2/14/11 Ode To My Band

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I love you all! Happy Valentine's Day!!!

12/8/10 Life Isn't Always Fair

First, thanks for the notes noticing I've been away. I started today's blog just wanting to post some Christmas decoration pics, but I've found I need to begin first with letting some things go. I'm realizing that I've probably been working hard keeping myself too busy, because I didn't want to talk about, or even think about it anymore this (maybe I've been avoiding coming here because I knew I'd have to)…I've lost to much sleep already. I've been trying to uplift myself with Christmas (I LOVE Christmas). As an optimist, I'm not a worrier and can always find the bright side of things, but when it comes to my kids being hurt...it's a different story.

I'm still embroiled in the several craptastic life things I mentioned earlier. One of them took a turn last week and I'm just realizing now that I've been avoiding really dealing with my feelings about it. 

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Anyway...sorry this post was a downer. I AM having fun getting ready for Christmas, crafting (I made a whole mini tree this weekend), and decorating (except for the d@mn Christmas lights that I've spent day's restringing this year...I swear they are just taunting me…flickering a new line out each day, but who the heck likes dealing with the lights?!)...I'll post some pics next! As DD said again this year 'It looks like someone threw-up Christmas on our tree and all over our house!' I'm hoping to about finish the decorating today and we've got DS2's band concert tonight…Fa-la-la-la-la!

11/27/10 Giving Thanks

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday (those that celebrate Thanksgiving)! We had a great week with DS1 home. He's back at school now (at the football game today). It's snowing big flakes here...just a dusting, but so pretty.

We did the usual things;
- Picked out a Christmas tree with the kids (a week earlier than normal since DS1 had to go back early). This one's a beauty...a Frazier Fir, almost 11'...it's up in the foyer and the lights go on today.

- Watched lots of movies together. Went to see 'Harry Potter' (very good).

- Spent lots of time cooking...yes, me...just because I don't like to cook, doesn't mean I can't (although I always have my 'epic fails', usually due to creativity, and this year was no exception). I'm most thankful for having the family all together, so I went all out cooking this year. Here's my Thanksgiving food porn...

----- We make heavy appetizers and treats for lunch so we'll be hungry for dinner (no appetizer's before); Shrimp, Texas Caviar (Bean, Corn Dip- I added chick peas this year, yum), hot Dried Beef Spread, Pumpkin Roll, and Apple Coffee Cake (all homemade).

----- Here's my Thanksgiving spread (there's the acorn trees I made to the right, I blogged about another past Thanksgiving).

----- This year's 'Martha Moment'...I made my own centerpiece this year from the gourds that DS2 grew (stuck them with some bamboo skewers) and some mums I had on the front porch (just put the oasis in a foam pumpkin).

----- This year's menu: Turkey (used a new butter basting recipe, yum), Sage Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy (new recipe with white wine and chicken stock, yum), cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, variety of fancy olives, and rolls (the one thing that wasn't homemade this year). I made spiced mulled cider...new recipe with floating oranges, or I used the little tangerines and youstick the cloves in them all over (OMG, if you want your house to smell great, you put 10 of these into the oven to bake before you float them in the cider). And I served the one bottle of wine we brought back from Paris...it just seemed like the right time to have it...from the place where I had my LB 'moment' and now my first holidays after goal...I have a lot to be thankful for!

For dessert; pumpkin pie with whipped cream (DS2 loves the canned stuff LOL), candied jack-be-little pumpkins stuffed with vanilla ice cream and carmel sauce. New recipe...and my epic fail. I went all the way to an orchard to find the little pumpkins. I wasn't watching them closely enough while they were in the simple sugar bath cooking for a long time and they went from not done to burnt on the bottoms in a minute. They actually were pretty yummy though with the ice cream as long as you didn't eat the bottom LOL...and they looked beautiful...almost translucent with a shiny glaze.

We're spending a lazy day in front of the TV and eating leftovers (DH is making lentil soup with some leftover ham we had) after wearing ourselves out at the Black Friday sales yesterday. Off to watch the big OSU football game on TV (my youngest sis/husband are going this year...brrr...I think I like my seats better today LOL) and I need to make the fire in the fireplace (nothing like a wood fire)...stay warm all!

11/1/10 Happy Halloween!

Here's DS2's Jack-o-Lantern. He cracks me up...as he was carving it, he looked up and in his best Hermey the Elf voice said 'I want to be a Dentist!'

Here's DD's (It got a little dried out...she did this on Thursday since she was away for the weekend)

DS2 and his friends decided to go out to a few houses...he thought this angel costume was hysterical (I added a little face paint to make him look more angelic).

I make roasted pumpkin seeds every year...they're yummy.

Here's the foyer...

...with the giant spider web

Oh, and something SUPER SCARY...

I found a new trigger food...

...and it's a slider too...
I swear that pumpkin is mocking me...

...and he's still here this morning...

7/29/10 Tough Love

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7/5/10 Happy Fourth Fifth of July!!!

We're back from my folks for our last 4th of July at their house and it couldn't have been a better weekend (well, it could have been a little cooler as it was pushing 90 degrees). The old house is sold (closing on the 16th) and it's been all good news for them. They were set to move into their retirement village, but not into the exact model they wanted, so they were going to move and then have to move again when one opened up (they're first on the waiting list). Get this, last week the model they wanted with the sunroom on it opened up as the buyers who had been holding it for 7 months decided not to move yet…their home wasn't sold and their time was up. I don't know how things could go any smoother for my folks…they're so blessed, and I'm so thankful!!!

We arrived Friday afternoon to stay at my youngest sister's home and then we drove up to see my parent's new twin single (the sunroom will make a huge difference as with two bedrooms and one great room it gives them somewhere to get away from each other when they need their own space (I call it the 'sanity room'...going from a four bedroom two story they'll need it). They have a nice couple next door in the attached single, and my parents seemed really happy about the home they bought there. I'd put their house plan and all the furniture they're taking on my architect software so I took some final measurements while we were there and had it all ready for Mom to print/look at before I left (with the program you can even take a 'walk through' of what it will look like with the furniture in it.).

We spent the weekend with all four of my siblings, so it was really nice to have almost everyone there; my older sister from Chicago (with their two boys/her DH and DD stayed home), my middle sister's whole family (they have four teen boys), my younger brother, and my youngest sister's family where we stayed (they have two young boys). My two oldest went downtown with their cousin's (my middle sis's two oldest boys are almost the same ages as my DD and DS1, so they've grown up as close cousin's) for the city's big fireworks display while the rest of us visited with the family. We had plenty of backyard fireworks shows over the weekend (yes, we had to stop in Ohio to pick some up on the way in). We took the kids to the pool on Saturday, and yes, I did….I wore my bikini…I was asked how long it had been since I'd worn a bikini…ummm, about 20 years…I'm guessing my lotion tanner wasn't enough to fool anyone that my belly hadn't seen the light of day for eons…no matter…I appreciated my new, albeit pale, belly.

Sunday was the best 4th of July ever! I'm sure I've told you how my parent's moved into their home 44 years ago and it was in the first 100 homes (Phase 1) of what is now a 2,000+ homes, elementary school, 18 hole golf course, development. My parents were the first 'Chairmen' of the community's first 4th of July parade (my Dad was President of the Civic Association and it was his idea). It's been a part of our year ever since (their street has entered a float every year and I, and my kids have ridden on plenty of them). Since it was the 40th Anniversary of the first parade, this year's committee asked them to be the 'Grand Marshall's' of the parade (the theme for this year's parade was 'It's the 70's All Over Again') and they were so touched and honored that they were asked (and what perfect timing with the move). My brother (in the retail automotive industry) borrowed a new Mercedes convertible to drive them (and DD was the 'co-pilot' and videotaped them along the way). They had a special breakfast at the Club with the committee and judges and they had a blast during the parade (Dad was laughing recounting hearing someone say 'I didn't know he was still alive' LOL)! All the past-chairmen get to decorate a golf cart and ride in the parade so the 4 oldest teen grandchildren rode on the cart too. The couple (and their 6 mo. old daughter) that is buying their home came to the parade at Mom and Dad's suggestion (through their Realtor) and they made a point to find my parents as they lined up before the parade and introduce themselves…they were SO happy to meet them and I think it really helped my folks to know that they're turning over their home to a nice family.


I had prepped and started a 'Note To The New Owners' paper to leave in the house, where we each wrote down some of our favorite memories in the house and told them how much they would enjoy raising their family there (making a copy as a surprise for Mom and Dad). Yes, there were lots of teary moments and even a few blubbering ones, but most were not in front of our parents, so it was really a very happy weekend for them (I'll be back there for the move in two weeks, so I'm sure that will be emotional). I was also really touched by my children's reactions…we're the ones who have moved a lot and have lived in 7 different houses, so for my kids, especially the older ones, my parent's home is really the only stable 'home base' they've known. My youngest gave up being with his two closest cousin's on Sunday night so that, as he said, he could have 'a last 4th' fireworks at his grandparents'. It was the perfect evening and a perfect weekend.

We took lots of pics in front of the house...my parents, my 4 siblings and me (yes, the 'baggy star shorts' are old and awful...I forgot to buy something for the Fourth LOL).


My three sister's and I. We laughed all weekend...until we cried...and then we laughed again...it was a blast. From the left: My 'Middle Sis' (She's the elementary teacher. I'm SO proud of her...she's lost a LOT of weight and was now in some of my 'sisterhood' Capri's in a size 18 and they were swimming on her...AWESOME as she's the one with medical problems/diabetes/strokes and I worry about her, so I was surprised and THRILLED!). My 'Older Sister' (She's the PE Special Ed teacher and just returned from coaching the USA Special Olympic/Adult Boccia team in the International Olympics in Lisbon. She and her DH adopted two Downs Syndrome boys and they have a DD of their own.). And the baby, my 'Youngest Sis' (She's at home like me and busy with their two small boys/one is my Godson. I can't believe how fast my little nephews are growing up...they're adorable...it just makes you appreciate the days we get with our kids even more.).


I hope you all had a GREAT 4th (and for my international friends 'a great weekend')!!! The grandkids (minus one-my niece)...cheaper by the dozen! My three are far left in the green shirt- DS2, to the left of his Grandad- DS1, and the only granddaughter- DD.

7/1/10 Too Thin?

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6/20/10 Happy Fathers Day!

...all you Dad's! We had a great day here and it's a perfectly beautiful evening with fireflies flitting everywhere (the boys are all playing basketball in the driveway still), so I thought I'd share some pics outside.

My Dad is having a great day (and week) too...finger's crossed, they have a buyer for the house, at a good price, and it looks like the closing will happen in just a few more weeks. Get this...they got the offer after just 4 weeks on the market, a pre-approved buyer, couple that is in an apt. right now so no contingency and they can move right away, and the inspector only put two things on their 'fix' list (a chimney cleaning and repointing). I keep telling them how lucky they are with a 44 year old home and in this market right now.

My Dad is just thrilled that he doesn't have to go through the 'showings' daily anymore...it was getting old for him already as he doesn't like moving fast in the mornings...so all good news for him! Those three trips home to help get the house ready and all that work (with all my siblings and parents) was SO worth it now...they got great comments from all the showings (and it does look great if I do say so myself!). I hope everything goes smoothly and we'll be moving them to the new retirement place soon!

Happy Father's Day Dad (at his surprise 80th birthday party last year...doesn't he look surprised?!).

6/1/10 Drivel Scribbles: New Tastes and Foods

First, Happy Memorial Day!

Yes, I know I'm late, explanation of busyness to follow. No, I didn't get my belly button pierced. It's 'the chasm', remember?!  Nothing to be down about as I've cheered it up with another holiday decoration! It's a huge plastic ring, and trust me, the ring part doesn't come close to 'bottoming out' (see below). Oh, and note my tanner belly...no I didn't wear the bikini to mulch (sunless tanner cream), but now I'm ready if I ever get invited to a pool party!

I'm back to writing the book after a long week-and-a-half-off. I spent the first part of that planting new bushes, removing old ones, and weeding. The mulch pile arrived last Wednesday evening (two days early) so DH decided to take off Friday to get it going. DS and DD were away this weekend in different cities so we decided to get our major spring jobs finished up. We spent Friday and Saturday mulching. If we weren't tired enough from that, Sunday was spent taking everything out of the garage...I did that part while DH took DS2 to lunch and a movie (just because we decided to make it a 'working weekend' didn't mean he didn't need some holiday fun). When they got back I had them move the last heavy things out and then we hosed the garage down and put it all back. Monday was partially spent boxing up DS1's college stuff (yes, it was still sitting in my Dining Room), and rearranging all DD's stuff in the Clubhouse out back so we could fit DS1's stuff in (along with the four large pieces of furniture the two of them bought in our neighborhood garage sale). Last night we just enjoyed all our hard work and had a great rib dinner with the kids/others returning home.

So time to refocus on the book. I'm writing now about:
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5/10/10 My Best Work

I hope you all had a great weekend! Mine was the best...DS1 home on Saturday (he bought me roses...notice my funny one, DS2 in the background and DS1's annoyed look LOL) and my DD made it back from Washington (best friend's graduation from American College) in time for Mother's Day dinner. The three of them (I love watching them cook together) made a great steak, mashed potatoes, and parmesan asparagus dinner, with sushi roll and yummy cheese appetizers (yes, I stuffed myself). I got some wonderful gifts and we had a great day.

Meet my brood (DD will be scolding me about this pic...she'd just gotten home from the long drive and isn't 'fixed up'...sorry DD, I'll post a better pic soon)...they're my 'best work'!

4/5/10 The Secret to Weight Loss

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4/3/10 Easter Crazy

I've turned the corner...that or the good drugs are really doing their job...and either way, it doesn't matter...I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER!!! Vicodin kicks Endocet's butt!!! I woke up at 3am and made my way downstairs to quickly munch some pretzels before I took another pill ('take with a small meal', pretzels count right?). I fell back asleep on the couch and DH was up around 7am to move me upstairs with another pill and I slept until 10am!!! I'm a new woman...no, I'm my old self!

Thank you everyone who put up with my incessant whining this week. It's not funny that I whine way more here than I do to my family (well, except DH this week...by the fourth day it's safe to say he knew exactly how I was feeling LOL). I'd also have to say that you usually get the best of me as well. I am an optimist, so by the time I'm blogging about something I've had the time to mull it over and find the silver lining or the funny side of it...it's just how my mind works...there's always a laugh or a silver lining in every situation. So you get both the best and the worst of me...you get me (that reminds me, I need to do that post on 'blogging'...later).

I came back down to Easter decorations placed around the house. My DH is the sweetest. I'm the 'Holiday Queen' (seriously, you can all be my Princesses and we can ride on the holiday float together, but no one has more holiday decorations than I do...it's a serious affliction). I have bins of decorations for every holiday (6 big metal shelving units full in the basement). I was whining yesterday that I didn't decorate for Easter this year yet...or last year, as it was just before my surgery and I knew I wouldn't feel up to taking things down before DD's graduation party. DH got out some of my favorite Easter things to brighten my day (I most love the things the kids made). Here are the bunnies I made with them one year that decorate our mantle:

Just in case you missed it, take another look, this is the one that cracks us up. DS2 (now 14) was 2 when we did the bunnies (he's got mad artistic skills now, and not bad for a 2 year old then). The kids crack up over it every year and call it the 'scary crazed Easter Bunny' ...do NOT look directly into its eyes (I take no responsibility for your Easter Bunny nightmares tonight...you know you're getting 'crazy' when you read my blog). DH said this morning 'When the police come to us after they pull you out of the bell tower with the gun and ask us if there were any signs we missed, I'm pulling out the bunny.' We're awful parents...we laugh at our kids a lot...I'm sure I'm scarring them for life...I gave up hope of not doing that long ago...don't you remember all the things your parents did wrong? Yes I still blame my parents for everything...thus there's no hope my kids won't blame me...better to just give up now and have fun scarring them for life.

DH is so NOT a sentimental holiday nut like I am. My sisters and I have a pact that if I die they'll put up holiday decorations for my kids and I'll do the same...we used to have different 'sister packs' about things our DH's would never do, like cutting our kids fingernails when they were little, now that the kids are older we have the 'holiday pact', so getting out some Easter decorations was such a nice gesture for DH...I love that man.

Get this, he also already stuffed 80 plastic eggs for each kid for the egg hunt tomorrow (my Chocoholic radar is at an all time high right now, so I was glad I didn't have to do it...does Vicodin give you the munchies?). Yeah, it doesn't matter how old they get, there will always be hidden baskets (I remember my Mom setting my oldest sister's basket on fire when she hid it in the oven one year and then forgot about it preheating the oven for breakfast) and an egg hunt for Easter (I remember the year my folks hid the eggs out in the yard and then it snowed while we were at church). We have more eggs the older they've gotten (same amount of total candy). If 80 each sounds like overkill, trust me, as older children 80 eggs takes up the same amount of time as 18 eggs when they were little (and yes, we try to hide them in harder places, but d@mn our kids are smart).

I'm thinking I NEED a chocolate binge this weekend...no REALLY...I NEED it. TMI; I'm getting nervous because I haven't seen any 'movement' in over a week now. I stupidly took a laxative on Tuesday (I did this after my LB surgery with NO problems) forgetting what happened last time I did that (luckily...nothing)...then I've been taking stool softeners every day since...nothing...nadda. Now I know that the general anesthetic as well as the pain pills can back things up, but it's been a week and I'm getting a little scared...OK a LOT scared. I'm thinking a chocolate binge might just be the ticket to get things moving again! Do you think DH will notice if there are only 18 eggs for each kid when we do the hunt tomorrow? I'm open to other suggestions, but right now, until I hear a better idea (couldn't be one), I'm going with the chocolate binge...now where did DH hide the stuffed eggs?

P.S. If you missed my bunnies/peeps blog from yesterday on LBT, take a peek HERE...it's your virtual Easter card...hope the pics give you a smile!

4/2/10 My Crossover Addiction

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3/18/10 Weekday Dish

**Oops I forgot one: Please stop by and wish Marie good luck with her banding tomorrow:
http://unknownbandster2020.blogspot.com/

Well, it only took me three weeks, but I finally remembered the 'Weekday Dish' (yay Jen!)...and then I lost those brain cells again by dinnertime and forgot the pic (the Leprechaun poured me a beer).

DON'T EVEN TALK TO ME UNTIL...
- 3 mugs- black coffee (drank it right up until eating breakfast, I don't usually follow that 'before' rule as it goes right through on an empty pouch)


BREAKFAST (23.3g)protein, (245)calories
- 1/2C- Oatmeal w/soy protein and Benefiber (take a look at how thick I make it...NOT a slider, even with the syrup)
- 1/8C- SF (Splenda) Maple Syrup

1.5 Hrs. POST-BREAKFAST
- 32 oz. Water

LUNCH (20.9g)protein, (352)calories
- Tuna Melt (.5 can tuna w/2T mayo, onion) on Whole Wheat Toast
- Lima Beans < .25C (those are the 1/2C punch cups I use all the time)
- Baked Apple w/Cinnamon <.25C

1.25 Hrs. POST-LUNCH
- 48 oz. Water

DINNER (22.8g)protein, (537)calories
- Hamburger Patty (for St. Patty!) w/onion & 2T Ketchup
- (Green) Brussel Sprouts .5C
- 1 (Green) Beer
- 1pc. Chocolate

Total: 66.9g protein, 1115 calories, 128+ oz. liquids

2/14/10 Happy Valentine's Day!!!

We had a great movie and dinner out last night for our early Valentine's celebration. I did well on the eating front at PF Changs. I had a glass of White wine, 1 chicken lettuce wrap (with not very much filling), and about 1/2C of Chicken w/cashews & almonds, and 1/2C or less of brown rice. The other couple ordered a dessert for all of us to try, I think it was banana spring rolls and I had 1 section (about 1/4 C max or probably less). So more than I usually eat as it was probably 1.5-maybe 2C max, but we were there for hours, so I ate very slowly and never felt stuffed.

I NEED FASHION HELP!
We ran out of time to take pics before we left, so I had DS2 take these this morning in the outfit I wore (excuse the makeup and hair). I was having a fashion crisis last night and need your advice before I forget for next time (DD is gone until Monday). This was my first time wearing leggings since stirrup pants were in (yes, I tried putting on the thighshaper bodywear, but with the leggings the thigh 'muffin bottoms' showed...I'm thinking I need ankle to neck body armour). I have 3 long sweaters I bought to go with these leggings. DH talked me into wearing flats instead of the heels since it's so icy out. So here's the question...I know some short heel boots would be best (I need to buy some), but can you wear leggings with regular heels? If so, are the knee-high black hose I wore OK, or am I to be bare ankled?

Yes, I'm talking to DS2 through my smile about how to use the camera. Oh, and look at those boobs I borrowed from Victoria! If you ever see my before/after's you'll see those aren't mine (but the 'butt shelf' is) LOL!

Have a great day with your sweeties! Mine is taking the 5 boys back to PSU, but should be home in the next hour or so! ((Love and Hugs)) -BG

PS- Haven't the Olympics been great!!! We got to spend the evening hanging with the boys!

*Edited to add:

These are DD's...I'm going to need 'husky girl' boots as I couldn't even zip these half way up! Does anyone sell them with XL calves LOL?

2/13/10 208 & 198 Heads

Thank you followers 81-85! Well isn't this fun...watching my chins grow!!! Enjoy!

Happy Saturday all! Hope you all watched the opening ceremonies of the Olympics last night. I always get a chill watching all the countries march in. In this world of ours with all it's problems, bad economies and wars it's always wonderful to see that we can come together in this way!

Oh, just in case I'm not back...let me wish you happy VD now! No, NOT the STD (although I'll warn you not to get too amorous with people you don't know). Happy Valentine's Day! We're celebrating early going out with friends this afternoon for a movie and early dinner at PF Changs. I'll try to remember to take a photo to post.

DS1 made it back from college late last night and he looks/feels good (just 2 more weeks until the mono should be completely out of his system). He's out with PSU students all day today 'canning' (asking for donations) for childhood cancer (Four Diamonds Charity dedicated to wiping out pediatric cancer through research and caring for patients at the PSU Hershey Children's Hospital). PSU has a modern day 'dance marathon' ('Thon' http://www.thon.org/ ) every February. It's the largest student run philanthropy in the world and they raised over 7 million last year. The students fill the seats of the indoor basketball stadium and they stand and dance for 48 hours (next weekend, that should be fun, hope he doesn't get tired from the mono). They have lots of guests (and families/kids with cancer) come and encourage the students all through the event.

Anyway, we'll be home early so when DS1 is done we'll be able to spend some time with him as DH is taking the group back to school early tomorrow (they all have plans with GF's for Valentine's Day).

Happy weekend all!

1/4/10 Holiday Facts

-- The kids all had a great holiday…they are enjoying their favorite gifts; DD- all the new clothes, shoes, and beauty items; DS1- his new (used) desk and new comfy office chair (which he vows to somehow fit into the minivan to go back to school with him); and DS2- his new acoustic (w/electric) guitar. Mostly, they've enjoyed spending quality time together.


- I wish I could say there was no holiday drama, but it always finds a way in. This time it was a boyfriend/break-up right before Christmas (poor timing). I'll just say that DD is doing alright and was out with friends a lot over the holidays. She got inspired to clean out her bedroom (most of her stuff from college was jammed into her room on a shelving unit and in boxes, and under her on-lifts bed)…so we all pitched in and helped her take everything she doesn't need out to the 'clubhouse' in the back yard for storage. She took off the bed lifts, bought some shoe storage boxes for under the bed and she's almost done cleaning up. A 'fresh start' is a good thing sometimes.

- On a lighter note, DS1 has a new girl he met at college (not sure if she's an official 'GF' or not) …they have been back and forth the hour drive several times already and he's off to see her again today.

- Mom's birthday was yesterday…I miss her, but am thankful Mom and Dad were able to visit us just before Christmas.

- DH and I, although we missed seeing both our extended families, enjoyed our first holiday season without any travel. It was much more relaxing/non-stressful and provided many quality moments with the family. The kids have really appreciated it as they've been able to see/spend time with their friends as well (I can't tell you how many times I was giving thanks, w/all the boyfriend/girlfriend issues that we were home). DS1 was also able to work (restaurant) over the holidays for some extra cash for school.

- We took the kids last night to see Avatar and then out to dinner to celebrate our 'last moment of the holiday'. I had a wonderful 'moment' watching them 'plan' on what order they were going to sit together at the theater (it's nice to see that even as they get older they enjoy each other's company). Great 3-D movie BTW…and for those of you that get sick watching IMAX or 3-D movies (I can't even watch the ones at Epcot without feeling sick) I had no problems at all. It's a stunningly beautiful must-see movie.



- Everyone (except DS1, who has another week home from college) is now back to work/school…depressing……..for them ;-)

- Most of the holiday decorations are already down (I hate that job) and I've got a dining room table full of ornaments to finish packing up today…depressing………for me ;-)
* Oh, and Kay...I'm sorry I forgot to post the kitchen tool tree pic, but I remembered yesterday when I was packing it up. Attached are a few pics of the little tree and a pic of my red handled kitchen tools (now you all know I'm clinically insane...my family calls this part of my 'rust' collection).

- From 12/18 until today (the past 2.5 weeks), I've lost 3 pounds…it still continues to amaze me (losing weight over the holidays). I'm at 170.5, so (as Xavier would say) I'm headed back to the 60's (yes, I remember the 60's…I was a child, but I remember LOL).

- I bought a size 12 pair of pants this weekend…yes, I can barely button them, but the 14's were a little too roomy. I've got them hanging up in my closet 'front and center' (in front of my shelves) as my next goal (size 24 to a 12!). I also bought a piece of 'shape wear' for the first time, but more about that later.

　

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season full of time with your families! As I sit here and listen to the 'Today Show' with segment after segment about weight loss (ahh…January), I'm headed into this New Year with renewed hope that as much as last year was all about my weight, sometime this year…it won't be.
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*In response to Comments:

-Yes, collecting rust is a documented illness...I'm glad to see that others have caught this highly contagious virus as well (and I always make sure my tetnus shot is up-to-date)! Doodle- sent you a PM about the spools.

Plants: These are DH's cacti that live on my patio when it's warm...the two (center single stem, and a double stem on the left) are Madagascar Palms (not really a palm-PACHYPODIUM LAMERII). I call the one in the middle 'Phallic Symbol' and I keep trying to kill it, but it won't die LOL. By Spring it won't have a leaf left on it, but after spending a week outside it always comes back to life- d*mn thing (DH gets such a kick out of this). I'm guessing you have a 'Crown of thorns' they get lots of small flowers that are pink, red, or yellow and they usually have lots of stems. The one on the right with lots of angled (three sided) stems gets small leaves as well, but I can't remember its name. DH bought them all since we moved here and they were in tiny 3" pots and less than 6" tall (so within the last 10 years)...so be wary, they grow fast (probably faster in a warmer climate! Each year someone gets stabbed moving them in and out of the house as you can see they're now taller than the patio door...I don't know what he's going to do when they hit the 9' ceiling! ...and yes, I hung those ornaments from them LOL.
-BG

-Yeah, those phallic symbols must go through a dormant stage even in warm weather. Now I'm bummed that yours blooms!!! -BG

12/28/09 Seventy-five

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The golden retriever weighs 75#


This baby panda weighs 75#



This leather chair weighs 75#


This sea kayak weighs 75#


This portable table saw weighs 75#


Here's 75# of pumpkins


...and here's a 75# tuna

12/27/09 What A Gift!!!

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