Postsecret / Knee issues

Postsecret Book Signing
Okay so I have wanted to post this for awhile, but I couldn't because my friend was getting a gift from the signing. It has been quite a number of years that I have read postsecret.com every Sunday for secrets. It was an art project that one man, Frank Warren, started. He passed out 100 to 150 blank postcards with his address on it. He want anonymous secrets that were anything from any range of emotions. He than put them together into an exhibit still on display. He didn't know it then, but the project had a life of its own and it spread. He was done with the exhibit at the museum so he used new media, the internet, to share the secrets every week. He scans in about 20 of them out of the 1,000 he gets a week. Frank said at the book signing that he wants to get a range of emotion in each posting and that he wants to connect it in some way.

I like to read other people secrets, I guess that is the voyeurism in me. Sometimes I find something I relate to, other times I feel like nothing speaks to me. I felt awkward getting my book signed and my dad got my friend's signed. My dad said I could get a picture with him, but that weird'ed me out. I am not that type of person who needed a picture or anything. It was nice to just hear his stories of how he started, some secrets, and an a overall experience of it all. I knew my friend would be thrilled about the book. I didn't mention it to her so I didn't have to lied to her about it all.

I planned out in my head that I would also put post-its in the book of secrets, stories, and comments on things. I also got my mom involved in putting post-its in it (it was her present to my friend). It turned out to be an excellent present. She is slowly devouring a few postsecrets every day to extend out the book.


My Knee Issues--more like doctor issues
Okay lets do the math---insurance with high deductible = out of pocket

$180---Doctor Appt. 1st- meet doctor, had 4 x-rays done
$130---Active Release Techniques(ART-definition below in blue) Therapy doctor- meeting 1- meet him, messaged my knee, sent me to another person to do exercises
$80---ART Therapy doctor- meeting 2- messaged knee, sent me to another person to do exercises
$80---ART Therapy doctor- meeting 3- messaged knee, sent me to another person to do exercises
$130---Physical Therapy doctor- meeting 1-meet her, checked out legs walking and flexiblity, show some streches that I could do
$80---Physical Therapy doctor- meeting 2- did strectches, massaged calfs, did more stretching
$80---Physical Therapy doctor- meeting 3---$80(meeting Thursday)
$5(one time charge)---Electrodes pads- used to send small electric charges into the hurt area

In the past 2 weeks, I have spent $765.00 out of pocket on doctors. Not very happy about it. I have been trying to save and this is just sucking it all out. My knee is still the same (some days it hurts, some days no problems). I have had trouble convincing myself to go to both doctors, 3 appt. is $240, which is a chuck of change. I am also going with my gut instinct and going to go to my Physical therapist more often than my ART Therapy doctor for right now.

Also, in all this fun of spending money, I was told by my physical therapist that I was in the wrong running and walking shoes. So I had to purchase shoes that better fit my feet. I also don't have the best socks, too, so that was also added on top of getting new shoes. I think it came out to be roughly $100(not bad I was thinking about $150-$200). I will be wearing my new shoes tomorrow (wed.) to work, hopefully it goes well. I am hoping for the best.

What is Active Release Techniques (ART) to Patients?

ART is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves.

Knee Pain

Since December 5th I have had pain in my knee. I ran/walked 7 miles one day, then 8 miles the next. I took two days off, one day I was sore on my thighs, then my knee started hurting the next day. It has been hurting ever since. It ranges in pain from 'please cut off my knee' to 'why does it not hurt now? *confusion*' Finally after 11 or so days I decided it was time to go to a doctor no matter the cost. I needed to get it checked out. Yesterday I went to the doctor, they took 4 x-rays and checked out all my muscles. The doctor stated that I have runner's knee. I now have to go to a physical therapist to strengthen my inner quad muscle, pictured below. (note: not my knee- it is a female bodybuilders knee- nor will I be making my muscles that big)

Hopefully with the physical therapist the pain will get better. Unfortunately, I have to take my run/walking easily or not at all. I have to try to stay away from going downhill until this is better, unfortunately I live in a area that has hills. I think it is better if I take time off from my run/walking because even walking a short distance I have pain in my knee. Generally, this is just a frustrating time. I think after the physical therapist I might join a month to month gym membership or YMCA. I don't know yet, but I need more strength training in my routine.

I know, I blog about my weight a lot...but

I was bored and thought, why don't I look back at all my photos and see how my weight loss has changed. I started with the beginning of college years, but my weight has been a problem since I hit puberty at age 12 or 13.

The first picture was freshman year Halloween, I hadn't gotten my make-up and hair done. I went as an electrocuted doctor. I didn't like how I looked, but I dealt with it. I picked this costume because it was something that would fit me, it was comfortable, and I hadn't figured out at the time, but I guess Halloween for older people isn't about crazy or scary it is more about being sexy. I didn't feel sexy at that moment.

The second picture is a year later during Halloween, 2004/5. Yes, I actually went out in that and No, I didn't smoke the cigar. It was real, but was never lite. I tried to be more sexy, but not slutty. At this point in my life I was big into drinking on the weekends. I never went to parties, but I liked to drink with my friends even though I wasn't 21 at the time. By the end of the year, I still drank, but I wasn't so much into it anymore. I figured there was more to life than that.

The third picture was taken in 2006 when Kim visited me in Texas. I remember trying to figure out things to do. I played a trip to schlitterbahn (a water park) and then we did a spur of the moment trip to Corpus Christi on the coast. I remember trying to find something I would be comfortable in while at the water park and then the beach. I didn't want my picture taken all that much. I would even try to open my mouth a little and put my tongue at the top of my mouth so I wouldn't have a double chin. I would turn to the side so I wouldn't be as wide in the picture as I was. The tricks I did long before this picture was taken and after it.



The next three picture are below. The fourth picture or first in this set was taken in 2007, 2 to 3 weeks before I started weight watchers. I had finally come to the end of my rope with my weight. I needed a change. I couldn't run backwards up the slide with my niece (best friend's daughter). I couldn't fit into any clothes (I was a size 16/18). I couldn't sleep well at night (I had problems with my hips). Overall I was tired of being tired with myself and how I looked. So I decided to change and only I could do that for me.

The next one was taken in 2008. I remember and still do this to the day. I look back at old photos and I wonder how I could have lived that way. It is easy to gain the weight, it is harder to figure out why you did gain the weight. I figure out some of why I gained, but it is personal. I still have much more work to do at this point. I haven't figured out that I am not that 190 person anymore. The body image in my head is so different from what I see in the mirror. At this point, I was a size (12/14). I stayed at this weight for about a year to a year and a half.

Then is the most recent photo of me that I have, it was of course taken in 2009. I decided I wasn't happy anymore at the weight I was in for about a year to year and a half. So I went back on weight watchers(not to the meetings, just on my own). I lost the weight, but then I gained it back. I finally admitted to my self that I need the meeting and the support system. Also, be accountable for every week weighing in during the good, bad, and ugly times.



I have struggle with food during emotional times, times of gathering with family, stress, boredom. I don't have the button in my head that says, 'That's enough, your full.' I only have that when I am stuffed. I am fully committed to this until the 3rd week in February (my half marathon is February 14th---there is also one on January 24th too). I am hoping for a few more pounds. I have a goal and I am hoping I can get myself back on track and kick butt. I did this past week after the Thanksgiving holiday/ funeral/ eating out binge morning, noon, and night.

I am still training for my running class. I have had some set backs with the side of my hip hurting and pain in my knee cap. My hip isn't bothering me anymore, but this knee thing is a killer. I am on the mend, but taking it easy. I am hopeful to run/walk 10 miles on Saturday, but I am not going to push it. I don't want any of my injuries to be chronic.

I apologize for another blog about my weight, but I like to see how far I have come. It makes me want to keep doing what I am doing. I don't want to go back to being that girl. I wasn't happy and I am trying to be happy now in this moment. I want to keep being who I am and improving myself either with the weight or with other stuff in my life.

p.s. Also changed my background again, the black was to overwhelming. Enjoy.

A ending of one era, on to the next.

My papa died on November 21, 2009. He was 92 years old. This picture was from his 90th birthday.

I FINALLY DID IT !!!!!

WHOOO-HOOOO 41 lbs. GO ME......GO GO......GO ME...YEAH!

I finally made it to 41 pounds lost. FINALLY. It has been a struggle, but I am excited. I went to Freebirds to celebrate with a regular burrito. I don't know if that was the smartest thing to do, but I enjoyed myself. When I finished eating it I was thoroughly stuffed. I remember a time when I could have eaten a Monster burrito and then eaten some more food after that. Now I can barely eat a Regular Burrito or Half bird size. They fill me up so much that I usually don't eat very much dinner.

I am soooo excited. I don't know where my weight lose stops for me, but I feel like I could lose a little more, but not a lot. I am nearing the end though. Then it will be time to just start maintaining my weight at whatever I choose to stop at.

Slowly adding running gear to my collection

My dad and I headed out to do some errands yesterday, one of the stops was Run Tex. It is a local running store that offers both apparel and classes. I have tried to stay away from buying a lot of things because how if I don't want to do it anymore. I also am tyring to save money not spend it and running apparel is very expensive. The First purchase I bought for my classes was clothes, which was a big help. It is better to have lighter feeling clothes on your body that big bulky basketball shorts and a heavy cotton shirt. The Wick technology is amazing. Anyways, I have been using old shoes that I use everyday for work and now my walk/running. They were getting worn down, but I thought ehhh I could keep going. Well I finally gave in yesterday and bought new walk/running shoes. I have had a chance to try them out, but here is a picture. Mine are pink and grey.

I am hopeful that they will work. I am also scared that I spent a lot of money and they won't work. Either way I am sure to find out sometime this week. I am not sure when to wear them because I know I have to break them in. Do I start with 4 miles or should I do more cross training with them then start walk/running with them. All questions I need to figure out.

I was kicking butt today...

Okay, I have good days and bad days with my running. If I work too much my body doesn't work well on Saturday mornings. Sometime during the week I struggle to do my exercise, I do them just not in the way I should because my body doesn't cooperate. Other days are a breeze, I can walk/jog 6 miles and feel good about it. Today I had my Saturday class. We had to do 7 miles. It was fun, well fun isn't a good word, it was fun with torture, exhausting, and burning mixed it. I did 3/1.15 or 1.30(depending on how I was feeling, I tried to keep it to 1.30. I did this from the start, threw the capitol, on to MLK, San Jancinto, and Duval up to 35th street. I thought when I got there I would do 2/1.30, but I couldn't. So I continued with the 3/1.30 until the capitol.

That is when I started my 2/1.30, wow was that a breeze mixed with effort to keep going until the end. I had moments in my run where I was flying and other time I felt like my head was not getting enough oxygen, my legs were struggling to pick themselves up and I just hoped 1.30 would come quicker than it was. But those small moments when it was a breeze it was nice. I liked it. I was also surprised that I could run 1.30, I have been sticking to 1.15 and just shortening the intervals of the walking part. I am glad I stuck with the 1.30 because it is a boost of self confidence in your running when you can do something. It was also the farthest I have gone walk/running. 7 MILES, go me, go me, who would have thunk? Yes...me...to do 7 miles...HA. Well the next week I will be doing 8 miles, so hopefully I can have small moments of it being a breeze.

I also wanted to say that on 10/18/2009, I did a walk/run 10K or 6.1 miles in 1 hour and 31 minutes. I did my 7 miles in 1 hour and 32 minutes. I figured it was about a 13 minute mile I did today. The previous 10K was 15 minute mile. So I am improving on my walk/running. Go me!

For those who use google reader

Hi friends and family who use google reader...I changed the background of my blog. Hope you enjoy. Felt like a change.

Didn't make it....on to next week

I didn't make the pound this week. I will try for next week.

IBM Classic 10K

Okay, this morning, my dad and I completed the IBM Classic 10K in 1 hour, 31 minutes, 24 seconds. That time is what our clocks said not the official time with the electronic chip. We finished so that was good. Yesterday I had to do 6 miles with my running group and lets just say it kicked me in the butt. I just couldn't run, I forgot my watch, forgot my music, and just overall was off. I think it was from exhaustion. I had been working very hard on the dock, processing boxes and boxes of materials coming into the store. My dad and I did my pace of 4 minutes walking 1 minutes running, which equal about a 15 minute mile. I am not fast, but I have long stamina than runners (or that is at least what I say to myself).

Here are some before and after shots:

My dad and I waiting in the car, we got there early.


About to head out the the starting line, we left like this than got there. I said I was cold and walked back to get a jacket and gloves for my hands.


After the race, I like this shot because you kind of see our numbers, but our faces (mostly mine) are in shadows.


Final picture at the end, ready to go home and take a shower and relax.

Thank gosh I don't have work tomorrow, but I do have a weigh-in and then lunch with a High School teacher at freebirds. So either I will be celebrating or eating my feelings. Which ever way I am sure I will be fine. I have to push on threw.

Started on a bad footing this week.

I have been working hard towards my goal and I wrote about it in the previous blog. I started this week by making chocolate chip cookies on Monday night. Then the next day I had freebirds. I have been trying to be good Wednesday and today. I got on the scale here at the house and I think I won't be making my goal. I am hoping that with my work and my working out program I will do okay by the end of the week. I will be doing some exercise tonight, I am off tomorrow. For Saturday and Sunday I have 6 miles each to do. Usually I have Sunday off, but my dad and I am doing the IBM Classic 10K. Monday is weigh-in day, I might have to weigh-in at a later time due to work. So I don't how much I will weigh with the amount of food in my stomach.

Reached another Goal...and so close to the next one

With my vacation I gained 3 pounds, which isn't bad, but I am glad that I am back home to a little more sensible eating. I went to weight watchers last Monday and only lost .6, which means I had lost a little of what I had gained, but still had 2.4 pounds to lose. Today I went to weight watchers and I lost 3.6 pounds. Not only did I lose the 2.4, but also lost another 1.2 pounds. So in total I have lost 15.2. I got another 5 pound star sticker for my book mark. Now, in 2007, my entering weight to weight watchers was 187 and I am 1, 1 pound away from losing 40 pounds. I need to lose that 1 pound this week. If nothing else I NEED that 1 pound weight lost. I can see the light. Usually I get down to 149 and then gain weight because I go crazy with food. Not this week I will be watching what I eat and how much I exercise, but nothing in excess of crazy eating (starving to over-eating) or crazy exercise (doing nothing to exercise to exercising every minute of my day).

Wish me luck.

Ohh I am also .8 away from 10% target goal that weight watchers sets for you. SO next week might be a exciting day, which I am hoping for or it might be disappointing where I only lose .4 or .6 pounds. I need the good thinking to carry me this week. I CAN DO IT! I WILL DO IT!

Cold in Texas...it was 55 degrees

This morning I did my suppose-ed 5 mile, but I just mapped it and it came out to be 5.45 miles. On Thursday I did a 5 miler in 1 hour 16 minutes and today I did it in 1 hour and 19 minutes. So I did pretty good. I am working on running longer, but because it was cold I started with 4:1 (walking : jogging), but on the way back I did 4:1.30, which wasn't bad. I didn't feel like I worked hard the only tight spots I get are my shoulders sometimes and the top part of my thigh where the pelvis and leg meet on the front. Other than that most thing are fine.

Still on my path to completing this course. I think when the weeks get to 10 to 12 miles I hope I can get pass them with better ease than these smaller mileage. I am going back and forth on doing a half or full marathon. I know, I know I am crazy and the weird part is that around where I live I choose to do hills, I like the feel of my muscles getting tired and the soreness as I run up the hill. I also can run on the pavement and not have to worry about light poles and lots of people. All I do have to worry about it the traffic when I am running on the streets either on the side or in the bike lane. When I am downtown it gets frustrating to stop for the traffic lights and then you have to avoid any people and overall seems more difficult to finish the amount of walking/jogging I have to do. But I do it anyways because it gets me out of the house. I have a busy week this week with Macy work so working out is going to be a 'first thing I do when I get home' kind of thing.

More pics from my trip

She is happy to see me and was like I have to touch you to make you real.


Shocked and Awed that I am in Ohio.


Calling my mom and then calling her mom, all who knew about the surprise.


The Robbers from the Robbery Train, yep we took a picture with them.


Me in my get up for Zipling.


Kim in her get up for Zipling.

That is all for picture right now. It is now time to figure out my life.

Back in Texas

I arrived in two days ago and yesterday I had my interview. It went okay, do I think I will get a call back, no. It was also not the right decision to flight in at 10PM and didn't go to bed until 1AM, then have an interview at 9AM. It is over now, on to the next thing. Here are the photos that I didn't post with the blogs. I will start with the beginning.

The first video is a combination of smaller video of the surprise. The last two videos are of Kim zipling and me taping it and then me actually zipling myself.








My grandmother and I


My grandmother and Kim


All of our feet in the fall leaves


These next four shots are from Kim and I's photo shoot-we took 500 pictures, this is only a taste. This one we blew up balloons and let them go. It was a lucky shot to have them go to the camera and for the photographer get them in the shot.


Kim and I sitting laughing about something. My shoes were flip-flops, hers were hard so they didn't bend.


Kim and I going around in a circle holding hands. Now a normal person would be nice, but I was like this is a dorky shot and decided to jump around.


We also took individual shots, so here is one of me.


This shot was taken at the look out over Lancaster.

There might be more pictures to come, but first I have to get them from Kim. If you haven't caught up with my blog recently, the explanation of these videos and photos are in the older blog posts.

The final days...

Monday was relaxing, doing some errands around lancaster, and going to the movie 'Fame.' It was an alright movie, nothing I would promote to anyone. It was just choppy and you never got into the character relationships. We then ate some burgers and drank some wine. Lets just say we slept in a little later than usual.

When we finally got up and going for the day we headed out to Athens for my finally day. Luckily we headed out in enough time to eat out at my favorite place in Athens, Bagel Street Deli. Lets just say it was soooooooo good. I am going to miss it. Kim and I headed off to check out some stores and david headed out to do his own errands. Kim and I finally bought one alumni shirt. I got two OU hats which I will wear a ton when I am exercising and maybe some outside activity. I then headed out to talk to the alumni association and the education abroad office. I am interested in trips abroad by myself or with a friend. I needed information and figured the best time to get it was when I was in town. After that Kim and I headed out to Brenen's to get the best strawberry banana chiller (smoothie). We sat there chatting for a bit. I realized that it was getting to around 4pm and I thought that my grandmother and aunt betsey would be in town. I called them to see where they were, they were about 45 minutes away. We waited to visit them for a short while. It was nice to see my grandmother again and see my aunt. I also visit my grandmother's friend dru. Finally Kim and I were finally tired and ready to head home. We meet David at the car and headed home. Now we are watching movies and relaxing.

I feel like my trip took such a long time to come, that it went way too fast. Tomorrow I am leaving to go home. I am not so thrilled about it, not because I have to go back to the real world and my job, but I have a job interview the day after I arrive. I am nervous, anxious, and overall not thrilled about it. My fear is that I won't be able to sleep. I am also sad to leave because I will be leaving behind my friend. I wish that we could live closer and have the ability to see each other more often.

The Trip so Far...

Tuesday and Wednesday were spent relaxing at home. We did venture to the mall one day and also went to go see a movie. At the mall I was looking for better pants. My size 12 were falling off my bum within an hour of putting them on. After having this happen for several months I finally got sick of having to do it. I went to old navy (where my other pants are from) I grabbed a size 10. It felt comfortable, but something was saying these feel like my 12s and they are going to be loose within a short time. I ventured out to grab a size 8. Now in my mind I am going 'ha, wouldn't it be funny if I fit into a 8 because recently I haven't fitted into a 10.' As I slide up the jeans and zip them up, the 8 fits. Holy C***! Now I did notice a difference with the labels that are on the pants. Some have a white label and some had a green label. I asked what that meant to one of the sale associates. She said that the green label are an updated design and the white one are a older design. So I don't know if the new design is bigger than the last one or whatever they changed in the design.

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Kim and I went to my grandmother's and aunt's place. It was nice to see them. I realized that the last time I saw them was not a long time ago, but it wasn't like I had tons of time to talk. It was at my brother's wedding. I was a bridesmaid and was busy doing other things before the ceremony that kept me away from enjoying the family (on the other hand I did enjoy being a bridesmaid). I guess it is a catch 22. My grandmother was in good spirits and a joy to talk to and be around. It was also nice seeing my aunt, uncle, cousin, and aunt's in-laws. It was a short trip, but it is still hard saying good-bye. I told my grandmother not to wave when she see us leaving the parking lot. As we turned around in the parking lot still walking to the car there she was at her window waving good-bye. Kim and I waved back, I blew some kisses and received kisses in return. Why is it so hard to leave someone behind? I wish I could pack her up and take her with me where ever I go.

Sunday, this day was cloudy and drizzly in the morning, but the afternoon it was big puffy clouds and blue sky with the sun shining down. Kim had meet a girl through facebook that took pictures. When I arrived Kim was like 'ohhhh, we could totally do a photo shoot of us being us.' So on Sunday was our day to be ourselves. This girl was very nice and we felt comfortable around her. She took shots of us being us in an alley way, by ourselves, in a reflection window, at brenan's(food place), underneath the art building, against a colorful wall, radar hill(behind the ridges). Overall it was a good time. I thought it would be awful, but in the end it was me hanging out with me friend and having a moment in time captured. We did get to see some photos on facebook. Kim and I love them. Hopefully I will be able to post them as soon as I get back and rested. We took many shots, so who knows maybe my family will get something in the mail. Anyways, I think that is all that happened in the last couple of days.

Today might be a relaxing day, we might take a walk up to the overlook in Lancaster or going to a movie 'Fame,' or we might run errands, or stay at home enjoying the beautiful weather (blue skies, wind blowing threw the trees, and enjoying the fall weather). Ohh and I have a weight watchers weigh-in today, not soo thrilled about that, but will do it to keep regulating my weight loss or gain. Hopefully it won't be too bad.

Will update when I get a chance, on what truly happened.

Athens yesterday---Zipling today

Athens was fun to visit, I guess you do grow out of the college life. I felt like I fit in to the demographic, but I didn't fit in sociably. Kim and I walked around and visited some stores looking for an improvement to my ratty sweatshirt that has holes, tears, and paint on it. I did find one, but it doesn't have a hood, I might have to buy another one that has a hood, who knows if I will. Other than that I filled up on my favorite food, Bagel Street Deli. Ohh how I missed that toasted bagel with turkey, light mayo, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and cucumbers. Ahhhh, mouth is watering. I don't know why I couldn't make it at home, but it just is so delicious and juicy. Other than that I only noticed small changes in athens. I am happy I came back to visit because I realized a few things. One that I don't feel the need to come back to my university for more schooling. Second I don't have the need to relive the glory days (not that I did have glory days). Also I like the atmosphere, I think in Austin I have to drive to all places I want to go, I'm just another person that no one notices, and overall the lifestyle feels more impersonal. Here in Athens, I can walk everywhere to get anything, I feel that the community is small that you could be noticed more, and overall I don't feel like I would get lost in the crowd. I still have more food places to visit in Athens, hopefully we can fit them in.

Zipling

Okay so my new motto I am trying to try new things. Now people may not know, but I am selectively scared of heights. Why selectively? Well, it isn't like I am scared everytime that I am in a place that is high. I don't know why that is, it is just is. Certain places I have had anxiety about heights are in planes sometimes as they are going up or down, in texas there are high overpasses that are 4 or 5 high, and anything that is shaky or not look secure.

So today, Kim and I decided to Zipline. It is when you are harnessed to a wire and travel from one tree to the next. Overall it was fun and pictures will be coming, when I get home from my trip. The only part I was nervous on was a place when we had to walk over 2 shaky bridges. I made it over, but I was shaky and holding on the the tree for some feel of support. The other time was when you are clipped to the wire and you sit back into your harness over the edge of the platform that is surrounding the tree. It was hard to trust it even though they stated that the harness holds 4500lbs.

Overall the motto is working just fine. I joined a running course to help me start exercising and propel me to the another goal I have, but won't share, I have continued on weight watchers, and now I can add zipling to the list. I think that for me to stretch myself to do something is good because then I learn not everything is as bad as I think it may be. I also think that it gives me experience that I could never lose from my knowledgeable skills.

Kim had experienced that zipline about a month ago and still found it fun and fascinating. We had fun taking pictures and video. The only bad part about the day was the on and off of the rain, but luckily we were under the trees so it wasn't that bad.

Weight Watchers Update

The weight watchers meeting today was not so good I gain 2.6 pounds. I am hoping I can maintain it this week instead of gaining. I am trying. All I need to do is take it easy and not over do it. I feel like stuffing my face which in turn just was proven on the scale that is doesn't work. Tomorrow is another day and all I can do is my best.

My Trip

Okay probably for two and half months now I have been keeping a secret. I am going to surprise my friend in Ohio by visiting her. No it isn't her birthday, no there is no reason except to visit her and then swing over to my grandmother's and visit her. I am bursting with smiles and giggles when I think about it. She has absolutely no idea except that she has to keep that time open and that people know about it. Her boyfriend, David, is in on the surprise visit.

So the plan is that I am going to fly up there on Sept. 19th and arrive at lunch time. David is going to take Kim to lunch at Johnny Rockets near the airport, but not near enough to signal something is up. I am going to get a taxi over, luckily Johnny Rockets is a building near the mall so I can wait in the mall and not be seen. Upon arriving David is going to excuse himself from the table to go use the "restroom," but instead is going to call me and tell me where they are sitting. Now my fear is that I am going to giggle and be all excited to see her I won't be able to slide right in next to her and be like "So, what are you having today?" Now I am writing this about a month before hand...so updates on how it really went down will be posted. *crossing my fingers to kept the secret and be cool when I arrive at the restaurant.

____******_____******_____******_____******_____******_____******_____

OK just passed the 13 days mark...I am kind of afraid that I blew the secret. I hoping kim didn't hear and I am just imagining things. What happened was that I was on a skype date with kim and had to called my boss because the days I was scheduled were going to interfere with my running course, I said something along the lines of "I don't want to miss the running course on Saturday because I am off next two weekends (or weeks I am not sure what I said)." I muted my volume, but I didn't unplug my microphone. She may or may not have heard, I just don't know. She didn't say anything, but I am most likely sure she heard. I am still not going to spill just in case I am freaking myself out and she didn't hear anything.

I am going to call her on the 11th a week before I leave and complain about my job. I am going to tell her my "fake/true" schedule about me working, I don't get the schedules until a week before hand. So on the 11th I will get the next week's schedule, I might or might not be working the 18th, but she doesn't know. Also I won't be working the 20th because I will be up there, but she won't know that either. So my plan is the tell her that my job sucks and that I am going to have to work the 18th and 20th. In addition, I am going to say that "I was told that the support team will be working the 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th because we are behind on markdowns big time...yeah for standing all day...sigh" (that is false because I will be up there visiting her). I am trying to come up with plausible lies that will be like maybe she miss heard. If she asks if I am taking the next two weekends or weeks off I am going to say "No not weeks I was trying to get a couple of free weekends in before the craziness of Christmas season. This schedule is conflicting with my plans there is a Triathlon that is only women in Spicewood, TX about an hour away that I wanted to go see, if it was different with the one that I saw in Austin, but now I can't do that. Errrr this job is sucking the life out of me." Hopefully, I won't have to go that far in the lies.

Then my next plan is to be like. Enjoy your surprise hopefully sometime you could call me and tell me what it is. I probably won't talk to you much the next week (11th-18th) mostly I will talk to you after the 24th because of my crazy schedule, but I will try when I can. Then I am going to talk to her the smallest amount of time, but I have to sound exhausted or I will just text her and be like I am sorry I am totally in a funk and need a day by myself. Or I will say something that will come to mind. Gosh so many lies I am going to have to come clean too. I hope I fake her out with these lies.

_____******______******______******______******______*******______

Okay so this is what truly transpired the last couple of days. I did have to work a crazy schedule leading up to my trip. I worked sunday 5-10, tuesday 5-2, wednesday, 5-2 thursday 5-2, and friday was supposely 5-2, but luckly hours got cut so it was 5-10. Then I was busy until 2 o'clock hanging out with my other friend Kendra and her daughter before they move out a week after I come back from my trip. I then went home and started printing off plane information, making sure how much money I had in my bank account, and making sure what I needed to pack. In the end the exhaustion one took over and I took a nap on my floor for about 30 minutes to an hour. It helped me last a little longer that night.

Finally I packed it all and was ready to go on my trip. The night before I left I wrote kim an e-mail about how I am doing a running class in the morning and that I was going to go home after it to go to sleep and that I was going to turn off my phone so I could no one could bother me. I also wrote that I hope her surprise is good and that I would call her in the evening about it and see how it went. It was a normal e-mail I would send to her and trying to be like giving excuses why I wouldn't be picking up the phone.

As I woke up early in the morning, I was in this calm state. I think for so long I have come up with ideas about how it would be like and doing the countdown of days that it was like okay no going back now. As I was sitting on my first flight I meet a very nice lady who was going to Haiti for six months and I told her about surprising my friend. She was very exciting about it for me. When I boarded my flight to Columbus I was finally hitting my wall of exhaustion so I started to nod off. Luckily no one was sitting next to me and I had three seats to myself. I didn't sleep very much, but I did okay for the beginning of the flight. At the end, I had a rush of energy and was excited to finally get there.

When the plane touched down I texted David that we touched down and that I will texted him when I leave the airport. I took a taxi all by myself all the way to easton town center, which is a big mall area. He said there wasn't a johnny rockets there anymore and he keep giving me other places to go. Finally he decided that there is a water feature in one part that kids can play in and that they would be there. I knew where and said okay. I texted him to say where I was and then proceeded to walk towards where they were. I was taping myself as I was looking for them and finally spotted them sitting with there backs to me. I put down my bags and started to video taping as I approached. I came around the corner and said "how do you like your surprise!?!" she was like "what!!! are you kidding me!!!! I can't believe your here!!!" We then proceed to hug and go grab my bags I had just put down. Then david and I told her how long we had been planning this and all the lies. She didn't know, not one bit.

As the shock settle in. We planned to go eat and drop off my bags at the car. The rest of the day we chatted and hung out. Later that night we went to a robbery train ride. Overall it was fun and somewhat amusing with it all. There are some good shots that we have, but will have to be posted later because I am having difficulties with this computer.

Quick Step, Jog, Quick Steps, Jog

Saturday was rainy and wet here and yet there was still my running/walking class. I am a little weird I don't like cold rain on my neck, but if I am totally drench then I don't mind. When I first stepped out of my car, I didn't like it, but once totally drench I was fine. I walked quickly for 3 min and jogged for 1 min.. The only bad part about the exercise was that a few of us were running up congress avenue towards the capitol and it was frustrating to hit every red light. Also we had to be careful not to slip on the granite, 'slippery when wet.'

My new thing to learn this week is that I can't slow myself down to walk/jog with someone, I need to go at my own pace. This week is going to be tough to get through. I had Monday off from work, but not exercise I went swimming. The rest of the week I am working full 8 hour days Tuesday thur Friday. Then after done with work I need to do my exercise. I just have to commit this week and even if I am tried, I need to go out and go for it. Saturday is my sleep day.

My songs for jog/walk:
Charice "Notes To God"---warm up and stretching and 2 min walk
Cobra Starship "Good Girls Go Bad" ---love running up hills with this song
Keri Hilson "Knock You Down"
Jordin Spraks "Battlefield"
Miley Cyrus "The Climb" --- like this song when I see another freaking hill in the distance and it is a good song about reaching for something you want, it is just fitting in my life
Jay Sean "Down" ---plays at Macy's and I loved it and FINALLY know who sings it
Journey "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" ---love the beginning, got to love drums

Weight Watchers
I am still on weight watchers, I hit a semi-milestone last week, I am under 150. Yeah me. Not far under, but under. I am working hard on it, but I am still struggling with the control over food. I am obsessed with food and will eat until I am fully stuffed. I don't like the feeling so I am working on eating when I am hungry and to stop when I am satisfied. I have learned that if I drink a lot of water and that doesn't satisfy the hunger pains then I need a little bit to eat. That small amount might hold me for 15 minutes or 3 hours, just depending.

When I first started weight watchers I was 187 and I am 2.2lbs away from losing 40lbs since 2007. I am also 2lbs away from hitting my 10% target for this time around, which it 16lbs. So soon I will be hitting bigger milestones, so stay tuned. Hopefully within the next two weeks.

Labor Day and Triathlon Volunteer

Happy Labor Day!

Today in downtown Austin there was a triathlon going on. It was both a Olympic and Sprint, which was open to both men and women. My dad and I were volunteers, we both worked in the transition area when the competitors change from swimming to biking. At some parts it was slow and others you couldn't screaming enough to tell them where to go. I also almost got run over by two or three bikes as they were coming in to the bike area to then go to the run. I think I stayed longer than I would have at the event because I was volunteering, but it also gave me another prospective on the whole idea of the event.

Someday I would like to finish a triathlon, but right now I am working on the running aspect and when I feel I am ready to add either swimming or biking to my routine I will. I need a bike though to do the biking, anyways small details, right? At the end it wasn't that fun, my dad and I had to corral people a certain way because even though the faster people were ready to go home and leave, there were people still on the course working their butts off, no pun intended. The best thing at the event for me was the different shapes and sizes that were competing in it. I even saw some Sprint people that could do the Olympic (they were fast). I guess when you think of any race you think all these skinny small bodies that are toned. Yeah they are, but not all of them. Gives me some ideas.

I know if I say I am going to do a Sprint Triathlon I will need a wet suit, swimming cap, goggles, bike, biking shoes, butt pad for bike, helmet, water bottles for bike, running shoes, running clothes (I use cotton right now), and get use to eating goo packages or electrolytes. Lots of things and lots of money I don't have. The one thing I am proud of, even though you watch the great competitors, is that I was not discourage to do a triathlon from all the exhausted faces I saw going out and in from the bike race/ride.

Future goals in the making.

Saturday's Blog

Went 3.1-3.5 miles this morning

I am in a group that walks 2 minutes and jogs 1 minute. I finished in 46 minutes and 30 seconds, from now on will write my time like 46.30. I didn't do the whole course as 2 min and 1 min., but I tried and I completed, so yeah for me.

In a gross way I enjoy this torture with the sweat rolling down my body. It feels like I am doing good for my body. What I need to work on now is my cardio. So next week that is my goal for the cross training, I will be jog walking hills...yeah? and maybe swimming, if I get a pool key from the management company that runs our development. We will see how it goes.

Joined a running/walking group

For sometime I have gone back and forth with myself about exercise. I am not fond of it, but I have to do it. As I continue with my Weight Watchers, I have found losing weight here at home harder rather than when I was at school. The only thing different is the exercise, at school the amenities were walking distance away, here at home most things are driving distance. So after looking at all my option and debating if I should or shouldn't spend the money, I went for it. This program prepares you to run or walk either the Half-marathon or Full marathon. I am going for the Half-marathon.

The plan is laid out for me. The next six months roughly, I will be doing walking/running on my own and on Saturdays meet with everyone in this large group (about 125+ people-which then separates into 50 or so a group depending on your run time). I like the schedule because for the next 25 weeks, I know what I have to do everyday and I don't have to think about it.

Now I have told my parents and friends about this program. My friend Kim, sent me a link to MapMyRun.com. It is useful and great. Today I had to do 20 minutes of exercise, but I didn't know the distance I went. I do know the time it took me because my dad was nice enough to buy me a Ironman Timex watch that shows me my lap times.

First Saturday August 29th: Ran/Walked 1 mile 15.02

Sept. 1st: Ran/Walked 1.4 miles
Lap one 10:32.96
Lap two 10:10.03

I am crossing my fingers that with joining this group that I will keep up with the exercise and make it all the way to the Half-marathon in February. Slowly will keep updating, maybe just on my Saturday times.

Reached

I wanted to lose 10 pounds (this time 163.2-10=153.2), I made it. 10 pounds and counting...down. I haven't noticed where I am losing it from, but I am losing it. I need to pump up my exercise routine, I just haven't found something I would like to spend the money doing or want to spend my free time doing.

Goals...

...I have made and reached. I have more goals, but I haven't reached them yet. I will post them when I do.

*Lose 5 pounds(187-5=182)
*Lose 10 pounds(187-10=177)
*Lose 15 pounds(187-15=172)
*Lose 20 pounds(187-20=167)
*Lose 25 pounds9187-25=162)
*Lose 30 pounds(187-30=157)
*Lose 5 pounds(this time 163.2-5=158.2)
*Lose 8.2 pounds or 5% target(this present time in WW)
*Fit into my pant easily(always my goal during WW)

I am sorry about always writing about my weight lose. It is what I am doing all the time. It is the only thing changing in my life. Macy's is the same, just trying to work as much as possible and save up money.

New Design

I had a different one that was more artistic, but the template didn't work with the title I wanted. So now I have the bird on. I like it.

The quote underneath was from a movie called "Post Grad," it matches my life in certain aspects.

Reached

I meet my 5% target, plus a little more, but not much. On to the next goal, what ever that may be.

Down 7...pounds that is.

Yep down from my previous weight. The scale keeps going down, even if it is a little bit it is something in my book. I have had trouble the last two weeks, nothing bad. I was struggling with myself. I thought about how unhappy I was when I weighed 190, so I lost weight. I was surprised how fast it came off and I kept it off. Now I am not happy at this weight so I am trying to loose more. I am afraid that if I lose this weight, how if I not happy again. I struggle with that fact. I asked myself is this going to make me happy right now? Yes. Is it going to make me happy in the end? I don't know. I worry sometimes about that.

Then the other week I was invited to my sister-in-law's sister kids birthday(what a tongue twister). My brother's wife sister's kids birthday. Okay I think it will always be a tongue twister. Anyways, my dad and I went, and we were happy to go. I had fun and enjoyed a break from normal life of the weekends, but I ate a lot. Afterwords when I was home I figure out all the points I had eaten, which got me down and depressed. The next day was Sunday and then Monday was the weigh-in. At that point I was 1.6 pounds away from reaching my 5% target(weight watchers sets up your 5% and 10% target, it keeps you on track and it focuses on the small goals to reach for not the end goal). So Sunday I was tough on myself, eating a lot of free or zero points to fill me up and trying not to eat much of points. I lost weight, but not a lot. Then on Monday after the weigh-in that night I ate over my points, which made me feel worse. I have tried hard this week to get back into the groove. I have worked hard to balance out my over eating on Monday, by being carefully Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I give myself a hard time when I do something I don't like or when I disappoint myself and if I do that it is hard for me to get back on track sometimes. I know for right now I want and need this.

I have small goals for myself that I have set up to keep me on track and for me to be happy. I accomplished one small goal today. I fit in to my jeans. I will explain, with my problem with overeating and weight gain my jeans were tight on my calf's and thighs and I would have a muffin top(not attractive). Today I put on clean jeans that haven't been worn since they have been washed. They fit. I didn't have to stretch them out, I didn't have to tug them up, and I didn't have to suck in to button up my jeans.

Also, another goal I have which I did after my second weigh-in. When I went grocery shopping, I picked up 7 pounds of sugar(a 5 pounder and a 2 pounder). Even though in my head I go ehh, I've only lost 7 so far. When I picked up the 7 pounds I was surprised how heavy it is. I think when I get down in the dumps on how much I have lost I should go to the store and hold it in pounds of sugar to realize in physical form what that weight looks like and what it feels like.

187(first starting weight in 2007) - 156.2(last weeks weigh-in)= 30.8 pounds maybe I should hold all that weight sometime.

*crossing my fingers* to lose 1 pound this to reach 8 pounds and 5% goal :)

Weight Watchers

A year before I started March 16, 2006 in California

I was overweight for many years, though people saw me they never said 'Katie, you are overweight.' I don't think I would have listen and probably ate even more because of their comments on my weight. From the time I hit puberty I gained weight, the highest I ever was, was 197. I thought to myself and told my friend if I go over 200 pounds I am seriously going to kick my butt in shape. I never got there, but also never went below 190.

I did try a diet of just eating healthy stuff, but after awhile I'd stay the same weight at 185. I thought this is the lowest I am ever going to be. Finally in 2007, I realized I wasn't happy with my life, with myself, I couldn't sleep very well on my sides, and overall just fell like a big blob. I remember my dad going to Weight Watchers and losing his weight and keeping it off. As I started my earlier tries at weight lose or talking about trying to lose weight, I would tell my dad. He would say, Katie if you want to do weight watchers I will support you in doing that and help pay. I thought it is really expensive and I didn't wait to waste the money.

But in 2007, I needed a change in my life and in me. I found a Weight Watchers group that I could go to. I weighed in at 187 and eleven weeks later (I did the program for only eleven weeks, but you can do it longer) I weighed in at 168.4. I lost 18.6 pounds. I continued on my own and I got down to 162. Go me! As the months went by I kept the weight off.


A few days before I started march 20, 2007(I started march 28, 2007)


April 25, 2007 at the zoo

May 16, 2007-journalism school of Ohio University honoring my Grandmother


June 9th, 2007- visiting Niagara Falls and celebrating my Papa's 90th birthday

Until recently, a few months ago I went on vacation and let me tell you I had fun eating everyday and a lot of it. I got up to 170 and wasn't happy that I was gaining. So my dad started going to meetings for his own reason and I did it at home. I actually did it and got down to 149. yeah me. Then somehow it went all haywire and I kept gaining 2 pounds every week. My fear was not fitting into my bridesmaid outfit for my brother's wedding. Let's just say it was a tight squeeze, but not to bad when the wedding came around.

Anyways, this story has a point hopefully, I started weight watcher meeting last week. I have only done one week, but in that one week I lost 5 whole pounds. Go me! Also, when I weighed in last week I was 163.2, meaning I have gained what I lost in the second attempt, but I hadn't gained that much. I just can't believe the 5 pounds, I ate 3 pizza slices last night(the day before weigh-in) and I still lost 5 pounds. Crazy.

I don't mind telling anyone what my weight is, if it will help someone decide on their personal choices to weight loss or better living. Weight watchers has and still works for me. I don't think I will mention what my goal is, but I am heading in the right direction to it and will be healthy doing it.


Right before the wedding...getting nails done


After the wedding right before reception.


My mom and I, looking good and time to party.

AAAAAAA-CHooooooo

My Brother's Wedding

My brother is officially married. Here some photos.


My brother waiting for his bride, Beth.


Here she comes with her father, Tom.


Walking down the aisle to Matthew.



Her dad giving Beth away to Matthew.


A kiss to seal the deal.


Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Watt.


The happy couple. Congrats.

I read an article that was in the paper (my mom showed it to me).

It was about an author who had written a book called "You majored in what? - Mapping your path from chaos to career" by Kathrine Brooks, ED.D.. I have been thinking about the article for a few days and thought I would look up the book at the store. I found it today and started to check it out. It actually kept my attention, which is surprising because I have gone to a bookstore before and ready books that I yawned threw and tests that I have already taken to get an idea of jobs I might be good for. I have just started reading the book today, hopefully I will have more to say after I am done with it.

Here is the book on Borders.com Click here

Description: "Has it happened yet? Have you been asked The Question? You know the one. Its the question that haunts you from your early undergrad days to months, even years, after you graduate What are you going to do with that major? Inevitably this unleashes waves of anxiety, whether you're a liberal arts student unsure what your degree has prepared you for, someone with a practical major whose career field is oversaturated (or just unappealing), or a recent grad still searching for inspiration. But take heart The Question is fundamentally flawed. Your major does not equal your job! In You Majored In What?, nationally known career counselor Dr. Katharine Brooks dispels the myths and the old-fashioned thinking that can make your transition to the real world so daunting and chaotic. Developed from more than twenty years of teaching and guiding students to successful careers, her Wise Wanderings career coaching system helps you mine your academic and life experiences for career gold through creative yet practical techniques including visual mapping, storytelling, and experimenting. Thanks to the Wise Wanderings system, you can forget what you've been told about the job search. You don't have to know where you'll be in ten years. You don't have to have picked the perfect major. The job-finding process doesn't have to be one more burden on your already overburdened schedule. All you have to do is pay attention. Embrace the chaos. Think. Create maps. Construct small experiments. Celebrate your education. Consider possible lives. Tell stories. And start wandering. Wisely, of course. You'll be amazed at whats waiting out there for you."

Blogging not a top priority

I looked at my blog and realized it has been roughly been one and half months since i have posted anything. I haven't been on the computer a lot and when i am on i check a few things and then proceed to sign off. For the past month i have been working at Macy's, hanging out with my friend, hanging out with my parents, recently started building a 20in X 60in book shelf out of MDF board, watching TV, going to appointments, and just overall being lazy and having relaxing days.

maybe i will post my book shelf when it is complete. I am really in the beginning stages.

The week for cars..and spendng money for it

Well this week has been fun. My mom's car needed to be fixed for a lot of money. Then the next day had to go back because there was a rattling sound that vibrated through the floor of the driver side. After the nuts were tightened. All was well in the car world.

Ehhh I think not.

My car this week, I got an oil change and a simple once over of my car. I paid and was done with the errand. Well for couple days now I have been hearing a high pitched errrrr noise when ever I pressed the gas. Weird I thought, but didn't think much of it. I knew it was the belt and I was going to get it check out soon. DUH Duh duh, didn't get that chance.

I was driving back from my niece's Elementary School with Kendra and Lillee. It sounded like I ran over a tin can. Kendra looked behind to see if anything was there, nope nothing. There was a slight turn up ahead and suddenly figured out what that sound was from. I have no power steering anymore. I told Kendra as I was going around the curve that I couldn't steer. So luckily there was an entrance to a Shell gas station. I pulled in immediately with the help of Kendra turning the wheel with me. As Kendra called her dad, who is a mechanic and works in a car dealership; I called my dad, saying I need him to come pick me and explained the situation. As I was talking Lillee, who is four started to worry and wanted out of her car seat. My dad said he would be right there. Kendra's dad said it was a belt. Well he was correct, my belt was streched but still intact (not broken), my dad found the pulley(assuming that was the tin can noise). As Kendra transfered the car seat, her purse, Lillee's backpack. I told the Shell Station attendants that I would be back in and hour, to deal with the car.

Everyone got into my dad's car, we dropped of Kendra first so she could get on her way to Kileen, I dropped dad off at work, and then took lillee to her nana's house(the reason I was picking up Lillee). As I drove back over to the shell station. I wondered if something came out of my car. The tin can noise made me wonder. So I walked up to where it happened, nothing. So I figured I had everything that fell/broke off. I called a tow truck, no way I am driving and no way could I drive.

The tow truck took it to the dealership Kendra's dad works for and said they would call me tomorrow (which is today friday 6th). They said it was the belt and the pulley, they told me the cost and that it would be ready today. I don't know this car will be lasting that long. There will be some transfering around with cars in our family, a new car in the near future, and some trade-ins with two of the cars.

Updates, Updates, Updates

Updates:

Well I have been working hard at Macy's, but I know that wouldn't take up most of my time. So here is what I have been doing. After Christmas, my family writes thank you notes for the gifts that were given and tell people how gratefully appreciated they are, which they are. Well I wrote my Christmas letter of what happen this year, which wasn't much, but there were a few big things. The Christmas letter is printed on a 8.5 X 11 (letter size), well the only thank you card size I have is a 4 X 6 and I didn't want to fold up my letter more than I have to. So my mom and I walked to Walgreens to see if they have individual cards(like index cards) the size of the card you put checks into. Unfortunately, they didn't have any. Then my mom and I drove over to Hallmark and again it was a dead end. As I was walking around Hallmark I got this idea that I had a lot of art supplies at home ***idea*** why don't I make them. Of Course! When I got back home I started on them. As I was going along, I tried to make them different and really got into making them. I haven't yet written a thank you note on them, but that is my next step. My dad's advice was to show all of you them because they are all different and that you wouldn't know.

Here is a picture:

From Life after college...

Hopefully by the end of this week I will send out my thank you notes and Christmas letter.

NEXT UPDATE:

As people may know I am living at home pretty comfortably and very lucky that I have that. Well as everyone is facing a difficult year, my family also has been close to it. Luckily we haven't been severely affected by it. As my parents were talking about what they would have to do if my dad or mom lost their jobs they brought up the idea about me taking on my own cell phone bill. I thought that it was a possibility that I could take on that responsibility I started to research different plans out there: Sprint, Altell, Verizon, Cingular/Att, Cricket(cheap Texas brand), and maybe one more. Though I like the Cingular rollover plan, my family is all on the sprint plan. I did the math and figured out that I could afford a certain plan at a price. I also figure the smart choice would be to be on sprint because sprint to sprint is free, so all my close family members would be free to talk to and the only people I would have to pay for if I go over my minutes are my friends Kim and Kendra. So today I went over to the sprint store and talk to a nice man name Robert who was very friendly and answered all my question. When I walked out of the store I had my own plan and a new phone. WOOO! My first official bill that I will be paying for. Hol-eee Mac-a-roll. I might be almost 24, but this was a big first step towards my independence. Yeah me. So when you talk to me it is the same number, but it is my phone and my plan.

Here is a picture:

My old phone, my new phone box, and the new phone.

From Life after college...

My new phone on top of the sprint box it came in.

From Life after college..

ANOTHER UPDATE:

I am taking classes at ACC (Austin Community College) for fun not for a credit. As of right now I am taking Photoshop. Photoshop is where you can alter photos. For example, you can eliminate a person from a photo without anyone knowing that a person was in the photo to begin with. Another one I like was writing text then inserting a photo in the text.

Here is an image with the word EARTH and grass is inserted into the text.

From Life after college...

Hopefully on Monday I can sign up for Dreamweaver and Flash. Dreamweaver is the basics of a webpage. For example, the links I put on photoshop, dreamweaver, and flash. The basic structure of the blog post here with the text and colors. Flash on the other hand is anything on a webpage that moves or has action.

Here is a idea of flash.
Mercury Graphics - my teacher works for this company, look for anything that moves on the page and that is flash.

I am assuming because I haven't taken the classes it is what I received as a rough idea of what it was. When I take the class I will inform more about what it is like.

I like this photoshop class I am taking and hopefully I will like the other two. I am taking only the Continuing education classes because I didn't know if I would like it. If I do like it, I might head back to school at least part time to pursue some more classes in a particular field. I am trying to keep myself busy and to figure out my life and give it some purpose then to say adrift to no-wheres-ville.

Well heading off to bed I have an early morning with work tomorrow...6AM yeah. not. bye.