Swoon!!

If you don't like dog pics, you may as well skip this post. The first is one I took earlier in the week just to show how tiny Lila is, in fact as of today she is 2.9 lbs! The rest are just random awww worthy pics of both of our "kids".

Have a great weekend everyone!

My tastebuds (and waistline!) are in love.

This year our cafeteria has really got some good products. Besides the addition of the iced coffee machine, we also got some bottle Starbucks products (I love my double shots!) and some yummy indivdual servings of Silk soy milk.

But my favorite addition by far is not one of our great new beverages. It's is the Morning Star Veggie Burgers. Specifically, the Spicy Black Bean.

Now let me just say, a few years ago I hated everything Morning Star. I religiously flocked to the Boca Burger and a couple months ago vowed to start making my own homemade veggie burgers, but after having one of these recently I am in love!! I don't know if the ones we get commercially are exactly the same in store, but the ingredients are incredibly similar.

And upon looking at the ingredients I was overjoyed to see that my burger has a mere 130 calories. I usually wrap it in lettuce with some onions, hot sauce, and a small amount of reduced calorie ranch easily making this sandwich under 200 calories, and I seriously CRAVE them. I have been eating one almost every work day for over a week.

So now I am wondering if this treat of a lunch is what is really helping my weight loss. I started losing more than weeks prior, and I haven't even been to the gym because of the snow and Lila.

Either way, I'll take it. Bring it on Morning Star!!

More on Lila...

I was hoping to include a few more pics, but both dogs weren't being overly cooperative. Hopefully I can get a few more tonight to post later.

So here's the story on Lila: Nathan has a co-worker that doesn't believe in spaying/neutering that just had a few puppies. Yeah, don't get me started on that. Believe me, Nathan lectures accordingly, and he told me he thinks he may have made more impact this time. Woohoo to that!!

But, anyway, Nathan had been playing on adopting Lila since early December because he thinks she will be the perfect dog for me. I wanted a second, very active/playful dog for Roxie; however, I really wanted a dog under 30 lbs because Roxie is such a freaking horse at 60+ pounds. Well, he kind of took the smaller dog thing to the extreme, because Lila is a Chihuahua/Pomerania mix that will probably weigh in at about 10 lbs at full growth. I would say she is probably no more than 2 lbs right now!

She is so, so squeezable and for 2 months old I already consider her to be pretty well behaved. She had some issues sleeping last night because she had never been crated before, so we may try something different tonight like having Roxie sleep in the crate with her. She also has a long way to go on potty training, but I am sure she will get there.

Drum roll please....

Meet Lila:

More details about her to follow, but I know some of you were very anxious to hear what the surprise was....

This is tough....

I have good news. News that I want to scream from the roof tops and type in all caps, but I can't....*sigh*.

You never know who is reading, and that is why I can't say.

But readers, just be assured it is great news that has made me very, very happy.

And I hate having to include this statement; however it always seems necessary... no, I am not pregnant.

It's a surprise!

Totally random, but Nathan has some kind of surprise planned for me. Apparently, it is for V Day but I am getting it early.....as in this Sunday. I am going nuts. Unfortunately for Nathan, I am usually pretty good about figuring out surprises...it is really hard for him to keep secrets from me. I have a gift, what can I say?

This time though...it's tough. He hasn't taken money out of any of the accounts, so at first I figured we would take a day trip to one of my favorite winery towns. When he told me I was getting the surprise on Sunday, I reminded him I would probably be "slightly" hungover from the Food and Wine Experience, because really, who am I kidding? Free wine for six hours is going to result in some pain on Sunday. But he said a hangover wouldn't matter.

So then I thought maybe he got me a second dog. Specifically, a puggle. This makes sense because it would be from a rescue or a dog he found that needed a home (he would never buy from a breeder) and chances are he wouldn't need to pay for that up front. He claims he has been setting money aside, but I don't buy that. I track all of our expenses and I don't know how he would of pulled that past me.

After a lot of badgering last night he told me it was a kitchen table. I think this was just to shut me up...but I guess this is also a possibility. When I asked more questions he said it was exactly what we had been looking for, he got it from someone at work, and we would have to buy chairs this lovely new-to-us table.

Anyone have any theories? Jenn will you give us a hint?

Do you want to know the definition of insanity?

A vending/school foods manager coming into the office after four days off work during a national peanut butter recall.

This just needs to be said.

*Let me preface this post by saying that I am not trying to be a bitch. And I do not believe that everyone wants to hang out with me all the time, because while I do have good qualities, I also have bad ones and that not everyone loves. (I don't see anyone walking around with an I love Teresa shirt) In addition, this post isn't directed at one single person.*

With that said, I feel like I need to get something off my chest. I host things at my house. Sometimes they involve two people other times they involve 40. I love being social and having people over, but it takes a lot out of me (and Nathan) to host a big group of people. I always go overboard with cooking, and the cooking I normally do takes time, LOTS of time. And when that gets magnified to a big group it sometimes takes days for me to prepare to have people over, not just with cooking, but also cleaning and getting the house ready. Plus, when I host more than just a few people, it takes a lot for me to enjoy myself because I feel like I am constantly needing to make sure everyone is ok.

In addition, there is a money factor. Nathan and I spend a big chunk of our budget hosting big and small gatherings. We are happy to do so because we love our friends, but because of this, we have to cut out other things in our lives. So it isn't always easy to make every group bigger.

I think it is obvious that I have made a great group of friends from an online community. I have heard us called a clique, and while I don't love that term, I can understand why people have called us that and feel that way. We became close friends very quickly. And I won't speak for any of them, but these people have become my friends because we have things in common and I truly feel with this group that not only do I make the effort to be their friend, they make the effort with me.

I don't want anyone to feel like I personally exclude them from things, but not everyone can be invited to everything, period. Especially not when it is something that is happening at my home.

I truly hope no one is offended or hurt by this post. It is not meant to be that way. I've just had people ask me why they aren't included on things and I want to clear it up. If you disagree, that's fine and I respect it but I probably won't change the way I host things so that I can keep my sanity and not go broke.

In about two hours...

I am out of here and starting my FOUR day weekend.

I didn't get too excited because things tend to change and I end up having to work, but I have reaffirmed with Boss #1 and my employees that I am off. So now I am really flipping excited.
I am vowing not to check work email and actually use my auto response, which is really tough for me, but I am going to try.

Besides a couple gym visits and some social gatherings I am going to lay around in sweat pants, catch up on DVR, and hopefully do some blogging and reading.

With this occasion on the horizon and my much needed friend time last night, things are looking up.

"The good stuff"

I have an file in my work email called "The good stuff". Even though it maybe a little egotistical, I keep emails that compliment me on my job performance. I know some people do this to show potential future employers, but I keep these emails just for me. When I am having a bad week I open this folder and just start reading. I think about how I worked so hard when I started an account from scratch, how I bent over backwards to earn the respect of employees that were wronged in the past, and all those times I put my personal life aside temporarily to go an extra mile for my company.


To say that I have been on an emotional low this past week is a pretty big understatement. Not just with work, but with my personal life too. All the small stuff is just really adding up and I have to constantly remind myself that no one has died, I have no life threatening illness, and I have a roof over my head with food to eat, so really these problems aren't so bad and I need to get the f over it.

So today is a new day, and I have to work on all that. Today "The good stuff" folder will be opened once again.



BTW, I passed my test.

I hope I pass

I feel like I am 16 again. I have to go take a driver's test and get a different kind of license for work. It's a Class E in case you were wondering.

It's only a written exam, but I am still nervous. Teresa does not have the best driving exam record.

Let's go back about 10 years shall we?

I am almost 17 I and hated driving. HATED it. But I was Ms. Superinvolved with tons of extra curriculars and living about 20 minutes from school, so driving was essential.

I took my first driving test and failed...I really wasn't ready. On the second time around I was nervous. EXTREMELY nervous. I was doing ok, and then we got to the parallel parking part. The part every 16 year old fears.

I go a car length ahead, put the car in reverse, turn my head and put my foot down....hard. As in wayyy too hard. The back end of my car ramps the sidewalk and hits the chain link fence that is on the other side of the sidewalk. So yeah, I had a wheel or two in the air.

I am in total shock, not believing what happens. I think back now and wonder what that examiner was thinking and how he didn't lose it on me. He pretty calmly tells me to pull forward and park, because he has to go inside and make sure the people whose fence I hit don't want to press charges. I sit there thinking......."!?!?!?!?"

Needless to say I failed, and became traumatized for the rest of teen years, even after I passed my third time. I still am not a big fan of driving, but deal with it.

Funniest part of the story? I drove by that house one of the last times I visited my parents. The fence is still up, big bend and all.

Go ahead and lol @ me today, I give you permission.

Ever have one of those days...

When you find out something that makes you so mad you can't do anything else? They don't happen to me very often, but as of about 30 minutes ago, I am having one of those days.

I really, really, want to get it out and vent, but it is work related and you never know who is reading.

If anyone that has my email doesn't mind hearing me bitch, shoot me an email and I will fill you in.

One short walk later...

Crappy pic, but you get the idea. Um, yeah, I may be able to get used to this.

Random Thursday

Hopefully someone out there enjoys reading random posts as much as I do.

#1 Random: I am surviving on about 2-3 hours of sleep. Roxie whined and cried off and on all night because Duke was sleeping in the living room and she was in a different room in her crate. Usually she settles down pretty quick at night, but last night she was upset. I am praying tonight will be better.

#2 Random: This morning I ate an orange. This is big because I am not a big fan of fruit besides apples, and it really bums me out. I would love to be able to enjoy a variety of fresh fruits. Today's orange was a big step. Today an orange, tomorrow the world!

#3 Random: I am wearing my favorite Kelly Green button up sweater today and 30 minutes into work a button came off. And it wasn't a top or bottom one, it was one right in the middle. Grrrr, don't you hate it when that happens?

#4 Random: Work is super slow this week, and thank God for that. I needed an easy week to transition back because I was so dreading coming back from winter break.

#5 Random: A fellow blogger has graciously offered to give me her old digital camera. Today when I got the email confirming I actually said out loud, "Holla!". And I am not going to lie, there might have been a little arm action too.

Happy Thursday!

Meet Duke

Ok, everyone, meet Duke. Duke is my Aunt's dog is going to be staying with us anywhere from two weeks to forever. It's a long story that I am too tired to tell at the moment. Anyway, my Aunt, Mom, and grandparents are leaving next week for a trip and Duke is staying with us at least through that period.

So far he doesn't know quite what to make of everything. Plus, he is an older dog so Roxie's puppy like energy is only tolerable to him for so long.

This isn't the best pic but I was trying to show his size...I would say he is 25 pounds, 30 max so Roxie towers over him.

I am sure this match will have many blog worthy stories in the near future!

Too funny

I just went in my blogger profile to change a couple things, and I decided to let it ask me a random question.

The question was.....
"Your people want to make a statue in your honor. What will it be made out of and what victory will it commemorate?"

Hehe. To see my answer click on my complete profile.

Open letter to gym patrons

Dear Gym Patrons that are working out because of their New Years Resolution,

I get you are now all fitness freaks and know everything there is know about fitness and are obviously above me since I weigh more than you; however, have you ever heard of wiping down a machine when you are finished? If you look around you will see these crazy bottle gadgets that are called spray bottles. It's hard to believe, but yes, they are there for you.

Dear guy on the chest press machine,

You were at the machine for at least 15 minutes. Mostly just sitting there watching TV. I politely hung out in the area, making it pretty obvious that I wanted to use your machine. You either didn't notice or didn't care. Listen, its the only Chest press in the gym, so STOP SITTING THERE. Doing 5 reps then sitting for 5 minutes is doing you no fing good. MOVE.

When do people stop caring about their resolutions and stop coming to the gym? I am hoping its the end of January.

I hate days like today.

There are accidents all over the highways and I have delivery drivers out in this mess. I seriously sit here and worry until they come back or call and check in.

I hope everyone is ok on their commute today!!

Sappington Farmers Market

I have always loved Sundays, but lately I feel like I have come up with the perfect Sunday routine that still allows for plenty of lounging around time that I feel is very necessary for my sanity.

I get up at about 7-8ish when Roxie decides she has to go out, then I pack up for a combo gym/grocery shopping trip. While to some of you this may sound like hell, I really love it. Without this routine I would never go to the gym on the weekends.

Those of you that read my blog know that I am a pretty big Aldi shopper. I find most of their products comparable in quality to those of a regular grocery store and the prices are so very low. I always have to pick up a few items at Shop n Save, but I never really mind that.

A few months ago a friend was talking about how much they loved Sappington Farmers Market. So I decided to check it out. I arrived on a crazy busy Saturday and was totally overwhelmed. It was crazy packed and I was not impressed. While the produce prices were awesome, I was having a hard time finding things on my list and it was just to crowded to really look around and price compare. I left bummed out that I didn't fall in love with the place. I mean, they support a ton of local growers so I really wanted to support them as well.

Fast forward to last month. You may remember the post that I was talking about a local co-op? As I was doing my research I found out that Sappington contributes to the local co-op. So I decided to give it another shot. After all even though I don't consider it close, it is right by the gym that I meet up with friends at on Sundays.

So I went at 9 am on a Sunday and arrived to an empty parking lot. Once I realized, yes in fact, they were open, but no one shops there much on Sunday mornings I was thrilled. I had plenty of time to price compare and begin to learn the layout of the store. And now, I love, love, love, Sappington Farmers Market.

Sure I am paying a little more for canned goods and some of the meats, but I am getting a steal on lots of fresh stuff which has become more of a staple in our meals. Plus, I am able to easily support local merchants without even giving it a second thought.

So if you live anywhere close and haven't been there already, you should check it out. I would suggest first going at an off time if you can.

Summary of my down time...

Even with not working the end of December was crazy busy for me. Besides seeing tons of family, I got to see some great friends, including my "Man of Honor", Matt, who lives in Boston. We both aren't phone people so when we get together twice a year (Christmas and Summer) we always have to cram in about 6 months of life into a couple days of drinking coffee, having dinner, and possibly even splitting a bottle of wine. But it always works, and he is always helpful to put some things into perspective for me.

Besides the socializing, I have been cooking like crazy. Makes sauces and soups to freeze, in addition to trying to create a few new things like enchilada sauce (big failure, BTW). I also tried to get a jump start on a few of my 29 in 09, but I am incredibly discouraged because I thought I would be getting more accomplished.

But some things like doing work from home and trying to do a lot of gym time have been getting in the way. I've also done of my fair share of lying around, but I honestly still feel burnt out on work and I'm not going back on Monday as "refreshed" as I would like to be.

Ah, what can you do? Hopefully I will start back on more regular blogging next week.