Daughter Journaling - Days 5 and 6

Still seeing pretty much the same kind of behaviors (not much new to tell). We have determined that we're very aware of when the medication wears off, especially hubby. The emotions are raw and intense (even the happy ones). Hubby's comment, "Is there a med that last 18 hours instead of twelve?" Oh, goodness.

On a side note, I may be in the job market again this summer. If things don't improve at my job very soon, I may have to say goodbye to my company of 11 years. It's been a good run but I'm getting to old to deal with the stress they're laying on us. There's really no reason for it, except folks are just trying to save a dollar and not hire more help.

A Very Happy Mother's Day

I had a wonderful day today. I woke with a spring in my step and a sparkle in my eye. The girls were good (not one moment of bickering all day) and everyone spoiled me. First, we went to church and our pastor delivered a wonderful sermon to the"off-spring" rather than mothers. Several mother's were paid a tribute of beautiful, white roses -mother over 80, mother with the most children, mother with most generations present [my mother received that one] and the mother with the youngest child.

The girls came home and watched a movie, while mom paid tribute to dad by uploading the videos she took of his competition on YouTube and Facebook (I'm very proud). When hubby came home from work, we went to the Mongolian Grill for dinner. It was divine and I actually maintained my self control. There were big bowls of cabbage, cucumbers, celery and green onions with minimal meat, since I couldn't weigh at the restaurant. This was the only meal I had today (I didn't want to tempt fate).

After dinner, we went shopping for shoes. My favorite sassy sandals tore up, the other day, so I've been on the look-out for a replacement pair. Haven't found any I really like (What's up, DSW?!), until this evening. Hubby spotted those and new sneakers for me at the Ross Dress for less. I have a feeling my knee will be feeling a lot better, now that I have better support.

This evening, hubby and I spent some time "dreaming" and "visualizing" about some of the places we would like to vacation to. The Bahamas, St. Croix, Hawaii, Cancun, Montego Bay were all part of our wish list, as we perused various all-inclusive sites. We have this wish to go somewhere together, without the children. This may sound harsh but, we never had a real honeymoon. We're certainly over due. Besides, the kids travel with us everywhere else. I know I wasn't fortunate enough to go with my parents on a cruise for a vacation. They've got it pretty good.

Anniversary Getaway

Hubby has planned a little anniversary getaway for us, later this month. I'm so excited! It will be the first time we've gotten away without the kids in a coon's age. Friends of his are going to keep both of our girls. I'm still reeling over that! Hooray! "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

We've decided to go somewhere neither one of us has ever been before; Lava Hot Springs. I'm anxious to see these springs, the Portneuf river and remnants of the Oregon trail. It should be a fun trip with lots of photo opportunities. Maybe hubby will even let me video tape him. Uh, okay. Well, here's to hoping

I love having trips to look forward to. A side dream is to have one getaway to look forward to each month. It doesn't have to be out of state, but somewhere unique and away from the everyday of life. Perhaps, in the future, my "away" will be to far off places. Again, here's to hoping.

On with the Show

Hubby left this morning to participate in his second body-building show of the season. He's going to Idaho and I'm very excited for him. He's been in such great shape this season and his new regime has really done wonders for his overall appearance. Interestingly enough, he's getting more criticism about whether he truly is natural or not. I think it's quite the compliment! He's actually showing that you can have nice muscle mass without the need for steroids. Rather than criticising, they should take the hint.

The weekend will be somewhat lonely without him but I'll have plenty to keep me busy. The girls and I will spend tomorrow cleaning house (sweeping, mopping, vacuuming and giving the bathrooms a good scrubbing). I'll also go back over areas of my carpet that I recently shampooed, since the dog decided to vomit in various places. Ugh! He would do it two days after I'd shampooed all the carpets and rugs in the house. Nice.

Saturday, the eldest has to take dance pictures. One of the sittings involves "casual wear" this year. Casual for my tween is a little too casual for the everyday observer, so I'm going to take her shopping for casual that doesn't make her look like a ragamuffin. Even some of the Bermuda shorts that are out now should work nicely. The thing to stress with her is lotion; some pictures have her looking oh, so lovely but ashy, ashy, ashy!

Sunday we'll go to church and then await hubby's return. He wants to go somewhere nice for dinner that night and mentioned one of the local Brazilian restaurants in town. I love them, but they don't differentiate pricing with age too much. The youngest would be free, but we'd still be looking at around $70 for dinner. That's a little too rich for my penny-pinching blood.

I'm really starting to look forward to our vacation this summer. We're going to the location pictured on the right. The eldest keeps asking things like, "How long is the drive to our vacation," and "What will we do when we get there?" Can't kids just be happy with surprises?

The youngest doesn't care, just so long as we get to stay in a hotel. That's the best thing about traveling for her; the hotel stay. When I was little, I loved staying in hotels, too. Our kids have had the opportunity to, not only stay in hotels, but resort locations. They are truly spoiled and don't know how good they've got it. My hubby tries to tell them but I'm not sure they comprehend the totality of what they have just yet.

The sad thing is that with the way the gas prices are rising, the driving will be the most expensive aspect of our trip. Will we really have gas at nearly $4.00 per gallon by summer? It makes my heart drop just to think about it. I'm trying to remain positive and look forward to the happy times (and memories) we'll create when we go. I'm also hopeful that I won't look scary in my two piece when the time finally arrives.

A Touch of Fall

It's pouring rain here, today. What happen to the 90 degree weather? For the last week or so the weather has been crazy weird. Today, it's only going to get up to 68 degrees today. I've got my space heater on. Space heater...in August?!

My job schedule has settled a bit, but it will go through drama again in October. Every month for the next few months, I'm slated to get new appointments. It makes for mania at the beginning, then things settle at the end. I hope and pray that things truly get easier for me. It's been quite the roller coaster.

Our vacation begins this week and I'm so thrilled! I hope travels are safe and things go smoothly (no scary surprises or weirdness). Seems like we always have something arise that catches us off guard. I'll say this, if something does arise, I hope we're able to handle it with stride. I don't want to be stressing out over the next two weeks. That is not a vacation.

Hubby has decided to only do the one remaining shows, rather than the two that are coming up. He says that he does want to be around the house more, which makes me happy, but I have heard this. Something always seems to come up (whether it's work or more clients). I'm trying to stay positive.

My eldest started school last week. So far, she likes her teacher but she keeps hearing things about her from other kids. I keep telling her that she has to make her own decisions about her (although I know how hard that is for a kid; outside pressure is no joke in school). My youngest starts preschool next week, but we'll be on vacation. I hope we'll get to meet her teacher this week so that the Indy isn't shocked into a new situation without some preparation. The teacher is supposed to call me and set up a time. I hope she doesn't forget (but I'll call her if I don't hear anything).

I've put on a few pounds that I'm trying to relieve myself of before we leave Friday. It's going to be hard, but I think I can do it. After we return, I'm back on the plan to really get to my goal weight (I was so close the last time). Crossing my fingers and my toes that I do!

Having A Long Weekend with my Hubby

97°F | °C

Current: Mostly Cloudy Wind: SE at 8 mph Humidity: 22% Thu 104°F | 88°F Fri 107°F | 87°F Sat 105°F | 86°F Sun 100°F | 88°F

Wow! This is what we're preparing for. I plan to be hanging around the pool as much as possible, to avoid these crazy temperatures.We leave out tomorrow morning and my brother-in-law (not the lummox) is staying at our home to babysit the dogs. Despite it not being the lummox, I'm still nervous and I hope hubby is clear on the ground rules. I hated the violation I felt the last time we left a relative in our home. My girls, thankfully, are staying with their aunt and cousins so, they won't get bored and they'll probably not even miss us.

Hubby's motive is to travel to a professional bodybuilding show as a spectator and possibly gain some sponsorship. I hope that he can network and gain what he needs while we're away. I also hope he doesn't forget about me. So often, a business/pleasure trip can tilt too far in one direction. I can just imagine taking the car and returning hours later to him not even realizing I had left in the first place. He could get that involved with the people he's talking to.

August is nearly here! Were the heck did the summer go? I'm not complaining at all (the sooner my eldest gets back into the classroom the better). I am getting anxious now about our vacation plans, since not everything is in place yet. We've got to get on that. Perhaps hubby and I can make an appointment for ourselves, so that we can get all of that taken care of next week.

Also, the Babe's birthday is coming up. I've created her invites and have in mind what the girls will be doing. I've even made arrangements for her sister, so that Indy doesn't cramp her style while they're trying to be all "preteeny". The cake just needs to be ordered, the gift bags put together and the pajamas purchased (It's an "All Day All Night Pajama Party"). I'm even on the lookout for cute jammers.

So, here's to my Thursday/Friday and having a weekend with hubby. I'll be crossing my fingers that I don't melt from the heat and hubby remembers that I'm there.

The Small Adventures of Life

I have several coming up this summer and into the fall. It's important to have something to look forward to...to break the monotony of life and experience something fun, new, and adventurous. For July, we have the holiday (of course) but we're also planning a get together for friends and family during the middle part of the month. A southern-style fish-fry is on tap and I am too excited! My contributions will be the spaghetti (very southern to eat it with fried catfish nuggets) and fried chicken (by request of hubby, who has been hankering for some for months). There will, of course, be the sides and desserts a-plenty. Since we plan on a big group, a lot of food is a good idea anyway. This is a huge deal for us because we haven't entertained at our house in a very long time.

Part of the reason is because of our kitchen. It is, in a nutshell, prehistoric and I am now utterly embarrassed to have people look at it...which leads to another adventure (I hope!); The Reconstruction of the Crappy Kitchen. I'm talking new floors, new cabinets, built-ins, design touches the works! Then, I'll be one entertaining heifer! Meanwhile, we will have our guests cloistered on the deck and in the backyard, rather than milling around in the unappealing kitchen.

For the end of July, hubby and I are getting away together. I am sooooo looking forward to that trip. Any time we can run away from our children for a little while is great for me. We can relax, decharge, and enjoy each others company to the fullest. We use this time to remember why we're a couple and why we're still married.

August is birthday month for the eldest. She is set on having another sleepover but this time, she wants a "pajama party." How is this different from a sleepover, you might ask? Well, the girls will be in their pajamas the entire time. If I take them to the grocery store? Pajamas; To the mall? Pajamas; the skating rink? Pajamas. I'm still trying to determine how many girls can participate because my car is only so big and I have a booster seat still for the youngest (the law says until 80 pounds or 8 years old, in this state). That thing really takes up a lot more room than it should. I've told her that, because she is getting older, we may not have the "staples" for food items. I thought I might have a sandwich or food tray catered by Jason's Deli, Chik-fil-a or Target and, maybe, do an ice-cream bar instead of regular birthday cake. I've got some time to come up with something fun.

The end of August will bring a concert for the entire family (my immediate, along with my mother and sister). We are going up into the mountains for this concert, which should be a ton of fun. Outdoor venue listening is far superior to me than being trapped in an enclosed amphitheater. I would much rather enjoy the beautiful scenery around me while listening to great music than to deal with the foul smells of people sitting too close to me who need a reminder in hygiene. After the concert, well will stay at a rented condo for the night.

Then, of course, September is vacation month. That will be the grand finale to the summer and (hopefully) the best part. September is the month of change and I hope that the changes are positive and forward thinking. I do not want a repeat of some Septembers past. I am grateful that the year, up to this point, has been really fulfilling. Bring on the adventures!

Father's Day and Summer Solstice

Ah...the summer solstice. It's official! The kids are out of school, they're running around the neighborhoods and the ice cream is on flow. To be a kid again! They seem to be having the time of their lives (someone should tell them that they are).

My eldest is participating in drama camp this week. She been so excited to start and, even last night, she's still felt the jitters. This morning she asked me to run lines with her (but, she hadn't really read through the play properly in order to do this). She spent about forty-five minutes doing so then tested her lines on me. So passionate! Maybe there's an actress in the making... a triple-threat, even!

The youngest is still going to preschool two days per week. She begins swim lessons next Saturday and tells anyone who will listen to her. She loves and fears the water equally, so I hope this year's batch of lessons will get her past her fear. My sister keeps taking her to the pool and will bring her into the water so aggressively that I wonder about her success in her classes.

We took my hubby to Father's day dinner on Sunday but before that, he got to open presents. It should be a joyous thing to open gifts but he always acts as if he doesn't deserve them and shouldn't be allowed to open them. I know this comes from his upbringing but it still makes me sad. I want him to know how much we appreciate him and love him. I tell him and shower him with gifts (when I can), but he still seems so ambiguous about them. Oh well, I won't stop trying.

My sister emailed me this morning with the news that she's lost a total of 41lbs. GC mentioned losing a pound and I celebrate successes like these (no matter how big or small). It's so easy to put on weight but it takes major work to get it off. I'm still "working" towards my goal and, despite the stumbling blocks, I know that I'll see my reward. I hope we all do. :)

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.

Summer and Recitals

The first recital was last night and my eldest performed. Awesome job! Truly! I've watched this dance all spring and I think last night's performance was the best yet. I wasn't thrilled about the makeup job I did, but who cares. It's all about the talent (she did love her falsies, though...batted her eyes to anyone who would look at her).

Tonight is the last night and both of my girls will be on stage. The youngest is currently taking a nap. She needs her stamina for the long night (and boy was it ever long last night). We got to the high school at around 5:15 because that is what the instructors requested of all the dancers. The show didn't start until 6:30pm. My daughter's routine? Number 37 out of forty-two. Sweet! We didn't get home till close to nine. My youngest nearly passed out eating her dinner, so I just put her to bed. Hopefully, with the good nap, it won't be as hard on either of them.

They have been extraordinarily good with each other during the break, so far. I'm surprised but won't look a gift horse in the mouth. Can't say how long it will last, but I am happy that the eldest is trying to show a bit of responsibility. I want that to just blossom this summer and I'm praying she'll be a more mature child by the time fifth grade starts. I need that to alleviate a lot of my stress.

Hubby and I are having a Saturday night away from the kids. We're so excited! I hope we can find something fun to do. I'm still on the strict part of my diet so, we were up one night looking at restaurants that offer items that I may be able to eat. I'll be so glad when this phase is over so that I can incorporate more goodies again. Broccoli sounds good at this point; however, my diminishing figure is great too.

New Job and Long Training Hours

I'm still here, but my new position has some crazy long training hours (well, crazy long for me). I am on information overload and I keep wondering if everything will come together. I hope so, I don't want to steer anyone in the wrong direction. That has been the hard part for me; I just don't know very much and the comfort of knowing exactly what to do has evaporated.

Hubby had his last competition of the spring, this weekend. He won! He is now an NGA pro-card holder which, in lay-men's terms; he is now a professional bodybuilder. Sweet! I was so proud of him and it was a very good show. We mixed his music, using the music from my daughter's competitions this year. She was so overwhelmed she cried back stage for him. Too precious. He's on cloud nine, as you can imagine and I'm floating right alongside him.

I'm going back on my diet tomorrow. It's weird to think that I'll be doing this again. I'm raring to go, but a bit nervous. People try a second time usually have troubles. I'm just hoping that I can prove that I'm above type and really accomplish great releases. I'm certainly not off to a good start, however. The whole family has been celebrating hubby's success this weekend with food...bad foods.

Next week is the last week of school and, along with being official in my new job, both girls will be home. Yikes! I've got to start planning what to do with them. She can't just sit around eating all summer. I think I'll pretty much force her to enjoy her summer outdoors being creative. Too bad there aren't the kind of camps here that I had as a child. Aside from one week of drama camp and one week of dance camp, that's all she'll get.

Finally, I've been reconsidering the whole "try the figure competition" idea. I dunno if I have "the stuff" hubby's got but it would definitely make me stand out, here. There are no black figure competitors in this state (well, that I've seen). Where are they? I've seen several fit black women around. Perhaps they're just not aware such a thing exists. If I decide that I'll try, there's a lot of investment involved (physically and financially). I think I'll keep considering and see if things fall into place.

A Mixed Feeling Week and a Big Weekend

This past week has been very odd, indeed. I've been saying good bye to my in-office coworkers and trying to prepare myself, mentally, for the change in my employment. I've had so many people reach out and say how much they appreciated my work and dedication. It has meant so much to hear from people; some of whom I haven't heard from in months. I suppose I've made a mark in my company. Sometimes, it's hard to know if what you're doing is really making any difference.

Yesterday, my team had balloons, cake and wonderful gifts for me. I was so touched by their kindness, but I held back the tears. Two coworkers, whom I haven't seen for months, came in with their kids for a visit. It was great to catch up and hear about their lives. It was also interesting to see how "out of touch" they both were with the goings on in the company (they both telecommute full time). I now see aspects of the job that will be hidden from me, once I'm home all the time. I don't mind being "out of the loop" where work bureaucracy is concerned.

Hubby and the babe are competing in a show together tomorrow. I'm so excited and nervous for them. Hubby is supposed to be working with the babe on her routine (it has yet to happen). I was going to add my "feminine flavor" so that she doesn't come off too masculine in her performance. I hope they get it together today because she really is feeling a bit insecure. I don't blame her; however, it hasn't shaken her resolve. She's still ready to take on the kid events tomorrow. What a trooper!

We've booked our vacation! I'm so excited but still in disbelief. We bit the bullet this year and spent the money to try something new. I won't go into the details yet but, I'll say this: I think it's exactly what we all need and definitely something we'll do again. I am confident of that.

Updating Myself

With a new body, I've been seeking out clothes more than I used to. It always happens when I lose a little weight, but even more so now. I've been taking an opportunity to actually look at the clothing sale emails I get and have considered placing orders for lots of cute gear.

The fact is, I have so much (still) that I haven't worn and have been looking forward to wearing for just this time in my life. Some of it I'm a little afraid to wear. My hubby likes what I call, "naked" clothes and I'm a little self-conscious yet about wearing that stuff. I still have about 15 more pounds I want to lose and the plan is to get those off this summer. I've been wondering if I'll feel a little more self confident at that time to wear the "nakedness".

I haven't begun my workout plan this week like I wanted to. Some thing or another has sabotaged every morning that I would have gotten in a cardio session. It usually starts with whatever drama I've created the night before. For example, this weekend hubby has another show. We were up until midnight last night mixing his 60 second posing song for his routine (Didn't know I was a D.J., did you!). Anyway, after I completed the mp3 creation I knew there was no way I was going to get up and do the elliptical thing.

I don't dare say, "Maybe I'll start tomorrow," anymore because I keep jinxing myself. I do want to and the motivation is certainly there. I don't want arms flapping in the wind when I bust out the bathing suit. No matter what any one says, that is never a good look (young, old, big or skinny).

With all this updating, it really won't matter in a matter of weeks because I won't have to worry too much about my appearance. Working from home, I suppose I'll need only to update my sweat suits?! Of course, I'll still go out to grocery shop and taxi my kids. The occasional date with my hubby and church will be the time that effort is truly expended. It seems so weird! I could just look good for me and my dogs. Nah.

The night before, he kept me up discussing house projects we have to complete before the summer. Why do these discussions occur at night? Because, he doesn't get home until nearly 8 or 9 o'clock most evenings. An earlier night this week, we were helping the babe with her crazy math homework. I don't remember my homework being this insane in elementary school. What's going on, these days?

Whenever I do, I'm prepared. It's been two months and it's going to kick my tail all over the basement. I'll need plenty of potassium and apple cider vinegar for cramps and overall soreness. Why am I inviting all this agony? My hubby can't be the only one in the house who's rockin' a hard body. It's my turn.

Just Die, Old Man Winter!

Do you know we were in the midst of a snow storm, yesterday? A.freaking.snow.storm. Yes. I was not happy. I looked super cute, but I wasn't happy. Why oh why won't old man winter just die, already? You're time is over! Get the hell outta here!

The next few days (um, May starts tomorrow?!) are supposed to be cold and rainy/snowy. The good news is that it's not sticking; however, the flowers look sad and pathetic. I looked at the ten-day forecast and, at least, Mother's day looks like it will be nice (76). Of course, we'll all have colds and flus because of this blasted weather that can't make up it's mind.

Speaking of Mother's day, I found a lovely diamond necklace for my mom. I wasn't planning on buying her diamonds, but I found this piece for a steal and just couldn't leave it in the store. It even says Mom! I hope she likes it and actually wears it. So often, she's so happy to receive things but then won't wear them. I plan on just putting it on her in church when I see her. No choices, right?

I am happy it's Friday (even though it's colder than the 9th layer of hell) but I do wish my hubby weren't off and away. He's going to Boise for his show this weekend (a five hour drive) and I won't see him until late, Sunday. I will be drowning my sorrows in computer games I purchase from Office Depot (they're having a sale, currently). My poor computer is so full of games already. I am especially fond of time management games like Diner Dash, Wedding Dash, Dairy Queen Tycoon and Delicious. So pitiful, huh?

My Hubby is Wearing Himself Out

He has signed up for another show. That will make six total, once he's all done. I think he's lost his mind, but he sees this as some sort of personal challenge/goal. Okay, so when he falls out, who's going to pick him up? He's too damn solid...and heavy.

Have to say that all the testosterone in the house has made me randier than usual. No complaints from hubby, of course. Also, with my new eating habits I've learned that I substitute food and alcohol for the "good stuff". Better to have the "good stuff" than to put those 30 pounds back on.

We're thinking of our vacation plans and reconsidering our trip to California. We were going to drive part way, stay in Vegas a day or so, then continue driving to Southern Cal. Now, we're thinking we should go ahead and put those passports to use. I'm totally game! Point me to the big boat with the swimming pool. If everything goes well with the second part of my eating plan, I may dive in and get a two piece. Wow! Never thought I'd say that.

I made a faux baked potato dish for lunch and it was divine! Who knew cauliflower could be so good. I suppose when anything's drowned in cheese, it's bound to be good. I've made new and unique dishes four times over the past two weeks. It's been quite the adventure.

Hoping to See Spring Again

We received over five inches of snow the night before last. As such, I decided to work from home, yesterday. No way was I going to risk my life in even more impending snow. It was slow, but a fairly good day. It's spring break and both my kids were home making me a little nutty. It's hard because they can't go outside and play, which would alleviate some of the extra energy they have. I'm praying the temps warm up enough over the next couple of days where they can get out and go to the park.

Friday, we're driving south for the Babe's dance competition. She's to compete with other groups across the state. I hope her expectations aren't too high. Last year, they placed platinum for their category. I think they look great when they perform but, of course, I'm incredibly bias.

The drive is approximately 4.5 hours (but a bit faster, since part of the drive allows for super speeds). The temperatures are usually 30 to 40 degrees warmer than they are here. So, even if the temps remain a little chilly, we're headed to nearly summer like weather. Bring on the swimming pools!

The sad part is that we will be traveling on my wedding anniversary. This is the first anniversary that my hubby and I will be apart. We are not happy about this in the least, but I'm sure we'll be rewarded with trophies from both ends (hubby and the Babe's). This weekend, hubby will be in an all natural show. I can't imagine that he won't place, after going up against "roided" up guys the past couple of shows. I'm so very, very proud of him.

Today is my mother's birthday and I asked her to tell me what she wants. In the past, I would have thought this tacky but, she's nearly at retirement age and pretty much buys whatever she wants. I felt it best to just ask. Know what she said? "Bananas. I want bananas." I told her to think about it a little more and call me back with a real answer. (P.S. I'll still get her the bananas, though).

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.

My Hubby is Home!

He got in around 9:00pm last night and seemed really happy to be home. I'd made sure to have some of his favorites available; lasagna, cheesy bread and an experimental cake I made. He said he'd wished he'd had the cake for pre-performance (the sugar helps with vascularity). He said the cheesecake he bought had nothing on my cake. I'll have to remember that.

He ate while I finished up watching True Blood (I'm re-watching the first season in anticipation of season 2 coming to DVD). After dinner, we talked about his adventures in Washington and he asked me what I did here, although not nearly as exciting, he seemed intrigued nonetheless. Of course, the ravaging began shortly after that (always good in my book).

I hadn't cooked so much in a long time. From making breakfast for the girls, to making a big dinner and a desert to go along with it. Everyone (including the girls) seemed very happy with the meal. Of course, due to my plan, I've been cooking a lot for myself but this was entirely different. I sort of missed it. Oh, and the smells! Candles and oils have got nothing on home cooking. My house still held the aromas this morning. Incredibly nice to wake up to.

Indy has her surgery this week and I received a card in the mail last week for pre-surgery classes. I called to register and in the midst of the recorded message was told that anyone under 14 couldn't attend because of H1N1 risks. Seriously? Are people still worried about it? My pre-teen is the one who needs this most and she's not going to be able to attend? I left a message, asking if she could wear a surgical mask or something. No response. I'll be stalking them again today. Somebody is going to tell me something, dammit.

My hubby has put my sister on a plan and she is struggling. I explained that most people are sugar/carb addicts and don't even realize it. There's refined sugar in practically everything these days. I'm surprised she didn't know this, but she really seemed shocked. Like any other addiction, she is going through withdrawals. I told her that she should be feeling a lot better in a few days. I hope she sticks with this.

Snowy, Snowy Friday

It started early this morning and hasn't let up much. Thankfully, it's not sticking and warmer weather is on the horizon. Hubby is safely in Washington and arrived around 6ish last night (after leaving at 5:30am yesterday morning. Yikes!). He spoke to me of the beautiful drive and the lush greenery the Oregon coast has to offer. Neither of us has ever been to Oregon. I guess he's now got one state "up" on me.

He said that they drove past a tree farm and, initially, it appeared to him as mountain terrain but as they drove closer, they discovered that it was acres and acres of trees. How I wish I could have seen it for myself. I asked if he'd taken any pictures. Well, of course not. Ugh!

I thought I wouldn't sleep well last night, missing my hubby and all. Surprisingly, I slept better than I've slept in weeks! I gathered it was because I wasn't waiting up at all hours to talk to him. Also, instead of "teddy", I threw an extra blanket on the bed to mimic his warmth and presto! Instant, fabulous sleep. I woke up happy and light, but of course, I still miss him.

Yesterday, I organized the Babe's closet. She had an onslaught of plastic baby hangers, old clothes and randomness that I just had to get rid of. I wonder how long her closet will look the way it does now, all nice, neat and organized? She was ill, yesterday, so I worked from home and tended to her needs as best I could. Two Albuterol treatments and several ibuprofen later, she was raring to go for school this morning.

I can't believe Easter is nearly here! I suppose next week will be filled with doing hair and glamorizing my children. I don't know if I'll do pictures, but I'm considering it. I always take pictures of my own at the park. Beautiful spring photos of my girls prancing around with the ducks (wearing their Easter dresses) is sort of a tradition, now. Guess I won't be able to pull that off when they're teenagers.

I don't really have plans for the weekend, aside from taking the girls to Easter program practice at church. They haven't even looked at their speeches yet. Oh, well. I guess we'll go over them a couple of times tonight. Hopefully, they're short and sweet. Indy has never spoken in front of a large group before. I'm hoping she sees her big sister as a stellar example of how to do so.

And the Winner is...

My hubby! He took his weight class for the Utah NPC TopForm Classic Bodybuilding show this past weekend. I was so proud of him! Earlier in the evening, I was cheering on our eldest at her dance competition. I don't have her scores yet but, they were working it out on the dance floor. I'm sure they did well.

My sister's all psyched up by my husband's win. He proved Saturday that you can be a natural bodybuilder and compete with those who use steroids. It is totally unnecessary to supplement your workout with those products. Again, I was beaming from ear to ear (if you want to see video, shoot me an email or leave a comment and I will send you the links). Sis feels like she wants to try getting into shape again. I hope she's serious about it. The benefits for her would be astounding.

His next show is this weekend in Vancouver. He's never been and is very excited about going...or at least, I thought he was. We went for a walk in the park on Sunday and he told me the next competition would be a bitter sweet event. He knows he'll have fun but he's going to miss me being there; an adventure we can't share together, as he put it. What a sentimental, sappy guy.

The babe performs on the 30th and competes again on the 2nd. It's going to be a busy spring for both of them. I'll be lugging video equipment from place to place, capturing all the moments. That part is fun and doing her make up is a blast (she had false eyelashes this time that she absolutely loved). I just wish someone else would pay for my gas. :)