Life After I "Dew"

This year I want to get a head start on this resolution business.  Last year I didn't pick my resolution till February, February!  I think the reason I waited so long was fear.  I knew what I needed to resolve but I didn't want to face it.  So this year I have a few things I want to work on.

This year I resolve to...

I think that should do me.  It looks like I have a busy year!  What are your New Year's Resolutions?

This year has been incredible to say the least. 

This was my first whole year as a mom {Kendall was born in August so in 2010 I was only a mom for 4 months}.  To say that it has been amazing is an understatement.  I have watched this little person grow and change so much in such a short amount of time, it's incredible.  She's gone from this little tiny, helpless, completely dependent baby to a semi-self-sufficient, getting-more-independent-by-the-day, little girl.  She never ceases to amaze me with her little personality.  She loves to dance, like her mama, and she can throw a ball {or anything for that matter} farther than I've ever seen a small person throw, like her daddy.  This year she has brought us so much joy and nothing will ever top being her mommy, nothing.

This year has also been a great year for self discovery.  I made some big changes last year, as my New  Years Resolution for 2011.  I said I wanted changes, from hair, to makeup, to clothes, to weight, and I think I succeeded.  I went from blond to brunette, bought tons of new makeup {thanks to my new partnership with Avon}, bought lots of new clothes {my bank account is still recovering} because I got that new body!   Today I look and feel like a completely new woman. 
For good measure, here is a picture of me almost exactly one year ago.
Do you see me?  Second from the left.  Yeah I almost didn't recognize me either.  I never posted this family photo from my brother-in-laws wedding because I was so embarrassed.  But you know what's awesome?  This picture.

These are the jeans that I wore a year ago.  These are the jeans I couldn't button one year ago.  In fact, I used the ole rubberband through the loop around the button trick just to wear them.  These are the jeans that were so tight on my thighs that I thought I was going to rub a hole in them.  So to put them on yesterday and, literally, watch them fall to the floor, yeah that felt pretty good.

I know that everything that's happened in life has brought me to this place in life.  This happy place.  I have a new found confidence that has blossomed within the year.  I don't know if it came with the weight loss or the running, maybe a little with each.  With the weight loss I realized that I can do anything I put my mind to.  I had a goal and I reached it.  That's probably the first time, in my life, that I've ever been able to say that.  The running has given me confidence in my body.  I have learned that my body is strong and much more capable than I ever gave it credit for. 

I feel like my style has changed too.  I'm more comfortable wearing things I would have probably felt uncomfortable in before.  I think I take more risks with my fashion now.  I no longer look at things and say, "I wish I could pull that off", and keep walking.  I mean, don't get me wrong, there are still things I think are cute and will not attempt because of my body shape or bra size, but for the most part I'm a lot more versatile.  I think being a mom has really helped shape my style and made me "come into my own".

As for my relationship with Jimmy, it's rock solid.  This year has been full of ups and downs for us, mostly ups.  I'm not here to sugarcoat anything, parenthood is tough on relationships.  I have learned that no matter what happens, we are in this thing together.  He is a great man, great.  All he wants is for me to be happy, he says it all the time.  He may work a lot but it's because he wants us to live comfortably.  He may go hunting, a lot, for a couple months a year but it's because he wants to provide for us.  He truly is a dream come true.  This year I have felt his love for me and Kendall so much, I never want to forget that.

  This year I started a new job that allows me to spend more time with Kendall.  I have gone through ups and downs with this change.  I still don't love my job but I have come to realize that I just don't love working.  So until the day I can be a stay at home mom to Kendall, I will just suck it up and do what I have to to reach that goal.  I am thankful that I got Fridays off so I have one more day a week with her, that makes the whole transition worth it.  We both have little side jobs going on, me with Avon and blogging and Jimmy has his electrical skills and a new taxidermy business {gross, yes, but whatever floats his boat}.  He makes more money with his side jobs than I could even fathom making with mine so guess he's got the right idea.

This year has been good to us.  I would say that it's been the best year but I say that every year, and it's hard to top 2010 {the year Kendall was born}.   I have become the person I always wanted to be and I can only hope that this goodness continues into 2012. 
Here's to a new year!

So, let's talk about me for a minute, k?

So ever since I reached my goal and decided to cross that 5K off my bucket list I haven't really talked much more about my progress and that's not good.  You see I need to be held accountable and this blog does that, for me.

Let's start with the good.  Running is getting better.  It's a slow better but it's improvement over complete and total hatred.  So I am on week 8 of the Couch to 5K program.  A lot of you had recommended I try it in my last running post and I had one up on you, I was in week 4 when I posted that.  So far I have nothing but good things to say about this ap.  It takes a complete and total non-runner {couch me} to a 5K runner in just 9 weeks.  I can say that at the beginning of the program I thought there was no way it was possible for me become a runner in 9 weeks, no way.  Much the same as when I started MyFitnessPal.  

I should probably preface this by saying that I am in no way, shape, or form athletic, at all.  So the first week I think you start out doing 1 or 2 minute runs, that's all, and each week you increase the length.  I did fine until I got to the point where I had to run 18 minutes straight, without stopping.  I remember getting of the treadmill that night and feeling like I was going to DIE!  I even remember tweeting something along the lines of "if you don't hear from me for the rest of the night it's because I died on the treadmill", dramatic much?  Speaking of Twitter I would just like to say that without this social media tool I'm not sure I would have stayed motivated over the past 8 weeks!  I am connected with the most amazing, SUPPORTIVE group of girls that ever did exist.  The tell me I can do it and cheer me along when I don't want to even so much as look at the treadmill.  

So now I can run for 25 minutes straight, without stopping!  And?  I don't feel like I'm going to die anymore!  As of yesterday I was running about a 9'32' mile {according to Nike+}, not too shabby huh? All of my training thus far has been on the treadmill because 1. I hate the cold 2. I normally run at night when Kendall goes to bed which means 3. it's dark out and 4.  I don't live in the most ideal place for running outside, alone, in the dark.  But I'm dying for the day where I get outside and hit the pavement.  I even got new running shoes, an outfit, and arm band for my phone for Christmas so I'm all set to do this thing, I think.  I mean I did actually run 5K about a week {or so} ago so I guess this program has worked.  Now I just need to psych myself up to actually register and run a real 5K.  Baby steps.

As for the weight loss maintain, well I don't have as good of news to report.  I have gained a little back, I say it's the holidays muscle from running.  Honestly even though the number has gone up on the scale I feel like my jeans are getting looser in the thigh and butt area, can't say the same about the waist.  I wish I could say that I stayed dedicated to MyFitnessPal after I reached my goal, but I'd be lying if I said so.  In reality I kinda half-assed used it since the day I hit my goal, not good.  So now that the craziness that is The Holidays is over, I'm going to start keeping track better.  Not that I need to lose, but just so I can be more accountable.  Obviously I learned nothing during the 7 months and 42 lbs.  

So some bad but mostly good.  I may not love running yet but I actually do look forward to it.  I don't look for an excuse to not do it, I just do it.  If I have a headache, cramps, am tired, I push through and I run.  I've learned that my body is capable of so much more than I had given it credit for.  My body is strong and I'm just now learning that.  

This year has given me such a perspective on my body, it's unreal.  I may need to do a little toning and could stand to lose 5 more lbs but never have I felt more confident and comfortable in my own skin.

Are you shocked too?  Well imagine my surprise when Kendall opened this little gem on Christmas Eve.

As a former VW Beetle owner my heart melted a little to see my girl take ownership of her very own convertible version.  At first she was a little timid, didn't know how to push the peddle to make it go, but after some coaxing and high pitched squeals, she got it!

So my baby girl went from 1 to 16 this weekend.  Watch out for her on the roads, with that head getting thrown back, eyes closed, and stop and go driving we're in for a real treat.

Thanks to everyone who entered the Oreck giveaway!  I am blown away by the number of entries we received.

I  know Christmas is over for some of you but I want to keep the spirit alive for...

On this Merry Christmas The Dew Family gave to me...7 dogs, 6 flannel shirts, 5 laughing ladies, 4 chainsaws, 3 Santa hats, 2 thumbs up, and 1 toddler trying to run away.

And remember, you better not pout, I'm telling you why...

{Kendall didn't get the memo}

Dawn we now our gay apparel, fa lalalala la la la la

Hope you all have a safe and happy Christmas!

So I've opened up this blog for Q & A's before.  I've let you ask me anything several times actually.  Now I think it's my turn to learn a little more about you, my faithful readers.

So I'm going to do this every so often, especially with all the new faces around here {waves, "hi!!!"}.  I'll keep it short and sweet, no long list to answer, you don't have to repost, you don't have to tweet about it or sell me your first born, just leave a simple answer in the comments and make me happy, ok?  OK, thanks!

And if you don't already know, I drive a 2012 Chevy Equinox {love her} and Jimmy is an electrician. 

This week I'm saying SO WHAT if...

**P.S. don't forget to enter the Oreck giveaway if you haven't already**

When Oreck emailed me and asked if I'd be interested in reviewing their new product I said, "HELLS YEAH!" before even reading further.  I mean this means I've hit it big time, right?  Upon further reading I saw I was getting the Grab It and Steam it steam mop.  You know why this item is perfect for me?  Because 1. I am a clean freak and 2. my house is mostly wood floors and tile.  Bada Bing!  

And since it's the Christmas season we'll leave it at that.  Leave a comment for each thing you do. 

Good luck!

“Oreck Corporation provided the prize for the sweepstakes but is not the sponsor of the sweepstakes.”

This isn't going to be the post where I spill the beans on the things I said I'd never do.  I'll save that for later.

This is where I talk about all those "stupid" gadgets that I said I'd never own.  Those tacky, cheap, seemingly useless items that when I saw them {prebaby}swore I'd never own.
Like the pacifier clip. I hated those things.  I mean a leash for your binkie?  How dumb.  And I mean ugly.  If you want your baby to have any sort of fashion sense don't buy one of them.  BUT if you are traveling with a 4-5     month old who takes a binkie and you fear you may run out of binkie wipes {another thing I said I'd never own} because of picking it up off of the airport floor for the 4956730 time, you need a binkie clip.  Seriously that thing saved our lives when we were going to Florida last year.  Now that's really the only time we did use it but it was worth it.
Also there's the duck tub.  You know the one, it looks like a giant inflatable rubber duck.  Yeah when my friends had them with their kids I was all, "well isn't that dumb, why don't you just put him/her IN the tub?".  And then I became a mom.  You see that thing is perfect for those in between times.  When they are clearly too big for the infant tub but too slippery for the big tub.  Kendall loved it when it made the "quack quack" sound and all was good in the bathing world, until she pooped in it.  Game over.  It was fun while it lasted.
Character tees, shoes, PJs, you name it have never been my thing.  I think they are cheap and ugly.  Kendall thinks wearing a tee with a dog on it {her favorite} and carrying a Dora sippy are bomb.com.  Girl loves it.  So I caved.  Next thing you know I'll be buying light-up, Velcro, Bubble Guppie tennis shoes {lord help me on that day}.
There is one thing that I was all "OH YES!  I must register for one of those, I'll use it all the time" and then it ended up being one of these stupid things.  That is the shopping cart cover.  Sure you think it's this plush seat protector that will not only keep your baby safe but also keep him/her from gnawing on the metal shopping cart and then you realize what a pain in the ass it is.  Gah that thing is so huge and awkward to carry along with the child, diaper bag, purse, your shopping list, and there's no husband in sight.  So you do what any mom would do and use it twice and donate it to the pregnant girl at work, surely she'll "need" this.
So yeah.  I did it, I used the binkie clip and dressed my kid in Dora PJs and gave into the idea of an inflatable tub that goes in the tub.  What items did you swear were "stupid" prebaby?  Anything that you thought you'd love just to end up using once and then tossing to the side?  Talk amongst yourselves.

Let's take a stroll down memory land, shall we?

This post could alternately be titled, I Miss My Blonde Hair.

I know some of you are all, "but Shan, the dark is SO sexy" {words straight out of AP's mouth}.  And the people, aka my coworkers, that have met me with the dark hair say things like "I can't even imagine you with blonde hair!".  But the people who "know" me, know I am a blonde.  It's in my blood.  It's who I am.  I am meant to be a blonde.  I just feel sassier as a blonde.  Don't get me wrong, the dark has been fun while it lasted but it's time to get back to my "roots".

For a limited time, visit Plum District and get a $50 Restaurant.com gift card AND $25 Target gift card for only $25!  WHAT A STEAL!  Also?  Making the deal even sweeter!  Use code FABULOUS for 10% off!  What are you waiting for?!

Thanks to Walgreens for underwriting this post. I was paid as a member of the Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all mine. Visit http://www.walgreens.com/beauty.

OK so you all have seen my Christmas wishlist, right?  If not there's still time to take a gander and buy me something pretty.  But there's one thing I didn't touch on, stocking stuffers.  If you took a look at my guest post on Lindsey's 12 Days of Christmas series, you would know that stocking stuffers are just as important as the real deal in my family {hello hidden Tiffany earrings}.
So this week stocking stuffers are my goal, got to get them done!
That's where Walgreens comes in.
 For the lil one{s} in your life
If your child is anything like mine, he/she LOVES to brusha brusha brusha {bonus points to the first person that can name that movie}.  That's why Kendall will be getting some of this in her stocking this year.
For that special man in your life
My husband isn't much of a product man BUT he does love him some Axe body wash so you better believe that while I'm in control I'm going to buy a not too awful scent {that stuff can be over powering}.
{That's actually the scent he buys and it's really not that bad.}
He's also in desperate need of a new beard trimmer.  Jimmy doesn't shave with a razor, he's always got a 5 o'clock shadow, and that's the way I like him.  This would be perfect for him.

This week I'm saying SO WHAT if...

• My Pandora stations range from Britney Spears to Jason Mraz to Death Cab For Cutie to Jay-Z to everything in between.  Some may call it ADD, I call it variety.
• My iPhone wallpaper must match my phone cover, must.
• I bring a yogurt for breakfast everyday but I never eat it, ever.  I like to have it just in case.  I'd eat it if I were starving.  I think I'm just burnt out on yogurt right now.
• Afternoon coffee isn't as much of a luxury as a necessity these days.  Who am I?
• I was a little bummed that no one was outside when I came rolling into work in my new ride.
• There is an outfit idea on Pinterest that I want to try out for our Friend Holiday Dinner this weekend but I'm afraid of looking a fool so I'll probably wear something more safe.
• I still hate running.  I'l "learn to like it" from what everyone else says, I'm not sure I'm sold just yet.
• I ate 2 pieces of cake at the wedding we went to last weekend.  There were 2 flavors and I couldn't chose just one.  In my defense, J didn't eat any so "I ate his".  Right.

Whew, that feels better. 

You notice how no one ever sings {happy} songs about Monday?  I mean, sure, there's Manic Monday but I mean that is just an ode to the crazies that are Mondays.   There's no "It's Monday, Monday gotta get down on Monday" song, that I know of anyway.  You know why that is?  No one looks forward to Mondays.  They mean the fun is over and it's time to get back to the grind {whatever that may mean for you}.  I don't even like to blog on Sunday night because I don't even like to think about the day to come.  With that being said, here is a post I scheduled on Sunday night highlighting some of the weekend happenings.

We love it!  It's AWD {which is going to be so nice this winter}, has On Star, XM radio, the hands-free phone system and WAY more room than we had previously.  Silver wasn't my first choice but it's going to hide the dirt {and snow} a lot better than, say, black would.  Needless to say, I'm in love.

• Also, on Saturday {busy day}, we went to a wedding for some of Jimmy's good high school friends.  Let me just say how much I love going to weddings {really any excuse to get out with my main squeeze for some adult time}.  It was good to catch up with a lot of J's old friends too, miss them.
• Sunday we ventured out to see Santa, what a fail that was!  We got to the mall and the line was literally wrapped around, no gracias.  I'm not sure how long people were waiting in line but my guess would have been at least an hour.  Sorry Jim-bo, me and KP will go back Friday morning when {hopefully} no one is there.
• Speaking of which, on our way home {and every day for that matter} Kendall took her socks and shoes off and fell asleep.  I swear that girl cannot leave them on in the car for 2 seconds.  So much so that anymore I don't even put them on her till we arrive at our destination.  Case & point.

• My mother in law posted this picture on Facebook over the weekend and I think it's hilarious.

So I hope everyone had a great weekend, I know I did!  Now let's work on a perky Monday song, shall we?

As you may {or may not} know, TV watching {whether movie or TV show} in my house is an utter nightmare.  Not because of me and my "I only like comedies or romantic comedies" ways, nope.  It's because my husband likes everything but.  True story.  TV night in our house is miserable and usually ends up with one of us caving {me} and watching yet another sci fi/action/suspense/super hero piece of crap.

Don't get me wrong, I like scary movies and thrillers too, but those things are REAL and could REALLY happen.  I don't think some little martian man is going to come down from outter space and talk to me and we're going to be best friends until the day he goes back to his planet {Paul}, I mean I may be wrong but I just don't see that happening.  I do, however, see the girl getting hit by the rolling dumpster only to be saved by the one and only Matthew McHottie and, after he dumps his bitch of a fiance, they live happily ever after, that would totally happen.

About the only TV shows we can agree on are Two and a Half Men, Modern Family, Cougar Town, & Up All Night.  Yep 4 whole shows.  But here's the thing, Jimmy may not like "my shows"  but guess what, he watches them.  Yes indeed.  These "chick flicks" that he swears are "so dumb" I catch him getting sucked into every time.

For example Teen Mom.  This weekend there was a marathon, to gear up for the new season, and he actually came into the bedroom and said "That southern girl {Janelle} is a mess!  She's talking crap to her mom and telling her she needs to let her take care of her son, meanwhile she's walking out the door leaving him behind".  Duh Hun, see why I love it?  It's a train wreck that you can't look away from.  Welcome to the dark side.

And there are a handful of shows that I just can't see why a man wouldn't want to watch, some of my favorites:

Desperate Housewives:  I mean I really can't understand why a man wouldn't like this show.  I mean hot ladies {hello Eva Longoria}, someones always drunk, getting killed, or blackmailing someone; that has man written all over it, right?

Sister Wives:  Ok so I get, upon first glance, this show is the epitome of a woman's guilty pleasure.  BUT I mean a man with 4 wives?  That sounds like every man's dream.  Maybe they don't want to watch because they're jealous?

Keeping Up With The Kardashians/Kendra:  Again hot ladies, what's not to love?  Even if you just watch KUWTK for the eye candy, it's totally loaded wih hotties.  And Kendra, I mean that girl is as vulgar as a man and sexy at the same time, every man's dream if you ask me.  And half the time the girls are in bikinis {or in the latest episode of KUWTK they were nakie}.  Score one for the husbands.

Glee: I mean I think this show is perfect for my ex-jock husband.  It's got football players dating the pretty girl, the occasional lesbian scene, not to mention Britney S. Pears is funnier than anyone on Family Guy.

Basically I can talk my way out of a paper sack.

I can't even get started on movies because it's a neverending battle; it's not even worth fighting for anymore.  Please tell me I am not alone in my TV struggles?  Thank God for DVRs and husbands that hunt, go to school 2 nights a week and pick up side jobs any chance they get or else my DVR would have been full the week we got it.