first day of the last month of this year. Say goodbye to 2012!

 

I cant even begin to recount all the crazy, wondrous, amazing, scary things that has happened to me this year. I know that it has changed me and for the better! I cant wait to see what awesomeness 2013 has in store. Until then I'll enjoy my first Christmas in Chicago. I'm planning a day/night trip to the city to check out all the festivities and see the infamous Macy's tree lighting and window displays.

 

My first Chicago Christmas tree =)

And a little bit of Texas to help celebrate!

 

Lots of fun things coming up this month. Next week is my bariatric surgeons Christmas party (really looking forward to this!), my trip to the city, my first sponsored blog giveaway, starting a 250 book reading challenge with my friend Nicki, and just really focusing on wrapping the year up and continuing to make good choices into the new one. That being said I'm following in my friend Brooke's footsteps and have made myself some December goals, something to help keep me accountable during the crazy holiday season! I joined her Skinny Snowman Challenge and boy I have tanked big time, hopefully you guys are doing much better!

 

3 workouts per week - easy enough! My doctor put me on a core restriction until we get my gallbladder/heartburn issue solved but I can still get up and move...no excuses on this!

 

64 oz of fluid per day/half clear - now this one I struggle with. I easily get my fluids in but most of it is coffee which I know isn't the best choice; so I'm cutting back and making sure at least half of my daily intake is water.

 

2013 budget - I try this every year and I'm never "prepared" enough to keep it going. So this time I'm taking the entire freaking month to get my poop in a group to really stick to it this time. I've been following Anna over at AndThenWeSaved for a while now and have decided to follow her program. She paid off $17k in debt in a year on a salary making not even twice that much, is that awesome or what? I haven't decided if I'll be doing the Spending Diet, the Spending Fast or maybe even a combo of the two. I'll figure it out and post on it later.

 

2 blog posts per week - I need to make a habit of blogging regularly so I'm committing to posting at least twice a week, recipes NOT included. Hear that self? Recipes are NOT included.

 

 

Do you have any goals for December? Anything fun you're looking forward to?

 

 

 

 

Have a great week!

 

 

 



Friend Makin' Mondays: Dear Santa

Its that time again boys and girls! FMM is a favorite way to start off the week and this is my first time to do so on the new blog so I'm extra happy! And could this weeks topic be any more exciting? My list is much longer than 10 but I'll try to pick my faves =)

 

If your new to FMM, the rules are simple; take a few moments to answer these questions on your own blog and add your link in the comment section here at All The Weigh

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Santa:  List at least ten things that you may or may not need that you’d love to find under your tree this year!   

 

 

1: Chanel Malice - love this color just not the $26 price tag

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Keurig Vue - my Elite went kaput. Boo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Marc Jacobs Dot - will be my summer go-to fragrance this year!

 

 

 

4. Brother RX9500 - I really want to learn how to sew and hem my own pants




5. Pro Power nail drill - would be so much easier when I do my own fill-ins!





6. Tory Burch Penelope Tote - any of her handbags really!

 

 

7. UGG Classic Short in Grey

8. ASICS GEL-Kinsei 4 running shoes

 

9.  A ticket to FitBloggin' - hint, hint to all you sponsors out there ;)



10. XSport Fitness membership - can you say Water Zumba?!

 

I'm pretty sure I can hang up most of what's on my list...Id be happy with a few gift cards since I'm growing out of my clothes so quickly. Even if my tree is empty this year I'm still beyond blessed and that's all that really matters.

Have a great week!