Livin' in Tigertown......

Boot Camp #1 is in the books!

2010-09-10T13:40:00.000-07:00

Today was our last workout for boot camp that mom and I just completed. It was a good workout too! We did lots of cardio work and did mat workouts. We basically worked all areas. Arms (all aspects), back, legs, and core. The cardio was a bit different than what we have done before and for once I think I can actually say that I like the running instead. The tabata hits that we have done feel like they do more for me.

Mom and I have both signed up for another session of camp. We have a week off and then hit it all over again for 30 days! I am really pumped about this go around because I know what to expect and can't wait to see what the results are.

In this first camp I lost 5 lbs., 12 1/2 inches, and 7% total body fat!!! Mom lost 3 lbs., 12 1/2 inches, and 5% total body fat!! We both gained a bit of muscle and that's great because on average when someone loses 2 lbs of fat they lose 1 lb of muscle.

I think we are both ready for round 2. I will keep you posted again as usually because I am sure there will be ups and downs just like this one.

Till next time!! I'm off to see my precious nephew (and of course JD and Kerri) and pull for the Tigers tomorrow!! GO TIGERS!

It's the final countdown!!!.....

2010-09-09T07:07:00.000-07:00

So, it's week 4 of bootcamp. The last week before a nice little break. Getting back into the swing of things for me this week has been hard after recovering from the battle I had with strep last week. Let me tell you I am sore this week! Crazy to think it's almost as sore as I was the first week, but I guess missing a few days took it out of me.

The coaches have gone all out on our exercies this week. Monday we stations again. We had 6 different stations to get to that had 3 different excercises to do. They were all timed. After that we did some core work. Tuesday (coach says was a recovery day, but it was tough!) we worked the entire hour on the TRX. Let me tell you....it was rough! Yesterday, we did time testing again to see how we have progressed since week one. On our push up test I went up from 17 to 29 :)!! Mom went from 4 to 17 :) how awesome it that! We did a timed run again and I only cut :08 seconds off my time, but mom saved about 35-40 seconds off her's! She did awesome! Today we did this cardio routine of HITS (high intensity training). This is where you run for 20-30 seconds and then walk for 10-15 seconds. We did 8 bouts of this four different times. I pushed through and got it done and it helped with our walk count for sure! In between sets 2 and 3 and then after 4 we did LOTS of core training. I think my abs will be in shock tomorrow. Tomorrow is our last day of this camp and I can't believe that it has come to a close. It will be interesting to see what they put us through.

We did our weigh in last night for camp and I am please to say I lost a total of 12 1/2 inches and 5 lbs and mom lost 5 lbs and 13 1/2 inches!! I had a total body fat loss of 7%!! I didn't (and I don't think mom did either) know what do expect, but I am pleased (especially since I was out a week with strep). I am looking forward to the next camp since I know what to expect now and I think I have a better handle on the nutrition. I am hoping my results then blow this one of out of the water!

I'll let you know how the final day goes! Thanks for the love and support!

Till next time! :)

Short leave of absense.....

2010-09-02T17:28:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! Sorry I haven't blogged in awhile, but I have good reasons. I was able to make it to the boot camp session on Monday, but after that I fell out. I wasn't feeling good and stayed out of work and then finally on Wednesday I knew something was wrong so I went to the doctor and they told me I had strep....yes STREP! I can't remember the last time I had that, but boy oh boy I had forgotten how painful is it. My throat has been completely swollen, sore, and painful! You can't eat hardly anything, you can't drink much, and sleeping isn't fun either. So needless to say I have had to miss boot camp since Tuesday.

I am hoping to get back at it tomorrow as it is the end of week 3 tomorrow and there will only be one more week remaining. That's so hard to believe. The only thing I can say is that the strep has probably helped with my weight now if I can keep that off and put muscle back I will happy.

But, I promise to start blogging again and keep everyone updated!

Till next time.....

Queen for the day!!!

2010-08-25T05:18:00.000-07:00

Today was a good morning work out. Our coaches tried to turn a work out into story time this morning. While they were reading the story we would come upon parts that required us to do different exercises. They ranged from arms, shoulders, abs, back, legs, and running. It was a break from the normal routine so it was well welcomed.

The story was about a queen and the trials she went through. At the beginning of the story our coaches told us that by the end of the story we would find out which one among us was the queen. When the story was finished I was selected as the queen! Of course I didn't do anything above or beyond the others to deserve this title. I was just the lucky one who's name was pulled out of the hat. I received roses and a nice crown! You can take the girl away from the crown, but you just can't take the crown out of the girl! :)

I actually thought I would share a picture that mom took this morning after our workout. Remember! This is what I look like after working out outside for an hour.... not my best :)

It's amazing how things happen. I know that I didn't do anything to deserve this nice gesture, but I if you have read my blog from the previous day I was starting to have urges for sweets that I had not had to this point. My temptations were running like crazy in my head and I had thoughts to give in, but kept trying to push through. After this this morning I could hear God talking to me saying, 'see even when you are weak I will encourage you and find ways to hold you up and keep you strong.'

'It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.' -Psalm 18:32

So, needless to say my day started out pretty good :) I think the rest of it will be a breeze today!

Till next time......

Day 2 of Week 2 ......

2010-08-24T06:57:00.000-07:00

Today was tough! We ran and did TRX on upper body today. Mom missed this wonderful workout as today was not one of her days to attend.... I wish she could have been there to feel my pain. I still feel it in my arms and abs. TRX is no joke!

I am really hoping to see some positive changes soon to keep me motivated. Yesterday was hard in the afternoon mentally. I worked out in the am and fueled my body as normal, but my mind was going crazy on me and I had some urges for sugars and sweets that I had not had up to this point. I am really trying to stay up and strong and push through. This challenge is probably one of the hardest I have had to face. I have been able to overcome any challenge put before me, but this one area (nutrition) has always been my weakness. I want to prove to myself that I can do this and nothing is impossible.

'For with God nothing shall be impossible' - Luke 1:37

Well with that I am off to eat my yummy lunch I made and get some time out of the office. If you know of any good recipes please let me know. I am pretty much up to trying anything these days.

Till next time.....

Week 2 - Boot Camp... Here we go!!

2010-08-23T05:16:00.000-07:00

The weekend was nice and relaxing and a good break from boot camp, but it's back to the grind this morning. My alarm clock went off at 4:45am again and it didn't seem as bad as next week, but I'll let you know if I still say that maybe by Wednesday or Thursday.

Camp today focused on our intensity levels. We split up into groups and did different stations. Several of them included a station on cardio (jumping jacks, jump rope, wacky jacks), arms (front and lateral raises and bicep curls), legs (crab walks, side shuffles, and prisoner squats), abs (planks and side planks), core (donkey kicks, back kicks, and supine lifts, and finally squats, pushups, and dips. We did this circuit 2 times and trust me it was tough! After we went through all that we did a super set of abs as a group and were finally able to call it quits quits for the day.

Mom and I have been sticking to the plan so I hope that we both start to see some results starting soon. Well I am going to get off here. I am working from home a little bit this morning while I wait on Orkin to come to the house. Gotta get busy!

Till next time :)

Stayin on track :)

2010-08-21T19:37:00.000-07:00

Today was my first Saturday trying to stay on track while on this boot camp program. My mom and I took a new car down to Columbia to meet my brother JD, sis-in-law Kerri, and baby nephew Jack! I haven't posted any pictures of him since his birthday so here is one of my favorite pictures of him to date.

Jack is just so precious and I love getting to see him and JD and Kerri. So, mom and I met him in Columbia at Carrabba's. It was tough not going all out for lunch there because this is my FAVORITE restaurant. But, no bread for me and mom and I split a dish. Pollo rosa maria (the all time best)!! I stayed to my water and unsweet tea and had some healthy snacks prepared so I wouldn't be tempted.

After our visit with them mom and I hit up some shops like TJ Maxx, Shoe Carnival, and Old Navy. I found some great deals! For those that know me know I am very picky about shoes and pocket books and I found both today, so I say that it was a very successful day!

I got home tonight around 7:30 and hopped on the treadmill because even though it's the weekend I have to get my 12,000 steps in. I was dedicated and did that for awhile and then enjoy some nice grilled chicken and a V8. I have been preparing my meals for the next few days and trying to figure out what I am going to have. I have definatly learned that prepartion is the key to success!

Well, I'm off to bed now. Gonna get up and go to church in the morning and get some groceries for the coming week.

Day 5!! First week completed!!

2010-08-20T06:41:00.000-07:00

So, today was my 5th day and first full week. I can't believe it's already here!

Today we worked out on the TRX and did some sprint interval training. For those that don't know what the TRX is here is a link: http://www.fitnessanywhere.com/trx-resources/trx-exercise-video.php. I have done workouts with the TRX before and it's great! It's basically suspension training that uses your own body for weights. I love it (even though it was tough), but mom didn't like as much I think. She has always said her upper body is not strong so her and the TRX do not get along. I told her by the end of the program she will love it!

The sprint interval training was good. For those of you that know me know that I don't really enjoy running, but this wasn't so bad. We basically only ran for about 20 minutes, but did heats. We would run for 20 seconds then slow our pace to walk for 10 seconds. We would do this about 6 to 8 times then after the heat was done we would get a 1 minute recovery so we could walk. I love intervals because long distance and continous running is not my thing!

As I have mentioned before were are supposed to get in at least 12,000 steps a day. After I left camp today I had about 4800 so I was very happy about that! Only 7200 to go!!

So, the weekend is here and the next two days are going to be the ones I worry about the most. The weekends have never been my strongest points, but I am determined to stick with it and get all my goals met.

Until next time! I'll let you know how tomorrow goes...

Thoughts & comments on Boot Camp.....

2010-08-19T18:07:00.001-07:00

So, in just the first week I have learned a lot of things. Some I already knew which are being stressed more and those that are new. As I mentioned before this program focuses a lot of nutrition. We learned what our actual metabolism and how that affects our bodies. We have all heard and seen on tv and through other medias that low carb no carb or low fat are the ways to go, but our bodies need fats, carbs, proteins, and fiber to function properly.

I could go on and on about different things, but one thing I will say is that I have made the grocery store my friend and I have eaten a meal out in almost a week. That is an accomplishment in itself as being single I didn't used to like cooking at home. The biggest thing I have learned is that preparation is key! If you prepare ahead and are ready nothing can stop you. I make my lunches every night and also include snacks for the day. Another cool thing is the crock pot is becoming my friend!

If you know me you know that I like to try new things so this is just one of those. I hope through this that I can learn a lot and get back in shape. I know that this takes dedication, determination, and motivation. I have been good at being motivated through everything else that I have done in my life that I now see there is no reason why I can't be determined in this.

One thing for sure I know is that I don't have to do this alone.... 'I can do everything through him who gives me strength.' -Philippians 4:13

Till next time! I have to go to bed.... 4:45am is calling me :)

Day 4! (With recap of days 1-3)

2010-08-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this morning I completed day 4 of the bootcamp. For an introduction I am attempting to complete the Upstate Adventure Boot Camp. www.upstateadventurebootcamp.com I was able to get my mother to take this adventure on with me and she is in the 3 day program while I am trying the 5 day program.

This program focuses not only on the workout portion of our lifestyles, but espeically the nutrition portion. I am very happy about this as being a former athlete I was able to eat lean and healthy, but also eat those nice not-so-good for you things without worrying about the additional weight. Now that I am almost 30 (ugh...can't believe I just said that) I am realizing that my idea of what is or isn't good for me is skewed and needs to be refocused. This is going to be the hardest thing for me so support is encouraged!

Our boot camp runs from 5:30am-6:30am...yes, I am AM! In order to get up, get some nutrition into my system, and get to the location I have been getting up at approximately 4:45am. This has taken dedication as in the past I could sleep till 6:45am and be at work by 8am. It has been hard, but I am pushing through.

So, far this week hasn't been too difficult, but I can tell you one thing. I don't think I have sweated as much since I was in college playing sports. It a tremendous workout!

The first day was mostly getting the group introduced to the different types of exercises that we would be doing. Not bad.... I think they were just trying to not scare us off :) Mom was almost late this day, but lucky made it on time. I think she enjoyed the workout this day as well. Just so the world knows if we are late.....we do PUSH UPS!! We try to avoid those at all costs!

Day 2 was mostly arms and interval training with sprints and jumping rope. For those that know me they know I DO NOT like jumping rope, but I stuck with it.

Day 3 was fitness testing day at the beginning. We ran the mile. I think my time was 9:40?? Somewhere around there. Not great, but I'm working on it. We did a 1 minute time push up test. I was able to do 20. I paced myself so I wouldn't burn out in the end. Mom did great on her mile and her push up test was tough, but she stuck through it and got it done. She has more determination than most anyone I know so I know she will rock it out come during our 4th week. After we finished the fitness test we had to intervals of lunges, step up, and squats....it was tough!

Day 4 (today) was again intervals. We mostly focused on arms and doing high knees during the high intensity part. Today was probably one of my 'internally' toughest days. I was tired and felt more tired than any other week so far, but I tried my best and pushed through.

I know this has been VERY long, but I really feel compelled to journal my time through this process. I am hoping to come out lean and fit and having lost some weight.

I will blog again later tonight on some other thoughts I have!! Miss yall!

Long time.....

2010-08-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

It's been a VERY long time since I have updated my blog, but I have started a new fitness routine that I want to blog about my experience with. Look for my day-to-day publishes and help cheer on me and my mother as we go through this boot camp!

Hope you enjoy the reading!

Good time and good friends in Jacksonville!

2009-04-14T08:03:00.000-07:00

This past week I was able to take some time off to drive down to Jacksonville to visit my college roommate. It is such a blessing that we have been able to stay in touch so well and so close even after....yes..even though I hate to say it...6 years out of college! I can't believe how time flies by. It's crazy! Anyway, Lauren is an awesome friend and she has some good people in her life down there. I was able to meet several of her friends and even catch up with a few I have met before through others. She will be driving up this way Memorial Day weekend, so I can't wait for her arrival in May!

Lauren and I my last night in Jacksonville

Group shot...AnneMarie, Lauren, and me (notice the nice poser in the back!..haha)

Another group shot of us my last night out

A good friend, Jacy that I was able to catch up with while I was in town

Lauren and her good friend AnneMarie

Jon & Kayla's Wedding Shower

2009-04-14T07:56:00.001-07:00

My cousin Jon (he and his family lives in Tampa) is getting married this summer to a wonderful girl, Kayla. My mom, aunts, and uncle through a wedding shower for the two of them a few weeks back. It was a nice Italian themed party with great food, fun, and spirits! It was so good to see our family from Tampa because we don't get to see them often and to be able to meet some of Kayla's family prior to the wedding.

Here are few pictures from the shower:

Jon & Kayla getting ready to open some gifts

A photo opt for Kerri (my sis-in-law) at the shower...that weekend was also her birthday! Yeah for Lemon cake!

Another shot of Jon and Kayla while opening their gifts

JD and our cousin Kaleb...I promise you he is growing up to be a little version of JD. Watch out everyone!

Me and my beautiful mom...she is an awesome cook. The food was great!

Room remodeling....

2009-04-14T07:46:00.001-07:00

So, a few weeks ago I decided to finally get on the ball and paint my room that I had planned to do months ago. My mom came over and was a huge help! She is the best person to have around for jobs at the house! A benefit of this remodeling was that I went through every piece of clothing that I owned and by the end of the weekend I had 7 bags of clothing, shoes, etc to donate to Goodwill! It's amazing what you can accumulate over the years. I am still working on getting all my clothes back in the room and hanging everything on the walls, but it will look really good once it's all done!

Below are a few before and after pictures:

Mom taking a wonderful picture of me (that I didn't want taken) at the begging. This was a sweats and shirt day as you can tell

One last before shot with all the furniture moved in

Camden and Spice loved the windows being opened....The window seal was a hot seat for the day

An after shot with all the painting done and furniture rearranged...I'm still looking for window treatments

Another after shot

Last after shot looking through the bedroom door

Spring Time!!

2009-03-16T07:48:00.001-07:00

So, this is a little post active, but two Saturday's ago my good friend Amanda and I met up downtown Greenville to enjoy the weather and have some fun... It was crazy because the Sunday/Monday before we had about 4 inches of snow on the ground and it was freezing and then by Saturday it was 85 degrees! Since these pictures we have had to go back to some cold weather, but hopefully Spring isn't too far away. Here are a few pictures from our outing...

Beautiful Reedy River downtown Greenville

Amanda taking some time to pose by a beautiful garden

Another picture of the falls....

The crowds were out enjoying the weather at the park...

wow... catch up time!

2009-03-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

So, I realize that it's been a LONG time since I have posted, but things have been a little busy and yes I will admit I have probably been lazy on this thing too.. So, here are a few things I will catch up on some posts:
-CSU basketball
-Spring time
- Birthdays

Towards the end of February I was able to go down and spend some time with JD and Kerri. Mom was home taking care of Granny Duke and I must say to report she is doing remarkably well and I am so proud of here. But it was really nice to spend time with the two of them. I have to say the Lord brought together two remarkable individuals that I learn so much from with each visit that I hope to one day have a partner in my life that will love, support, and grow with me the way the two of them do.

Anyways, here are a few pictures from our time together....

JD and Kerri together after a great CSU win!

That night was "Think Pink" in honor of Breast Cancer awareness. This is the wifes' of the coaches all decked out in their pink...

Kerri and I

JD planning out the Bucs next move....

This is pre-game JD making sure everything is ready

Jessica, Kerri, and I pose for a picture after a great win!

So, I think this will suffice for this post. I will post again for more on Spring time and some birthday... Till then!

It's been awhile!!

2009-02-04T07:41:00.000-08:00

Hey out there in blog land! Wow...it's been a long time since I have blogged, but I think that's because of two things: 1- things around here (work and school) have been really busy and 2- I haven't had very many interesting things to talk about over the last month. But I will try and catch everyone up to speed on a few things....

1. My grandmother had surgery last Wednesday and has been doing remarkably well! She is currently in Lila-Doyle rehab facility. She had her right knee completely replaced. She is very close to her dog Molly and hadn't seen her in almost a week. Fortunately, my uncle Hal was able to bring her by for a visit and I think that it was a sweet reunion. You can check out the picture for yourself below.

2. The house remodeling is at a stand still. I was able to recruit my dad and mom to help me move a desk that I was given to the house. We had to take it apart in three sections and then put back together when we got there. Everything is pretty much done at the house except the painting of my bedroom. I just haven't been able to get motivated to move all the stuff out of my room yet. Maybe in the next week or two things will start moving again.

3. JD's basketball season is still in full swing. They haven't had the year that I know they were hoping for, but they are still making progress. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers over the next few weeks and month. They don't have much time left in the season. I am excited about seeing him this weekend as CSU plays UNC-Asheville, so we are going to make the trip up there for that.

Well that's all I really have to talk about. Maybe things will pick up more in the next few weeks and months.

Till then.....

New Office

2009-01-05T06:15:00.000-08:00

Over the holiday break I decided to make a few changes to my office. I have offically been working here for CCIT @ CU for a year now and have never added my personal touches to my office to make it feel more like mine. I wish I had before pictures, but you know how that is. I didn't think about it until I was already half way done. The pictures below are mostly of the finished results, but you can see the progress that was made on the tiger paw that I decided to paint on the wall.

The tiger paw in midst of painting

The tiger paw painted along with my newly framed SWU undergrad diploma hanging on the wall

The bookshelf in my office with a few personal touches

These are some really cool tiger prints that I found at TJ Maxx one day....

My Charleston prints that I have had for a long time...

The paw says it all!.....

A look at the finised product

Once again I must recognize those who made this project much more than it would have ever been. Mom came to help me hang picutres and she took over painting the tiger paw when she knew I didn't have the patience for all the detail involved. Much thanks to her!

Now that a new year is here it is time to get back to work and focus back on school as well. I finish my grad program in July, so it will be interesting to see what life holds beyond that.

Gator Bowl

2009-01-03T12:16:00.001-08:00

So, I can't remember if I mentioned it on here, but I won 2 free tickets to the Gator Bowl, 3 free hotel nights, tickets and passes to all the Minolta (the sponsor) events, and $500! So, myself and my friend Amanda decided to head down to Jacksonville, FL to see the Tigers play and hopefully see the new coach Dabo get his first official win as the Head Coach!

The Tiger and the band marching into the stadium

The Budweiser Clydesdale horses were in attendance

On the field for pre-game warm-ups

Amanda and I on the field before the game

Amanda and I trying to make a CU after a Tiger touchdown

Again on the field with the team walking arm in arm down the field

As all of you should know the Tigers lost the game. It was good to see at least a good game, but they could have done much better. They struggled lots in the 2nd half. It was good to be at a Bowl game though. I can't remember the last time that I went a bowl game so it was good fun. The only downer of the trip was the I-95 traffic! It was the worst thing I have ever witnessed or experienced in my life....but all in all a fun trip and I was happy to get to spend it with some really good friends too!!

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-03T11:59:00.000-08:00

This new year's was spent in Jacksonville, FL for the Gator Bowl. My good friend, Amanda, came along on the trip with me. We started the night off at a party at the hotel, then went to the Jacksonville Landing to meet up with friends from Clemson. Below are some pictures from the evening...

Me and my friend Amanda before heading out to the NYE party at the hotel

Cory and his friend Jacy NYE at the Landing

Me and Jacy during NYE

Nikki and myself during NYE

The great firework show at midnight

Nikki and Cory after midnight

Catching up...Christmas

2009-01-03T10:50:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from Christmas 2008. Sorry for the delay in getting them posted, but I have been out of town. Better late than never!

Camden playing with his toys from Santa

Kerri and JD on Christmas morning while opening gifts

Posing with my new golf clubs that I got!

Family picture after opening gifts

Me and my beautiful mom

Me and my great dad!

JD and Kerri.... their first Christmas as a married couple

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-25T18:35:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas. Mine has been eventful, but not as many events as in year's past. We went to Christmas eve service with my grandmother last night and then came back to my mom's for her wonderful dinner. It's my favorite meal of the year! It can't be beat!! This morning we had a breakfast. It was mom, dad, JD, Kerri, and myself. After breakfast we all came to the living room and opened gifts.

I have to say this was a great year and each and every one of us was blessed to have so much in our lives that we truly didn't need gifts. But, we did give each other a few. I got some golf clubs (I can't wait to try them out on the course) and a bose player for my ipod. That's going to sound good in my house. I don't know if I truly deserved or needed the gifts, but I appreciate them and will use them well.

This year was different as in year's past. Once we were finished with our family Christmas there wasn't anywhere else to go. The Duke's are getting together tomorrow night and the Powell's gathered this past Sunday. So, mom and I decided on a plan to finish decorating my office, stopped by my house to pick up a movie, then got a pizza and came back to her house. It surly has been a low key day, but it is still a great day.

I have to say of anyone who has loved Christmas more this year I think it is Camden and Spice (my mom's cat). They have loved each other's company and I really think they will miss each other when I finally go home.

Well, I think that's enough for now. I will post some pictures tomorrow from all the festivities tomorrow.

I hope everyone has had a Merry Christmas. Let's remember why we celebrate today and try to celebrate that all year long!

A visit to Charleston

2008-12-16T08:48:00.000-08:00

My family made a visit down to Charleston this weekend to visit JD and Kerri and for my mom and I to get to see the Bucs play for the first time this season. We had a great visit! Kerri, Mom, and I went Christmas shopping practically the entire day on Saturday. I was TIRED!! I don't think I have shopped that much since.... I don't know when. Needless to say I still don't have all my shopping done.

Below are a few pictures that I took during the game. JD was in coaching mode as you can tell!

JD focused on the game

The coaches deciding what to do next....

What a face...

Mom and Kerri during the game

Me and Dad during the game

It was a Bucs win that evening!

Overall I think everyone had a great time. It was good to spend time with JD and Kerri since their time is limited with us during Christmas.

Start to the holiday season!

2008-12-08T09:00:00.001-08:00

Yesterday Greg, Eddie, mom, and myself went hunting for our Christmas trees. It was lots of fun and a long tradition that we have had. It was very cold though!

Our group picture after we had all found our trees

I am bundled up! It was very cold... I must have had 4 layers on...

Trying to get warm by the fire

Me and my mom posing by the trees

We all help each other put our trees in stands too. The tree is up with lights now. Tonight I will be decorating. I will make sure to take pictures to show you how it turns out!! I think I am finally getting some Christmas spirit!

Happy Holidays to you all!

Slow start to the holiday season......

2008-12-03T10:23:00.001-08:00

So, it's been a little bit since my last posting. I unfortunately missed the Thanksgiving dinners and celebrations that took place last week. I came down with pneumonia last week. So, no turkey and dressing, mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, or rolls for me. I guess the only good thing about it was that I missed out on those extra pounds we gain during the holiday. I am actually still at home recovering and am looking forward to getting back into the world tomorrow as I plan to get back to work.

Being sick also put my remodeling plans back a little bit. Still haven't tackled my bathroom or bedroom yet. I am guessing I will try to get back to that this weekend. I also didn't get to go pick out my Christmas tree this past weekend as I planned. So, we are planning on going up to Cashiers on Sunday to pick it out. I am excited. Most of my house is decorated (to a certain extent) thanks to my mom.

One good thing about being sick is I got a wonderful clean house thanks to my mom and dad. While I was down and out my mom and dad cleaned my fridge and freezer and practically every inch of my house. It's great! If only I can keep it that way until the holiday.

Well, I am going to wind this down. While I didn't get to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday I hope that each and every one of you had a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving with your friends and family!

A little remodeling....

2008-11-24T07:28:00.000-08:00

So, since my roommate moved out over 2 weeks ago it has given me motivation to do some sprucing up around the house. I have cleaned out the storage room and revamped the sunroom (pictures to follow later). My dad gave me an antique bedroom suit that I could use in my downstairs bedroom that turned out amazing. I added some of my grandmother's hand made doilies that just made it even more special (pictures to follow).

The kicker of my projects was to repaint the entire upstairs. I started with Kristi's old bedroom and thought I could get it and the bathroom done by the weekend, but that didn't turn out as planned, but I got the entire bedroom done... YEAH! Here are some pictures from the weekend of painting...

Before the painting started

Another before shot....

Getting started....

Mid way through the wall....

Mom taping off the trim....

Evidence to show that I actually painted the room....

The finish product!!!

Happy Birthday Greg!!

2008-11-24T05:21:00.000-08:00

So, Saturday we celebrated Greg's 40th birthday. Eddie threw a wonderful party and there were lots of familiar faces and some that I haven't seen in a long time..... Here are a few pictures from the evening....

It was a great evening! The party was hosted at Circa 1930 in downtown Seneca. Greg is a wonderful person and deserved nothing less! I love you!!

Start to a new week.....

2008-11-17T07:27:00.000-08:00

So, the weekend was good. Went to the CU homecoming game. Glad to finally see them play good! Sunday I got a lot done! My dad gave me an old antique bedroom set to use in the my downstairs bedroom. It's awesome! I am going to take some pictures and put some up for all to see. The room looks great!

The next big job is painting. Luckily I have a great volunteer to help....my mom! What can you say she loves doing improvements around the house and can't stay away. I will take before and after pictures too.

JD's basketball team (CS Bucs) opened this past Friday. They played Iowa and even though they lost it sounds like they did a great job and there is lots of hope for the season. They play again tonight against Furman so make sure you pull for them!

Well, that's it for now. Need to get somethings done....

Until next time.......

Eventful Weekend....

2008-11-10T07:42:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was a good one. Nothing stressful, but lots to keep my occupied. Saturday night I attended the Expression III Fall Fashion Show benefiting the Heart Step Organization of Greenville. They fund home renovations for the widowed, elderly and underprivileged in the Upstate of SC. It was an awesome evening. Check out their website. They do some great work.

One cool thing was my cousin was one of the models in the show. It was good to see her again and get to spend some time with her before she leaves to move to New York very soon. Here are some pictures from the event and the after party.

Jared Emerson (he is an AWESOME artist ... check him out!)

Phillip and Amy from the Biggest Loser & Greenville were also in the show

Erika in the runway show

Myself and my cousin Erika

Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. She is perusing her dream of singing and acting. She is a wonderful talent and I am sure she will go far!

Another event this weekend is my roommate of the last four years has moved out :( She hasn't gone far though. Still in the same town. I know that she is beginning a new journey all her own and so I wish her the best of luck as she starts to make her own home.

I am starting a lot of home projects. Since Kristi moved out I will be turning that room into a study, but first I have some painting to do in my room, the bathroom, and the second bedroom. Yesterday I made the first step in cleaning and reorganizing the storage room in the sunroom. It made a HUGE difference! Many props to my mom for the help! Lastly, I made my last grass cutting for the winter. I am glad that I don't have to do that again for some time. YEAH!

Well....I will wrap this up now. I have lots of work to get done and a final in my class along with a paper to work on.

Until next time.......

Weekend Recap....

2008-11-02T18:44:00.000-08:00

So, this weekend my mother and I were able to go down to Charleston to visit JD and Kerri. This was the first time that we have been able to spend some time with them in Charleston since they were married. I can't believe it has been just over 4 months! They seem to be doing really good and Kerri did an awesome job decorating their home. We spent most of our time with Kerri as JD is in basketball mode and his team opens up their season in 12 days..... WOW!

Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures this weekend but here is the rundown of where we visited:

Charleston Tanger outlets (not a lot of success there)
King Street Grill (loved the atmosphere and food...try this place!!)
TJ Maxx Mega store in Mt. P (LOVE IT!!)
Marshalls Home Goods (LOVE IT TOO!!)
Vanity and Handpicked (always good finds...)

We were able to watch the CU game against Boston College with JD and the Carolina game before Kerri and I passed out. Lastly, we were able to attend church service with JD and Kerri and East Cooper Baptist in Mt. P.

Overall, it was a great visit! I love visiting Charleston and it makes it that much better that JD and Kerri are there ....... hopefully it won't be too long until I am back down there!

Until next time......

Go BUCS!!

2008-10-27T17:45:00.000-07:00

So, Sunday I carved out a pumpkin for mom to send to JD. I think it turned out really good. Maybe I should quit my day job and become a professional pumpkin carver..........nah!!

This pumpkin is for the Charleston Southern Buccaneers. JD is entering his 4th season (I think) as an assistant coach down there. I couldn't be more proud of him than if he was my own brother.... oh wait! HE IS!!

Please keep him and the entire team in your thoughts and prayers this year! JD seems very optimistic about the season and it would be awesome for them to have a great year! I am going to Charleston this weekend to visit JD and Kerri and I can't wait to see them and their new home since they were married.....

Check out the CSU website to keep up-to-date with JD and the team!
http://csusports.athleticsite.com/

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-24T19:19:00.001-07:00

It's just about time for halloween! This year I decided to carve a tiger paw..... I know everyone isn't happy with the Tigers, but I think that it turned out really cool. A lot better than I anticipated! I can't wait to put it out....

Nervous......

2008-10-23T06:08:00.001-07:00

So, today is a BUSY day. I have lots of stuff to accomplish at work, but I have my first test tonight in my managerial accounting class. Let's hope that goes well! I will let you know....

Quote

2008-10-21T06:13:00.000-07:00

Here is a good quote that my cousin Holly sent to me today!

"What women want: to be loved, to be listened to, to be desired, to be respected, to be needed, to be trusted, and sometimes, just to be held. What men want: Tickets to the world series."

Haha! Thought this was cute and funny..... Enjoy!

Catching up.....

2008-10-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

So, a big part of the fall season has been going to the Clemson football games. A huge tradition in my family! So, the season hasn't exactly gone the way that everyone thought it would, but that doesn't mean that we haven't had a good time! Below are some pictures from the Alabama game, SC State game, and Maryland game. Enjoy!

Go Dabo Go..... A new era!

2008-10-18T18:58:00.001-07:00

So, today was the start of a new tradition at Clemson. Dabo took over as head coach this week and the atmosphere at the game was so exciting. Below are some pictures from the day, including Tiger Walk (the new tradition). The weather was great and I got to enjoy the day with some awesome friends. Unfortunately, the Tigers lost :( but you could tell that they had played harder than they had any other time this year. Hopefully when they play again against Boston College they will have better luck. Until then......

Starting something new.....

2008-10-18T18:31:00.001-07:00

So, I thought that I would create my own blog and give me just one more thing to do and occupy my time with. Most of you that might read this probably already know me pretty well. Oh well, it will give you something to look at too. I will just keep things occasionally update with the on-goings of the crazy and wonderful world that I live in.