Monday, December 29, 2008

Resolutions

Well, in researching I found these all to be close to the top of the list...
Research shows weightloss is up there at the very top. Okay, let me tell you. You can lose weight, if I can then anyone can and I love food. I always have and always will love food that will never change, but I can maintain portion control and eat healthier. By doing just those two things, anyone can lose weight. Chris and I went shopping the other day, and I reinvested in something I gave away at a Garage Sale. 

I gave away a exercise ball, and now I have rebought it. Now, to just keep doing exercises on it. I think I can if I can schedule that time for myself. I feel so much better when I exercise and get away from the computer desk every now and then. It's hard to know what my resolution is this year, ummm 2009... I think I still need to think about it. I believe I have everything I have ever wanted though. I have a job, an amazing boyfriend, a loving family, a little apartment for me and my stuff, and just got a laptop fro Christmas. Everything seems to be coming all together. 

I would love to maybe begin something new, maybe a journey with some art involved with time for me too. Time to take care of me, and get that stretching in so I won't be sore from sitting wrong all day. 

I did want to post this... (It makes me think a lot, well until next time. Have a great week!)

Autobiography In Five Short Chapters

Chapter I

I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost... I am hopeless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter II

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I am in this same place.
But it isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.

 Chapter III

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
see it there.
I still fall in... it's a habit... but,
my eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is 
my fault.
I get out immediately.

 Chapter IV

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

Chapter V

I walk down another street.

- Portia Nelson

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! I really wanted to write the other night to get some things off my mind, but no computer access at the parent's house. Well, Christmas was good, really good but different. I saw my niece's and got to read them two books on Christmas Eve night, the classics....."Bambi" and "Alice in Wonderland." I didn't want to leave the room, but they had to go to bed sometime for Santa to come. While I was laying there reading the books, I then began to realize again how much I want children someday.

I tried my hardest to hold back the tears on Christmas Eve and Christmas, but it was tough for me I guess since this year was a little different. I just don't understand why parents can't stay together. See, my parent's are still together, but my niece's parents are no longer together. Most of my friends who are married are now divorced, and it just makes me wonder if there is anything to look forward to one day. But there is, children. Children just make you feel like you do matter, and they want to spend time with you. They always love playing with something and enjoy the time you spend with them.

It just really breaks my heart because I want children so bad one day and sometimes I feel like that will never happen. So I know the economy is bad and all, but we all make it through each year in some way. Then, the next year comes and goes. Maybe, this was the year something had to change. I have no clue what is going to happen with the future and all, but I do know that I'm trying my best each day. I give and give my all to people, and sometimes I feel like it isn't enough that I could have done more. I just don't know what else I can give sometimes. I just hope that there is some plan that awaits for me in the future. Other than all this thinking, it was a great Christmas spending time with my family. I do fear the day when I make the Christmas or Thanksgiving Dinner, lol... I pretty much got everything I asked for, two favorite presents: laptop from Chris and the Sookie Stackhouse box set series from my brother, Chad. I'll be making a trip to the Post Office tomorrow, sorry everyone for my late gifts but no time for the holiday rush while working my crazy shifts. Well, off to watch a movie to try to be a little more cheerful. Good night everyone, and Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Back into the routine but thinking lots...

Well, I haven't forgotten about this blog. I was very ill last week beginning Friday so for the whole weekend I was indoors trying to recover from the sickness that is going around. Everyone has had it, so it was only a little amount of time until it was my turn too. Well, I've been thinking a lot actually.... what about you say.... writing... I miss it, I miss it a lot actually. I think about everything I write and track for Weight Watchers, and I can't believe that I still never write down my thoughts about things. It's been real tough lately, not too much with my life just everyone else's. I just seem to miss out on a lot. There is so much I still want but it seems so far away.

Take most of my friend's that I know, everyone is married, everyone... I even created some wedding invitations (featured in the picture, pretty neat huh, yep made them for the bride, a good friend of mine from Terre Haute) for a wedding. I guess, I felt more part of that special day, so I didn't think so much like I have been. I mean anytime I look around I see these amazing rings. And, I think wow, they are so lucky to be planning that day, that special
day. They get to spend their lives together with one another and take those wedding vows. At first, I thought, that is something I want one day. I want all those things. I want kids, the dress, the house, that wonderful husband, etc.... Pretty much everything. But, what happens when I've seen someone have that all and it doesn't work.

I just wish at times I had that faith, hope, and trust that I am good enough to be with. I doubt myself a lot. I don't spend a lot of time with friends and such, since they have their own lives but it's hard. It's real hard knowing they have all these things I want and my brother had. It's just like I don't know how to feel about everything.

Sure, I get scared a lot of times. I am scared of everything, what if I one day I get asked that question....that question of marriage, how do I know if it's right? I may have a panic attack, of shock, lol. Will that person give up and leave one day? Will I get stuck not knowing where to turn? Will I be able to give my all and make it work?

The fears I have are the exact same about living with someone. Little pet peeves drive me crazy. I'm like my mom, in the sense. It just drives me crazy, certain things, but will I grow past those and love the person I am living with enough to not pay attention to those little things? I think people will always have little pet peeves but working on them and past those are the key.

When I go out with certain people like my fellow WW buddies. And, they just get me thinking, that I really need to focus on the whole picture, yet I still fear a lot. Maybe, that's okay to fear things since last year I barely got out of the holiday's okay and all. It's just a lot to absorb with everyone getting married and everyone getting divorced. Even everyone from my past, is married with children and I wonder.... Did I do something wrong? They also have what I dream of. In December, I can't help but wondering will it ever be my time? My time for that white dress, that special day, etc... Doubting myself and if I will ever have what I have always dreamed of and wanted. I keep remembering those words Christy once told me in Orlando on our internship.... "Sam, everything happens for a reason." Maybe, that day will come, it is something I still dream about.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Crafty

So, I posted a whole blog the other night and everything froze up, and I lost everything. I really hate it when that happens. It's as if the Internet, is mad....it's going mad, at home and at work. I get blank screens everywhere. So, I don't know where I was going with that but I sure hope it gets better, other than that I think I'm getting sick. Germs are going around in the office, and since I am one that gets up every now and then from my desk I am bound to get sick too.

Well, I wanted to take a break from packing for Weight Watchers and post a little bit since I haven't the last couple of day's. I keep thinking about the weekend, Saturday was amazing. I finally went to an art exhibit/open house of an artist that I am amazed by her work. She is very talented, her name is Jenny. Her website is http://jennyelkins.blogspot.com/

She has all types of different art that she creates from a variety of media used. While, I was there on Saturday I couldn't help to think why am I not creating art or designs anymore. I used to love it, besides Weight Watchers being my life now. I miss it a lot. Maybe, I should start creating art again. Do
something that I love and I miss doing. I wanted to post one of my favorite designs that I created awhile back.

I love it. Some people may look at the face and think, "Well, no one's face is that color or that saturated." The truth is I love it, and I wanted it to look that way. I guess, I have never been a person who critics one's work and puts it down. This seemed to happen a lot on my internship in Orlando, and I couldn't believe it. I guess, that is when I stopped showing my portfolio to people.
Maybe, I should incorporate these feelings into some designs. It's not that I hate art critics, since that is all we ever had in college but why put someone's work down?

I really love manipulating photographs and making them something more in various design programs. I just love making something look different from what it was in real life. Maybe, that sounds funny but art is that way to me. I just enjoy being creative, not having rules or guidelines to what I create.

I feel like I have had a block lately, a block from art and writing poetry. Sometimes, I will get ready for bed and think of a design or some words for a poem. I will totally forget to write the idea down, and I'll lose it from my mind all together.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Just added at WeightWatchers.com

The Momentum™ approach

Our customers care about keeping weight off for the long haul. What you eat is important, and the Momentum Program will help you make smart choices and keep hunger at bay. The “Four Pillars” of the Weight Watchers approach also promotes healthy habits, a supportive environment, and exercise, in addition to making smarter food choices. And what you learn will stay with you for a lifetime. Our members agree that it works: 97% of them say they would recommend us to a friend. Four Pillars of our Science-based approach: behavior, support, exercise, food
Our four-way, science-based approach
We’ve developed these pillars based on years of scientific research and analysis. And our 45 years of experience
helping people lose weight has taught us that each element
is equally important.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Friday nights...

Umm, Friday nights... I remember when I used to be so happy for Friday nights to get here. It would mean... the weekend, yeah!!!! Friday's have became the hardest for me in the last couple of months I would say. I used to get so excited being able to plan things to do with my friends and everything, but that has changed. It just seems like I used to love Friday's because it meant going to the good ole BW3's in Plainfield after a tough night of sport's layouts at The Flyer and just kicking back to relax. Maybe, have a couple of drinks and enjoy the music. I miss those nights. I have for a long time now.

I guess, where I am now is so different. No one wants to hang out after work, and/or they have to rush home to do something. I come home, and I'm bored as ever. It's been like this as long as I can remember. Once, you have been a nightshifter you would understand. Your body gets used to staying up late. If you try to go to bed, you just can't. Well, I tried to work later tonight but no go on that. Overtime, is very rare at times but I love it because I have something to actually do. Of course, I have a list of "to do's" but who wants to do that on a Friday night.

I tried hanging out with individuals after work, but maybe it just backfired. It was just different. Man, at times, I just wish my friends from Florida lived here. We would go out for hours and hours just like back in the day after work. I guess, the facts are that people change and move on. Maybe, I just wish those friends could hang out every now and then.

I'd have to admit I have the strangest schedule in the world. I work nights and I work days. I miss out on so much because of my schedule. Someone tonight mentioned something to me along the lines of..."You are lucky. I have the worst shift, and I can't even go on dates. I don't have a life." I felt so bad for that person because I too have been there, I have. I used to work every single night, and when I wasn't working I was sleeping. It is true, you have no life but a life can be managed with time. I did it. True, I almost had a overworked breakdown but it can be done.

I have learned many things. If you want something bad enough such as a new schedule, it will happen. It will... Years and years of being on nights, and no professor ever told me in college that my degree in graphic design would be night focused. Your break does come nightshifters, and maybe just maybe you need a break. You need to be on days a couple of days throughout the week. Ask around, someone will help you out.

Another thing, if someone is really into you, then they will make time regardless of your night schedule. It just makes me sad because I know how nightshifters feel. I felt the same way. I still do on Friday nights, but I keep myself busy. I've learned how to have fun all by myself. It stinks at times, but sometimes that is all you have when the rest of the world is sleeping away. I am hoping that eventually the Friday nights change, maybe I would get so lucky and get a better schedule where I work during the day on Friday. I can only hope. But, never give up nightshifters and if you want something go after it try to get days, try to alternate, ask for someone to switch shifts with you, etc... I have learned unless you ask or try nothing will change.

For those of you who have seen me on nights then work days bright and early on Saturday mornings, then you know just by looking at me it was hard as ever. Someone once told me, "Samantha, you matter and you can't keep doing this to yourself. You look so tired and worn out.You do too much. " The lady that told me that, I heard her but didn't want to listen until I finally slept away the whole rest of the weekend. I needed it, and I know that now. Listen, to all those around you. They do have good advice even if we don't want to hear it.

I wanted to give a big "Thank you" to my boyfriend, Chris. He always helped me through those hard times regardless on how much I wanted to disagree with him. I thought of everything I put him through when I was on the nightshift, and I know I was not pleasant. Thank you for believing in me, telling me when I took on too much, when I needed a break, for being there through all of last year, etc... I could go on and on. You have honestly been an angel when I thought there was no more light left in my heart. You have given me so much and never changed. I am always so grateful for that. Thank you for all you do, and I just know 2009 will be even better:) I love you. Night for now.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Something New...

Well, well, well.... everyone seems to have blogger now, so I am beginning this also. My site all began with: http://www.freewebs.com/samanthadesigner/ but I'm going along with the changes. Maybe this site can be more along the lines of writing, more art, and photography displayed. I began the other site that way until it turned into something else, but what can I say Weight Watchers is my part time job, my hobbie, and my life. So hear we go, enjoy, read and comment if you want, take the polls, or just enjoy me taking up another site with tons and tons of information.

I can't believe everything that I have accomplished, I mean we are getting ready for 2009 already. I've gotten so far to where I am today because I have stuck to my journey in life. I began Weight Watchers on Nov. 15, 2006 and achieved my lifetime goal July 10, 2007. I have lost a total of 52.6 lbs on the Flex Plan and I am still going. My total weight lost is 58.6 lbs. I began as a part time employee for Weight Watchers in September 2007.


I feel amazing now. Each day I am so thankful for sticking with Weight Watchers. It does get hard, everyday is hard sometimes for me. It is a lifestyle change for me. Each week I still debate with what food choices I will make. I log everything. This keeps me on track and accountable for what I choose to eat as a meal. Thank you everyone for your support throughout my journey. Weight loss is never easy, but staying with it and really giving your all has the winning outcomes. Weight Watchers has changed my life. I am so grateful for that.

Open House & Sale

OPEN HOUSE & SALE
Starts today at 5pm til 9 pm
& Saturday noon to 4pm

Check out all the creative art by Jenny Elkins.
Her website is
http://jennyelkins.blogspot.com/

Location/Directions and examples of work is on her website.
I plan going on Saturday:)

What (Gear) Do You Need to Move More?

Did everyone survive Thanksgiving? If you're happy with your weight-related efforts that day, come to a meeting this week to let us know! If you're "feeling a little neutral," come to get a fresh start! (Seeing the trend here? :D) My Thanksgiving was very good, tough again this year but I'm happy to be past the multiple Thanksgiving dinners. I'm weighing in tomorrow, so I will see the results. I did, however, run Thanksgiving Day morning at the Drumstick Dash in Broad Ripple. It was 4.5 miles, and even though I was all alone running in a group, I had a blast jamming to my iPod.

This is the perfect time to review last week's topic, Asking for Help. Are you feeling a little lost or derailed right now? Is there something a friend or family member can do to support you? Could your fellow meetings members help you? Check out your Week Three Think First book for more info!

COOKING UP SUCCESS
This holiday season, WW is cooking up success for are members! We know that it's challenging to Eat Wisely (one part of the Four-Way Approach!) during this season. We also know that Attending Weekly Meetings (yet another part!) is essential to member success.

Each week Nov 30-Jan 3, members will receive an exclusive holiday recipe in their meeting. In addition, each member will have
three chances to enter a drawing for a gift basket filled with Land's End WW logo apron, Measurite set, selection of WW Sides, POINTS food scale, and WW cookbook, worth $100 total! Members receive a ticket to enter in the drawing when you: stay for a meeting, bring a friend who joins, purchase $20 in meeting room products. Plus, receive a BONUS ticket if you attend at least five meetings during the promotion period.

This time, the promotion is for At-Work members, in addition to traditional/traveler meetings too!

TFL OF THE WEEK
Winning Outcomes - Knowing exactly what you're really working toward can help you figure out how to get it. Ask yourself what you really want out of your experience at Weight Watchers, and try to break it into one or two sentences. Call it your Winning Outcome and make sure it's:
  • Positive
  • Specific
  • Within Your Control
  • A Good Fit for Your Life
ARTICLES OF NOTE
Whether it's a comfortable pair of walking shoes, an easy-to-follow DVD, a yoga mat, a colorful new T-shirt, or even investing in something larger...discussing exercise equipment will help us think of new ways we can make Moving More a regular part of our lives. If a piece of gear has really helped you, bring it to the meeting this week to share!

Have a great week, everyone! I'll see you at your meeting!

The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places.
--Author Unknown