BOO! BOO!

Another year older. At what point can I still keep celebrating and having birthdays but not saying I'm getting older? I suppose that 's wishful thinking...

Ewww. Yucky!

I know they are supposed to make you feel better but I hate, hate, hate going to the doctors. Funny how one bit of news has such a tremendous effect on your life. Sadly, I don't think I'll be done with doctors for a while. So right now I'm feeling so ewww and very much yucky.

Today was a busy and hectic and honestly a bit overwhelming. Have to say life won't be the same anymore. And for the first time it hit me that when I got home I had someone to share it with.

I'M GETTING MARRIED!!!!! Sort Of...

This Saturday marks my second summer wedding in three weeks. The first was fun. It was out of town and my family and I had a blast. The second wedding will be here in town and a very small affair. My cousin will be marrying her husband through the church and after she will have a small reception.

I suppose this is the part where I rave and rant about myself and how I am so crafty. I make my own jewelry, invitations (sometimes for other people), cards, scrapbooks, baking and now you can add florist. Yes that's right! Some how I went from providing input on what kind of flowers my cousin should have at her wedding as centerpieces to MAKING the centerpieces. And the thing that gets me is that she never asked me. It was all insinuated. I wouldn't have minded doing it at all. But she never really officially asked me.

As a result, I've created a fictitious wedding between Nina Garcia and Gino Emanuel over at the Knot.com. (I apologize if you are reading this and are an employee of The Knot. I love your website but thought it was unfair that you can only join if you are getting married.) How did I come up with those names? Nina is the nickname in Spanish for godmother and Garcia is my last name. Gino is for MANU GINOBILI and Emanuel is Manu's real name. (Manu is a nickname for Emanuel.) Note: I am obsessed with the San Antonio Spurs and in love with Manu Ginobili in case you didn't know. So there you have it...a fake bride and groom. I did it to get inspiration on how to approach my cousin's centerpieces. I have a general idea and started on prototypes yesterday. Well just the vases. Not the actual flowers because those are fresh flowers and I won't get them till Friday.

I've had a small panicking voice in my head since then. My cousin is very...particular and I fear her opinion on this. I mean come on...it's her wedding and I don't want to ruin it. She's been sweet telling me she has complete confidence in my judgement. In fact yesterday she used the words "creative genius". O.M.G. what pressure!!!! So I will do my best. No, I will try 150% because I want her to be happy. I'll take pictures for sure and post them. Y'all will be the judge.

YET, I can't help but wonder (paging Carrie Bradshaw...), if I do pull this off I guess I'll have something else to add to my creative portfolio. Flowers by Patty. Nah...it'll have to be more creative than that!

Two Birds, One Stone

I was reading Amy's blog today and wanted to chime in on her two posts today. The first was her Musical Monday feature. The other was about her top 5 celebrity crushes. I explained on my comment to Amy that I sort of cheat and categorize my crushes. Like that I get to share more of them.

First
I went to high school between the years 1994 - 1997. I had a very difficult time narrowing my favorite so instead I found this handy MTV site where you can look at all the songs of particular years.

• 1997
• 1996
• 1995
• 1994

Second
I have several celebrity crushes. And by several I'm making an understatement. It's a plethora of celebrity crushes. I guess I better get started. Lots of crushes to share. Sorry, I probably won't be able to post pictures of all my crushes. I will link to any previous posts if I've written them. (Which I have : ) ) Oh and sometimes I don't always find the celebrity sexy except in certain movies.

• Athletes: Yummy, yummy, muscles (perhaps y'all don't call athletes celebrities but to a huge sports fan, they are)
  
• Hot Black Crushes
• Muscians: Flo Rida, Robert Pattinson (yes he's a musician), Elvis, hmmm, I know there's more...
  
• Actors: Zach Braff, Neil Patrick Harris (yes, I realize he bats for the other team), Matt Damon in anything, Djimon Hounsou in Beauty Shop, Orlando Bloom in LOTR, Leonardo DiCapri in The Departed, and Gerard Butler in 300.
  
• Actresses: (I believe in equal opportunities) Selma Hayek, Scarlett Johansson, Megan Fox, Alicia Keys, and Eva Longoria-Parker (just because she's married to Tony Parker).
  

Cloudy With a Chance of Sunshine

I get it. Everyone hates my posts about sports. Yet I love sports and they are such a huge part of me. Nonetheless, I get that y'all don't like reading about them much. So...

I haven't shared with everyone yet that I'm considering buying a house. What prompted me to start looking you ask? Well I've mentioned that Matt will be moving here in the summer. I figured we'd get an apartment. However, after looking at a few properties and a few estimates the cost would be almost the same so why not own instead of rent? And in the next week I'll be making my final payment on my car! My car will be mine!!!

I'm extremely nervous just because buying a house is a huge step. Yet, all the signs are there encouraging me to buy. I've seen a few houses and I'm viewing another one tomorrow. I have to say that from the outside it's very cute. My parents and I walked around it and looked in the windows. Also cute. And we walked in the backyard. Big with tons of potential and I can see future fiestas happening there. I guess you can say I really love the house. If it's meant to be it will. Keep your fingers crossed.

Only other New Patty news is that I had to cancel my Curves membership. Are the Curves in everyone else's cities closing too? They merged two Curves making it's new location very far. And transferring was not an option because the others near me also closed. Boo hoo! To make up for this I've finally started walking at a park near my house with my cousin. The weather is getting nicer and great walking weather.

Slowly but surely I'm still embarking on my journey. All I know is that I'm definitely walking on new ground and that however frightening it is, it's also extremely exciting.

Why the number 8?

Amy from Keeping up with the Schultz Family tagged me in her post. I have to say that I've gotten better about being tagged. I.used.to.HATE.it! Just ask Jen. But now I've come to embrace tagging...for the most part. I've come a long way since the beginning of my blog.

8 Things I am looking forward to...

• The day Matt moves here so we can be together all the time
  
• Eating yummy food during Easter
• Getting some R&R
• Hanging out with my family
• Buying a house
  
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Movie
  
• Purchasing new music for my iPod
• Getting a tattoo
  

8 Things I did yesterday...

• Feed Horacio his dinner
  
• Search online for homes for sale
• Watch the Spurs lose : (
• Conclude my parent/teacher conferences
• Hang out with my partner in crime, Vanessa
• Catch up with an old friend
• Visit my good ol' friend Perez Hilton's website
• Sign up for an Autism workshop
• Watch the new episode of My Boys
  

8 Things I wish I could do...

• Win the lottery
• Be with Matt for Easter
• Go visit India and the Taj Mahal
• Sing
• Be a radio dj (especially on the Kidd Kraddick in the Morning Show)
• Open my own arts and crafts store (It would actually be a teacher book store/bakery/arts and crafts/store.) Yes, I'd want to do it all...
• Meet the current San Antonio Spurs team, although it would be sweet to meet David Robinson too
• Become a truly inspiring and remarkable instructional leader
  

8 Shows I watch...

• How I Met Your Mother
• Heroes
• Scrubs
• Desperate Housewives
• Brothers and Sisters
• Monk
• Burn Notice
• The Jon Stewart Show/The Colbert Report (They sort of go hand in hand.)
• My Boys (ok this is 9 but I had to)
  

8 People I tag...

• Rachel at A Doggie Life (Head over and meet Ruby, too)
• Dianna at The Kennedy Adventures!
• The Rambler at My Rambling Thoughts
• Christina at Men in England would LOVE you!
• Marie at My Vintage Wedding (Congrats to Marie on her engagement!)
• Lana at The Kids Did WHAT?!
• DawnS at Rylee For Life
• Emalee at i Am Me
  

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.

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.

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.

A First For Patty

As I mentioned in my previous post I'm taking a few "simple" steps to make my life and soul healthier. Simple because it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know what you need to do, but not so simple because sometimes the most simple things are the hardest to do. Does that make sense?

Today I took my first step in my entertainment component. I went to see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. The movie itself was great. I will say it was heartbreaking but the love story is one of the best I've seen in a while. The best part was the experience. I LOVED going to the movies alone. As mentioned many times, I am a tomboy and I hate to show any real emotion about anything...especially sad and touching moments that result in tears. I have been known to do it but I don't like it. Watching the movie alone gave me the opportunity to feel as I wanted without feeling self conscious about it. The only downfall was that when I had to pee (the movie is almost 3 hours) I had to take my stuff with me. There are some movies that I think are funner to watch with a friend. So I won't be watching all movies alone.

So here's to continuing on my adventure.

Random

Heath Ledger just won the Supporting Actor Oscar!!! I'm so sad it happened when he was gone but he deserved it. I actually think he deserved it in 2005 for Brokeback Mountain but that's just my opinion. His family gave a touching speech. Brought tears to my eyes. Good thing I was alone.

The New Patty

I'm sure I've kept everyone in suspense (kidding) with the latest "New Patty" stuff. I have to say that I'm pretty excited about it all. I feel highly motivated and inspired. So here are the components that I've come up with for the New Patty. After a few staff developments, conversations, reflections, and I suppose divine intervention I'm living life to the fullest and without regrets.

• Health: I have chosen not to follow any particular weight loss program. Instead I am doing my research and just being healthier. I am including my return to Curves, my evening walking dates with my dad, my better eating habits, getting the right amount of sleep, and the necessary visits to doctors, dentists, and dermatologists to ensure I'm on the right path. The difference this time around is that I have no set goal, only to be healthier. My issue with goals, in my experience, is that when I don't reach it I get discouraged. So I don't have a target weight in mind. And let's be real here, at this point any weight loss would be a success. I'm just going to enjoy the work outs and walks and the wiser eating choices. Below is one of the most recent pictures of me. It was taken at my birthday party in January. See what I mean by any weight loss would be a success?
  

• Entertainment: I will admit that I have become rather lazy. I am typically on my laptop, watching TV (Go Spurs Go), movies, or something of the sorts. Something new my cousin and I want to do is go out to eat at local places, and not the chain restaurants. At the same time, even though it will be so hard, I want to learn to eat healthy while I'm out. Secondly, there are also so many opportunities to see different shows and bands. Lastly, I want to go to movies alone. I've always wanted to and hey...I'm independent and confident so I am going to do it.

• Recreation: I want to get out in the city and do things that I know are out there. And the thing I'm feeling great about is that I may have to do them alone and I don't mind. I also want to get to know my city so when my friends from San Antonio or my boyfriend come into town I can show them the best places to go. I'll be sure to post some great finds in my city. The other recreational thing I want to do is consistently work on my scrapbooking, card making, and jewelry making. When I get to do my arts and crafts I find it very therapeutic. But once I start I can't stop and then that takes the fun out of it. So I figured if I limit myself to one a weekend then I can concentrate on what I'm making and it'll be enjoyable.
  

• Personal Growth: I love to read. I love to read children's books, magazines, and a few adult books. I also want to volunteer at different places. I already donate money to many causes so now I should look into donating my time. A couple of places I've considered are the local Breast Cancer branch and the local USO and work with the military. Honestly, I've been too lazy to do it. But since I'm embarking on a new adventure and I guess this is the best time to do it. I've thought for a while that I need to spend a little less time on my computer too. Filling up that time with reading and volunteering will help my soul become healthier.
  

• Professional Growth: I need to continue to read books or attend staff development that will help me be a better teacher and future administrator. How ironic that some of these same staff developments are what inspired me to become the New Patty. So in the end it's not just about becoming a better teacher or administrator but a better me.
  

• Financial Fitness: What can I say? I need to save, save, save for a rainy day. I guess my entertainment and recreational components better be cheap...yeah right!

Question. Do y'all think I should write a weekly post journaling my weekly progress? Maybe it would help me to reflect on what I did and what I can do better. Let me know what y'all think.

These are my components for a healthier and happier Patty. I challenge all of you to check up on me and keep me accountable for any of them. As I like to think of it...even if I am physically alone on this adventure I am not alone because I have the support of my friends. So thanks for caring.

Let the adventure begin!!!

Thank You, Thank You

My new blogging friend Celine awarded me with the Honest Scrap Award. I'm supposed to tell you 10 honest things about myself. Then I pass it on to a few other bloggers.

Here goes...

1. I absolutely, positively hate scary or horror movies. This includes those torture movies. Yuck! Don't even ask me to watch them.
2. Every night I sleep with a stuffed animal that is a dog I named Emanuel after Manu Ginobili. I use him more as a pillow than actually sleep with him, but occasionally I do wake up hugging him.
3. I have been guilty of lying and not going out because I wanted to stay home and watch a San Antonio Spurs game. (Sorry peeps!)
   
4. I met my boyfriend online. Totally and completely by accident. Not on one of those dating sites. Not that there is anything wrong with that at all.
5. I love anything Little Miss Sunshine, cupcakes, Spurs, Harry Potter, and Horacio (my baby nephew).
6. My two favorite roles are teacher and aunt.
7. I don't believe I ever want to get married or have children. I didn't say never because you just never know.
8. I am a total daddy's girl. Actually, I'm spoiled pretty much by my brother and mom too.
9. When I am sick I am a total baby.
10. This is a biggie: sometimes I pick my nose. Yes, that's right. Sometimes there just isn't any other way to get them out.

So now it's time for me to award other bloggers. I look forward to learning some of your honest moments.

Heidi over at Stuck in the Seatbelt: I would love to get to know more about you.

Anne over at Happy Funpants: I think your answers will crack me up.

New Patty Update

I just wanted to share with everyone that I'm currently working on my "New Patty" post. It's a lengthy one and I'm putting a lot of thought into. Be patient and it'll be up soon.

Thanks for the support. I'm very excited about it all.

Kidd Kraddick Is Finally Here

I am thrilled to say that the syndicated radio show Kidd Kraddick in the Morning is finally on a radio station in my city. I listened to them for a few years in San Antonio before I moved home. And now after 2 1/2 years it's here. I highly recommend them to everyone. You can even listen online. If you enjoy silly humor then it's definitely for you. For those of you that know me they are just like me.

Happy Listening

Random Randomness 2

There are many things I've had bouncing in my mind. All are random but I must share with everyone.

• I really dislike Shaq but the man can move. (I'm watching the 2009 NBA All Star Game) Go West!!! Even though most are the enemy.
  

• I watched "He's Just Not That Into You" yesterday and although the movie was good (for a girly film) I couldn't stop thinking how great Jennifer Connelly's hair looked.

• Why are the Girl Scout Cookie packages so small now?

• I really would like to get a tattoo or two. One of Mr. Cupcake on my blog and one of a cute sun or Little Miss Sunshine. I'm thinking on my my back right below my shoulders.
  

• I have numerous magazines I have to go through. I'm thinking one a day and I should be caught up in about two months.

• I'm looking to buy a DVR of some kind. I must have one soon.

• Pretty soon I will tell everyone about the new Patty. Within the last few weeks I've been inspired to be a better me. Details coming soon.
  

• Don't you hate it when you need something but you can't find it?

• I'm grateful Lent is coming up because it means it's a time to do something to get closer to God.

• I often wonder if I'll ever be more girly.
  

• Officially I am ADDICTED to cupcakes, cupcaked related items, and cupcake blogs.
  

My Life as a Cupcake

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I'm In Also

Lately I've had a bit of the blogging blues. I've been feeling discouraged and uninspired. Don't get me wrong. I love to blog and I love that I've made a few blogging friends but lately I've just been in a funk. And although I can be funny I've felt that the quality of my posts was a little on the weak side.
I shared my doubts of continuing my blog with Jen. She suggested I become a part of the SITS (The Secret is in the Sauce) Community. I'm not one to join something without first looking into it so I clicked on the link from Jen's blog. I have to say that I had the same reservations when Jen suggested I do the NaBloPoMo thing. Yet I had a great time doing that so I figured I'd love this too. And in clicking on some of the Featured Bloggers I realized that I would love to read other people's blogs. So thanks Jen, I'm in and looking forward to reading some great blogs.