Thursday, October 30, 2008

My Childhood Friend......Kari Lynn Howard Remembered


I was having just a normal everyday Wednesday yesterday, when I received a very sad phone call. It was a long lost friend I hadn't talked to since high school. I was pleasantly surprised to hear from her, but it was only a moment. I asked how she was doing and she said, "Not very good" and started to cry. I was stunned to learn a friend who I've known my whole life practically, had passed away in her sleep yesterday morning. Kari Howard, truly one of my favorite high school friends, who was sweet and funny and genuine, had been struggling with severe migraines and had had surgery the day before to relieve her pain, had gone to sleep Tuesday night and her father couldn't wake her the next morning. I felt so sad for Heather, my other high school friend, because she and Kari had remained close, and for Kari's girls. She had a 10 year old and a 6 year old. I also felt sad for me. I felt sad that so much time had gone by and I have let so many friendships that were so crucial to my emotional state in school, go as soon as our graduation gowns were taken off. I truly loved Kari when we were in school and she was a friendship I cherished. But, time got away from me as it does so often and life takes you in different directions. High School was very hard for me. It was a place I struggled to fit in. It was a place where kids could be cruel and a lot of us misfits just wanted to survive. I graduated and ran as fast as I could away. I have many regrets about the friendships I also left behind. Because, even though it was a very hard place to be, I had some really wonderful experiences there too and had some amazing friendships, as well. So, as I say goodbye to Kari, my hope is I learn from her and maybe try harder to reconnect with some of those wonderful people I survived high school with. I hope all the ghosts of Murray High are finally buried for me and it isn't too late for happy new beginnings. I believe there are still good times to be had with old friends. Goodbye Kari. God bless your way. I tread on.......

Friday, October 10, 2008

What's on my Happy List Today?

I am a total thief with this one, but I love it so thanks Misty and Andrea! I woke up this morning happy. So, before I stepped out into the world and someone pissed me off or stepped on my toe...you get the picture...I wanted to appreciate the mood!

  1. I am leaving tomorrow for a cruise!! Whoot Whoo!!
  2. I've lost an additional 2 pounds that were unexpected!! 113 and 87 to go. My pal Amy Just started with my trainer and she lost 4.5 lbs. in the first week!! I am so proud of her I could bust something! Go Todd....Go Todd!!
  3. I have the greatest, most wonderful, most beautiful (inside and out) friends a girl could ask for, and I love each and everyone of them dearly. I am soo blessed.
  4. I love my job! I really do and I love where I work too, which hasn't been the case in the past. Even with the really complicated women I work with. I love each of them for who they are and we seem to make a good fit.
  5. I have a lovely family, even though I am convinced we are all nuts! I am finally in a good place with each of them and I love it!!
  6. My baby sister surprised me last night with a mini makeover at her house, just because she knew I wanted one and didn't have time to go to the mall. So cute, I almost cried a little.
  7. My toes are painted a smashing color of pink with little flowers on them. The color is called La Pazatively Hot and they are!!
  8. I am already packed. (Not a small miracle, I can assure you!)
  9. I am going to the funnest piano bar tonight to start my trip off with a bang!
  10. My new pixie cut is SUPER CUTE!! Thanks Karen!! :)

I am so blessed. I forget that sometimes and it is a tragedy really, because I think I am missing out on some really good blubbery happy cries and smiles. I really need to remember this fact, because there are so many people that have it so much harder than me and I am such a whiner sometimes!! One of my resolutions (early) for next year. Anyhoo, one more day of work and then....let the party begin!! Halla!! FYI: this is my newest and favorite quote from my all time favorite show.....The Biggest Loser. "You are one breath away from being ANYTHING you want to be....stop holding it!!" I love Jillian, even though I would kill myself if she were my trainer. I am ready to exhale. I tread on....

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Final Pre-Cruise Tally.......


Well, I leave for my "skinny cruise" on Saturday. I cannot believe it is finally here!! I have worked so hard and I wish this year hadn't been so stressful and I could have accomplished EXACTLY what I wanted to, but, I am very happy with my results. I weighed in for the final tally this morning and the final number before I step on the ship is.......111 lbs! I am very happy with that. I truly feel like a different person in a lot of ways and the same in others, but I don't think I will be the biggest girl in the room anymore, unless I am at an anorexia convention, so I am glad!! I can't wait to post when I get back!! Hopefully, I will have had sooo many new adventures, that I will have loads to share. I appreciate all of my friends and family who have supported my quest, and I am excited to see what happens next......Stay tuned. :)

Friday, October 3, 2008

Here Comes The Bride.....

Want to see what I did this weekend?

My gorgeous cousin Eileen got married on the beach in Florida! Oh my gosh, she was stunning!! My cousin that was never going to get married......HA! It was so much fun to see everyone and catch up! It was a quick weekend, but well worth the trip! Besides the fact I almost starved to death, because if there is one thing my family does well, it is eat and they know how to do it right~~Good Lord do they ever!! Here are a few pics of the wedding and the fam.

I love them all so much!!

This is me in my cute kind of "trampy" dress that showed off a little too much of my "girls" and my adorable cousin Becca who I refer to as "Trucker Jane" because let's just say she's got a bit of a potty mouth. I love her!! :)

This was the gazebo she as married on right on the beach! Soooo Dreamy a Local!

Can you imagine a more romantic spot??


The limo dropped them off to walk down the aisle. Such fun and my aunt was a total knockout!!


Sooo beautiful!

My aunt who just isn't sentimental was crying like a baby! It was adorable!!


This is my 2nd cousin Avery who is the cutest little kid I've ever seen! She is so stinkin' cute!! She stole the show!! Watching my cousin Jay with her made me cry. He is such a great dad!

This is her Daddy my cousin Jay. I adore him!! He and I are only 3 months apart in age and just about every story about our childhood together starts with....do you remember when you and Jay got into trouble doing this??

Me and Jay.

Me and Mama. Oh....look the "girls" are coming out of the dress again! My bad!! I had such a great time except for the starving part. Let me show you what I lived on for 4 days.....


Yum-O! UGH!!