When my husband came into my life, I barely ate anything...weighing a mere 120 lbs.. For those of you who know Neil, you know he can eat. He can eat, and eat, and eat...and then eat some more. Usually my leftovers. For some off the wall reason, I felt I needed to keep up with this habit. I had been in such good shape my entire life, the most athletic, die hard work out fanatic - I couldn't gain weight. Yeah right! I did, and FAST! Months before the wedding I got a hold of myself and hit the gym religiously and was in great shape for the big day.
Within a month of married life, I quit my gym and just worked out with Tae-Bo videos and going for walks. That didn't last long...
40 pounds later - I reached my highest, gawd-awful weight ever!!! 160 lbs. This is embarrassing. I've never admitted to this weight, now even to Neil. Why? He weighs 165 lbs.. Typing this, this very moment is scaring the crud out of me. I can't believe I let myself go this much. The weight just crept up on me. From my last doctor's appt, I weighed 148 lbs...but that was last summer. I actually threw out my scale, and base my weight loss on the jeans that exist in all sorts of sizes that hang in my closest.
So - the point is. I'm over weight. Since I'm 5' 3", I should weigh between 110-125 to be "healthy"...I'm aiming to weigh 125-130. I like some meat on my bones, and the cut in my arms of muscle. This past winter, with the new house, and settling in....Not to mention, the depression (S.A.D.) that smacked me upside the head - I had zero motivation to hit the YMCA.
My goal: To lose my Post Wedding Weight by my 5th year anniversary. That gives me 4 months to get myself back in my size 7 jeans that I just won't give up.
I can't believe I just blogged about this...
I'm hoping this will motivate me.
What does help is my friends Dave and Sean who have the same mind set - to just get healthy. We have to at least try and work out daily, and inform one another of it...if not, you're LAME. Spring is just around the corner, and we can't wait to hit the tennis courts - and I personally can't wait to start training/walking Cali outside.
I can do this.
I know I can.
I'm sick of myself and my size 13 jeans.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Weekend of events!
My weekends start on Friday. Since I have 4 day weekends, I am able to do just about anything.
This weekend was booked solid.
Friday, started off great:
This weekend was booked solid.
Friday, started off great:
7:30am - Yep, I was awake this early. Why you ask? My dog knew I was just laying there & did her darnest to make the funniest sounds/howls to get me out of bed. We ventured into the living room & started to clean. Cali hates this mainly because I don't pay any attention to her - and I'm picking up all of her toys and placing them to an unreachable location. IPOD goes on and my finger scrolls in the circular motion to the "M's" - M for Madball. I can run the fastest, drive the craziest, and clean the cleanliest with that band rocking through the speakers. Plus they were here in Erie, and I was attending their show later that night.
By 10am I was done cleaning & mid-way through my laundry. I then start working on a baby quilt for my girlfriend Autumn - I'd like to note that the baby shower was just a day & a 1/2 later, talk about procrastinating. But quickly that had to be put away due to the fact she was on her way for a visit. What I love about having Autumn & Owen come visit is they're a great help in getting my 13 week old puppy familiar with people, and little ones. And I am one proud momma because Cali was amazing!!! She shared her toys, and played with Owen so well - it was so fun watching them RUN! It just brought peace and happiness to my heart because I want Cali to be the best doggie she can be - and I feel that she is on her way.
By the time my friends left, I had to get myself ready to pick up Neil and I had planned on surprising him with a Starbucks drinky...so I had to get moving!
MADBALL came to Erie! It was a great night, with good friends, and one of my favorite hardcore bands. And of course, they were just amazing. What is silly is I don't know very many of their songs. I really don't. That was brought to my attention, at the show. They're still sooo good! Afterwards, we headed to Fox for a bite to eat. Good, good night.
Saturday was pretty strange. I ran around, took care of some errands. Headed over to my friend Rebecca's in hopes to be ahead of the game for the surprise baby shower/tea party we were co-hosting for Autumn. Bad news...Rebecca was sicker then sick. That made for a quick drop off of items, and an even quicker pick up of the cupcake mix for me to make at home. I then had to make my way to work...Motley Crue concert, and I was one of three working the box office. But let me tell you how entertaining it was!!!! Time just flew. I people watched like no other. Had to pick my chin up from the counter a couple times...these middle aged women man. Whoa!
A benefit of working that night: I was able to check out the chaos. MotleyCrue. What can I say? For one, they're old. But Vince Neil sure did move. Three songs later, I made my way home. I had cupcakes to make & a quilt to finish. Neil had some of his boys over, so I had to guard the cupcakes - and unfortunately move all of my sewing equipment into the bedroom. By 2:30am (3:30am because of the time change), the quilt was complete :) What I didn't realize was that the boys were still here, and were making their exit. Perfect timing.
Sunday morning was a rough one - I had a hard time getting up. But up I got. I had to make my way to Rebecca's to drop off everything before work. And yes...I worked on Sunday. There was a Sporting Expo held at the Bayfront Convention Center & I signed on to work a few hours in their box office. But I couldn't wait. I was working with Sue, who is one of my newest, most favorite people here in Erie. She is one of my Box Office co-workers, and is just sooo funny. I can't stop smiling & laughing when I'm with her. That time just flew. Quickly I rushed over to the Tea Party to finish the last tid-bit stuff before the guests arrive... And since this was a surprise, Rebecca & I were just crossing our fingers that through the grapevine she didn't find out. As her family started to arrive, and we got the finishing touches all laid out...we hear Autumn yell "I'm going to let myself in, if that's okay." Now, we told Autumn that we were spending the day - just girls...a time for us to just spend before she had the baby. We mentioned it was going to be a tea party with sweets to eat, we even told her to bring something to share (she brought cupcakes)... She walked in and was completely shocked!!!! It was soooo great to do this for her. From what we kept hearing was that "it is rude to throw a baby shower for a 2nd child" "people won't come"...and such other nonsense. We wanted to throw her this party because she has a son, and she really needed girlie stuff...and she really deserved time out with the girls. It was a great, great time!!!!
I ended the night spending quality time with my baba. I picked up Chinee and we watched movies the rest of the night.
What a crazy weekend!
By 10am I was done cleaning & mid-way through my laundry. I then start working on a baby quilt for my girlfriend Autumn - I'd like to note that the baby shower was just a day & a 1/2 later, talk about procrastinating. But quickly that had to be put away due to the fact she was on her way for a visit. What I love about having Autumn & Owen come visit is they're a great help in getting my 13 week old puppy familiar with people, and little ones. And I am one proud momma because Cali was amazing!!! She shared her toys, and played with Owen so well - it was so fun watching them RUN! It just brought peace and happiness to my heart because I want Cali to be the best doggie she can be - and I feel that she is on her way.
By the time my friends left, I had to get myself ready to pick up Neil and I had planned on surprising him with a Starbucks drinky...so I had to get moving!
MADBALL came to Erie! It was a great night, with good friends, and one of my favorite hardcore bands. And of course, they were just amazing. What is silly is I don't know very many of their songs. I really don't. That was brought to my attention, at the show. They're still sooo good! Afterwards, we headed to Fox for a bite to eat. Good, good night.
Saturday was pretty strange. I ran around, took care of some errands. Headed over to my friend Rebecca's in hopes to be ahead of the game for the surprise baby shower/tea party we were co-hosting for Autumn. Bad news...Rebecca was sicker then sick. That made for a quick drop off of items, and an even quicker pick up of the cupcake mix for me to make at home. I then had to make my way to work...Motley Crue concert, and I was one of three working the box office. But let me tell you how entertaining it was!!!! Time just flew. I people watched like no other. Had to pick my chin up from the counter a couple times...these middle aged women man. Whoa!
A benefit of working that night: I was able to check out the chaos. MotleyCrue. What can I say? For one, they're old. But Vince Neil sure did move. Three songs later, I made my way home. I had cupcakes to make & a quilt to finish. Neil had some of his boys over, so I had to guard the cupcakes - and unfortunately move all of my sewing equipment into the bedroom. By 2:30am (3:30am because of the time change), the quilt was complete :) What I didn't realize was that the boys were still here, and were making their exit. Perfect timing.
Sunday morning was a rough one - I had a hard time getting up. But up I got. I had to make my way to Rebecca's to drop off everything before work. And yes...I worked on Sunday. There was a Sporting Expo held at the Bayfront Convention Center & I signed on to work a few hours in their box office. But I couldn't wait. I was working with Sue, who is one of my newest, most favorite people here in Erie. She is one of my Box Office co-workers, and is just sooo funny. I can't stop smiling & laughing when I'm with her. That time just flew. Quickly I rushed over to the Tea Party to finish the last tid-bit stuff before the guests arrive... And since this was a surprise, Rebecca & I were just crossing our fingers that through the grapevine she didn't find out. As her family started to arrive, and we got the finishing touches all laid out...we hear Autumn yell "I'm going to let myself in, if that's okay." Now, we told Autumn that we were spending the day - just girls...a time for us to just spend before she had the baby. We mentioned it was going to be a tea party with sweets to eat, we even told her to bring something to share (she brought cupcakes)... She walked in and was completely shocked!!!! It was soooo great to do this for her. From what we kept hearing was that "it is rude to throw a baby shower for a 2nd child" "people won't come"...and such other nonsense. We wanted to throw her this party because she has a son, and she really needed girlie stuff...and she really deserved time out with the girls. It was a great, great time!!!!
I ended the night spending quality time with my baba. I picked up Chinee and we watched movies the rest of the night.
What a crazy weekend!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
I updated a couple of the pictures in the "We call this home" blog... I still haven't posted a picture of our bedroom. Here's the thing - it's not done. Nothing matches, and I can't stand it. We're going for warmth in our room, instead of style for the moment...not too pretty. I know, I know...how sad is that?!!
814
Today I finally made the change in my cell phone number. We've been here 9 months, and it took us this long. Ridiculous, I know. I did have my reasons as to why I couldn't let go of my old number...and I'm quite surprised I went through it. This weekend was one of the hardest for me. I am very, very homesick - even as I type I'm getting all teary-eyed. It's so silly. Not sure what brought this on. Well, maybe I do. All of last week Neil and I were holed up in this house, sick and just unable to do a darn thing. That has nothing to do with anything... but it lead to me handing over a special package that needed to be shipped out- that had a specific deadline. My girlfriend Nat, who lives in CA, had her baby shower today. And I was bummed beyond everything that I couldn't make it. I wanted, I NEEDED to have that package to get to CA on time...it needed to be there, since I wasn't. Long story short...it didn't make it. I discovered that it was shipped out incorrectly. It's no ones fault. I was physically unable to leave my house to do this small task myself...but its reasons like this that I am obsessed with doing EVERYTHING myself. This is who I am. I can depend on myself.
Needless to say - Nat will receive her package, hopefully in tact, sometime early next week.
To continue on with my CA homesickness - I'm getting over it. Tonight didn't help much. Showing up at a restaurant w/Neil - meeting up with 3 of his friends - and there only being room for 4 at the table. Apparently no one knew I was coming. Good thing my husband informed everyone. I just wanted to run - run out the door, get back in my car, and go home. But instead, we moved tables. I definitely felt out of place. It makes me wonder if Neil ever felt this way in CA when we'd go out w/my friends? I hope not.
Oh! I did want to share my attachment to my old number...
7322414
7-Half of my favorite #
32-Old softball uniform# and favorite NBA basketball player (Magic Johnson)
24-Anniversary date
14-Favorite #
Pretty cool. I know.
Well...814 it is.
Needless to say - Nat will receive her package, hopefully in tact, sometime early next week.
To continue on with my CA homesickness - I'm getting over it. Tonight didn't help much. Showing up at a restaurant w/Neil - meeting up with 3 of his friends - and there only being room for 4 at the table. Apparently no one knew I was coming. Good thing my husband informed everyone. I just wanted to run - run out the door, get back in my car, and go home. But instead, we moved tables. I definitely felt out of place. It makes me wonder if Neil ever felt this way in CA when we'd go out w/my friends? I hope not.
Oh! I did want to share my attachment to my old number...
7322414
7-Half of my favorite #
32-Old softball uniform# and favorite NBA basketball player (Magic Johnson)
24-Anniversary date
14-Favorite #
Pretty cool. I know.
Well...814 it is.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
We call this home...
Living Room: Framed photos and art will be hung here shortly - once I make a decision as to where they belong. This could take months, so bare with me. Just stay posted.
This is our office. Originally I was going to paint the walls a soft black, trim everything white, and hang movie posters framed in white. Also, accenting the room with all sorts of nic-nacs. But after over hearing our friend Joel talk about wanting to paint a mural to add to his portfolio - I jumped right smack in the middle of the conversation & told him he could use our office. So for now, this will be the "before" picture.
This is the spare bedroom...aka MY room. Mine! I plan to make this room my get-away. A place I can sew and spend time in. I like doing arts & crafts, and quilting - basically, I create one hell of a mess when I get going. So I was very happy that there was a 3rd room I could call my own. My plans are to paint the trim white. Purchase bedding from Urban Outfitters (it's all picked out), and find unique curtains to match. This room is my summer project - a summer of yard sales and estate sales...I cannot wait to get started.Oh and that's the bathroom.
Here is the dining area. The wall to the right will eventually have a Cherry Blossom tree painted on it.
The kitchen. This is what drew Neil and I to this house. We LOVE this kitchen. All the appliances were included, which of course was very appealing to us! To the right is a bench that came with the house as well. I love it!
Here is the basement: Laundry
Again, sorry for the darkness of the photo. Neil has many, many plans for this place. If you haven't heard, "jungle" seems to be the theme. This will be his space, as well as a place for entertainment when our friends come over. You can't really see...but there is a bar to the right, that we believe was custom made for this basement. Coca-Cola on tap? We're going to look into it. Ping Pong table? Yep, there's room.
Whoa-I just noticed what a disaster it is down there - sorry!!! One day it will all be organized. Cannot wait. There is actually another room, that will eventually turn into a 2nd bathroom. But that is months & months from now...
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Negative 6 days....
...The Hartmans are officially home owners as of 6 days ago! Yay us! The events that went down this weekend in "FYI" fashion...
Signed papers
Received keys
Drove to the house, relished in it for about 10 minutes
Lowes shopping - finalized paint colors (pictures up soon)
Dinner
Back to our home, taped off the trim - prep for paint
Friends stopped by and checked out the place :)
Saturday, woke up in a startled-like fashion...let's go, let's go, let's go!!! Paint awaits!
Prep work - aka primer the walls
Painted ALL day
Sleep time
Woke up in crazy pain. Didn't know I was using my calves so much.
Sunday - PAINTED ALL DAY
(Neil however watched some NFL playoffs, as I listened via radio)
Sleep time, was completely exhausted, and in major pain.
Monday, brought over "kitchen" boxes.
Pictures up soon...
Tomorrow is moving day - pray for good weather :)
Signed papers
Received keys
Drove to the house, relished in it for about 10 minutes
Lowes shopping - finalized paint colors (pictures up soon)
Dinner
Back to our home, taped off the trim - prep for paint
Friends stopped by and checked out the place :)
Saturday, woke up in a startled-like fashion...let's go, let's go, let's go!!! Paint awaits!
Prep work - aka primer the walls
Painted ALL day
Sleep time
Woke up in crazy pain. Didn't know I was using my calves so much.
Sunday - PAINTED ALL DAY
(Neil however watched some NFL playoffs, as I listened via radio)
Sleep time, was completely exhausted, and in major pain.
Monday, brought over "kitchen" boxes.
Pictures up soon...
Tomorrow is moving day - pray for good weather :)
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Cali vs. Cobra
Neil and I have been on a crazy man-hunt for a baby doggie. This dog would belong to me. Mine. (In the end, this dog will probably favor Neil) I have checked high and low w/every dog rescue in the 200 mile radius in hopes that we could rescue a dog. Cleveland Rescue wouldn't adopt out of Ohio. Buffalo Rescue won't adopt out of New York. Pittsburgh didn't have any dogs I'd be interested in. And I know, I'm rescuing a dog - why be so picky? You must ask yourself, have you not met Dawna Editha Hartman? Then the search began in the "puppies for sale" websites.
As of 3 days ago, I was driving 4 and a 1/2 hours to pick up the sweeeetest looking dog (which was a rescue pup): boston terrier, chihuahua mix named Baxter. I was in contact w/the foster family, and it looked to be a done deal. Then snow happened. Then the thought kicked in we'd be traveling 9 hours in 1 day. I had Neil make the very sad phone call that we wouldn't be able to meet Baxter. I was in tears (no surprise there).
In the last 48 hours we've checked every site that is available to our fingertips. This is what our eyes were looking for:
Pit Bull Terrier
Pit Bull Terrier mix
Puppy (6-8 weeks)
White w/tan or brown markings
You must all be thinking? A pit bull? Yes. I adore them!!! If trained and treated properly, they can be one of the most amazing dogs you'd ever be in contact with.
Now, some of you know my husband - and those closest to him know how much he adores Chihuahuas. You didn't mis-read that, it's true. He loves 'em. After I made arrangements to meet the potential Cali, the pit bull - who is located in Pittsburgh - I wanted to take one last glance at the Pittsburgh site to see if I could maybe meet another dog...if they were in the area. And low and behold I come across black and white male chihuahuas. They're precious! Of course Neil's face just brightened right up! He made the phone call instantly and made arrangements.
So here it is: Cali vs. Cobra Commander....
sorry for the small photo: 
As of 3 days ago, I was driving 4 and a 1/2 hours to pick up the sweeeetest looking dog (which was a rescue pup): boston terrier, chihuahua mix named Baxter. I was in contact w/the foster family, and it looked to be a done deal. Then snow happened. Then the thought kicked in we'd be traveling 9 hours in 1 day. I had Neil make the very sad phone call that we wouldn't be able to meet Baxter. I was in tears (no surprise there).
In the last 48 hours we've checked every site that is available to our fingertips. This is what our eyes were looking for:
Pit Bull Terrier
Pit Bull Terrier mix
Puppy (6-8 weeks)
White w/tan or brown markings
You must all be thinking? A pit bull? Yes. I adore them!!! If trained and treated properly, they can be one of the most amazing dogs you'd ever be in contact with.
Now, some of you know my husband - and those closest to him know how much he adores Chihuahuas. You didn't mis-read that, it's true. He loves 'em. After I made arrangements to meet the potential Cali, the pit bull - who is located in Pittsburgh - I wanted to take one last glance at the Pittsburgh site to see if I could maybe meet another dog...if they were in the area. And low and behold I come across black and white male chihuahuas. They're precious! Of course Neil's face just brightened right up! He made the phone call instantly and made arrangements.
So here it is: Cali vs. Cobra Commander....
sorry for the small photo: 
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
10 days to go.
The radon is going to be mitigated this weekend on our home, and should be cleared out by closing. My boss told me today that over the weekend he saw a moving truck at the house... how excited are we?!
For the time being I've been picking out paint colors - and most importantly...looking for a baby doggie to add to our family. I'm looking for anything from a french bull dog, a boston, to a boxer, to a pit bull - I'm just keeping an open mind and heart about this. But I'm super anxious! Neil and I made the decision that we want to rescue a dog, but it's harder then it seems. The application process, going to meet the dog - and the foster family. It's all very nerve-racking to me. As of right now, I've located a really cute baby girl. She is a boston terrier, chihuahua mix - and is just precious! I need to go through a phone interview, which I think is tomorrow night (I'm nervous). The downfall is, this baby doggie is located over 4 hours away. Is she worth the drive? I think so. Neil, however... does not. So, we'll see what happens... We're sort of hoping the foster family will meet us half way. I'm having doubts about that.
Stay tuned.
For the time being I've been picking out paint colors - and most importantly...looking for a baby doggie to add to our family. I'm looking for anything from a french bull dog, a boston, to a boxer, to a pit bull - I'm just keeping an open mind and heart about this. But I'm super anxious! Neil and I made the decision that we want to rescue a dog, but it's harder then it seems. The application process, going to meet the dog - and the foster family. It's all very nerve-racking to me. As of right now, I've located a really cute baby girl. She is a boston terrier, chihuahua mix - and is just precious! I need to go through a phone interview, which I think is tomorrow night (I'm nervous). The downfall is, this baby doggie is located over 4 hours away. Is she worth the drive? I think so. Neil, however... does not. So, we'll see what happens... We're sort of hoping the foster family will meet us half way. I'm having doubts about that.
Stay tuned.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy 2009!
I was terrible at taking pictures these last couple of weeks - but here are some highlights...
Christmas with the Quiggles:
I did attempt to get a group shot, but that didn't work out. (aka, the Q's are too tall versus what I had to work with.)
Christmas in Erie was amazing! I have to admit, it was the 1st Christmas I've spent where I was totally at ease...no irritation. We did have snow!!! And spending time here, with Neil and my mother-in-law was just amazing. Not only was I spoiled from them, gifts were sent to me (us) from some of our bestest friends in CA. I made out big time:
Two days later, Forward Hall hosted "Decembercon" aka Shockwave. I was completely blown away by the entire night!!! Our friends Ryan and EMS did such a great job putting this show together. It couldn't have gone off any better. Shannon and I spent nearly 4 hours putting the merch together the night before, organizing and what not. Am I glad we did that!!! Here is an after shot of what was a very full cooler of hoodies - and a picture of a packed house...
The night ended by heading over to Fox and Hound, eating and spending time with some of the guys. The week continued with Neil and I both off from work - and being able to hang out with friends. Not only were the Quiggles here in town, but our dear friend Jon was home for a short vacation from his duty as a US National guard. Being able to spend time with him and his wife Laura was awesome!
Today is the 1st, and I pray that 2009 will be as productive for Neil and I as 2008 was... I do have a New Years resolution, which is to take care of myself physically - get myself to the gym more often, and eat healthier. I may even blog about my status...who knows.
Neil and I are just weeks away from closing on our house...we can't express just how excited we are about moving in! I really can't wait because I have waited over 4 years to make a home for us...and paint walls the colors I want to paint them...
Christmas with the Quiggles:
I did attempt to get a group shot, but that didn't work out. (aka, the Q's are too tall versus what I had to work with.)
Christmas in Erie was amazing! I have to admit, it was the 1st Christmas I've spent where I was totally at ease...no irritation. We did have snow!!! And spending time here, with Neil and my mother-in-law was just amazing. Not only was I spoiled from them, gifts were sent to me (us) from some of our bestest friends in CA. I made out big time:
Two days later, Forward Hall hosted "Decembercon" aka Shockwave. I was completely blown away by the entire night!!! Our friends Ryan and EMS did such a great job putting this show together. It couldn't have gone off any better. Shannon and I spent nearly 4 hours putting the merch together the night before, organizing and what not. Am I glad we did that!!! Here is an after shot of what was a very full cooler of hoodies - and a picture of a packed house...
The night ended by heading over to Fox and Hound, eating and spending time with some of the guys. The week continued with Neil and I both off from work - and being able to hang out with friends. Not only were the Quiggles here in town, but our dear friend Jon was home for a short vacation from his duty as a US National guard. Being able to spend time with him and his wife Laura was awesome!
Today is the 1st, and I pray that 2009 will be as productive for Neil and I as 2008 was... I do have a New Years resolution, which is to take care of myself physically - get myself to the gym more often, and eat healthier. I may even blog about my status...who knows.
Neil and I are just weeks away from closing on our house...we can't express just how excited we are about moving in! I really can't wait because I have waited over 4 years to make a home for us...and paint walls the colors I want to paint them...
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