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Tuesday, April 11, 2017

15 Pounds

I have always been 'that' girl.

The girl we all hate. Who eats fries, and ice cream and pizza with reckless abandon.

The girl who disdains working out and when she hears about other people's workouts says things like 'Eww won't you get sweaty?!'

The girl who despite her horrendous diet, and mostly sedentary lifestyle still fits in her size 4 jeans from high school.

I have always been 'that' girl.

Until I wasn't.

2016 sucked. The last half of the year was awful. The first 3 months of 2017 weren't so great either. I will write in a little more detail soon about everything that was going on, but it was ROUGH.

I was going through the motions to make sure my child was cared for, my family who needed help was getting it, my job wasn't falling to shambles, and all my bills were paid. I was eating out all the time, and not great stuff either. I should probably buy stock in all the major fast food companies. I was going through bags of potato chips in 2 days. Family size boxes of Ritz crackers in 1. I was drinking ridiculous amounts on Pepsi just trying to keep my eyes open long enough to get through one more Excel spreadsheet. Then I was coming home and staring at Netflix in my bed for hours. This was beyond binge watching. This was depression.

When I came home from work last Friday I was fed up. My cousin had posted a picture of us from our weekend concert adventure and even though I posed strategically and sucked in, my tummy was sticking out. All day at work Friday the button on my jeans had been in the fight of its life with the button hole. This was the loosest pair of jeans I own. (Let's also give a moment of silence to the pair of jeggings that I split WIDE OPEN in the middle of the Phoenix airport.) Then there was the walk up a flight of stairs for a meeting that left me hopelessly and embarrassingly winded.

I marched straight into my mother's room and picked up her scale. I took it into the bathroom, stepped up and I already knew what was coming wasn't great.

I had manged to put on 15 pounds.

Fifteen.



This photo is scary to post. I'm still sucking in for dear life here.

This is the most I have weighed as an adult outside of pregnancy, and I mean come on, I WAS GROWING A PERSON.

So Saturday, I took my mother's dog for a walk. We went about a mile and a half which really isn't that much, but we were up and outside and moving. He loved it.

Sunday, I decided to try out a hot yoga class at a local studio. A former coworker of mine raves about this place, and another former co-worker taught classes there. They offer your first class free and so I finally bit the bullet and signed myself up for it.

Hot yoga. In 105 degrees. What kind of idiot who hasn't worked out since high school sports goes in for that kind of punishment.

THIS GIRL!

I sat in the parking lot for a minute because I was scared. I was intimidated. Then I realized it would be far worse to keep going in the direction I am and have to buy an entirely new wardrobe because frankly, I can't afford it.

So I went in. They had me all set up with a mat, and towel, and water. AND IT WAS HOT.

But I liked it. (I actually LOVE hot cars which is another weirdo thing about me....) The instructor came in and opened the practice with a quote.



It was just what I needed to hear, because I was about to go through some stuff in that yoga class.
I have never sweat so much in my life. My arms were shaking, my legs were shaking, and there were quite a few times where I found myself in child's pose on the mat. When it was all said and done though I felt fantastic. I went out and signed myself up for 10 more classes to hold myself accountable to go back. I totally get why some of my friends are workout FANATICS.

I'm not saying 1 hot yoga class changed me. It didn't. I had fries and a crispy chicken Caesar salad from Wendy's for dinner. It did make me feel better than I have in months though. I'm willing to make some changes in my behavior to feel like this on a more regular basis. I can't take care of Boomer or anyone else if I don't take care of myself.

So here's to not being 'that girl' anymore.


Monday, August 1, 2016

31 Things

Today I turned 31, and last night I got to thinking about all the things I've learned and the 'Aha!' moments that have been had. At 31 I can honestly say, I'm really excited for the coming years. I think my mother said it best when she said 'it seems like you're really hitting your stride.' I know and embrace who and what I am. I'm not holding onto the fears and insecurities of the teenaged and 20 something Whit. I mean honestly you couldn't PAY me to go back to my 20s. So here are a few things I have learned and know now. 31 to be exact.


  1. Love yourself. Fiercely. No one else is obligated to.
  2. FOMO is stupid. If you try to be at every event with every person you will be emotionally and financially drained.
  3. Have a 5 minute face. If you get to this point in your life and don't have one, go to Sephora. They will help you.
  4. Have a go-to power look. Something that makes you feel pulled together and great. Have one for work, one for dates, and just one to have on tap.
  5. Find your tribe. Find those people who support you and love you and are there for you in valleys as well as the peaks.
  6. Know that not everyone wants you to win. Haters are real.
  7. Don't be a hater. When the people around you have successes, celebrate them. Don't be that girl.
  8. Make big moves in silence. See #6. Not everyone needs to know your goals and plans.
  9. Know how to write a resume. Seriously.
  10. Know how to conduct yourself on an interview. Be prepared, research the company, know your shiz. 
  11. Be a WHOLE person. Stop expecting external things to fill the holes in your life. Not relationships, not friendships, not booze. 
  12. Own your crap. If you mess up? Own in. Put you whole foot in your mouth? Own it.
  13. Be you. Don't concern yourself with the thoughts of others.
  14. Don't get carried away with #13. There are a lot of people in our generation that go a little too far with the IDGAF. At work? You should give AF. Your family? Definitely give several Fs.
  15. Stop complaining about how hard it is to be an adult.
  16. You will slowly become more and more like your mother. Accept it.
  17. Children repeat things. So watch yourself.
  18. No one is in love with their job everyday. Deal with it.
  19. If your job makes you miserable everyday, and when you're not at work, its time for a new one.
  20. KNOW WHAT YOUR MONEY IS DOING!
  21. Set up your 401k with a company match. NEVER TURN DOWN FREE MONEY!
  22. It's not cute to play dumb.
  23. Ask for the things you want. The worst that happens? They say no.
  24. Some friendships/relationships are not meant to last. Know when to cut the chord. It doesn't make you evil, it makes you smart.
  25. SELF CARE! You cannot function and love and care for others if you do not first take care of yourself.
  26. Find a hobby. No seriously. Find one. You like to read? Join a book club. Into yoga? Find a studio. Like art? Take classes at the museum.
  27. Not every trend is for every body. Dress for you.
  28. Don't let past mistakes haunt your entire life. Learn the lesson and keep it moving.
  29. Don't be afraid to take risks and make changes in your life. Great things can happen.
  30. Keep learning. All the time. Everyday.
  31. Love yourself. Fiercely. 


Thursday, June 2, 2016

June Goals and Spring Goals Recap

Hi All

So the last time I wrote about goals I laid these out:


  • Sign up Boomer for Summer Camp - PASS
  • Boomer will be attending Summer camp at her school this summer. It is a little more expensive than years past, but at least I won't be worrying about her getting bitten in the face by a dog like last year. 
  • Clean up Budget - PASS
  • I'm giving my self a pass here. This is an ongoing work in progress, but I'm still working at it.
  • Finally actually buy the dresser - FAIL
  • I bought a mirror instead. I got a great deal on a sale item at Crate & Barrel and I'm been really, really needing a full length mirror in my room. I'm totally ok with this fail. 
  • Read 3 books - FAIL
  • I got sucked into The West Wing. Sorry not sorry
  • Save $300 - PASS
  • I've really been on a roll with this! However June comes with summer camp payments, and the delightful federal government informed me they will be increasing my student loan payments. I'll have to tweak my savings rate for the next half of the year. 
  • Raise 401k contribution 1% (trying to reach company match % by November!) - PASS
  • Woot!!! I barely even felt it. I'll be increasing another % in August, with the final % for the match in October.
  • Work out 3x per week. -FAIL
  • No reason. No excuse. I'm just not doing it. 

  • June Goals:


    • Read a Book - I need to climb out of the Netflix shaped whole I am in. 
    • Plant some flowers - My patio is shamefully bare.
    • Augment my summer work wear - I have to walk outside a lot now. Its hot. I need clothes for that.
    • Create some summer school work for Boomer to keep her sharp! No brain drain here!
    I'm headed to Maryland today to see the second of 3 cuzzos graduate. 6+ hours in a car with Mommy and Boomer. Pray saints!

    I'll be back with something new tomorrow, and a full weekend re-cap on Monday.



    Wednesday, April 27, 2016

    Humpday Confessions : 4.27.16

    Good Lord I haven't done a link up in ages...so why not today!?

    • The federal government decided to increase my student loan payments and my immediate knee jerk reaction was. Eff you all I'm never going to pay it back!!!! I mean I am going to pay it back, but now my whole monthly budget has to be re-tweaked. YAY ADULTING



    • Boomer and I have had pizza and salad for dinner the past two nights.



    • I haven't listened to, or watched Lemonade. I don't care who Becky is. Bey just wants ya'lls money. But at the same time, Hey #blackgirlmagic!



    • Sometimes I am a petty chick. I don't know why, but its funny and I enjoy it and the Lord and I are working on it. 



    • I can't wait for this weekend, because I'm going to a party and there is an open bar.
    • This may be the worst post I've ever written.....



    More Coffee Less Talky

    Thursday, April 21, 2016

    Girl's Night : Roller SK80s




    If you have been reading this blog for any length of time, you know that I have been lucky enough to make some truly amazing friendships through blogging. I have a group of girls that I know consider dear friends, and when people as us how we met, we get to say... the internet!

    (That conversation is less weird than it used to be, trust me.)

    Anyway, this group of girls has a yearly tradition of attending a local party called Roller Sk80s. Which is exactly what it sounds like. A roller skate party dedicated to the great decade that also brought me into the world. (1985 thank you very much.) Usually this event takes place in February around that time my family comes to visit so I haven't been able to attend with my girls. Until....this year!!!!

    The theme this year was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. When I told Boomer this involved an explanation that, NO, TMNT is not new. YES, I know all about them. We had to have a very similar conversation about Care Bears and My Little Pony.

    A few of the girls wanted to dress up as the turtles, but I had purchased a fully sequined tunic months ago at the sample sale at work and I just HAD to wear it. (Sorry girls) I also couldn't find green leggings to save my life, so there is that.

    I stopped over at my mother's for some 80s finery. An awesome belt, so fierce (read huge) earrings, and some advice on makeup. (Bold brows and lots of blush.)

    Then it was time to party!









    It was a truly epic night.

    And even though I had more blush on than I've ever worn in my life...mom told me it still wasn't enough. Oh the 80s.

    Thursday, April 7, 2016

    Goals Check in February/March and New Goals for April

    Just realized I haven't updated this blog since the end of January.

    Fail, Whit. Fail so hard!

    Here is a cute picture of Boomer and I from Easter Weekend to make up for it!


    Anyway these were the goals I set for myself:

    • Read 4 books - I started The Prince Lestat last night and it seems pretty good so far. 
      • PASS!!! - The Prince Lestat,The Fifth Gospel, Rosemary, The Oregon Trail, The Wise King, The Taming of the Queen, and Outlander...again. 
    • File taxes. Just do it Whitney. Also, send refund straight to savings.
      • PASS - filed, got  the refund back, saved most of it!
    • Start looking for/buy a dresser. Stop living like a college student.
      • Sort of PASS - I know which one I want and I've almost saved the amount I need. 
    • Keep up with the budgeting. - so far so good, just need to stay consistent.
      • FAIL - I have not kept up with my budget as I should. Getting back on track this month.
    • No food purchases at work. Yes this is a repeat, but its a HUGE money saver. Also its a lot healthier for me since I tend to choose burgers and fries at work. (Also cake, cookies, pies, you get the idea.)
      • Super FAIL - I have got to get a handle on this. I will do so well for a week...and then fall off the wagon hard. 
    • Save $300 - also a repeat, but I've got weddings to go to, trips to take, and concerts to attend!
      • PASS - I'm really quite proud of how on top of it I've been with the savings game. 
    Alright, so moving on to April goals.

    • Sign up Boomer for Summer Camp
    • Clean up Budget
    • Finally actually buy the dresser
    • Read 3 books
    • Save $300
    • Raise 401k contribution 1% (trying to reach my company match percentage by November!)
    • Work out 3x per week.
    Yes the Queen of "I don't work out" Land...is finally ready too. I haven't been sleeping well, and I'm just generally unhappy with my current skinnyfat situation. I may still fit in a size 4/6 BUT, I am most definitely out of shape. I had to run maybe 300ft yesterday to not get rained on and I thought I was dying. Can't breath, chest pains dying. That isn't ok. 

    What are you up to for April? 


    Friday, January 29, 2016

    January Goals Check In

    Well that went incredibly fast!

    I can't believe we are already at the end of the month. Without further ado, let's see how I did.



    • 1.      No food purchases at work - D+
    • 2.      Save $300 - A+
    • 3.      Gather all my tax information to file 2015 taxes, and school forms for Boomer - A+
    • 4.      Record all transaction in YNAB and do my darnedest to STAY. ON. BUDGET.- C
    Let's start with #1. I started the month very strong, and didn't purchase ANYTHING for the first two weeks of January. Then the last two weeks we had buy meetings with partners from overseas and well...entertaining involves eating and snacking. Overall though I did pretty well and have gotten pretty good at planning a week's worth of lunches for Boomer and myself.

    #2 - Saving money is a lot less painful when you automate it. If you count my retirement savings for the month I surpassed my $300 goal!

    #3 - Again...very easy. Everyone mails you everything so all you have to do is make sure your address is up to date AND that you don't lose anything. I've actually already entered it all into Turbo Tax...I just haven't hit the file now button.  \

    #4 - I've done pretty well with the budget for the month. I've stayed on track entering purchases and paying attention to category balances. The last two weeks have been a little crazy so I've probably missed a few, but I have this weekend to reconcile all my info. I definitely blew the budget in one category. My wheel broke (Thanks Ohio potholes) and I had to pay for a new one. I need to be a lot better about saving for car repairs. They are inevitable, and I know the next expense coming is tires. Yay.

    So onto February goals!!!
    • Read 4 books - I started The Prince Lestat last night and it seems pretty good so far.
    • File taxes. Just do it Whitney. Also, send refund straight to savings.
    • Start looking for/buy a dresser. Stop living like a college student.
    • Keep up with the budgeting. - so far so good, just need to stay consistent.
    • No food purchases at work. Yes this is a repeat, but its a HUGE money saver. Also its a lot healthier for me since I tend to choose burgers and fries at work. (Also cake, cookies, pies, you get the idea.)
    • Save $300 - also a repeat, but I've got weddings to go to, trips to take, and concerts to attend!
    So what are your goals for February? Also my mom's birthday is coming up...any gift suggestions?