Monday, March 31, 2008

Excited on a Monday

I should get my new car today! Pray all goes well!!
It's gonna be in the 50's weatherwise today
and my Momma and K sister are coming to visit Saturday to do dress fittings and such!! Color me excited! This has to be a good week - it just has to!

Friday, March 28, 2008

Seriously?

Someone needs to get old man winter a calendar.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

pensive on a thursday.....

did you check out our countdown clock?
It's amazing how quickly it's coming up....and I keep getting more and more excited....
the wedding is pretty much planned and now we wait for God to rain down money...but really....as long as there's him, two rings and someone who can legally pronounce us man and wife....the rest doesn't even matter.
At the risk of appearing like a bowl of oatmeal....
I never imagined it was possible to love someone this much....to be able to put another human so far above myself and not feel like I was subservient....to WANT to cook for him and meet his needs and never have it occur to me to feel like I'm beneath him....for "submit" to be a welcome word....it's amazing how just the sound of his voice can soothe a hectic day....how his arms around me make me feel like there is nothing that can ever hurt me....
Interesting huh? as little girls, daddy can do anything - when daddy gets home, the house becomes safe, the monsters, boogie men and other such nastiness all goes away....and we get a little older and he promises to injure the boy that makes us cry....and then we get a little older and daddy starts to pass the torch to the husband figure...no wonder women tend to look for men like their father.
I tell ya, my daddy has always been my hero....I can remember, I was around 17 or 18....and had a BAD reaction to an antibiotic and was convinced I was going to die alone on the floor...my dad came home and held me and got some honey in me and looked up the medication and those simple words "I've got you pumpkin" and I no longer thought I'd die.....
...and then I can remember lying in a hospital bed with tubes in my arm and monitors beeping and doctors rushing around trying to slow my heart down and I looked up and there was my Bug....and I knew it would be OK....

Why? because these are good men...which goes beyond the whole hero thing....they are men of God and they pray and they take their roles as Godly men very seriously.....and that right there is worth more than any gift, any medal any anything.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

hmmm

19º yesterday morning. 39º today....maybe spring is getting the hint that it should get here....

I'm one sore woman today. I've discovered muscles I didn't know I have...and I apparently use all of them when kickboxing....
But it will be worth it when I don't huff and puff up a few flights of stairs and when I can run around with my nieces this summer and not have a coronary :-)

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

rise and.....shine?

nope.

there is far too much blood in my caffeine stream for that......



However, three or four cups of coffee might just do the trick.

...........................................................better make it four....


I'm freezing today....my dear friend L posed an interesting question in her blog this morning....doesn't old man winter know he's not welcome? and if it'd old man winter...are we waiting for young girl spring?

Speaking of young girl....this angel is my cousin's new blessing....isn't she beautiful????


She made her appearance last week...and though she was about a month early, she is healthy and happy and perfect and mommy and daddy are tickled pink :-) I can't wait to get down to PA to hold her!!!

Can you believe March is almost gone? It seems like just yesterday I was going to sleep at 9:00 on New Year's Eve.....

The EWLW Challenge is going pretty well, although yesterday I only got in 4.5 cups of fruits and veggies.....today I need to remember to run to my car during lunch and grab another bottle of juice as I'm finishing the last of this one for breakfast....which means more steps!

I discovered this morning that my 10 minute solution kickboxing workout is 998 steps :-) Now if I just combine all 5 workouts and do a full workout, I'll be off to a great start....but baby steps here people....

My goal? I'd like to lose at least 1 if not 2 inches from my waist by the wedding....so it's mainly a tone up thing for me.....although I could stand to drop some poundage...I did put a little of what I lost back on (lost 25-30 after the gall bladder came out....who knew those were so heavy? (ha ha) but anyway....)

Monday, March 24, 2008

Good Weekend

Friday....we hung out...it was great! We haven't hung out on a Friday in forever...granted we ran errands and such....but it wasn't a sleepy meet somewhere in the middle and try not to fall asleep during dinner and then go home!!

Saturday we met for lunch and then a little shopping and then birthday dinner at that awesome restaurant...which was perfect.....I felt like a celebrity :-)

Easter Sunday was interesting...for the first time in 27 years I did not attend a family function. Our plan was to grab some pizza and look at tuxedos...we did not count on the mall being closed....so we ate at Red Robin (YUM!) and headed back to my place where we attempted to watch The Longest Yard....which is going back to the video store at our earliest convenience for one that does not skip and stall.

So instead we watched some Sports Night and then he went home, I reheated my fillet Mignon from the night before...inhaled it and worked out...then fell asleep...fascinating yes?

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Spring?

It's supposed to be the first day of spring. I drove home through snow last night....strange.
It's not frigid today....but it's not all promising of warmth and I don't really see any twitterpated birds flying around....
However....the promise on my calendar this morning made me smile...those that email with me may recognize this as my signature....
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

I love that scripture...and what a wonderful reminder - especially this time of year.

Saturday I went to bed around 10 and never really fell asleep...around 3:00 a.m. the dam broke and the sobs racked my body....which woke Bug. He held me until I stopped crying about an hour later....and then I got up and painted the kitchen...went back to bed sometime around 6...I think I slept for an hour and a half....woke again....dozed off...up at 9....baked pumpkin bread and muffins and invited the J brother over (mom was already scheduled to come). Cried some more remembering how much S loved pumpkin bread...cleaned my kitchen...cried some more...let J brother in, woke Bug....fed the menfolk and watched "the Burbs" (very strange movie)....talked to a good friend who was sweet enough to put palms on S's grave....cried....went back to strange movie....finished it....J went home....tried to rest....Bug made lunch, mom K and K's best friend came....ate lunch and visited with mom...cried...packed up and drove back to the city. By this point, my body hurt so much from the work and the crying I could barely turn my head....took some lovely theraflu and put myself to bed at 6:00 p.m.
Amazing. six years later and that day still rocks me to my core. I miss S so much. I know he's in glory and I'd never want to take him from that....I've been told I'm selfish for missing him...which always angers me because it's like hello, there is a big hole in my family now. You don't just forget about it....
I long for the day when we are all reunited.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Oh yeah...did I mention...

So......last week.....
My little brother N bought a sparkly something....dropped to a knee and asked a question :-)
I got a text at 7 a.m. Thursday saying "B decided she'd wear the ring I bought her"
OOH!!!! Color us excited! B&N are adorable together, and I gotta say, she's really terrific for him....it's great to see him so happy!!
Pic to come if they send me one (and if you two are reading this HINT HINT)

So that's why my calves hurt...

I took 10,406 steps yesterday (which translates to a little over five miles). I also consumed 7 cups of fruits and veggies!
This challenge could not have come at a more perfect time...I've been griping about wanting to get in shape and lose some weight before the wedding....and having a challenge to be accountable to (I have to log my steps and cups every day) takes the focus off how many pounds did I lose, did I exceed my points? (I'm not as disciplined as she is - I give that woman lots o' snaps!)

See....I'm focusing on getting all my cups in...which means I'm eating a lot less of the other stuff 'cause by the time I get all my cups, I'm usually not hungry anymore....and please be sure you are seated for this next part....
Yesterday....I ate grapes instead of chocolate....and DID NOT WANT THE CANDY.
See - proof that God performs miracles every day :-)

So...let's see what happens today!

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Tired Tuesday...again....

So I've joined up with the Eat Well Live Well Challenge...
My goal is to take 10,000 steps and consume 5 cups (total) of fruits and veggies....
So far I'm doing ok....I was about 900 short on my steps yesterday, but I had 8 cups so that's good :-)

I put on the long white dress for my momma and sister over the weekend...and happily it fit!

Monday, March 17, 2008

detailed version to come

Got home safely Wednesday evening....book and bed....
Thursday...the troops arrive, we take inventory and shop for materials.
and lunch....
we eat.
We begin extreme makeover of house.
We get very far.
C Cousin has a beautiful baby girl, 5 pounds, 9 ounces, momma and baby are great!
The troops leave.
Friday a.m. Bug calls - in severe pain, thinks should call doc on Monday....Eye says call today...Bug calls doc...doc says come in....sends Bug for many tests....thinks he has diriticulitis (someone better at spelling than me help?)....scans were clear, on meds, see next steps.
Troops arrive again, this time Brother J comes....clean clean clean clean clean finish makeover
Troops go home.
I can barely move and yet, find myself wandering my home saying "wow."
Bubble bath.
Bed.
Saturday a.m. Bug arrives.
loves the house.
quick nap.
Trip to O town to drop off saxophone, say hello to father and see the wax versions of our wedding bands...go home....relax for a bit....H sister comes for a visit...bake banana bread....Bug takes nap.
Sister leaves, wake Bug, go to Dad's for birthday dinner....
come home, take shower, watch movie go to sleep...well...he went to sleep...
I never got there....and the rest of Sunday and the fill ins will come later when it's less likely to make me cry.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

I owe, I owe, so off to work I go....

but this is the last day of work for this week for me! Tonight I venture for homeville....and spend four glorious days on "vacation!"
Which means...I'll cook, clean, redecorate and then need a vacation to recover!
But I am very much looking forward to it.....Mom's got some great ideas and two of my sisters are supposed to make an appearance...H said she'd fix my hair....we're also going to play with wedding hairstyles!
So...should I talk K into actually emailing me the pics she takes...the update post could get fun!

Monday, March 10, 2008

That's a lot of snow....

We got around 1-2 feet in the City and surrounding area....which means we cancelled dinner Saturday...which bummed us both out...but not as much as not seeing each other...
By noon I was ready to climb the walls...I ventured to a local store to pick up a handful of things...slipping and sliding around....glad I didn't have to go far!

Now it's Monday and some of the piles of snow are higher than I am! (sorry, no pics...new phone in September....)

This is going to be a fun week...Today, tomorrow and Wednesday I'll pack up my desk and everything to prepare for our office move...and then Wednesday night I venture home....
Mom's got some really great and creative ideas for sprucing up the house to make it scream "BUY ME!"
Maybe I can get her to take some pics when we're done....

Friday, March 07, 2008

Well, it's Friday! and color me happy!
This has been a very long week!! My firm is moving from one building to another...so that's been an adventure. Half of my floor is moving today and the other (my half) is moving next week....so it's been adventures in packing and cleaning!
Bug took me out for a cup of coffee and some contact last night...I've been just ugh lately and not so much sleeping and it's aggravating...which doesn't so much help with the not sleeping thing....
I think it really helped seeing him....just that short time next to him at the table with his knee pressed to mine....amazing how a little contact makes a huge difference.
Tonight I think we're laying low since tomorrow will be a late night for us...yes...we're sad......9:00 is a late night.....especially with daylight savings time this weekend....did anyone else hear on FLN that they don't actually think that we're saving energy? That we may be losing out on sleep for no reason? That's kind of tragic....

Thursday, March 06, 2008

Thrilled That It's Thursday?

From my brother...
GOOD FACTS TO KNOW:

1. Budweiser beer conditions the hair
2. Pam cooking spray will dry finger nail polish
3. Cool whip will condition your hair in 15 minutes
4. Mayonnaise will KILL LICE, it will also condition your hair
5. Elmer's Glue - paint on your face, allow it to dry, peel off
and
see the dead skin and blackheads if any

6. Shiny Hair - use brewed Lipton Tea
7. Sunburn - empty a large jar of Nestea into your bath water
8. Minor burn - Colgate or Crest toothpaste
9. Burn your tongue? Put sugar on it!
10. Arthritis? WD-40 Spray and rub in, kill insect stings too

11 Bee stings - meat tenderizer
12. Chigger bite - Preparation H
13. Puffy eyes - Preparation H
14. Paper cut - crazy glue or chap stick (glue is used instead
of
sutures at most hospitals)
15. Stinky feet - Jello !

16. Athletes feet - cornstarch
17. Fungus on toenails or fingernails - Vicks vapor rub
18. Kool aid to clean dishwasher pipes. Just put in the
detergent
section and run a cycle, it will also clean a toilet. (Wow, and we drink
this stuff)
19. Kool Aid can be used as a dye in paint also Kool Aid in
Dannon
plain yogurt as a finger paint, your kids will love it and it won't hurt
them if they eat it!
20. Peanut butter - will get scratches out of CD's! Wipe off
with a
coffee filter paper

21. Sticking bicycle chain - Pam no-stick cooking spray
22. Pam will also remove paint, and grease from your hands! Keep
a
can in your garage for your hubby
23. Peanut butter will remove ink from the face of dolls
24. When the doll clothes are hard to put on, sprinkle with corn
starch and watch them slide on
25. Heavy dandruff - pour on the vinegar !

26. Body paint - Crisco mixed with food coloring. Heat the
Crisco in
the microwave, pour in to an empty film container and mix with the food
color of your choice!
27 Tie Dye T-shirt - mix a solution of Kool Aid in a container,
tie
a rubber band around a section of the T-shirt and soak
28. Preserving a newspaper clipping - large bottle of club soda
and
cup of milk of magnesia , soak for 20 min. and let dry, will last for
many
years!
29. A Slinky will hold toast and CD's!
30. To keep goggles and glasses from fogging, coat with Colgate
toothpaste

31. Wine stains, pour on the Morton salt and watch it absorb
into
the salt.
32. To remove wax - Take a paper towel and iron it over the wax stain, it will absorb into the towel.
33. Remove labels off glassware etc. rub with Peanut butter!
34. Baked on food - fill container with water, get a Bounce
paper
softener and the static from the Bounce towel will cause the baked on
food
to adhere to it. Soak overnight. Also; you can use 2 Efferdent tablets ,
soak overnight!
35. Crayon on the wall - Colgate toothpaste and brush it!

36. Dirty grout - Listerine
37. Stains on clothes - Colgate toothpaste
38. Grass stains - Karo Syrup
39. Grease Stains - Coca Cola , it will also remove grease
stains
from the driveway overnight. We know it will take corrosion from car
batteries!
40. Fleas in your carpet? 20 Mule Team Borax- sprinkle and let
stand
for 24 hours. Maybe this will work if you get them back again.
41. To keep FRESH FLOWERS longer Add a little Clorox , or 2
Bayer
aspirin , or just use 7-up instead of water.

42. When you go to buy bread in the grocery store, have you ever
wondered which is the freshest, so you 'squeeze' for freshness or
softness? Did you know that bread is delivered fresh to the stores five days a
week? Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Each day has a different
color twist tie.
They are:

Monday = Blue, Tuesday = Green, Thursday = Red Friday = White Saturday = Yellow.
So if today was Thursday, you would want red twist tie; not white which is Fridays (almost a week old)! The colors go alphabetically by color Blue- Green - Red - White - Yellow, Monday through Saturday. Very easy to remember. I thought this was interesting. I looked in the grocery store and the bread wrappers DO have different twist ties, and even the ones with
the plastic clips have different colors. You learn something new everyday! Enjoy
fresh bread when you buy bread with the right color on the day you are shopping.

Don't forget Gatorade for Migraine Headaches. PowerAde won't work.
Interesting huh?


So...the weekend is in sight!
I'm excited for several reasons....sleeping past 5:45 is one of them!
The next would be that Bug is taking me to a fancy birthday dinner! We get to get all dressed up! Oooh darlin' and this place we're going to??? Magnificent!! So that's good stuff.

This morning I've got my cranky pants on and I'm desperately looking for a wardrobe change...I came in to work and flipped my calendars....
and this is what they said:

"When I nail my hypersandals in a quiet place and lean in to hear His voice and then respond accordingly, I often receive cheer and comfort." ~ Patsy Clairmont, Under His Wings
You believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you re receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV

and the other...

Psalm 104: 1-5 Praise the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants. He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.

Interesting how that works, huh?

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Worn out on a Wednesday.....

Today's gonna be a long one...started with an extra long drive to work due to the slush and such....have a two hour meeting today and then a dinner meeting....I should be pouring myself into bed around 10....but that feels awfully far away.
I've once again begun my quest for pictures...my sister in Florida has offered to put the pictures together for us (she works in PR so this should be awesome)....so now I need to dig through, find pics of us together, growing up...and hope I can find the ones of when we dated as teenagers.

BTW, if you're reading this and have pics of us I'd so love it if you'd email them to me :-) and if you've got interesting pics of one or the other of us that would be amusing in the dvd, feel free to send those as well....I've been told Bug had a great mullet as a preteen...tee hee....this could get to be fun!!

We're down to 5 and a half months.....in one aspect the time is flying....and in another...it just cannot get here fast enough! (Partially because it doesn't snow in August.....)

Well....off to another fun filled day.

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

say huh??

It was 63º yesterday.....59º when I left for work at 6:45 a.m.....
This morning....at 6:45....it was 30º.
Does anyone else see a misfire in that logic? *pout* I was all excited at the warm stuff....all the snow in the front yard melted....I didn't need to wear four layers to bed last night...it was great....and then....today.....with a winter storm warning in effect and "significant icing" possible. Man...they had better be talking about frosting!
So far it's been an OK week I guess....still rebounding from being sick....looking forward to next week...leave work at 5 on Wednesday.....head for Homeville.....and stay there for five nights and four days....*sigh* it's gonna be GREAT!!!

Monday, March 03, 2008

Monday AGAIN???

Well....we survived the weekend.
Friday....drove through the yuckiness to end up at urgent care for three hours to try to determine why Bug was doubled over in pain...my money was on gall bladder.....after xrays, two meds that didn't work and a cat scan because they thought he had a bowel obstruction....they send us home, stumped at what was causing his pain.....
we spent most of the weekend sick...which sucked....
But Sunday was good....we both felt better and had the surprise housewarming for the J brother....I have to say, the smile on his face was entirely priceless!!

So now we're back in the city and gearing up for another fun filled week....I'm hoping to hear soon when I can get my "new" car....waiting for my renewed registration to come in the mail and such....

We're supposed to go to a financial planning seminar this weekend and then we're going out to dinner for my b'day on Saturday since we don't do late nights on Mondays :-)
I'm stoked! We are going to this incredible restaurant in the City....the owner is a real sweetheart which makes it even better.

Today, I hope to survive the work day, do some laundry and clean my room....ooh...wild woman on the loose!!
The saving grace is lunch with M....that should be awesome.
what are you up to today?