Trying To Gear Up...

Only 46 days until Christmas 2010. Un-be-liev-a-ble. This year has to be a part of some kind of rift in the space-time continuum. Where did the year go? Where has my life gone?

Well, other than contemplating my mortality, I've been spending some time trying to gear myself up for the holiday season. For some reason, I just can't seem to get into the groove. Not sure if it's because I'm working again this year and keep reflecting back on how nice it was to be home last holiday season doing what I so love to do...decorating, baking, preparing. Or if it's because I'm not feeling the best physically and really can't wait until my insurance takes effect next month so I can get to a doctor. Or if I'm basically an honest-to-goodness Scrooge this year and wish I could just sleep through the entire thing. Who knows.

Either way, it's coming whether I like it or not. How do I act as if I'm the jolliest of jolly for my daughter's sake? How do I make it happy for her when I'm absolutely miserable?

I wish I could talk to Mom... :(

Five Fridays

Ah, Fall. It's heading to the mountains with a vengence. The air is cooler, the trees are starting to turn, and the air is so fresh and clean. My favorite time of year!

And this month is pretty awesome. There are 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays, and 5 Sundays. Only happens once every 823 years! :)

Although the new job pays the bills (been there a month), I sure miss being able to stay home. Heading into the holidays I can't help but remember how nice it was to be home last year and do all the baking and decorating without having to work a full-time job. And stitch when I wanted to. But alas, bills have to be paid and I'm always the responsible one. It was nice while it lasted.

Computer Withdrawals & Cure

There's nothing like not having computer access for a few months to cure your addiction. It was hard at first. I was completely lost without it. But I soon realized I could actually do other things instead of sitting in front of my monitor. Yes, other things! Can you imagine? And now that I'm back online, it seems as if the computer is something I can do when I have time between my "other" things. Isn't that the way it's supposed to be anyway? LOL

Maddy is looking forward to school starting in less than a month, and I'm working a part-time job. I really wish I didn't have to go back to work, but I guess I figured I would have to eventually. Staying home was good while it lasted, but it didn't last nearly long enough.

Maddy and I are planning a get-healthy menu beginning next month, including more smoothies, healthier recipes, lots of veggies, and not buying the fattening snacks we've been keeping in the house. She's a skinny little thing, but she's very conscious about eating right which makes me happy. I'm looking forward to dropping some more weight over the Fall months. Hopefully by Christmas I'll be a lot closer to my goal, thanks to my personal trainer princess! :)

Carpet Vs. Hardwood

And the hardwood wins hands down! Landlady gave me permission to rip the carpet out of the living room, which is the only room that has it. A test strip shows very pretty hardwood underneath, so I'm excited! I'm just not a carpet person.

Another record-breaking warm day for us today. It's beautiful outside. We're expecting storms tomorrow which I'm definitely looking forward to. Nothing like a nice spring thunderstorm!

Have a great day, everyone!

Smart Marley

She knows what that fire is for!

Today is Groundhog Day, and Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. 6 more weeks of Winter. 6 more weeks of scenes like this. And 6 more weeks of the chance of snow days, like today. Miss M is very happy!

The Tree

For the past couple of years we've had a real tree, and I'm not sure I'll ever go back to artificial, despite the convenience. There's just nothing like a real tree at Christmas. It was our intention since it was our first year "back home" to take Miss M into the woods and cut our own tree, but with Mother Nature bombarding us with 22" of snow, that was rather difficult. So, we compromised and headed out to buy one.

THIS was the one, and we think it turned out very pretty. :)

Another year and another Christmas in the books. Time to start planning for Christmas, 2010! :)

Silly Kitty

Thomas, you silly kitty...

I love my critters. LOL

Another rainy and chilly day here in the mountains. I'm enjoying the whole "hibernating" thing. Comfort food, some good TV, and lots of family time. Before we know it it'll be time for yard work and air conditioning.

I'm planning to start my workout schedule again on Monday. It's that time. Last year I lost 35 pounds from February thru June, and this year I'm expecting no less thanks to my coach, Richard Simmons. He's a true inspiration! So, I'll be tracking my progress here and by the Summer I'll be back in my shorts and feeling great. :) Ah, determination!