things are just crazy and I don't even have time to really update. I'll do a real one eventually...when things fall into place!

Weight Loss

Well i'm joining the wagon again! I am going to keep track of some of my progress HERE. I need a place to write things down so as not to get all confused. I am doing weight watches flex points right now. Haven't joined, wanna see how the points go for me...plus i'm poor and going to graduate school soon and $200 is a lot for me to fork over lol. Anddd i'm moving an hour away in the next few months so I'm hesitant to join up with a group here, only to sever those ties so quickly. I'm just hoping everything doesn't fall a part when I go back to school!

Weight Loss
9.15.08~ 203lbs
9.24.08~200

WW pts: 24-31/day

Bfast
Banana-2 pts
Black Coffee-0 pts

Lunch
green salad-0 pts
chicken chunks-2 pts
tortilla shell- 2 pts
sliced turkey- 2pts
cheese- 2 pts
honey mustard dressing- 4 pts

Snack
baby ruth candy bar - 6 pts, using flex pts
Apple- 1 pt

Dinner
Pasta-3 pts
Chicken breast(boneless, skinless)- 3pts
Tomato sauce(canned) - 0 pts
Cheese-2 pts
Salad - 0 pts

Total: 23 (so far)
remaining weeks flex pts: 29

Do you need to lose weight? And need some money?

I was introduced to this great website, http://www.wellness360.com/ , where you fill in info all about your health history, family history, fitness, and nutrition. They help you track everything from your weight and measurements, to your exercise and the foods you eat, to your medical conditions. THey also provide some great health and fitness articles that are pretty intestings. Oh, AND they have videos showing all different excercises, which is great because I never know what to do.

BEST PART. You get PAID for doing all this! YES. Everything you fill out, read, click on, you get paid. After spending about 2 hours on the site I was up to $6!! You need to reach $25 in order to cash out-but believe me, you can easily reach that! And they are LEGIT, they pay out or I wouldn't post this.

So please sign up using the enrollement code ahm815121 at www.wellness360.com . You will need this code to register.

Have fun and enjoy it!

You're gonna love this!!

Hello my dear readers, I have a GREAT contest to share!

Visit Kristin's blog, It's an Ordinary Life, and check out her Dyson contest.
She has great contests, reviews, and giveaways all the time, but i know a lot of ladies are going to love this one especially. So go check it out!!



Imagine all the dirt and grime that hot lil number would pick up! Super sucking power, helps with ALLERGINS (yes!) and it rolls on a ball making it easier to manuever. Go check it out loves!

Skin MD Natural

I have one word for this product-WOW!

So I recieved my sample bottle of Skin MD Natural, Shielding Lotion in the mail last week. I was on my way out the door (to a grad school meeting) but just had to try my new product before I left. I opened it up, read the papers that accompanied it, and decided to use a little. They aren't kidding, a little really DOES go a long way! A bottle of this stuff will really last you for a while. So, I squirt some out and rub it into my hands. WOW. This lotion goes on so thin and smooth, it almost feels like water...not thick and goopy like some lotions can be and it was rubbed into my skin within seconds. I hate lotions that just sit on your skin and prevent you from touching anything for like 5 minutes-you don't have that problem with this lotion! This product made my hands feel SO soft and silky immediately! You know how you imagine a woman's hands should feel...this is how they felt! So I was definately impressed right away.

Later that night I used it again, and then used it every night for the next week. I used it on my hands, face, legs, hah I tested it all over. I used it on my arms, where I have keratosis pilaris which is basically dry skin that doesn't sluff off and builds up in bumps on your arms (more than 50% of the population has this to a varying degree). Anyway, at the end of the week my arms were definatly looking better! Now i'm not stating that this product will cure this condition but it definatly helped and really moisturized. I also had my mother try this because she is a dental hygentist and uses rubber gloves day in and day out which leaves them extremely dry and cracked. I had her try some and she too loved it! She couldn't believe how much it moisturized and how soft her hands felt (her hands are always dry and rough). She now keeps stealing my sample to use!

This lotion is different than most. That's because this is actually a shielding lotion. These are different than traditional lotions in that they adhere to the skin and protect it from the environment and elements, and basically forms a shield around the hand. So it not only moisturizes your skin but keeps that moisure in with the sheild, and keeps harmful products out-like hand sanitizer, cleaning solutions, drying soap, etc. I totally believe in this product, I have never had a lotion feel and work like this has!

If you'd like to look into this product further, you can visit their website by clicking HERE

You can also order your own bottle on the website. If you're not fully convinced, you can order a free sample and see how great this stuff is yourself! Click HERE to check it out!

They have great people working for them, which is hard to find in this day and age. If you have any questions about their product, feel free to contact them!

Relay for Life

Cancer SUCKS!!!! I'm walking in Relay for Life on June 6th and would LOVE if you could please help us to raise money to help beat cancer. So far my team has raised almost $3,000...and we need $500 more to reach our goal. Please, even if you only have $1 to spare, that dollar is going towards a great cause. As some may know, last year my aunt and my cousin's husband were diagnosed with cancer with a couple weeks of each other. My aunt had throat cancer and my cousins husband had colon cancer at age 38-which is rare to get so young. Cancer can happen to anyone, at anytime,and thanks to some great advancements in medicine, both my relatives are cancer free and doing well today!


Here is my page to donate
Please Donate!
click on "make a gift to Lauren L" on the page under the little thermomator goal counter thingy.


Here is my teams main page, my aunt and cousin-in-law are also on it in the picture
My Team's Homepage

Thank you for anyone who can spare some change to help beat cancer!

Relationships

Relationships are hard work, we all know that. How do you get through the harder times? How do you get over the fights, or even better, prevent them? How do you make a relationship work?

Today I cleaned out a drainage ditch with a rake on an 85 degree day. It was HARD work and i was sweating and my muscles were shaking. Why didn't i stop? Because my 70 something year old next door neighbor was right there next to me raking the muck out of the "stream" so that the "pond" that has formed behind our houses will start flowing (stagnant swamp water in the spring=MOSQUITO CITY in the summer). This was one tough old lady. Wow, I guess I am more out of shape than I thought because lady was workin' that rake!

And ps. We got the stream to start flowing...there was just SO MUCH rotten leaves and debris, theres 2 little bridge-tunnel things in both our yards (at the edge of our property lines-behind us is a field owned by the state) and it was really blocked up over there. So I think we acheived some success!

My Addiction

Yes I am an addict. I know, you probably have no idea because of the way I go about my daily life. I seem to manage it so well. But you don't know. Secretly, I need a squirt it 10, 12,15, maybe 20 times a day. I can't help it.

Yes, my addiction is Afrin nasal spray, specifically the afrin "sinus"

It's terrible. Terrible. Per medical research, it's as addictive as heroin. No joke. I believe them. I start to feel that "stuffy" feeling, that pressure in my nasal cavity that feels like my nose is gonna burst, and basically just the frustration of not being able to breathe...and I loose all self control. Each day now I say that today is the day i start to break free of my addiction. But once the horrendous withdrawls start I'll do ANTHING to breathe again. It's a panic really. And I know that my precious drug of choice will let me breath freer than i've ever breathed if i just use a couple squirts in my nose. So I squirt it and say that I'll start the weaning process again the next time.

I hate it because I know that the pharmecutical companies LOVE me. They want us all to be addicted so we can keep speading $5/bottle on their addictive drug. I buy a bottle every week or 2. Terrible.

I don't know what to do. I want to get off of it so bad. It doesn't help that now is allergy season and one of my biggest allergy symptoms?? Congestion and sinus pressure. I don't go to the doctor anymore about it. Whats the point? All they say is "get off Afrin" and charge you $25. As if it is that easy as if I WANT to shell out money for something that i clearly now myself. So no, it's not worth it-the doctors don't know how to help. So i know that me and my fellow Afrin addicts just sit and silently suffer....

The Devil:

Attention

I changed my template of my blog and I lost all my widgets (aka links n' stuff) So, can everyone please give me their blog addresses again? I don't know any off the top of my head!!

For those with money to spare ;)

Think about it

Case 1) When I was 16 and started driving (year 2002) gas cost $1.31/gallon. I filled up my compact-stick shift-clown car on $10. And it lasted 2 weeks. I have heard tell that back in the 1970s it was around 50 cents/gallon. So. It went up 80 cents in 30 years.

Why then has it gone up $2 in 5 years (using 2007 as the year when things got ridiculous). Does this not seem a bit much to anyone? Or do we just accept it because we are so beaten down and just expect to be raped in the wallet now when it comes to everthing?

Case 2) In 1981, my beautful young parents were married. They were 21 and 22 years old, making a combined salary of $30,000. They bought a house, and it cost them 40,000. Now this was a 1700 sq foot house in the suburbs, not the most expensive real estate but not the cheapest either. So if you can do basic math you'd know that the house cost only $10,000 more than their yearly combined salary.

Fastforward:
An average house of that type sells for about $125,000 in this market today. About 3x the average salary around here. Average salary in this area is...$31,000. Even if you have 2 sposes working and making $62,000 combined, thats still over 2x as much as their yearly salary. Still there is inflation.

Clearly, we have a problem. I have never seen a society stick their head in the sand so for just such a long period of time. When will the American people pull their heads out (of the sand) and realize that this just isn't acceptable. Consumers control the costs. It used to be that people understood this. The government and big business knew they had to appease their customers. Today, it appears the other way around. Government and big business call all the shots. Exorbinant costs? Charge it because people will pay. Why? Why does no one say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH?

And as an endnote, frankly, I'm sick of going out to eat and paying $12 for a mediocre at best meal (in most cases it is subpare). For a minimum wage worker, thats 2 hours of work. For 1 meal. Once again I repeat. Ridiculous.

Decisions

I decided.

I am taking my 2 undergrad classes i need for teaching certification this summer at MCC. 1 class each session (1st one starting 5/29). I need a math and a health.

i'm definatly going to grad school, probably Spring '09 b/c the Fall 08 deadlines have passed. But who knows. Im going on the 16th to an infomation night at Nazareth. I need to find out EXACTLY what classes at MCC would count. See for my BA degree i just needed 1 math and no health. But NY state requires elementary teachers have 2 maths and a health. Hence why i need to go. Then in the fall, i'm gonna start substitute teaching! It pays like what i make now at my current job so not too bad. I can do that WHILE i go to grad school AND its good experience.

I want to quit my job but i'm not sure how it would work out just working a parttime one. So many things to do!

I forgot about this

Ive been tanning for the past month but my skin is immune to all sun effects so i dont look that tan.

I also got highlights last weekend. I want to get more and more gradually so that it looks blondish for the summer. I need to find someone to do my hair who isnt scared to do things like cut it in a fun way or color it blonde, the lady i went to was scared to do like anything to my hair- like she was hesitating to trim my bangs. For reals. I need a risktaker.

these are bad pics cuz i hadnt straightend my hair yet and it looks dried out, and i look a tad white trashy, but i havent had time for a good photo shoot. Oh and ive fixed my own bangs since these pics, they're actually bang-y now.

Our anniversary

Just wanted to added that Eric and I's 1 yr anniversary was last Monday, February 18th. It was a good day even though we didnt get to spend a lot of alone time together. He got me a big bouquet of flowers and then later, when I ran into Hess Express quick and came back out to the car, he goes Happy Anniversary Babe! And handed me a jewelry box with a goofy pink bow on it and inside was a super-fine gold bracelet. I love it, i've been wanting something nice but not guady, so that I can wear it everday. He did good :) I can't believe it's been a whole year already; I'm excited though for all the exciting things to come!

Update to the interview

Sorry it took me so long to update!

Well. It went well, it did. Very friendly lady. Gorgeous view from the office lol.

However, I dont know if i'd want the job. First of all it IS out of my league. She asked if i had treasury or government experience...um no? This position is the 3rd highest you can get, CSO,...after this one is her, and then her boss (the CFO). And thats it. She said what made her call me is because of where i went to college, it impressed her, apparently. And because of all the awards I got.

My thing is, I dont think i want to go in this direction with my career. I really don't think i'd like it, the whole financial portfolios of government agencies thing(from fannie mae to amtrack) ...eh its really not my thing. Of course i know a lot of people in my life would think i was nuts. I dont want to sound conceited but i have always been categorized as the highly intelligent one. I dont feel I am but thats what ive always been labeled. I hate labels. So, people think that if youre smart that should equate into making lots and lots of money.

The thing is, i like service jobs. I like being around people. You dont make a lot of money in those jobs but thats what i LOVE. Its hard to tell people that without having them think I'm CRAZY for not wanting to work somewhere where i'll make a crapload of money. But, how many 40 yr olds do you see having midlife crisises cuz they hate their jobs?? I dont want that to be me!! I want a job I love, ya know?So im hoping I just dont get a call back so I dont have to make this decision. It IS a lot of money but i think id be extremely overwhelmed. She even said, its overwhelming, frustrating, and you'll have peopel screaming at you everyday. I'm looking for lesss stress in my life, not MORE.

Oh and Eric got a call from Swhann's (the food company) on thursday but the guy was out of the office till tomorrow. I hope this one pans out, he'd make some decent money and lots of opportunities for growth. So keep your fingers crossed for him!

Interview

I have an interview on Tuesday downtown for a Client Services position at a major banking corporation. Im nervous b/c this is a "reach" position for me...the pay will be between $43,000-$50,000 and theres traveling involved. It's a far cry from my crummy job I have now. Granted, it's what I deserve, I didn't go to 4 years of college to live barely above to poverty line. I also really really want a new job so i'm definatly excited about this opportunity!

A weight has been lifted!!

Some background...Eric and I live at my mom's. I moved home when i graduated college in May, Eric moved in in August. He had a job for awhile but it was temporary and he's looking for a job now. My parents are also going thru a divorce after 26 years of marriage, so my father doesnt live here (he hasnt in a while, long story)

So last night when Eric got home from his hometown where he was getting my car fixed, we were on the way out the door to get to the store. My mom says her and my dad want to talk to us when we get back (my dad was over). I instantly was on guard and on the defensive. Eric and I drive around and I'm feeling sooo sick to my stomach and shaky and sooo anxious. Eric was upset too about it cuz we both thought they were gonna say that Eric had to get out, that they didnt want me with him, etc. So we get home. lets get this over with. Eric and I are on the defensive but my parents took a really relaxed approach. I of course burst into tears right away cuz of all my pent up anxiety. Eric was like ya know i dont really know you so its a bit awkward (to my dad). For awhile they were talking like i wasnt even in the room, i was just sitting there holdng back tears and they were all talking about me, how they all care about me and stuff.

But anyways, I cant remember it all but it comes down to: My parents see that I chose my Eric and they trust my judgement. They care about what happens to me and because I'm their daughter, they care about DB. They want us both to succeed. My dad asked Eric where he sees himself in 10 years, Eric said well no one really knows what the future holds, but i see myself married to Elise and living in a house, living comfortably. My dad was like you want a career not a job, and eric goes yea of course thats what I want but i'll just take anything right now. My dad said he'd help Eric ya know, talk with him once a week or whatever to help him find the career path he wants to take. he was like ya know everyone gets breaks and i know youve had none. At the very least you can use some guidence. Eric is not getting any younger (and neither am I) and we both could use some help I guess figuring things out. My dad spent a couple years unemployed so he knows, my dad actually did a lot of work that Eric has done so he knows what it's like to do hard labor work and to be thinking about ok...what am i gonna really do as a career? Eric would like to learn a trade, or go back to school and get the education needed for a career where he can live comfortable. I think it helped my parents cuz i know thats what they wanted to hear (Eric was serious, that IS what he wants). Best thing is both my parents said ya know Eric, no one wants you out of here, we want to see you happy and succeed. We also talked about me and i cleared up some things about what *I* want (like pertaining to going on to get my masters and stuff). It was actually a really good talk. My parents were really open and respectful and we cleared up a lot of misunderstandings. i am SOOOOO happy they actually gave their approval and didnt act like they wanted me and eric to break up b/c thats how we've been feeling. I can tell Eric was being sincere with my parents and that he is SO relieved too. Theres so much more I can say but I'm rambling. it was a long talk so I cant say it all but basically no ones getting kicked out of here, and my parents want to help Eric, and *us* as a couple to help us succeed and do well. And I think they understand too that we're serious, that erics not leaving my life and that we are gonna be getting out of here when we can, together. So all in all it was a good talk and we both think it was really nice of my parents to talk like that.

Long Overdue Update

Hey everyone, I didn't realize it was so long since I last posted! I think I came on like last month and wrote an update and then when I went to post, it timed out and I lost it. But I digress...

Where do I start?

1) Eric is still living here at my mom's, and well I am too. We are starting to look at apartments now though. I looked today actually but got discouraged b/c there didn't seem too many good ones/decently priced ones out there right now. A couple months ago there were tons! Eric had a job for a while but ended up quiting due to some crazy things (like severe OSHA violations). So he's looking for a job again. He's had a few interviews and is working with a staffing agency now to try and find something. We're getting desperate because nothing seems to be coming up.

2) I too am looking for a new job. I HATE mine. I work overtime every day and soon I'm going to have to start working Saturdays too. I DON'T want to be a workaholic, especially at a job that i hate. Everyday I'm knocked down, made to feel stupid, that I can't do anything right, etc. If I separate myself away from the situation, I can see that my self esteem has just plummeted since I've been here.
I mean, I was educated at the 6th best public school in the nation, and the NUMBER ONE best public college in the nation. In theory, I know I am bright and well educated. Yet, honestly, I just feel worthless and too stupid to do any job right. I know deep down its just from hearing that junk daily at work, but it's hard not to let it get to you. I've applied a million places but have only had a few nibbles that never pan out. We are both getting so frustrated with the lack of job opportunities here.

3) I am looking into going and getting my Masters in Elementary Ed. I'll have to take 2 undergrad classes though b/c of some NY state requirements. The thought of having to do that after i JUST finished my BA degree is daunting; I just want to get started on my Masters if I have to go back to school. I need a math class and...a GYM class LOL. Well really, it can be a "health" class.
I don't know how the logistics of everything will work out, I need a new job first, one where I don't have to stay super late every single night. Most Masters classes around here are in the evening/weekends for working adults. And eventually, when I have to student teach, I will definitely only be able to work part time. Although the thought of working full time and going to school full time scares me. I feel like that makes me sound lazy, but I'm just scared I won't be able to handle it all. But money wise...I don't know how I'd afford it otherwise. It's going to be hard to begin with even with me working full time.

And presently, we are fighting the sickies. We have been since before Christmas!!
First I was sick, then Eric, then me, and now Eric again. And then this morning I woke up with a sore throat. Eric is super sick and SO SO grumpy and ornery. I can't do anything right; I tried cleaning up the millions of Kleenex's around him a couple hours ago and he got all mad at me. He's telling me he's starving so I ordered a pizza, went and got it all by myself, went to the grocery store and got some pop, and guess what? He hasn't eaten any of it! GR why do people with Y chromosomes get so ridiculous when they're sick!! lol