Gifts

I'm in a bit of a bind this year, thinking of a meaningful gift for Chris for our third wedding anniversary. Traditionally, the third anniversary warrants a gift of crystal or leather. Sounds boring to me.

I want to give Chris something meaningful. And this doesn't mean I have to spend a lot of money, but I really just can't figure out what to give him. I usually don't have this problem. I pride myself in thoughtful gifts - especially for my husband. I still have a little over a month to figure this out though.

Ugh.

Well the attempt to diet has not gone well. I'm such a stress eater. I've made a concerted effort every day to bring things to work that are good healthy snacks, and I've done really well all day long. But when I get home, i'm so beat from working, and just emotionally drained. I just eat whatever I can find. And I skip out on exercise. Chris rented Season 1 of Grey's Anatomy for me at the Library last night, and I watched two episodes instead of going to the gym, like i'd planned.

I just don't know how to stop this cycle. The stressful work atmosphere is not going to stop anytime soon.

In other news, we are planning a November trip to Nashville to see the Smashing Pumpkins. I can't wait! Chris, of course, is very happy because he loves the Pumpkins, but this will also require a drive that is almost entirely driving through Kentucky.

He is also strongly considering contacting his biological father. He's been in contact often through email with an 18-year old half-sister that he's only known about for a little under 2 years. It will be interesting, if nothing else.

The Violent Femmes Bring ALL Their Equipment on the Bus.

Chris and I went to see the Violent Femmes last night. This was the third time i've tried to see them, but only the first time it's panned out. They absolutely ROCKED. It was so fun. We got poured on, too, and it made them rock even harder. I heart the Violent Femmes.

Drinking with the Danish

A note to self: trying to keep up with your Danish neighbor in the area of drinking is something to avoid. Once the neck of our beers were gone, he'd order another round. But - drinking on a Tuesday night sure is fun!

A Photo from Girls' Night Out

This photo says a lot about how much fun we were having last night, even though Chrissy looks quite disgusted about the outspoken hillbilly guy who is touching us all.

On the DubDub Again

Today is the first day I get serious about staying on the Weight Watchers plan again. It's going to be a rough week to start, but if I don't stop making excuses, I will gain back the 20 pounds i've already lost. And I know i've gained a few of those back already.

Chris and I are participating in the Relay for Life on Friday and Saturday. From what I hear, there's just TONS and TONS of junkfood around. People sell it the whole night trying to raise more money for their teams. I need a game plan for myself. Veggies and lowfat ranch dip. Pretzels. Suggestions are welcome for what I can pack in a cooler for an overnight event to avoid sweets, hot dogs, and candy. I could use the encouragement!

Saturday night Chris and I are going to a cooking class for a beer tasting meal. I bought this for him for his birthday back in April. I am hoping to skip lunch that day, which is feasible since I will be more than likely sleeping for lack of sleep from Relay.

I need to get back to the gym as well. I am embarrassed to admit that I have not been there in a month. I keep justifying it because I am walking the dog every morning, and we've been doing physical work on the house almost nightly. Gardening, painting, cleaning out the junky basement. The gym time MUST resume though. I think Wednesday night will begin that.

I have decided that I need to set some goals for myself though, and reward myself for weight loss.

Here's the tentative reward list (this will begin from my weigh in on Friday):
10 pounds - pedicure
20 pounds - new outfit (including shoes!)
30 pounds - I haven't decided yet.

Wish me luck! Food journaling has resumed.

Back to Nature

Chris and I spent our weekend camping. I wish i'd remembered to bring the camera, though we weren't pretty sights to see. We had a blast though. I'm still tired today. Camping sure is fun, but it's not easy to sleep. Chris and I made a good team though, and we both enjoyed some things we love, while outdoors. It's a good reminder of how little we all really NEED in order to live. Next time, I need to offer to bring the plates and cups, etc. My neighbor brought all styrofoam, and INSISTED on burning it all after it was used. It made me feel really really guilty. We had a car jam packed with stuff, as as well as the dog, or I would have INSISTED on taking trash home with me.
All in all though - fun times! We're hoping to do it again in the fall!