Marley and Me

Last night was the last night that Marley and Me was showing here. So, I talked my friend, S, into going with me. I had been wanting to go see it so bad. I was not disappointed, it was an awesome movie...great story about how a family evolves and their love for each other and their dog. (And, of course, the dog's love for them.) I definitely will buy this when it comes out on DVD and sit and watch it many times, laughing and crying over and over again. I don't think my lil sis who recently lost her beloved dog should see it for a long, long time, but others of you who love a good tear jerker movie, go see it!

On a funny note, we have five theaters here...unbelievable for our little town (all of them in the same place)...but theater #5 is REALLY small. The movie that has been here the longest is shown there, and I am not sure how many seats are actually in there--next time I am in there, I must count! I know that Brooklyn once said "they don't have theaters like this in Denver"....ha! It is kinda like a movie screen in your house or something! Last night there were only four of us in there! At least it wasn't embarrassing for me and S when we sobbed.!!

5k Confirmed

I just signed up for the 5k! It's the 7th Annual Ship Bottom Sprint for Life on LBI to raise money for Leukemia! My sister is running so far with me! We're trying to talk my Dad into it!

IT'S OFFICIAL! GAME ON!

Jim is waiting....

This will be reeeally quick because The Office starts in 8 minutes!

Today was a good day despite my hour of "I'm gonna rip your head off-ness" I experience each time around this month. Woke up, made coffee, made 1 pack of grits & ate a pear... I don't know about you but I am definitely a salty girl over sweet. I NEVER crave chocolate but ALWAYS crave chips. My sister and parents are the same way. I mean, I wouldn't pass up a delicious decadent dessert, but I always would opt for the bag of chips. I guess that's bad news for my sodium level but good news for my teeth. Oh well.

My friend Kim came over, we watched Almost Famous, I made a delicious baby spinach salad with zucchini and carrots with lite balsamic.

Went to the hardcore strength class again, it was great! Ran 10 mins before and walked 10, then walked at level 17. Came home ate a lean cuisine (330 cals) AND....

......Time to go!

Ahh g/g. Good gym day, good food day, I feel good about my choices...

Talk to ya later!

**Update - The Office is a rerun, wtf!!!!!!!!**

Oh well...Tomorrow I have an interview for a job I don't really know much about, lol. I would be a teacher's aid at the elementary school but I don't know if it's a full-time, subbing or part-time position. I have to do a basic math/english test...yuck. My math brain cells have always been weak but I really haven't had to use them in like 5 years. Electronic Media majors are tech savvy which doesn't mean math savvy. I hope it goes well. I've applied to so many jobs in the past 2 weeks no responses. A little disheartening.

Like I said before, today I watched what I ate extra carefully and worked out great so A+....I wish I could say the same about the math test tomorrow, haha.

Have a good Thursday. I wish I was working full-time as opposed to part, and was looking forward to ending the grind and beginning my weekend like I used to. Be thankful all you workers have jobs! It's hard out there!!!

P.S - January is OVER! Spring is just around the corner (or I can just dream...)

Learning

How much information can a person put into their brain? I think mine is full, and I don't want to lose more of the stuff that's already in there~if you get my drift. You know what I mean, when I forget something within two minutes after? Like "why did I come into this room", "where is that item I had in my hand a second ago?" and so on....yikes! Anyway, this week has been full of trainings. I had a webinar session on Tuesday and Wednesday and we have "live people" training today...how do I get all this computer information into little compartments and not mix up what training goes with what? Anyway, that's my exciting news of the day/week.

On another note, I have been faithful with my exercise program. I am proud of myself for sticking to it. I hope it all pays off in the long run.

And, it is warming up...and supposed to be clear up to 50 degrees tomorrow, which makes it about 80 degrees higher than our low earlier this week.

So, this is a rather BORING post....

I have to praise you...

Cue Fatboy Slim....

That video is the epitome of confidence

I know I'm jumping the gun but I feel like I am at the beginning of a great thing. This running shiz really is a different workout all in itself. I have muscles and parts deep in the caves of my body that have been screaming the past 3 days. Not to mention I had the hardest workout in a strength class EVER yesterday. I really feel like as opposed to my normally scheduled workout I have been doing FOREVER that running is really going to get my weight loss ball rolling... So I praise myself in overcoming my fear and running (I was always to scared that I wouldn't make it past 1 minute).

I also had a really good conversation with my mom tonight. She has been on her own weight loss journey since September and has already lost 50 pounds! She still wants to loose more but hearing her tell me how good she feels now and the confidence level she has gained since loosing was inspiring. She is such an inspiration to me and she said these words, "Erin, you are already confident & beautiful, but I know you would feel more comfortable at the weight you said you wanna be". And it's true. I am confident , but I would feel so much better ESP. this summer being at my best weight during the best years of my life with the best health possible.

So there. I have a long way to go but as long as I keep praising myself for what I have done before thinking of where I have to go I'll remain confident.

Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit.” - E. E. Cummings quotes

Sammy Sighs

Hi...it's me Sammy....see me here in the snow. I love it, except it was really cold out and that hurt my paws!


Sophie visited this weekend, and so we Yorkies outnumbered the humans! Above is Sophie "talking" to the neighbor dog, Sheba. Silly Sissy is already running back inside.

Heat Wave?

Just thought I'd quickly post that we are having a heat wave....up to ALMOST ZERO! Whew!

(We had a record low this morning of 29 below!)

Notes from the Weekend

Our youngest daughter, soon to be 20, became engaged recently. Her fiance will be leaving in a couple weeks for basic training in the Air Force. On Saturday, I cooked a celebration dinner for them, and his family. At Crystal's request, I made chicken enchiladas for the dinner, and a tossed veggie salad. She was happy! Everyone seemed to enjoy the dinner, so that was good.

I know they seem awfully young, but I wish them the best. I have worried about our youngest for years now, and raising her has been a struggle at times. We love her with all our hearts, and know that we have given her the best that we could and that she knows from our lives, some of what it takes to get through life. We hope that we have given her the base that she needs to make it. And, we married young, and we have made it for nearly 33 years! It CAN be done...with hard work, determination and lots of love and laughter (mostly learning to laugh at yourself, right?).

Anyway, for dessert, I made "red velvet cake" from scratch. I have never made it before, but thought I'd give it a try...let me tell you...YUMMY! So moist and good. Of course cream cheese icing is always so scrumptious, too! (And, just a hint for those of you wondering about The Biggest Loser contest...I used baking splenda for the sugar, reduced fat cream cheese, etc, so it reduced the calories by a lot! And, of course, limited my portion!) But, give it a try...it's so good!

The first step is the hardest

I've been converted.

Today I began my 1st step to running my 1st 5k. I always swore by ellipticals and have been using them for like 8 years, BUT my sister is running in a 5k in April and has convinced me to join her. Now let me remind you I am not the fastest runner and need a lot of work but the beginning is always hard.

I ran cross-country back in the day and did hurdles for track, so when I began running today I got flashbacks of the races. I also for some odd reason pictured my ex-boyfriend on the sideline and me leaving him in the dust. Talk about motivation and feeling powerful. I also was in one of those, "my time of the month is any day now and I will bite off your head" moods so the run actually refreshed my mind in a way yoga does surprisingly.

I ran for 23 minutes which is good for me and I hope to be running the full 5k in April. My plan is to pace myself and add minutes of running each time, and doing intervals. It's hard but I'm committed now.

Wow. This is the start of something scary, but good scary like riding a rollercoaster or the feeling you get before performing on stage. Yup. Erin is running. I never thought I would say it.


P.S - AC was ridiculous but ridiculous in a good way (lol). Remind me never to consume vodka again.

Thumbs Up!

This movie was just awesome. We went to see it with friends this weekend, and it was great. I recommend it highly.

In finding the image to the left, I found this comment on the movie, and I couldn't word it any better:

I saw the film and it was unbelievable. Clint Eastwood will have you laughing so hard you almost pee yourself while at the same time breaking your heart and making you want to cry. The movie takes you on a roller-coaster ride and the entire theater stood up in applause afterward. I highly recommend this film and if Eastwood doesn't get nominated for an Oscar something is truly wrong!!! The screening I saw was held at the Writer's Guild, so the room was filled with SAG, WGA, DGA, and other industry related people who I would wage know their movies. At points the entire room was laughing so loud I couldn't hear, and then minutes later all you could hear were the sniffles from people crying. The film has drama, comedy, and action and Clint Eastwood really creates a character that you care about and cheer for...again!

Awards Season

Oh sure. I am eagerly awaiting the Oscars next week. I want to see all the gorgeous gowns. I want to watch the fabulous film, Slumdog Millionaire walk away with an award in all the categories it's nominated.

I'd love to dress up and recieve an award myself.

Well, it looks like I only missed the dressing up part! The lovely Ronnica at Ignorant Historian has presented me - lil old me - with an award!!

The fine print: “This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are extremely charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly written text into the body of their award.”

What she said: TRS reached out to me when she saw I wanted accountability to my workout routine. It’s not her fault that I haven’t reached my goal one week yet this year!

Wow! Thanks Ronnica. That's so sweet and I'm so honored.

Now to pass the award along to other deserving people. My picks.

1: Bring the Rain. Bring the Kleenex! Angie is amazing! Her writing is so heartfelt and clever and spot on - and she claims she never edits! If you need some healthy Christian inspiration, go visit.

2: KC Masterpiece. One of the first blogs I ever followed. Talk about charming... Katie is adorable in all ways. The sort of woman everyone wants to be friends with - but she never lets it go to her head. Visit Katie for her funny observations, devoted odes to her lucky, loving hubby, and sometimes hilarious photos and diagrams!

3: Glossy Veneer. Another blog I've been reading the longest. Jill is real ladies! That's what I love about her. She shares her struggles and triumphs - and even photos of pimple, scars and road rash! Jill seems to be all about self-improvement - in a very charming way. Oh... she's also all about cup cakes! Jill rocks.

4: Moments of Clarity and Chaos. Oh my heck. Meet one hilarious single lady. Erinannie is the awesomest - writer, auntie, friend, marketing & social networking guru, big sister, potential foster parent!!! If anyone is actually working to make this world a better place... it's Erinannie. Been reading her for years too! She's actually a friend of a friend - can't wait to meet her someday! I think she's awesome.

5: Girl from Florida. She shares photos and tidbits of her life in Key West. Look for beautiful food, adorable photos of toddler Amelia, and gorgeous beachy scenery. She's one of those women you would cut off your pinkie toe to live next to! Even sharing the frustrations of nurs!ng school, you see her heart of gold. Definately the nurse you would want on duty if you're ever in the hospital.

6: 6Year Med. The other half of your crack, compassionate care team. Dr. Danielle is on her way to becoming a great, loving doctor. She is a beautiful writer (really bugs me when people who excell at the sciences infringe on writing territory!!! Talent hog!) and an even more beautiful person - inside and out. Dr. Miracle Worker most days.

7: Nurturing Narcissism. Oh, she's sweeter than she sounds. Melain is on the healthy side of narcissism. Oh so funny, and obviously a great friend, wife and mother. She writes about family, fashion, entertainment and HAIR! You'll fall in love with her.

8: Valley Girl. Tucked away in rural Canada, Tammi is essentially who I would be as an adult if I married and stayed in farm country. She shows me images of today that remind me of my childhood. She and hubby and family rely on the generousity of the Earth via the hand of God. Go enjoy her!

Road Trip

Good Sunday morning!

My friend, S, and I attended a conference in Kearney on Friday. We left, as Sammy posted, on Thursday. The conference was awesome, and we had so much fun traveling together. It's nice to have a friend that works with you! We learned a lot at the conference, and talked a lot on the long drive! Of course, we got weather. Last time we traveled (to Grand Island), you may remember we also got bad weather! (You can read about it by clicking on the red text.). Anyway, we debated, stay or go, but we came on home, and the roads were not that bad. And, I didn't have so many issues at the gas station this time either! :-)

During the week, we had spring like temperatures, near and around 60 degrees. This was my view this morning:

(hubby clearing up the snow)

(back yard-view 1)


(back yard-view2)

Gosh darn, where are my grandkids? I want to go sledding!

AC Birthday!!!!!!!!

Tonight all of my friends and I are going down to Atlantic City for Nicole's birthday! We're going to a Mexican restaurant for dinner and I'm making bread for dip right now, taking a shower, getting my purple dress and leaving! So excited to finally get crazy! I'll be sure not to get too wild...umm maybe not. It's allowed for tonight!


Have a good weekend everyone!

Sammy Sighs

I can't believe it, but Mom left us yesterday (Thursday) and isn't coming back until tonight (Friday). Can you imagine? That's a lot of time of hiding in the closet for me. She said she had to go to a conference for work--something about computers and junk. I think they could allow Yorkies there, don't you? I like to sit on her lap while she works on the computer. Oh, well, I guess I need to be here and watch out for Silly Sissy and Dad.

Sad Sammy signing off....

Vanilla Almond Raison Pumpkin spice Fig Flax Peanut butter oats

In my beautiful cracked green bowl haha...Say that 3 times fast. At least I don't have to tell you the ingredients now

Today I created what I call a power smorgesbourg of a bowl of oats:





What made this sooo delicious:

My sisters last almond fig blondie
1 tsp of vanilla extract
Pumpkin Spice soy milk
whole flax seeds
raisins
peanut butta
a little bit of brown sugar
etc..(can't remember?)


Since I am going out to dinner tonight with my family for our annual big delicious dinner @ Renault Winery I figure this bowl of oats will fill me up all day. Does anyone else put 4 cups of water and 1 cup of steel cut oats in the mix? What do you use?

Now that I have my power oats I need to starting powering through these work e-mails


Have a great Friday!

Go Get a Hanky

Meet Logan. The wisest little man you will ever be blest to hear.

Man that little kid touched me. He is close in age to my nephew Shiny, and I can picture Shiny in the same situation. I was blubbering my friends. Blubbering.

I hope you can relate to the farm and ranch reference. I know it's hard to imagine, but it's the reality of farm life. The situation he describes is real to me because that is what I grew up with - I can picture his description as if he's talking about the farm where I spent my first 18 years.

I hope Logan speaks to you.

Please watch the video before you read on:

There is really no need for me to add to this... but you know me... I never can shut up!

Luckily, as a girl on the farm, I was spared the chore that Logan faced. I know my dad and my brother had to do it. Many times. It's not easy. I know that my older nephew, Crash couldn't do it. Shiny probably hasn't been there yet - he's only 10.

But God knows the pain. He had to do it too. He did it first. God is so strong. So wise. So good.

My dad once sent a teen aged Crash to take care of runt pig. The barn there is situated on a hill downwind from our house. It's a short little hike to get to that barn, but dad realized that Crash was gone a long time. Dad finally went to check on the situation, and found Crash holding the gun, wiping away tears. He couldn't do it.

I guess I share this experience because that is the moment in Logan's story that sends tears down my face each time I listen to it. What a difficult thing to do. In all my years, I never once made the connection that Logan made.

Thank you Lord for speaking to Logan. For making him brave enough to share what you taught him! Lord, you do fine work.

More on Domesticated...

The weekend I thought I'd make noodles, I had spent a lot of time cleaning. Here is how I clean my houseplants (just give them a shower!)

Yep, guilty as charged of owning "fake" plants. You may remember the 25 biggest decorating mistakes I wrote about long ago....owning fake plants was mistake #1 in the list, and if you read that post, you'll find that I was guilty of many of the 25 mistakes! Oh, well. I am who I am.

Bringing yoga back, yup

Yesterday I went to cycling in the morning, went home worked for a couple of hours then I attended for the first time Fitness Yoga at my gym. I love yoga, and having access to a yoga studio in Colorado with anything from Vinyasa to Hatha to Yin yoga I miss it all the time. I would go 2 times a day.

My gym centers more around the "fitness" aspect of yoga and doesn't offer specific types....only Hatha (My town has a lot of senior citizens who upon seeing the word Vinyasa will run far away from any class) So I sucked it up and said how bad could it be? I can't live life resenting these things.My feelings...

The class was a wake-up to my flexibility levels even though it was basic. She did a lot of hatha exercises but also did the holding of the warrior poses and tree pose (my favorite). I admit I need to get back into it any way possible. And doing it at home is so hard for me, I get sidetracked. Living at Shambhala deepened my ability to zone out during yoga and meditate during the practice so clearing my mind last night was also great. Though it's not pushing me as hard as the Colorado studio, I feel I'll attend again next week. I do love pilates and will also continue practicing that:)

As for my body, my shoulders and hip abductors feel like somebody banged into them with a ton of bricks. Yay for triangle poses!

So yoga is back, because I actually don't care what type I'm doing just as long as I am. I escape to my happy place during it.

Went to Zumba this morning, saucy as usually and did 10 minutes of legs. Off to meet my best friend for a slice of pizza then laundry and some work. Yeauhhh.....

And now one of my favorite quotes by Sakyong Mipam Rinpoche (I met him, well he blessed me at a ceremony so kinda!)

"Many of us are slaves to our minds. Our own mind is our worst enemy. We try to focus, and our mind wanders off. We try to keep stress at bay, but anxiety keeps us awake at night. We try to be good to the people we love, but then we forget them and put ourselves first. And when we want to change our life, we dive into spiritual practice and expect quick results, only to lose focus after the honeymoon has worn off. We return to our state of bewilderment. We're left feeling helpless and discouraged. It seems we all agree that training the body through exercise, diet, and relaxation is a good idea, but why don't we think about training our minds?"
— Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

Children Deserve to Be Loved

Gosh darn, have any of you been following the Adam Herrman case? This little guy from Kansas disappeared over 10 years ago, when he was 11 years old..and no one even seemed to miss him? Why do people exist that give birth to or take in children only to abuse them and mistreat them? My husband and I have been foster parents for a number of years. We have not taken in any children lately, but would still do respite care or emergency care. We no longer feel that we could do long term fostering. It is heartbreaking to be sure, but we have loved the children that we fostered, and we have loved our children's friends, we have loved our friends' children, and we have loved many other children. This poor little guy needed some love. No matter what, the outcome now will not be good. You can read several articles by clicking here: The Adam Herrman Case. My prayers go to him and all children, especially those in need of loving care.

Peanut butter Cliff Bars Recalled

Attention anyone who has any type of Cliff bar with peanut butter. Went to Target after spinning and grabbed a chocolate peanut butter crunch Cliff bar. When I went to buy it the screen said "RECALL DO NOT SELL THIS ITEM". If you have any type of bar with peanut butter in it I wouldn't risk it. Just throwing out a little disclaimer!

Spinning was so great today. I find when the lyrics/songs are ones I love I pedal faster and my teacher plays anything from Pearl Jam to Paul Simon to Outkast. It was about 8 degrees outside this morning and I stayed in my bed debating getting up for 20 minutes. I thought about how I'd feel afterward. It's good motivation to picture the way you'll feel if you work out or not.

Target was EMPTY this morning which was weird because I've never seen it empty. I picked up one of those comfy boyfriend tees for $6 and Archer Farms Sweet & Hot Trails Mix. It's pretty good but I wish it was more spicy. I am a spice freak.

Today I'll be working on some Excel lists for work and maybe going to Zumba later.

For your enjoyment, here is a song I am kinda of obsessed with right now...

Single Solitary Mom

I thought of my mom today.

As I watched the Inauguration coverage it was a strange mix of thoughts.

First of all my mom is not thrilled at the transfer of power. Don't jump to conclusions - it's just that she and I can't support anyone in power who supports abortion. It makes us sick to our stomachs.

The Capitol Dome

So while I knew she probably wasn't watching the coverage because A) she was at work and B) because of how she feels - I also knew she couldn't avoid it - addicted to 24 news channels as she is. (hey - we got her to quit smoking, we gotta let her have something!)

As I watched the Inauguration, I knew each of those Washington DC landmarks saturating the screen hold meaning and memories for both of us.

In 2003, Mom and I went to visit our nation's capital together, the first time for each of us. Just the two of us.

Since then, when she watches news coverage or movies featuring DC - she has a special little thrill being able to recognize the landmarks from first hand experience.

You have to understand - my parents don't get out much.

Our childhood vacations were to the Black Hills of South Dakota - every time! Only a 6 hour drive from home.

Prior to our trip to DC the furthest she had been from her Nebraska home was Las Vegas, NV. She and dad lived 3 miles apart their whole lives and didn't meet until after High School!!

For that reason, our trip was pretty exciting. For two months before the trip she bragged to her friends that she was going to DC with her daughter. For months and months afterward... she bragged that she went to DC with her daughter!

Quite a conversation starter.

Mom on a tour of the Capitol Building - outside of which, today's Inauguration was held!

For me too - the sights of Washington DC are filled with memories of being there with my mom. Of sharing an experience we don't make the effort (or have the funds) to do more often.

Mom & Me in front of the White House. Wow my hair was short!

Also... I have to share a funny about my mom.

Something I just realized when I was home this Christmas.

Her favorite sort of comedy... slapstick!

We were scrolling through the movie options on D!sh Netw*rk and she stopped on a cheesy Ha!!mark movie. "Oh, let's watch this one! That character keeps making mistakes and ruining everything. It's so cute."

"Mom! You love slapstick! I never put it together before!"

No wonder she and dad let me watch that racy "Three's Company" when I was small! She had to see John Ritter fall all over himself each week. She wasn't going to miss it.

Domesticated??

Not this past weekend, but the weekend before, I felt very "Martha Stewart" like for the day for some reason. I attempted, for the first time making homemade noodles. I made some yummy beef tips to go with the noodles. And, we had green beans and salad. I had a small serving.





Both of my grandmothers made homemade noodles. They were so good. One grandma made them fat and big, the other small and very thin. Mine turned out too fat, but I'll give it another try sometime...

That same day, I made hubby a cherry-apple pie. (Off-limits for me, darn!)


This most recent weekend, I wasn't so domesticated!

Expectations

I think one big mistake I make often is setting my expectations of others to where I think they should be. I guess I feel that no matter what, I should try to make people feel better, to smile, to feel ok about things going on in their lives. I hope I live in such a way that I give of myself to others. I sometimes expect people to react to something or respond in a certain way and then I feel disappointed. I need to learn to not "expect".

Hard time

I won't go into details but my boss from my freelance job has accused me of screwing with an audio function on the camera that supposedly messed with all my interviews from the shoot. I won't go into the boring videography stuff but he is saying he can't use ANY OF MY FOOTAGE which isn't true because I watched it and it is fine. He is a perfectionist by the way. I have been an emotional roller coaster since the e-mail. He did not brief me on these settings and he should have checked them prior to me shooting. He should have briefed me on the audio. I feel he is getting crapped on for this and is unloading on me. I am ready to scream because:

A) He is accusing me of something I did not do
B) All my hard work is being overlooked for this
C) I am afraid he won't pay me (freelance means under the table) for my work and I am broke
D) I feel undermined and talked down to for no reason

He also e-mailed me instead of talking and did I mention he was a complete ASS the whole trip? I have stood up for myself and e-mailed him back saying I would simply like to get paid and say goodbye. It's just really hard to face this knowing how hard I worked and after me viewing my work I was happy with it... UGH

I know that has nothing to do with my healthy lifestyle, but my mental health is on the verge of breakdown right now due to this guy.

I had a good weekend too with my friends, but this is one of those instances I have to remain confident in myself and move on from this, or else it will make me crazy. I feel this has opened my eyes to the nasty ways people can try to cover their backs for work....

I need to go lay down and remember that I am a talented, hard working, compassionate girl... and repeat over and over....

“When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but with creatures of emotion, creatures bristling with prejudice, and motivated by pride and vanity”

“Rudeness is a weak imitation of strength.”

Breathe...

Little Miracles

It can be really tough sometimes - as a single adult - to get oneself to church on Sunday.
I know so many great people who have given up on church. They feel they have prayed and prayed and either never got anything out of it - or - that no matter what they do God's just not listening to them.

I have two girlfriends in particular that I pray will get back to church.
One is a tougher case than the other.

The second, we'll call Lola. I talked to her before Christmas when we caught up on my breakup - on what was going on with her. Perpetually single, and maybe a little relieved to have me back in those ranks.
I don't see Lola often but I used to count on seeing her in church on Sunday. At least we caught up on a weekly basis.

She told me that she just can't make it to church lately because it just doesn't seem to help. She's so discouraged and feels God has forgotten about her. I understand that frustration, I really do. Been there. But it makes me so sad.

As I drove to church this morning I thought of who I might get to see. My friends whose baby I sponsored in baptism? I saw them last week. The cheerful, quick witted friend whose smile reminds me of Matt Damon? He's straying from church too lately. Will I see Lola in her usual seat?
I quickly asked God to bring her back to church - it would be so nice to see her beautiful smiling face!

I didn't see any of my friends during Mass today.
Yet I was touched by the story of Saul - who God called by name.

After Mass I was chatting with the older lady next to me - the woman who was the first person to greet me the first time I ever attended this church! That's special because I've been to churches where no one said a word to me for more than two years. She's the reason I came back!

Then out of the corner of my eye - Lola!

"You ARE here! Praise God!" I gave her a hug and she smiled broadly.

I told her how I thought of her before Mass, while I was parking my car.
She told me, "Well, I was half tempted to sit on the couch and watch the news. It was that or blow dry my hair and get to church. I got here late but I got here!"

We determined that it's likely the exact moment she was debating between the sofa and church - may have been the moment I said my little prayer.

Now I'm not saying I had anything to do with it. God was pulling her to Mass this morning, but maybe He let me whisper encouragement.

We single ladies need all the support we can get.
And never underestimate the power of prayer. He hears even the little ones.

And sometimes, just being the person someone else can count on to be there - is the best gift you can give that day.

Quality Time

Happy Sunday morning. It's still chilly down in South Jersey... How annoying is this coldness? Friday I went food shopping with Dana, then my boss called me and I had to meet up with him, THEN I went over my friend Daryl's house and spent some quality time with her.

Yesterday was another QT day with my friend Kim. We went out to breakfast (if you haven't caught on we do this once a week) then browsed some random stores. I then created my Grandma's 80th Birthday Video of my family and cousins. Here is my Grandma at my age. I could tell she was sassy:



So by the time it was 8:30 at night I had only eaten a chicken sandwich all day and snacked on one of my sisters fig muffins. My mom and I watched Vantage Point too.

I know this is bad but I always feel like when I don't go to the gym the devilish gym nazi zaps into my head and makes me feel lazy/guilty. Yeah he's good sometimes but not when I'm with my family or friends. I shouldn't allow myself too feel guilty but I feel like taking 1 or 2 days off a week when I workout at least an hour and a half every other day is a fine pace for me right now.

Today is the EAGLES game (I'm not a crazed fan but all my friends are) then all my girlfriends and I are visiting my friend up North. It's been a while since we've all been together. Whoohoo!

Have a great Sunday and spend some quality time with the ones you love:)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Angela @ Oh She Glows is throwing down another sweet contest for Honest Foods & Neal Brothers products! Head on over to Oh She Glows to enter:-)

and.... Cue the Tears

I've always been an easy mark for a tear-jerker.
Not just movies. I cry at TV commercials.

In the 80s it was the AT&T ads where the son called home from college, and he could hear dad taking the dog out for a walk, his little sister opening the fridge for study snack - missing the sounds of home. Awww.

The Folger's ad at Christmas where 'Peter' comes home just before dawn, starts the coffee and wakes up the house. Mom is at the foot of the stairs before she notices... "Peter!"
They still play it and it still gets me. I'm tearing up just writing it.

Even the predictably sappy scenes on TV shows get me. My lip quivered at the end of almost every "7th Heaven" episode - where somebody learned something important about human nature.

I think I once even held back tears during an episode of "FamilyGuy" ~ not really known for it's sentimentality ya know.


There's a new commercial on TV. I think it's from Gerber. It features a montage of new moms holding their newborns close and saying modified wedding vows... "I promise to hold you, to love you, to care for you... "

And then came the tears.
But this time, not tears of a warm heart touched by sentimentality.
No. These were tears that stung with the pain of ... taunting?
And not just tears. Sobbing. The sort of sobbing that accompanies heartbreak.

It was as if the ad was saying... "Look. Everyone gets married and has babies. Everybody. It's just so common. Well, everyone but you."

It really feels like they just created the ad to show off.
Everybody gets one. Doesn't matter if they are smart or healthy or even good parents. Pop pop pop, any idiot can have a child. Now aren't you proud of them?
Oh... you didn't get yours? Let us check our files... hmmm... no - you don't get one. Maybe not for a while... maybe not ever... but look... look at all the sweet babies everyone else gets to have.

I've only seen the ad once - and I hope I never see again.
It hurts too much.

It Won't be the Same

I am a CSI fan. Last night was William Peterson's last appearance (or so we are told) as Gil Grissom. I don't think it'll be the same without him! I do like the cast, though, and the story lines, so I'll continue to tune in. Anyone else a fan?

Last night's episode, I thought, was especially good.

And The Winner Is...

The winner of the Selah, Timeless CD Collection is...

Lucky number 7 - Cecelia!!!!

Whoot Whoot!

Yay.

{insert confetti here}

Allow me to tell you all that I prayed over all your names before clicking the random number generator button. I asked God to send this CD collection to someone who will be blessed by the message.

And how appropriate - Cecelia, one of my favorite names AND the Patron Saint of Music!!! How about that?

I can't tell you how much joy it gives me to host a giveaway like this. That whole 'tis better to give than to receive thing is so true.

Cecelia, please contact me with your shipping information by Mon ... oops that's a holiday for some folks - let's make it Tuesday, January 20th. If I don't hear from Cecelia by the end of the day on Tuesday, I'll have another go with the random number generator.

Thank you everyone for entering with a comment. It was such a delight to 'meet' all of you. I intend to stop by your blogs to get to you a little better - what fun.

And now... I'll answer a few questions:

Katie, as for secular music I like everything but rap and hip hop. From heavy metal to country, to Top 40 pop to 70s standards. Of course I have my favorites but I find that I appreciate all kinds of music - with the exception of anything that refers to women as b!tches and h*'s - or putting a cap in someone.

Which leads me to Kent's comment. I don't feel that I've lumped all Christian music into one category. Rather, I just didn't have the patience to sift through the stuff that I found unbearable. Especially when I could turn to another station and enjoy 4 out every 5 songs. Even groups that I've liked over the years couldn't take me with them to a second album.

That is what is so great about Selah. I've listened to 5 albums from this group and every song is nothing short of amazing. My only complaint is one song that uses a synthesized vocal line - but even that song is so awesome I can overlook that little bit of weirdness!!!

I really hope Cecelia enjoys this collection - and anyone who has been considering the purchase - it's well worth it! Plus you would be supporting an amazing family with a lineage of ministry. Catch up on just part of their story here... that's how I learned about Selah in the first place. What glorious souls.

Thanks for playing! Enjoy and God Bless each and every one of you!!

T

Miracle

Watching the story today on the US Airways Plane Crash that sucessfully landed in the Hudson River without any deaths made me sit down, take a deep breath and think. I was on a US Airways plane 10 days ago and it felt eerie. With quick thinking the pilot saved the lives of all the people and just missed the George Washington bridge by 900 feet. Wow. Seeing the rescue workers help and the outpouring of compassion, I was brought back the the simple realization that life is precious, people are generally good, and we must live each day fully and with compassion for all around you.

Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity. - Buddha

Work them curves

Cue theme music:

Halloween as Tomb Raider
So I have curves. I embrace them. I sometimes despise them when I want a pair of jeans and my butt is the only thing not fitting into them, but all in all we're on pretty good terms. I went to Zumba this morning and that class is more than just a workout. I am instantly transformed into my old dancing self with a hint of salsa infusion in the steps. We literally shake it throughout the whole hour. I love having a little extra cushion back there to actually be able to shake something. In celebration of feeling saucy after Zumba, here are some of my favorite "famous" curvaceous saucy women who work it:


Salma Hayek has some of the best curves ever. And if you've ever seen Fools Rush In she can definitely shake it.

This picture is not photoshopped or anything and she still looks beautiful. Beyonce is fierce curvy and beautiful.


I bet at first glance you have no idea who that is. It's Scarlett Johansson who in magazine shoots you wouldn't guess had a little curve going on. She has like the perfect proportions and totally rocks her bod.

I love Kate Winslet not only for her amazing movies but because she actually lights up a room. She has curves, she knows what to wear with her body type and always looks classy and fabulous.

Kim Kardashian is known for her umm..video and her butt. Kim has the small waist bigger bottom thing going on and I fall into the same category. She does have a great bod and would shake her moneymaker (literally) with pride.

And finally, a blast from the past the original curvaceous girls:
Betty Paige, who brought a legacy of curves to the mainstream and who recently passed away, RIP

and we couldn't do a curves tribute without this girl you may recognize:

Marilyn Monroe...so pretty!!!



I hope this post made you appreciative of your body image and thankful for the way you are. I know I am!!!!

***Back to the gym @ 4 for 75 minutes of pilates... Then who knows for this freelance work scheduled girl?***

Pretty Snow

We got some pretty snow yesterday and over night, and still a bit this morning. It is not very much as it just lightly fell, so relaxing and beautiful! It is more of a powder, so not much needed moisture in it, but it sure is pretty!

I think everyone was tired of the dry, cold wind (or at least I was!), so it was extra nice to see the falling glimmering snow.

Honest food

Good morning everyone,

The sunburn is still raging making me not in the mood to write much, BUT, one of my favorite bloggers Angela @ Oh She Glows is having her 1st giveaway. The winner will receive Honest Food products. I've never tried them so I am excited to see how they are if I win that is. Head on over at Oh She Glows

Cleaning all afternoon. BLAH

Biggest Loser

I am participating in a Biggest Loser contest here at work. It is district wide, and there are 108 contestants (54 teams). My partner (and good friend, S) and I are off to a good start, which is encouraging, but of course, the first few pounds usually are the easiest. There is a cash prize on May 12 for the top three teams, so cheer me on! If I would place, I could use the money for new clothes, which I would then need, right? :-) And, remember there are 54 greedy teams vying for those prizes!

This has caused me to get back into my routine of early morning rising to go to the Y to work out three days a week. I haven't had any trouble getting up, so far. The days I don't get up early are alternated with after work exercise. I am joining a group for two nights a week, and then have
my walking to keep going with as well. So, I should get in enough to get into shape, right? Monday was to be my first night of this group exercise, but the leader canceled. So, I dusted off (whoops) my Nordic Track...any of you have any of those? It is a good work out, especially if it's been a long while since you got on it! I remember when I first got it, being the klutz that I am, I had a hard time getting the hang of it. My boss would ask me every day if I got "bucked off" that day...ha. I can stay on now, and I worked up quite a sweat and my heart was beating at a good pace.... I need to keep it in my routine as well, I think. I'll figure it all out. In the past, I kinda got addicted to the early morning routine, so I hope I'll get that feeling again, and I can always add to that, but I want to shoot for 3 days per week. That way, if I do more fine, but I don't set my expectations too high and fail.

It's that time of year when many of us get the bug to get back into shape and also lose pounds. This contest is extra incentive and the buddy system is great. Nearly everyone in my building is participating, so that helps too.

Stay tuned for updates, now that I've put myself out there....for you all to know about (yikes) ... and, wish me luck!

Burned the hard way

...learned the hard way that I should do this month of tanning in MODERATION. SOOOOO the level one beds were taken and my sister said I should just go in a level 2. BIG MISTAKE. I can't sleep or lay comfortably because I am so sunburnt. I feel like I am being a baby (I havent' tanned in 2 years), but UGH I AM A LOBSTER. I have definitely learned the hard way not to ever go in the level 2.

Last nights dinner for my best friend's birthday was AMAZING. I had flounder with sweet potato fries and corn nuggets (yeah a lot of badness), and we got salads and dessert with it (c'mon my best friend only has one birthday a year, lol) I had a Samuel Adams draft (yeah I am a burley man), and then we all went to TRIVIA. It was $fun to answer the questions with all my friends. We actually won 3rd place which is big considering we play against hardcore trivia fans.

I had 4 drinks and passed right out when I got home. Today my friend Nicole and I went to the mall to get some sweet outfits for her birthday in AC next weekend. I picked up a hot little purple number (I love calling dresses numbers). We did the 6.95 Olive Garden soup/salad combo, YUM. THEN DUN DUN DUN......

The tanning bake occured.

Came home. Aloe. Watched Biggest Loser. Cried. Aloe. Watched "What Would You Do" (google it). Laughed. And now I will take full responsibility for my tanning decision.

Spinning tomorrow morning!
What have we learned today?
DON'T EVER GO TANNING if you haven't in 2 years....
But trust me on the sunscreen.

Out of Whack?

I think I'm a bit out of whack today.

Things feel "not right. "

Maybe it's the wind (which is ridiculously blowing) or maybe it's the fact we were without electricity for several hours, or maybe it's just because?