Dear Friends,
I miss you all dearly - I really do. Driving home the other day I was thinking about a multitude of things: wedding related, work related, Ben's "unemployment" related, and then somehow my thoughts landed on blogger- and how it has been quite some time since I have blogged or read any blogs- and how much I miss reading about Miss Dew's baby bump, and Bitch Cakes biking, and Real Fats weight loss, and Amber Tidd Murphy's TMI Thursdays. So I knew it was time to come back and at the very least write a little update- especially since I kind of left everyone with a cliff hanger about Ben's potential job a few weeks ago - so I guess I will start there.
Ben did not get the job he wanted and he was crushed. I'm talking tears and frustration and the whole nine yards. It was a pretty bleak couple of days.
Then- Ben got motivated. He applied EVERYWHERE and 5 days after he found out he didn't get that job- he was offered a different job. We were geeked...ARE geeked- only drawback is now that he has completed his initial paperwork they are saying it could be two weeks or better before someone gets back to him to get him started. At this point its been about a week since we have heard anything so we are starting to get nervous. Its a national company so its not like its fly-by-night or anything but it has a tendancy to make ya nervous when all of a sudden there is silence.
We remain optomistic. The job will pay a few bucks less than what he was previously making but we will get one of our utilities for free, Ben will get a company vehicle to use, and as much over time as he wants- so the perks actually make it so that it pays more. I choose not to go into any more details of the job its self for obvious reasons.
*****
The wedding is coming along. I can't believe that we are less than 6 weeks out - there is so much to do- yet so much is coming together suddenly- its surreal. I'm really looking forward to it -yet I'm also looking forward to being able to look back at it and say- that was lovely- glad its over! There is so much that has happened in regards to the wedding since last we spoke I don't even know how to fill you in. The best I've got is fast forward mode: Invitations went out, first and second wedding showers were had, wedding bands are purchased and in the hand, pinwheels are 75% complete, Wedding dress went from being 2 (or more) sizes too small this time last year, to fitting just right, to now being too loose - I have had 4 fittings thus far - the dress remains at the seamstress for another few weeks so that we can do a final fitting - as I have apparantly become the incredible shrinking woman! Etc. etc. etc. I would love to say that I will jump back on the Wedding Wednesday posts but I have to be honest - I am just so busy right now that I can guarantee nothing! I of course have tons of shower pictures to show you all - its just a matter of finding the time (while at home) to upload the mess of photos!
Work life is fine. Assistant returns from maternity Wednesday - I can't believe its been 6 weeks already!
Weight loss is still going well. I am still losing and plan to write a post very soon with actual numbers and pictures and things. After almost 6 months of actively persuing weight loss I am very satisfied with the results and can honestly say I have made a change to my lifestyle. I truly get annoyed when people tell me that my "diet" is working. I am not on a diet. I am not hungry, I'm not irritable (no more than normal anyway) I am not counting down the days until I hit a "magic" number and I can "start eating however I chose again. This is why it is not diet and why I also know that the lbs that I've lost, will stay missing!
That being said; every routine needs to be shaken up after awhile. So this week marks the jump start of a lack luster past couple of weeks. Remember a few posts back how I mentioned that I had reached my initial goal and I wasn't sure where to go? Well I've set another goal....
To lose 2lbs a week from now until the wedding (my seamstress is screaming into her sewing machine right now! lol!). In order to do this I am once again being strict about journaling my foods (not counting calories - just keeping accountable) limiting my pre-packaged meal intake and diet soda consumption, and revamping my work outs. I will still use my dvds and weights but more often than not I am hitting the walking path at our local park. Its 1.7 miles around and I've been doing 2 laps on average when I go. I am alternating between a brisk walk and a jog. Another mini goal I have set for myself is to be able to jog 1 full lap in 6 weeks. I've NEVER been a runner (I think has to do with my ample chest- my girls are out of control) but I'm trying to break into it just for leisure- nothing serious. Guess I better get a better bra huh? Lol.
Ok ladies. I've enjoyed recounting the latest goings on in my world. I know that I'm detail shy but I've got to start somewhere! I really hope to begin utilizing scheduled posting soon- but as I keep saying- I make no promises!
Hope all is well with you all!
Love!
Miss Amber Lane
Monday, May 17, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Prayers Needed!
This is not something I normally do - but I am asking those of you who regularly pray- to say a little one for Ben and I today, tomorrow, and the rest of this week.
As those who read us regularly know - Ben was laid off exactly three days after he proposed back in February of last year. We were devastated and obviously very discouraged but by the grace of God - have managed to get along pretty well with my salary and what Ben has been bringing home on un-employement.
For over a year now Ben has been applying for jobs and sending out resumes- with no results.... until last week when we learned that his old company is beginning to look at re-hiring and more specifically looking at HIM to re-hire for a position that is actually better than where he was before being laid off. At first I thought it was a bunch of smoke and mirrors ( we were faced with a similar scenario about 6 months ago to no avail) but Ben just called me to tell me that he received a call from the hiring supervisor and he asked him to come in TOMORROW for a face to face chat!
This is the furthest Ben has gotten in all this time in regards to getting a job and we are so excited we're bursting! My heart is literally aching though. Its exciting and of course I am thinking nothing but good thoughts for him- but if for some reason this doesn't come to fruition I will be devestated for him. I want this so bad not just for us and our future but for him- because after this year and all the ups and downs with un-employment he needs a success. I know he wants to help provide better for us and that he doesn't want to be home all day every day - he wants to work again and he wants to work for his former company again.
This is why I am asking you all to pray for us - not neccessarily to pray that Ben gets the job - but more that God will guide us and begin to open things up for us so that even if this is not where Ben is supposed to be - that soon we will get there.
On a more selfish note: it is completely terrifying to know we're getting married in June and that in July it is very possible that his unemployment will expire for good. I mean of course Ben would get any job at that point - even if its McDonalds but he would have to work like 3 of those jobs to bring home what he was- I think that would be a very scary mountain to climb as newly weds. But if that's our path- then climb we will.
Please think of us ladies & pray for the best!
Much Love Always
Miss Amber Lane
As those who read us regularly know - Ben was laid off exactly three days after he proposed back in February of last year. We were devastated and obviously very discouraged but by the grace of God - have managed to get along pretty well with my salary and what Ben has been bringing home on un-employement.
For over a year now Ben has been applying for jobs and sending out resumes- with no results.... until last week when we learned that his old company is beginning to look at re-hiring and more specifically looking at HIM to re-hire for a position that is actually better than where he was before being laid off. At first I thought it was a bunch of smoke and mirrors ( we were faced with a similar scenario about 6 months ago to no avail) but Ben just called me to tell me that he received a call from the hiring supervisor and he asked him to come in TOMORROW for a face to face chat!
This is the furthest Ben has gotten in all this time in regards to getting a job and we are so excited we're bursting! My heart is literally aching though. Its exciting and of course I am thinking nothing but good thoughts for him- but if for some reason this doesn't come to fruition I will be devestated for him. I want this so bad not just for us and our future but for him- because after this year and all the ups and downs with un-employment he needs a success. I know he wants to help provide better for us and that he doesn't want to be home all day every day - he wants to work again and he wants to work for his former company again.
This is why I am asking you all to pray for us - not neccessarily to pray that Ben gets the job - but more that God will guide us and begin to open things up for us so that even if this is not where Ben is supposed to be - that soon we will get there.
On a more selfish note: it is completely terrifying to know we're getting married in June and that in July it is very possible that his unemployment will expire for good. I mean of course Ben would get any job at that point - even if its McDonalds but he would have to work like 3 of those jobs to bring home what he was- I think that would be a very scary mountain to climb as newly weds. But if that's our path- then climb we will.
Please think of us ladies & pray for the best!
Much Love Always
Miss Amber Lane
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Just 71 Short Days....
I know that you all are probably sick of my apologies for being a blogger absentee...but alas here I am once again with an apology for my lack of posts.
I really AM sorry....but I'm a working girl, planning a wedding, maintaining a job, shedding lbs, and trying to maintain some sort of a personal life- so as you might be able to notice- I'm a little stretched right now!
The good news though? I'm in very high spirits! Wedding plans are taking off and day by day I'm crossing things off my to-do list and entering them on my to-done list! I'm breezing through my assistant's maternity leave and am about to enter into week 3 sans assistant.
I'm working so hard at there not being a noticable difference without her that I'm actually
AHEAD of the things that need to be done and find myself with more time to sit and interact with the residents instead of hiding out behind a desk planning and creating calendars!
My new boss started about a months ago ............. the jury is still out.
That's all I'm going to say about that!
As for all the wedding things I've gotten done lately.... in fast forward: first dress fitting, second dress fitting (MY TOO SMALL DRESS IS TOO BIG NOW!) 1/2 ceremony decor, my jewlery has been purchased, my bridesmaids gifts have been ordered (minus a few small surprises I have in store for them) my veil is in process (my mom is hand making it) I bought all the mirrors for the center pieces, our photography contract has been signed and sealed ( finally!) our 90 day meeting is scheduled (even though it will take place a mere 50 days before the wedding) I found and bought my reception dress, I've scheduled all of my hair appointments for the next 2 months, the invites have been delivered for my bridal shower ( a week from Saturday!) Invitations have been printed and we now have them in our posession!
Whew! Still so much to do but getting so close I can taste it!
I am so excited for the shower next week- I bought a super cute new dress and everything! Also very much excited for my bestie Rachel to arrive from Louisiana 1 week from today for all the shower fun!
This wedding has finally crept up and I'm finally re-excited about all the kick-ass things to come!
I of course am also feeling pretty darn good about myself and all the physical changes I've made. Someone at work came up to me today and told me that I'm a shadow of my former self. That she literally saw me from the side and didn't recognize me at first! Score!
To be honest I've sort of hit a plataeu which is very frustrating considering how easily the first 30 came off - the last 5 of my goal are just hanging on for dear life though.
My weights are really odd. For example I got on the scale this morning and a number came up that would have me 1 lb BELOW my goal but after it flashed on the screen for a few moments - ERR came up and the number went away. So I got off- got back on and it had my weight like 2.2 lbs heavier, so I stepped off and tried again and only the heavier number would come up ) :
Maybe its time for a new scale huh?
That will also teach me to get on the scale twice in one day!
So I'm still working very hard at it and hoping that by the time my next girly time is finished (due to start any day now) that I will be at or below goal.
But like I said- I can't complain- I feel awesome!
Well- that's really all that's going on in Amber Lane world. I have really been lacking at keeping up with each of your posts and I would like to say that I will catch up soon but that probably won't happen until after the wedding- let me be honest. I catch little glimpses here and there - so I know a bit about what's going on in your lives! I promise- in three months I'll be back to normal!
Otherwise...
Much Love Always!
Miss Amber Lane
I really AM sorry....but I'm a working girl, planning a wedding, maintaining a job, shedding lbs, and trying to maintain some sort of a personal life- so as you might be able to notice- I'm a little stretched right now!
The good news though? I'm in very high spirits! Wedding plans are taking off and day by day I'm crossing things off my to-do list and entering them on my to-done list! I'm breezing through my assistant's maternity leave and am about to enter into week 3 sans assistant.
I'm working so hard at there not being a noticable difference without her that I'm actually
AHEAD of the things that need to be done and find myself with more time to sit and interact with the residents instead of hiding out behind a desk planning and creating calendars!
My new boss started about a months ago ............. the jury is still out.
That's all I'm going to say about that!
As for all the wedding things I've gotten done lately.... in fast forward: first dress fitting, second dress fitting (MY TOO SMALL DRESS IS TOO BIG NOW!) 1/2 ceremony decor, my jewlery has been purchased, my bridesmaids gifts have been ordered (minus a few small surprises I have in store for them) my veil is in process (my mom is hand making it) I bought all the mirrors for the center pieces, our photography contract has been signed and sealed ( finally!) our 90 day meeting is scheduled (even though it will take place a mere 50 days before the wedding) I found and bought my reception dress, I've scheduled all of my hair appointments for the next 2 months, the invites have been delivered for my bridal shower ( a week from Saturday!) Invitations have been printed and we now have them in our posession!
Whew! Still so much to do but getting so close I can taste it!
I am so excited for the shower next week- I bought a super cute new dress and everything! Also very much excited for my bestie Rachel to arrive from Louisiana 1 week from today for all the shower fun!
This wedding has finally crept up and I'm finally re-excited about all the kick-ass things to come!
I of course am also feeling pretty darn good about myself and all the physical changes I've made. Someone at work came up to me today and told me that I'm a shadow of my former self. That she literally saw me from the side and didn't recognize me at first! Score!
To be honest I've sort of hit a plataeu which is very frustrating considering how easily the first 30 came off - the last 5 of my goal are just hanging on for dear life though.
My weights are really odd. For example I got on the scale this morning and a number came up that would have me 1 lb BELOW my goal but after it flashed on the screen for a few moments - ERR came up and the number went away. So I got off- got back on and it had my weight like 2.2 lbs heavier, so I stepped off and tried again and only the heavier number would come up ) :
Maybe its time for a new scale huh?
That will also teach me to get on the scale twice in one day!
So I'm still working very hard at it and hoping that by the time my next girly time is finished (due to start any day now) that I will be at or below goal.
But like I said- I can't complain- I feel awesome!
Well- that's really all that's going on in Amber Lane world. I have really been lacking at keeping up with each of your posts and I would like to say that I will catch up soon but that probably won't happen until after the wedding- let me be honest. I catch little glimpses here and there - so I know a bit about what's going on in your lives! I promise- in three months I'll be back to normal!
Otherwise...
Much Love Always!
Miss Amber Lane
Friday, March 26, 2010
Rock Out!
Just over 4 lbs to go before I hit my goal!
So...... wierd. I've never set a weight loss goal for myself and realistically followed it through. I am so darn proud of myself its ridiculous.
And I gotta be honest- though I've never really suffered from low self esteem - I feel awesome! Awesome-er than usual.
I'm not shying away from full body shot photos, I find that I am super confident, and I gotta be honest its not been so bad for my budoir life either. It feels...I feel pretty f*n good.
Now the big question stands to be posed: how much do I want to lose in total?
????
The BMI charts tell me that I should weigh something like 118 - which is never gonna happen- I would be a twig if I weighed that and lets be honest- I like being a touch curvy. So I can't go off the BMI who-ha.
What I can go off of is how I feel and I know that I'm not going to be completely satisfied with 35 lbs lost. So at least as my preliminary thoughts on the matter is that my next goal will be 15 lbs- which will bring my to an even 50 lbs lost. Again, there will be no time frame to lose that I will force myself into I'll just keep making it a part of my life to eat healthy and exercise - I mean its worked this far!
But I'm not going to put the cart before the horse- I still have 4 lbs to lose before I hit my first goal - so be thinking of me- I plan to hit it BEFORE I say, "I Do"....
in 89 days!!
Much Love Always!
Miss Amber Lane
Monday, March 22, 2010
Hello Lovahs
1. Loving the season premiere of Dancing With The Stars! As a Cincinnati girl you know I gotta be rooting for Chad (Johnson) Ochocinco! I'm also scoping out the rest of the cast and picking my runners up.
2. Look What I Got:
Here's the foundation for our candy buffet- give or take a few containers. Now comes the hard part .... I'm having a heck of a time trying to figure out if we are going to fill with only shades of pink candy or pink candies and multi-colored candies that have pink in them as well. After some research (AKA googling pics of candy buffets) it seems that as long as the wedding colors are the dominant colors in the candy and the ribbons/accessories/etc. the over all effect is the color you want.
Thoughts?
3: Sample Bridesmaid Bouquets:
I'm pretty pleased with these!
4. Happy to report that I'm still shedding lbs. Although I have to admit that this past week was more of a struggle than any time prior. Not with food and what I was eating. It was more about being sick (I had major allergy issues last week and had almost NO voice for 3 days!) tired due to the time change, and major, MAJOR PMSy. My work outs have dwindled to almost nothing and though I'm still on plan and counting points- I've gotten much more fluent in doing it in my head and remembering so I'm not food journaling as I should be. All that stops today - work outs are resuming and sice its been over two months and my food journal is almost filled- I bought myself a cute new one to start over fresh today!
Last time I had an official weigh in - the total loss had me down another two lbs. bringing me to 27 lbs lost total- but another issue I'm having is being too curious about my weight and how it fluxuates so I've been weighing myself too frequently and feeling like I eb and flow too much- so another goal for this week is to stick to my Friday morn. weight in and use that as my official "number"!
Bored of my weight loss blabber?
Too bad!
5. While I'm at it I have comparison pictures for you! They aren't full body pics but definitely show how my face and upper body have changed in the past several months :
Both pictures are from St. Patrick's day and I'm showing this one because I'm wearing the same outfit in both...keep in mind that in the 2009 picture I was off all day and spent lots of time getting ready to hit the bar with Bennyboo- in the 2010 picture- it was the end of the day, I had worked all day, and had some MAJOR allergy issues- Ok enough splainin'....
2009
2010
Now while I actually like the first picture of myself better makeup, hair, and otherwise - the weight change in my face, shoulders, and even boobs- rock my socks off!
Ya know...just to toot my own horn!
6. Random Pictures of Late:
7. My boss is officially gone- one week until a new boss - fingers crossed she's a good one! Assistant due to have her baby any time now - I'm not even going to mention how stressful the changes at work are right now.
Moving on...
8. 3 months and 3 days until the wedding! 1 month and 1 day until the first Bridal Shower!
9. Four day week this week- was off today because I worked all weekend. My girl Lindsey is getting married on Fri. looking forward to her wedding:
(Me and Linds circa 2007- ugh look how tan I was!!! Jealous of myself!)
10. And last but not least (because its bed time and I could go on for days) I have a hair apt. on Saturday...hollah!
Ok...G'night!
Much Love!
Miss Amber Lane
2. Look What I Got:
Here's the foundation for our candy buffet- give or take a few containers. Now comes the hard part .... I'm having a heck of a time trying to figure out if we are going to fill with only shades of pink candy or pink candies and multi-colored candies that have pink in them as well. After some research (AKA googling pics of candy buffets) it seems that as long as the wedding colors are the dominant colors in the candy and the ribbons/accessories/etc. the over all effect is the color you want.Thoughts?
3: Sample Bridesmaid Bouquets:
I'm pretty pleased with these!4. Happy to report that I'm still shedding lbs. Although I have to admit that this past week was more of a struggle than any time prior. Not with food and what I was eating. It was more about being sick (I had major allergy issues last week and had almost NO voice for 3 days!) tired due to the time change, and major, MAJOR PMSy. My work outs have dwindled to almost nothing and though I'm still on plan and counting points- I've gotten much more fluent in doing it in my head and remembering so I'm not food journaling as I should be. All that stops today - work outs are resuming and sice its been over two months and my food journal is almost filled- I bought myself a cute new one to start over fresh today!
Last time I had an official weigh in - the total loss had me down another two lbs. bringing me to 27 lbs lost total- but another issue I'm having is being too curious about my weight and how it fluxuates so I've been weighing myself too frequently and feeling like I eb and flow too much- so another goal for this week is to stick to my Friday morn. weight in and use that as my official "number"!
Bored of my weight loss blabber?
Too bad!
5. While I'm at it I have comparison pictures for you! They aren't full body pics but definitely show how my face and upper body have changed in the past several months :
Both pictures are from St. Patrick's day and I'm showing this one because I'm wearing the same outfit in both...keep in mind that in the 2009 picture I was off all day and spent lots of time getting ready to hit the bar with Bennyboo- in the 2010 picture- it was the end of the day, I had worked all day, and had some MAJOR allergy issues- Ok enough splainin'....
2009
2010
Now while I actually like the first picture of myself better makeup, hair, and otherwise - the weight change in my face, shoulders, and even boobs- rock my socks off!
Ya know...just to toot my own horn!
6. Random Pictures of Late:
7. My boss is officially gone- one week until a new boss - fingers crossed she's a good one! Assistant due to have her baby any time now - I'm not even going to mention how stressful the changes at work are right now.
Moving on...
8. 3 months and 3 days until the wedding! 1 month and 1 day until the first Bridal Shower!
9. Four day week this week- was off today because I worked all weekend. My girl Lindsey is getting married on Fri. looking forward to her wedding:
(Me and Linds circa 2007- ugh look how tan I was!!! Jealous of myself!)
10. And last but not least (because its bed time and I could go on for days) I have a hair apt. on Saturday...hollah!
Ok...G'night!
Much Love!
Miss Amber Lane
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Right Here Direct From Lunch...
Good afternoon ladies! Its a breezy, warm (ish), Wednesday here in Southern Ohio (well technically Northern Kentucky since I am at work) and I'm in a pretty fantastic mood today seeing how as I can breathe for the first time in several days and well, recently I've discovered Diet Cherry 7Up and that pretty much just fills my day with cherry bubbles and I love it! I'm sipping one right now as I finish up my lunch break.
Speaking of lunch- anyone ever had this particular Smart One?
Delicious! I've never been much of a lasagna eater but one day I thought this particular meal looked good so I snapped it up. Worth every one of the 6 points it contains. Cheesy, meaty, and delicious. Paired with a small salad you've got a very filling, satisfying lunch just as I did today!
I'm learning all about little tricks to help keep me on plan while I'm on my journey- and I've even created a few of my own.
I'm probably not the first person to have this break through- but this weekend I went out with some friends to a local bar. I knew that this particular bar probably wouldn't carry any diet mixers (other than diet coke- which in my opinion doesn't mix well with much) so I began thinking of how I could BYOM (Bring your own mixer) I thought about a bottle of cherry 7up or diet tonic but figured pulling one of those out in a bar would instantly make it appear as though I were brining in alcohol- so I thought some more...
And that's when it dawned on me! Crystal Lite To Go packets!
Duh!
So I stashed a few in my purse and when I got to the bar I ordered a shot of bubblegum vodka with a glass of ice water. I would drink a few sips out of the water, pour in the shot, and the Crystal Light and Voila! A much lower cal beverage and just 2 pts!
I used Cherry Limeaid as my flavor and it was yummy!
Here I am enjoying my treat!
Not only was it delish- it also ensured that I was drinking lots of water so my morning after was a piece of cake! Go Me!
The day after my weekend o' fun I came down with a sinus infection and had to leave work early on Monday and stay home yesterday. ) :
I am mostly healed now though and really enjoying the 6o + degree weather we are currently having!
Hope its been as nice in your necks of the woods! Well lunch is over so I better run!
And while I'm thinking of it - does anyone have any "guy-friendly" healthy recipes handy? Ben and I are kind of hitting a wall..anything would be helpful!
Much Love Always!
Miss Amber Lane
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