whiners and complainers - STFU!

Po' me.  I'm so broke I can't afford the 'o' 'r'.

Priorities people.  Don't spend all your dough on junk and then complain about your situation.  SAVE UP!

Put down the cigarettes, try to brown bag lunch to work 2-3 times a week, skip the vacation to the all-inclusive/back home to the motherland/travel to see the world/because it's on sale countries (try a staycation, I prefer heat and beach too,  but sometimes you can't afford to go this year), pre-drink at home before heading out to the clubs for $10 drinks, buy fruit in season, buy the 42-inch tv instead of the 55-inch,  just to name a few tips.

I'm not saying to live in a shoe box and eat crackers smeared with ketchup packets.  Just that you need to sacrifice sometimes to get ahead.  You want a your own place instead of roommates?  You want a house instead of renting?  You want a car instead of taking the TTC?  You want to go to Europe instead of Cuba?  You want diamonds instead of cubic zirconia?  You want a Coach/Prada/YSL purse instead of Roots?  You want silk instead of polyester?

That's just the money side.  I also can't stand the people who complain about their jobs all the time either.  Hey, I get it.   There are bad days and sometimes you want to vent.  Been there many, many times.  But, if you really hate it, quit!  Get a new job.  Get more education and get a different/better job.

You're not happy with your weight.  Then get healthy and physically fit.  There is no perfect weight.  You can be 'skinny' and still have a higher fat percentage then someone who is bigger than you.  Exercise will make everything better.  You'll be tone and have more muscles (and who doesn't think a fit body is sexy??), you'll be able to clear your mind by doing sweating away the stress, and clear your organs of all the toxins we feed our body (fast food, pesticides from the way we mass produce vegetables, salt, pollution, etc).  Exercise can be anything.  Take the stairs instead of the elevators for a couple of flights, park your car further in the parking lot, walk/ride your bike/rollarblade/skip instead of drive, etc  Just get MOVING!

All I'm trying to say is, make a decision to commit yourself to improving your situation in life.  Be it financially, mentally, physically, spiritually, whatever! and DO IT!

If you are happy with what you have, more power to  you.  Just don't whine and complain how life is crap  when you do nothing to make it better.

It's one thing to dream, have talent, or intentions.  BUT execute with the actions to make it happen.

Note to self: Read this again and again when you complain.  nobody likes a hypocrite

[polldaddy poll=4505083]

Paralysis by Analysis

I can't decide!   Should I choose This, That or The Other?  If I get This, I'll get That, but for the wrong price.  If I choose The Other, I get a bit less and The Husband won't like it.

Decisions. Decisions.  Big ones and little ones alike, sometimes it takes forever to make the 'right' choice.  Whatever that is.  I always do a 'cost' analysis.  Will it cost more money or time?  Will it give me emotional, physical, or mental satisfaction?   Do we have space?  If I choose This will my stakeholders be happy.  The stakeholders, usually The Family, are always hard to please.  Reality is, you cannot please everyone.  So, make sure YOU are happy with what you decide.

I didn't realize I did this until my lunch work-buddies pointed it out.  We go to a food court (there are several in the financial district) and then we break-out to get food and meet somewhere.  I say I'm going to get XYZ food, but almost always get 123 food.  I walk around to a minimum of 3-4, if not all, of the different choices, and then buy.   Which one will satisfy the beast, Hunger?  Which one is the best bang for my buck?  Which one has the shortest line?  Which one has the best nutritional value?  Even if we all choose the same place, the combos are messing with my mind.  haha

Be it gym memberships, phone plans, car, furniture, appliances, toys, clothes, EVERYTHING.  It's best when your heart wants something, no matter what logic dictates.  Yeah, it costs too much, I don't have space, and it's not practical.  I WANT it.  Otherwise, I'm checking out several stores, online, talk to other people to get their opinion, then forget about it, and finally not buy/do it.

It takes me forever to decide what to order at a restaurant. And even if I have figured out what I want, it may be swayed depending what other people order.  Why do we have to choose only one dish?  That's why I love dim sum.  I wish other restaurants would adopt the same concept.   Dim sum is a Cantonese term for a type of Chinese dish that involves small individual portions of food.   A couple of ribs, a few wings, two loaded potato skins, small bowl of french onion soup,  one cup of pasta, ribs, lobster, steak, slider burger, a sliver of pie, cake, ice cream, soup, garlic bread bits, french fries, garlic mashed fingers, etc

If dim sum style is just not feasible for some cuisines, then I wish there were more family style restaurants.  Share!

I could go on and on about how long it took to buy my car, house, choose a phone plan, etc  But, with this 'diet', the only thing on my mind is food.

LUNCH!

Luxury, decadence, or just nasty?

I wouldn't say I'm a total slouch in all things luxurious.  But, now with children my limited funds are ear marked for different things.

1. RESPs - one of the best things I can give is an Education to provide for their own future and without starting their careers in student loan debt.


2. RRSPs - I want to retire at 55.   I'll probably still work, but because I want to not because I have to.


3. Mortgage - Of course we want to upgrade at some point.  Bigger house, double/triple garage, wrap around veranda, bigger closet (I have the walk-in in the master bedroom & 2 other closets in the house.  I need a whole room like on Cribs)


4. Family vacations - paying for multiple people instead of just yourself has now tripled my once-upon-a-time single life budget.  Add to that the additional cost of doing dialysis while abroad.  It was an additional $1600 for our 7-day Caribbean vacation last year.


5. Jewelery - Because who doesn't love their bling.


6. Clothes - Dress for success.  When you're training in front a room full of people, looking sharp builds my confidence, but also I think builds my credibility.  People judge your looks to validate what you're saying.  Sad, but true.


7. Kid Stuff - Probably the biggest one.  Clothes, toys, safety stuff, healthy food, classes (i.e. martial arts, swim, gymnastics, art, etc)

Some things that are considered luxurious and decadent seem just nasty.

1. Fur - I'm not a PETA supporter nor vegetarian, but I just don't get why this is so chi-chi.  We're not back in the viking days where you had to slay a bear to keep warm.  With the newest textiles out there you could have a stylish and warm coat without having to wear dead animals.  Also, there's the cost of keeping it in storage in the summer.  Meh.


2. Snails - Ewww.  Dude, it's a slug that leaves a trail of snot as it moves.  Yet, a 'fancy' name on it like Escargot and it's exceptional. No, thanks.


3. Lobster - Love it, but sometimes I wonder why.  It's the cockroach of the sea.   They crawl along the bottom of the sea slurping up crap.  I guess when you smother the sea's cockroach in garlic butter, you can charge an additional $20.


4. Baths - Another love of mine, but again the deeper thought behind it is kinda gross.  You are sitting in a tub of your own filth.  I like to add bubbles, so no need to see if the water gets murky.  They have a whole industry designed to sell you bath stuff.  haha...murky....gross


5. Bidet - Is a low-mounted plumbing fixture or type of sink intended for washing the genitalia, inner buttocks, and anus.  This was the height of decadence back in the day.   Who else has enough room in their bathroom for an additional piece besides their double-sink, stand-up shower, jet-tub, toilet, heated towel rack, and make-up area

There has to be a happy medium.  Save money for your future, but don't forget to spoil yourself once in a while.  You deserve it.  We work to live, not live to work.

Now go have a $10 latte!

[polldaddy poll=4505135]

FTW!!

7 lbs in 3 weeks....not too shabby...not great, but definitely awesome enough to win $5.  Oh the excuses were there.  "I was going out with the Vendor every night" (for work stuff).  What I heard was "I'm a loser and I owe you $5 and my soul for one week!" LMAO!  All this winningness makes me giddy.  I'm not usually such a sore winner.  I have a bit of restraint.  But, with family, who needs to?!  IN YO' FACE BROTHA!!  Now, give me my MONEY!!

Just that morning we had McDonald's for breakfast.  I know, I know.  How can I eat The Taint?!  I eat fast food.  I'm not proud of it.  It just IS sometimes.  I don't always get the 'healthy' choice of a 6 grams of fat sub sandwich that has no cheese, no mayo,and loaded with veggies.  I did try to make it healthy (if that's possible.  and in my head it is :) ) I got an Egg McMuffin with no butter and no cheese.  Ate only half a hash brown (not really by choice, but Marcus wanted it since he doesn't get one.  do I owe him a $1 of my winnings now?).

Back to that 'healthy' fast food choice of subs for a sec.  Who can eat only 6-inches and be done?!?  I'm STILL hungry after that.  I've supplemented it with a cup of soup or huge plate of salad with a small side of dressing that I dip my fork in, fruit, and two glasses of water.  And instead of the cookies or chips the combo comes with, I have one of those 90-calorie snack bags of mini rice cakes drizzled with chocolate.   Hopefully my stomach will shrink so a 6-inch is enough.  I could totally eat a 12-inch in one sitting (most of the time).

Good thing I paid for the Zumba classes, otherwise I would have flaked out on a class or two already.  Dude, if I do get an hour or so free from both kids, I'd like to spend it in a bath or sleep.  At least, Zumba is becoming a little easier.   I'm getting to know the routines and know what the dance steps are when the instructor says 'next'.  Haven't bumped into the fan or anyone else again (well, so far anyway).

I came home still red-faced once and The Husband asked me if  I was ok? HAHA  My response "I'm dancing my A$$ off".  I'm only going once a week and I give it my ALL.  Thinking to sign up for a dance aerobic class also for the next session in combination with the Zumba.  Hopefully, The Husband will watch the kids again and not complain (at least not too much).

Keeping track of my food has helped me.  Keeps me aware of how much calories I'm putting in.  I still have a cookie, cupcake, small bowl of chips, or ice cream a couple of times a week.  I need my junk!  But, at least I'm aware not to eat 1000 calories of junk (not in one sitting at least :) ).  I do feel for a nice big slice of cake though.  Caramel Crunch, Cheesecake (any kind), brownie with ice cream, sugar cookie base with caramel, chocolate, nuts on top bar,or any La Rocca cake.   I haven't yet.  Maybe after our 6-month big weigh-in.

Can't wait!

note:  if you don't know what FTW means, here's a tip to help you communicate with da pickney dem.  www.urbandictionary.com

I fell and I WILL get up

Uh oh...two chocolate cupcakes with white frosting later and I'm disappointed with myself.  Actually, it was after the small handful of chips that I was disappointed.

It happens.  I'm a realist.  Hopefully Zumba will help me burn off at least one of them.  The first weigh in for my Biggest Loser competition is tomorrow!  yikes!

I'm down ~4 lbs since January 1st.   Sometimes only 2 lbs on a 'bad' day.  I know you're not supposed to weigh yourself everyday.  But, I can't help it.   Target weight is big when doing dialysis, so we have one of those accurate scales at home.  I can't resist to know where I stand in this competition.

My brother's wife said he's doing really well.  Not sure if she's trying to mind-phuck me or what.  Whateverrrrrrrrrrrr  I am going to kick his a$$.  (man, I hope so)  Maybe those cupcakes and chips were not a good idea.

It's hard to try and balance baking and dieting.   I love to bake with The Boy.  He likes to stir/mix and pour.  I gave some to The Neighbour, but she's more disciplined then I.  She didn't want seconds of my delicious cake balls.  She ate 12 of them so, I guess I understand her restraint.   They are delicious!

I'm gonna Zumba hard.  Isometrics right now!  I gotta WIN!

I'll let ya know if my wallet is $5 lighter or if my ego gets crushed.

Hoarder

We're just going in to buy FOUR things ONLY.  ONLY I say!   Write it down so we ONLY get those things.

1. Toilet Paper


2. Paper Towels


3. Grapes


4. Lysol disinfectant wipes

Yah right.  Whenever we go to Costco it's NEVER just what's on the list.  You'd think I'd know better.  I LOVE deals.  and buying 500 whatchyamacallits sounds like a deal to me!  Sure I have no room left in my freezer, linen closet, or pantry shelves, but I'm striving to get a bigger house soon-soon anyway right?  This is just a motivator to save more and get it sooner!  I need space for all my Costco buys.

Forget that I hate throwing anything away.  I swear we could use it again.  Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.  We should save that empty paper towel roll thingy.  Then when we have another one Marcus can make binoculars.  I meed to save this small amount of yarn left over so I can use it to make a flower, or a hat for a doll, or SOMETHING.  Sadly, I have a garbage bag full of yarn waiting to be used.  It's come to the point where The Husband won't let me buy another one until I finish the bag.

Same goes for baking pans.  But, when you buy you need at least two.  I think I need three, so I'm compromising at two.  Two muffin trays, mini-muffin trays, cookie sheets, circle and square cake pans, spring-form cheese cake pans, pie plates, mini-loaf pans and loaf pans.  That's it.  I could still use a Madeleine cake tray, offset spatula, piping bag kit, and bigger kitchen.

Everyone has their thang.  Mine happens to be yarn, cookware, and before kids, clothes.  Oh, and books!  Love to read.  Couple that with never throwing stuff away, and well....I've had interventions.  More like 'Yellings'.   THROW IT AWAY seems to be the theme.  That, and 'you can't buy one until you throw one away'.

Yours may be clothes, purses, shoes, movies, t-shirts, golf stuff (ahem....franklin...I'm callin' YOU out!), tools, furniture, lego, video games, whatever!

Ikea, home stuff stores, costco/priceclub and the like didn't become profitable because we don't like to buy stuff.

Everyone has their thing they like to spend their money on, is all I'm saying.

[polldaddy poll=4713306]

i HATE you!!

I know "hate" is a strong word, but I-don't-really-like-you does not proclaim the anger, frustration, and hurt I feel inside.

I won't go into detail who you are.  You know your ugly a$$ when I'm talking to you.  No need for the whole world to know too.  Everyone will eventually see for themselves.  Because you cannot always wear your deception.  True colours always shine through.

I tried to be 'nice'.  Kept my mouth shut and eyes closed to your b.s.  Sometimes I want to leave and not have to deal with your trifling ways.  But, you know how the saying goes.  Misery loves company.  You brought me here, and I intend to capsize your assumptions about us.

Yeah. Yeah.  It'd be healthier to walk away and let cooler heads prevail.  But, I'm blinded by bitterness, resentment and fury.

There's so many variations that are the same:

1. Do unto others as others do unto you.

2. What goes around comes around.

3. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

4. What you put out is what you're going to get.

And you gettin' MISERY!

I am going to walk towards you swinging my arms and kicking my feet.  If you happen to be in my way, it's not my fault. -Simpsons defense

If you deem it necessary to judge me for me for my past, don't be surprised when I put you there.