Redo--Redux--Part Deux???

So...it's been a "minute"...several thousands of them, actually.  Unfortunately, it appears that the more time has passed, the more things have stayed the same.  Well, sort of...maybe...okay, not really.

Let me back up...I am still a happily married, accounting professional with our home in Woodstock, GA--that I currently share with two dogs (Bally and Newton) and recently converted tripod feline, Cartman (he has lived with us for 15 years, but recently lost a leg to cancer).  I have recently (in the past three months) changed jobs after an eight year stint for a fabulous Dutch company.  I now work for a smaller company that is in the paint industry--and am learning a lot of new accounting stuff--specifically all about Inventory!!!  Yay me!

Now--from the weight loss perspective--things are almost exactly the same as previous posts--if anything has changed, my weight has increased.  Blech...it's a vicious cycle with me and food...we have a love/hate relationship.  I love it so much/and hate to give any part of it up...

So with this post begins my new adventure of hoping to post at least twice a week (and hopefully more frequently).  For you bloggers that tend to kill it each and every day--more power to you!  I really think that I need to set a goal that is workable and attainable (much like my dreaded workout plan...). I  think that I have to take it with baby steps...I am usually a girl that is ALL IN from go (think 50 yard dash or a sprint of sorts) and I think that I need to take it longer term...more like a 5K or possibly longer.  Life is all about the good, the bad, the indifferent...and my story, I am determined, will have a happy ending.

So, what am I going to do to get there???  Well, first...I am going to use this blog as a means to hold me accountable.  I am currently training for the biggest 10K (at least that's how it's touted here in Atlanta) on July 4th--the Peachtree Road Race.  This blog will become a testament of my training and how it's going...and to ensure that I am communicating and documenting what I am doing.  I will use this blog to be a sort of way to track my food (obviously, I will be eating each and every day...not just 2x a week...so it will likely be a recap of new recipes tried or what works/doesn't work for me).  I hope to gain words of wisdom from anyone who might be reading this--and hopefully provide words of encouragement, as needed...I believe that each of us has a great voice and advice--but sometimes, if you are like me, we are afraid to put it out there. 

Looking forward to see where this journey goes...and what happens along the way!

Until next time,
Kim

Where has all of the time gone?!??!

Wow!  I knew that I hadn't posted in a (LONG) while...but this is ridiculous!!!  It's now February 2012, and here I am...logging in for the first time this year!  That being said, Happy New Year!!!  I won't bore you with tedious tales of New Year's resolutions gone horribly awry...Let it suffice for me to say that I am still on this journey...this long, incredible journey.

However, all is not lost...I have signed up for the Rock 'N Roll Half Marathon in Nashville on April 28th.  I have done a little bit of training...nothing too drastic.  I really have to get on top of things...and get busy and get it done.  I really would love to improve my time from the Savannah 1/2 marathon that I completed back in November.  However, I know that in order to do that, I really have to get busy!!!  I have also signed up for a 10K in February.  I have done this event twice before, though I didn't do it 2011.  I am looking forward to it...as the course is spectacular!!!  I also signed up for a virtual 5K today that is in April, as well...So, I have lots on the calendar...which is what works best for me.  Knowing that I have some goal to work toward....makes me realize what I HAVE to do!

Another high point for 2012...we have planned our Vacation-Palooza.  We are going back to Negril, Jamaica.  If thoughts of swimsuits and shorts isn't enough to motivate me to get moving (along with the above-mentioned events), then I am not sure what is!  I really want to be rocking some new clothes for the trip!!!   I CANNOT WAIT!!!  The resort where we are staying is a five-star resort...so we feel like celebrities (though I like to think that we are much better mannered than some...we WILL sign autographs, even if you interrupt our lunch...:)).

So, 2012 is off to a great start--at least as far as adding events to my calendar...Now, if I can just jump start the weight loss...I will be in good shape (pun intended!!!).

Until next time--and I promise, it won't be another 6 months...:)

K

30 Days of Blogging Challenge-Day 5

Today's assignment was to post photo(s) of some place that we have been...

For your viewing pleasure (and my desire to be there once again!)...

Both of these pics were taken back in May (this year) when we went on our annual vacation.  Neither one of us had ever been to Ft. Lauderdale...and we have friends that live there...so we decided to go visit.   We LOVED it!  It was nothing like I expected.  There was great eats, great shopping, great walking...just a fabulous vacation.   Seeing these photos makes me very sad...no more fun trips scheduled for me until 2012!

Until next time...

30 Days of Blogging Challenge-Day 4

Today's topic is to write about a habit that I have that I wish that I didn't.  And you know what, it's so funny that I have this topic to write about on this day!  My worst habit (this is just me paraphrasing the assignment...but if it was a great habit--then I wouldn't wish that I didn't have it, right?!?!?) is procrastination.   And the reason that is so funny is that I SHOULD be doing work right now...but I just can't bring myself to do it.   Instead, I will be behind the proverbial eight ball tomorrow morning trying to complete everything for month end close (our month closed on Friday, September 2).  Couple this daunting task with the fact that I have meetings tomorrow morning and training tomorrow afternoon--well, Tuesday will be a super busy day for me.  But, I guess that's how I like it...or I could have (would've, should've) done things differently today.   Along with the procrastination is that I tend to totally overbook myself on the weekends...or maybe all the time.  I just have a hard time telling people "no"...even to my own demise.  Invites to children's birthday parties, family gatherings, any multitude of parties where selling is involved...I am there, and will likely spend loads o'money for (cooking gadgets, storage containers, jewelry, etc.) things that I do not even remotely need.  I just have such a hard time telling anyone (except for myself) NO!  Hmmm...I am sure that there's some heavy duty psychoanalysis that might need to be done...the idea of being a people pleaser or something...hmmmmm....

I know that I tend to do some of my best work when the clock is ticking or my agenda is overbooked...but it also stresses me out.  So, one would (logically) ask why do I do this to myself...and I really have no good answer.  It's just the way that I tend to work.   I get the job done...and usually with a little time to spare.   My husband finds this totally annoying...but perhaps it's what works for us.  He's the one that works and then plays...and I am the one that tends to play before working...but the work still gets done.  Late nights and little sleep doesn't bother me too much...

Alas, I do think that tomorrow's fun accounting activities just might put a crimp into my training plans...wonder if that's intentional on some level?!?!?!

Until tomorrow...

Kim

30 Days of Blogging Challenge--Day 3

Three of my favorite folks...Mei Ling, Chris Young, me, and Emily in Nashville at Chris Young's fan club party.

June 11, 2011

This was part of the Changing Chicas first outing...we went to a Chair Dance lesson at Tips or Taps

The group includes  me, Glenna, Mei Ling, Emily, "Boston" (Lori), Kim, and Jeannie

(The class was loads o'fun...even if we did make complete fools out of ourselves!)

May 8, 2010

Day 2--Blogger Challenge

Okay...so I started writing this post...but forgot to post it on Day 2...Oops...

The meaning behind my blog title is easy enough...I am an accountant by day...so as an accountant (really, as a person in general), we are all concerned about our bottom line...highly financially motivated.  Of course, as a weight loss blog...I am worried about my "bottom line"...errrr...my bottom (i.e., butt, derriere, "junk in the trunk"--there are way more synonyms for this bottom line than for the financial accounting one).   Of course, from my accountant point of view, a big bottom line is desirable...means more money in the company's (or your own pocket, if self-employed).  But from my alter ego (the weight loss blogger side), I would prefer a smaller bottom line. 

And well, just in case you were wondering--and don't know...this is all about me...and my hind haunches...not gross profit!  (More (stale) accounting humor there...).

No great revelations...no super creativity...it is what it is...and well, that's my final line about my bottom line!

Until tomorrow...

30 Days of Blogging Challenge

So, even though I might not be around a whole lot...I do usually read lots of blogs...  Today, reading Allie's post, I found this.  I thought that it might be a great way for me to reintroduce myself...and perhaps give some quality content...

30 Days of Blogging Challenge!

Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself.

Day 02- The meaning behind your Blogger name

Day 03-A picture of you and your friends

Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn't have

Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to

Day 06- Favorite super hero and why

Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why

Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days

Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad

Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends

Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one

Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently

Day 14- A picture of you and your family

Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play

Day 16- Another picture of yourself

Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have

Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them

Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future

Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy

Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else

Day 23- Something you crave for a lot

Day 24- A letter to your parents

Day 25- What I would find in your bag

Day 26- What you think about your friends

Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?

Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned

Day 30- Who are you?

 

So, there's no time like the present to get started with Day 1...

 

 

This is me...on the left...from August 4, 2011 at Keith Urban show in Atlanta

And now for the fifteen "interesting" things about me...I may have to dig deep....very deep...:)

1. I took dance lessons (tap, jazz, ballet...limited ballet, more tap and jazz) for over 14 years of my life.  There was a time when all I wanted to do was dance.  Fortunately for me, I realized my limitations and my parents encouraged a more traditional career path, that included college.
2. I love most types of music...though I partial to the Country genre.  My husband has introduced me to many new bands...stuff that I know I wouldn't listen to if not for him and my good friend, Kim.
3. Speaking of Kim...we met in college, where we were both majoring in Accounting...found out that our names are identical (Kimberly Dawn), separated by 2 months (she was born in January, and I was born in March) and our social security numbers are just a few digits off...Talk about a friendship that was meant to be!  I love her...and even though we don't see each other that often these days, I know that I can count on her in a heartbeat.
4. My college degree was a long time in the making--likely almost a record.  For a 4-year degree, it took me almost 16 years to complete.  However, in all fairness, 8 years of that was a hiatus from school.  And the first three years I was studying English Education...but quickly (okay, not so quickly) abandoned that idea and went into Business.  (My heart still wants to teach college English, though!)
5. In my entire school career (Kindergarten through 12th Grade), I only missed 2 days of school.  (And none until high school!).  My senior year in high school, I fell and broke my arm at school and had to leave to have it x-rayed.  After missing that day, I partook in Senior Skip Day. 
6. I like to think that I am the picture of perserverence.  My parents instilled that you finish what you start...and I think that I do.  Once, when I was about 12...I was in a solo dance competition.  I fell off the stage...and continued doing my dance routine until the bitter end.  It was a traumatizing moment for me--and I was heartbroken...and after the fact (about six months later), we were able to watch the video and have a laugh (or a thousand!).   To this day, I think that my Dad has that video under lock and key in fear that I might take it and burn it.
7. I won the school spelling bee in 5th Grade and got to go to the County Spelling Bee with all of the other schools in our county...I believe that there were about 40 schools represented (both Elementary and Middle Schools).  I only made it through the first round.  The stupid word was "anthem".  (Silly 5th Grader!!!)
8. I am one of few true Georgia Peaches....most, at least around the metro Atlanta area, are relocated folks from other states.  I have been told that I don't sound "Southern"...not sure if that's a compliment or not.
9. I have been attending Weight Watchers for over 3 years now...and have never made it to my 10% goal.  I have gotten close once...but I am determined that now, more than ever, I am going to make this happen!!!  (Approaching the big 4-0 will do that for you, I guess!)
10. I was born two months premature...39 years ago.  I was born the night my mother had her baby shower.  I was due May 15...and was born on March 5.  I am truly a fighter, so my Dad says.
11. I met my husband online....not through one of the paid matchmaking sites...but through AOLPersonals.com.  (Guess we were both too cheap to pay!).  We met over 10 years ago...and have been married 9 years as of August 24th.  (That's not to say that I didn't meet a lot of losers while online dating...but that's another story for another time!)
12. I am always in awe of any celebrity I meet.  I haven't met that many, but each and every time, I know that I make a complete fool out of myself.  I try to play it cool...but I know that I am starstruck and end up saying something stupid...it never fails!  (And yes, I realize that these are real people with real jobs...and that psychos people like me just fuel their egos...but I just cannot stop myself from being all, "I'm your #1 fan (not creepy in the Kathy Bates "Misery" way...just excited...but I guess that it's really a fine line)!
13. I am in training for my next half marathon (my second of 2011)!  The good news is that I have a close blogger friend, Tammy, that's doing it with me.  I always feel better when I have a partner in crime!
14. My favorite book in the whole world is TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD.  I have read it a gazillion (really, I counted them!) times.   It never gets old.  I have only recently watched the movie on AMC...and loved it as much as the book. 
15. I miss my Mom each and every day.   She passed away unexpectedly in June of 2006...2 days before her 55th birthday.  While our relationship was not always the best...we had made vast improvements and strides.  We were finally in a great place together.   Just weeks before her hospitalization, we had taken a girls' weekend trip to Talladega to see the NASCAR races.  It was a great weekend...even though the race was cancelled due to rain.  My Dad took her back on that Monday so that she could see the race (I had to work!).  I still can't watch a NASCAR race without twinges of sadness...and I have not been back to any track since May of 2006.

Okay...there you have it...15 things...may not be so interesting...but I have succeeded in completing day 1 of this challenge!  Yay me!!!

Let's see if I can keep this up!!! 

Until next time...

Weekly Update

No, this "weekly update" isn't nearly as funny as the skits on "Saturday Night Live"...well, I guess that it's just all about what you make of it.

I was a Trackmaster this week...tracking each and every day for Weight Watchers.  Who would have thought that there IS a link between holding oneself accountable and weight loss?  (I hope that you read that with as much sarcasm as you could muster!).  I lost 2 pounds this week...shocking I know!  The good news is that the scale is moving in the right direction.   Now, I just have to keep my mind in a happy place because I know that the plan works.  

I have started my new week (my weigh in day is Saturday, so Saturday is the first day of my plan week) on the right foot, too.  The training plan I am using to train for the half marathon in November has the long(er) runs/walk-runs/walks on Saturdays...so today was my first long "run".   It was a 4 miler.   I didn't break any land speed records (not that I EVER will), but being that this is the first week in a long time that I have put forth any exercise--well, I was proud to just have completed it (albeit at 7a this morning so that hopefully I wouldn't pass out from heat exhaustion!).  So, week 1 is in the books (the training guide that I am using is a 15 week plan up to the day of the half marathon).  Whew...I know that I will be oh so glad to have trained like I need to--but I am finding it a bit overwhelming with everything else going on right now...

And by everything else...I mean work.  I believe that I have mentioned that we are transitioning to a new accounting system in October...effective October 1.  Well, this just means that as a department (Finance), we have a lot of work to do before that transition to the "live" system.   Over the past week, in addition to my normal job duties, I was charged with going through a listing of all of our customers, verifying their information (as it is now in our system), and updating a massive spreadsheet of all needed information so that the customers can be mapped to our new system.   This is all due by August 1 to our corporate headquarters in the Netherlands (which means a 6 hour time difference from there to here...they are six hours ahead of EST).  Anyway, I did all of that...and sent it to everyone that needed the information about 3 days ahead of schedule.   Then, as always is the case for me, there were other fires that needed attention...so my "normal" duties kind of got pushed back off the stove (and really, off the countertop...this was an ill attempt to tie to the "fire" reference before--forgive me!).  Anyway, yesterday (Friday, July 29th) was our month end close--and I still have oh so much to do before we can close the books...so I plan to go into work tomorrow to get everything done...So, in essence, today was my only day away from the office.  Nice, huh?!?!!?   (Again, I know that I should just count my blessings that I have a job...and that I know that I am good at my job...and that the job will be done to the best of my ability...but as I use this blog to "vent" about all matters...I am doing just that here.  I don't mean to offend with my whining and complaining...but this is cathartic for me...).  So, once again, I am just doing what I have to do....

There is at least a beacon of light starting next Thursday for me...me and The Gang (my collective group of gals) are going to see Keith Urban and Jake Owen in concert.   And, wait for it....I actually get to meet Jake Owen!  I am so excited (of course, my excitement presents itself in a multitude of ways...overall giddiness, to be replaced with the wardrobe ("What will I wear?!?!?   or better stated, "What can I wear that won't make me look like a cow?!!?!) dilemma, which will finally manifest itself (when I actually meet him) in me likely making a fool out of myself (it's happened on numerous occasions...I am just starstruck or whatever you want to call it!  Think Jennifer Grey in "Dirty Dancing" when she first meets Patrick's Swayze's character..."I carried a watermelon!?!?!??!?!".  I can totally relate to being completely mortified).   Here's a picture of Jake and me (we got meet and greet passes when we saw him on New Year's Eve...just lucky that time...this time's meet and greet comes from joining his fan club).

Then next Saturday we are celebrating my husband's 40th (the BIG one) birthday.  I can tease him for only 6 months...because in March I will have my doomsday.  The plan is to have a few friends over....enjoying good food, good drink (homemade sangria...my newest concoction!), but most of all great company!   I am so excited about that! 

In preparation for our Thursday night outing, I went and had my hair cut and colored today.  As always, Melanie and Collie took great care of me.  I have to say, my husband doesn't always appreciate the money I spend on my hair...but I think these gals are worth their weight in gold...and worth every single penny!  (And in my defense, I do try and hold out 10 weeks in between visits...so they do have their work cut out for them when I get there!).    What do you think?  (Sorry about the quality of the photo...still learning to use the camera on my computer).  Oh...and those are one of my pairs of new glasses that I ordered off of Zenni Optical.  It's a unique way to order glasses...and of course, you can't really see what the frames look like until you get them...but these frames (before my prescription) were $6.95...I ordered two more pairs with these...and the entire bill was less than $60...I just love having options--plus I was ready for a change from my other frames.  

So to keep up the accountability...here are my goals for next week:

1. Tracking....can I continue to be a Trackmaster?  I am certainly going to try!
2. Continue with the training plan for the half marathon
3. Attempt to regain my footing at work...I can still only do what I can do...I am, after all, just one person.
4. Continue reading blogs daily...I do read many blogs daily...but only post occasionally (as I am usually reading at work via the Google Reader, so leaving comments is not always possible).  Hopefully, with my new mackdaddy laptop, I will be able to post comments more frequently...and who knows I might even post again more than twice a month!

Until next time...