Anchor Girl

Random Thoughts

2008-07-03T09:58:00.003-05:00

Sometimes you stumble upon something that you wish you hadn't found. (And, of course, you feel the need to share it with a good friend.)

Here's my thought for the day... People who post on blogs shouldn't post things that they don't want to be found. Also, those same people should just tell people that they dislike them instead of "pretending".

I happen to think very highly of my friend... and her adventurous sense of life and positive attitude! Maybe you're just jealous........

ANYWAY... I'm stepping down from my soapbox now. Some people just aren't worth worrying about.

It's the day before the 4th of July, and I took the day off. (Yeah!! 4-day weekend!!) Bob and I are heading to the boat... as soon as the nasty rain stops. Tomorrow's the 4th... and that means it's the annual Mueller July 4th Party (at the in-law's house)! Bob and I will be heading there in the morning to help with set-up and then spending the afternoon hanging out with family and friends. Let's hope the weather cooperates. We might be heading to the north-side of Kelley's Island on Saturday to anchor-out and swim. We'll have to wait and see what the weather's like...

It's going to be a great 4-day weekend. I better get myself moving. I still need to pack.

Happy 4th of July!!!! Hope it's full of fun!! :-)

P.S. I missed my WW weigh-in last week due to our trip to Put-in-Bay. I'm going Saturday a.m. and will have an update for you...

Old photos

2008-06-20T19:46:00.005-05:00

I was going through some old photos the other day and came across the following:

(This was in May 2007 with my niece.)

(This one was taken one week before my wedding in October 2007.)

It's amazing to me the changes that I have made through my Weight Watchers journey over the past 20 weeks. I know I keep talking about it... but, when I find pictures like these, I can't help but notice the wonderful things I've accomplished!

I'm excited to be going to my regular WW meeting tomorrow morning! With the start of boating season, I haven't been able to attend my normal meetings. It will be a nice treat to see all my favorite people. And, following the meeting... I think I'm going to head to the mall and "treat" myself to some new "skinny" clothes!! :-)

New Me!

2008-06-15T20:55:00.006-05:00

As promised... here are some pictures of me!

This is a "self-portrait" the first night on the boat this season! (Taken 5-17-08 -- also happens to be my grandma's birthday!)

Here's one of Bob & I on my birthday! (5-19-08)

Of course, we couldn't have ZelieCat blog without a picture of my cute kitty, Zelie!!

News Flash...

2008-06-13T08:46:00.003-05:00

I fit in a size 12 skirt this morning!!! HOORAY!!!! (Considering when I started WW in February, I was hovering around a size 18... this is a HUGE accomplishment!)

I haven't worn this skirt in YEARS!!! It's a denim knee-length skirt that I bought while in CT visiting my friend, Traci, in July 2003 at a Ralph Lauren Outlet! My husband, Bob, has never even seen me in it. I don't think it fit by the time I met him in January 2004 (or, at least I wasn't wearing it in the winter, and by the time summer came, it didn't fit).

Anyway... I paired my skirt with a really cute top and wore it to work today. I'll need to take a photo so that I can post it.

Oh happy day!!! :-)

Signs of Spring

2008-06-12T21:45:00.003-05:00

There are sometimes in life when you wish you had a camera to capture a moment.

Yesterday morning was one of those moments...

I was standing in our dining room, looking out the window into our backyard. I looked down and noticed a bunny rabbit nibbling on some grass. I watched him for a few moments, and then left to finish getting ready for work. Before I walked out the door, I went back to see if he was still there. He was... and he had another friend with him. As I looked past the two rabbits, I noticed a mother duck and 6 baby ducks walking toward the creek at the back of our yard. All of them walked down into the creek, and the mother duck walked up onto the opposite bank. One by one, each baby duck jumped out of the creek and landed successfully on the opposite bank... all except for the last baby. He tried 3 times before he successfully made it.

I knew by the time I ran to get my camera, the two rabbits and mother duck with her babies would be gone. But, it was such a sight to see... all in our backyard.
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It's been awhile since I've posted. So, I'll give an update on my Weight Watchers progress. I've lost 35 pounds since starting the program 18 weeks ago. :-) I need to post some pictures to show off the "new me". :-)

Another year older...

2008-05-19T20:06:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to me!!!

Today, I turned 31 years young! :-P (And... one year ago today we moved into our house!!)

I decided to take the day off. (I took last Friday off too and had a 4-day weekend!)

Bob took the day off as well to celebrate my birthday with me. I wanted to spend the day looking for a new car. So, we went to 4 car dealerships in 6 hours. And, I have it narrowed down to two cars... not the two cars that I would have thought I would be considering. If you asked me a week ago, I would have said I would be purchasing a Toyota RAV4 or a Kia Sportage. But, after all the hours of "tire-kicking" (as Bob likes to say), I'm deciding between a Dodge Journey or a Hyundai Santa Fe.

We'll see what happens. I'm not ready to go out tomorrow and make a purchase... although, it would be nice to have a new car. I've had my current car for 6.5 years. My red Pontiac Sunfire has over 93,000 miles on it. It only had 241 when I purchased it in February 2002. It's been a great car... and I've had a lot of good memories with it. But, I think it's time to move on to something new.

So, after a long day of car shopping, Bob and I went to Macaroni Grill for dinner. (My favorite!!) Actually, I had all my favorites today... Starbucks for breakfast, Chipotle for lunch, and Macaroni Grill for dinner... along with chocolate cake smothered in hot fudge and whipped cream as a birthday treat from Macaroni Grill. Needless to say... this wasn't a Weight Watchers friendly day... but, this has been the first day since I started WW 15 weeks ago and that I didn't follow my points. But, I'm ok with it! I've been doing absolutely wonderful, and I'm very pleased with my weight loss so far. One day filled with all my favorites isn't going to erase my progress! :-)

After dinner, I opened my present from Bob. He got me the Coach cellphone case to match my new Coach purse that I got for myself after reaching my 10% weight loss goal. (See my post from April 23!!!)

Now, I'm off to watch some TV before heading off to bed. My birthday was a very exciting one, and I'm happy that I got to enjoy the day with my wonderful husband! :-)

The BIG 3-0!!!

2008-05-12T18:22:00.004-05:00

Yes, I already DID turn 30 last year. (Actually, almost a year ago one week from today.)

No, the BIG 3-0 that I'm referring to is the fact that I've now lost 30.4 pounds in my first 14 weeks on Weight Watchers!!

It's still crazy to me how well I've been doing. I'm loving my new skinnier self! :-) And, I'm fitting into clothes that I haven't worn in YEARS! It's like getting a whole new wardrobe without the shopping. (Although, I'm itching to go out shopping for some new smaller-sized clothes!!)

Yesterday, Bob and I hosted our families at our house for a Mother's Day dinner. My parents, grandma, brother Stephen, sister-in-law Sarah, niece Sophia, Aunt Carol, cousin Traci and Bob's parents all gathered for a dinner cooked by Bob and I! We also celebrated my birthday.

New Purchases

2008-04-23T21:41:00.009-05:00

I decided when I started Weight Watchers that when I reached my 10% goal, I would treat myself to a Coach purse. (

I know it's frivolous... and probably irresponsible to spend $200+ on a purse... especially when my wallet in the purse won't have $200 in it... but, I've always wanted one. And, now I have a good excuse to get one.

So, last night, my friend, Kelly, and I headed to the Coach outlet at Aurora Farms. (If I'm going to get a Coach purse, I'm not going to spend full price on it! Give me some credit at least. LOL!)

I found a purse, wristlet and wallet --- all matching! Here's a picture of the wristlet. (No, I didn't take the picture. I swiped it from the internet.)

As I stepped to the counter to make my purchase, I started to have second doubts. How could I spend that much on a purse??? But, Kelly reminded me that since I started WW 12-weeks ago, I have only purchased my lunch 2-3 times total. Prior to WW, I was buying lunch at least 3-4 times a week. I have probably saved more in the 12-weeks by not buying lunch than the Coach purchase was going to cost me.

You gotta love Kelly's thinking!!

So, I made my purchase. And, I proudly carried my new purse to work today. Hooray for me!

And, speaking of purchases...... I have found an absolutely wonderful jewelry maker. Her name is Nicole, and she is the proud owner of lillyella. (www.lillyella.etsy.com) Please check out her website. Her prices are very reasonable for such exquisite jewelry. Her pieces are very unique, and very well crafted. And, she's more than happy to work with you to change a piece of jewelry currently on her website (color, length, etc.), or even to create something completely new just for you!

I purchased this necklace! She made matching earrings too. I've received so many compliments.

And, today... this necklace arrived in the mail with matching earrings, of course. I can't wait to wear them!! I'm usually a silver girl, so this is definitely different than anything else that I own. But, I was just drawn to it. The photo doesn't convey the beauty.

Please check out her website. And, tell your friends!

www.lillyella.etsy.com

She's very talented!!! Her jewelry would make great gifts. Don't forget... Mother's Day is coming up, along with graduations and I'm sure some birthdays!

If you make a purchase, tell her that Stephanie referred you! :-)

Happy Shopping!!!

P.S. I'm up to 26.2 pounds lost in 11 weeks! :-)

Many Going On's...

2008-04-13T19:10:00.008-05:00

So, the first and BIGGEST thing happening is my progress with Weight Watchers. I've reached my first milestone. I lost 10% of my starting weight. Actually, I've lost MORE than 10%. Since starting WW on February 2, I have lost 24.2 pounds!!!!

I fit in clothes that I haven't been able to wear in years. I feel awesome! (And, I look great too... if I can say so!)

I still have some weight to lose to get to my goal weight... but, I am on track, feeling great and inspired to keep going!!!

Last weekend, Bob and I traveled to Fernandina Beach, Florida for Keith & Kristen's wedding. (Keith is Bob's brother!) It was a beautiful weekend in 80 degree weather and sunshine (except for the massive UGLY thunderstorm just prior to and during their wedding ceremony). Keith and Kristen rented a beach house on the ocean for the entire bridal party and their significant others to say in for the weekend.

Here's a picture of me and my mother-in-law, Pat!

(Please excuse my hair. The thunderstorm that I just mentioned... well, I was in the shower getting ready for the wedding when the electricity went off in our beach house. Yes... no power means no hair dryer. UGH!)

Of course, Bob & I took our "infamous" self-portrait!

Unfortunately, I don't have a full length photo of myself from the wedding. I went shopping for a dress and got a size smaller than I've been wearing. :-) I received many compliments!

Last night, Bob & I attended Pajama Jam at the Marriott Downtown. The event benefited Junior Achievement, and it was my responsibility to oversee it. Yes, as the name suggests... we wore our PAJAMAS!!!

The Marriott did an awesome job with the decorations! They even had beds set-up to keep with the theme!!

Here are some of my co-workers!

Of course, Bob & I took a self-portrait! :-)

Junior Achievement Pajama Jam

2008-03-27T16:29:00.006-05:00

Leave your ball gowns and bow ties at home! This is not your ordinary fundraising event.

You'll need to wear your best pajamas and favorite slippers to this event!

(click on the photos below to see the details BIGGER!!)

Check out www.jacleveland.org/pajamajam.htm for more details! And, tell all your friends about it!

(Yes, I know this is a shameless plug for my event... But, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta go to sell tickets!)

WW Update & St. Patty's Day @ SYC

2008-03-16T17:39:00.005-05:00

First of all... let's get to the GOOD stuff!!!! I had my weigh-in on Saturday a.m. (I missed last week's weigh-in due to the MASSIVE amounts of snow we had here. GRRRRR!!)

BUT... in those two weeks, I lost another 5.4 pounds... taking me to a total weight loss of 16.4 pounds in 6 weeks!!!!!! I'm so excited!!!!! I have another 8 pounds to lose to get to my first goal of 10%... and my Coach purse!!!! (I promised myself that when I made my 10% goal, I'd buy myself a Coach purse!!!) I'm so proud of myself that I've stuck with it. The fact that I cook A LOT more now, and don't eat out for lunch are helping immensely!!!

Now, on to the "lesser" important things... Bob and I joined the Sandusky Yacht Club a few weeks ago. Some of our friends from the Berea Power Squadron as also members. 15 Berea members gathered together last night for SYC's annual St. Patty's Day party. A FABULOUSLY good time was had by ALL!!

Here are some pictures...

Bob and I getting ready to party!!!

Dan and I having much fun!!

Weigh In Day

2008-02-23T10:17:00.002-05:00

This morning was my Weight Watchers weigh in. I knew that I had lost some weight, because I've been feeling better and my clothes are loser.

I lost another 3.6 pounds this week. My 3 week weight loss total is 10.4 pounds!!!!!!!

I'm so excited!!!!! I have to treat myself to something nice since I've reached the 10 pound milestone. Any ideas?!?!?!?

WW update

2008-02-17T21:03:00.002-05:00

I attended my weekly Weight Watchers meeting on Saturday for my "weigh-in". I lost another 2.6 pounds. So, that brings my total to -6.8 pounds for the first two weeks.

Yeah! Go me! :-)

I'm feeling greater. And, the program has actually been quite easy. We'll see how I do this week. I have dinner out with Crystal & Melissa, and two networking events. But, I'm confident that I will do well.

2008-02-14T19:50:00.001-05:00

New Year, New Me

2008-02-04T20:38:00.001-05:00

I decided to start Weight Watchers on Saturday, February 2.

I had my first week weigh-in this morning.

I lost 4.2 pounds in the first week... and I'm so excited!!!

Bob and I have been talking about doing Weight Watchers for awhile, but neither one of us took any steps toward starting. With everything that was happening last year (engagement, new house, new job, wedding), we didn't need another "thing" in our lives.

But, after seeing how well my most-favorite cousin, Traci, has done with WW, and talking to my friend, Kelly, at work, who has also experienced success..... I decided it was time for me to try!

I attended my first meeting last Saturday. I met a REALLY nice woman named Pat, who offered great advice and support. I saw again at the meeting this morning, and she was so excited to hear my great news.

I'm feeling good. And, I've even noticed that my pants are fitting slightly looser (which is always a great thing).

I'll keep posting my progress as I go... and hoping the pounds will continue to fall!

Happy 2008!

2007-12-31T23:45:00.000-05:00

Another year is here! It's going to be tough to beat 2007.... where I got engaged, bought a house with Bob, got a new job, and married my best friend and love of my life!

But, I'm definitely looking forward to 2008!

To all my family and friends.... may 2008 bring you love, happiness and surprises!

Christmas Eve

2007-12-24T22:03:00.000-05:00

I wanted to take a moment to wish all my family and friends a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

In this crazy busy time of year... stop and take time to enjoy the ones you love, and to tell them how much they mean to me.

I am looking forward to spending Christmas with Bob... our first Christmas together as a married couple. I can't believe that a year ago, we weren't even engaged. Wow... how time flies. It doesn't even seem possible that the wedding was almost three months ago.

I wish you all much joy and peace during this special time of year!

Wedding Video

2007-12-02T20:25:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since I've posted.... but, I haven't really had any news to share. But, this is definitely worth the time to post!

We got our wedding video back from our videographer, and it's AWESOME! I'm so glad that we got one, and that we used Chris. The video quality is crystal-clear, and wonderfully done. The video perfectly captures our special day.

Most people say that their wedding day goes by so quickly that they don't have time to stop and take it all in... or remember everything that happened. There are parts of our day that are a "blur" to me... but, luckily and I remember most of it. And, watching the video really helped to remind me of the day.

I want to share a short part of our wedding video. Following our EARLY 11:30am ceremony, we spent almost 4 hours taking photos at Coe Lake in Berea, as well as a couple other locations in the MetroPark areas of Berea and near Lake Erie. Our videographer, Chris, put together a video montage of these special moments.

And, we LOVE it!

Please enjoy the video! (And, don't forget to leave comments!!)

Favorite Wedding Photo

2007-11-09T18:57:00.000-05:00

Here's my favorite wedding photo. It was taken by my new in-laws' friend, Glenn. I think it truly captures the day and us! :-)

Wedding Toast

2007-10-27T21:30:00.000-05:00

My bestest friend, Michell, was my wonderful maid-of-honor for my wedding. She gave an absolutely beautiful toast during our Wedding Reception, and I wanted to share it with everyone.

Michell --- you are truly a wonderful person, and I am very lucky to have you in my life. We've been through a lot, and I will cherish those memories for a lifetime. I look forward to the future, and all our new memories!

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Hello! I'd like to take a moment to say, Stephanie, you look absolutely beautiful today! And Bob, well, you don't clean up too bad either...

I am honored to stand here today with all of you as we witness my best friend Stephanie marry the love of her life and her very best friend Bob.

For those of you who may not know me, my name is Michell. Stephanie and I have been friends for about 7 years now, since she worked at the Great Lakes Science Center where I also volunteered. I've always tried not to take it personally that she quit working there just a few weeks after I started!

I knew being friends with Stephanie would be an adventure right from the start. The first time we ever hung out together, neither of us had much money. We decided to just rent a DVD, get a frozen pizza and go back to her place. As I recall, the DVD player wouldn't work, and in our extended efforts to figure out the problem, we overcooked the pizza, so badly in fact, that it was too tough to cut with a regular knife and the pizza cutter was M.I.A. We ended up half cutting, half tearing the pizza into shreds with a pair of kitchen shears while watching re-runs of Friends. To top it all off, her beloved cat, Zelie, growled and spanked my rear every time I walked past his perch on the chair.

I'm happy to say, the first thing I bought Stephanie and Bob when they purchased their new home was a new, sharp pizza cutter, and Zelie and I have become quite special friends in the years since.

Over the years, many more adventures followed. From road trips to cruise ships, shopping sprees and ice cream quests, bizarre movies (I'll never understand Vanilla Sky Stephanie), nights at the ballpark, countless radio contests and more concerts than my bank account cares to remember. Even the occasional run in with unexpected public nudity. Whatever Stephanie and I were doing, you could bet it was an adventure—for us at least. She has been a great friend to me in so many ways, and has always been there for me when things were tough. We've come to know one another so well, that we have an understanding that goes beyond words.

But when Stephanie decided to get back into the dating scene, it was an adventure I was not prepared to follow her on. She always kept me included though, and I could expect my daily phone call or emails filling me in on the crazy guy she met the night before or the funny email another prospect sent her that day. Among my favorites were Chicken Fingers Steve, who, true to his name, would only eat chicken fingers or, when pressed, hamburgers, and Warren the Swing Dancer whom I expect to see on "So You Think You Can Dance" any day now.

I knew Bob was different right away though, not because of what Stephanie told me about him, but because she didn't tell me about him at all. I had always got the low down on any other guy immediately; his age, where he lived, what he did for a living, things they talked about etc. But with Bob, I never knew he existed until after their first date, even though she had been talking to him for quite a while beforehand.

As she sat in my kitchen that day, telling me about their date the weekend before, her eyes had a little glow in them, and she had a funny little smile I had never seen before. When she paused 20 minutes after she began to finally take a breath, I quickly interjected that this guy seemed like a good one and she should keep him around! Frankly, since this was the first I had even heard of him, I was just impressed that he had floor seats to the Cavs! But I didn't tell her that at the time.

From then on, Stephanie and Bob were inseparable. It all felt right as it happened, it all feels right today, and I know that the life they have ahead of them will feel just as right in the future.

It can be hard to share your best friend with someone else, but I have been thrilled to share Stephanie with Bob. He has made her happier than I have ever seen her. All in all, I can see you both making a success of everything you do together, especially in your marriage. I know you have a wonderful foundation: not just lovers, but lifelong friends as well. The love you show each other is inspiring and beautiful and I look forward to seeing it continue to grow.

Stephanie, I want to say thank you for being my friend. You always make things entertaining and exciting. I am proud to be your friend. You're a giving person, you're always there if I need you, and I just love you to bits. Even though you made me give a speech today.

Separately, you are two special, remarkable people, but together you are complete. As you sit side by side through this roller coaster of life, remember to scream from the peaks, hold hands through the dips, laugh through the loop the loops, and enjoy every twist and turn.

For the ride is much better when you share it together. And it's a wonderful thing when two people who were made for each other manage to fall in love.

So I'd like to make a toast. And I'd like to make it with this thought in mind: If there is such a thing as a good marriage, it is because it resembles friendship rather than love. So this is to you, Stephanie and Bob, and a wonderful life together. Ladies and Gentlemen, to friends, lovers and soul mates.

Wedding and Honeymoon are over!

2007-10-22T20:30:00.000-05:00

Well, the wedding and honeymoon are over!

What wonderful memories!!!!

I posted some photos on my MySpace page (click here). When I get the professional photos from our AMAZING photographer, I will post those too.

I'm off to Toledo for a couple days for work... so, I will post more about the wedding honeymoon when I return.

I'm married. I still can't believe it!

Two Days!

2007-10-11T07:30:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it!

I know I keep saying it.

But, I simply can't believe that 9 months have passed since Bob and I got engaged New Year's Eve in Florida. It seems just like yesterday.

And now, it will be here on Saturday.

I still have much to do... but, I'm loving every minute of it. I'm thrilled and excited to be marrying Bob on Saturday...but, a part of me is sad because all the fun wedding planning will be over. But, we have a lot to look forward to... #1 being new furniture for the new house! Yeah!

I'm so excited about walking down the aisle and seeing Bob's face for the first time. It's going to be magical and wonderful and romantic.

If you haven't already... check out our wedding webiste, and leave a message in the guestbook!
http://www.mywedding.com/stephandbob/

I'm off to get my laundry list of "to-do" items completed. I'm sure there will be more updates before Saturday...

*Fingers crossed* for sunshiny skies!

One week...

2007-10-06T07:11:00.000-05:00

from today I'll be getting my hair and make-up done for the wedding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Single digits

2007-10-04T22:12:00.000-05:00

We're down to single digits until the wedding. I can't believe it............

**Fingers crossed** for a lovely day!

Lots going on!

2007-10-02T23:22:00.000-05:00

So, I'm back from Colorado... and I haven't posted about the trip.

And, the wedding is 10 days away... and I haven't posted about the last minute details.

And, work's SUPER busy... and I haven't posted anything about that either.

You would wonder what I've been doing. Right!?!?!?!

Well, Colorado was AMAZING!!! (Did you think it wouldn't be?!?!) I just LOVE it there!!! I took about 300 photos. (No kidding!!!) If you want to see them all, e-mail me and I'll send you the photo links. Here are a couple of my favorites...

Garden of the Gods

Mueller State Park (It will be my NEW married last name!!! And, you can see my CUTE Rav4 silver car rental in the background!!!)

Me at the top of Pikes Peak! (No, I didn't drive. I took the Cog Railway!!)

70 degrees on the ground... but, at an altitude of 14,000+ feet, it was 28 degrees with 30MPH winds!!! Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.......

So... Colorado was incredible, as you can see from the photos! It had been 7 years since my last visit. (WAY TOO LONG!!) I hope I don't have to wait 7 more. I thought it would be weird to spend two days alone... but, it actually was nice. No wedding planning, no work stuff... just me, my cute little Rav4 rental (which I fell in love with), and 200+ miles of driving!!! I just love Colorado! (In case you didn't know that already...)

And now... it's back to work, and back to wedding planning! I can't believe it's 10 days away. (I also can't believe it's almost 1am, and I'm still awake and functioning.)

Planning the wedding has been awesome!!! I've enjoyed every minute of it. And, I can't wait to walk down the aisle, and have Bob see me for the first time in my dress. It's going to be amazing!!! I'm so excited to be marrying him. I can't wait!!!

We're down to the minor details now. And, hopefully our jeweler arrives safely back from Europe next week with my ring. (Of course, I had to be difficult, and pick a ring that you can't find ANYWHERE in the US. Doh!) Our jeweler, Analise, is GREAT!! She went to Europe to pick-up my ring... and to see her family & friends. I will post pictures after the wedding. It's a perfect blend of what Bob wanted (simple and classic) and what I wanted (a little flash)!!

This year has gone by so quickly. I can hardly believe it! Part of me wants the wedding to get here, because we've been planning for so long... and part of me wants it to be awhile more so I can enjoy the planning and anticipation.

No matter what happens... it's going to be a perfectly incredible day!!! I can't wait!!!

But, now... it's bedtime! And, I'll dream of our special day as we celebrate with our wonderful family and friends. I'm so excited to be marrying Bob!!!