Wordless Wednesday

There's a + sign?!

You thought it meant I was pregnant didn't ya?! Not quite.

There is a + sign to being stuck on crutches, stuck on the couch and having limited movement. I don't know how I did it b/c I stood next to the scale for a good 10 minutes before I got the courage to put even a fraction of my weight on my right foot to get my left one onto the scale. Probably because it's Wednesday and today was my Weight Watches meeting that I couldn't attend because I didn't go to work today. But I got on the scale and I'm down 3.5 lbs from my weight last Wednesday. I think I have eaten maybe 2 meals a day since I hurt myself. I have to ask Brian to make me something, bring it to me and pick up after me and that's just annoying. I know he does it and doesn't even complain but I think laying here and concentrating on the pain makes me nauceous and just not as hungry. So as mad as I am that I will work less than 20 hours this week and the fact that I will probably be on crutches for the next 2-3 weeks means something good came out of this injury. I know, I'm ridiculous right?

 I'm tired, so very tired. I feel like I haven't slept in 4 days. I did get about 4 hours last night and took a mid-afternoon nap with Brian. whooooooo! The most I've gotten since Saturday night. I don't think my foot is getting better I'm just starting to cope with it better. I do have an appt tomorrow and I'm hoping they can tell me what is wrong, fix it or at least give me something to stop the pain.

Oh and boy did I forget how much being on crutches suckssssss. Probably because I'm too heavy so it's a strain to have all my weight on one foot and I didn't realize until I went to work yesterday how much of a daunting task it was to hobble my way to my desk. I swear it took me 3x longer than normal.

But Brian has been great. Getting me food, ice packs, food and driving me to and from work. He's been a sweetheart and makes sure I'm tucked in and my foot is proped up. He's cute and I love him.  Oh and he's helping me make double chocolate cupcakes and the timer just went off. So I'm off to go help him.. hopefully we will decorate them tonight!

Ouch!

I'm not exactly sure what happened but I'm in pain. It started after the race and it's had me immobile for the past three days. I'm hoping to get an appt tomorrow, I'm on the wait list. But if not, crutches it is for probably the next 2-3 weeks. Lucky me, the real bummer = no half-marathon for me in 6 weeks :(

5 MILES!

I completed my first 5 mile race, in 1:16:42. That's an average of a 15 minute/mile! I was #758 out of the 824 that finished! It was long, and very hilly. It was through the apple orchards, strawberry fields and pumpkins! It was a beuatiful view but my feet HURT! I've never done 5 miles before. Emily, Brian's cousin jog/walked it with me. She was the reason I probably finished, so Thanks again Emily!  I'm defintely getting way more nervous for the half-marathon. Only 6 weeks and 1 day away!

What a surprise

So I started talking to my dad's mom again. She is sort of behind the reason why I didn't talk to my dad from the age of 16-18 so... it's sort of a big deal. She has a big heart, has had lots of health problems in the past few years and well I have a lot I want to learn from her. I went to see her a few weeks ago and she mentioned something to me. I'm the oldest grandchild.. Well not her oldest grandchild but the oldest of her and my grandfather. Well there is a funny story to that too. I thought growing up he was my step-grandpa. He died on September 10th, 2001. He also had a lot of health issues. My dad was 39 when my grandpa passed away. My dad has basically mirror image health issues as my grandpa and his size matched. So my dad's significant other convinced him to have a DNA test done. To get you some more back story. My Grandma was married and my grandpa were married when they met. They ended up splitting with their ex's and got married and blended their families. Well when the DNA test came to light we were all a little shocked... it was his real dad. He never called him "dad". Well I am sure he did but no one except a few people even knew. So those who are my grandma and her first husbands grandkids are only my half cousins. I am the oldest Knoll/Hoppe grandchild and I get passed on her wedding rings. I guess it's because my dad's mom is a lot older than my mom's, it just is getting a little bit more real that I will be getting things passed on to me... ME. I'm somebody! Not that I didn't feel like I was, but it was something those two shared even if their marriage was strange to some. I get to keep something to pass on to MY children someday. It made me feel important, cherished and a part of something.

That's all for now.

Wordless Wednesday

Day 30

Day 30 → A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.

Dear Rebecca, Becky, Becca, B, Baby, Honey... oh you know. Y-O-U!

Be proud of who you have become. You are strong, smart, loving, caring, easy going, loud, funny, and while obnoxious at times you know people can count on you for a hand to hold, a good laugh and always a pat on the back. Or at least I like to think so. You let them know when you don't think the same way as them, when they look fat in something and when you think your two cents should be heard. When you set your mind to something you almost always achieve it, some things just might take longer than others. You love hard and play harder. I give you credit for being honest with yourself and those who are around you. You recognize when you are in a bad mood and try to correct it[this most defintely applies when I am at work] You got your AA degree on your own and busted your butt, and will paying for it. But you did it all on your own. It's okay to not have to be done up all the time, wearing yoga pants to the grocery store is OK but just remember not to let the gas tank get too low that Brian has to come to your rescue again. [You know he has done it one to many times] Stay positive and keep your head up. Things could always be worse. Keep goals in sight but still have a few that make you reach for the stars. Remember that money is just that.. money and it doesn't buy you everything.

Day 28 & 29

Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?

I'd probably scream, then cry, then call everyone in my family [after Brian of course] and then probably just go numb. No joke, that's what would happen. Part of me thinks I'm ready to be a mom but other parts knows I want to wait 4-5 more years and enjoy more time with Brian, have both of us get our 4 year degrees and travel more. But if I were to get pregnant even though I know we are NOT actively trying it would be god's will and Brian and I would both embrace it because we do want children someday.


Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
I hope to change the negativity that I carry around in my life. I was probably THE most positive person in the world when Brian was deployed 2 years ago and I want to get back to that. Losing the weight I want to and getting healthy will help my self esteem which is probably where I took the hit, so give me 7-8 month and I hope to come back around!

Day 27

Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?

What isn't going well for me right now? A husband who is coming around to finally transitioning from his time in the Marines, the best family in the whole wide world who are always there to answer my phone call [even if it is a stupid question i've asked a million times], getting in touch with old friends who i've really been meaning to connect with since we moved back home, a great paying job, a brand new car and two healthy, loving, cuddly pups! I have a roof over my head for winter, a million things to look forward to and basically the world at my fingertips. Right now life is what I make of it and I can't wait to do everything within my power!

Day 24, 25 & 26

Day 24 → Make a play list to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Skipping this b/c I just don't have time to do this.


Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
I believe I am alive today b/c I have worked my butt off. I've made mistakes, I've overcome challenges and I've loved. I've loved and lost, and then gained so much more. I am where I am because I got myself here and I'm happy. I have an amazing family, great friends, a husband who would do just about anything for me, a job, a nice car and a roof over my head.


Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Giving up on life or just the one I'm living? I have a few times. This transition has not been easy. I don't think the entire time I was in NC I wanted to "give up" but man I've had some bad days this year where I want to just walk away and start over from scratch. But I know that won't help anything. I'm content where I am. Life is a work in progress and it's not always rainbows and butterflies. Do I wish I had more free time? Of course I do. But I also am glad I have the money to do the things I want to do, when I want to do them. So life is not without some sacrifices.

Day 23

Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.

I wish I would have traveled more when I was younger. Maybe stayed in college and studied abroad like my sister. Worked my butt off to travel the U.S. and road trip with some friends. I feel like I haven't traveled or been around the world. Brian traveled everywhere when he was young and I can't wait to do that with our family.

Day 22

Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Something I wish I wouldn't have done? If there was a single thing I would change that I wouldn't be where I am right now.  But if I had to say anything I guess it would be leaving my house the day after I had a nightmare of hitting someone and then actually doing it. Obviously I find no correlation there but I do. I had the dogs with me, it was almost rush hour and it cost me $500 bucks and 2 weeks without my car. But it was a lesson learned and you can be sure that I won't let that happen again. At least me hitting someone, I can't control anyone else.

My first experiment with dessert cooking!

I've made desserts before but nothing too over-the-top. I don't want to do this for a living but I starting following a blog and she's gotten me into really wanting to start making desserts for my family that are smaller portions and healthier but that still taste amazing! Tonight I decided to try out my first thing.

Angel food cupcakes with whipped frosting and sprinkles!

Enjoy the pictured steps!

Day 20 & 21

Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.

Honestly I think they both suck. I have never done a drug in my life that wasn't prescribed to me. I think they both can lead to addictions and are not necessary. I think doing any kind of drug that your dr does not prescribe to you, is you asking for a problem and I think those who drink do it to escape from reality. I don't drink. I've never been drunk and don't ever plan on getting drunk. I understand a glass of wine or a drink with dinner or friends. But getting completely wasted and not being able to remember who you are, where you are or remember what you do is the lamest excuse ever. And the people who do it over, and over and over again honestly baffle me. I find no fun in it whatsoever.

Day 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
I'd run to her side. It doesn't matter if when we fought we kicked eachothers teeth in. A best friend is a best friend and I know she'd do the same for me. I am able to count on two hands the number of people who I could count my best friends and if they needed me I'd be there in a heartbeat. end of story.

101 things to do in 1001 days!

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as new year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Project Start Date: October 1st, 2010
Estimated Date of Finish: July 1st, 2013

1. Have a child[ren]
2. Finish a half-marathon
3. Run one mile without stopping [10/19/10]
4. Visit Vegas [12/3/2010]
5. Go to Texas to see Bay's baby [3/22/2011]
6. Make Brian's shadow boxes of his time in the MC
7. Sew myself a dress
8. Get 10,000 in my savings acct
9. Lose 50+ lbs
10. Cook every recipe out of a cookbook
11. Finish my existing scrapbooks
12. Attempt snowboarding again
13. Visit NYC and go to the top of the Empire State Building
14. Get a brazilian wax
15. Volunteer for the homeless
16. Go on a cruise
17. Graduate from college
18. Create a build-a-bear
19. Go Geo-Caching
20. Go to a Yoga class
21. Stay at a B&B
22. Call in sick to work for no reason
23. Bake a 3-layer cake and decorate
24. Become CPR certified
25. Throw someone a surprise party
26. Donate to a charity
27. Swim with dolphins
28. See a psychic
29. Have a complete spa treatment
30. Learn to do screen printing
31. Climb a mountain
32. Release a message in a bottle
33. Learn to knit
34. Learn to crochet
35. Create a will
36. Write a letter to myself in 10 years [10/22/2010]
37. Donate blood
38. Send a secret to Postsecret
39. Go horseback riding
40. Buy a lottery ticket
41. Go to a cake decorating class
42. Get a passport
43. Carve my name on a tree
44. Buy a house
45. Make ice cream from scratch
46. Buy something from Etsy
47. Plant a tree
48. Join a bookclub
49. Join a new church
50. Go rock climbing
51. Join a gym [11/16/2010]
52.Email someone from the past [11/12/2010]
53. Donate gently worn clothes to goodwill [1/5/2011]
54. Make a wish at 11:11 on November 11th, 2011
55. Register to vote [10/13/2010]
56. Get Health Insurance [2/1/2011]
57. Pay off college loans
58. Go to the Fulton Brewery
59. Visit Wisconsin Dells
60. Try a new wine [11/24/2010]
61. Take a self-defense class
62. Look at the stars through a telescope
63. Name a star after Brian
64. Buy and start using reusable shopping bags [1/15/2011]
65. Write a note and tie it to a balloon
66. Ride in a limo
67. Buy an expensive dress
68. Ride a mechanical bull
69. Learn to change my own oil
70. Memorize family phone numbers  [2/2/2011]
71. Leave a random note in a library book
72. Do a Polar Plunge
73. See my favorite NC girls again someday
74. Write a mini-book about how we fell in love
75. Buy new fluffy pillows
76. Create myself a "Fulton" wallart
77. Have my grandmother teach me how to sew
78. Go water-skiing
79. Volunteer at the Boys and Girls club
80. Go to a concert [12/06/2010]
81. Go to a midnight showing premiere of a movie [11/18/2010]
82. Buy new dishware set
83. Make my own headbands
84. Have my wedding rings re-set
85. Paint a whole room myself [10/7/2010]
86. Assist in laying down flooring

87. Go to the Renaissance festival
88. Don't buy anything for a whole week
89. Dance in the rain
90. Influence someone else to do this project [10/9/2010, Meagan!]
91. Complete a coloring book
92. Build an igloo
93. Open a IRA
94. Buy a car   [10/2/2010]
95. Take pictures in a photobooth
96. Learn to play a song on a guitar
97. Go camping in BWCA
98. Create a family tree
99. Go to a Twins Game at Target Field
100. Go back to Oceanside, CA where our love story began
101. Learn how to say I love you in 5 different languages

Day 19

Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?

I think lots of things about religions. I know for one I don't agree with all of them. But I do know it's not my right to view people that way and to judge them because they were brought up being taught that religion or choose to follow it. I don't follow a religion per say even though I would call myself Catholic. I believe and pray to god often but somethings I still am not sure on what I believe.

Politics. Ugh. I hate politics. I wish we could scratch how it all works and start over. I think the founding fathers would be ashamed with how our gov't is run right now and I wish more people would learn from their mistakes instead of making the same mistakes over and over again. I also wish politicians... men and women would keep their legs closed and stop sleeping around, lying, cheating and trying to be someone their not to get into office. It's honestly just getting old all the headlines in the news.

Day 17 & 18

Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.

The Five Love Languages. Anyone who has read this book knows why and I think everyone should read it. While they are in High School, College, Before Marriage, After Marriage and everywhere in between. You're life changes and so does your love language with the different changes in your life and I know mine has, so has Brian's. So read it, it will bring light to not only your love relationship, but others around you!

Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.
Some people will disagree on this and I'm fine with that. I'm catholic, was raised Roman Catholic in a great church and I truly honestly believe that Marriage is between one man and one woman. I don't believe that gays should not have the right to be together and be treated the same way as a man and woman who are married but I do not think it should be called Marriage. Why do they want to have it be called "marriage" anyways? I don't understand what the difference between civil union and marriage is in their eyes. They know in the Bible it states Marriage is between a man and a woman and they know it's different for them. In the eyes of the goverment it's a civil union, a piece of paper, different tax deductions and better healthcare options. Some people may believe I'm really a one sided person but I understand they want to be in a union. My grey area is why can't they leave it as that and leave the word "marriage" out of it.

Day 16

Day 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without.
I know what I could live without.... people who lie. I hate people who lie. Whether they do it to try to be nice about it, there is no such thing as a good lie and defintely not if you are not good at it. It always comes back to bite you in the butt, so why do it? Ugh, I wish for one day everyone couldn't lie and could actually say what they mean.

Day 15

Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.

I don't know if I could live without my phone. I hate to admit it but I love the thing. When I didn't have a phone for a day I hated it. I can live without it, I knwo I could. But that doesn't mean I want to!

The new addition to the Fulton Family

A 2010 Mazda 6 i Touring. She's a beauty. I'm still debating on having a moonroof/sunroof put in in the spring but we'll see how money is at that time! Without further adu... Meet Chrissy!!

My new love!

 the back

 Obviously we're excited!

 My $3000 dollar down payment!

 Brian signing the last piece of paper that makes it ours!!



 Here you can see the chrome detailing

And not only did I get a new car, but Brian and I also were able to finish many of the things on our to do list before winter hits. Which includes cleaning out the garage so my car can fit!

 We worked on the yard and even made a compost site!

 And Thank you Cub Foods for having buy one, get one roast, carrots, potatoes and onions! Enough for 3-4 sunday night dinners!

 And last but not least... us :]

Day 13 & 14

Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
(I'm skipping this, b/c I just don't have one)

Day 14 → A hero that has let you down. (letter)  

My hero,

You were my idol. I had put you so high on a pedastel that when you did what you did you came crashing down into a million pieces. I wish you wouldn't have reacted the way you did, I know you have a temper, I know your stubborn but I loved you more than anyone and would have done anything for you. How was I supposed to know at 16 that something so little would be blown out of the water and cause such a rift for almost 2 years. I was finally the one who came around, I sometimes wonder if you ever would have if I didn't. We still don't have the same relationship 5 years later. But we have time. I hope it gets there again one day.

My 101 things to do in 1001 days countdown starts today!

I'm pretty stoked about it. Obviously my goal is to get all of these done but that doesn't mean it will happen. [money permitting of course] But I'm going to start it off right, a few this weekend is my goal! I just hope in 2.75 years I remember that I'm doing this and can complete them all!