Thursday, September 4, 2008

My name is Jessica and I am a Republican.....

It's true. Loud-mouthed, opinionated and outspoken moi, is in fact a Republican. I get a lot of odd looks when people find this out. They possibly think well, I'm in my mid-twenties (were such rebels I know) and the fact that I'm a woman automatically makes me a Democrat. Not so my friends.

The funny thing about being young, moderately liberal and a woman makes me stick out like a sore thumb when those words "republican" roll off my tongue. I feel as thought I'm walking into some meeting of Liberal Republicans Anonymous only to mouth the worlds "My name is Jessica and I'm a Republican." Like its such a bad thing! To that I say, "Suck it!"

Ah yes, Republicans are money-grubbing, mean, old white men who know nothing of equality, diversity or fairness...ahhhh, boooo, hiss, scaly wag! (I've always wanted to say scaly wag in a Robin Williams, Mrs. Doubtfire-esque sort of way) Not so. And in fact I feel as those Sarah Palin is going to prove that. Her stance on guns and abortion may differ from my own but since those are not her only two platforms I really don't base my decision to stick with my Republican candidates solely on that.

I'm about small government. And in fact I feel as though since we do live in the United States of American and our forefathers knew a thing or two about democracy they also knew that it doesn't come so easy. They laid it out for us plain and simple. And you still can believe what you want, start your own organizations based solely on your beliefs and yes even become a "community organizer". But I believe they also knew that nothing can EVER be handed to you. The people who built this country did it by doing it on their own without obviously any assistance.

That's partially my thing with Democrats, the more the government becomes involved in our everyday lives (i.e. health care, quality of life and your money) the more we're losing in the end. I truly believe if someone is capable of thinking for themselves they can do anything. I didn't need a woman like Sarah Palin to tell me that. Fight hard enough and know your stuff, things happen. However its refreshing she does what she does. Man or woman she takes on slugs.

But I digress. This country has given its people MILLIONS of opportunities for advancement. I don't see the need to expand on that (i.e. universal health care). I guess I think back to how I was raised. Again I grew up blue collar, working class. But I worked hard MYSELF to be where I am today. Not better then my parents who instilled in me a "kick ass and take names" attitude and work ethic. But I'm more educated and well-rounded in order to form my own opinions and beliefs in what I do.

Republican or not. You have a chance to be anything in America. You have a chance to rise up from where you are at, boot straps or no boot straps, to become something that's successful. Success does not have to monetary. But in America, if you want it you are truly able to do it on your own. I don't need a welfare program to remind that there are people who don't have enough audacity to become something other then a government paycheck.

And that's why I'm a republican.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

New Template...

We like?  Yes? No?  

I'm working on my own design but for now I felt the need to spice it up a bit...enjoy!

Operation FLAB-U-LESS To-Do List

Now that I've got a steady trainer and a new healthy lifestyle to boot I've decided to really make a solid to-do list of my next few ventures I'd like to tackle while working towards my ultimate weight loss goals.  I call this journey:  Operation: FLAB-U-LESS.....funny?  No?  

Anyways here is a list of to-do's I hope to accomplish while working towards my weight loss goals and beyond:  (In no particular order)  

1.) Plan to make a meal from my new Weight Watchers cookbook AT LEAST once a week.  
I've always loved cooking/baking up new concoctions that's both delish and healthy.  So here's to that! 

2.)  Train for a half-marathon.  Alright so here's my deal.  In about 5 months a few things are going to start changing for me.  (Details later) So wherever I end up I know that part of me really wants to catch the running bug but the only way I'll be able to do that is by training for a large race.  I've seen a lot of my WW counterparts doing the same and I've seen even more succeed.  I feel as though I can too.   Kick ass and take names! 

3.)   Buy a bike.  I've done the spinning thing and while I love it.  I've once again become bored with another venture.  With all the biking I've seen around WNY lately I've really felt the need to take my spinning legs out for some real down-home biking.  Now if only I could find the money?    Meh!

4.)   Yoga....Yoga....Yoga.......in that order....for that many times a week.  'Nough said. 

Alright so it's a short list.  But a to-do list no less.  And as we all know..... I LOVE to-do lists!  

Till next time! 


 

Friday, August 8, 2008

I've got a trainer!

So I did some compulsive shopping yesterday.  I purchased a personal trainer at the gym .  I finished up my Kardio Kick class and one of the "fitness instructors"  (i.e. the annoying membership sales people) told me I needed to renew my membership as it ends in September.  Ok cool.  

So I did and as I was sitting there I figured I needed a bit more motivation to pump up my workouts.  I don't have a problem getting to the gym or working out its just about getting more out of it.  There was a deal running for personal training (so they said, but I just ran with it)
and I bought a few sessions with one of their best trainers in the mornings.  My schedule is insane lately and I've made it a point to do most my working out in the morning.  It feels great to workout in the mornings.  
 
Yay! I can't wait to start!   

 

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

A bad turn...

Today my Weight Watchers journey took a slight turn, I don't want to say for the worst (however this day has really been that bad) because I'm trying to be positive here but I gained 2.2 pounds.  

To anyone who has tried to lose weight before you somewhat understand.  However to those who have REALLY needed to lose weight, let's say 50 pounds or so, it is a whole different ball game.  Big losses in one week are not common and in a healthy diet (scratch that, lifestyle change) weight loss is slow. And small gains are common but ...... it still sucks!  

I'm trying really hard not to get down about myself and really frustrated.   So here's to a new start and getting back on track!    

       

Summer To-Do List (revisited)

For those of you joining me from The Buffalo News article this morning:  The Write Way

Here is a link to my Summer To-Do List

Enjoy!  

Monday, August 4, 2008

Where has the summer gone?

And that is the question.  

Where did this summer go?  Just yesterday I felt as though I was celebrating the 4th of July down at the Central Wharf and now it's August 4th!  Which as Buffalonians we know only means one more month of a decent Summer.  Alright alright MAYBE a month and a half.  

I'm lucky to have 2 weeks off from classes so I'm taking full advantage of the extra time and I'm not giving up on an interesting and fun-filled Buffalo summer.   

So here's what I have planned: 

1) The Erie County Fair.....plan to save your calories (or my Weight Watchers friends, your points) 

2) Spa day with the girls...I'm in need of a great spa in the Buffalo area...anyone have any suggestions please let me know!  

3) Shakespeare in the Park!  I'm horrible for not checking it out yet but I can't wait to check it out with my lawn chair and my own "Beverages" 

4) Taking a boat around Hoyt Lake...I drive by the lake everyday on my way to work and cringe because I haven't yet

5)  Trying a few new restaurants with patios.....such as: Wasabi on Elmwood, Tabree, Acroploys, Ambrosia (can you tell I was just walking down Elmwood) oh and  North End   on Hertel.  


Ok I'm getting tired out just writing this...time for bed.  

Till next time!