My 2011 Mantra and the Law of Attraction

I finally watched the film The Secret with my daughter, yesterday. There were so many biblical references, which pleased me to know end (especially with my daughter watching). It's so important that she see the spiritual implications of this idea and how powerful it can be. It allowed us to have a really good dialogue, a very rare thing indeed.

My mantra for the year is "Nan kuru nai sah", which means, "Live for today, but look forward to tomorrow". I've found a lot of peace with this phrase, despite how hard the year began for me. Now that I've seen The Secret and am now reading the book, I am hopeful for bigger and better as 2011 continues and as future years pass.

Zee is also embrassing the spirit. The changes may not happen right away, but I'm visualizing life with my daughters in a new way. Rather than day after day of struggle, I'm seeing "peace in the valley". I want a really good and happy relationship with both of them. I also want a blissful relationship with my husband. I deserve and can have these things. Why is it that I'm just understanding it now?

The goal for the week is to put together my "life book" with images of my hopes and aspirations inside. I have done something similar in the past, when it came to my weight loss. It really does work. Having the images to focus on puts the idea front and center. The Enchantress site even had a "dream big" post with images that I was able to have a year later. Amazing! I'm very excited and the feelings are true and strong. The book will stay close by for rejuvenation. Truly I am moving onward and upward.

T.V. Movies - Those were the days...

Hulu is definitely a treasure-trove of hidden jewels. Sometimes, you can find the most funny, interesting and terrifying clips and movies by just one simple search. I have been unfortunate enough to stumble upon "crap on a stick" too. Thank goodness for the comments people share.

One of the things that I've rediscovered are really well-produced t.v. movies. Remember the late 70s and 80s when you would beg your mother to stay up late so that you could finish that great movie being show on t.v.? I'm not talking about cable, I'm talking your basic, local channels. Okay, maybe that was just me. I remember missing the last part of Lace when I was in Elementary school and everyone was talking about it the next day. I hated not being a part of the discussion, only the person who go to hear what happened because her mother put her to bed too early.

T.V. movies were slowly replaced by reality t.v. and it's not a replacement I was happy to see by any stretch of the imagination. True. Some of the shows are amusing, but many are regurgitated written-behind-the-scenes stories meant to lure us in with whatever will keep us watching (bring on the trash!).

So, if you're looking for old Lifetime favorites or perhaps late-night flicks that came on when you were child (and had to go to bed), check out Hulu. You may very well find what you're looking for.

February Still Flying like a Jet-Plane

I had the rug pulled out from under me, last week. I hope to go into more details in a couple of weeks about the entire situation; however, I will say that it will change everything about my work-life. The only consistency in life is change, right? All I can do is pray and put it into God's hands...otherwise, I'll loose my mind with stress and anxiety.

Aside from work, hubby and I had a lovely Valentine's weekend. We spent Friday as a family and bowled, bowled, bowled. Indy was tired even before the first game finished. Lesson learned- only one game if we're going as a family.

My sister kept my kids over night from Saturday into Sunday. Hubby and I went to see Wolf.man (wait for the red box if you must see it, although I wouldn't recommend it), then off to dinner at Lone St.ar. I had the sweet bourbon grilled Salmon (yum) and he had the steak. After which, we picked up a bottle of spirits to take back to our hotel room, along with a cheesecake from the bakery (double-yum). Next, we went by a club in the Hilton, but the vibe was a little strange. Then, we headed to another club. Me and hubby at the club. Wow. It's been years.

The crowd was twenty somethings and thirty somethings. The theme? Mardi gras. Boas, beads, face painting. It was a veritable circus with a disco ball, in there! Hubby and I danced, but people watched mostly. It was hilarious! I hope we never acted like that (something tells me we didn't). One lady walked up to me and said, "Hey, sexy," hugged me and then pounded. Huh? Who are you? I asked my hubby if it was someone he knew. He said no. Oh, man. Perhaps I looked like someone she knew? Oh, well.

Round midnight, we headed back to the hotel for drinks and cheesecake. It was a wonderful evening. We ate breakfast Sunday morning and watched Couples R.etreat at home. It was pretty cute, but I was more excited to just have time with hubby. Sis brought the girls home around 1:00pm and they were most pleased with their day, too.

It's been great having my sister watch the kids these past few weekends. Hubby thinks we're going to go into "dating" withdrawal. I think he's right.

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.

Two-Day Work Week

Life's sweet treats! Even better when you go an entire week without working. Oh, good times await (I hope).

This year, I've been asked to bake the Costco Caramel Cake for Thanksgiving. There are lots of reviews online from various people who've tried it. I hope it's as good as everyone says. It was my mother's idea for me to try it. Normally, I bake my rum cake or my apple crumble. This may turn out to be a staple for future pot-lucks, if it's as tasty as I think it will be.

We got snow yesterday! After leaving the theater (New Moon, for my oldest), the car was covered in the white stuff. The streets were a bit slushy, but I just took my time and drove the three minutes home. Little danger, thankfully. I did hear there were many accidents on the highway.

"Just keep the white stuff away until we don't have to drive in it, please."

Hubby was off today, so we had lunch together. Nothing special. Just lounging on the couch with our respective choices from the fridge. We giggled at "Living Sing.le" episodes on the tele and talked about the errands he has to run. This got me thinking about the other items I need to pick up for my girls and hubby for Christmas. It gets tricky when you always have a kid with you (and Santa is still a strong presence in our family). Dad may have to put in some babysitting time.

I found out recently that a divorce has occurred with the family down the street. We noticed we hadn't seen the dad's truck in a while. Then, hubby and I had our cable installed. Hubby asked the contractor if he knew our neighbor. "Oh, yeah. He moved to Wyoming." Wyoming? Turns out he got a job there and has pulled up stakes. The contractor said that he and his wife separated, but after hubby talked with the neighbor and the subject came up, the marriage is officially done. It's sad to hear, but I'm hoping that everything is for the best. They have two, very active boys and I really hope mom is able to take care of everything they have going on. They participate in every known sport. I hope she can carpool with the taxi duties.

Back and Missing My Friends

My trip home was too much fun! I basically lived the single life with my best friend for four, fun-filled days. Now, when I say single, I'm not talking about bar-hopping and running around like some crazed woman. I'm talking about going where I want to go, when I want to go whenever I want to go. I'm saying that I didn't have to put anyone into a booster or car seat, buckle them up and make sure the strap wasn't too tight. I didn't have to wait for kiddlings to finally get out of the car, only to realize they left some scrap of clothing or (heaven forbid) their shoes.

I could also go into places and not worry about hands touching and picking up everything. I could spend time browsing and not worry about brattiness ("Don't touch me!" "She's not listening, mom!" "Why can't we go there?" "I'm hungry!") I missed my girls, but I didn't miss all of this.

I arrived in Nashville, the Friday before last, at around 10:30pm. I picked up my car (a Hyundai Elantra in grey) and drove over to the hotel. Once I checked in, I discovered that I had two, double beds instead of the single King I thought I was going to get. Sweet! I called my friend and told her to bring a bag. Slumber party! When she arrived, we went to pick up a late dinner, came back to the room and talked, talked, talked. The next day, she had to get her hair done. I worked out while she was gone, talked to my dad, and arranged a lunch with my sorority sister. At lunch, my soror, my best friend and I talked, and talked and talked for nearly three hours. I'm sure the wait-staff was ready for us to go.

We hit nearly every hair shop where I spent way too much money. For that Saturday evening? Bowling and Captain D's for dinner. Sunday, it was off to her church for morning service. We left and went to IHOP, where we connected with my dad. He was nearly 45 minutes late (CP time for real!) and then he wouldn't let us leave. Two hours later and lots of rain, we headed back to the room to recuperate. Later, we went back out for dinner and watched "Let's Scare Jessica to Death" on my computer. We were planning on going to a haunted house, but we didn't want to stand in the rain.

Monday, we went to my high school friend's, daughter's junior high to speak for their college week. It was a lot of fun and they asked a lot of very intelligent questions (for the most part). It's junior high, after all. Afterwards, we kidnapped my friend and had lunch at Long John Silvers. Then, it was time to see Zombieland. Awesome! I haven't had that much fun at a movie in a long time. We were the only ones in the theater, talking loud and cracking jokes. It was the best! (I went to see it again with hubby two days later). There are so many great one-liners. We're still quoting them, ever chance we get.

We went to the mall for slurpees and strolled through our childhood hang out, now nearly deserted (due to our lovely economic climate). Her hubby was eager to have her back, so we took her home around five. For Monday night? BB King's House of Blues. Oh, yeah. It was the perfect end to a fantastic trip. We saw the Stacy Mitchhart band and turned into groupies for the evening, grabbing autographs and buying CDs. I love live music and I really hate that I don't get enough of it at home. That's gotta change.

Tuesday was a bit depressing. We picked up breakfast and turned in my car. After which, we hung out at Opry Mills and then had lunch. Then, off to the airport to come home. It's always so hard to leave. My best friend said it best when she described our friendship; "The longer we remain friends, the more we appreciate each other...the harder it is to separate." Ugh! If only I could beam them here when I need them.

So, I don't go again until 2011. She wants to try the skiing thing the next time she's here (2010). I'll be pricing that out, along with hospital stays for when limbs are broken. I told her, "Only the bunny slopes for me!" I just don't want to meet my end tumbling down a mountain, you know?

Summer Activities

We haven't done the family swim thing, yet, but we're planning to. We also want to participate in this year's fair and the ever popular balloon festival. I'm also trying to plan the Babe's birthday party (which will come in the form of a "slumber" theme this year). Oy! I must be out of my mind. A bunch of pre-adolescents running around my house, eating everything in site. I did, however, decide that she'd only have two or three girls over (not a whole posse).

Dance camp starts next week and the Babe has been bugging me mercilessly about it. Today, the director sent the schedule and I had her read it on my computer. Now, at least, she knows when it is and what to expect. There is a "celebrity" teacher being brought in and the parents sure felt it with the cost of the camp ($130 for two days). Yeah, we must love this kid.

I've been subjecting(?) my kids to movies and shows from my childhood. Right now, they are watching The Wonderful World of Strawberry Shortcake. Not that tart that's out now, but the cute, floppy-hat Strawberry from the 80's. My youngest is completely enchanted...my oldest loves the music more so than the stories (I think Strawberry is 6 or 7 years old, so it's understandable). Last night, we watched Steve Martin's, All of Me. (The babe is a huge fan of The Jerk; "You mean, I'm going to stay this color?!).

I'd forgotten how funny it is! We just laughed and laughed. It's been a lot of fun, cashing in on mom's Net.flix account and being nostalgic with my eldest.

Work is pretty much the usual. I'm getting anxious about hiring folks. It just seems to sit, sit, and sit. Why is it so hard? We have applications and interviews, then nothing. It's gotta happen before the fall rush. It's the same every year; September= a flood of students. All the time anytime still means people believe school starts in September.

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.

From Sandwiches and Pasta to Food (formerly) with a Pulse

I went on a much needed date with Hubby on Saturday night. First, we went to one of my favorite restaurants, Cafe Trang. They just opened a location in our neighborhood and, I gotta tell yah, the best lo mein noodles ever! I don't know what they do, but I don't know if I could ever duplicate the recipe. I was in heaven! Of course, the lack of carbs made the meal extra tasty.

After a wonderful meal and pleasant conversation, hubby and I went to the movies. Finally, finally, finally, we saw the Dar.k Knight. It was as fabulous as everyone is saying it is. For the first time, hubby and I talked in depth about the movie after watching it. Most times, he's not one for movie talk after the movie, but Saturday, he had lots to say. It was a refreshing change and quite welcomed.

Sunday, we spent the day at my mother's BBQing for Labor Day (better to do it Sunday and have Monday to rest, our philosophy). My mother has been dealing with nerve trouble, so I ended up cooking and grilling all the goods. Then (and I don't know how this happened), I ended up cleaning the entire kitchen, while hubby slept on the couch. I was none too happy about that scenario; however, he made up for it by making me a cocktail when we got home.

Monday, I rested and hung out with the girls. The Babe was extra cheeky and was pushing my patience more than a little bit. When hubby got home, we worked out and then I went to the store to pick up a few items to cook for dinner. It was a nice break from the kids, but I always feel so guilty leaving them (even with their father).

Here's the latest issue: I'm trapped in my life again. I hate the way it feels and there seems no end to the stress of it. Hubby (after waking me in the middle of the night) offered to take the kids while I went away. He does this all the time (gets away for adventures alone or with friends, without me and the kids), but I have only done this once and it wasn't over night. It was hubby's birthday present to me when I turned 28...yeah, it's been a while. I suppose I would have done this more often, if not for the guilt. I have a tremendous amount of guilt around it and it's so frustrating. I suppose I sound a bit like a crazy person, but it's true. His offered sounded lovely on the surface, then the pangs rose up in me...telling me that I was a child deserter and that I shouldn't be so selfish. I don't know how to get past those feelings.

In the same vein, hubby and I have been arguing quite a bit and I'm sure that it has to do with my current state of mind. I've been snippy and not as "friendly" as I normally am or would like to be. I can't help but think that my current meal plan and the fact that Aunt Flo is on the way is making things any better. Still, I do notice that I devote everything I have to everyone else. I finished my book (Twilight), but it took an amazing amount of effort. Since when is reading a book that difficult? It seems someone is always in need of my time. Again, I'm happy to offer it but logic tells me that it isn't healthy to sacrifice myself in the process. I hope I can keep my sanity a bit longer. I'm beginning to feel it slip through my fingers.

Oh, and as for the eating, the menu has been tweaked a bit. If you're at all curious about what it is I'm eating (mostly items that at one time had a pulse), check out the other site.

A Movie at the Theater? Really?!

Hubby and I caught Hellboy II at the local theater this past weekend. Really! We even took Indy with us (the babe was invited to a sleepover, so she was not with us). Indy was intrigued by the first one, calling him "the monkey", so we figured she'd be okay in the theater and she was (to our delight). I thought it was fun, but the first one had a better story with much more heart. Mr. Del Toro's infusion of "Pan's Labyrin.yth" type elements was a nice touch and the special effects were cool. They also left room for a third installment, but I'm not sure that's a wise move.

Still haven't seen "the bat", but I'm anxious. There's a special place in my hear for the DC Comic characters (especially my girl). After seeing the animated movie from red box, the special features teased me with a trailer for the Wonder Woman animated movie, coming out next spring. I was thrilled!

I had a nice surprise last night...a call from my best friend in high school. We talked for about half an hour about our families, our lives and the current culture climate in Utah and Tennessee. It was, as always, an eye-opener hearing about all the changes. I'm not due back until next year and I can only imagine how much will have changed by then. Two hours later, my college best friend called! I felt so loved and realized that I really need to put my "free" minutes into use on the weekends and talk to these ladies.

Hubby is training folks again, and this time, he's getting paid. He's not the most organized person, when it comes to business. I can foresee a lot of paper work and such being handle by moi. So far, transactions have occurred without receipts (not good). He says he's on the hunt for a good receipt book and I was like, "Honey, it really doesn't matter what it costs. You don't have to be super frugal...you'll probably right it off anyway." We've never done the personal business thing before and we've still got a lot to learn, but I definitely know that the money needs to be documented.

I started weight training again, yesterday morning and I'm paying for it today. The front and back of my arms, my chest and even my shoulders are in agony. Lactic acid is definitely to blame, so I'm trying to drink my water like a good girl. Tonight, we're supposed to paint and wash cars. I was going to try to work in some cardio, but we'll see how time plays out. Tomorrow? Leg day. I think I'll roll over and die now, thank you.

Strange and Unusual

My hubby has been sick for the past few days. It's quite the oddity in the house to see him hacking and croaking. He never gets sick (except every few years). I feel really bad for him because I know it's hindering him from doing all that he wants. I basically took care of the entire household last night while he struggled to talk and breathe. It was a stressful day and a reminder of just how much he does around here. I hope he recuperates quickly.

I think the astronomical weirdness before the eclipse had an effect on people, and not a good one. I really feel like they all went extra stupid a couple of days ago and it culminated, yesterday. Perhaps I'm just jaded...but I can't help but think that the planets and satellites really do have an effect on the earth-folk. If the moon can pull the tides, what the heck is it doing to us 80% bags of water?!

I took my eldest to see the Spider.wick Chronicles last Friday. She was so excited because late last year, we read the books together (the books are wonderful, by the way). The movie? Not so wonderful. Oh, there are neat special effects and the acting is decent, but the heart of the stories is missing. There was a tenderness that never found it's way onto the big screen and it's definitely too bad. The babe's opinion? "It was good until the scary parts." She also commented on how different the movie was from the books. She was waiting for things just like I was. I haven't checked professional reviewers opinions yet (but will make sure I do).

Everything else is pretty normal. I didn't do anything special on V-day, but I did spend quality time with hubby. That's all I ever really want, anyway. He's got six weeks until his next show and he's down to almost no carbs. I hope that his sweet, pitiful, sickly disposition doesn't turn into a monster-man because of it. I know how I am when there's not enough sugar in my diet.

Feeling Good

Oh, so much better! I no longer feel like a stomach-extraction would make me feel better. We are coexisting again and I'm truly happy about that. The weekend has been cold, cold, cold. We only got as high as 36 degrees yesterday. It drizzled and snowed, but I loved it! We went out early in the day and drove to my mom's town to see her. Unfortunately, she had plans so the girls and I ended up having breakfast together. Then, we went to Ross Dress for Less where I picked up a new sweater/blouse (I always seem to have lots of skirts and pants, but never enough tops). After we left Ross, we journeyed back to our own city to visit our local Kohl's. Early last week, I received a $10 gift card for their grand opening sale. Our location has been there for years but, as a promotional ploy, all the stores participate as if they're all grand opening.

I purchased a $37 body bra, marked down to $25 for the sale, plus my $10 gift card. I did pretty well, I think. Oh, and the body bra? I've had several since I was a teenager; however, I haven't purchased one for my new size, lately (that's bra size). The above is exactly what I purchased.

Hubby and I are doing better, too. We had a long talk and it seems what I thought was wrong really wasn't what was bothering him. I forget that I'm supposed to be a mind reader and know these things instinctively. Anyway, he went to a friend's event last night and used our new camera for the first time (I used it on my trip a couple of weeks ago). Let's just say, he won't be appearing as a guest photographer in any magazines anytime soon.

I've been OD'ing on the horror movies this weekend (it is the month for it, isn't it?) and had forgotten what great titles we have, until I started looking. This is what I've managed to get in, in just two days:

1. Rosemary's Baby

2. The Stepford Wives (the original)

3. It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (watched with the family)

4. The Witches (watched with the family)

5. Underworld

Dove and Steriods

After my little visit to the doctor, no new information was determined...well, I guess I've determined that I'm a freak of nature (but I already sort of new that). He said that the hives and the tastelessness I'm experiencing don't appear to be in correlation with the penicillin injection I received over ten days ago. He prescribed Prednisone for the next little bit in hopes that it will have an effect on the hives. I've heard from others that this is a temporary miracle drug that, if taken too long, will ultimately kill you. Nice. I remember we prescribed it to the animals, when I worked at the Vet's office, for decreasing inflammation. I suppose that is what this doctor had in mind.

I worked from home yesterday after I picked up my prescription. I was sort of embarrassed to go because the Pharmacy ladies know me now. Yes! They know me and now ask, "Is it for you or the baby?" Ugh! I'm a regular. That's so sad. Anyway, they joked with me and said that my visits wouldn't decrease until the kids were at least fifteen. Only fifteen? Why not make it twenty-four? It might as well be one hundred. Each visit for me is like the walk of shame. I can't seem to keep anyone in my family healthy.

The meds seemed to make a difference within an hour. My itching wasn't as bad and I could taste a bit of Indy's french fries...not well, but enough to enjoy them somewhat. My Healthy Choice breaded chicken meal wasn't too bad either. The breading had a lot of pepper and I could certainly taste that. By evening, I was feeling pretty good. I took a shower, hoped into bed and began to itch like a mad woman! I broke out the Cortaid spray and Aveeno Cortisone cream with a quickness. The itching never really subsided, even with the topicals. I had a thought: "What if I'm reacting to my new body wash?" It never occurred to me that this could be because I've used Dove forever! Seriously. The first body bar I was ever able to read at maybe four or five was D-O-V-E. Dove. That's what my family used. Not Zest, Irish Spring, Dial, Lava, Caress...just Dove. When they started coming out with their body wash line (around my college years), I began to buy those with just as much success as their bars.

A couple of weeks ago, we were shopping at Shopko and stumbled upon marked-down Dove body washes. Two were new: the Massage brand and Green Tea. I'd already had experience with the Green Tea bar and loved the fragrance so, we picked that without hesitation. The Massage one smelled nice and had these pearl massage beads included in the formula. It sounded heavenly. The new body wash made it's way into my shower quickly and I began using it right away. This morning, I took another shower but with my Dove bar, not the body wash. The itching went away. Bingo! Sadly, this wash will have to go for it seems I have determined the source of my speckled hivey loveliness.

In other news, I've been going through a Robert Altman phase as of late. One my early goals in my weight loss program was a movie from my half.com wish list. I chose a movie that I've been enamored with for years: 3 Women. It's a disturbing tale with some phenomenal acting by a very young Shelley Duvall and Sissy Spacek. I remember seeing it in high school really late at night, and later seeing it again as an adult. At that time, I taped the movie and try to watch it once a year. If I were a film professor, this would be in my stable of movies to teach. If you can netflix it, I highly recommend it. It will definitely stay with you...an unusual movie indeed.

This past weekend, I watched another of his masterpieces, Nashville, which was a little slow but very good. Being that this is my hometown, I was eager to see if I recognized anything...the turn of a highway, a landmark. So much has changed since 1975 but the Parthenon? Timeless. I knew it and Centennial park right away. The story revolves around 24 protagonist...seriously. You gotta keep up. It's a myriad of themes with the characters all coming together at the surprise ending. I really enjoyed it, but I don't think I'll own this particular Altman.

For the past two days, I've been watching snippets of Brewster McCloud with increased zeal and interest. Mr. Altman was definitely a man about metaphors. The inside and outside jokes, the oncologist narrator. It's one wild ride of a movie and one I hope to own someday. Next week, I think I'll try and find the original Mash and see what that's all about.

Back to the 90's

That's what I'm digging today on my work Live365 tunes. When I get here early enough and all the VIP members haven't saturated the system, I can pretty much pick any station I want to listen to and I was lucky enough to get this one today. Ginuwine, Total, Snap, Chris Isaak, Smashing Pumpkins...it's all 90's and it's awesome (but making me feel a little old, too).

I am so ecstatic! I've lost a total of 16 pounds and I am seriously floating, today. I feel great and I'm stoked to keep going and get back into the rest of the my clothes. I saw an outfit this morning, when I was grabbing the red dress I'm sporting today, that I wore two years ago. It's super cute and springy and I'm jonesing to wear it. I also have my goal outfit (that's a bit further down the road...the 25 pound mark, actually) that I'm really excited to sport somewhere.

Last night, me and hubby watched Smokin' Aces last night (a friend lent it to him and no...It hasn't been released on DVD yet. I have no idea where he got it.). At any rate, it was wild and action packed. I thought it a bit hard to follow at first, but maybe that's because the volume was down for the sake of the sleeping kids and I'm sort of dependent on caption when that happens and there was none on this DVD. I did, eventually, pick up on the meat of the story and was along for the ride. Alicia Keys was pretty good, for her first role and (as always) was stunning as a bad-ass hit-woman. Ryan Reynolds is in it too and, I have to say, I'm becoming more and more of a fan. If he keeps up with the versatility, this guy will go places.

Marathon Meetings and are they Really Necessary?

That's what I've been doing for the past few days and it's driving me batty! Thankfully, we're done now and I can actually get some real work done. Ugh! I feel like nothing was accomplished until the end of the day, yesterday...but, that's just me. Maybe everyone else felt like they got something out of the hours of talking we endured. At least the lunch was good (Paradise Bakery). I had a southwest chicken sandwich, pasta salad and tossed salad. All was yummy and I didn't go overboard (I've been getting really good at that).

Tuesday night, the family went roller skating again and I was looking a lot better this time around. There was this one chick there, who was cruising around the rink like a pro (complete with IPOD)...jamming away, was awesome and oblivious to the tunes coming through the skating rink sound system. She did, however, ditch the personal music to engage in "The Hokey Pokey" and "The Chicken Dance." I actually thought that was kind of weird. Then, the earphones went back in and she cruised around the rink some more. Hubby didn't even get skates, this time. The babe got tired before I did and played video games with dad for a bit. I was happy to see Indy so content, even though she was in her stroller the whole time.

I'm really set on getting my own skates, now. I can only imagine whose nasty, stinky feet have been in those before me. I know they spray them, but what's that? Is that going to kill years of built up fungi? Who knows. I'm on a mission to find some decently priced skates and, luckily, Big5 throws there's on sale every couple of weeks. Right now, they only have their roller blades on sale.

Hubby being home has been so nice, but I can't seem to stay healthy. As soon as I get over a cold, another one seems to emerge. Now, I have this blasted pink eye and so do both of the girls. Yuck! It's, drops here and drops there with us for the next seven days. I just want to be healthy and not worry about sniffling, coughing, sneezing, phlegmy yuckiness anymore. I spend so much time trying to breathe at night, "other things" are neglected (and that is never good). We were supposed to have quality time last night, but after he got off the phone with his mother, all I wanted to do was try and sleep. The humidifier was going, the Vicks was on (and in) and I was steady trying to breathe out of one nostril (not fun).

He's been great through it all, though with nary a complaint. He took the babe to school and picked her up, yesterday. Then, he took her swimming and rented a movie for her to watch with the family (Open Season). He took her and will bring her home today as well. We have dance tonight, and I'm going to try and convince him to go with me again. We had such a good time together last week, even though all we did was chat and play with Indy. As much as they can sometimes drive me totally nuts, I'm so fortunate to have my little family. More and more, I'm recognizing this.