Workin On My Fitness

"Up in the gym just working on my fitness!!"....Glad I could help you get Fergalicious (Ohhhhh-Weeeee!) stuck in your head for the next 5 hours. Sorry, guys, thats kind of what you get for reading my lame blog.

Annnny whoo. The most exciting thing that happened this week is that I've lost 18.5lbs. I actually lost 19, but then I ate terrible and gained a half a pound back. (Badddd Whitney). But really, Im happy with my progress. I'm not done losing yet, but I am feeling extra motivated today. I cant wait to hit my 20lbs mark. I am definitely going to buy myself a treat. (Thus, Im motivated to hit it this week so I get my treat soon!)

Other exciting stuff that happened this week included...

1. Free wine at Purple Cafe
      For those of you who dont know, Suzanne works at Purple Cafe. & I had no plans of Friday night, so Ic called up Vicky and we went to harass Suzy at work... Oh and eat. (*The food is delish, go try it) But because they dont have their liquor license yet, they cant sell liquor.... but they can give it away. I took advantage of the situation and drank practically an entire bottle of wine. Purple will definitely be getting more of my business. Plus, we sat at the bar and got to chat with Suzanne & the new owner MoMo.
     After Suzanne got off work, she spent the night at my house since her A/C was broken at home. :( & we stayed up too late & I got up wayy too early.

2. Scrapbooking
      Im not sure I would classify myself as "crafty". I mean, I like crafts, but Im not always good at it... But my scrapbook is turning out well. I've finished 18 pages of it. Ill post some pictures soon.

3. Beach with Chris//Whitney rides the ferry
     After visiting last summer, my dad's cousin bought a condo on Fort Morgan. She was nice enough to have our family down for a delicious beach bbq yesterday. The food was so amazing, I know Chris is going to be talking about it for a month. He kept asking "Who cooked this?" "How did you make it?" "Can Whitney come stay with you for a week and learn how to do this?" *Note- No Whitney can NOT come stay for a week and cook 'that'. Whitney has no desire to cook.
     My sweet Nana said she'd gather the recipes, go to the family farm to collect fresh veggies and invite Chris over for a cooking lesson. That was probably the highlight of his week.
     Also, I rode the ferry from Fort Morgan to Dauphin Island yesterday. I've never really had the desire to do it, but DAMN that thing was quick. It was actually enjoyable.

I hope everybody has a good week this week! Classes start tomorrow so we will see how my week goes!

Dear God [[Thats not QUITE what I meant]]

Dear God,
     Remember that time a few years back, when I was younger and dumber and missed a day or so of birth control? I remember. It resulted in a moment or so of panic. I recall saying the exact words "Oh God, please dont let me be pregnant". Well, God, I feel like I need to clear some things up. See, maybe I wasnt specific enough. What I meant was- "Please God, dont let me be pregnant this time." I did not mean "Please God, dont let me be pregnant ever." Glad we had this little chat. Now if you could just clear up these ovarian cysts & take away the pain forever that would be fantastic. Peace out, God. XOXO, Whitney

     Okay Okay. Maybe Im being a tiny bit dramatic. I dont actually remember missing birth control. I took that shit seriously. No matter how bad the pain is, I think the worst part is knowing that I have fertility issues. I dont want kids right now, but in the next 2 or 3 years, that would be a real possibility for us. I know its dumb to feel this way, but I almost  feel guilty knowing that I may not be able to provide Chris (and myself) with the family that I know we both want. Thats a ways away though.  Right now though, it frustrates me to no end when I have pain so bad that I miss out on life- like when I have to leave work, school, or spend hours of our vacation laid up in bed, curled up in a ball. After missing out last weekend, I finally decided to call my doctor, again. (Not like that has actually done any good in the past, but it was better than banging my head against the wall like I have been doing)
     To my surprise, I actually got a tiny bit of help from my doctor today. I told him about the stabbing pains, the 'im-going-to-cut-my-own-ovaries-out" moments, & the nagging dull pain that never goes away. I also told him that my other doctor put me on Metformin last March, and that seemed to help for a while. His solution was to increase my dose from 500mg/ day to 1000mg/day and eventually to 2000mg/day. If that doesnt work, he wants to try birth control again, which Im not really thrilled about but Ill try anything at this point. The only downside I see to this is the terrible side effects of Metformin. He told me to expect the same vicious GI problems I had the first go round. (Remember this post?- Metformin, My Frienemy.) Oh goodie. But on the upside, he finally agreed to prescribe a pain pill that might actually work. Last time he gave me glorified Tylenol that didnt touch the pain. I told him today that he had to do better than that. Today he gave me Nucynta. Im not really sure exactly what it is, but my doctor told me that it would take away the pain like Loretabs, but wouldnt make me loopy or knock me out. Thus, I can take this new wonder drug & function at school and work- hopefully.
     Anybody that cares, I'll keep you updated on how this new regimen works. Mom & Dad (and any other family members that may be reading this post) I was totally kidding about the first part of this blog, please dont call and lecture me about how that is not funny to joke about that kind of stuff. I mean, it was kind of funny...

New Orleans Get Away

A few weeks ago, Chris picked up an extra shift to cover for a friend. I wasnt really thrilled about it, but he agreed to make up the time to me by taking me somewhere to get away for a day or so. We decided on New Orleans & Im so glad we did.
     Friday morning, we got up early, put the suitcase in the car, dropped Mobley off at his Bunnies house (my mom), and headed to NOLA. Just spending extra time together in the car was nice, until Chris got lost in the Quarter... We finally found our hotel, Iberville Suites & checked in early. By the way, if you are going to NOLA soon, our hotel was amazing. & You couldnt beat the location, it was one block up from Bourbon on Iberville. It was close enough to walk, even late at night, and still quiet.
     After we checked in we went to K. Paul's Kitchen for lunch. It was amazing. We both had po-boys & sweet potato fries, YUMM!! We walked/sweated off our lunch by walking around Jackson Square & the French Market for a while. Honestly, though, it was way too damn hot to be outside for too long. So around 3:30, we went back to our hotel and took a little nap before dinner.

     When we woke up from our nap, Chris was ready to make dinner reservations. After browsing our little foodie magazine, we decided on Dickie Brennans because Playboy & Maxium rated it one of the Top 10 Steakhouses in the nation. & They had to be right. HOLY CRAP MY DINNER WAS AMAZING. It was literally the best meal I've ever eaten. I had a fillet & Chris had a ribeye. We split some grilled asparagus, & turtle soup. After dinner, I didnt think I could eat another bite, but then our sweet waitress brought a dessert menu. Of course Chris and I couldnt pick one, so I ordered Creme Brulee & Chris had Bananas Foster Bread Pudding.

      We were planning on hitting Bourbon right after dinner, but after a meal that huge, we had to take a little rest before we braved the streets of New Orleans.  We layed up in bed & watched some hilarious guy on Comedy Central, then headed out. 

     We arent really 'clubby' people, so Bourbon didnt have a lot to offer us. But we eventually found a Dueling Piano bar that was amazing, it was called "Howl at the Moon" We ended up hanging out there most of the night. Around midnight, I had a pretty good buzz, and we decided to walk around some more. I came across a sign that said "Cherry Bombs" & got way overly excited about it. I wanted a damn cherry bomb, which I thought was just a cherry soaked in alcohol.... I was wrong. It was a cherry soaked in alcohol, with a shot of Everclear on top. Two cherry bombs later, I was ready for bed. Usually when I start acting like a cat, its about time to go home.

    The next morning we trekked to Cafe Du Monde. The line was like 30 minute long, just to get inside, but it was so worth it.

We both got an order of beignets & an iced coffee. It was a delicious breakfast!

We checked out of our hotel, and went to pick up Chris' neice Ashley, that goes to school at Loyola. We grabbed lunch at a little place called Remoulade & then went to the Audubon Aquarium!  I am such a nerd. I loved the aquarium!!

     When we were finished at the aquarium, we took Ashley home, and Chris was ready to head back to Mobile. After a minor fit on my part, he agreed to take me back to Jackson Square one more time. Literally the only thing I wanted to do over there was get a caricature done. & I am so glad we went back! I love our little caricature, I think the guy did a great job!

Plus, we got to eat some gelato before we left. It was well worth going back.

We had such a blast in New Orleans. I hope we can keep doing things like that in the future. Even though we didnt party until 5 am, or stay for a week, it was a perfect get away for us.

Ignorant/Closed Minded People

I hate ignorance. But more than ignorance, I hate people who KNOW better & are still closed minded.

Lets take this man "P" for example. I dont know "P" but he added me on facebook about a year ago. We have 21 mutual friends, and Chris "knows of him". So I accepted his friend request. His profile states that he works at a local church, "providing guidance for new members." He attended a Christian College. He is listed as a Christian, & Jesus is listed as the sole person who inspires "P". His favorite book is the Bible, and his favorite quote is "Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me". Sweet. As you may assume, this man is a devoted Christian. BUT this man really gets under my skin. I RAGED when I saw this picture... (If you cant read it, it says "Everything I ever needed know know about Islam, I learned on 9/11"

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! SERIOUSLY. ARE YOU JOKING. You have to be joking, "P". This is the most ridiculous, closed minded thing I've ever seen in my life. Granted, this wasnt P's truck, but reposting on his facebook page? I still think that's unacceptable. & Speaking of unacceptable, please enjoy this status from P, (This is a DIRECT QUOTE, I copied and pasted.

"LOL – I was so depressed last night thinking about the economy, wars, jobs, my savings, Social Security, retirement funds, etc., I called the Suicide Hotline. I got a call center in Pakistan , and when I told them I was suicidal, they got all excited, and asked if I could drive a truck"

Okay. So now all Pakistanis are Muslims? Right. Gotcha. Good call, P. & All Muslims are Terrorists. SHIT. My boss is from Lebanon. I bet he is going to blow me up any day now.

Im not naive. I know there are bad people in the world. There are extremist in every religion. What about the Christians that bomb abortion clinics? Or the KKK, which was founded on the belief that they wanted to "reestablish Protestant Christian values in America by any means possible" and believed Jesus was the first clansman. I for one do not identify with that group of people, as Im sure, a majority of people dont. Just like Im sure that a majority of Muslims do not identify with al-Qaeda.

The whole thing pisses me off. But I think what pisses me off most is the fact that this man is spreading hate. He is posting hateful things to facebook (not just about Muslims, also about Hispanics, women and other minorities) & educating new Christians?!  I am sorry, but if I were a member of that church, and "P" was my mentor, guiding me into a Christian life, I would reconsider my beliefs.

I feel like a little wisdom from Gandhi is applicable here... "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ"

Cow Tongue Taco

Last week was extremely busy, but it was a great week. From wedding planning to eating a cow tongue taco, it was certainly interesting. This is a long blog, but I promise if you read to the end, it will be worth some of the funny shit that happened. If you're rushing through this one, scroll down and read about my cow tongue taco experience.

Two for Tuesdays
     Tuesday afternoon, Ginger & Tarriq headed back home & I headed out with Suzanne. I love having company, but I was ready for a little outing with Suzy. We hit up Crooked Martini for Happy Hour- & that is ALWAYS a good time. Their Bubble 07 Martini is ahh-mazing. Afterwards we went to Ollies for 2for1 Hookah night & Pizza. I love having date nights with Suzanne. She cracks me up.

Thursday with the Fam - Wedding Planning
     Thursday I met Mom, Dad, Mimi, Lauren & Josh for lunch at Atlanta Bread. Afterwards Mom, Dad, Mimi and I went to look at Space 301 again. Everybody loved it as much as I do! We have a 2 week hold put on the June 2nd. We are going to sign the contract & give her a check ASAP!! Im glad we have a final decision made on something. :)

Friday Night
     After work Friday night, I went home & cooked spaghetti for me & Suzanne. It was a nice, relaxing dinner at home. I dont know whats better- Girls Night Out with Suzy, or Girls Night In.

Kickball/Wedding/Taco Dance/After Party
     Saturday I started my morning with an amazing Bodies by Cindy boot camp. I also got invited to play Kickball for the BBC team! Im not going to lie, aside from the Taco Dance, this was probably the highlight of my week. The season starts June 22nd & we have games once a week for 8 weeks. Plus, we have a "League Bar" that everybody goes to after the games. Cant get much better.

     After working out & laying around the house all morning, Chris and I got ready for Paul & Jessie's wedding. We pulled up to the wedding, and Dave & Mona Stempien (Chad's parents) were right in front of me. I probably should have prepared myself for the fact that they were going to be there, but JESUS seeing them ripped my heart out. I had to go sit back in the car so I could finish crying without making a scene at Pauls wedding. I know it was Paul's day, but the whole time I was there, I couldnt stop staring at Dave & Mona... I couldnt stop thinking about Chad. I wanted to talk to them so badly, but I didnt know what to say. Whew. It was kind of rough seeing them. Plus, Look at this sweet baby. This is Chad's nephew, Caleb. He looks JUST like Chad. 

Okay. Enough of that. Whhhew. The wedding was nice.  Here are the grooms men... Out of control...

First kiss as husband and wife!

Chris & Mike

After the wedding, I insisted Chris take me to the Bike Shop for some food & a margarita. & ever since I learned that Bike Shop served Cow Tongue Taco's I've wanted to try one. Also, Bike Shop serves sushi from Liquid as well. It completely made sense to order Guac & Chips, 2 cow tongue tacos & 2 rolls of sushi. 

Okay- here is Chris taking his first bite of the Cow Tongue Taco.

& Here is my first bite! I really enjoyed it, if you cant tell.

It was DELICIOUS! It was so delicious, that I made up a dance in honor of the Cow Tongue Taco. It is appropriately named The Crazy Cow Tongue Taco Dance. (Because, CTT make me crazzzzy). I will post a picture of my dance later in the blog. Bur first, a hysterical conversation between me & Suzanne via text.

Me: What are you doing tonight?
Suzy: a cuban hooker
Suzy: I have no idea-whats up?
Me: Haha we are at Bike Shop. Wanted to see if you wanted to hang out.
Me: Chris just said the phrase "excuse me while I clean up my taco"
Suzy: LICK IT CLEAN
Suzy: And yes I want to hang out!
Me: Ok come whenever you can!
Suzy: Ok I am heading that way!!! I totally need a taco
Me: Yay!!! Im eating a cow tongue taco
Suzy: SICK IS IT GOOD?
Me: Yes!!!
Suzy: OK IM COMING
Me: Speed. Im buzzed and I need to show you my cow tongue taco dance
Suzy: OMGGGGG

Bahaha. Im glad I have such good friends.  Here is a picture of me doing the dance... The dance goes like this 1. Hooves up. 2. Lick it to the left. 3. Lick it to the right. 4. Hooves go crazy, tongue wags, "CRAZY COW TONGUE TACO DANCE!!"

Lindsay,  Laura & Judson met us downtown too. We had a blasty blast.

After Bike Shop, Chris, Suzy & I went back to our house for drinks & hookah. Nelson came too.

Saturday was a great day with friends. :)

Other Stuff

      On Friday, Chris and I are going to go to New Orleans for the night. Im extremely excited about getting out of Mobile for a few days and getting extra time with Chris. We arent going to make many plans, just to eat beignets & spend time together. I cant wait to post pictures next week. Hope everybody has a good Monday!

We are Family

Last week & weekend were filled with time spent with family. I am so lucky to have such a great family! & As a bonus, I am marrying in to a fantastic family too. I know Im very lucky, most people dont have a family like mine.

Scrap booking
     As part of our wedding present, Mimi wanted to put together a nice scrapbook of mine & Chris's relationship. We've printed almost 200 pictures, and she's bought a TON of stuff to document some of the fun things Chris and I have done over the years. (Atlanta, New Orleans, Zoo, Beach, Kayaking, Spring Break in Fort Payne, Buying a House, Christmas Time, Valentines Day, Anniversary's, The Exploreum, BBQs & Cook Outs, Mardi Gras, New Years, Graduation, Soccer, Pictures with Mobley & so much more!)
     Last weekend I went to Mimi's house and Mom, Mimi and I started on our scrapbook. It was really enjoyable working on it with them. Im not very good at scrap booking, but it's actually turning out well. I'll have to post some pictures of our progress soon.
     Also this weekend, Chris got a chance to sit down and look through all the stuff. I'd like to say that he helped, but he mostly just sat there and talked to me while I scrapbooked, but none the less, it was fun to do together. Chris said "Do you want me to take a picture of you scrapbooking for the scrapbook?" He was serious....

I've Got Crabs....

     On Saturday, my Uncle John Paul & Aunt Alicia came to Mobile to have a cook out at Mom & Dads house. & OH MY GOD! JP cooks the BEST seafood! Ah, it was amazing. We had so much food. There were less than 10 of us there and we had 3 dozen blue crabs, 36lbs of crawfish & a ton of shrimp. Plus dear sausage, corn, potatoes & onions. Here is a picture of the food we had LEFT OVER after we had been eating for 3 or so hours...

& I've Got All My Sisters With Me

    Saturday night, Ginger & Tarriq came down from Laurel to spend a few days with us. Ginger hasnt been feeling well lately and just needed to get away. & Hey, I understand that!! Im glad they are staying with us. We were hoping for a fun day with Chris yesterday, but the day kind of took a bad turn. We had a little scare & had to go to the hospital. (I dont want to put Ginger's business all of the Internet, but she is fine now!! ) But that little detour took all day. But as long as she's okay, its no big deal.

     Ginger was craving steak, so Chris cooked a wonderful steak and veggie dinner for us. Fred & Gail got to come over and visit and eat too. It was nice having everybody over at our house.

Wedding Things

     This week Im going to take my Mom & Dad to see Space 301 on Thursday. If they give the okay, we are going to make a deposit for June 2nd 2012!! I cant wait to marry my best friend!!

Fund Raiser!! @ The Wine Loft!

BAND PARTY with Kurt Wielken’s Band (formerly HAERE MARUE) Doors Open @ 5:30pm / Band Starts @ 6:30pm Cover: $20.00 (2 drink tickets included) All proceeds go to support Kristin Taylor Ashworth’s campaign for Woman of the Year to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. My new friend Jeanette (the sweet girl that stopped me from doing a Cartwheel in Paddys...) is hosting this event. If you can come out and support her, come have a few drinks with us at Wine Loft!   Have a Good week everybody!