For the people that have only known me for the past couple of years, there's a side you have never seen, the skinny side. When I graduated from high school, I weighted about 97 lbs. I didn't want to be that skinny, but with playing basketball and being a picky eater, I couldn't gain weight. The last two years of college and graduate school, I became a little too familiar with beer drinking, which actually got myself into the weight range where I needed to be. I figured when I moved to Paragould, my weight would decrease because I was dropping the alcohol, but instead, I learned that people in Paragould loved to eat and about everybody was a good cook. My weight topped out, after dad and Weldon passed away, around 150. I was able to lose 15 lbs for the wedding, but within about four years, it was up to 160-165.
In February 2005, I had a miscarriage. I knew I didn't need to be pregnant the next time at the current weight, so I started to follow Allen as he was on Weight Watchers. With a person with a degree in Health and Human Performance and a Master's in Kinesiology, you would think I would know about eating healthy. I did, but it was something that I didn't want to do. At the time that I found out I was pregnant with Andrew, I was at 140 and maintained a healthy weight until we moved to Madison. The last doctor's appointment before Andrew was born, I was at 195. The lowest I've been since then was 157, the highest was last week at 177.
I'm writing this to start making myself accountable. It's time for the weight to come off and the excuses to stop. My first weight goal is 167. I started the online version of Weight Watchers, yesterday. I think it's going to remind me what I need to be eating and hopefully, start making better choices. I'm wanting to exercise 5 days a week, sometimes at the wellness center, others at home. The last thing is to reduce the amount of diet cokes I'm drinking. Some day I figure I drink at least 5-6 cans a day. My first goal it to cut it down to three, but yesterday, I only had two.
There will be updates on my success and failures. I figure I'll lose a couple of pounds this week, just from the fluids, but I can't get down on the weeks that I don't lose anything. It's just time for me to take care of myself because others depend on me.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
A Helpful Guide for Attending the Class 2A State Tournament Part 2: Staying in Jonesboro Edition
Since most of you will be staying in Jonesboro, here are a few tips. Most of the restaurants and shopping are located on Caraway, Stadium, Nettleton and Highland Drives, along with several restaurants located south of U.S. 63 on Parker Road. Fairfield Inn, Hilton Gardens, and the Holiday Inn Express are off of U.S. 63 at the Caraway exit. For the most part, the streets in Jonesboro run a grid pattern, N,S,E,W and is easy to get around. Traffic can be heavy at times, but if your use to Ft. Smith, it shouldn't give you much trouble, except for not being as familiar with where you are going.
Depending on where you are staying in Jonesboro, you may either take Highland Drive out east of Jonesboro, which is State Hwy 18 that goes to Monette or take U.S. 63 to exit 39 (Commerce Drive) then go up to Highland Drive. Commerce Drive is also shown as State Hwy 18. I reccommend the U.S.63/Commerce/18 route because the less you have to drive on Highland, the better. It's like driving on Rogers Ave at rush hour.
Jonesboro will have a lot of the same types of restaurants as Ft. Smith, but I'll recommend some that I liked when I was in Jonesboro, and hopefully they are still as good. For Italian food, Lazzari Italian Oven, 2230 South Caraway Road, is very good. There use to be a wait in the evenings, but I don't know if that's still the case with all of the new places to eat. I mentioned Tamolly's Mexican Restaurant, 2506 East Highland Drive, in my Paragould post. Before I moved to Tucson, I ate at Tamolly's in Jonesboro about everytime I went down there. O'Charley's, 2312 East Parker Road, is a chain that I'm not sure if it's in NWA yet. We ate there several times when it first opened in Jonesboro. There is also a Shorty Smalls, 3000 E Highland Dr # 305, located near the Mall at Turtle Creek. I have not eaten at the location, but I love the Little Rock locations.
The Mall at Turtle Creek is the last indoor mall that has been built in the U.S. I have not been to it since it didn't come along until after I left the area, but by looking at the store directory, it has several nice stores. It even has a Build-A-Bear location.
The following is a list that my friend Myleea recommended for things to do in Jonesboro.
Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center
The Hollywood Malco
Downtown has some nice shops and eating places.
Arkansas State University
If anyone has questions, let me know and I'll see if I can find out the answer for you.
Go County Line!!!
Depending on where you are staying in Jonesboro, you may either take Highland Drive out east of Jonesboro, which is State Hwy 18 that goes to Monette or take U.S. 63 to exit 39 (Commerce Drive) then go up to Highland Drive. Commerce Drive is also shown as State Hwy 18. I reccommend the U.S.63/Commerce/18 route because the less you have to drive on Highland, the better. It's like driving on Rogers Ave at rush hour.
Jonesboro will have a lot of the same types of restaurants as Ft. Smith, but I'll recommend some that I liked when I was in Jonesboro, and hopefully they are still as good. For Italian food, Lazzari Italian Oven, 2230 South Caraway Road, is very good. There use to be a wait in the evenings, but I don't know if that's still the case with all of the new places to eat. I mentioned Tamolly's Mexican Restaurant, 2506 East Highland Drive, in my Paragould post. Before I moved to Tucson, I ate at Tamolly's in Jonesboro about everytime I went down there. O'Charley's, 2312 East Parker Road, is a chain that I'm not sure if it's in NWA yet. We ate there several times when it first opened in Jonesboro. There is also a Shorty Smalls, 3000 E Highland Dr # 305, located near the Mall at Turtle Creek. I have not eaten at the location, but I love the Little Rock locations.
The Mall at Turtle Creek is the last indoor mall that has been built in the U.S. I have not been to it since it didn't come along until after I left the area, but by looking at the store directory, it has several nice stores. It even has a Build-A-Bear location.
The following is a list that my friend Myleea recommended for things to do in Jonesboro.
Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center
The Hollywood Malco
Downtown has some nice shops and eating places.
Arkansas State University
If anyone has questions, let me know and I'll see if I can find out the answer for you.
Go County Line!!!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
A Helpful Guide for Attending the Class 2A State Tournament Part 1: Staying in Paragould Edition
I'm sure most of you were wondering, where in the world is Buffalo Island Central? Even I had to remind myself that it's located in Monette. Since I'm am somewhat familiar with northeast Arkansas, after living in Paragould for five years, I thought I would suggest some places to eat in Paragould and Jonesboro for those traveling up to Monette for the state tournament.
In part one, I'm going to focus on the town that I'm most familiar with, Paragould . Paragould is a town of about 24,000 that's located on Crowley's Ridge. The main roads that pass through Paragould are U.S. 49 and U.S. 412. If you are staying in Paragould, you will take U.S. 412 east into Missouri. The first road on your right once you cross into Missouri is State Hwy AC, which is next to Mr. T's at Riverside (Convenience/Package Store). Turn right onto State Hwy AC and follow it until it turns into State Hwy K. When you cross back into Arkansas, the road name changes to AR State Hwy 139, which you will follow until it intersects with State Hwy 18 (Drew Ave) Turn right onto State Hwy 18 (Drew Ave)and follow it until you reach 803 W. Drew Ave.
If you are needing a place to stay in Paragould, make sure you make a reservation. A hotel or two has been added since I lived up there, but they are still limited. Quality Inn, Best Western Rustic Inn and the Holiday Inn Express are your best choices. Avoid going with any hotel/motel in the area that is not with a national chain. The Quality Inn use to be a Ramada Inn and can be hit or miss at times. It use to have a nice indoor pool area and I'm assuming it still does. I've had good luck staying at the Best Western. It does not have an indoor pool, but does have a free breakfast. I've heard good things about the Holiday Inn Express. It does not have a pool, but does have breakfast included. The Holiday Inn Express and Best Western are both located on U.S. 49, south of the U.S. 412 intersection, while the Quality Inn is located on U.S. 412, east of Wal-Mart.
Most of the restaurants are located on 412 or 49. If you want to get off the main drags, head downtown to Red Goose Deli, 117 N. Pruett St.. It was one of my favorite places to eat when I lived up there. I also recommend the Brick Oven Pizza,
2410 Linwood Dr. (U.S.49). They have very good pizza and is one of my must visits when I'm in Paragould these days. I have not eaten at the TaMolly's, 1700 Linwood Dr., location in Paragould, but I loved the one in Jonesboro. Out west of town on 412, you have the BBQ Barn, 6115 W. Kingshighway. I usually get the catfish plate when I get there. You also have your chain places like Dixie Cafe, Chilli's, Zaxby's, McDonalds, etc. I'll list a couple of addresses for places to eat at the bottom of the blog.
One downside to staying in Paragould will be things to do, if you have some free time away from watching basketball games. Paragould does have a movie theater, Paragould Cinema 8. Also, if the weather is nice, you can visit, ,Crowley's Ridge State Park . Also, stop by Crowley's Ridge College and take a tour. I might even be around the college depending on what day I we go up. Jonesboro is a 20 minute drive south of Paragould on U.S. 49.
I will post some suggestions on things to do in Jonesboro in a day or two. My friend, Myleea Hill, that is a professor at ASU has given me some suggestions to pass along to you all.
Additional Restaurants
Kimono Japanese Steakhouse
1600 W. Kingshighway
Guy's Buffet
403 W Kingshighway
Grecian Steak House
210 Airport Rd.
In part one, I'm going to focus on the town that I'm most familiar with, Paragould . Paragould is a town of about 24,000 that's located on Crowley's Ridge. The main roads that pass through Paragould are U.S. 49 and U.S. 412. If you are staying in Paragould, you will take U.S. 412 east into Missouri. The first road on your right once you cross into Missouri is State Hwy AC, which is next to Mr. T's at Riverside (Convenience/Package Store). Turn right onto State Hwy AC and follow it until it turns into State Hwy K. When you cross back into Arkansas, the road name changes to AR State Hwy 139, which you will follow until it intersects with State Hwy 18 (Drew Ave) Turn right onto State Hwy 18 (Drew Ave)and follow it until you reach 803 W. Drew Ave.
If you are needing a place to stay in Paragould, make sure you make a reservation. A hotel or two has been added since I lived up there, but they are still limited. Quality Inn, Best Western Rustic Inn and the Holiday Inn Express are your best choices. Avoid going with any hotel/motel in the area that is not with a national chain. The Quality Inn use to be a Ramada Inn and can be hit or miss at times. It use to have a nice indoor pool area and I'm assuming it still does. I've had good luck staying at the Best Western. It does not have an indoor pool, but does have a free breakfast. I've heard good things about the Holiday Inn Express. It does not have a pool, but does have breakfast included. The Holiday Inn Express and Best Western are both located on U.S. 49, south of the U.S. 412 intersection, while the Quality Inn is located on U.S. 412, east of Wal-Mart.
Most of the restaurants are located on 412 or 49. If you want to get off the main drags, head downtown to Red Goose Deli, 117 N. Pruett St.. It was one of my favorite places to eat when I lived up there. I also recommend the Brick Oven Pizza,
2410 Linwood Dr. (U.S.49). They have very good pizza and is one of my must visits when I'm in Paragould these days. I have not eaten at the TaMolly's, 1700 Linwood Dr., location in Paragould, but I loved the one in Jonesboro. Out west of town on 412, you have the BBQ Barn, 6115 W. Kingshighway. I usually get the catfish plate when I get there. You also have your chain places like Dixie Cafe, Chilli's, Zaxby's, McDonalds, etc. I'll list a couple of addresses for places to eat at the bottom of the blog.
One downside to staying in Paragould will be things to do, if you have some free time away from watching basketball games. Paragould does have a movie theater, Paragould Cinema 8. Also, if the weather is nice, you can visit, ,Crowley's Ridge State Park . Also, stop by Crowley's Ridge College and take a tour. I might even be around the college depending on what day I we go up. Jonesboro is a 20 minute drive south of Paragould on U.S. 49.
I will post some suggestions on things to do in Jonesboro in a day or two. My friend, Myleea Hill, that is a professor at ASU has given me some suggestions to pass along to you all.
Additional Restaurants
Kimono Japanese Steakhouse
1600 W. Kingshighway
Guy's Buffet
403 W Kingshighway
Grecian Steak House
210 Airport Rd.
Friday, October 29, 2010
A crazy month
I can't believe we're almost finished with October and this is my first blog post of the month. Between allergies and surgery, plus a trip to Arkansas for Allen's parents 50th wedding anniversery, it seems like all I've tried to do has been play catch up.
November will be another busy, but fun month. It looks like I'll get to go to the DC area before Thanksgiving. I was really hoping for October, but there is no way we could have gone with Allen. We have talked about going to Starkville for the Arkansas/Mississippi State game, but if the DC trip happens, we won't be able to go.
One good thing this week was I was able to get a couple of Christmas gifts bought for family. I'm trying to figure out where to go do most of my Christmas shopping this year since Opry Mills isn't reopening anytime soon. I thought about the new outlets down in Leeds, AL, but figure they are going to be busy with just opening up this week. Any suggestions would be appreicated.
November will be another busy, but fun month. It looks like I'll get to go to the DC area before Thanksgiving. I was really hoping for October, but there is no way we could have gone with Allen. We have talked about going to Starkville for the Arkansas/Mississippi State game, but if the DC trip happens, we won't be able to go.
One good thing this week was I was able to get a couple of Christmas gifts bought for family. I'm trying to figure out where to go do most of my Christmas shopping this year since Opry Mills isn't reopening anytime soon. I thought about the new outlets down in Leeds, AL, but figure they are going to be busy with just opening up this week. Any suggestions would be appreicated.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
My Favorite Tucson Spots
Since Allen has been working out west, I thought I would share some of my favorite things I enjoyed in Tucson.
Saguaro National Park was one of the first places I visited in Tucson. The saguaros along with the other cacti were always a pretty sight.
While visiting the Pima Air and Space Museum, we had one of the cooler things happen while on our visit. As a volunteer was telling us about the last Air Force One prop plane that LBJ used to get to his ranch that was on display at the museum, Air Force One came in for a landing behind us over at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, as if it was timed. Very cool experience.
Even though I had never visited Reid Park Zoo while living in Tucson, I enjoyed taking my son there on several visits to town.
My first year of working at Pearson Educational Measurement, I met a lady that was one of the orignal people to live in Biosphere 2, Linda Leigh. She gave us a personal tour of Biosphere 2 and we were able to visit parts of it that is not open to the public.
Of course, my favorite time of year in Tucson, besides winter, was March because spring training had arrived in town. The Cactus League has the Diamondbacks and the Rockies playing in Tucson.
My favorite places to dine at are Michas Restaurant for Mexican, Frog and Firkin for outdoor dining and Oregano's for pizza.
Saguaro National Park was one of the first places I visited in Tucson. The saguaros along with the other cacti were always a pretty sight.
While visiting the Pima Air and Space Museum, we had one of the cooler things happen while on our visit. As a volunteer was telling us about the last Air Force One prop plane that LBJ used to get to his ranch that was on display at the museum, Air Force One came in for a landing behind us over at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, as if it was timed. Very cool experience.
Reid Park Zoo.
Even though I had never visited Reid Park Zoo while living in Tucson, I enjoyed taking my son there on several visits to town.
My first year of working at Pearson Educational Measurement, I met a lady that was one of the orignal people to live in Biosphere 2, Linda Leigh. She gave us a personal tour of Biosphere 2 and we were able to visit parts of it that is not open to the public.
Of course, my favorite time of year in Tucson, besides winter, was March because spring training had arrived in town. The Cactus League has the Diamondbacks and the Rockies playing in Tucson.
My favorite places to dine at are Michas Restaurant for Mexican, Frog and Firkin for outdoor dining and Oregano's for pizza.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Confessions of a Non-Soccer Mom
Back in the spring, I came up with this great idea, sign AW up for fall Soccer. Since AW is an only child, I want to make sure that he gets a lot of chances to be around other children. Soccer is suppose to be one of the better activities that you can sign kids up for because they are going to get a lot of exercise. AW is not going to challenge for an athletic scholarship, based on his parents athletic abilities, but the main goal is for him to have fun.
After attending a unified soccer practice with all the kids in the under 5 group, everyone is assigned a letter score, then placed evenly onto teams. At first, I was concerned about AW's team practicing only once a week when some of the other teams practiced twice, until my background in Physical Education kicked in to remind me that's the last thing you need to be doing with four year old's. After watching the coaches herding the kids, which is about like herding cats, you realize his coaches must have the patience of Job to work with eight, four year old's.
What I was not use to were the in-game meltdowns by any given player and the soccer mom's. Yes, I realize I'm a soccer mom by default, but I feel more like a non-soccer mom. Being gripped at because you brought snacks when you were suppose to, but another mom won't let you hand them out sours your attitude quick. I was about at the point of wondering if it was really worth it, but AW was having fun.
Last Saturday, things started to change. I had considered not have AW to play so we could go to the GA/Razorback football game, since it was a few hours from the house. As much as I wanted to go, I knew it wasn't fair to keep AW from his game. While at the game, I noticed the in-game meltdowns from the kids were not irritating me as they did in the past and the soccer mom that wouldn't let anybody bring snacks, finally let someone else hand theirs out. The main reason I was glad that we passed up on the game was that AW scored his first goal (that wasn't for the other team). Moments like that will keep this non-soccer mom coming back until AW wants to move to some other sport.
After attending a unified soccer practice with all the kids in the under 5 group, everyone is assigned a letter score, then placed evenly onto teams. At first, I was concerned about AW's team practicing only once a week when some of the other teams practiced twice, until my background in Physical Education kicked in to remind me that's the last thing you need to be doing with four year old's. After watching the coaches herding the kids, which is about like herding cats, you realize his coaches must have the patience of Job to work with eight, four year old's.
What I was not use to were the in-game meltdowns by any given player and the soccer mom's. Yes, I realize I'm a soccer mom by default, but I feel more like a non-soccer mom. Being gripped at because you brought snacks when you were suppose to, but another mom won't let you hand them out sours your attitude quick. I was about at the point of wondering if it was really worth it, but AW was having fun.
Last Saturday, things started to change. I had considered not have AW to play so we could go to the GA/Razorback football game, since it was a few hours from the house. As much as I wanted to go, I knew it wasn't fair to keep AW from his game. While at the game, I noticed the in-game meltdowns from the kids were not irritating me as they did in the past and the soccer mom that wouldn't let anybody bring snacks, finally let someone else hand theirs out. The main reason I was glad that we passed up on the game was that AW scored his first goal (that wasn't for the other team). Moments like that will keep this non-soccer mom coming back until AW wants to move to some other sport.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Myrtle Beach
View from the hotel.
With all of the travels that we do, we had not taken a family vacation this summer. I figured that we would wait until sometime in September to go, but Allen mentioned going to Myrtle Beach for Labor Day weekend. Myrtle Beach is a place that I had been interested in going because there is a Marriott on the beach. Of course, I wanted to use points for the stay and figured there would be no shot on Labor Day weekend. We were able to get a room at the Marriott Grand Dunes, so we were on our way.
We arrived in the Myrtle Beach area on Friday morning. Since it was not time to check in, we stopped by one of the public beach accesses to see what the Atlantic was like after Hurricane Earl passed offshore. Allen and I couldn't tell any difference in the ocean from when we were up at Kill Devil Hills in June. It seemed like the water was more rough on Monday than any other day.
Next stop was Broadway at the Beach for lunch and a round of putt putt. Broadway at the Beach is one of the main entertainment areas in Myrtle Beach. It has a Rippley's Aquarium, a movie theater, an IMAX, kiddie rides and a long list of activities. For lunch, we decided to eat at Senor Frog's, which had live music. The food was between average and good, but overpriced, which you expected. Next time, I think I would go to Margaritaville and try out the nachos I saw when we ate at the one in Glendale, AZ.
Two of the swimming pools at the Marriott Grand Dunes.
Friday afternoon, we checked into the Marriott Grand Dunes. I loved the location, pools and the dining, while AW loved the water slide. The rooms could use updating and had a musty smell, but nothing that would keep me from going back again.
For the rest of the trip, except for outlet shopping on Sunday, we hung around the hotel. AW did get us away Saturday afternoon for another round of putt putt, but with everything at the hotel, we didn't need to go anywhere else. The next time we go back, I would like to go to theMyrtle Beach Boardwalk. There are so many activities we missed, but then again, how can you go wrong with a beach and a pool?
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