I'm such a Loser!

 I've lost 33 pounds since November 2013!

Yippie!!

My goal was to lose 20 pounds.  

So, now I need a new goal.

(And maybe some clothes that fit...) 

I'm pretty excited! 

How NOT to Take a Selfie

Oh, look at me... 

In a restroom (clearly)...

taking a photo of myself- looking at myself on my phone, taking a selfie of myself...

A typical photo on the internet these days:

What in the hell made this so wildly popular?! 

What is the point? Please, tell me.

It's stupid.  STOP IT!

No one wants to see a picture of anyone taking a picture of themselves looking at their phone.  

(Especially with a not-so-flattering background.)

It really makes me wonder if people know that the technology is already in these picture taking devices to take self portraits (front camera, hello...), as well as editing software (which can also be downloaded FREE or paid- for premium services & features).

One could also just turn the camera around to take a photo and look at the screen shot in the mirror, making sure to actually look at the camera lens when taking the shot.... 

Another typical photo on the internet these days:

Sideways Duckface. Eyes Up.
Looking a mess.
DRUNK!
(It was my birthday and I clearly overdid it.)
This is not flattering at all! Yet these types of photos are all over the internet.  I don't get it.


LOOK AT PHOTOS BEFORE SENDING OR POSTING THEM TO THE INTERNET!!!!

Thoroughly scan the photo for:

*A toilet*

This is disgusting.  Even if it is a clean toilet, I don't want to see it. No one does. (Yuck!) 

I mean, I understand there are some fabulous mirrors and lighting in restrooms, but come on!  No one needs to know where these "glamour shots" are taken.

*Piles of dirty clothes and/or garbage*

I'm all for IDGAF mode, occasionally,  but do you really want to show the world what a slob you truly are at home? 
Probably not.

Think about it.

*Illegal items*

I couldn't even say how many times I've come across photos that have drugs and/or drug paraphernalia, guns, stacks of money (everyone knows that dough wasn't earned by working a 9-5).  Either obvious or just happened to be sitting out and became part of photo evidence... 

Even if you personally feel that it should be legal, the fact remains, that it's not.

It is never a good idea to post a photo or video of anything illegal. 

*Person(s) that shouldn't have been*

I'm sure we all have had that friend that maybe said they were some place else, doing something else, or with someone they should not have been with.  And maybe didn't tell anyone else what was said...

The drama that could potentially start over a photo in a situation like this is endless, and could consume all parties involved.

Always ask for permission (and before posting any photos or videos of someone else.

*Other people, children and pets*

Maybe "Uncle Billy Bob" was adjusting himself or "Lil Susie" was picking her nose.  

Perhaps "Mr. Pooch" is taking a poo or humping "Ms. Puppy" in the background....

These things happen sometimes.  Typically, because it wasn't the original focus of the photo many people don't even notice and end up finding out from others after it was already posted (and potentially shared several times).  This is one of the main reasons it is so important to look before sharing.

*Body parts*

Be sure to look at yourself.  Your whole self, not just your pretty/handsome face.  

I'm talking: boob shots (transparent clothing or just popping out), double chin, back fat, front fat, arm fat, booty, man sac, crazy hair or makeup, etc...  

I'm not saying anyone should care what other people think about them, but at the very least, try to have some dignity.  

*Duckface*
Duck lips are not flattering or cute in most cases. 
Really.

Be aware of what you share, even through messages, as well as photos you allow your friends to take and/or post of you.  It is representing you to the World Wide Web.  The world is a very big place with many, MANY people that have internet access readily available in the palm of their hands.  

Remember, once it's on the web, it sticks. It can spread

like virtual wildfire,  and there's not really much that can be done about it after the fact.  

(Except maybe curl up in a ball, cry and feel stupid. Forever.)

REMEMBER: Don't be a fool, use the editing tool!

That's all for today's lesson on 'How NOT to take a selfie'.

Thanks for checking me out!  And feel free to stop by again, anytime.

 TTYL!

Happy Father's Day! I'm Pregnant!

I’ve taken 4 pregnancy tests over the past week and all of them were positive.  

Since it was so close to Father’s Day (and I wanted to find a good way to tell him), I decided to wait to tell my other half, Raul.  It was extremely hard to have waited the past few days.  

But I had to tell him, now.  It was giving me a lot of stress and anxiety.  I was somewhat scared and didn't really know how to say it or when the right time would be or how he would feel or react.  

Today (Father's Day), as we were talking he expressed his excitement about July 4th weekend because we'll be getting an extra day off work for the holiday and he's planning to purchase a new car around then as well.  I just made a face trying to keep it in, but then burst out: “I’m so sorry if this takes away your happiness and excitement right now….but I’m pretty sure I’m pregnant.”  He hugged me and after a moment of silence (and surprise) he said: “I hope it’s a girl” then kissed me and smiled.  I started crying tears of relief and happiness immediately and a bit uncontrollably.  He asked me why I was crying and I told him I was just so happy and relieved that he was happy and the stress and anxiety had been lifted a bit.

I then gave him a card I printed that said: 

"Happy Father's Day... I'm pregnant." along with all 4 of the positive tests.  

He thought it was funny.  He asked when we could tell people.  I told him I kind of wanted to get an ultrasound first, but whenever he was ready he could.    

Father's Day Reveal

He handled the news much better than I could have ever imagined.  

He took a photo and posted it on Facebook with the title: "My Father's Day Gift".

Within a minute of posting this photo, his cousin called.  We very much expected her call first.  

I started getting text messages from some of my close friends and family asking if I was pregnant.  

So I sent them a message back saying:

"These 4 tests seem to think so" 

Today was a good day.

Happy Father's Day!

What? Deer Crossing...In the Middle of the City

While taking the dogs for a walk this past week, I noticed this sign on 
W. 117th Street (in Cleveland, Ohio).  

I find this "Deer Crossing" sign being in the middle of the city to be hilarious.  I had to take a second look and stopped for a photo op.  

Happy Mother's Day!

Mama & Me (little baby-awww)

Bam! My Mama was a hottie!

Look at me... I was adorable!

I miss her so much.  

She was the smartest, most caring, loving, amazing woman I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.  

She did the best that she could with what she had, yet was still very charitable and kind-hearted, helping people anytime she could.

She had a great sense of humor and I'm quite certain that I inherited my sarcasm (among other traits) from her.  

(The look is identical.  Those eyes...)

I liked to thank her every year on Mother's Day for putting up with my shit and taking care of me (and not killing me).  I appreciate everything she did.  
I know it wasn't easy.

Happy Mother's Day Mama.

Thank you.
I love you!

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Viva Las Vegas!

 Las Vegas, Nevada

3/27/14-3/30/14

This is me (Brandi), my best friend Jamie and her forever mate Joe.

We just got to Vegas and all checked in around 9:00 PM PST.

We are super excited to go out and explore a bit, but first....

Let's take a #selfie!

("#selfie" became a theme song for us over these few crazy fun days.)

We stayed at the Rio Hotel & Casino.  

This was not my first time staying at the Rio, but I was definitely more impressed this time around.

This was Jamie's first time in Vegas, so we were determined to do as much as we can and have lots of fun in the short amount of time we were there.

This was our room.  I (wisely) took a picture of our room number, before leaving the room to go drunken gamble at 4:00 a.m., so that I could remember where to come back to without trying to get in someone else's room.  

I'm glad I did, because I definitely had to use it.  

*Beautiful Night Shots We Took of Some of the Giant Structures around the Las Vegas Strip*

Bellagio

Palazzo

Venetian

Eiffel Tower
Restaurant

Paris 

Ah, Paris....

Although it was on our list of places to check out, sadly, we did not have a chance on this trip.  

Next time. For sure.

The Forum Shops

Huge! It can easily take up an entire day walking around it.  Especially when we have to keep stopping to look around at all of the stores.  We didn't even get through all of it this time.

"Oh, my feet... My legs...Oooo...Purses!" 
(As one of us swerves a different direction.)

Planet Hollywood

New York, New York Hotel & Casino

*Some Awesome Daytime Shots We Took*

Wow! Look at this (side) doorway!

Ooo! Boyz II Men! 

View from poolside.  

(Literally) had us in the palm of (a) hand.

Caught us Red Handed...

Notice the lower sign..."Be Seduced..."

Lady Liberty

 

We found some cool video slot machines.  Joe played the Iron Man game.  I did not play any of these, but I wish I had.  

I really love playing the (non-video) slot machines that have additional games to potentially win extra.  
Like this Wheel of Fortune Slot machine where you get to spin the wheel on top.

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Places we went.....

People we saw...        

Molested an Indian Statue

                                                            Things we did... 

Met up with Joe's friend 
from high school Bianca.

Took pictures of a random 
newly wed couple.

<<< I love how they posed for us.

#GroupSelfie

^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^ Inside The Forum Shops ^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^v^

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Indeed!

Bam!

I made this necklace. 
You can get one of your own 
>>>HERE<<<

She went that way!

Dinner at "Dick's Last Resort"

No, none of us got married...

Marines...
Look at them guns!

Captain Bubble and 
his beauty.

We're going out. Watch out Meow...

We make sexy duck lips when we're feeling ourselves dancing...

The Strip View from the Top
of Rio at Voodoo Lounge

 

Good times!

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We did so much in a short amount of time.  

Didn't sleep much, but come on meow...I didn't go to Vegas to sleep.

I did not really gamble as much as I'd have liked but it's probably better that way, because I was not doing well anyhow.

We didn't get to go see everything we wanted but we still had a blast!!

We went many places and saw many things, met some interesting people, made some new friends, and had some hilarious drunken adventures...

There's always next time! 

Which will probably (hopefully) be soon...

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Before we could leave to drive to California, we had to stop at the 
"World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop"
from the show 
"Pawn Stars".

There was a line.  It wasn't too terribly long.  They were allowing a few people in at a time.  So we waited to go in.

This person here>>> 

was trying to duck the picture.  

The face was hilarious.  

I only left part of it as to not reveal their identity 

but allow you to imagine their expression.

Joe was a little excited.

  

In case you couldn't tell...

There was a large range of so many cool things there. 

Here are a few:

We talked with a man working the jewelry counter 

(I can't remember his name) and learned some new things.  

He was extremely informative and friendly. 

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Across the street was an antique shop with 

<<<this sign in the window.

So we had to check it out. 

It had a lot of random old stuff.  Made me feel old.

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Then we went to Jimmy John's 

(because Joe and Jamie do not have Jimmy John's in California)

and because... delicious sandwiches. 
Hello...

These are some of the signs I saw and thought were funny...

Been there.
The night before actually...

No reservations here!
Now you know.

Uranus sure is interesting.
This was fantastic reading material
found in the restroom.

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Then we were on our way to Sacramento, California.

There were many scenic views on this trip.

Ah yes.... Nevada/California State Line 

early afternoon....

Stopped!

Delayed 3 hours...

But at least I had desert, mountains, and clouds to look at.

I will be updating this post with a slideshow from YouTube soon.  

So be sure to check back!