Resolution breakin'

I just can't seem to get myself to do any 30 days of blogging again today.
I don't even know what the next "subject" is...


I just wanted to make this a quick post anyhow.

Today was wonderful. Didn't have to work one job, so I went to the other early so's to get off early and have a nice evening with my family.
I made a deal with myself last night. No more whiny baby days this week. I used up my quota on my sick days. So from here on out, POSITIVITY IS KEY! ha. Seems to be working alright.  :)

I'm somewhat stuck in a musical rut, however. That sounds so silly. But I'm working on getting my new ipod filled up, I've got most of my music on there, going to steal the essentials from the boys. But I want something new.
Any musical suggestions? Any kind really. As I love most anything. (considering I already have everything from Billy Holiday to Leftover Crack on my old ipod...)

Just a few photos now..

 I know I know... I said to take it easy on the pictures of myself.. 

But I DID also say I'm resolution breakin' in this post too. ;)

This was a few nights ago, the sunset was BEAUTIFUL there were so many amazing colors in the sky. 

I was driving so I wasn't able to get as good of a picture as I'd like, but I think this does some justice.

Anyhow, I hope every one's Tuesday is going swimmingly. I'm getting anxious for Zumba! I just want it to be time to get ready.

1-because it's Zumba. And I'd marry it if I could.

2-because JODI is coming tonight! Oh I can't wait! :DD

Resolutions?

1- Finish 30 days of blogging that has instead lasted 3 months...

2- No more soda. Or at least go back to very rarely soda. Ever since I quit smoking I've been drinking a lot more soda... It's gotta go!

3- Cut back on the hooch.

I don't drink often. But I'd like to make it even less. And with weight-loss in mind, it can only make things better!

4- Exercise at LEAST 4 days a week. I've got my 2 guaranteed Zumba days. I need to make sure I'm doing 2 more days of SOMETHING!

5- Spend more time with my family. (extended family also. With the Holidays over, I've been racking my brain trying to figure out when we're going to have an excuse to all get together again!)

7- Keep my room clean.

I'm sure there's more that needs to be done, but I think that's a good start.

 I probably should start taking more pictures like this though...

 Or perhaps just consider growing a sweet 'stache... somehow.

 Maybe just stick to :

8- Post pictures of more than just self when blogging.

You vain, vain Shando...

How's everyone holding up with their New Years Resolutions? :D

Day 26 - What you think about your friends.

You know, it's quite interesting that this is the post for today, as my "friends" have been on my mind quite a bit since New Years.

I love my friends. I love the friends that I've had for years and years, and the new friends that have come into my life. Most importantly, I love the friends that I have that don't feel the need to be fake because other people are around. I love my friends who actually treat me like a friend all the time, rather than just trying to make conversation after not speaking to me (at all) for months and months. I'm so happy that I don't put myself in situations where I have to be around these people often. And I see 2011 holding even less of said situations.

Also, I am very happy that the majority of my friends are boys. Because quite frankly, being friends with girls has never worked out for me very well.

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Anyhow...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I do hope everyone was safe and had plenty of fun for New Years! My NYE festivities were rather less than satisfactory. My original plans were ruined by someone calling in sick at Pizza Hut making Matthew have to close that night. So we went to a party instead. (see above portion of post to see how that went... ha) I decided I'd go down to ring in the New Year with my family, but by the time I had decided this, there was only about 6 minutes until midnight, so I stayed. And then shortly after snuck away to go hang out with my family for the first bit of 2011. It was tons of fun! I wish I had spent all of New Years with them, but oh well. :)

at least I looked good. haha

I left my parents and spent the rest of the morning snuggling and watching movies on the couch with Matthew. We pulled an all nighter and watched the CHEEZIEST horror movies On Demand. The free ones. Just to give you a bit of an idea.. haha.



Seriously... Ridiculous. Haha.

But then after the movies he decided to flip through to see what was on TV. And kept putting it on Puppy Bowl III. HOLY CRAP!! Cutest thing ever! Just a bunch of puppies running around playing, and they made a TV show with it!? I was in Heaven! haha.



We both slept for a million hours. I finally got up around 3:30 to come home. On the way I realized I felt AWFUL! Ended up spending the rest of the day curled in a ball on our TV chair and throwing everything I've eaten in the last few days up. I'm happy to report that I feel much better today though. Just have a mega headache and my tummy still hurts a tad, but I've at least been able to eat and keep it down. :)

I was going to post my Resolutions, but I just don't feel like it now. So until next time, Happy New Year!

Day 25 - What I would find in your purse.

In my purse right now you would find...

my wallet

hand lotion

carmex

a pair of earrings

(they've been chillin' in there for about a month now..)

i think some nail polish?

and about 9 million receipts/gum wrappers.

yep... pretty sure that's about it.

oh.. and some tea packets from when I was sickie poo.

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In other news.. (ha, couldn't help myself..)

I'm happy to see everyone had a great Christmas. I'd have to say I agree with the statement "best Christmas in a few years".

This year and this season has made me so grateful for everything that I've had in my life, and the people that are in it. I look back at my life and I've been so blessed to have such a close family, parents who worked hard to be able to give me everything I needed. (and most of the things I wanted) I see so many people who haven't experienced that. Who aren't close with their extended family. And it kind of breaks my heart a little. I am indeed grateful for the family I have and the opportunities and gifts I have been given.

AAAAAAAAAAANYHOW.

The big plan I mentioned in the previous post relates somewhat to what I just talked about. I played Santa (or as I like to call it.. Shandi-Claus) this year for the boys. I originally was just going to get Matt pillows, because his were yuuuuuuuuuuucky. But then decided to get them all a few cheap little gifts. On Christmas Eve I went to their house while they were at a family dinner and set up a little "Christmas Tree" that I had made out of ribbon and set all of the wrapped presents underneath. I couldn't get any pictures of it, as they all walked in right as I finished. But it was precious. And Matt's new pillows are simply delightful. (yes... I kind of got them more for me... but to keep on his bed. ha)

Christmas Day was GREAT! Aside from the little brother thinking we STILL need to wake up at 6am to open presents! YIKES! I got so many great gifts. TONS of lotions and body sprays in my favorite scent(s) so I'm very well stocked for a while! I also got an Ipod Touch. I downloaded the hipstamatic and incredibooth apps (thanks to Heidi making them look so fun)

a few ipod photos for your viewing pleasure:



after waking up the 2nd time... still sooo sleepy.

 

My Grandma Benson always comes down for Christmas Breakfast.

This year instead of BOOberry(haha) pancakes, my mama made eggnog french toast.

DEEEEELICIOUS!

previously mentioned "Cat-Zilla"...

not-so baby brother. I just love that guy.

My Mom after we were done eating dinner.

My Mom and Grandma Jerry. They were being Christmas twinners in matching shirts.

I of course ended the night hanging out with the boys. This is Dustin and I waiting for one of our friends to get out to the car. He's so fun. He just makes me laugh. It's nice having goofball Dustin back. :D

Aaaaaaaaand, I think that about wraps it up. I need to get to sleep. I'm starting up running again tomorrow! (Wish me luck that I'll actually make myself get out of bed for it!) I just plan on having tomorrow be a SUPER-FIT day. Start it off with a jog, Zumba at 9:30... Yes, please.

Hope every one is doing well!

Day 24 - A letter to your parents.

Dear Parents: Thank you for being so awesome. Thank you for helping me so much over the years and dealing with me when I'm sure I was absolutely no fun as a daughter. I'm sorry I put you through some of the things that I've put you through. But I'm happy that we're close now, and I feel like I have friends in my parents.

Dear Pop: I love your goofy 68 year old personality. I love that we joke around and poke fun at mom when she's being way too silly for life. Most of all I love that you are in my life. We certainly did not have it easy to start off, and it didn't get any easier over the years. But I couldn't imagine a better person to have raised me. You've taught me the importance of having nice things, and while I didn't listen for quite a few years, I'm working on taking that advice. I love you very very much. Thank you for taking such good care of my mother and being an incredible dad to the most important little guy in my life. 

Mama: Words cannot explain how lucky I am for you. I don't even know where to start. You're amazing. You were so strong when I was younger and worked so hard to give me so much. I had no idea we were "poor" or even that we ever struggled financially because it felt like I had everything. You taught me to care about everyone and everything so much. You have such a big heart, but you're tough as nails. I'm so so so happy that you are my very best friend. And that we've grown so much from where we were 3 years ago (even though I know it hurt so much for the both of us in the years before that). You are an incredible woman. And I want to make you proud. (but you gotta let go of the "get married and have babies" bit for a while... ;) )

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In other news (I'm pretty sure I start off each new section after the 30 days of blogging bit that way...) I went Christmas shopping the other night and got it all finished in under an hour! I was pretty happy, as I don't enjoy shopping, especially so close to Christmas. Too many people. But it was nice. Since I don't have a whole lot of money I didn't buy a lot, or for a lot this year. But I came up with the BEST (and pretty cheap) idea for the boys for Christmas. I'm not going to say anything. But do expect full details after Christmas! Hehe.

While I was shopping, I decided to take a look and maybe get a new shirt. I had the cashier ring up everything else first, and it came to about $3 less than what I had. So I decided against the shirt. Paid for everything and was about to walk away when the guy in line behind me tapped me on the shoulder and told me to wait a second. He looked at the cashier and said "Go ahead and ring that up, I want to pay for that..." I was shocked. I tried to tell him no, that it was just something I was buying for myself, he didn't need to buy it. But he looked at me and said "No no, I want to. Merry Christmas".  Needless to say, I left that night in such an amazing mood. I was all warm and fuzzy and thankful and happy that people like that really do exist. What a nice man! Definitely filled me back with the Christmas Spirit. :)

The whole "dieting" bit is getting harder with the Holidays upon us.. While I'm trying to keep as active and Zumba'd as possible, Holiday treats are SOOOO tempting! I'm definitely keeping it to a minimum (to the best of my ability! ha) And trying to eat healthy meals and reasonable portions, so hopefully if anything, I'll be able to maintain my loss so far and get another head start next week! Also, Heidi and Bonnie, I really really am interested in this "Private Zumba" so if you want to for reals, let's plan a night each week we could do it! :D

I'm pretty sure I could keep writing all night. But I'm sure I'll just be rambling and it'd be boring. So I leave you with some photos.

Matt's roommate bought his girlfriend a Wii for Christmas, so we were playing it last night. It was a ton of fun. (and I'm only going to say this once so publicly, but Matt is freakin' hot.)

My hair is getting so long! I love it. :D Also, the shirt in this photo is the shirt mentioned in the story above.  

Just to end on a lighter note...

I've lost another 2 pounds!

Gotta push and stay strong to lose the other 6 by next Saturday! Then both of my goals will be a success!
Goodnight. Let's leave this nasty day behind us.

(old old photo... just a personal favorite of mine..)

Woke up on the dark side of the mattress..

Taking a break from the 100,000,000,000 days of blogging. Just kind of want to whine, so feel free to skip this post.

 You know when you have one of those days when you're really just not feelin' it?  That's basically how my week has been. No good. I love winter for the first few weeks. The chilly weather, the getting bundled up, the Holidays.... But after a few weeks, I just get super bummed out and just want sunshine and happiness back. (Not to mention, my tan is gone. Please welcome back the whitest Native you know!)

Not to mention, there's some family in town that just frustrates me and makes me sad. But having said family around also reminds me how incredibly grateful I am for the people in my life and that I need to make sure they know I love them and I never want to take them for granted.

Some false news was shared on Sunday that completely ruined my day. Made it so the "Not-Boyfriend" and I almost had to have the D.T.R. (Determine The Relationship) talk... Which is something I want to avoid. I don't know why. I think I just want to avoid relationships because I spent 3 years giving everything I had to one, and only ended up completely broken in the end. Yes, yes, I know NOW that that relationship was poopy, and that it ending was for the best for both of us. But I also remember, quite vividly, how much it hurt. I know that if this "Not-Relationship" were to become "official" things would be different, simply because of who it involves, and the fact that we will actually be physically together. But the thought of it ending and losing this person terrifies me beyond reason. Yet, people tell me that I need to find out what exactly is going on in case "Not-Boyfriend" finds someone else and I just end up more hurt in the end. And I just don't want to have to deal with it. I just want things to keep going how things are going and having fun. But due to the fact that I AM a girl, I keep over thinking this whole situation and driving myself crazy over it. Therefore, I've decided this week to kind of give it a break. Back off for a little bit. Let's not get too attached and serious Shandi. As that's the only way we'll be able to continue doing this without needing to have the "Talk".

I've kind of lost the Christmas-y thrill I was feeling earlier in the month. I'm quite broke (how I've managed that with TWO jobs and being extra careful to spend money only on bills, I have no idea...) so no one is getting anything from me this year. I have a LITTLE extra money that I'm going to try to at least get my brother something. But that's about it. This REALLY bums me out, as the whole shopping/wrapping presents and getting excited about giving them to people is most of the fun for me! I wish I would have planned this earlier so I could have had time to make everyone something. Maybe if I find the time I can still do that. And homemade gifts are more fun anyways :)

Ugh. I hate being in such a funk. I can't wait for Zumba tonight to get it all out and leave feeling amazing.

I've felt like I could break down in tears all week. It's stupid. I'm such a tough Shando. I don't like feeling like this. Especially when I think about how "Not Boyfriend" said one of his favorite things about me is that I'm always so happy. That's a lot of pressure to put on someone when they just want to throw a pity-party for a minute. Haha. At least when we hang out I'm happy. So that's good.

There was so much more that I've been thinking about today that I was going to write about, but now I can't think about it. That's what I get for thinking about blog topics when I'm driving. I can't write them down so I'll remember for later.

Oh! Woe is me!!!!
(haha)
Good golly. I'm done now.

(don't mind the yucky face in this. It was right after getting laser'd so my skin was still all puffy and traumatized.)