(Not So) Wordless Wednesday, and a Thank You!

I think it was 2 weeks ago that I posted the picture of a woman on the floor, with a stack of bills.  She is splayed out, in total overwhelmed frustration.  That woman is me-no not REALLY me, but you know what I mean. 
My husband and I have living the American Nightmare for the last 15 months.  He owns a carpentry business, and there has been very little work.  We poured EVERYTHING we had into keeping that business going.  There were a few good months in the fall, bills were getting paid on time, food was on the table...all was well.  But it turned again, and there are no big jobs on the horizon, and the small stuff just can't support a family of 5 with bills out the you-know-what. 
My husband, Tool Time, got a job yesterday.  He will have a steady paycheck.  This really hasn't sunk in for me yet-probably won't until I see a check, but I am actually starting to feel a glimmer of hope.  I actually had a genuine smile on my face today, it wasn't fake or forced.  It felt good to smile again. 
We have a LONG road ahead of us....regardless of what he earns, money will be TIGHT.  I've always toyed with a budget, but never really had to stick to one.  Then when I got one set, and actually stuck to it, there was no money to budget with!!  Ha-what a lesson learned!  Anyway-can you guess what dirty 7 letter word is now in the forefront of my vocabulary?? 
There is a pinprick in the black curtain, and a glimmer of light is peeking through.  WE ARE BLESSED. 

THANK YOU to the lovely ladies who had such kind and encouraging words for me yesterday.  I do read the comments on my blogs, and I thank you for taking the time to reach out to me.  It meant alot! 

Post It Note Tuesday

Someday, when I have a few more minutes, and can look at our situation through clear eyes, I'll blog about it.  For now, I'm praying that Tool Time finds a real job, (and I gotta get ready to go to work-cuz it's all we got right now!) 

5 Question Friday

It's that time again... I love it!!  You may know the drill by now, but if not, click here and get the lowdown on how to join the fun!  Thanks Mama M, for the Questions! 




1. Did you pass your driver's test on the first try?

Yes, I did!  However, I did have a bad accident before I got my license, and I didn't drive for months.  My parents finally got me private lessons-God Bless that man, he had alot of patience! 

2. What is your most embarrassing moment?
Can I say I don't know???  I've never been THAT embarrassed.  Well, there was the time my 2y.o. son had diarrhea under a clothing rack in the Reebok outlet-and it went ALL OVER THE CARPET.  Yeah, that was pretty bad.  I think having kids has made me more tolerant of my own stupidity-stuff will happen, and I just sorta let it roll....



3. What TV show would you like to be on- Oprah, Biggest Loser, or What Not to Wear?
What Not to Wear-I try to stay in fashion, but sometimes I think I dress too young for my age, but then again, I don't want to look 10 years older, either!  And I'd love to know what styles flatter my figure.  If I'm not in gym clothes, I'm in jeans or shorts with tanks or tees. 


4. Would you ever get plastic surgery and what kind?
Yes!  And I never thought I would say that when I was younger, but as the years creep up, it's a definite yes!  If I had the cash, I'd have my boobs put back where God meant them to be. Maybe a shot of Botox or two....

5. What are your favorite jeans to wear?
Banana Republic makes great jeans at a decent price.  If I have the $$$  I like 7 for all mankind, but I never have $$$ anymore, so there goes that! 

Yo Tweeps! Twaffic Exchange!

Love Twitter???  Love Twaffic??? Then join in the fun! 
Click on the Twitter link on my sidebar---Follow me, I'll follow you back! 

Full detailed directions can be found on Supahmommy's page here.

And of course...grab the button!!

Post It Note Tuesday!

C'mon, join the fun!  For the directions, links, etc visit http://supahmommy.blogspot.com/

She's got all the goods on this one!

I'd do it myself, but I'm gonna be late for the hideous job of mine<--wait, do I care??

5 Question Friday!!

It's finally Friday!!!  Should I type that in CAPS, cuz I do want to shout it!  I'll just go Bold....there, that's better!
I love 5QFriday-I love the idea-it's an easy blog post for those of us who have no creative juices flowing at the moment, and that would be me!  But the real truth is it is just FUN!  So if you want to have some fun with me...clickety here .  This is Mama M's blog, and she is the genius behind this little questionnaire.  So hit her blog-copy, and paste away, link up, and share some love! 


1. Have you ever had a celeb sighting?
YES!!  All in one day...my kids and I were in NY for a family wedding, and Hurricane Jeanne hit FL so we couldn't come home. (damn!!)  Anyway, one day, we hopped on a train for NYC, and headed to Times Square.  Since we watch GMA on ABC, the kids knew exactly where we were....while we were nosing around the studio windows, a security guard came over and asked me if I wanted to meet John Travolta-um, hello, I know EVERY word to Grease-YES!!  So he directed the kids and I over to a door, and in a few minutes, who comes out...but yes, John Travolta himself, and I just about died right there!  He signed an autograph for the kids, and I could spit was, "Be polite, say thank you." to the kids, then I shook his hand....and he was wisked away into a limo.
So I stumble my way across the street to Toys R Us, and lo and behold there is Donald Trump signing autographs on his new doll-The Apprentice was new and in full swing.  So, we buy a doll, I send off the kids, and he asks them why they are not in school...I explain that we are hurricane refugees....he tells my daughter she's fired...and we are wisked awayby security.   P.S.  the Donald's hair??? not that bad in person. 


2. What temperature do you keep your house?
I live in FL, so in summer, we keep the AC at about 78-80. 
In winter, we very rarely have to turn the heat on, but sometimes we will turn it on, I think at 70, but Tool Time does it, so I'm clueless.


3. Do you notice dust at other peoples homes?
No, not really.  I'm too busy looking at the decor, and asking where they got it.


4. What's the worst job you ever had?

I'd say it is the current one-my part time job at the Vitamin Shoppe.  Now, I will say I have learned ALOT about supplements and nutrition, but the hours SUCK!  Retail hours and motherhood are not a good combination! 
Two thing though-1) as much as I hate the job, I am grateful to have it.  I was lucky to find it in this declining economy.  2)I have a whole new world of respect of mothers who have full time jobs, and single mothers who are working to support their kids--how the hell do you do it all???  HATS OFF TO YOU!

5. What is your most sentimental possession?
My Miraculous Medal.  My father wore it for years on a neclace, and he died with it on.  I have had it with me ever since.  It is my constant reminder of my father, and that someone is always watching over me.


Now, link up, and comment, comment, comment!

Yo Tweeps!! Twaffic Exchange!

Miss Uncreative (Moi) has linked up, cut, and pasted this fun way to increase your twitter twaffic.  Kudos to Supahmommy for the great idea! 

***If none of my links works-please go to Supahs page---I'm old and unfunctional, so...yeah.

DIRECTIONS:




To play along and increase your twitter twaffic do the following:

1. Follow the first 5 Twitter Twaffic hosts listed on the linky. Netiquette and courtesy! They'll reciprocate your love on twitter!

2. MAKE A BLOG POST LIKE I am doing. Copy and Paste these directions.

3. Grab the YO Tweeps Twaffic Exchange Button pictured below. Put him in your post.

Encourage your readers to come to our page and grab the button too !


(He's so cute. Put him on your sidebar too if you're that kinda girl. Netiquette... not a hairspray ;) lol )



























5. Put YOUR OWN twitter icon / link on your blog post like I did. It should directly link to your TWITTER PROFILE. ( there are directions below if you need)


6. Now link up your post below in the linky!

7. Visit some other #YOtweeps linkers on the list.


8. Follow them if you choose and shout out to them on twitter that you are following so they can instantly follow you if they're on.

(Follow their blog as well if you're interested.)


Example:

@personsname #yotweeps I'm following!



9. If someone follows you JUST reciprocate on twitter. It's that easy.



Have fun with this Tweeps!!

 xoxo Leigh

Small Messages

I have been stewing the past few days about what to post-I've got alot on my mind, and this is my place to be honest. 
So-being completely honest-my family is in bad shape.  We have ALOT of problems right now, and I was going to come here tonight and spill it...but I really don't want this blog to be a place of sadness.  I'm generally a pretty happy person-that is how I want my blog to be. 
I had noticed an email from my girlfriend Jill-she is one who does all of the chain emails, etc., but they are usually very positive, so I opened an e-mail titled "God's Little Notes"-and there they were-post it like notes with little messages about God. Now, I am not an overly religious person, but I do believe in God.  I really liked what some of the messages said, so I copied them and decided to make them my post for today.  Wouldn't you know I copied them here and NOTHING showed up!!  It's late, I'm tired, I'm not futzing around trying to fix it, so I went to the blogspot address that was on the little notes, AND I STRUCK GOLD. 
I do believe that you are led to things for a reason-and just as I was ready to unload all of my problems, I was led to this amazing blog.  Five reasons God permits problems???? and I  happened across this NOW?? 

Post It Note Tuesday

Yo Tweeps!! Traffic Exchange!!

I'm participating in a twitter carnival of sorts.




Here's the jist:


To play along and increase your twitter twaffic: we need to meet some new people.



1. Follow me on twitter . Click on my twitter feed-it's on my sidebar.  Follow me-I'm way cool! HA!!

2. Shout me a hello on twitter like so: @lptrainermom #yotweeps I'm following!
Then I'll know you followed and I'll reciprocate.


3. MAKE A BLOG POST LIKE I am doing. Copy and Paste these directions.




3. Grab the YO Tweeps Twaffic Exchange Button. Put him in your post.



(He's so cute. Put him on your sidebar too if you're that kinda girl. )



Listen tweeple-I'm old and I'm slow, so if the cute picture takes you to Supah's page-grab the code from her.  She is much better than I am at this linking coding joining thing. 

6. Link that post up over at SupahMommy's blog




7. Visit some other #YOTweeps linkers on the list.



8. Follow them if you choose and shout out to them on twitter that you are following so they can instantly follow you if they're on. (Follow their blog as well if you're interested.)



Example:

@lptrainermom #yotweeps I'm following!



9. If someone follows you JUST reciprocate. It's that easy.


xoxo
Leigh

Wordless Wednesday-'Nuff Said

Starting over, Part XLVII

Today is my "New Year".  Today, I made my resolution to clean up my diet-AGAIN.  I am doing it today because my birthday was last week, and technically-it's a new year for me!!  So, since the chronological number is increasing, and the metabolism is decreasing,  it's time for me to get back on Weight Watchers.  3 years ago I lost 30 on WW, and it was a very easy change for me to make.  All was well and good until that Christmas, when I gained a few pounds back.  I've been on an 8# rollercoaster ever since.  It is time for me to get off this ride!

As a trainer, here is my take on diets.  It may take trying 3 or 4 before you find the right one for you.  When you find it, stick with it, give it all you got!  Also, you should never feel deprived, or hungry!  I could go on and on, but I won't....I'll save that for another day! :)

So my day started with a very healthy breakfast of 2 pumpkin pancakes with ricotta filling, and a glass of Greens+ mixed with water and OJ.  That awful looking stuff in the cup-Greens+, is amazing.  It is loaded with vitamins, and it's basically your 5 servings of fruits and veggies in a drink.   I know what you're thinking-it must taste NASTY, but it's actually pretty good.  I always buy the Wild Berry Burst flavor a)because it's got acai, goji, pomegranate, etc it-all good antioxidants, and b) you can actually taste the berries, not the healthy green stuff!  It tastes even better when mixed with 1/2 c. of water, and 1/2 c. of OJ.  Their website is http://www.greensplus.com/ , just in case you are interested!

YOU MUST TRY THESE PANCAKES.....
1c. low fat baking mix (I use Bisquick Heart Smart)
1T sugar
1/2 t. cinnamon or pumokin pie spice
2 large eggs
3/4c. fat free milk
1/2 c. canned pumpkin
Combine all the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.  Combine wet ingredients in a separate bowl-mix well.  Add the wet mix to the dry, and stir until smooth.  (Or if you are lazy like me, dump it all in the KitchenAid Bowl, and turn it on)
Pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake onto a hot griddle or skillet.  Cook until tops are covered in bubbles and edges look cooked.  Carefully turn over, cook until bottoms are slightly browned. 
Makes 12 pancakes.  Ea:61 cal, 1.3g. fat, 2.4g protein,8.9g carbs, .5 fiber. 

Ricotta cream-super easy!!  Mix 1 tablespoon part skim ricotta with 1/2t. cinnamon, and a sprinkle of sugar if needed.  Place the creme between 2 pancakes and enjoy!

Healthy start to the day...CHECK!
Exercise.....CHECK!
Drinking lots of water....CHECK!
NO snacking after dinner.......REMAINS TO BE SEEN! 

5 Question Friday

It's Friday!!  I just got home from a great lunch with my girls-nothing like a lunch therapy session.  We hit TJ Maxx afterwards and laughed until we cried trying on BIG hats-it was so fun, we've decided to have a Kentucky Derby Party! 

So...5Q Friday....Thank you, Mama M, for putting this all together!! 

1. What's your guilty pleasure?
Ice cream-every night.  Granted, it's Weight Watchers Giant Cookies and Cream Bar, but it is so good!  I wait until everyone is safely tucked in bed, then I get my few moments of low-cal guilt. 
BUT-if $$$ will allow, I have snuck off for a facial on occasion, and I walk out of there one hour later like a whole new person!!  DO NOT tell my husband!! ;)

2. What is your favorite TV series?
It's a toss up-I love Grey's Anatomy, nothing wrong with a little McDreamy eye candy. 
I also fall into a deep hole when it comes to the Real Housewives....love each series, and I'm sadly addicted. 
If we are talking about longest watched show-it's General Hospital....do you remember when Luke and Laura got married?? 

3. Can you speak any foreign languages?
Spanglish


4. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Really?  I have no clue-but there are many.  Sneakers, flip flops, wedges, boots, even a pair of Birkenstocks.  Some have mysteriously made their way down the hall into my daughter's room....not by choice, and definitely not without a fight! 


5. What's your favorite kind of M&M's...peanut, almond, straight up regular, etc.?
Peanut, without a doubt.  The addiction started during my first pregnancy, and has grown...and grown...They are by far my favorite candy! 

Thanks, but......

These ginormous cupcakes were a gift from one of my clients. 

They are the size of half of my boo-tay.  Yes, I held them up to my backside,

and in the container they will stay until my kids get home from school. 

I love red velvet cupcakes, but I love my butt more. 

Winding Down

My favorite part of the day

Late at night, when the kids are sleeping

Hubs and the dogs are snoring away

A warm cup of Chamomile tea

My shoes come off, and I finally slow down

Unwind, decompress, and enjoy

Just a few moments by myself

to reflect on what the day has brought,

to look forward to what tomorrow may bring.

Because It's My Birthday....

Today is my birthday-I'm 43.  In honor of my aging, I've decided to list 43 things about ME!!  Here goes!

1.  I was born in New Rochelle, NY
2.  I am the youngest of 6--4 sisters and one brother.
3.  My 3 oldest  are old enough to be my parents. 
4.  My entire immediate family went to the same high school-parents and all.
5.  I have a 3" scar on my stomach from an operation when I was 1 month old.
6.  I had horrible teeth as a child-my father spent thousands to fix that! 
7.  I have terrible vision, but wear contacts.
8.  I once had Aqua contacts-back in the 80's..when they were new-God, I was so cool.
9.  My first job was at Baskin Robbins-thus my love for ice cream.
10.  I was not popular in school at all!
11.  My degree is in Radiology-I am a Registered Radiologic Technologist, but no longer work in the field.
12.  My favorite part of my X-Ray job was being in the operating room-bring on the blood and guts. 
13.  My second career is in Fitness-I'm a certified Trainer, and Instructor.  I LOVE FITNESS!
14.  My favorite class is Step. 
15.  My diet leaves alot to be desired. 
16.  I don't like many green veggies, cucumbers, lettuce, peppers are about it. 
17.  I love junk food.
18.  I love red meat, and dislike seafood.
19.  In reference to #18, friends say I am a cheap date! 
20.  I love to shop, but I'm on a spending freeze, and I hate it.
21.  I have a job by force-"Health Enthusiast" at the Vitamin Shoppe-doing all I can to get my fam thru a    BAD financial pickle.
22.  I don't like the VS job, but I'm learning alot from it about supplements.  Have you taken your multi today????
23.  I'm a NY Yankees fan.
24.  I moved to FL when I was 19.
25.  I met my husband in a bar on Christmas night.
26.  I have 3 kids-1 girl, 2 boys.  LOVE them to death.
27.  All 3 kids were born by C-Section. 
28.  I am trying to declutter and clean-Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley is my new favorite book.
29.  I hate cleaning.
30.  I hate my feet.
31.  I'm TERRIFIED of snakes-like run screaming, pee in your pants terrified. 
32.  Favorite Male Singer-Rob Thomas.
33.  Favorite Female Singer-Pink
34.  Favorite Movie-Grease.....Close 2nd-Officer and a Gentleman
35.  In my circle of girlfriends-I am the only one with real boobs. 
36.  I've had 3 kids-I need the fake boobs.  Mine are south of the equator.
37.  Favorite Flower-Orchid.
38.  Favorite Color-Royal Blue
39.  Favorite Drink-Cosmopolitan.....water if we're talking non-alcoholic.
40.  I have a shoe wall in my closet...and it's full.
41.  I prefer silver jewelry over gold.
42.  I'm a natural brunette.
43.  I had to struggle to lose the baby weight after the 2nd and 3rd kid.

Ya know what-it is NOT easy to come up with 43 things about myself.  God, I'm boring! 
God Bless YOU for reading this though...hope I didn't put you to sleep!