The Good, The Bad & The Fabulous

The Good:

I look nice and "buff" for my trip. Might not have lost as much weight as I wanted, but feeling good about my body.

The Bad:

My car (that was hit by a semi while parked) still isn't fixed. But will be good as new when I get back from vacation. Fingers crossed.

The Fabulous:

The forecast for part of the time I will be in West Palm Beach! Peace out freaders! :)

Because They're THAT Good

Pete Shagman's Famous Breakfast Muffins
I can't take credit for this recipe, but it is one I have to share with all of you. These are the best damn breakfast muffins on the planet. Like, Tater Tot Casserole good. You can quote me on that.

Ingredients:

• Crescent rolls -- I get the round biscuit shaped ones, for ease of use.
• 3-4 eggs -- too many and they puff up too much
• Bacon/Sausage -- about a half a pound, I use maple sausage
• Onion Powder -- teaspoon or two to taste
• Garlic Powder --teaspoon or two to taste
• 6oz Cream Cheese --softened
• Cheddar Cheese -- I use about a half an 8 oz block, cut into 1/4" cubes

Directions

1. Preheat to 375.
2. Cook bacon or sausage and set aside. Flatten crescent rolls and press into Pam'd muffin pans. (Use the big muffin pans)
3. Soften cream cheese and add eggs, garlic salt and onion powder and blend/beat/mix
4. Drop a little bacon/sausage and cheese chunks into crescent cups. Pour egg mixture in, then a little bit more bacon/sausage/cheese chunks on top.
5. Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the centers are NO LONGER JIGGLY! Eggs will start to brown slightly around the edges. Eat warm!

Don't mind my amateur photography.

Yum! And they freeze really well too, had one this morning and put in the microwave for about 45 seconds or so.

Enjoy!

I Can't Believe I'm Posting This On The Internet

Alternately titled: "My 30 Day Shred Results"

Yesterday I hit 30 days straight with the lovely Jillian Michaels as my trainer (via her DVD of course). I have to say I am really glad I stuck with it. I have real muscles. I don't feel like I'm 90 years old after walking up 5 flights of stairs. My asthma is more under control. I'm not winded after a long bike ride (or marathon sex). I could take Jillian Michaels in a fight. OK, maybe not that last one.

I took pictures at the beginning thinking maybe I would post them with after photos. I debated last night and said to myself "Really? Do you really want to post a picture of yourself in a sports bra ON THE INTERNET?!"

But I really, truly believe in this workout plan. I may not have knock-you-out-of-your-seats results. But I have results. After only 30 days. And to me, that's saying something.

Results:
-4 lbs.
-1.5" around waist
-1.25" around hips
-.5" around upper thighs
::I can button a pair of capris I couldn't even fit into last summer
::Yes, I've been "fake and baking" for my upcoming Florida trip
::Yes, that is the same outfit, 30 days later :)





Along with the 30 Day Shred workout, I followed a healthier meal plan: ate a lot of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and organic foods; no fried or fast food; cut down on dairy, enriched flour and processed sugar; increased my protein and fiber intake; and drank lots of water.

[Not saying that there wasn't one Saturday I may have indulged in a large scoop of peanut butter, caramel and chocolate ice cream, but let's just keep that between us.]

So, if you're looking for a workout that you can fit into your day and get results, I would definitely recommend it. I plan on continuing it for another 30 days in fact! Except today. Today, I'm taking a day off in celebration :)

That Time I (Unknowingly) Met A Country Singer*

Scene: My friend and I are walking up to the bar, excited to see a concert of one of my favorite country singers, Craig Morgan. Enter, Guy on Motorcycle (GOM)

GOM: Hey ladies, what's going on here tonight?

Friend: Craig Morgan is having a concert.

GOM: What does he sing?

Both of us: Country music.

GOM: I know, I meant what songs?

(Friend looks at me to answer, since I am the semi-obsessed fan)

Me: Little Bit of Life, International Harvester, God Must Really Love Me

GOM: I see. Hope you girls have a good time!

(We continue on to the entrance of the bar where we see a few security guys chuckling.)

Bouncer: Did you ladies know the guy on the bike?

(We shake our heads no.)

Bouncer: Yeah... that was Craig Morgan.

---

Wow. I have never felt like a bigger dumbass.

Although, in my defense he had on a rather large helmet and aviator sunglasses. And I've only seen him on album covers!

Not as exciting as Katelin meeting Joshua Jackson and announcing her surprise engagement, but I have to work with what I got folks.







Maybe the bouncers were pulling our legs. But really, what male country singer wouldn't approach two ladies who got all dolled up for his concert? :)



*And Was Nearly Trampled For A Guitar Pick

What's Your Beef Wednesday :: The Blogging/Social Media Edition

Thought I'd throw it back to an old blog tradition - the What's Your Beef Wednesday tradition that is. If you're a new reader, I got this idea for a post from my favorite local radio station. They do this segment every Wednesday morning and I think it's great.

Basically I vent in the post, you vent in the comments. It's stress relieving. Here goes:

• Plagiarism. I was completely surprised and disgusted by this story. Blogging is supposed to be an outlet, a way to tell stories about what is going on IN YOUR OWN LIFE. Why would anyone even be interested in retelling someone else's life happenings? I truly don't see the benefit. The strangest part to me was that she even continued the charade in real life.
  
• Obsessive Tweeting. Yes, if I follow you, I do want to know what's going on in your life, hear witty things that you have to say, or watch hilarious YouTube video links you post. But I also need a breather every once in awhile.
  
• Facebook version 3,989. Really, Facebook, we like it the way it is. Or was... or... JUST STOP CHANGING IT ALREADY.
  
• Non-responsiveness. When I leave a comment on a blog post, one of these things is happening: I have something funny/witty to say, thought the post was exceptional, have my own personal experience/advice to share, or have a legitimate question. As long as it's not a hypothetical question or something really personal, can I have an answer?
  
• The way Blogger handles comments. This goes along with the last bullet. Sometimes I can't answer questions people pose to me because of the way Blogger allows comments. That is one thing I do like about Wordpress, you have to leave an e-mail address!
• Tweet Spammers. Enough already. Quit following me. No, I do not plan on following you back.

And one final, unrelated to blogging/social media, beef:

• Hershey is duping us. They made the Cadbury Creme eggs noticeably SMALLER this year. The proof from a Conan O'Brien show. Did they think this one would get by us? (Thanks for sharing Liz.)
  

Now it's your turn. What's your beef today (blogging related or otherwise)? Feel free to use caps, it really helps get the point across.


The WYBW Archives:
Volume One
Volume Two :: The Men Suck Edition
Volume Three
Volume Four
Volume Five :: The Road Rage Edition

Eighteen Days & Counting...

...until I leave for sunny Florida! West Palm Beach to be exact. I am more than thrilled about this upcoming vacation. We originally planned for a 4 day weekend in Hilton Head to celebrate my friend Heather's birthday, but another friend of mine had connections and we ended up booking a timeshare for an ENTIRE WEEK for under $200!

Rough economy - travel & lodging for under $200 + 7 friends to split everything else with = Michelle still going on vacation!

At a development meeting Heather and I attended last week, it was brought to our attention that we need a theme for our vacation. Thought I'd share with you guys what's in the mix:

• Pimpin' in the Palms '09
• How I Met Your Father
• Hoes Before Bros: WPB Style
• We WILL Shake Our Tail Feathers
  
• Tequila & Triangle Tops Hellz Yeah
• 8 Girls Sure Can Pimp Out a Mini Van
• West Palm Biotches: We're a "Shore" Thing

Hilarious, right? Feel free to throw out your ideas, I know how creative you guys are! The best part? I'm planning on getting tank tops made once we decide. They're going to be so surprised*.

This vacation has been all I can think about lately, as you can probably tell from my tweets, Facebook status messages, new bathing suit and sundress purchases, increased workouts and well, this post. I will be pinching myself until I'm actually on the plane! Have any of you ever been to West Palm Beach? Any nightlife suggestions or other must-sees?


Yes, I bought 2 of the same dress in different colors. How could you not for $10.50? Thank you, Forever 21.


*You know, if I actually design them in time.

A Walking Contradiction

I believe in lasting love, but am convinced I'll never find it myself.

I am a registered democrat, but tolerable of guns and the death penalty and wary about unions and universal health care.

I am the daughter of a banker, but often spend frivolously and haven't balanced my checkbook in quite awhile.

I graduated summa cum laude from college, but only scored an 1120 on my SATs.

I am offended when others don't trust me, but find it hard to trust the guys I'm dating.

I want to see the world and crave adventure, but have only been on a plane once.

I am a hard-core Mac lover, but spend most of my time on a PC.

I was voted as having the best big blog on 20-something bloggers, then promptly dropped off the face of the internet for months with little desire to blog at all.

I act and feel confident about myself (sometimes even cocky) when I meet someone new, but can very easily lose all of that confidence at one fell swoop.

And most definitively:
I choose to wear my heart on my sleeve, but adhere it with super glue and avoid anything that has even the slightest chance of tearing it off.