Breaking up is hard to do - Part 2

I have dreaded writing this post, because here I am again. In the same place I was last summer. Another failed relationship.

Yes, sadly, the Cub and I broke up last Friday.

I have been praying and stressing for weeks as to whether or not I was making the right decision to end things. There were a lot of factors such as the distance and if I'm being honest, I'm not quite sure I ever got over the age difference between us.

The really sad part of this is he is one of the nicest guys I've ever met, and he treated me better than any guy I've ever dated. But in my heart, it just wasn't there 100%. And that wasn't fair to him. And it wasn't fair to me.

We ended things amicably, and I hope that we will be able to retain our friendship. I am/was blessed to have him in my life and it's been difficult not talking to him every night. It's so strange not to plan my weekends with him in mind.

But on the plus side, I've been able to catch up with some of my girlfriends, and that's been so refreshing and fun.

There of course is a part of me that wants to scream "what's wrong with me???" Why can't I find that person I'm meant to be with? It comes so easily for some. So simple. So easy. But clearly not for me. But...trusting God that there is a reason that I'm at this place in my life.

Onto happier news....I've decided to look for a little fluffy orange kitten for my sweet daddy, who is still really down in the dumps. He doesn't know it yet, I plan on surprising him. This kitten won't replace our loved Volley, but I am hoping that it will cheer him up. I plan on naming him "Dooley" after Tennessee's new head Coach. My dad loves TN and the Vols.

“Even now, I believe for the most part, love is about choices. It’s about putting down the poison and the dagger and making your own happy ending, most of the time. And that sometimes, despite all your best choices and all your best intentions, fate wins anyway.” –Meredith, Grey’s Anatomy

Heartbroken

Today I am heartbroken - for me, but mostly for my dad.

Last night, my dad lost his beloved cat Volley (named after his Tenn Volunteers). This cat has been in our family for years. We nicknamed him "Old Faithful" because whenever you walked outside, he was always right there. He was such a good cat. So gentle, so sweet. Loved to be petted.

But last night, some animal apparently got a hold of him. We don't know if it was a fox or a hawk, or something else. But whatever got him did a terrible number on him. It's just....devastating. My heart is breaking into a million pieces. And the worst part is that my dad emailed me and said "please don't call me right now, I just can't talk." :(

Volley, sweet boy. May you rest in peace. You will be missed by our family more than you will ever know.

New Blog

I started a new blog to record my daily fitness and diet updates. That way I won't clog up this blog with things that some of you may or may not be interested in hearing about. If you want to read about my 30 Day Shred updates (and more) throughout the next month, just click below:

http://fatcheerleaderdiary.blogspot.com/

Also, I have a new post coming soon with an update on the stressful decision that I was referring to in a few posts back.

Shred Update and Diet Emergency

I know that losing weight is a long term commitment. It didn't come on overnight, and it won't come off overnight. I am still trying to do Weight Watchers, but because of some stress in my life recently, I've been eating way more than I should. Stress really throws me off, and I need to find a way to manage this in the future. It's tough. But the point is, I've gained about 7 pounds recently. And I'm SO upset about it.

So, just for a few days, I'm doing the Slim Fast plan. I am still counting points, and at the end of the day I am staying within my Weight Watchers points. It's actually been working really well for me, because I don't have to think about what I am going to eat for lunch. And how much, etc. I will probably continue doing this for the rest of the week, and hopefully in the process shave off a few pounds. My hope is that this will help me to feel back in control, and back in the proper mindset of tracking and losing weight the healthy way. And actually, these shakes are pretty tasty. Another bonus? They keep you regular. Sorry, TMI?

Tuesday and Wednesday I did not do The Shred, because I was THAT sore from Monday. So Tuesday's cardio/workout was a great swim! Our community pool is fairly small, so I did about 30 laps overall. It was around 30 minutes total. My face was beet red when I was done! I forget how much of a workout it really is! When I was younger, I was on a swim team and that's what I spent my summers doing. I really do enjoy swimming, and I wish my gym had a pool.

This morning I got up (miracle of miracles) and did my version of Day 2, The Shred before work. It's tougher for me in the morning. I definitely don't move as fast, nor do I have as much energy. But I felt great afterwards and so glad I got it done!

To be continued...

Beautiful Porches

One thing about Southerners, we love our porches. Growing up, we always sat out on our porch in the late afternoons, just chatting with each other or flipping through a magazine. Still today, my mom and I spend just about every Sunday (except when it's REALLY hot) after lunch sitting outside on the porch.

I love mine, but it's time for a makeover. I have been looking around for inspiration, but it's so overwhelming because there are so many beautiful styles and ideas.

If I ever finish my porch project, I'll upload some photos for you. Have any of you recently redone yours? If so, I'd love to hear what you did or any advice or suggestions!

Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred, Day 1

I just started the 30 Day Shred last night, and let me tell you. It was tough, but I loved it. It was a challenge all the way through. The other challenge is me not getting bored, and I never did. She does a 3-2-1 interval training, and this helps mix things up. It's a combo of cardio, strength and core. And she never lets you stop the entire time. Whew!

Jillian is super intense on the Biggest Loser, but here she comes across more encouraging and motivating. At one point, she says "Come on - I have 400 lb contestants who do this with me!" And you think, wow she's right. And so you keep going.

I'll update my blog randomly throughout the month to let you know how it's going. There are 3 levels. I'm going to attempt level 2 after about Day 10.

Have you done The Shred? If so, how far did you get? Did you see results?

And PS Yes, I'm SORE today. Owie.

Dress Shopping & Birthdays

Saturday I decided I needed a new dress to wear to some functions. Back in the spring I bought my pink Lilly dress because I knew I had several functions to attend this summer. I don't buy LP very often, because it's pricey. So yes, I have about worn the pink dress out. Here is a picture from the wedding I attended in Charleston. And as you can see, I also wore it to another wedding a few weekends ago. (side bar pic)

Needless to say, it was way past time for a new dress! So I decided to go into Steinmart, and see what they had. I literally went in the store, saw the dress I liked, tried it on, paid for it, and was back in the car in less than 20 minutes. Now that my friends, is nothing less than sheer luck!

I tweeted this Saturday, so some of you have already seen it. It's very comfy!

Tomorrow, two of my good friends celebrate their birthdays. On the same day! How fun. So if you see the Birthday Girls, wish them a very happy birthday! They are turning 29. And holding. hehe

Online Dating Jewels

Last summer after my breakup, I dabbled in some online dating. I really didn't want to do it, but it was just my way of getting myself back out there and meeting new people. Fortunately, I met some really nice guys and overall it was a good experience.

However, in perusing through the potential "suitors" if you will, I noticed some disturbing profile pictures. These are actual guys located in or around my area.

Here we go.

Offender #1 "The I'm Too Sexy for My Shirt Guy"












Survey says? No you're not.

Offender #2 "Me and My Buddy"

Mixed signals??

Offender #3 "Mr. Creepy"

This guy will pick you up for dinner in a rape van. And you will be serenaded with banjos.

Offender #4 "Peace"

Out.

Offender #5 "Crazy Cat Man"

Desperately seeking a mother for my 2 kids. I mean cats. Meow. (faces blurred to protect the innocent)

Offender #6 "The Starving Artist"










We get it. You know how to work Photoshop. My guess is this guy will accidentally forget to bring his wallet at dinner. And then cry.

Offender #7: ?

I got nothing.

Offender #8 "The Lady Killer"

Watch out for his "steak dinner" on the grill. It's probably Bambi.

Offender #9 "Olen Mills Guy"











Seriously. Olen Mills pics are EPIC.

I saved the best for last.

Offender #10 "Alan Jackson's Long Lost Brother"

In his own words:

"I like sitting at home watching netflix movies while eating a frozen pizza and drinking cheap beer. Clean sheets and cold air conditiong are great too. I don't like to work so I hope you make lotsa money. I am a bit of a slob too."

Hold...Me...Back...

If you want to know where to find any of these men, just let me know and I'll hook you right up! ;)

Fourth of July and Vacation Pics

I may have more pictures at a later date, but for now this is it! The downside of only using my blackberry is that I have to wait on others to send me good pictures. I need to start taking pictures with my Nikon again. But that thing is so bulky, it's tough to lug around. And when you ask someone to take a picture of you with it, they look at it like it's an alien or they are scared of it. And they also call you the paparazzi. Ha! Oh well.

Fourth of July weekend was spent at the lake with the Cub and company. We had a great time, and the fireworks on the lake were amazing.

I also captured the sunset, which was breathtaking! I love sunsets on the water. Being on the East Coast, we don't get to have a sunset on the beaches, but the lake sunsets make up for it. Beautiful!

Monday after the 4th, my family and I went on our first family vacation in probably 10-15 years. It was so great, and honestly now that I'm back, I miss being around them every day. (Even though they live just down the road ha)

My dad and I on the fishing pier. Someone caught a baby shark just after this, but he threw it back. It was so cute. Don't mind my hair - it was VERY windy. I did not sport the middle part look, I swear.

Mom and I at dinner.

Sunrise view from the hotel we stayed at. I took this picture and then promptly went back to sleep. ;)

We had dinner one evening in Murrells Inlet at a place called Nance's right on the inlet. Highly recommend. Great fish, oysters and shrimp!















We only stayed half the week, and the last half of the week, I had a "staycation." It was great. I got a lot accomplished around the house. I cleaned more than I have in months, and I cleaned out my closet. And if you know anything about my closet, you will understand that was a BIG deal.

I also did some of this...

That's it for now, unless I have some better pics that are sent to me soon!

*Please pray for me as I have a difficult decision to make very soon. It's been eating me up for weeks, and I'm praying to make the right decision. But it's so very hard to know what that is sometimes. Thanks in advance!!

Vacation Post: The ABC's of Me

I have lots to catch you up on, but I'm on vacation this week so in the meantime this is a good filler post. Also, lets you know a little bit more about me. =)

A- My AIR CONDITIONER is set on: 73 degrees.

B- My BEDROOM theme is: I just redid it and I love it. I searched for WEEKS online at Pottery Barn, Ralph Lauren, Macys, etc. Where did I finally buy mine from? Walmart.

C- The CAR in the driveway is: Mazda 3. I wanted something affordable, reliable but with some sportiness to it. I love my car and when it's time to buy a new one, I'll probably get another 3.

D- My DESK looks: Depends on the day. Sometimes neat, sometimes scattered. It's funny - the more events I have going on, the neater I am. If its' a slow month, I'm more messy.

E- The EXACT time I wake up daily is: I blogged about my waking up troubles before. Alarm goes off at 7. When I get out of bed everyday is anyone's guess. I have to be at work at 8:30.

F- The FIRST thing I wash in the shower is: my hair.

G- My GARAGE is filled with: No garage.

H- My HOUSE is: a condo.

I- If you peeked INSIDE my bedroom you'd see: a bed, dresser, bookshelf, a nightstand and a cat.

J- My favorite JUICE is: I rarely drink juice but when I do, it's OJ.

K- The best part of my KITCHEN is: My new countertops. I love them.

L- The LAST person who visited my home was: Lees and JennBunny for Girl's Night In.

M- The last piece of MAIL for me was: Junk

N- My NEIGHBORS think I'm: Quiet

O- If you OPENED my fridge you'd see: Grapes, red pepper, cheese, milk, diet mtn dew (for the cub), Michelob Ultra (for me), laughing cow cheese, spinach and some bagels.

P- My last house PARTY was: NYE a long time ago. Never again.

Q- A QUICK meal I like to fix is: This is not a meal, but I love to roast fresh vegetables. I do it all the time! Or I make fruit smoothies a good bit during the summer also.

R- My favorite ROOM of the house is: My living room. I spend most of my time there.

S- The SHAMPOO brand I use is: Aveeno

T- My largest TELEVISION is: Not sure but I only have one.

U- UNDER my bed you will find: Nothing except maybe a cat.

V- The last time I VACUUMED was: Last Friday before I left town. Guess I'll be doing that later!

W- Looking out my WINDOW I see: Green tree leaves (in the winter, you can see the river)

X- I wish I had X-TRA: Discipline. Was tempted to say money, but extra discipline can get you so much further.

Y- My YARD is: Condo=no yard. Just a porch with a few plants. Perfect for me =)

Z- ZZZZZZZ My bedtime is: Usually around 11