Couple Gets Away...And Wishes for More Time

Saturday night was wonderful and I could have had 7 more days just like it. We left our home around 4:30pm and drove to the hotel. After we checked in, we headed for the restaurant for dinner. A table in the corner for two including lovely, mellow music and mood lighting? Who could ask for more!

I had the miso soup and curry chicken, while hubby filled up on wonton chips and sauce before his hot and sour soup and General Tao's chicken arrived. Needless to say, he had a lot of leftovers. Green tea and great conversation filled our booth. After wards, we headed to the Ross (hubby spilled sweet and sour sauce oh his rockin' white shirt) where he found a cool, DKNY T-shirt that complimented his style and fabulous physique.

We journeyed to a mall we haven't been too in years, only to find that it has been made-over "trendy" (Aldo, Bebe, Cache', etc...). A dress hubby spotted for me was $98.00 on sale. Yeesh! Obviously, it stayed on the hanger in the store. I tried on some jeans at Charlotte Russe, but they always look so strange on me. Not to mention, they are way too long for a petite legs. I'm 5'2, for heaven's sake!

After the mall, we went back to the hotel to swim. The pool was filled to the brim with kids at 10:00pm. Oh, no! In the room, we decided we were hungry and went back out to pick up some goodies. So-not on my diet. Chicken fajitas with peppers and spices. Glorious! I knew I'd pay for it later. When we checked the pool again at 10:30pm? Still bursting with children. No swimming for us on this trip.

The next morning, we thought about going to the movies but every show started too late. So, more shopping (hubby bought me two, new dresses. One of which resembled the outrageously expensive number we saw at the boutique the night before) and a lovely lunch at the Mongolian grill (too much salt...not good for the diet at all). We had such a great time, we stalled a bit when my sister called to tell us she was ready for us to get the kids.

I told hubby I'm hoping that we'll have a bit of kid-care on our vacation so we can have some couple time like that again, but in much bigger doses. I really do enjoy his company.

It's About Timing

So, as I mentioned on the other site, my hubby is all ripped up and beautiful (not that he wasn't beautiful before). Now, it's so intoxicating! Everything stands out and all I want to do is touch him. It's like I'm PMSing and he's a big ole bar of chocolate! I've been extra flirty with him and sometimes he welcomes it, other times he seems annoyed.

We were in the grocery store last night and, while we were talking about a special tea I want that he's recently purchased, I was sort of messing around with his shirt. No one else was in the aisle, so it wasn't about being embarrassed. When he stopped me, I asked him what his deal was and he said, "Because If you're talking to me and doing that I can't focus." Of course, he was in jest and so was I when I said, "Well, that's your problem." We laughed about it, but when I got home, I was annoyed. How odd! Looking back now, I had no reason to be, but I was. I suppose my heart took it as rejection.

We watched an episode of Arch.er last night (have you seen this? It's crazy!) then settled in for bed. Well, I settled in and turned over to go to sleep. He was still on his laptop looking up information about living in Vancouver. After awhile, the light was distracting and I asked him when he was going to be finished. He said soon. I covered my head to keep out the light and in a couple of minutes, he shut down his computer. I began to drift off as soon as he turned off the light on his nightstand.

After a couple more minutes, he started poking me with his toe...asking if I'd asked if he would be finished, so we could spend "time" together. I told him I asked him because, if he hadn't finished up I would have changed locations so I could sleep. I could tell he didn't want to hear that.

So, in the span of about four hours, I went from wanting to jump him to wanting him to just go to sleep and forget I exist. I think his feelings were the exact reverse. And the reason for my post on such randomness? To state the obvious: Men and women are just different. Different, I tell you! This morning, I was sleepy but ready and, of course, he had to go to work. Timing is everything.

Mid-Thirties, Baby

Oh, what a terrific birthday! I had to work but, my sister picked up my eldest and came over to babysit both kids. Hubby and I took off and went to the movies. Check out Sherloc.k Holm.es if you haven't already. It was worth the watch for sure.

After the movie, we went to dinner and sat side-by-side at the restaurant(you can people watch and chat at the same time that way). I didn't gorge, but enjoyed myself. We headed over to DSW and hubby splurged on a pair of shoes for me. Woohoo! Their satin, multi-colored mules and they're divine. Next, he took me over to Ross and had me try on 5 pairs of jeans. We took two pair home; Nine West and Lee's.

We got home and found out the youngest was a little naughty and that sister dear disciplined a bit differently than I would have, but we got it all squared away. She'll be back this weekend to watch them over night. Dang! I could get used to this. Hubby and I told each other over and over again how much fun we had and how nice the evening was. He said he got a little flack from coworkers because he took a half-day vacation, but he said, "What better way to use vacation time than to spend it with my wife on her birthday?" What a guy.

Being Natural, My Kids and Preparing for Surgery

I took my hair down over the weekend. It's been two months and boy, was it looking rough! I ordered hair the very day I took it down (the same type as the last, only much lighter for spring/summer). I will also make sure she cuts it a bit shorter. Sort of a shame, considering how much I spent for it. Anyway, as I took my hair down I reveled in the length. I just can't believe that I was nearly bald only two years ago. I'll have as much hair as my oldest in no time (way too much). Since it's natural (but I do color) I redyed it all so that when I have the latest extensions put in, it won't look too crazy. That and I just like going a bit lighter when the sun comes out. The color above appears on me, just as it does on the model. It's a bronze color with lots of light reflecting highlights. Very pretty.

I am amazed at how much I miss my hair out, free and natural. The braids have been protective, giving my hair a chance to rest, grow and be untouched for a while. After I took out the braids, dyed, washed and cleared my hair, I was so happy to just run my fingers through all my twists and coils. It really is beautiful close up. How come I never noticed? Traditions can be so blinding. I look at perm kits on the shelves in stores now and just thank God I don't have to do that anymore. I'm so surprised at how I feel. I didn't chronicle this journey like I initially planned, but I will say that I am happy with my choice. I use the glycerin and water on my hair as a moisturizer (the Castor oil, on me, gave my scalp the itchies). My skin is different from my kids. They seem to handle the Castor oil nicely. I also have Carol's Daughter.'s hair butter. I'm not crazy about the smell or the product for myself, but my girls love it. I actually prefer Silken Child for me.

Like everyone says, it's certainly trial and error. There are things I will never put in my hair again, and things I'm sure I'll just love, love, love (but can't find in freaking Utah). On vacation, I plan to stock up. Hubby's all about making space for all the stuff we'll buy out of town. It's very frustrating living somewhere where "our" resources are so limited. I'm glad I got my Sally's card (since that's really the only alternative I have). Since I seem to spend money there every month, might as well get a discount. If you don't have a card and you find that you shop their often, invest in the card. You'll be glad you did.

Monday during lunch, I picked up several CDs on hold for me at the library. I didn't realize that one of the reserves I chose was a children's book. Not being deterred, I brought it home and ripped it to the computer. When I put the discs on the counter to take back, my eldest saw them, yesterday morning after breakfast and read the cover.

"Can I listen to these?"

"Sure. They're actually children's stories...but, they're supposed to be scary. Can you handle it?"

"Yeah."

So, off she went into our sitting room and popped in the first disc. I could here the eerie music with each tale. The fall and rise in the narrator's voice (along with cackles and screams). Where was this last Halloween? She was totally into it. Checking in on them about twenty minutes later, she and her sister were curled up on the couch with a blanket and stuffy listening intently. A few minutes after that, baby sister comes back whining and hugging me saying, "I don't want to be scared anymore." Poor little thing! I found something else for her to do. What sacrifices we'll make to be with the one we love, huh?

So, the books on CD that I've reserved over the past couple of weeks are to get me through healing time. Eight days till the big day. Sigh....As I continue to read recover stories across the web, one of the things I saw mentioned (only once) was having books on CD. Since I won't be able to see to read a book, a t.v. or computer, I thought this was a great suggestion. The final Sookie book is in that mix (well, the final before the latest that just came out this month).

Tru.e Blood on video! I was so excited, I headed on over to the local video store to pick it up. Hubby and I watched the first episode last night. I like the brassy Tara character, but she's nothing like she's described in the book. I like who they've chosen to play Bill and I'm really pleased with the filming location (are they filming in Louisiana? I'll have to check). I hope the fan base stays strong because there are so many books. I'd love to see all of Char.laine's characters come to life. I was filling in hubby on all the vampires, shape shifters, weres and other supes. He was more into than I thought he would be. It's a sexy tale, too so the eldest can't read or watch these right now. She's really bummed out about it. I'm actually really happy at how eager she is to read everything!

Watching a little titillation must have gotten hubby in the mood. Okay, no. He's always in the mood. He's been in the mood for the past four days. Maybe he's getting it all in before I'm completely incapacitated. Nope. I think he'd go for it, whether I was partially conscious or not. What a guy!

*Update* I just called and checked on the status of my hair order. Back ordered. Back ordered?! Why didn't I get an email, a phone call something! Ugh! So, now I've got to spend more money to buy more hair. The stores here don't carry the hair I want. So, I'll either have to die my hair black and get what's readily available or find a substitute that won't break the bank. I am not cancelling my appointment. I am so irritated!

Welcome 2009

The holidays are over, but the memories live on. It started off great with 17 days off and no set plans. Woohoo! I was so spoiled...sleeping in till 8 sometimes 9 (hey, that's late for me), playing video games until my butt was numb, eating whatever the hell I wanted, playing with the girls, eating whatever the hell I wanted. It was great! Christmas eve, we opened our "one" gift. The girls got PJs and slippers which they quickly changed into. I received a DVD set and hubby opened his new, insulated gloves. We left Santa warped looking sugar cookies and cranapple juice with sprite zero.

The actual day was lovely. Hubby was home this year, which was an added bonus. He was happy with everything he got this year (what a change!). In fact, I had a homemade gift for him this year that he absolutely loved. He's still talking about it. I blew up a picture of the Great Salt Lake that I took this fall and had it framed. He must be in my head because one of his gifts to me was an incredible film Minolta camera. I gotta study up on that sucker and learn how to use it. I think I need another seventeen days off. (wink, wink)

The state is covered in snow and we are now experiencing blistering, cold temps. The high yesterday was eleven degrees. Yikes! Everything is frozen and going outside is just plain painful. I hope they keep the kids indoors today for recess. Supposedly, the temps will warm back up into the forties, but then we're going to get dumped with more snow. Yeesh. Forty would feel downright balmy today.

Oh, and Happy New Year ! Did you party hard or sleep a gentle slumber when the new year appeared? I brought in the new year in a different way than I expected. The family visited friends and had cocktails, while the kids played. We stayed about an hour and a half, then left for home (hubby had to work New Year's day). We came home, had a little bit to eat, shared sparkling grape juice with the girls and popped champagne cork-pops before putting the little ones to be. Straight to the kitchen, I mixed up lovely Tequila Sunrises (love 'em!) and went downstairs with hubby to begin our Soap marathon, or so I thought. Hubby decided to have his wicked way with me and the next thing I new, midnight had come and gone. No ball dropping and no "staged" midnight kiss. It was heaven!

By the by, that "eating whatever the hell I want" comes with a cost. How about fifteen extra pounds since the beginning of October. Ugh! I started eating what I need rather than what I want on Saturday and am down a pound. Let the work begin (at least I know what to do in order to get it off and get it off rather quickly).

When Molesting Your Husband is the Only Thing on Your Mind

I don't know what's got into me! He's been working hard and working-out hard. He's extra sore and when he gets up from sitting for a while, he sort of reminds you of the grandpas who only walk a few steps a week. Yet and still, I'm all over him. He's not complaining, of course. Maybe it's all the damn candy in the house or the cold weather that's settling over Utah. Whatever it is, it has me seeking him out like crack to a crackhead. I gotta have him!

Last night's tryst was fabulous, but I was aching for more this morning. When I woke up, of course he wasn't there. Damn personal training clients cutting into my nookie time. What the hell?! I guess there's tonight. I cooked dinner for tonight's dinner, last night; spaghetti with a choice of marinara meat sauce or garlic and herb sauce (with chicken). So, no fussing over dinner preparation to cut into more time. Oh, the kids. I guess we'll find something for them do. You know, it gets harder and harder to be expressive the older they get. At least the babe isn't busting into our room asking what we're doing anymore. It's only a matter of time before the youngest has her turn.

In other news, I'm nearly done with Christmas shopping. I haven't purchased anything for my mother yet, I'm watching auctions for my sister's gifts and hubby (who is always tricky), is still on my shopping list. Aside from a bit of clothing purchases for the kids, everyone else is done. Hooray! Hubby must be getting into the spirit because he wanted to watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving last night (which we did). Both of us love the part where Snoopy's literally throwing the plates at the kids at the table. We always crack up.

"Toast, a pretzel stick, popcorn...what kind of Thanksgiving feast is this?!" Peppermint Patty

Ah, Romance!

Tuesday was looking like it was going to be just another boring Tuesday. Hubby had to go in for training, so he was really not looking forward to the day (it would mean being in town 3 hours longer than normal). When his lunch break came, he called and told me he was running some quick errands. I suggested he take me to lunch (as I always do, on the few times he can get away during the day) and he let me know that their breaks were no longer the length they used to be. Bummer. So, I went to the break room to heat my oh-so-fabulous Lean Gourmet meal and talk politics with co workers when a friend came in.

"Hey. You need to go back to your desk right away."

"Huh?!"

"Yes. Now. Come on, let's go."

"Um. Okay."

"Just trust me. I wouldn't ask you if it weren't important. Now, would I lie to you?"

"Uh, I guess not."

Hurriedly, we started walking back towards my desk when I looked over cubie-land and saw my darling hubby standing by my desk. I was elated. I came over, hugged him and introduced him to my coworkers. It's been ages since he's been to the office! He used to come fairly frequently and take me to lunch or just stop by and say hi. This particular time, there were flowers. Lovely! My boring Tuesday became super special in seconds.

As I walked him out to his car, there were lots of "I love yous" and "I miss yous" exchanged. He let me know he was thinking of me, which meant the world. I spent the rest of the day beaming and floating in the scent cloud the flowers provided. Truly a wonderful day.

When I got home, hubby called to tell me he would be coming over. He asked if he had any workout clothes left at the house, so he could just work out in town then come back to the house. He was planning on staying over. After picking up the babe, we sat up and watched The Happening, while nibbling Kahlua cake I'd made for the neighbors. Another night-cap of passion followed and more talk of his coming home (which I'm hoping is closer to happening). We still have yet to have our "talk" (due to both of us being uber stressed last Saturday), but we both agree it still needs to happen. I remind him, though, that much has come out during this time that we've both actively made changes around.

I completely understand his fear; we've come so far to have it back-fire. We're really so very happy, right now.

Happy Romance/Big Heart/Valentine's Day

My holiday started last night when hubby got in the shower and I put my towel on the side of the bathtub to get in with him. I ususally finish first, so when it was time to get out, I grabbed my towel and out fell something sparkly. A lovely crystal, pendant necklace! I will wear it today with my V-day "look at me" dress.

Drying off, I hung up my towel and went into the bed room to put on pajamas (normally, I don't wear them, but it was freezing cold last night! Another snow storm. Will they ever end?!) Anyway, the pjs are under the pillow and, oops! Out fell a velveteen box. Amethyst earrings and matching necklace, anyone? Beautiful! Why give me these things last night? Well, some brilliant person in my office decided that our full staff meeting would be great to have today. So, I gotta stay late and I won't be home until after normal reservation hours for couples with kids. Ugh! He wanted to be sure I had something to brag about today. ;)

I got him a small, square basket filled with a variety. He's been having a helluva time with dry skin, so I got him extra special water-based lotion (that cost a pretty penny), a loofah sponge (for exfoliation of said dead/dry skin), 70% dark cocoa, gourmet chocolate, a french vanilla candle, a movie and an essential soul 2-disk collection of romantic tunes. Lastly, a book of poetry for the romantic in him. He was very happy.

My girls? The babe (who hasn't awakened yet) is getting a cute little red mailbox with hair accessories and Russel Stovers candies inside. I also got her a Hannah Mon.tana night gown. Her dad found the Meet My.ley Cyr.us disk for super cheap, somewhere, so she's getting that from him. It's all on the kitchen table waiting for her to discover. Indy has her very first heart-box of chocolate. Trust me, she'll be on cloud nine when she sees it (even though she doesn't get nearly what her sister has gotten). Two year-olds are so easy to please.

We were up last night, putting together the Valentine's day cards for her class room. She has hit the age where now she wants certain people to get certain things (i.e., her crush got the big Valentine's day card). Each card has a candy bracelet with it that the kids can sugar load on through the day. Even Indy is taking Sponge B.ob treats to daycare. Oh, the sugar...the love. If this isn't a commercial holiday, I don't know what is. Who, cares. Enjoy the chocolate!

Happy Halloween!

I tried on my costume last night. Um, it's tight. Seriously. Painted-on-tight. Well, not tight like X-rated tight, but still tighter than I thought it would be...and it's velvet. I guess I didn't think it would be from the picture. It's going to keep me roasted warm today and this girl has a tendency to sweat buckets, when nervous. So, the tight velvet costume, coupled with wearing it to work in the presence of all my coworkers and a bit of nerves at that? I better bring a few empty buckets.

Here's the odd thing, though. I'm really kind of stoked! It fits better than I thought it would. A small ponch in the front, but I did have a baby less than two years ago (and by C-section). The arms look good, the legs look pretty good, and the butt looks much better than expected. These are reasons to celebrate, yes? As I work on this body it appears that it is starting to pay me back by looking better. Who knew?

So, along with this skin-tight outfit comes my long "come hither" black haired wig and silver/black eyelashes. I'm wearing a huge, rhinestone bracelet, ghetto bling rhinestone studs in my ears, glitter dust eyeshadow, my poppin' lip gloss, I painted my nails N.Y.C. White Lights Glitter last night and finally a few short sprays of glitter all over (cat's like shiny things).

I hope I'm a hot kitty (um, not the sweating buckets hot) that doesn't embarrass herself too much. I feel badly that the babe can't wear her costume to school this year. They opted not to do the Halloween parade and hosted the literary night instead, which was fun, don't get me wrong. My youngest and I will be sporting ours momentarily and I'm hoping that it doesn't make the eldest feel bad. She still seems to be really excited about the Halloween party they're having today and the trick or treating she'll be doing tonight. I'm personally glad her dad will be home at a decent hour and is off tomorrow. By the way? I didn't even have to talk to him about my ordeal (read yesterday's post). He attacked me, once we got to bed last night. I just love it when he reads my mind. It's so much easier than hashing things out.

Happy Halloween!

Do I Break Out the Toys?

To begin, this is a TMI post so, if you're not ready for lots of random information about me not getting any, than move on.

Normally, hubby and I are usually pretty frisky for an old, married couple. I'd say three to four times a week on average (that could be a veritable drought for others, but I consider myself pretty fortunate). Earlier this week, I sent my hubby to the heights of heaven (or thereabouts) but I was left hanging. This happens more when he's working those crazy 12 to 14 hour days of his. He just doesn't have the energy to give it back. I understand and usually suck it up like a trooper; however, this past time I was really irritated. We had a mild argument, which ended with him snoring loudly enough to wake the dog (no small feat).

Last night, we finished watching Grindhouse: Planet Terror (you gotta check it out, if you like exploitation films). We were in bed earlier than the night before but hubby was exhausted. He fell asleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillow. Frustration ensues. I've been creaming beneath for two days with no satisfaction.

There are alternatives, do I break out the toys? I usually like to save them for use with him but, seeing as it's going on three days and I'm feeling like a corked-up geyser, drastic measures may need to be taken. I'm sure I'll talk with him about it but I also understand that kind of stress all this work puts on him. Most of the time, he has no problem and can find it within him to deliver anytime. My issue is that the frustration is coming out in other ways (I've been a bit bitchy to everyone, even the kiddlings. Not good).

Movies, Jack-o-Lanterns, Colds and Parties

My last post was mainly my gripe on a non-functioning hair color. I got that all straightened out, thankfully and moved on to other matters...mainly, my failing health. Ugh! Just when I get into my routine, I get the cold being passed around like a joint in my office. Thankfully, I'm on the tail-end of it and am feeling a lot better, but I haven't worked out all week. Bummer. Instead, I've spent time with the family (the nicest distraction from working out, I'd say).

Sunday, we went to church then took the girls to Target for pictures. They are so cute! I never seem to remember how photogenic my oldest is until she's in front of the camera with someone other than her dad and me. She's always hamming it up for me the non-professional. Hamming it up for the pro is a whole different ballgame. She's absolutely stunning, that girl! My little kitties had a ball. After pictures, she and her dad carved one of the three pumpkins we purchased last week. It was an alien carving (we think...it was hard to tell from the template transfer). Dad decided to go the traditional route for the others. They'll be carving those this evening.

Tonight, the babe will sport her costume yet again for dance class. The kids have been asked to come dressed in costume and bring candy to share, since they'll miss class next week. Tomorrow evening, a spook alley literacy event will have her in costume again. This girl is going to have so much candy in the next few days. I'm glad we're there to help her offload some of it.

Finally, the nice side effect with all my working out (aside from getting over my cold quickly) is the increase in my libido. I don't normally want anything to do with sex or anything related to it when I'm sick, but I was ready and willing last night (even in my NyQuil drug-induced haze). I'm sure hubby is happy about the side effects, too.

Married Woman Goes on Date

It's true! I really did...and it was wonderful. Hubby took me out to dinner to a lovely Thai restaurant. I had the Pra Ram and he had the very spicy meal with Thai Chilies and noodles, that I can't pronounce. Both were wonderful and we had adult dinner conversation! Actual conversation! Then, we went to an event (which I will not mention here). I will only say that it served to pump me up!


****We interrupt this program to bring you this breaking news!****

I've been thinking about Figure competitions and have toyed with the idea in the past, but now I think I might actually try to reach for this goal. It's sort of the rabbit in my dog race. It's okay if I don't actually catch the rabbit, but if I can get close to it...

The difference between this and regular bodybuilding is that the women are training for symmetry and definition, not bulk. It's also about looking toned, yet feminine. What a novel idea! Why some women want to look like a big, bulky dude is beyond me but hey, it's live and let live. I'm not here to judge or crash any body's party. There are also Fitness competitions, but they are really focused on athleticism (which I have none and wouldn't admit to it just to save face). I can dance and do well with choreography, but integrating back flips and splits into my dance routine would have me face first on the stage. No thank you.

So, with my new found enthusiasm, incorporated to my already bustling workout agenda, I think I may do well. Hubby is all geared up to train me (of course he is!). I just don't know if I'm ready to start sucking down egg whites, tuna, brown rice and oatmeal all day again. I felt more than full all the time and the eating all day was nutty to me. I remember how good I looked, so I'll just have to keep reminding myself that it's all for the greater good.

***Now, back to our regularly scheduled program****

The date finished with hubby and I returning home at around 9:30, paying the babysitter, and settling in for a nightcap. I ate my leftover dinner and he warmed up some of the hamburgers I grilled, earlier in the week. You would have thought I'd created a masterpiece, as much as he raved about them. I'm glad they were good because those suckers took me two full hours to cook. My hubby buys in bulk, so "yours truly" grilled twelve burgers that night. Twelve!

We pulled a movie out of our archives to watch; Devil's Advocate. It was better than I remembered and only reaffirmed my belief that Al Pacino's an amazing actor. He totally absorbs his character and that's not easy for people to do. (I'm a big fan of Christan Bale's for that very reason.) As much as Jack Nicholson rocks, Jack is always Jack to me.

The night ended and I wished hubby didn't have to get up and go to work the next morning, but he did and I survived. I look forward to the holidays when, hopefully, I'll have a little more time with him. I loved date night and I'm already feening for another one.

A Weekend from Heaven (only two days left!)

The lummox was gone for more days than anticipated. I was certainly not complaining and, as a result of his absence, I had one of the best weeks and weekends I've had in a long time. The babe will still off and about in the wilderness, having fun on ATVs and swimming in the lake while I was cleaning my house and taking Indy on our own little adventures.

Saturday, I slept in until 6:30 (late for me) then cleaned up (straightening an organizing several CDs and DVDs in the entertainment center, cleaning the glass coffee and end tables, dusting, vacuuming the living area- including the steps, changing the litter, organizing my room and bathroom) and had everything complete by 8:00am. I then got myself and the baby ready, then off to breakfast at McDonald's, where she watched Toon Disney and ate biscuits, eggs and hash browns. Then, to the park. She swung on the swings, slid down the slide and took a little walk to see the duckies. It was really a great time to go, not only because it hadn't gotten scorching hot yet, but also because there were ducks and geese everywhere! They were eating and grooming themselves and those obnoxious sea gulls were no where in sight. I guess they only show up after the lunch crowd arrives.

After our visit to the park, I stopped at Home Depot to attack a very small home improvement project at my home. The sink in our bathroom's faucet-head had been in pieces for months. It was only a matter of replacing it, but something always happened where we'd forget about it while we were at the store. I picked up the replacement, took it home and beautified my bathroom sink in only a few seconds. Hubby was so proud when he saw it. I also picked up a movie while I was out...May. It was an interesting, creepy movie that I would never have known about, if it weren't for my movie connection guy here at work. We talk movies all the time and we're both fans of the horror genre. The characterization was done really well, even if the plot was thin in spots. Sometimes, that's enough for me...as was the case with this flick. I watched it while snarfing down a cheeseburger and fries...my last for a while. My motivation is comin' on back. Once "he's" gone, I'll be in full swing again.

Indy went down for a nap at 11:00am and didn't wake up until three hours later. Hubby was home, had showered and nearly dressed when she awakened. We drove to Salt Lake to see a movie with friends and Indy did much better with Shrek the Third than with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. She basically munched on popcorn the entire time. I guess that's the trick for her. After the movie, we went to the store, then to eat dinner, then home for a night of relaxation and pleasant company. The house was ours and we loved it!

Sunday morning, hubby tells me that he's taken the day off and we go to church together. Many of the members asked about the Babe and where she was (I told you my children and I are joined at the hip). It was sweet because they all genuinely seemed to miss her. After church, we stopped at Lowe's and looked at patio furniture. Lots on sale, but nothing we wanted. On the road again, we stopped at Golden Corral and had breakfast...$12.00 and some change. That will never happen again until we're retired! It was surprisingly good and I ate entirely too much (that's gotta stop) then, after a couple of stops, we were picking up the babe and heading home. She had been crying...missing us, the poor thing. We got home and we all took a three hour nap. Crazy! After the nap, we shopped for dinner, came home and cooked then watched Spiderman 3 (courtesy of my movie friend and his "hook up"). It was great, but I still like part two the best.

Hubby and brother-dear got into last night, with more confirmation that he needs to go home. He's been telling my sister-in-law and his mother all sorts of things about us. Hubby was going to call them and attempt to set the record straight, but he also said that, "My family is going to be them and there's nothing I can do to change them." It could be that they don't believe him at all and their idea that I'm holding him hostage somehow will continue to reign in their minds. Hubby says that his main responsibility is to his immediate family (us) and that he can't keep trying to make them see the light anymore. He did mention, however, that he'll bring up his other brother who started out in much the same way, and then ended up burning down an apartment complex (another story I'll share someday). They believed him until the day he finally admitted to it (even though the rest of us were sure it was him).

Today, I forgot my lunch and took it as a sign that I need to drink lots of water today and fast until dinner. I'm really ready to get back to the workouts and the total regime...my clothes are saying more to me than anything else. Besides, I gotta be hot for my reunion, right? Here's to new beginnings, getting started, motivation and positive energy.

Still Making Up

Hubby was especially amorous, last night. Unfortunately, it didn't last as long as I'd hoped. He pretty much passed out at around 6:30pm, so I watched Made in America with the babe. It's like a going on a field trip at home. The babe asked lots of questions about the trash compactors being made last night and also the fire alarms. I'm glad she's inquisitive, but sometimes it gets down-right irritating. "What's this? What does this do? Why is that on? How come it's that color?" etc.... I was glad to see 8:00pm roll around. "Off to bed with you, child-of-many-questions."

I've been doing really well with the eating plan (see the other blog) but regular exercise has been put on hold while I recuperate. I've been coughing and hacking like a mad woman...more so because of the nasty inversion. Oh, we got our snow last weekend but it wasn't enough to wash the crud away. It's too bad because the air quality is just getting worse and worse. Newscasters say things like, "Elderly people and those with bronchial troubles should limit their time outside," and "Commute if at all possible." I've been running the humidifier and that helps, but I've still got the crudies. Even going skating caused a coughing spell at one point. I wanted to push myself harder, but didn't dare. I hope we get a nice, strong wind soon.

My girlfriends are taking me to lunch today for my birthday. We can't go tomorrow (the actual day) because of some weird meeting one of them has to "participate" in (that usually means she has to make sure the catering comes when it's supposed to and set up the meals, snacks, drinks, etc...). She seems to like her job, but I'd feel like a servant. Oh, well. So, off to lunch we're going today. It's actually the first time I've been to a restaurant in the year 2007 while watching what I eat. I think I'll be fine and won't go overboard (keeping fingers crossed).

Let's Make Up!

That's what the evening was filled with (and with the best way I know how). I went to bed at around 8:30, but I didn't get to sleep till midnight. Needless to say, I'm in zombie mode right now, but oh, the memories.

We took the babe roller skating last night and it actually turned out to be a really fun evening. Let me set it up:

Two years ago, the babe was taken to the skate center and put into some fisher price "learn and grow" skates. The experiment was unsuccessful. After several falls, lots of tears and only fifteen minutes after paying the full price to get in, we left the skate center. I decided that I would buy the babe some "learn and grow" skates of her own to practice in. Fast-forward a year and still no skates from mom. Auntie takes the babe on an outing to where? Why, the skating rink of course. After paying full price, Auntie and the babe leave the skating rink after only ten minutes.

The babe's birthday is coming up so, mom seeks out roller skate prices on the Internet. She finds a really cute purple pair that only cost her $24.oo. The skates arrive and are unwrapped on the babe's sixth birthday. She is ecstatic!

Over the next four months, the babe practices rolling around the kitchen (just as her mother had done years before, in order to learn how to roller skate). She skates slow, she skates fast and she falls a lot. Not to be deterred, she keeps at it and soon begins to look somewhat like the skaters on Xanadu. Hmmm. Mom comes up with a plan. Why not try the babe at the rink again on a night where it doesn't cost your first born to get in. See how it goes and then take it from there.

The family is admitted for a flat-rate of $10.00 for unlimited skating and rentals. Awesome! Mom picks up some skates, while hubby rolls Indy around in the stroller. The family finds a table to park our stuff and mom proceeds to put on the strangely shaped rental skates. The babe laces up her own. In only a few moments, mom and dad are wondering where the babe has gone, "Did you see her? When did she leave?" The babe is out on the rink...cruising. Success! She stays out on the floor for most of the time (about one hour and thirty-five minutes). Mom and dad are ready to hit dollar nights...a family activity to carry us through the winter.

I've pretty much decided that I've got to purchase my own pair. Those rentals were killing my toes! They only had men's sizes and you know, no half sizes. So, a seven was too small and an eight was way too big. They're definitely on my wish list. After a couple of rounds, I was looking like my old disco-rollering self (okay, not really), but it was fun and great exercise. I'm really excited to go again. I'd forgotten how much fun it can be!