Jedi Mind Tricks

**We will return to our regularly scheduled 30 Day Blog Challenge eventually**

So I dabble in blogging. I try, I don't have the time to write.... I read a lot of blogs. Well look at the pictures on my phone and mark them read in Google reader bc I hate having unread blogs bc of the OCD.... Anyway as I was scrolling to the bottom of this blog something caught my eye. So I read the whole thing.

It's me. Down to the garbage bags and the fact that he's 10 years older. She just crawled in my head with her Jedi Mind Tricks and put it on her blog. Read it. Get back to me.

(The above is an email to Mrs. D at In Pursuit written while driving the second I finished reading THE blog. It fit)

So here it is: Unpacking My Head WOW.

30 Day Blog Challenge: Catch up, lol.

So see what had happened was.... we decided to take a quick, last minute trip to Gulf Shores. I didn't have time to plan the vacation must less the posts to be posted while I was away so ..... here they are. :)) Better late than never, yes? I'm tryin' here.

Day 7: A photo that makes you happy.

This is our hotel and my blue chair I laid in for hours....

30 Day Blog Challenge, Day Six: 20 of My Favorite Things

Three day weekends
SoftLips chapstick
My iPhone
Movies with my Mama
Races with my Daddy
Snuggling with my nephew when he thinks no ones looking
Shopping with my niece
The Beach
Diet Coke
Girls Night Out
Lazy Sundays
Waking up with Mitch
TiVo
Pedicures
Reese's
US Weekly
Prius'
The way babies smell after a bath
Massages
Laying by the pool with my girls

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day Five, Your Favorite Quote

'Nuff said.

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day Four, Favorite Book

Alright so my favorite book would have to be Twilight. Yes, I'm a TwiNerd. I know, I'm like 12. I say its my favorite because I could not put it down. I hate when Mitch goes to be without me but I stayed up and read until 4am one night because I couldn't put it down. Work sucked the next day. :))

I'm also liking Nicholas Sparks, Janet Evanovich, Candice Bushnell, and Jane Green.

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day Three, Your Favorite TV Show.

Hi, my name is Leigh and I'm a TiVo addict. Really? You want me to pick just one favorite show? NO WAY!

So I'm a Big Brother fan. I'm totally loving Brittney this season. Probably because she's the only girl left.

I can not wait for Grey's Anatomy to come back on. Seriously? Is Derek going to be ok? Did Meredith really lose the baby?

AND don't get me started about Gossip Girl. Chuck and Blair belong together and someone mugged him for her engagement ring.... no dice.

And last week's TrueBlood.... Are they really going to kill Eric??? Oh Em Gee.

I have a slight TV problem.... I'm just sayin'.

30BC: Day 2, Your favorite movie

Almost didn't remember to blog.... Day two and I'm already forgetting. Wowza. It's 11:05pm so let's make it quick.

Like yesterday's post, I have several favorite movies, which I'll expand on at a later date. Forgive the lazy day two post but I've changed my major and school in the past two weeks. I registered and bought books today AND classes started last Saturday and I'm already behind.... That being said, here it is.

GONE WITH THE WIND. OMG to grow up like that and be a *TRUE* Southern Belle.... Why, fiddle-dee-dee! && Rhett Butler, what a hottie?!?!? I have the Hallmark collector's Christmas Ornament series which comes out with a new Scarlett each year. I have the limited edition VHS (obvi before DVD came out) && I have GWTW on DVD as well as it's miniseries, Scarlett, on DVD.



::sigh:: We all know what I'm doing this weekend! Oh right, STUDYING!!!! (Darn that ADD!)

Be easy!

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day oNe, Favorite Song

Your Favorite Song

So I hate when someone asks me what my favorite whatever is because I suck and I can't think on my feet like that. I forget and then someone says something else and I'm like "oooooh that's a good one. Why didn't I think of that?" So anyway, *add meds wearing off*

The first favorite song I could think of: Rockstar 101 by Rihanna. Seriously makes me feel like I can do anything. Let's listen on repeat mmmmmk? Seriously? Can I just say how much I lurve Slash?

To be what you is.... you gotta be what you are.... The only thing I'm missing.... is a black guitar...

LOVE LOVE LOVE



Successful September checkin: SS-1 Me-0 (I didn't find out until 10:30am about the challenge && then I worked until 730. I told ya baby... I'm a rockstar.

30 Blog Challenge? Successful September? Yes, please!

So one of the blog's I follow, Diary of a Southern Belle , posted about a 30 day blog challenge that Just to Keep in Touch did in August. Everyday there is a new writing prompt which I need because I suck, I mean need to come up with ideas to write about. Super unoriginal, but the first of the month brings fresh starts, yes? Ok good. So we've got:

And another blog I follow, Healthy Loser Gal , had a challenge in August called Awesome August. The purpose was to challenge ourselves to exercise 24 out of 31 days in August. I failed miserably. I never checked in. Total workouts in August: 1. I told ya I failed miserably. So as I was catching up on my blogs this morning, I found a chance for redemption: September Success !!! Again, challenge yourself to workout 24 out of 30 days in September. I'm in. Let's do the damn thing.

The magical unicorn that's Vanna White for the riverfront...

If you haven't already, check out Michelle's Memphis blog, Notes from Memphis. She recently wrote a post about our Memphis riverfront and she was curious about who got up every day to update the 'river staging bulletin board sign'. She thinks it may be a magical unicorn. Maybe someone at the Corp of Engineers...? Makes sense to me. I wanted to know fo sho.

(Photo credit: JamieZ's geocaching log)

My boyfriend, Mitch, works for the Army Corp of Engineers. I asked him who he thought maintained the sign so I could let Michelle know..... He was clueless. He's never even seen the sign. Thus began my Google search for hours upon hours before I went to bed. The next day, I was STILL thinking about the dang sign. So I asked on Facebook if any of my friends knew. People suggested the Coast Guard. My friend Nick has actually seen 'a weird dude on a bike' update the sign at 7am.

Still not satisfied (BTW, I have ADHD), I emailed the President of Friends for Our Riverfront AND Memphis Riverfront Development Corporation to get a definite answer. I also asked Mitch to ask around at work to find out.

***Virginia McLean, the President of FfoR, wrote today and said: Leigh -- Checked and learned that the Corps of Engineers supplies the water level information. They contract with a company who posts it on the sign.

***Dorchelle T. Spence, Director of Communications for Riverfront Development Corporation, states: Thank you for you interest in the Memphis Riverfront and the river gauge. It is our understanding that that the bulletin board you refer to in your email is adjusted by a retired employee of the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

***Mitch's boss thinks it's the Coast Guard (as does my Daddy) and Mitch emailed the River Engineer contact for the Corp of Engineers but hasn't heard back yet but believes it's probably someone contracted through the Corp to update the sign. (Gosh, let what do you wanna know? I wanna know what company he works for and NOW I wanna know what the Vanna White of the Riverfront makes. *ThankYouSoMuch*)



I emailed Michelle about my findings and to also let her know that Virginia McLean wants to publish her picture (above) of the "bulletin board". We're looking for a more definite answer about who Bulletin Board Guy is. This is her follow-up post giving me shout outs for my investigative efforts I may have to camp out on the river walk to catch this elusive, infamous character. Stay tuned.....

Top Two Tuesday

Top Two Things You Splurge On:
1.) I think that $5 and 8 Weight Watchers points is a bit much for a Starbucks Nonfat No Whip Grande White Chocolate Mocha stirred but some days, I spend the $5 & the 8 Weight Watchers points. It's probably the points that gets me the most.

2.) Expensive purses. Mitch doesn't get it but for my birthday he got it. A new Coach that is! I love love love expensive purses and think they are an investment.


So you've got mine, now you go play too!

Gettin to know you....

It's Sunday and time for Mannland 5's Getting to Know you!

1. Are you superstitious?
Not in the least.

2. If you were an animal..what kind would you be?
One of Paris Hilton's dogs... the travel and designer duds.

3. You would never catch me wearing.........?
A fanny pack!

4. If someone posts a VLOG..do you watch it?
What's a VLOG?

5. Have you ever waxed your girlie/manly parts..or any other part of your body?
My eyebrows and my upper lip.... I wanna have more done.

6. Are you a spender or a saver?
Spender but I'm trying to be a saver. It's hard.

7. If you were starring in a movie..who would you want to play your leading man/woman?
Tatum Channing..... YUM!!!

8. Smoker..never smoked..social smoker..or smoked back in the day?
Quit in October 2009 after I got swine flu and thought I was dying anyway.

Get in my Belly!!!!

I'm doing Weight Watchers with my BBF, Becky. Tonight, I made Mexican Lasagna. Serves 8 @ 8 Weight Watchers points..... So good I had to share.



1 lb. extra lean ground beef
large onion
1 cup lettuce
1 cup tomato
1 cup cilantro
15oz. can of black beans
2 cups of salsa
2 tbsp taco seasoning mix
1/4 cup fat free Italian dressing
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1 cup 2% shredded cheddar cheese
6 medium flour tortillas
3/4 cup fat free sour cream.

1.) In large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat, drain. Stir in salsa, beans, dressing, taco seasoning, and cumin. Place 3 tortillas in 2 qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Layer half the mixture, cheese and sour cream. Repeat.
2.) Cover and bake @ 400 degrees for 25 minutes. Uncover, bake 5-10 minutes or until heated through. Let stand 5 minutes before topping with lettuce, tomato, and cilantro.
**We don't use the tomato or cilantro AND instead of putting lettuce on the whole dish, we put it on each serving because lettuce is weird in the microwave. So good!

AND we've got Hungry Girl's Bananarama Wafer Puddin' in the fridge 'setting'..... I'll let you know how that turns out.


(1/6th recipe: 125 calories, 1.5g fat, 330mg sodium, 27g carbs, 1g fiber, 12g sugars, 3g protein = 2 Points)
For serious pudding fans only, please!
Ingredients:
2 cups cold 8th Continent Light Vanilla Soymilk (or another light vanilla soymilk**)
1 small pkg. (1 oz.) JELL-O Sugar Free Fat Free Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
24 Reduced Fat Nilla Wafers
2 medium bananas; sliced
*Optional: Cool Whip Free; for topping

Directions:
Combine pudding mix and soymilk in a bowl. Beat with wire whisk for 2 minutes or until well blended. Set aside. In a medium glass bowl or casserole dish, arrange a layer of wafers and then a layer of banana slices. Continue alternating layers until all wafers and banana slices are gone. Top with pudding and let it seep down in between wafer/banana layers. Refrigerate for a couple of hours. Once ready to serve, distribute into 6 serving dishes (about 1/2 cup each). Add whipped topping if desired. Serves 6.

The Honda people....

A couple moved in next door probably 6 months ago. They both drive Hondas

I don't have anything against Hondas, that's just all I know about that couple

& they dog sit a barker quite often.
As soon as I get up the nerve to say something about the barker, it leaves for a few weeks... then it's back. Well this morning, not only the the barker back but they started building a fence at 9am.

Why on the one day I can sleep in? I hate you. May your fence rot & fall down.

formspring.me

Coke or Pepsi?

Diet Coke & CokeZero.

Ask me anything

formspring.me

Are you all knowing?

No, I'm not but there's an app for it so I'll make it through.

Ask me anything

formspring.me

If you could rid the world of one thing, what would it be?

I just want world peace, y'all. Seriously, no weapons of mass destruction, no terrorism, wars, rape, murder.... People caring about each other & wanting to help each other. Is that so much to ask for? :))

Ask me anything

formspring.me

Who's the most famous person you've met?

Justin Timberlake & I have been in the same room several times and we've shared oxygen. Granted the smallest room was the New Daisy but still we shared something.

Ask me anything

formspring.me

Star Trek or Star Wars?

Neither. Never seen either one. Ever. My mother says I looked like EWok when I was born.... it's that from one of those movies?

Ask me anything

formspring.me

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/Leigh421

Top Two Tuesday

I love JimmyChoos & A Baby Too's blog. She just started doing Top Two Tuesdays so I wanna play. This week it's TV shows.

1.) Big Brother since season 2. I can't wait for summer and BB to start.

2.) Grey's Anatomy. Seriously?!

Running a close third..... Gossip Girl... where have you been all my life Chuck Bass?

Gettin to know you....

It's time for MannLand5's getting to know you game. Click on her name to get the questions and play along.


1. Do you iron your sheets?
I have once. We were having company over and when I make my bed I fold them back and they were really winkly when I got them out of the dryer. They look nice but it only keeps one day.

2. Your dream car is....?
A Prius. I think they are soo cute. Plus good for the environment. :))


3. Do you have an innie or an outie belly button?
innie. yo.

4. What meal do you look forward to the most..breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
Dinner. I cook and breakfast and lunch are so rushed.

5. Favorite mascara?
Clinique High Impact: Black.

6. What would you say your decorating style is..traditional, modern, eclectic, country, french country, shabby chic, etc..?
A mix. I like what I like.

7. Have you ever been skinny dipping?
yup. ;-)) Moving on.

8. I hate the smell of...?
Hard boiled eggs. EW!

Tale of a Southern Belle's V-day giveaway!

I had never heard of Port Southern until SouthernBelle did an interview with them on her blog. They have really cute men's clothing. I definitely see M getting some Polos from them in his future. Check them out! (Also check out Belle's blog. She'll keep you entertained!)

You can also enter her giveaway here.

Gettin to know you....

One of the blogs I follow, Driving in Stilettos, decided to participate in MannLand5's weekly "Getting to Know You" game. Looks cuuute so I decided to play too!

The questions..

1. Waffles, pancakes or french toast?
Yes, please. prefer waffles but french toast sounds yum-o right now.


2. Dream home..What would it look like?
My dream home would have lots of porches, patios, and balconies. Screened in porches, sunrooms.... and would be near water. Big kitchen. Open with lots of windows. Lots of closets.


3. Favorite sport to watch during the Winter Olympics?
Ice skating.


4. The first word that comes to mind when describing yourself?
short.

5. Dresses, pants (jeans, leggings, etc.) or skirts?
Jeans.


6. What is your favorite time of day?
Night-time. Which makes it impossible for me to get up.


7. Beach or Mountains..which do you prefer?
Beach. No contest.


8.Will you watch the Super Bowl?
Heck YEAH!

We're home from Dallas-Fort Worth. It was a nice mini vacay, but glad to be home. While Mitch was in meetings during the day, I slept in, read, shopped, and saw movies. :)) We ate awesome food at night and strolled Sundance Square.



I was ready to be home though. I'll post more pictures soon.

XOXO

Forgive my ignorance, but I don't understand our war...

 

The above soldier who died for no reason is my friend. Daniel loved country music, boots, cowboy hats, and tight jeans. He was different and stuck out but he didn't care. He was who he was. I haven't seen Daniel in about 2 years because he's always deployed somewhere but we stay in touch on Facebook/MySpace. On Christmas when he was discouraged because he was missing his son's first Christmas I told him, "Merry Christmas. Sorry you couldn't be home but we love you and thanks for the sacrifices you make for us." We talked last week on Facebook just general chat. Never thought that would be the last time I talked to him. When I read the news on Twitter yesterday I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. I still can't believe it. I've watched the news coverage on 3, 5, and 13 and laugh at the pictures of him in his rodeo and Daniel asking his mother to insure his CDs for thousands of dollars. I cry randomly because it's not fair and the war is now real for me. I didn't care before but now I see my friend died and for what? I know Daniel was fighting for his country and he's proud of what he was doing/did and I'm proud of him too.

But what good are we doing over there? Obviously, we aren't wanted over there. I understand that the conditions over there are bad and we're trying to make them better for the civilians over there but I don't have a dog in this fight. Why is it our business? They flew OUR planes into our buildings. Maybe there are no weapons of mass destruction and if there are we should stand and fight here. Protecting our soil, not trying to rule and set up government in someone else's country. NOT our place. Bring our soldiers home or give me a reason my friend had to be blown up by an IED.

I need someone to be blunt and tell me why. I need someone to talk to me like a stubborn child who doesn't know anything because I can't get it.

Wishful Wednesday: Dream business

Every Wednesday Kelsey @ The Seattle Smith's posts an 'I wish' writing prompt to get us through those hump days. It may be a wish, a hope, a dream, or an aspiration -- some topics may be fun and playful and others more insightful -- but most importantly, it will give us an opportunity to get to know our fellow bloggers a little bit better, and see what makes each of us tick... it's fun. Check her out & play along.



'I wish' .... I had the startup funds to build that company I have always dreamt about, and it would be a:
Weight Loss Camp. I think The Biggest Loser but for people who can't take off for 3 months (or however long they have to take off to go to 'The Ranch'). We would have camp from Friday evening until Sunday afternoon every weekend for 4 months. We'd workout and get personalized workouts to complete on our own during the week. We'd also personalize menu plans for the week and make grocery lists so when you leave camp on Sunday, you can run to the store and be ready for the week. Complete with a spa for weekly mani/pedis/massages. Have physical therapists on staff for all your aches and pains. It would be like a fancy fancy resort.

I'd go if one was available, wouldn't you?

All our bags are packed, we're ready to go.....

Mitch has to go to Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas for work this week. So I'm tagging along. We got all packed up today and are heading out in the morning. He's going to be in his seminar junk everyday basically from 8-3 so I'm going to sleep late, hit the gym in the hotel, SHOP, go to the spa, and see movies.

Our hotel is in downtown Fort Worth in Sundance Square. Named after the Sundance Kid in old westerns. The area includes numerous hotels, restaurants, condos, lofts, shops, museums, bars, clubs, movie theatres, performing arts, concerts and festivals throughout the year. Look at all this stuff to do: http://www.sundancesquare.com/images/map.pdf

Garmin Nuvi in the truck, all of Mom's Vera luggage packed, and camera charged, we're ready to go. :))

[twenty-ten]

My new Patagonia came in just in time for NYE. I love it. Thanks M!

I changed my major from nursing to education. I'm stoked! This semester I'm taking a child psychology class, an American government class, and a math. I'm ready to start classes. Which is bizarre and I'll be over it once they start, but I'm excited and want to finish.

We're going to Dallas this month. M has to go for work and I'm going because.... I wanna shop, be lazy, & not miss the boy. I want a new camera. I'm gonna be better about blogging in 2010... right?! So I need to be able to post my own pics to add to my blog right.

My current internal battle:OR

Thoughts?