1 year ago and never going back

A year ago today, I was a completely different person. I was an unhealthy person. A year ago, I decided I needed to change my lifestyle.... and I needed to change it ASAP.  A little over a year ago, I joined Weight Watchers and my life has forever been changed. Two weeks ago, I was asked to speak at motivation night tonight for Weight Watchers and I honestly couldn't feel more grateful to be where I am today.... which is 40 pounds lighter and still going.

So here is my story...

The only time I can remember being skinny was when I was in the second grade. Seriously. And the reason why I was skinny, was because I was diagnosed with Graves Disease. Graves Disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Usually women (and sometimes men) don't get diagnosed with a thyroid disease until they are in their 20's. For me, I was in second grade.

For the longest time, doctor's couldn't figure out what was wrong with me. Since a thyroid disease is 99% nearly impossible for a 7 year old to get, they automatically ruled it out. But when my symptoms kept getting worse (eye bulging, heat intolerance, increased sweating, tremor and fatigue to name a few), I was sent to an endocrinologist. I was that 1% rarity case and got diagnosed with Graves Disease (what an awful name for a disease... especially to a second grader). From there, I received immediate treatment; radioactive iodine. This treatment destroyed my thyroid completely and now I have to take replacement thyroid hormones for the rest of my life.

So cool fact about me: I don't have a thyroid... WEIRD!

But now that I don't have my thyroid, I now have hypothyroidism, which makes it 5x easier for me to gain weight and 10x harder to lose it. Figures.

I always tried to stay active in high school, and I was at just an "ok" weight, but when I entered college at BGSU, the freshman 15 50 really kicked in. The only healthy food option I think I had as a freshman was a dinky little salad with no dressing. Everything else was fried. But over the years, I think they realized that dining on campus needed to be changed, and from what I've seen, their options for more healthier foods has increased immensely. High five BG!

Freshman year!

But blaming my weight on my disease was an excuse I used for years as to why I was overweight... so I just kept eating and eating and blaming and blaming. But a little over a year ago, when I realized that I could probably definitely eat a whole box of pizza to myself, I knew I couldn't use that excuse anymore. I had to change.

I joined Weight Watchers online at first. In all honesty, I was too embarrassed to go to a meeting by myself. Although it is a meeting of people who feel and look the exact same way that I did, I always felt like I would be judged. I guess that's just the mentally I continuously built in my head over the years.

I would go to the gym, but wouldn't put 100% effort into my work outs... because for those of you that don't know me, I'm pretty sure I was born with 10x the amount of sweat glands a normal being should have. So I was always too nervous that people would point at me and laugh at the chubby girl with pit stains.

I would try to track my points, but I wouldn't hold myself accountable for what I ate. I would track 2 pieces of pizza when I really ate 3. I always thought, "what I don't track, I didn't eat. They won't know I ate it if I don't track it." Really Joanna? Your stomach knows you ate it! Idiot!

I also wouldn't hold myself accountable for weighing in on my own. I would only weigh in when I know I lost a pound or so. On weeks where I gained that pound back, I wouldn't weigh in and I wouldn't record it.

So to say the least, I wasn't getting anywhere.

That's when I ran into my friends, Cristina (now my current roommate) and Katrina (now one of my best friends), at the gym. They were lookin REAL slim. I asked them what they were doing and they said, "Weight Watchers!" I immediately got excited, because that's what I was doing too... but clearly no one could really tell. They told me they were going to the meetings in Perrysburg, Ohio and invited me to join them. Now that I had someone to go with, who I knew wasn't going to judge me, I tagged along.

The first time I walked into those doors for the meeting, I felt overwhelmed, nervous, happy and scared. I didn't know what to expect. I was introduced to the leader, Linda, and to the room full of wonderful members. From then on out, I knew there was no turning back... I think that is what scared me the most.

The next couple of months were hard and frustrating. It was hard to get into the swing of things such as proportioning my meals, maintaining a regular exercise routine, and tracking what I ate. I expected to lose weight quickly... so when I wasn't, I felt defeated. But with the support from Cristina and Katrina, I kept with it. They helped me figure out the program, they were constantly asking me to come to the gym with them and we would even cook dinner together so I could figure out appropriate proportions. They were not only becoming my motivators, but they were becoming my best friends.

My first work out with Cristina! Running the BGSU Stadium!

When I finally reached 5 pounds, and received my 5 pound award at the meeting, the feeling of determination over swept me. Even though you probably couldn't physically notice I lost 5 pounds, I could feel it. I felt more energetic and I felt more in control. I was curious to know what the next award would be and I was determined to get there.

11 pounds later, I received my 5% award. I was 5% towards reaching my goal. That number sounds so small, but it was one step closer to my goal weight. I felt on top of the world. I was getting the hang of things and I wanted that next award.

I started to run a lot more and I signed up to run a 5k in July. I've ran 5k's before in college, but I have always had to stop once or twice. This time was going to be different. My goal was to complete a 5k without stopping... and I did. Cristina stayed by my side the entire time.

Another 11 pounds later, I received my 10% award. Again, one step closer to where I wanted to be.

By November of 2011, I reached my 25 pound award! Boy was I feeling great! I was running more and felt like I needed a new running goal. So I signed up for the Cleveland Turkey Trot... a 5 mile race. At the time, 5 miles seemed like a lot to me, but I was determined. Again, my goal was to complete the race without stopping... and again, I did. Cristina was waiting for me at the finish line.

December rolled around, and Tony finally proposed to me!! We did a TON of celebrating... so my weight fluctuated a lot. But you only get engaged once, right? ;-) So I had no regrets. After the celebrating was done, I got right back on track and now feel more determined than ever to meet my goal by our wedding in November. I plan on rocking my wedding dress. Watch out, Tony!

Me on the weekend after Tony proposed!

Another 12 pounds later, I am at where I am right now. 40 pounds lighter. And guess what? I've set a new running goal... a half marathon. My goal you ask? To finish without stopping. But this time, I will be crossing that finish line with Cristina, Katrina, and Tony. My three biggest supporters, my three biggest motivators, and three of my favorite people who I've ever met in my entire life.

I wish nothing more that Cristina, Katrina and Tony could be here tonight for my motivation talk (actually, Cristina was asked to tag team the talk with me), but Cristina and Katrina are off on a 180 mile bike ride for BGSU's Dance Marathon's, Bikes for Tikes and Tony is off in Cleveland for work. But Jo(W)anna know what? The more I think about it, they don't need to hear my motivation story... they are my motivation story. They are the ones that helped me get to where I am today. Sharing my story tonight is not to get them motivated, it's to get others motivated... to let others know that there are other people out there, just like them, who has walked in those shoes of embarrassment; ready for change.

So even though I still have 17 pounds left to lose before my goal, the point of my story is this:
Achieving a goal is not always about the end result. Sometimes, achieving a goal is the experience of the journey. This journey has given me 2 new best friends, a better and positive attitude, and more importantly, a healthier lifestyle. Being healthy increases happiness not only with your relationship with others, but with yourself as well... and I am living proof of that. It doesn't matter how long it has taken me to get to this point, what matters is that I actually got to this point... and I am not turning back.

Happy National Something On A Stick Day!

Happy National Something on a Stick Day!

Yes, Bush. You should know this! It is a national holiday...

I bet you didn't know that something on a stick had it's own national holiday, did ya? Welp, now ya do!

Something On A Stick day is always on March 28th!

For all of you that may or may not have your head in the gutter... National Something on a Stick Day means that... well... today, you literally celebrate things on a stick.

You can celebrate by eating foods that comes on a stick, or by literally just putting anything on a stick and celebrating it.

For example: (These pictures are from the National Something on a Stick Day website) 

(stick on a stick. Clever kid...)



(Hotwheels on a stick... cool I guess)

(Kewpie on a stick... this looks terribly wrong)

(Banana on a stick... meh I'm starting to feel uncomfortable...)

(Meat on a stick.... Ok I'm going to stop here... this is getting weird)

Anyways...you get my point! Today, we can literally celebrate anything on a stick! Want to see more of these pictures of things on a stick? I don't blame you if you don't, but if yes, the Addison Group would like you to celebrate with them! How you ask? Find a stick, put something on it, and send a picture their way! Click here if you want to participate!

So not that I need an excuse to eat food on a stick, but when given the public opportunity to, I am going to take advantage of it! Plus, I love corn dogs...

"That makes me want a hot dog real bad..."  - Legally Blonde 2

As weird of a holiday it is, it seems to be getting nation wide recognition and people are celebrating it in it's rightful and proper manner.

• The anchors of ABC World News celebrated this morning by eating corn dogs, popsicles, cake balls on a stick, and more while sitting at their newsroom desk!

(This has an uncomfortable screen shot before the video plays)

• In Lincoln, California, Denio’s Roseville Farmers Market & Swap Meet, is celebrating Something on a Stick Day this weekend by offering a 2-for-1 corn dog coupon good for the remainder of March.

• And of course, including myself, people are blogging about this delicious holiday here and here.

Me celebrating National Something on a Stick Day by eating pineapple on a stick! :)

So Jo(W)anna Know What? Why not celebrate sticks! I don't think sticks get enough recognition that they deserve.

- Without sticks... I wouldn't have my wedding centerpieces that I plan on using in November!
- Without sticks... we wouldn't have bonfires!
- Without sticks, we wouldn't have have corny jokes like, "what's brown and sticky?"

STICKS! (You can thank my sister, Jen, for that joke!)

So here's to you sticks and for bringing joy into our everyday lives!

So by being perfectly aware that I have to weigh in tomorrow for Weight Watchers, I will celebrate today by eating a corndog...

No, no, you skinny stick... he's just thick sticked.

Heaven is for Real

So I've been on reading kick lately. Which is a good thing because now that Tony's spring travel season has begun for work, I have a lot more time to myself in the evenings! So while he's away throughout the week, the company of a book will have to suffice!



That's actually only sometimes true... I sort of like medium sized books.

I bet I got that tune stuck in your head now. Soooo sorry. 

So I just finished a book a few days ago called, "Heaven is for Real", by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent. This book was recommended by my roommate, Cristina, who is an avid reader, and also suggested it would be a great read for Lenten Season.

Boy was she was right! Not only was it was a great read for Lenten Season. (Which P.S. has only 12 more days left of no sweets and soda!!!!! WAHOO!!) but it also was a book that for once, not only made me think, but really lead me to just believe.

                                                    Introducing to the new me.

hahaha just kidding.

The book is based on a true story about a family who learns the ins and outs about heaven through their four year old son, Colton. It is written by the father, but focuses on Colton's experiences and persepetive, and rightfully so... since a four year old cannot write a best seller book.

I probably spoke to soon. I'm sure there is a prodigy child out there somewhere creating a mind blowing book on where Waldo really is.

                                                    Well that was easy.

Anyways... let's get serious and back to the book...

As the book's synopsis says:

"When Colton Burpo made it through an emergency appendectomy, his family was overjoyed at his miraculous survival. What they weren't expecting, though, was the story that emerged in the months that followed --- A story as beautiful as it was extraordinary, detailing their little boy's trip to heaven and back.

Colton, not yet four years old, told his parents he left his body during the surgery --- and authenticated that claim by describing exactly what his parents were doing in another part part of the hospital while he was being operated on. He talked of visiting heaven and relaying stories told to him by the people he met there whom he had never met in his life, sharing events that happened even before he was born. He also astonished his parents with descriptions and obscure details about heaven that matched the Bible exactly, though he had not yet learned to read."

This book tells a compelling and astonishing story of Colton's heaven, and out of body, experience.

Now typically, whenever there are shows/interviews on TV regarding people having "out-of-body" experiences, I immediately switch the channel. 

1. Because media has portrayed what an "out-of-body" experience should look like, so people will just tend to mock that by saying they saw "the light".

2. Because people mainly just want their 5 minutes of fame and will testify to anything to get it. 

To me, and this is just in my opinion, heaven is no joke and is definitely not something worth lying about just to get your five minutes of fame. Being on the verge of death is really no laughing matter, which is why when I see adults describing their "I've been to heaven and back stories", I just have a hard time believing them due to the reasons I've listed above. So when I read this book, I had a lot of doubt at first. It wasn't my doubt in a heaven, it was just a doubt on whether or not this story really is true. But since the story was being told through the perspective of a four-year-old boy's experience with heaven, I will admit that I was intrigued and wanted to read the book.

Try to remember when you were four. What do you remember? You probably don't remember much besides big family vacations, major family occasions, or really just having an imagination as big as the moon.

                                            Yeah, I remember those days...

Hold on Joanna, rewind, you just said so yourself, at the age of four, kids typically have an imagination as big as the moon. So wouldn't that lead you to believe that Colton was just playing "pretend" and letting his imagination run wild?

Typically, that would be a normal skeptical person's view on this situation. But as you read the book, there are so many encounters that Colton experienced that he can describe in such detail that you would think, "there is no way a typical four year old kid could EVER know this if he truly didn't encounter something great".

At least that's what I thought.

Now I hate to be controversial, but hey, isn't that what the Internet is for? ;-)

Some of you may believe in God and in a heaven, and some of you may not. That's ok. I am not here to preach. I just wanted to express the amount of impact this book had on me and how it just sort of sets into your mind that "alright, if Colton really didn't go to Heaven, then how on earth would this little kid know all of this stuff that he could have never known before?"

To me, Heaven is for Real changed the way I think of eternity and sort of just helped me to believe, even more so than I do now, that yes, there is something greater out there then here on earth. And although the majority of us won't see it till it's our time, you just have to believe it. Which is a hard thing to do since we live in a tangible world.

Now you're probably like "Joanna, you keep saying that Colton has all these descriptive details about what and who he saw in Heaven. Give me an example".

Touche. If I gave them away, however, it would completely ruin the book.

But Jo(W)anna know what? I will leave you with one passage from the book. This is the part of the book that Cristina sold me on when deciding whether or not to read it.

"I heard Colton's footsteps padding up the hallway and caught a glimpse of him circling the couch, where he then planted himself directly in front of Sonja.

"Mommy, I have two sisters," Colton said.

I put down my pen. Sonja didn't. She kept on working.

Colton repeated himself, "Mommy, I have two sisters."

Sonja looked up from her paperwork and shook her head slightly. "No, you have your sister, Cassie, and... do you mean your cousin, Traci?"

"No." Colton clipped off the word adamantly. "I have two sisters. You had a baby die in your tummy, didn't you?"

At that moment, time stopped in the Burpo household, and Sonja's eyes grew wide.

"Who told you I had a baby die in my tummy?" Sonja said, her tone serious.

"She did, Mommy. She said she died in your tummy."

"It's ok, Mommy," he said. "She's okay. God adopted her."

A sensitive topic like this is not something a parent would just blurt out and try to explain to their toddler. The fact that a four-year-old kid could ever know this, just blows me away.

So for all you book lovers, especially those of you who just got done with Hunger Games and don't know what to do with yourself, I suggest this book. Or if you are just a regular person who wants to challenge your way of thinking about life after death, this book is definitely for you. Check it out... I guarentee you won't be disappointed.

If you are worried that this book is going to be too religious or too pushy on the subject of religion, I am very pleased to tell you that it's not. Yes, the book is about Colton's experience with God and heaven, but it in no way pushes you to question your faith and steer you to Christianity. I am just like you when it comes to the religion pushers. It is simply a turn off. But I would be lying if I said it didn't make you think. This book is simply just a story about a boy and his experience when he was faced with death.

And now that I am done with this book... to answer your question, yes... I just started Hunger Games last night and yes, I will admit, I have become hooked already.

So READ! It does the brain good! :-) 

United States of Beer!

Happy Friday friends!

                                                     Why yes... it is!

It's finally the weekend! Raise your hand if you're excited!

I won't see you raise your hand but I'll trust that you did...

Weekends are good for 3 reasons.
1. Relaxation
2. Wine and brewskis
3. Good company

The Houston Press published a post back in January that I never had the opportunity to share until I started this blog.

With the weekend HERE, what better way to celebrate by knowing which beer is best in your home state!

So for all you alcoholics social drinkers, here is this handy map to the United States of Beer!

Whhhaat? Yep!

                                          HOLY AMAZINGNESS!

Texas would be shiner. It just would.

Of course Florida gets MGD Light 64. Just because that's where most of the Miami beach babes are, you really think they're going to drink something that doesn't taste that good to stay slim? Meh... ok dumb question Joanna. Yes, they probably will. Whatever. When I visit Florida, I am drinking a bud light.... maybe that's because I'm not a beach babe though.

I'd like to visit Mississippi and try the Lazy Magnolia... Only because a magnolia tree is my favorite tree.

Out of all the states though, I think Ohio has the best beer option... who doesn't love Great Lakes beer?

That's a rhetorical question... so don't answer that.

I think it's cool to see each state's beer, and I also think it would be cool to travel to each US state just to drink those beers in their proper homeland (even though I'm sure you can get most of them in any state). It's all about the experience, right?

Obviously my trip around the US won't be happening any time soon... but a girl can dream right?

                                                                   Right.

But anyways, even though it is Friday, I am not going college girl "out, out" tonight... if you know what I mean. I am just meeting some girlfriends for dinner and beer after work!

                                                       Seriously...

Tony and I have some wedding planning to go over tonight because our schedules are busy for the rest of the weekend... so hopefully I'll be more open minded with some planning once I have a beer or two! ;-)

So Jo(W)anna know what? Even though I won't be doing much of reason #1 from my opinion as to what weekends are good for... I will for sure be doing reasons #2 and #3.

But for all your crazy kids out there... be safe and have fun and...

:-)

Menu Tasting.. Check!

Don't you hate it when it feels like Friday and then you realize it's Thursday?

                                                        Heard that...

Or how about when you feel like it's almost 5pm and you look at the clock and it's only 2pm...

                                   That's basically what my clock is telling me.

Today is one of those days... and I'm sure it's because I had a short day at work yesterday and today because I had to leave for Cleveland for my menu tasting! Yum Yum Yum!

Hey Life, riddle me this: Why is it that the fun things always fly by and the boring things don't? Let me guess... you need 15 years to get back to me with an answer.

But anyways... for those of you that don't know me... Anything that has to deal with food = my dream come true.

Example: Oh hey Joanna, you're invited to this really boring meeting about Global Warming that lasts from 8am to 4pm... but there is breakfast and lunch provided!

Oh yeah? Food's provided? Sold! I'm there!

So yes, my menu tasting was a great success!

Tony and I drove to our reception site to meet my Mom, my Aunt and both of his parents for the tasting! It's always a party when my mom and aunt are together... and then you add in Tony's parents and it's a bigger and better party!

Once we were seated at our table, we were immediately brought the champagne that they are going to serve at our wedding. YES! Champagne! It's like they were reading my mind that I was thirsty for something good! I knew it was going to be a great night!

So here is how the dinner went:

Plate #1: A HUGE and DELICIOUS salad! I was already impressed and we hadn't even gotten to the main courses!

(After plate 1, I finished my champagne and ordered a glass of wine)

 
Plate #2: Two, 4 oz pieces of steak and chicken. The meat was so tender and delicious it literally melted in my mouth.... ::Insert "that's what she said" joke here:: The sides for this plate were a creamy mashed potato and green beans! Sounds perfect to me!

(After plate 2, I finished my glass of wine so my mom and I ordered a bottle)

 
Plate #3: Twin pork chops! Yes! Two! With a side of potatoes and cooked vegetables! I love me some pork!

(After plate 3, I filled up my wine glass again)

 
Plate #4: Tilapia with a side of flavorful rice and green beans! (This dish was my favorite! The tilapia was unbelievable!

(After plate 4 I was feeling good so I was doing more rambling talking than drinking)

Plate #5: Portabella mushroom stuffed ravioli. I hate mushrooms so I didn't eat this plate, but it looked very good!!

So from these 5 plates... You can obviously tell that no one went away hungry... or thirsty!
I even got every serving of protein and vegetables that you need in one day!

Overall, it was a pretty healthy tasting... other than the fact that I stuffed my face with rolls and that my mom and I finished off 2 bottles of wine... meh. Not ashamed. You only get married once, right?........ Well... most people anyways... maybe... you catch my drift.

                                         ANYWAYS... This was basically me...

After the tasting, Tony's parents wanted to see the church we are getting hitched at, so we took a quick tour of the church and then unfortunately, it was time for his parents to head back home.

Once we got back to the hotel, Tony, my mom, my aunt and I all went down to the hotel bar and shared many laughs and drinks together! We are all so excited for November to get here and being at our actual reception site made it feel even more realistic that Tony and I are actually getting married in 8 months!!!

                                                              YES!

SOOOO Jo(W)anna know what? The entire ride back to Bowling Green today, I was cheesin real hard and just smiling from ear to ear. I would have to say that the menu tasting was one of the best things so far throughout this engagement process! I was sad my dad couldn't be there due to business, but I knew he would have enjoyed it just as much as we all did!

I am excited that we can check off another thing on our list and feel satisfied about it! This process just keeps on getting better and better!

So yay to the menu tasting, yay to good food, yay to great company and yay to marriage!

I'll leave you with this....

                        Hahaha! Just another reason for me to hate mushrooms! ;-)

My Tribute to Ella

Yes, I am aware that I already blogged today, but that was before my visit to the vet with my hamster and that was before I knew that they were going to have to put her down. 


You may think it is silly for me to be so obsessed and in love with a hamster, but if you know my family background with animals, you would understand. 

                     Plus, look at how cute that face is. How could you NOT be obsessed?


Ever since I was little, my mom has been a HUGE advocate for rescuing and loving all shapes and sizes of creatures. Not to mention, she is very into science... so some of things we kept was for her own scientific pleasure.To list a few of what we have owned: Hamsters, a hermit crab, a rabbit, a parakeet, many dogs, 2 cats, a black widow (yes, a black widow/my mom's scientific pleasure), and more.


So, as you can see, in my 24 years of life, we have had a variety of animals. And the fact that I have been exposed to so many different types of animals, I believe that has allowed me to love animals immensely and to care for anything that can show you love in return. If you still think it's silly of me to be sad about the loss of my hamster, whatever.. I don't really care.


Two years ago, when I lived alone, I decided to get an animal. I knew it had to have been something easy to take care of (since I didn't have much time outside of work in addition with extra curricular activities), but I knew it also had to be something I could pet, play with, and form a bond with. 


So I decided to get a Hamster because my apartment complex wouldn't allow cats or dogs!


I did a little research on hamsters when I decided to get one and believe it or not, Hamster's have a pretty good sense on who their owner. They also have the perfect ability to form a bond with their owner as well.. Once they develop a familiar sense of their owner's smell, voice, and the way they handle them, it becomes hard NOT to fall in love with them. 


When I went to the pet store with my friend Kiley, Ella was in a cage all by herself standing on her two hind legs with paws up on the glass looking for a way out. All the other hamsters were in cages together, but her. I asked the employee why she was in a cage all by herself and she said it was because she was violent; that she would always bite all the other hamsters. Ella looked everything BUT violent so I really didn't believe the employee. As Ella stood there looking out of the glass and starring right at me to take her home, I knew that she was the Hamster for me.


That first night I had her, she escaped. What a brat! I hated her that night. I even thought about returning her... but every time I looked at her, my anger always went away. She was seriously the cutest little furriest thing. 

           Ella on the first night I got her. As she was at the pet store... looking for a way out.


As weeks went by. I would put her in her ball and she would roll around my apartment while keeping me company.

                                            We started to form a bond. :-) 


She even came to work with me one day! (I was leaving for Cleveland right after work and I didn't want to leave her alone for a long weekend)

                                                 Ella hard at work.....


She spent two Christmas's with me!

                                           She knocked an ornament down!


And I even sent out Christmas cards this year with her and I! 

                      Only those who understood my obsession with her got this picture


When it was my birthday, she got a balloon too!

Even when we had guests over, she was always a big hit!

                                                  My sister, Jen, and Ella!


And when it was just a regular weekday, sometimes I would just like to sit there and pet her... and she would let me!! She loved to get her back rubbed! 

                  Yep... I gave her kisses. Sorry I'm not sorry if you think that's gross.


She really was a great hammie and at times was even a real ham. She only bit me once, and when she did, I cried... (I had also been drinking so she was probs really irritated with me). 


Knowing that I showed all the love in the world to just a hamster, makes me feel confident in knowing that I am ready to take on bigger and more time commitment animals. I take comfort in knowing that I did everything I could have done. It was just her time. 


Love you Ella! Have fun in Hammy Heaven with all the snacks and rolly ballys you could ever dream of! And even though Tony wasn't a real big fan of you, I'm sure he secretly misses you too! 

Oh Hey Spring!

Happy First Day of Spring!!!

                                                    He's got the right idea...

Time to whip out the shades and enjoy the sunshine!

FUN FACT ALERT!

Did you know that if you were standing on the equator during either the vernal or autumnal equinox, you would see the sun pass directly overhead? These are the only two times in the year when this happens!

I bet you didn't know that... and if you did, well then you probably are working on finding a cure for global warming right now rather than reading my blog... which would mean that you aren't reading this.

Anyways...

Did you also know that there can be as much as 150-thousand tons of water inside a cumulonimbus, or thunderstorm, cloud. 

That’s enough to fill a pond a mile long, 300 feet wide and five feet deep.

WHAT?!? THAT'S CRAY!

I know.. but it's true. Bring it on Spring!

OK NOW FUN MYTH ALERT!

Has anyone ever told you that you can balance a raw egg on end on the first day of spring?

No?

Well the egg legend began in 1945 when a reporter for Life Magazine wrote a story about a Chinese ritual in which people stood eggs on end of the first day of spring because they believed that the pull of gravity is more equal on the first day of spring since the sun is more directly overhead.

Turns out though, there really is no scientific support for this.

So in result of this article on this myth, one hundred New Yorkers got together on March 20, 1983 to balance eggs.

Those New Yorkers really know how to party on the first day of Spring, eh?

Then a year later, five thousand New Yorkers repeated the tradition, therefore growing the egg legend  into a popular Spring tradition.

Looks like a lot of fun right?  Yeah. Well try doing this after you've had a few brewskis.... that could be either funny or disastrous.

Ok. So, Joanna, is this really true or is there a catch?

Well in all honesty, if you can get a raw egg to balance upright on the spring equinox, you can get it to balance any other day of the year.... sorry.

The pull of gravity, or the position of the sun in the sky, has nothing to do with it.

But go ahead, try it! It could either go two ways!

You might find that you have a new found talent of balancing eggs...

                              Looks like this guy needs to get laid... and not by eggs.

or you might just end up with a lot of run away eggs or just a really frustrating hour of your day....

It's ok man... I'm sure you're probably really good at balancing a spoon on your nose or something...

But anyways... Jo(W)anna know what?! It's still the first day of Spring! Which means if you're balancing eggs, or standing on the equator witnessing the sun pass directly overhead, or just sitting at work watching the clock tick away, it's a good day!

When you get the chance, enjoy the perfect 70 degree weather, because we all know that when summer gets here, we'll all be complaining about how it's too hot.

                                                      You know it's true...

Happy Spring everyone! :)