I promise I'll do better...

Hello all! Sorry I have been so absent lately...I've been ONE BUSY GIRL. I'm all moved into my very own little house, I've started all classes and I'm finally getting used to a brand new job. Whew...that's alot to handle all at once!! But, let me tell you guys...I am loving it. I'm so glad to be back home and closer to my family. I do miss my little Texans though. :*(

This weekend was completely and totally boring. I spent two days working on a geography presentation, a philosophy paper and studying for two tests. I better ace those!

I had an amazing birthday with two of my best friends in the world. SO MUCH FUN. I'm so glad to be back here and to be able to reconnect with people that I haven't gotten to see in so long. Especially my brother. We are getting closer by the day...we've always had a pretty strong bond but it's getting even stronger lately. He's off at college...crazy. And he loves it. Amber and I are taking a trip there this coming weekend for family day. It's going to be so weird to be at my college and see my brother there going to the same classes I did. Ha, weird. It's going to be super fun though! Enjoy: Pictures from the past month and a half!

Happy Birthday to Meee!! :)

Okay, okay. Weight loss. I really haven't lost anything since I've been here. :( I've gotten 59 pounds off and kept them off but it's beginning to get VERY difficult. So, I've started Jillian's 30 Day Shred again. I moved up to level 2 tonight. Geez, I'm sure I'll feel that in the morning. I'm looking at some different gyms around here because I know I reallyyy need to get back in there. Although the scale shows no significant difference, I feel fatter. Is that weird? I've been staying on plan with my eating ever since I arrived but I took a month long hiatus from any type of exercise except for some brisk walking at my high schools track. I just don't feel good. I need that "WOW look at the scale" feeling again. Any pointers? I'm hoping The Biggest Loser will help me with inspiration. I usually don't get to watch full episodes because I have class that night but for the past two weeks, it has really gotten me motivated! Why can't I get my fat ass off the couch and exercise if those people are? So, keep your fingers crossed for me that my motivation returns full force and I can get these last 20 pounds off!! :)

So, I promise I'll do better about updating. I have more time now that I'm settled into a routine. And I have seriously been missing your blogs!! :)


♥k

hiya.

Heyyyyyy! I've missed you guys! Thank goodness for the internet people...they are my saviors, I'm now back online! I'm here and settled and trying to get used to being home again. My house is FINALLY finished, I've started my new job and I'm going to school 4 nights a week. Things are going fabulous!!

I'm working really hard on my diet still. I have lost a total of 60 lbs, so only about 25 more to go and I should be where I want! I'm going to try VERY hard to update more regularly for you guys...I have been SO busy!! :)

♥k

This is from the first night I moved back. Me and the girls went out on the town! :)

farewell texas.

Today is my last day at work and the day before my last day in Texas. :( Although, I'm super stoked, I'm also sad. Texas has been good to me and I'll always hold a special place in my heart for her. Texas made me grow up and be an adult and she's the reason I'm able to make this move tomorrow.

I'm really glad Carly & Misty will be making the trip to Hot Springs with me...it'll give us some more bonding time on the way. As soon as we get there, we're unpacking and then it's off for a girls night out (our last one for a while)! I'm going to try and keep the tears in check but it's gonna be hard saying goodbye to two years of my life.

Today is weird. I'm sad but still excited. I'm stoked to be moving closer to my family where I can see them everyday. I can't wait to be reunited with my best friend of six years, for good. I can't wait to see how my life unfolds back in my hometown. I'm excited for a new house, new job and new school. This is a very good thing and I can't wait for it to begin!! :)

As for weight loss, I'm holding steady; just as I expected. Amber & I have devised a weight loss regimen for when I return home and after I get settled in. I'm looking forward to a change of scenery; some new walking trails, a different gym, yoga. I will definitely keep you guys posted on the weight loss!! :)

I'm not sure when my internet will be hooked up at the new place so I may be a ghost for two weeks or so. My Papa is still working on the floors and I have a ton of cleaning to do before I can even consider setting my computer up. But, when I have access to the internet I will definitely post so you guys know I survived the move!!

I can't wait to start this new adventure and I'm glad you guys will be right by my side!! :)

♥k

moving day is nearing...

My last weekend as an official Texan was this past one. :( That's some sad news right there. So, me and the girls decided to make the most out of it. We went to my favorite little honky-tonk in Oklahoma and had a blast. Then to the lake on Sunday to see Damien, Branden & Keaton before I left. :)This week is so super busy. I seriously have something that has to be done every single day on top of packing up the rest of my stuff. And, this week it finally decides to rain. Thanks for that. It hasn't rained in like a month and it's going to rain straight through next Wednesday. Well, that puts a damper (quite literally) on my moving plans. Looks like we're going to get wet! :( I just keep telling myself...it's a small price to pay to be back in Arkansas. I hope that holds true!

As far as my weight...I'm maintaining. And that's all I'm really asking for until I get settled. It's extremely hard to lose anything with all the running around I've been doing. And it seems like everyone wants to celebrate my move with a dinner. Geez, my friends are killin' me! So, I haven't gained anything but I sure haven't lost anything either...I figure that's okay. FOR NOW. I haven't made it to the gym in about 4 days which is crazy for me...but I'm hitting it up tonight when Misty gets off work. I can't wait til everything is moved and I can settle into a routine again. This whole not going to the gym thing is killing me because I feel so gross! I see no difference on the scale...but I just feel different. You guys know what I mean? I never thought in a million years I would be upset because I didn't have time for the gym...geez, that's great. :)

I guess that's it for now...I'm trying to get better at keeping you guys posted! :) I'm moving in 3 days!! And, now I'm finding that I'm kind of torn about the decision. Is it possible to be completely sad but still excited?

♥k

skinny dippin'

You know how I love to tell you guys about new music...well here's someone you'll really like! I'm a huge fan of Ashton Shepherd, a true-blue country singer...and I've found someone who runs a close second to her! Her name is Whitney Duncan and she's great! Check her out...you won't regret it.

Whitney Duncan

More CMT Music

More CMT Music Videos

♥k

hey bloggy friends.

A quick update: I've been running around crazy getting ready for my big move! :) I got EVERYTHING packed up this past weekend, with the exception of things I use on a daily basis. So, I'm super excited! So, I was surprised with some gifts at work today! (Gotta love my co-workers!) Wrapped in Hannah Montana wrapping paper (my fave), I got a really nice convection/toaster oven that I am stoked about using! Also, I got some bathroom towels and rugs and of course, a Texas picture to put in my house so I never forget the Lone Star State!This past weekend wasn't anything spectacular...I spent most of my free time packing and talking on the phone to my Grandma about furniture finds. But, I was dragged out of the house Saturday night to celebrate my friend Lacy's birthday! :) Which ended up being a blast, of course!!

I'm still hanging on as far as weight goes. 52 pounds and holdin' steady. Boy, I sure wish that number on the scale would decrease a little!! I decided, with only two weeks left in Texas, I should take full advantage of my gym membership. So, yesterday I left work, worked out at the gym for an hour and THEN came home and walked 5 miles with Misty. Whew. Needless to say, I'm sore today. It's been a long time since I've put that much exercise into one day. :) But, I feel fabulous and I'm planning to continue the same pattern for the next two weeks so I can see some difference on the scale before leaving Texas!

Anywho, that's about it. I just wanted to update you guys and let you know I'm still kickin'!!

♥k

when the dog bites, when the bee stings...these are a few of my favorite things!

I've been inspired to write a post about my favorite things. I did this a while back but this is more of a "product post." I'm one of those people that if I find something I like, I have to share it with everyone! I need to spread the love around! So, this post is where you'll my find my favorites in diet snacks, books, stores, or really just anything that grabs my attention!! I hope you guys enjoy it!

I LOVE...
weight loss memoirs. (This one's for you, Jenn!) My faves: Half-Assed by Jennette Fulda and Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster. If you haven't seen these...please, go out and get them. They are fabulous.

You can also follow both these authors at their blogs....which I do every morning! Take a look at Jennette's here and Jen's here! You guys are gonna love 'em!

I ALSO LOVE...
Capri Sun Roaring Waters drinks! If you're anything like me...you get tired of water sometimes. So, I started buying Capri Sun's instead, for only 70 calories I could get a refreshing juicy drink with my dinner. Then, I realized my beloved Capri Sun's have anywhere from 20 to 30 mg of sodium! Ack! So, then I discovered Roarin' Waters...they have anywhere from 10 to 15 mg of sodium which is better and they're only 30 calories! Delicious! :)



THIS, TOO, MAKES ME HAPPY....
Snapfish.com! If you're an avid photographer, like myself, then you should definitely visit this site! I take all my photos digitally and this site makes it possible for me to upload my photos and have them developed and shipped to my house in a matter of days. And the best part? Each print only costs 9 cents a piece! Absolutely great!! :)


So, I guess that'll be it for now. :) I hope you guys enjoy this and it's helpful! ♥k

thank you amazing life!

School? Check. House? Check. Job? CHECK!! That's right...I'm officially ready to go to Arkansas! I got a call today notifying me that I got the job!! YAY!

Not only am I out of the 200 club but I'm into a new job! Thank you amazing life! :) I totally believe that the amazing-ness that is happening now is a result of me living a healthier life. Remember when I vowed to treat my body right in January? Well, now she's paying me back!! Thank you! :)

♥k

life is ONEderful.

My weekend was amazing.

Somehow I managed to NOT take pictures. What?
This is the only one I got out with. :)
By the way...I'm no longer a member of the two hundred club.
As of yesterday. :)
Ecstatic!
♥k

ok, ok...last one. i promise.

Okay, I had to blog this! I ran across an even BETTER before/after comparison and I wanted to share it because it kinda gives me butterflies in my stomach!! Not so many as it used to of course, since there's not that much tummy there anymore! :)

February 2009 (2 months into my lifestyle change.)

July 2009

Holy freakin' cow. I love it. :)
Okay, that's it. I promise.
♥k

i just dropped a grant! (progress pics)

What a beautiful morning! I love my scale today...she was oh so good to me this morning. As of today, I have officially lost 50 pounds!! It's about time! So, I thought, hitting this milestone called for some progress pictures! :) Yayyy!

Okay, I can barely look at this...ewww. This was in December 2008. On Christmas, this was 10 days before I officially started my diet. Don't judge too much! :)
And now, 50 pounds lighter!!

I've still got a ways to go...but I'm proud!! Thanks for the encouragement guys! :)
♥k

13 reasons.

Browsing blogs this morning, I ran across an interesting post from Jenn. In order for me to stay on track with anything, it's very important for me to make lists; that's why this caught my eye. Jenn listed 13 reasons she wanted to lose weight. The idea is to make the list and keep it somewhere visible so you can view it whenever you need to. Almost like re-inspiration (if that's a word).

So here's my list: 13 Reasons I Want to Lose Weight

1. I want to be healthy. I want to change my lifestyle to fit a healthy persons life.
2. I want to be confident again. It makes a world of difference!
3. I want to nip this "overweight" thing in the bud while I'm still young. :)
4. I want to be able to look in the mirror and like what I see.
5. I want to be able to do more physical activities.
6. I want to show myself I can accomplish such a big task.
7. I want to love my body.
8. I want to be in shape and become an active person.
9. I want to be able to have children when that day comes.
10. I want to be able to find a wedding dress that's not in the plus size section.
11. I want to be able to find ANY clothes that aren't in the plus size section.
12. I want to be confident enough to stand in front of a classroom of middle school students and not feel like they're all making fun of me.
13. And lastly, I want to lose weight to make ME happy.

♥k

carly's 23rd birthday extravaganza....

in pictures.

Friday: Carly's surprise party at the VFW!

Saturday: Carly's party at Crosswire!

Monday: Birthday dinner with friends at Chili's. :)

Needless to say, Carly got DAYS of celebration for her birthday! :)
All in all, a fabulous weekend.

a weight loss post.

Remember when exercise was fun because you knew it would produce results in a week on the scale? I loved those days. The days when I couldn't wait to leave work to get my gym on. The days when everything was fresh, new and exciting. Now, I seriously have to PUSH myself to get to that gym. I feel so guilty for skipping the gym, I find myself walking 5 miles throughout my town with my workout buddy, Misty. Hey, I guess any exercise is better than none. Luckily, my disgust with the gym hasn't produced any pounds that stick to my center. But, I'm not losing, I'm maintaining. And now, is NOT the time to maintain. I'm a mere 4 pounds away from my first goal weight. Notice I said first. I still have ANOTHER goal to obtain after this one! I need to get it in gear and start moving again!

Thankfully, I have great blogger friends like Dana, Wendy and Shelley who keep me inspired! After reading their posts this morning, I've decided...no pain, no gain. I should never think it's okay to skip my exercise because you know what? That's what got me in the shape I was in. Dana talked about being a creature of routine...this is so me. You know how most people take 30 days to form a habit? Well, it takes me about 5 so it's extremely important that I stick to a routine and do NOT stray from it.

Everything is going so great right now...job interview, new house, new school, new town. I get to start over. I think I'm letting my extreme glee and excitement take over the other aspects of my life. I sometimes forget that I'm not finished with this journey; that it's going to be a lifelong adventure.

Someone once told me that once you lose 10% of your body weight, you'll feel an amazing difference. They're right. I feel phenomenal. I'm doing things physically that I haven't done in years, if ever. I'm more energetic and I don't mind doing a little work. Wendy's blog really registered with me about this. A couple weekends ago, I was asked to help move some cows from one pasture to another. Six months ago, I would've given that person a dirty look and rejected the idea completely. Now, I just smiled and said sure. No qualms about it...that's a difference.

I know I've come a long way since January 5th, the day I started this diet. And I am definitely grateful for the progress I've made, but still, sometimes, I get down and out about the scale never moving. I'm doing my best to have a positive outlook everyday and from this day forward...there will be no more skipping exercise. Promise.

♥k

news.

I have a job interview.
Keep your fingers crossed for me!
:)

summer, summer, summertime.

What a great weekend! I'm hoping someone is still reading my blogs because it's been so long since I've gotten comments...it looks like I fell off the face of the Earth! So, for those of you still interested... :)

I'm really starting to feel a little sad about this whole moving thing. I'm so excited, especially after the good news from Dad last night that (YAY!) I will have a house when I get there!! I'm trying to spend all my waking hours with my loved ones here and this weekend REALLY made me realize how much I'm gonna miss those guys. Friday, me, Misty and Carly went to the Bogata Rodeo and then met up with Carly's Dad at the VFW. I sure will miss that guy...he's so fun!On the way to the rodeo!

Yes, we're THIS special. We have a sign. :)

Saturday was Dean's going away party. They boiled crawfish and there were TONS of people there just to show how much we'll all miss him! This was definitely bittersweet for me because it's so hard to get us all together at one time, anyway...and I know it won't happen again before I leave. But, it was great to spend time with my best friends! (And the kids, of course.) :)

This is our official "redneck" picture. :)The cutest kids ever.Me, Carly, Tracy & Dorcas

Sunday was a blast. Lake time!! SO MUCH FUN. Thanks to Levi and his amazing boat...we stayed on the water allllllll dayyyyyy. I'm a bit sunburned but I definitely plan on making that trip again...it was so fun!Emily & Jess

Levi's way of staying afloat. :)
So much fun!

So, I'm back to the grindstone today after a fantabulous weekend. These weeks sure are passing by fast. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing...I guess we'll see and find out. :)

♥k

down for the count: my first injury.

Uh-oh. My first injury. :( According to my pharmacist, I have a stress fracture in my right foot. Are you kidding me? Ugh. I have a HUGE, and when I say huge...I mean massive, blister on the bottom of my right foot. So, because of this blister, I've been favoring this foot and not walking correctly...this is how the stress fracture happened. Luckily, there's minimal swelling and no discoloration, so I'm HOPING I'll be back in the gym by Monday. :) Ordered to sit on the couch, I took full advantage last night and watched Forrest Gump, gotta love the classics!! And spectacularly, I'm a pound lighter this morning! I could get used to this.

I have a pretty fun weekend planned. Rodeo tonight, crawfish boil tomorrow and lake on Sunday. Expect lots of pictures. :) I haven't been doing well on my picture taking lately...I usually photograph everything but I just haven't felt like it. But, that will all change this weekend!

Yesterday was a sad day for the media. When I found out about Farrah Fawcet, I was pretty sad. Poor thing, but she had been suffering for years and she's in a far better place now...I'm just sorry she didn't get to marry Ryan O'Neal before she took her place in Heaven. I'm not even going to comment on the Michael Jackson thing. It is sad...but he stole Farrah's thunder big time yesterday. I don't appreciate how every channel was taken over by Michael Jackson videos and tributes and Farrah was just completely forgotten. In the words of Forrest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that."
So, I'm getting more and more anxious to get back home. This is going to be the longest month leading up to my big move. :) I'm super excited and CANNOT wait!

♥k

thank you, texas.

I honestly thought I would be in Texas forever. I thought this is where I'd meet my husband, raise my kids and work, forever. I fell in love with Texas the minute I stepped foot on her soil...and I still love her. I sure hate to leave her. I have to say that Texas is responsible for me being a grown up. When I crossed her state line, I was a broken mess. I had just left my fiance, job and home to start a new life away from everyone and everything I knew in Arkansas. Thank goodness for my best friend, Carly, who took me in right away. She gave me a place to live, helped me look for jobs...gosh, she even fed me when the need arose! Now, two years later, I feel complete again...finally. I have confidence again and I know I'm worthy of certain things in life. During my time in Texas, I have acquired a great job that's given me lots of experience, made some of the best friends, returned to school, regained my confidence through weight loss, bought a car and became a real adult. I'm not at all scared about moving back to Arkansas because I'm prepared. Because all that I've learned in Texas, I will be taking back with me to my hometown and putting to use.

Thank you Texas:
-for teaching me how to shoot a shotgun, now one of my favorite hobbies.
-for introducing me to the wonderful world of Texas Country Music.
-for making it possible for me to return to college.
-for introducing me to Riley Dean Sands, my love. :)
-for making me responsible for my own actions.
-for making me love a cookout more than a club night.
-for showing me the importance of family.
-for convincing me that sometimes girls nights are far better than dates.
-for showing me that you actually can love your job.
-for making me realize that marriage can wait, there's no rush.
-for showing me the importance of "friends like family."
-for giving me an entire summer to be irresponsible with my best friends.
-for introducing me to the beautiful sounds of Bleu Edmondson.
-for your sunny days and blue skies that kept me going.
-for making me feel the true pride that Texans have.
-for making me realize, again, that I do love a good pickup truck.
-for giving me my first pair of real cowboy boots.
-for making me more tom-boyish and not so dainty.

I could definitely go on and on about my love for Texas, but I do love Arkansas too! I'm extremely excited about being closer to my family, the prospect of a new job and new school, meeting new people and re-connecting with old ones...oh, and there's a boy. :) But, we won't talk about him for fear of jinxing it!! Let's just say, it's a good thing and I seem to be listening to "Boy Like Me" by Jessica Harp pretty often these days. :) You guys should definitely download that song, you'll love it!

As much as I'll miss my life in Texas, I am ecstatic about my move home! I always thought I'd end up in Texas, but my Papa said he always knew I'd come back home. He said, "Kasey, you always come back where you start." I guess he knows me all too well.

♥k

edit: just to let you know...

I finished My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult tonight.

Pleasseee go out and get it.

Oh, and see the movie.

You won't regret it. :)

♥k

i love this week.

Can we all say AWESOME week? I love it! I'm so glad it's Friday! :) So, once again, this morning, the scale was good to me!! Thank you scale Gods! I have lost 4 pounds this week! That's so great to me because I went an ENTIRE MONTH at the same weight, finally some pay off! Misty and I have started switching days at the gym...we go one day and walk the next. We've made a nice 4.5 mile path to walk on the days we don't workout at the gym. :) I'm really loving being out in the sunshine and getting some fresh air.

This weekend, I've vowed to take it easy. I need to be saving money anyway for my big move home. :) So, tonight I'm going to rent Madea Goes to Jail and enjoy the rest of Lonesome Dove, which I have absolutely fallen in love with! I totally recommend this to all you gals, even if you don't like westerns...can you believe it's taken me THIS long to finally watch it? Hehe. :) I also have to grab some groceries after work, boo...I sure hate doing that! I'm getting kind of tired of my same ole' snacks...any ideas, girls? I could sure use the input!!

Update on My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult: FANTASTIC. I can hardly put it down...and it's an easy read so I'm already over halfway done. HUGE difference between this book and The Thorn Birds. I'm definitely going to look in to reading some more of Picoult's books. She seems great. :)

I'm treating myself to some Subway tonight for good behavior. :) A veggie sandwich sounds mighty delicious right now.

♥k

screw the thornbirds.

I sure hate to do this...
but I'm taking your advice and

I'm putting down The Thorn Birds.
Bleh, I swear...that book.
I just cannot get interested in it...and I'm only about
100 pages shy of finishing it...but I'm taking a break.
And while I'm taking my break I can start on my new books!
Starting with My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult.

I have been seeing Picoult's books out forever and thought some looked interesting but I just wasn't sure...so I decided to take Annie's
advice and start reading her!
So, I'll give you guys the verdict in a little while when I finish. I actually haven't even cracked the book yet, that's on my list for this afternoon. :)
Maybe it won't take me a freakin' month to finish this one!
Damn Thorn Birds.
♥k

it's about freakin' time.

FINALLY! The scale finally moved! It's a freakin' miracle! I'm now officially 7 pounds away from hitting my first big weight loss goal of 52 pounds! Sheesh...it took long enough! Frustrating doesn't even begin to cover what these last 10 pounds are doing to me....ugh! I'm going to the gym today to make sure those 2 pounds it took a freakin' month to lose STAY OFF!! :)

Saturday night was SHENANDOAH! WoOt! They were very good...a little older, but their sound was exactly the same! Carly and I didn't stay for the entire thing but we snapped a few pictures-
The next month and a half is going to be EXTREMELY busy for me. I'm moving back to the homeland, Arkansas, at the beginning of August and while I'm super excited and ready, I'm a bit apprehensive as well. New house. New job. New school. I've sent in 4 resumes so far, but that's about all I can do from 3 hours away. Luckily, my school stuff is pretty much taken care of because I was on the ball about that last week. :) Just waiting for my admittance letter and then I'll follow through with my financial aid. I'm SO excited about my move but it's just a bit stressful because it's happening in such a short time!

So, please go download this...Wide Open by Jason Aldean. You will not regret it! It's been in my CD player for the past 2 weeks...and it's one of those CDs that you don't have to skip songs!! GRRRREAT!!

♥k

sometimes it's the little things.

My blogging buddies are the best. Today I ran across another great blog that inspired me to post my own. :) My sorority sister Sara wrote a wonderful blog about small things in her life that make her happy. I loved it! :) So, I'm stealing her idea and writing my own!! She's right, you know, sometimes you get so stressed about everything going on in life that you forget to appreciate the little things that make your life worthwhile. Here, I'm going to let you in on some of those things in my life and show my appreciation!!

First and foremost, MY FAMILY! They have gotten me through LOTS of hard times. Thank goodness for my daily phone conversations with my Grandma, the advice my Papa gives me and the special bonds between my cousins!I think it's time for a new family picture! lol.

Secondly, my besties! Growing up, I always had more guy friends than girls for the simple reason that it was easier. Less drama. But, as I've gotten older I've realized the importance of great girlfriends. And I would DEFINITELY rather have one great night out with my girls than 10 fabulous dates.The best roomate EVER.

Emily, my partner in crime.
Amber & I plan to wreak havoc on Hot Springs. :)

Thirdly, my brother. I never thought I'd say this!! (haha) My brother has turned into a fine, young man and I couldn't be prouder of him. We used to fight like cats and dogs when we were young, but now that we're both adults, we have a great relationship. I couldn't ask for a finer baby brother.And lastly on my list of little blessings in my Riley Dean. I love that boy to pieces and he sure can turn my frown upside down!! He's so special and literally puts a smile on my face at the thought of him!! I'm so thankful the Lord put this little boy in my life and I can't wait to watch him grow up!! [From afar, since I'm moving. :(]Well, that's all from me today. You should definitely go check out Sara's blog and read her list of little blessings! :)

♥k