Now that Joe and I are better financially we decided that we are going to invest in original art work.

Beth’s sister Lynne is a talented artist and she created a piece that would work nicely in our space.  We need to measure our space and if it will fit we will most likely put it up in the dining area.  Possibly the living area.
We are also going to be looking into some local Artists in Charlotte.

The Manor (a movie theatre that showcases indie movies) always has original artwork displayed and for sale from local artists.

We may wait till the spring to see if there are any Art Festivals around.

We always wanted to differnt pieces for our space.  Now that I am back at work we can definitely make it happen sooner.

A couple weeks ago i inquired about becoming a Big Sister.  The woman that I was emailing with said that they only did interviews Tue and Thur mornings.

It really made me upset because I work and I just can’t take off right now for an interview.

I emailed her my availability for an interview and told her that I would try again in 6 months once i can get time off.

On Thursday I received an email from her asking me what we spoke about.  Apparently she has had alot of inquiries and didn’t remember what we spoke of.  I emailed her back what I told her before.

On Friday I receive a message asking if I can interview on February 9th at 2pm.  I let her know that I was going to be out of town for my Birthday.

So low and behold today i receive another email from her asking if I would be available on Feb 16th for an interview.

I am wondering if someone had a talking to the woman that does the interviews. When an organization is looking for volunteers how can they be so choosy with the times that they are interviewing?  Alot of people work and only have certain times that they can come in.

In the end I am happy that they thought about it and are able to interview me.  I am looking forward to becoming a Big Sister!

I went to my first meeting at Weight Watchers today and it felt great.  I remembered why I liked it so much before.  The meetings really help me.

I think I am going to stay for the Sunday meetings.  I really like the leader and the meeting was full.  Everyone was really nice as well.

The plan changed a little since the last time I was a member.

You used to be able to save some of your points for the weekend if you were going out to eat.  Now you have to eat all of your points and they give you and extra 35 points for the week if you need extra.  Going out to eat or if you are really hungry.  But if you don’t use the extra points you can’t carry them over to the following week.

It is going to work well again for me this time.  I like the structure of the plan and I need it.

Here’s to weight loss!

I made a decision. I am going back to Weight Watchers. I was very successful with them before.

The program kept me focused. The weighing in every week made me accountable. And it would be great seeing a weight loss every week. Even the weeks where I stayed the same were fine. Just as long as I didn’t see any gains.

I know myself. I am tired of trying to do it on my own. The sessions were great and kept me motivated.

This time I am going to stay till I hit my goal. I was so close to goal last time I went.

I always end up forgetting… I get down and I feel great and I get to a point where I feel I don’t need the help anymore and I can do it on my own. I also think that I can go and eat what I want and I will stay the same weight. Sounds stupid.

It eat very healthy. But my portions are out of control. Joe and I go out to eat and I can order the healthiest meal on the menu. But if they give me huge portions I eat most of it. Instead of cutting it in half.

I drink plenty of water so that won’t be a problem. I just have to get back in control.

I am scared of getting on the scale and seeing that number. Joe keeps telling me that the number doesn’t matter.  It is a starting point.  And it will go down from there.  He is such a great husband!

When we were living in Athens there were not many places that held Weight Watchers meetings. And the places that did only held them at night and I couldn’t get to them in time after work.

Charlotte has many centers. I am going today to sign up, but I am going to plan to go every Saturday morning for my meetings and weigh ins. I am making a plan. And this time I am going to succeed!

Happy Birthday to Joe!  He turned 34 today!

We went to a restaurant called Big Ben.  It is a family owned British theme restaurant.

Had a wonderful dinner there!  We will definitely be going back again.

I bought tickets to see Buckwheat Zydeco for his Birthday.  We saw him last night with his backup band.  That was alot of fun!

I also bought him some New Balance sneakers that he can wear when he works at Apple.  Dad sent him a gift certificate to New Balance early and with that he bought new workout sneakers.

He was joking with me and saying he has NEVER owned as many shoes as he has now.

I bought him Clarks for Christmas.  He still doesn’t have as many as me…. and i don’t think he ever will.

He enjoyed his Birthday even though he had to work. He still says that one of his gifts is me still living!.  He is too sweet!

I have been emailing back and forth with the woman from Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

I told her my availability for an interview. I said that I get off work at 1 on Fridays and could be there by 2 for an interview.

She tells me that they only do interviews on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

I am mad! Don’t these people know that there are people that want to work with children but they work full time?

I just started this job 2 months ago. I can’t just take time off to go on an interview. In the future I will be able to. But I would have to wait until I have time saved to do so.

I am outraged!

I am willing to be a big sister to any girl that needs one I am open to spending time with a girl. Even full weekends. To go to museums and bowling, the library…..some shopping. Just to show a girl different experiences. Now I am being told that I need to interview when they have the time.

It is just unfair!

I have been looking into the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program in Charlotte.  I have been emailing a woman from the Charlotte location for the last couple of days.

It is something I am really interested in and hoping to start volunteering for them soon.

It just depends if there are any girls available.

I am hoping I can start soon.  It would wonderful to be a mentor to a little girl! 

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Originally uploaded by spinme.

Pic of Claire. Kristy was taking random photos while we were walking around the neighborhood.

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Originally uploaded by spinme.

Relaxing on the couch!

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Originally uploaded by spinme.

Here is a picture of Calvin and the girls. This was taken this past weekend while they were visiting. There was a photo where Calvin was looking right at the camera, but Claire accidentally deleted it.

Either way it is a GREAT pic!