My Future Wedding

I KNOW I'M YELLING AND I'M SO SORRY! OMG! IF I EVER GET MARRIED THIS IS WHERE IT WILL BE......OMG! OMG! OMG! CAN YOU GUESS WHERE? I HAD NO IDEA THIS WAS AN OPTION.

PATTY'S FUTURE WEDDING


MAYBE

Cloudy With a Chance of Sunshine

I almost forgot that I needed to post my usual Sunday progress. The most positive thing that happened this week was that we are underway in our Biggest Loser Contest. We all are committing to 6 months of healthy living. Everyone keep your fingers crossed that I kick some ass in the next coming months.

One unfortunate event this week was that I received a letter telling me that my Curves was merging with another Curves. This one will not be as close and it will be inconvenient for me to go to. So I think I will have to cancel my membership and rely strictly on walking with my dad.

On a different note, I'm sorry my posts have not been more interesting lately. I can't believe how tired I've been since coming back from spring break. I think all the traveling took it's toll on me. I'm not as young as I used to be. I am 30, remember?

Drum Roll Please!!!!!!!!!!

And the winner is.....

Yay!

Emalee from i Am Me

I want to thank everyone for playing. I enjoyed the scavenger hunt and I've found some great, new blogs. Hopefully Jen and I will have a round 2 or cook up a whole new contest in the future. Head over to Jen's blog to see who won her blog make over.

I Promise

I just wanted to reassure everyone that Jen and I will be drawing for our grand prize winners of our FFFF Scavenger Hunt this week. We had every intention of doing so today but I had a follow-up doctor's appointment and both of us were pretty beat after our first day back from spring break. We promise to do it this week. Im actually really eager to see who the winner is.

Cloudy With a Chance of Sunshine

Please don't even ask!

Spring Break = Bad Patty

I'm now heading into detox

Safe and Sound

This post is being written from my very own bed at home. I have to say that this week seemed like one of those dream weeks. Truth be told, I've never experienced one before so I'm assuming this is what a dream week feels like. Unfortunately, on St. Patrick's Day I switched out my purses (I had a green one for St. Paddy's Day) and forgot to put in my camera and carry it around so...again no pictures. I'm a dork.

Obviously the reason I had such a marvelous week was my quality time with Matt. There are no specific reasons why I feel our time was dream-like. What can I say? He's a sweet guy and he treats me well. We had intense and amazing conversations. We were dorks together and laughed a bunch. We got to know each other better. I like what I got to know. He also gave me a tour of Austin, but not the tourist-y tour...the local tour. It was so sweet. To tell y'all the truth, I can't exactly put into words what I feel. But I can say it feels great!

Matt also humored me and my LOVE for cupcakes. I told him about an article I read about Hey Cupcake! We went first thing on Tuesday (it's closed on Mondays). He even took me back on Thursday before leaving Austin so I could bring some home. Three great days!

Now would be a good time to share a little more about my issues. I've always considered myself a bit of a commitment-phobe. Not really sure why. There is something about having to take someone else into consideration while making a decision that I don't like. I love my independence. But I suppose I had yet to meet someone I wouldn't mind doing that with or for. The other fear is that I haven't exactly ever invested this much into a relationship (hence my commitment issues). I guess I'm afraid of losing it all. The honest truth is that I've always felt that if I didn't invest too much into a guy then I couldn't get too hurt. And now I'm in way deeper than ever and quite frightend. But I'll take each day one at a time and enjoy it. Because right now I am extremely HAPPY and so IN LOVE.

Oh yeah, and San Antonio was a blast too. I went to visit my old school and all my friends there. We had dinner and drinks and laughed our asses off. I'll be back in 3 weeks for a quiceanera. Stay tuned for part two...

Fresh Flip Flop Find - Day 7

I want to thank Jen for helping me yesterday. She really saved my behind on that one. I'm sad to say today is our final day of the scavenger hunt for a few reasons. For one, the end of our contest means the end of spring break in general. The thing is that soon I will annouce the winner of the scavenger hunt.

So for the last time. : ( My featured bloggers are:

• Daisigirl from The Un-Gourmet

• Jen and Rob

• Ryan from Optimistic Cynicism

Day 6's question is: Which blogger might have had a run in with me because we were in the same city at the same time during spring break?

Happy reading everyone!

Fresh Flip Flop Find-Day 6 (Brought to you by Jen)

Hi everyone, this is Jen from Following the Footsteps! I am holding down the fort here at Little Miss Sunshine's blog while Patty is on vacation this week for Spring Break!! I am excited to be her guest blogger today while she's unable to get Internet access!!

I want to personally thank all of Patty's readers for joining our Bloggity game this week! We have had so much fun and I just love this community that has been established this week!! I hope even after tomorrow, our last and final day of FFFF, we continue to read and support each other through comments!! I guess I better get to why I am here today.....Our featured bloggers!!


Mom to Bee

A Duck in Her Pond

Seriously Too-Weight For it


Day 6's question: Which featured blogger is an inspiration to her co-workers to work harder at winning their school's "Biggest Loser" Competition?

Patty will be back tomorrow for the final day Fresh Flip Flop Find! Happy Searching Everybody!!

Fresh Flip Flop Find Day - 5

Don't miss out! The FFFF Scavenger Hunt is almost over. Find out how to join the fun here!

Here we are on Day 5 of our scavenger hunt. I've really enjoyed getting to know and meet some awesome women. All the featured blogs have been such a delight to read. And I'm so sorry if I haven't gotten to you. I've read so many I've loved that I haven't been able to feature.

Without any further delay my featured bloggers today are:

• Dianna Kennedy from The Kennedy Adventures

• Christina from Men in England Would Love You!

• Michelle from Blessed Quiver

Day 5's question is: Which featured blogger loves scrapbooking, San Francisco, Sex and the City, shoes, shopping, the number seven and St. Patrick's Day? Hmmmm, I wonder why everything she loves starts with the letter S. Ha, ha!

Fresh Flip Flop Find Day - 4

Join in on the fun! Read about our scavenger hunt here!

Hello everyone. I hope y'all are enjoying your week. We are now a little more than half way through with our FFFF Scavenger Hunt.

Today's featured bloggers are:

• DawnS from Rylee for Life

• Stacy from Stacy's Random Thoughts

• Jenn from Jenn AKA Future Mama
  

Today's question is: Which blogger's cute and adorable kiddos re-enacted Kung Fu Panda after renting and watching it?

So Sorry

Hello everyone! Currently I am in Austin enjoying time with my boyfriend. Aside from doing the FFFF Scavenger Hunt I haven't been able to read much less comment on any blogs. I am so sorry! I promise to be back and full of comments after spring break!

I hope everyone is enjoying reading and becoming followers of new blogs. I know I am!

Fresh Flip Flop Find - Day 3

Join the fun! Read about the FFFF Scavenger Hunt here!

Here we are on day three of our FFFF Scavenger Hunt. Today's featured bloggers are:

• The Rambler from My Rambling Thoughts

• Celine from My life, my hopes, my future

• Alex from Running away? I'll help you pack.

Today's questions is: Which featured blogger awarded moi (that's French for me) with the "Honest Scrap" Award? And in the process she honestly answered that she loves the movie Dumb and Dumber, wishes she lived at Disneyland, is considering going back to school to become a special education teacher, and believes in angels.

Thanks for playing everyone. Hmmm...I'm thinking tomorrow's question will be challenging. Then again I am on spring break so my brain is mush!

Cloudy With a Chance of Sunshine

This post will be short because I'm writing from San Antonio and I'm on spring break. Y'all know what that means? I may fall victim to bad choices. I will try very hard. Really, I will.

This week I did manage to make it to Curves...um just once. But I continued on my drink more water kick.

Not much else to tell or confess about. Thanks for listening. Talk to y'all soon.

Greetings from the Road

If you are reading this post then you should know that I am currently on I-10 heading to San Antonio to hang out with my friends. Then on Monday I will head on 35 North to Austin to spend much anticipated time with my boyfriend, Matt. Spring break is gonna rock this year!!!

I'll be sure to post pictures and things from my trip!

I hope y'all have been enjoying our Fresh Flip Flop Find Scavenger Hunt. I've had a blast getting to know new blogs and I hope y'all are too.

Fresh Flip Flop Find - Day 2

Join the fun! Read all about our FFFF Scavenger Hunt here!

Hello again! I'm so excited to share my three featured bloggers for day 2 of the FFFF Scavenger Hunt.

• Cindy from Art Spectrum

• Rebecca Jo from Knit By God's Hand

• Sturgmom from Sturgmom, In General

Today's question is: Which one of the featured bloggers is a bargain hunter? She bought a pink pedometer for only $6.00 at Target. Way to go! Hope you enjoy your walks!!!

On a different note. I finally have the chance to post a picture of the bracelet and earrings that I made and will be giving away. If you win them and don't like them you can always re-gift them.

Fresh Flip Flop Find - Day 1

Join in on the fun. Learn about the FFFF Scavenger Hunt here.

Good morning everyone! It's day one of our FFFF Scavenger Hunt. Today's 3 featured bloggers are:

• Bonnie from Seriously?

• Alicia from Yaya Stuff

• Emalee from i Am Me

And today's question is: Which featured blogger has a song of the week post on her blog? Some of the artists she's posted on include Kelly Clarkson, Coldplay, and Michael Jackson.

Remember to show each of the featured bloggers some comment love and to answer my question as a comment on this post. Only your first answer will be considered so read each blog carefully.

A change to my comments setting

Read about our scavenger hunt here!

Just a heads up that the comments settings have changed on my blog for the duration of the Fresh Flip Flop Find Scavenger Hunt. My original comments settings will resume after the scavenger hunt. Thanks for your cooperation on this. Hope y'all enjoy getting to know new blogs.

Road Trip, Baby!

Read about our scavenger hunt here!

Today is Friday and I'm officially on spring break. What am I going to do you ask? I will be taking a road trip to San Antonio to visit friends. I lived there for 9 years so I've go a few people to see. And...I'll be visiting Matt in Austin.

No worries everyone. I will be taking my laptop with me so I will be able to read and comment on all of your blogs. I can't survive not doing so. Y'all have become a part of my life.

I know many of you already had your spring break. If you did what did you do? If you haven't yet, what will you be doing?

Be safe and careful if you are traveling. Happy Spring Break!!!!!!

Fresh Flip Flop Find

In anticipation of Spring Break Jen from Following the Footsteps and I are excited to host a fun contest! Unlike any contest you’ve participated in before, you have to flip flop through blogs in order to find clues to our Blog Scavenger Hunt!!

Here’s how it works! Next week, March 14-March 20, during Spring Break, we commit to really getting to know THREE blogs EVERYDAY! Each day we will feature these three blogs and post a question about one of them. You will then need to search these blogs for the answer and hopefully get to know this blog better too! We also encourage you to comment on each of the featured blogs. Once you find the answer come back to the post with the question and leave the answer in the comment section. That’s all you have to do! Your comment with the correct answer will enter you into our contest! Our hope is that we will meet some wonderful bloggers by going beyond commenting on the first post and really reading and getting to know the authors of our featured blogs!

So starting Saturday March 14th until Friday March 20 we will each post a question. Both Jen From Following Footsteps and I will be getting to know different blogs and posting different questions all week. That means you have the opportunity to enter our contest 14 times!!

The only rules are:

1) You show the blog you visit some comment love
2) Comment on Patty and Jen’s blogs with your answer. Make sure you have the correct answer because we will only take your first answer
3) Comment must be left on the appropriate blog for the appropriate question of the day

Wondering what you could win? We have decided to giveaway 1 Blog Makeover* From Jenieshell's Design Challenge and some hand made jewelry made by yours truly!!! If you answer my questions and comment here you will be entering to win the jewelery! If you're interested in winning a blog makeover head over to Jen's blog and answer her questions!! I will be posting a picture of the jewelry later in the week!

If you would like to be one of our three featured blogs please use Mr. Linky below to link your blog here!

We look forward to our Fresh Flip Flop Find!! Doesn’t this sound like FUN? Please join us!

*Only Blogger Blogs will be eligible for the Blog Makeover!

New Award

I just got the Love Ya Award from one of my favorite bloggers, Gwen B. (aka Skinny Bitch) from GOT to be KIDDING me. I love how open and matter-of-fact that Gwen is. She's not afraid to tell you exactly what she's thinking and how she's feeling. I admire that quality. I guess you can say I took a page from her book when I went off and wrote my post yesterday. Thanks to all of you for the touching comments. I shed a few tears...but in a good way. Oh and David, thank you so much for the male perspective. I REALLY, REALLY needed that. A thousand times, thank you!

So without further ado...

The LOVE YA award:

“These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award"

I award this award to:

• Jen
• Amy
• Bonnie
• Celine
• Aileigh
• Anne
• Patti
• Alex

I really wanted to write a little something about each of you but I can sum it up in a quick statement. All these ladies have in one way or another (whether you know it or not) shown genuine love and support. I'm definitely on a journey and I'm so glad you ladies are on it with me.

And to all of my new and future readers. I look forward to awarding you future awards. Wait...that was presumptuous of me. What if I don't get anymore awards? I guess I wouldn't be able to award you with an award. Here I go again on a rambling fit.

Insight Into My Messed Up Head

Note: If you've always wanted to be a therapist or counselor then here's your chance. Read on for insight into Patty's messed up head.

In the past I've been careful not to share too much personal stuff. I know I've shared some of my concerns and embarrassing moments. Remember the time I told y'all I forgot to shave my legs when I had a pedicure? And I've told y'all how I think I need to become healthier and even posted pictures. All somewhat personal. But today I've got to share an issue that I don't think I can resolve easily. Not that losing a bunch of weight is easy. And this may seem the wrong place to share my most personal fears and issues. But I've read some amazing blogs from some remarkable women who have shared their personal stories even when it was so hard. I get the feeling that by sharing my story and issues I will feel better. All of you have been so supportive and caring so I know that it won't be different this time. I'm lucky to have made such wonderful blogging friends. And in some cases the friendships have moved into the real world. So thanks and here goes...

I'm fat. Well I'm not just fat but really fat. And all my life I've been waiting for the one guy that really likes me for me. To be fair to other guys in my life there have been a few others but I can't say I felt intense feelings for them. I finally met a guy that loves me for me. I mean loves ALL of me exactly the way I am And he constantly tells me this. He says sweet things. Things about my personality, mind, and body. You would think this is what I've been longing for, right? A man I can love that loves me for me and can see past all my insecurities. However, even though I have NO doubt he is sincere my stupid head doesn't believe it. It's a constant struggle between my head and heart. And I hate that I can't control my head and make it follow my heart. I wish I could just let this go.

If you ask anyone I talk to on a regular basis I can't help but talk about my boyfriend. I love to share how sweet he is and how he makes me feel. The problem is that I can't completely believe it. And my biggest fear now is that I will lose him because of my insecurities. My messed up head keeps questioning him. I may not do it out loud or tell him but I do question it.

Lots of people think I've got it all together. That I'm at peace with how I look. And for the most part I am. I'm a big girl, I'm trying to get healthier, and I love the me I am. But now that I have this man that wants me in every way I can't help but have worries and doubts. Stupid, right? Why worry? But when society tells you that fat is bad and that men who love girls like us are not normal, what else am I supposed to think? I know that I shouldn't care what society thinks. And screw society...I'm a catch. But try telling my head that.

I know you may be thinking why blog about a relationship so new. What if it doesn't last? My answer to that is this: I am learning so much about myself right now. And if I can overcome my issue and let my head and heart become one then I don't ever want to forget the journey. I may or may not be with Matt forever. But whatever happens I'm opening up and learning so much. So in this respect I'm also becoming a New Patty.

I talked to Matt about blogging and posting pictures about him. He said that he didn't mind. I respect the fact that so many significant others prefer to stay out of the blogging world. But the fact that he supports this is another example of how he lets me be me and makes me happy. Even though Matt is okay with me blogging about him I realize there will be instances where privacy will be appreciated. I'm not going to tell y'all everything about us. But since this is a post about my journey I feel the need to be a little more open with what goes on with us.

To give you a better picture of how great of a guy Matt is I will share this. I've mentioned that I met Matt online in October. We met in person in December and I freaked out. I'm so independent and used to being on my own that I was overwhelmed with the couple stuff and all the togetherness. I know funny, right? Isn't it usually the man that freaks out? I'm a self-proclaimed girly girl tomboy. But I hadn't realized I was a commitment phobe. Yet when I shared this with Matt he backed off, he understood, he gave me my space, and he waited patiently for me to decide. I can't say many guys would have waited for me to do that.

I'm not really expecting to solve my issue tonight or anytime soon. But I feel like sharing my fear with you I can exhale and let it go a bit. I'm still a work in progress. I guess I'm hoping that my messed up head clears up sometime in the future and joins my heart in the land of happiness sooner than later.

2 Hour Lunch...WHAATTTT????

Today I am at a social studies training. I have to say it's a good one. But the highlight of the day so far...2 hours for lunch. I got to come home. Yay!!!! To a teacher this means the world. No rushing to walk my kids to the cafeteria, walking to the lounge, heating my food, going to the bathroom, and finally getting the chance to sit and eat. Oh and let's not forget we have to pick the kids back up on time.

2 hoursssss! Sweet!

Cloudy With a Chance of Sunshine

This is week 2 of reporting my New Patty results. Actually it's week 3 of the adventure, but only week 2 of reporting. One week went unreported. Ha, it was the week I actually exercised!

Boo hoo! Again, I didn't make it to Curves. There has just been too much to do at school. I know, I know...NO EXCUSES!!! And this is why I am so disappointed in myself. I know we all have those weeks where time is the enemy. I just have to make me the priority (as selfish as that sounds).

On the upside I did get music loaded on my new iPod Nano. Now I'm ready to head back to Curves. (Yup, I'll be there on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday!) And I've got my TiVo connected and running so I can record my shows and start my walking dates with my dad. I hope to start that this week. On a side note I bought myself new Curves shoes for my circuit workout. Yaaayyyyyyy!!!! Hmmm. Maybe I should be keeping a tab on how much the New Patty is costing me...LOL!

And in a new development my cousins and my family are going to embark on our second "Biggest Loser" competition. However, this time we are going to make it a longer competition. Instead of 3 months like last time we've decided to do 6 months. I had a problem with the short turn around because some people (cough, cough, like my dad) went cold turkey just to win the money instead of really changing their lifestyle. This is what I really want to do. Make over my lifestyle so that I live healthier for the rest of my life. The thing about joining the Biggest Loser is that I have no intention of winning. (Remember I have no target weight loss goal in mind.) I'm joining it because I'm a team player and because by going through this process together, it bonds my family.

Things I did right: Um...nothing but get mad at myself.
.
Things I need to work on next week: Exercise and spend less money.

Slumdog Millionaire

I finally made it to watch Slumdog Millionaire. I have to say that this was one of the best movies I've seen in a while. I've wanted to watch this movie for a couple of months so to finally get the chance was really great.

Before getting into more detail about what the movie meant to me I have to share a little background about me. I am fascinated with India. I think my fascination started when I was in elementary school. My brother and I had a game called Hotels. You try to make a bunch of money and buy hotels. I always bought the Taj Mahal Hotel. At the time I didn't realize that it was an actual place in a different country. I simply thought it was pretty.



As I grew up I found out it was a mausoleum in India. And to my amazement you could actually visit it. Since then I've wanted to got to India and see the Taj Mahal in person. And hence my fascination with India began. I also think there is something so beautiful about Indian women. I love the colors they wear. Hopefully one day I will make it there.

Back to the movie. It didn't glamourized India. It had violence. But it was also a love story. An amazing love story. And the love part aside it was action packed and meaningful. I don't want to give away the ending for those of you that will watch it but it made me ponder this:

Do you believe that there is one person out there for each of us? And do you really believe that you can love someone since you were a child?

So watch Slumdog Millionaire. It really was worth the Academy Award it won.

Tired but Happy

I'm having one of those exhausting weeks. Maybe it's because I've been doing a few different things the last two weeks at school. It could be that my body is just getting ready for spring break. Whatever the case may be I am pooped.

Yet....

I'm so blessed and happy and in love. What could be better? Today my fellow second grade teachers and I were talking about how "off" we felt. Like we were in the clouds. We all were doing things uncharacteristically like ourselves. Even forgetting to do things. One co-worker laughed at me and said: your head is "in love" in the clouds. Ha ha! So true. I just thought I'd share my enthusiasm and happiness with everyone. Oh and I haven't written too many specifics about my boyfriend because I want to make sure he's okay with it. I've never thought to ask.

Cloudy With a Chance of Sunshine

First of all I want to say thanks to all of you that have inspired, supported, and encouraged me in my decision to become a healthier me. (For those of you new to my blog please click here for the New Patty). I've decided to title my weekly progress posts "Cloudy with a chance of Sunshine" because I figured that metaphorically I'm trying to "de-cloud" my life with bits of sunshine. I also wanted to tie in my love for Little Miss Sunshine. Truth be told for years now whenever someone asked what symbol I associated myself with I always drew a sun. They make me happy.

So without further ado...

Week 1

Not sure if it's a good thing or bad but things were rather slow this week. Unfortunately, I didn't get to make it to Curves, but I did manage to maintain portion control of my meals and drink more water. Also, the reason I didn't make it to Curves was because I was helping my assistant principal prepare for TAKS. Good for me if I ever decide to be an assistant principal.

I think the most important thing that will help the New Patty are the purchases of a TiVo and an iPod nano today. If y'all remember the TiVo will help me feel less tied up with tv and I can get to walking with my dad. The IPod nano will get me moving when I'm actually at Curves or walking. I'm so thrilled to have my new toys.

Aside from that, there isn't much to update y'all on. The way I see it baby steps are the way to go. I'm still happy, motivated, inspired and excited. And if I can keep feeling like that I'm still on track.