Year End Wrap Up

Much like last year, I am posting the first post of each month with the first sentence.

January - Happy New Year! Time to recap.
February - Love it quick note to say I am so happy here.
March - Day one - no meat So far so good.
April - Drunk Post Just got back from my Bug's Teacher's b-day party.
May - May Already? How is it already May?
June - Happy Blogversary Happy blogversary to me.
July - Home Again We are home.
August - Happy Birthday Sweetie!! Happy Birthday Sweetie.
September - Me Time Oh I loves me some me time.
October - Choosing to be happy Today is a good day.
November - Pictures
December - Brain Dump It is Friday.

This year has been crazy. Here is the summary:

1. Started the year unemployed
2. Started working for my favorite non-profit
3. Sweetie won an Addy for his logo
4. We attended Carnaval
5. I was diagnosed with Graves' Disease
6. Bug turned 1
7. We went to DisneyLand and SanDiego
8. I started working in my industry again
9. I turned 30
10. And my Bug got big - started walking, running, gymnastics, and now has 10 teeth

If I don't get on again before the new year - HAPPY NEW YEAR! Please be safe. We are doing the same as last year and playing games with friends and family.

Here's to a great 2007.

head exploding

OK so I am sick. I have a sinus infection. I even have a fever - blah. I have my antibiotics. Sweetie is getting me dinner. Bug is passed out. We shall see if she is down for the night or only taking a cat-nap. My dr said that I should be feeling better by Saturday. I hope so.

Oops baby woke up. Must get her some pedisure.

Back at Work

It is very quiet here. My boss is out. I am trying to get caught up and look like the good employee, but I am so very not motivated.

Good news is my girlie doc called and all is normal - yay.

Last week in 2006. That makes me happy. 2007 is going to be about health, healing, and growth. I say this as I drink a real coke and eat a piece of fudge. Stupid co-workers bringing in sweets to the break room, and stupid coke machine for giving me the real one instead of diet. Blah.

I planned to start my walking plan for the 10k today. However, I have a nasty head cold. Must go see Dr tomorrow. Don’t want it to turn to bronchitis. Bronchitis and I are like BFF.

So I have motivation to lose my weight. 1) I want to be healthier. 2) I want to get back down to where my smaller clothing is not tight. 3) I want to look like I did when I weighed less. 4) SIL#2's wedding is going to be anywhere from early to late summer. That right there is big motivation. I already have a plan in excel. LOL. I wanted to start right away. But knowing that this week is a strange week, then we have News Years and anniversary, starting anything right now just would not work for me. So my goal this week is to get my water in. I know it sounds overly simple. And I am really good at my water. But it is a goal and something I can do that makes me feel healthier without setting myself up for failure. As I write this, I have already had my 8 cups of water today.

And it seems I may have a new hobby, but I am not committing to anything too soon. MIL got me the greatest little kit that teaches you to knit. Four people have tried to teach me. Somehow this kit is making sense. Sure I had to ask Mom a couple of questions, but overall it just makes more sense. And the first project they have you do is a bookmark. It is small enough to not be intimidating. But also small enough that you can take it all out and start over without feeling like - I am NOT doing that again. I have been working on it and I think I am on version 6 of the bookmark. I want to make sure I have the stitches down and that kind of thing.

In my whole early New Years resolution mode, I also rejoined Flylady. I am hoping it helps. I want to have things in a better balance before I start studying again. Not sure if I am starting the Beginner program tonight or on the 1st.

As with all things like this, I will keep you informed. So I have a plan for my body and my house. I simply need to make a final decision on the eating part, and I will be set.

In spite of the coughing and tiredness, I am in a great mood today. Tonight is Sweetie's game night for FFXI. I plan to play with a bug and then knit after she goes to sleep. I know, I am such a party animal.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all. Currently, I am waiting on my dessert for Christmas dinner to finish baking while we watch The Muppets Christmas Carol. Life is good.

Here are some photos of our holiday celebration so far.

We started Saturday with snowing of MIL's yard.









Saturday night we celebrated Christmas Eve Eve at Brothers and SIL#1. Serif loves their puppy.






Christmas Eve was a wonderful success. We did not make it to church due to a couple of gifts not working properly and Sweetie running all over town in attempts to resolve the issue. No such luck. Blah. But it did not hamper the evening as those involved understood.
Here we are all dressed up for our celebration.























As our activity this year SIL#2 brought marshmallow snowmen to decorate. Some were sweet. However, my Sweetie has a sick, sick mind.








Christmas morning was wonderful. Bug loves everything she received. She has been playing very hard all morning and is finally napping with her Daddy. Sweetie got me this great clock for above our front door. I love it.





Sweetie received as my biggest gift to him, a rotary waffle iron. We found these in the hotels in CA. He loved them. He is very big into breakfast. He loves to make it and eat it. Yesterday he made us the most wonderful French Toast. If you like French Toast, and have an HEB near you, I highly recommend their French Toast Bread. Yum yum.



And Santa was very good to Sweetie. After all these years, he is finally going to have his trampoline. There were tears in his eyes when he realized what I did.

And now the dessert is finished baking. I made Swirled Raspberry Chocolate Streusel Bars.

Christmas Time is Here!

The Christmas Weekend Begins. Tonight was a fun time at MotoDiva's. Bug was very good. Sweetie even made rice krispie treats. Tomorrow is Snowing of MIL's yard and the evening at Brother and SIL#1.

I am not sure if I will be back on before Christmas, so I want to take this chance to say MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I have been in a great mood all day. The Christmas spirit is in full swing. This is going to be a great Christmas. I have everything I need - my family and friends.

I hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday season.

Exposed

If you have ever sat in an empty and cold bathtub while fully clothed and crying, you can appreciate how good it can make you feel for a little person to come into the dark room with a smile that can light up the world. You can appreciate how good it can make you feel to hear her talk to you while laughing. I am sure telling amazing stories - that include rubber duckies found in Mom's dungeon. You can also appreciate when she asks to get into the tub with you and all she wants to do is hug you. Full on bear hugs. You cannot help but cry while squeezing her. She lifts up and laughs. Not like she is laughing at you, but more like sharing happiness. Another hug and a kiss. All is right with the world again. She takes the best care of me.

I am good. Nothing to worry about. I was just experiencing some sadness last night. I cope by hiding. I hide from family and friends. I was sad, so I hid. But I had to share this. I had to share how she got me out of the tub. I had to share what a great little person she is. She does not just cry because I cry, she tries to make me feel better. She knows how happy hugs and kisses make me.

Sweetie worked to make me happy by doing dishes and running to the store for needed items while Bug took care of me. He returned with a yummy and healthy dinner.

So why the sadness? I still think it is my medication. I am going to call the Dr next week - if not tomorrow. I really don't want to half my medication without her knowledge. I have been experiencing sadness - nothing as dramatic like suicidal or anything like that, I am fully functioning - as well as exhaustion. That is the only way to say it, exhaustion and not fatigue. I pass out at night, which is good, but I am tired all day. These are things that can be related to my medication. Or I am simply messed up.

In spite of the tub incident last night, I had a good evening. Sweetie and I watched a movie, ate a wonderful dinner, and talked. That is always good. We were going to play split, but I fell asleep.

The holidays are here. Tonight is an informal gathering so I can meet HowieMaui's newest SIL. This is her first Christmas in the States. We are going to watch Christmas specials and bake. I need to make things for tomorrow's Diva gathering as well as Christmas Eve Eve on Saturday.

Bug had an ENT appointment yesterday. After, we went shopping for some Stocking Stuffers for Sweetie. We were quite successful. It really put me into the holiday spirit. I do love this time of year.

Today is my parent's wedding anniversary. 33 years ago they went to a JP and got hitched. I am ever so grateful for this.

Did I mention that I am tired?

I really don't want to work today.

I went to my girlie doc follow up appointment this morning. All went well. I will get the results next week, though I am not worried. But as a reward, I got a peppermint mocha from Starbucks. Yummy Yummy,

Sweetie is off from work today. He is shopping for me while doing some cleaning and picking up some needed items for my baking. He is too good to me. This meant, of course, that he wanted to have lunch with me. That was a very nice break.

Unfortunately, there was an accident. With Sweetie's ever expanding creativeness we had a casualty. The glass on our coffee table broke today. Sweetie was attaching rivets to a project. With the last one, the glass broke. We have discussed getting a new coffee table. I think I know what our joint anniversary gift will be.

Another

Another thing to keep in mind with 2007:

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
~Albert Einstein

My Favorite Charlie Brown Quote

Charlie Brown: [shouting in desperation] Isn't there anyone out there who can tell me what Christmas is all about?

Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you. Lights, please. [a spotlight shines on Linus] Linus Van Pelt: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the lord shone round about them, and they were afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you this day is born in the City of Bethlehem, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men'". That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie brown.

Santa

Last night after gymnastics, we went and saw Santa. She was soooo good. Last week when we were at the mall Bug saw Santa and wanted to meet him. So we got her dressed up and took her back. She showed the same interest. She walked right up to him and let him sit her on his lap. She was great, no crying at all. She stayed serious as he spoke to her. She then got a bracelet and a candy cane. She and I shared the candy cane. I think she was good because the Santa at our mall is the real thing. He has a real beard and wears black cowboy boots. I love it. And he is the same Santa as last year. This year she did not pull his beard.

faith

Along with SOGOTP, I also need to let go. I believe in meant to be. I believe in things happening for a reason. Every heartache, every loss, every piece of happiness happens for a reason. I tend to think that life is testing me from time to time, to see if I can keep this belief. I am a Christian. Not everyone believes the way I do. Heck not even all Christians do. I am not a "bible thumper". I believe that the bible was written by man and translated and altered to its current form. I believe it is holy. I believe it is important. Flawless? No. I also believe that just because a tribe in Africa does not believe exactly what we do, does not make them wrong. How can you claim that something a community has believed since the beginning of time is wrong because they do not call God the same thing we do. It is not my place on this earth to tell others that they are wrong. I think it is very non-Christian to judge what others believe. I also believe in Gay marriage, women priests, and priests marrying and having children.

Wait, I had a point. How did this soap box get here? Oh yes, faith. I think you have to have faith, to let go. Not meaning to be passive, but to have faith that things will get better, stay good, or whatnot. Whether that faith is with God, the Gods, the universe as a whole, or whatever you believe, I think it is important.

With my disease, I have to have faith. With many things, I have to have faith. Faith that things are happening for a reason. Sometimes that faith is hard. But overall I keep this outlook. It has been a year since leaving my telecommunications job. What a year. At the end it was hell there. It almost killed me on accounting - thinking the only way to have a good paying job was to work all hours of the day. I had to go through that. I had to have that commute and that boss. I had to experience the struggle to appreciate today. I appreciate my commute, I appreciate my job, and most importantly I appreciate my boss.

Where is this coming from? I just received an email saying that during the 27-29th that we get to dress casual. That hit me that next week is the last week of the year. This made me think about 2006. I think of all the changes and obstacles from this past year. I try to keep faith that they all happened for a reason. And I hope they are all good reasons I am grateful for all of it. And I mean all of it. The good and the bad, the highs and the lows. I look towards 2007. I hope 2007 is less chaotic than 2006.

Faith. You have to have faith. So if you are stressed about your job, new house, holidays, in-laws, money, or health, have faith. I know easier said than done. But it is true. Things happen for a reason. There is a plan in the universe that we are not aware of.

Right now I am having faith that all my last minute Christmas shopping will get done, that the house will get clean in time for Christmas Eve, and that I will not need radiation.

This also stems from an A$mazon.com order we made earlier this month. Claymation Christmas, Garfield Christmas, and Muppet's Christmas Carol. We shipped it to Sweetie’s work. I started to get worried that we had not received it. I check the tracking and it said it was delivered on the 9th- a Saturday. Sweetie did not have it. I was pissed. Not only was my account already drafted, but we didn't have the Christmas videos to show Bug. Sweetie says he would handle it. It was his account and all. I had to have faith that it would get resolved. I was venting to Mom about it when Sweetie comes back and says he has them. They were in his mailbox at work. He forgets that he has a mailbox there. I couldn't help but smile. Honestly, and I know it sounds strange, but it made my day. I had to laugh. I was all gearing up for a fight and none was needed.

I am now heading to Bug and Sweetie, it is gymnastics tonight. Woo hoo.

what a view

Wednesday night Duck Tour: We did actually see a few ducks.
And here we are in front of the bus/boat.









Friday night Trail of Lights:










Then Saturday Night: The nutcracker was awesome as always. After Sweetie told me he had a surprise for me. He took me to the Whataburger we went to the day we got married. We got it to go and he took me to my school. At 10pm we sat on the steps of Main Building eating our dinner while looking over the Austin skyline. It was so romantic. He is amazing. After dinner, we strolled through campus and finished at the Cheesecake Factory for dessert. That was a great evening. This is the door that was the backdrop to our picnic.

all over the place

blah. Today I am feeling some sadness. Ugh. Some of it started yesterday when I picked Bug up from school. A teacher said "I know better than to get between Bug and her graham crackers". Another teacher misheard and said "oh is there a problem with Grandpa". I asked the first teacher if she said graham crackers - she confirmed. Second teacher then says "he picked her up yesterday, right?" I said no. She asked if it was earlier in the week. I said no. She said "ever?" I said no. That is when it truly hit me that Bug does not have any grandpas. Well, she has a Great-Grandpa and that is neat, but not the same. It made me sad.

Life. I don't understand it. This morning I found out about a 5 year old boy at our church who passed away. Not fair at all. Mom is working the funeral tomorrow. She is blah today too because of it. Makes me want to hug my Bug.

Today I am not focused at work. I have a deadline and I am not into it. I want to go home. Tonight is Bug's school's party and then the Trail of Lights. Good thing is that it should be nice weather.

And then tomorrow night. That is going to be the big one. Sweetie and my third annual Christmas Date. We will eat good food and watch the Nutcracker. I am excited. Hopefully it will get me out of my funk.

Wednesday night Sweetie and I went on a Duck Tour with Sweetie's department. It was a lot of fun. I will have to post some pictures. If you want to learn about Austin, don't do it. If you want to quack at strangers, go for it.

Tonight, with the lights, tomorrow the Nutcracker, Sunday finishing all shopping, Monday is gymnastics, Tuesday is Santa, Wednesday and Thursday are watching Christmas movies until we lose our minds, Friday is a Diva gathering, Saturday is Christmas Eve Eve, Sunday is Christmas Eve, and then Monday is Christmas. Tonight really starts the Christmas rush.

I love this time of year, it is my favorite. I am going to work on something. I am going to work on staying positive, choosing happiness. All in the mind - right? All in our choices. We shall see if this works.

That and walking. Much like SIL#1 - going to start calling brother's wife SIL#1 and Sweetie's sister SIL#2 to avoid confusion. Not a ranking, this is the order that they became my SILs - she believes a midget with a taser would solve her scheduling problems. Do they come in the "make me exercise" variety? I think if I could find a way to put a treadmill in my house, I would use it most daily. It is the walking outside in the dark that gets to me. But a little zzzz would help.

My meds - I looked at my levels and it looks like the are good - gosh darnit. So I am focusing on lifestyle rather than med reduction - at least through Feb. But since I got the news, I have had the WORST time remembering to take them. I am a great morning pill taker. It is when you say I can't take one pill with others, like my antithyroid cannot be taken with my vitamin, that I forget the second pill.
** After posting this, I did further research. According to this article my lab is using the old standard for TSH levels. Which means since mine is above a 3 - according to the new standard that I am hypo. I knew it!

But my new mottos - Shit or get off the pot - we will call it SOGOTP for short. If I want my meds reduced in March, I need to exercise and eat right. OK eating right will start AFTER the holidays. I am not THAT strong. And tonight is some exercise. But I need to do it. Stop talking about it and do it. One step at a time.

Next week we have two appointments. Serif has her ENT follow up and I have my follow up with my girlie doc. Did I ever blog that my pap came back abnormal? It also came back negative for HPV - so yay, but I have to go back and have a second pap done. No big deal.

OK I realize I have written a book without saying anything. I will close for now. Everyone have a safe weekend.

either shit or get off the pot

This is what my father told Sweetie when he asked for my hand in marriage. We had been dating at that point for 4.5 years.

However, this is also my motto for the new year. Either shit or get off the pot. Meaning - do something about it. I know it sounds simple. But I tend to get lost in what all needs to get done instead of focusing on one task at hand. I have noticed lately that a lot of my goals/desires go together. For example, I want to wear my smaller clothing, so I need to exercise, exercise will also help my health, improved health will help my self esteem, etc... Therefore, I need to get my butt out the door. Doing so will help many areas of my life.

Same thing goes with the house. I want a solid routine before starting to study for the CPA. So whenever something is bothering me or annoying me, I am going to try and do something about it. Nothing perfect, much like Flylady - a little at a time. But that is going to be my new thing. Shut up and do it. Exercise, weight loss, organization, health, CPA, relationships, and on and on.

While I might not be able to solve anything right then, I am going to work on a plan at least. A realistic, doable, non-overwhelming plan. Let's hope it helps. I am feeling motivated about it. And I am sure you all will hear about the results.

My real motivation is that 2007 will be my second year on my meds, my last year. I need to go into remission or they are going to want to do the radiation. So health and stress free have to be a focus.

And if you get a moment, make a snowflake - it is a great cause and a lot of fun.

First Photo Blog in Beta

Weekend in pictures. No worries - no vomiting included. And good news to those at the Baking Day on Sunday - it seems several co-workers got sick on Sunday as well. And we all went to the Christmas Party on Thursday. Me thinks food poisoning.

Feeling Better

I am feeling a good bit better. I have to say that my Sweetie is amazing. We both were sick, though he was a few hours ahead of me. He tended to me last night when I was sick, he took Bug to school this morning. He was still feeling crappy but after getting back home and going back to sleep for several hours, he was doing much better. He went to the store and got us soup, Gatorade, raisin bread toast and apples. The funny thing is while I was sick last night I was wanting an apple so badly. It was all I could thing of for hours. I did not mention this at the time. When he brought in the apples I asked why he got them, he said he just thought we needed them. We ate our soup and watched White Christmas. He was feeling much better than me still and picked Bug up from school for me. Currently they are at the Parent and Tot gymnastics class. This gave me a chance to take a long shower. That made me feel much better. He takes the best care of me.

I need to feel better for tomorrow. I need to work some overtime. Nothing crazy, but enough that it can be a nightmare if not feeling well.

Quiz Time

Katie made me do it!

GREEN

You are a very calm and contemplative person. Others are drawn to your peaceful, nurturing nature.

Find out your color at QuizMeme.com!

Home Sick

Weekend report first. Friday night was relaxed as I was trying to feel better from my cold. Saturday was the tree trimming at Moms. It was a lot of fun. I will post pictures later - I just don't have the patience now. Sunday was my baking party and very successful. Bourbon balls are ripening as we speak.

Unfortunately, Sweetie started feeling crappy during the day. I started feeling crappy that night. I won't go into the wonderful details of the carnival that our bodies have going on inside us. Bug also got sick during the weekend. However, it is not the same thing. Hers is related to drainage - we gave her benedryl and she slept better than she has in a few nights. I hope what Sweetie and I have is food related. Because I don't want anyone that was over yesterday to feel like this. If you get sick. I am SO So SO sorry.

This means I don't get the 22nd off. That is ok. I am in no shape for work. The only reason I am blogging is that Sweetie is dropping Bug off at school. We are in no shape to watch her today. Our time is better spent getting better. So I wait for him - hoping he is doing ok. He does not throw up easy. My brother made the comment that SIL throws up easy and that he doesn't. Sweetie didn't understand the comment until last night when we could compare our experiences. I am lucky enough to throw up easily. But anywho.....

Back to the dropping Bug off, I don't know how you SAHMs do it. If you get sick there is no place to take the babies. Another reason I marvel at the profession.

But alas, my legs are aching and I think I am going to need to move quickly to the bathroom. So I will leave you for now.

Friday

The party was very nice last night. Today though I feel like poopy. No fever but my throat hurts, my nose runs, and I feel stuffy. Not fair. Tonight I plan to rest. I have to feel better because Sunday is my Baking Day. If I don't feel better, I may have to cancel. Blah.

And I received the results of my blood work. Well, not the actual numbers. But I heard enough. They told me to not adjust my meds. This totally bummed me out. I am having several Hypo symptoms. I think I am hypo. I am waiting to see the actual results. Blah. I go back in March - actually on the 1 year anniversary of being diagnosed. If I can't adjust my meds yet, then I need to work on my lifestyle. I HAVE to exercise. Sweetie is so good, he went running when we got back from the party. Of course he runs so it doesn't take as long and he is a boy so it isn't as scary to run at 10 at night.

I think I need to take the same approach he has. Our Dr told him that he has to work out. I need to consider this the same thing. I need to work out. I need to get this under control. This disease has me feeling so out of control. I need some control. So I need a little more time. I need more time to get habits that are needed. I hate to say this again, but I think I need to push the CPA a little further out. I was hoping to start studying the first of the year. I don't think that would be smart yet. I have to get me in a good place before I put such pressure on myself. Otherwise I will be setting myself up for failure.

I really thought I would have to reduce my meds.

No Time to Blog - nonsense

Happy 18 months Baby Girl!!!

Busy days and busy nights means blogging during the day as I get a chance. I am feeling much better - though the tired is still there. Sweetie read two chapters of the book to me and I feel asleep in the first quarter of the first chapter. When he turned off the light I asked why he didn't read the full two chapters. Good thing I got my blood drawn today. Hope to hear results tomorrow.

At my work I keep my email open. So when I get an email or a a comment on my blog, I know quickly. (except when gmail is being a pain in the butt) I love interaction. I love my internets. I love that I have people who I care about and I have never met. But I will meet them. Between the Blog Blowout in March and a needed trip to the SA zoo in the spring, I will meet several people I follow on a daily basis. When they cry I cry, when they laugh I laugh. It is a friendship unlike any other. One of my New Year's resolutions will be to communicate more with these internet friends.

OK back to work. What am I doing? Reconciling my reimbursements to my distributions. Fun huh? Actually I think it is. But at the point I am at it is a case of going through and making sure each individual is on each list. Don’t worry, I use excel to make it easier. But back to it: tick tick tick..

Tonight is my company's Christmas party. I even received a Christmas bonus – separate from the monthly. I didn’t expect one as I have only been here almost three months. But I will take it.

OK headed home to get ready for the fun.

Tired

What to post. I am behind on my photos. I am tired of sadness. I can't wait to get my blood work back to find out if my meds need adjusting.

I am also very tired today. Blah.

Maybe I just need a good night sleep.

Tumbling Fool

Tonight was Bug's first parent and tot gymnastics class. Sweetie met me there so all three of us took the class. It was new for her. We had several tantrums. But they were because she wanted to do more. She wanted to stay on the trampoline - which she is very good at. Maybe there is something to the idea of genetic memory. By the end of the class she was starting to catch on. I think it is going to be fun. I love that all three of us went together.

Pictures of the fun? Unfortunately, no. We both were so caught up in introducing her to the class that we didn't even get a chance.

Blah

I hate waiting while the man I adore is at the Dr. I hate waiting period, but this kind is enough to make me crazy.

** After three hours I received a message from Sweetie. Everything is good. He is healthy. However, they made him wait 2 hours in the little room. And he forgot his cell phone at work. That totally sucks. But he is good, so that is all that matters.

views from above

My weekend was very busy. Friday night was a surprise party for BestFriend. It was cold so I broke out my cute hat and scarf.

Saturday was beautiful. We enjoyed some time playing outside.



This is my current favorite Christmas collection. Fisher Price Little People Nativity.

These are my new Christmas flannel sheets - I got them today for half off.

Last night we had the best evening. While it was not a formal date night, it turned into a perfect evening for us. We watched Frosty the Snowman and, unfortunately, the second Frosty with bug. After she went to sleep we enjoyed icecream while discussing music, played a couple of games of Split, Sweetie read me the next chapter in Unfortunate Events, and Sweetie watched the next installment in "Full Metal Alchemist". It was a really great evening. To thank Sweetie, I let him sleep in while I made him my famous oatmeal.

Tonight my shoulder hurts, blah. I don't think I have my set up correct at work yet. Being short makes it difficult. I don't like pain. This next week is a week of appointments. Bug, Sweetie, Me, and Mom. Crossing fingers that I need my medication adjusted.

Brain Dump

It is Friday. I have plans tonight and I want to leave work a little early. But I don’t want to work. So instead I give you a brain dump.

~HowieMaui - I am so very sorry for your loss. Let me know if there is anything you need/want.

~Traffic sucked on the way to work this morning. Yes, my commute is only 4 miles. However, when the light that I need to cross 620 just stops giving my side their turn, traffic gets bad. BLAH!

~Last night was cold. I made "Missy Mess" and biscuits. So yummy. After dinner Bug wanted to look at the lights. Sweetie decided it meant a family walk. After I declared that we would only be out for a short time, we all bundled up. Bug was so happy. We walked looking at the Christmas lights on other houses. She loved it. And we ended up being out - just strolling and chatting for well over 40 minutes.

~I was sad this morning. Not really certain of the reason, but it was there. To cheer me up Sweetie and I listed to the same Christmas CD. He even got it where his was playing at the same time as mine. That made me smile.

~Free breakfast on Fridays is a good thing.

~This weekend is shopping, decorating, and enjoying other Christmas things.

~Nutcracker tickets are purchased. Baking Day is planned.

~Butterscotch morsels are Christmas.

~I am tired.

~I am not getting an office after all. I am not complaining - but sunshine would have been nice. Now I need to make this cubicle mine.

~Bonuses are a good thing. But not something to depend on. The reason they are bonuses is that they go up and down. Silly people. I consider mine gravy - regardless if I get the 1k or 6k, I am happy.

~I am going to try Bailey's and Egg Nog this year.

~It is time to get a Bug. Yay!

bring on the minivan

I am officially one step closer to soccer-mom status. Today I put Bug on the waiting list for the local gymnastics club. She will go once a week as soon as a spot opens. This is exciting. She is going to love it. The class is a parent and toddler class - which means I get to be very involved. And the best thing is that the class only has 6 children. Nice and small. Considering she is already trying to do somersaults - I think she is taking after her daddy.

under the christmas lights

"You have such pretty nails" - coworker yesterday

Blogging at work. That hasn't happened in some time. I have been so busy at work. That is a good thing. I like using my brain. I love solving the problems. I love "closing" and reconciling. I am a sick sick person.

But working also means a hurt shoulder and today a hurt wrist. Blah.

Last night we enjoyed holiday tradition with Charlie Brown Christmas and Rudolph. And Bug ate soooo good. For those of you who do not know, my Bug would rather do anything but eat. Well, last night it was oatmeal. She fed herself and ate more than most of it. YAY.

I changed my goals - yes again. I am not walking in the Austin Marathon in Feb. I, instead, plan to train for the Cap10k in March - yes you have heard this before. But I believe the shorter distance will allow me to work on speed as well as study for the CPA. I need to start on that. And Sweetie is going to do it with me, although he is running. He started his training last night while Bug and I wandered up and down the street looking at the Christmas lights - it was fun.

Sweetie got me a SWEET GPS pedometer for my b-day. It tells you distance, time, pace, everything you need. I love it. He used it last night for his run and it was great. I cannot wait to use the distance option - it will beep when you reach your distance goal. I am feeling much better today - so tonight might be the night for me to start my training.

I love Christmas - I love the season. Tonight we are putting up more decorations and doing a little shopping.

Today I was lucky enough to have lunch with Sweetie. Mongolian Grill - yum yum. I love that place. He is the best to meet for lunch. He always makes me smile.

I am very emotional today. Both good and bad. But more good. I am just feeling fat. I think it is my meds. I am just so sick of this weight gain. I go in next week to get my blood tested. I hope hope hope they have to reduce the meds and how I am feeling right now is related to Hypo.

Regardless, the new year brings new eating habits. I am not crazy enough to try and start anything right now. Other than my walking - I can start that now without feeling like I am depriving myself. And yoga, I really need to start yoga as well. I think it will help me a lot.

So exercise now and food after the holidays. And the holidays end on my Anniversary - which is in January. So come the 2nd week in Jan watching what I eat will be the focus. I really need to give eating right - for my thyroid - and exercising consistently a try.

I just have to have faith. I know, even with the weight gain, I am much healthier than I was last year at this time. I know it. My attention span, nails, hair, skin, eyes, and other things show it. It is just the weight gain that gets me down. Honestly, if I could just get back to where I was when I was diagnosed, I would be thrilled. My focus is May. When Sweetie and I will have been together for 15 years.

Don't worry - you will get to follow me on my journey.

I will post pictures tonight. But now it is time to go and get that sweet girl of mine.

Headache

I title today's photo - Headache!

I have a horrible headache. So no in depth post. I will say that we bought some more lights for the house tonight - they look FANTASTIC. Bug loves them.

Now I am off to bed and listen to my Sweetie read chapter one in book five.

Weekend Ends

It seems the weekend is at an end, even the 5 day variety go by too quickly. But I must say, I am looking forward to work tomorrow. That is such a nice change. And while I am still fighting my sinus infection, I am feeling good. The remainder of the weekend was filled with some shopping, family and more family, baking, napping, long discussions, putting lights on the house, and decorating the Christmas tree. Oh and this morning I woke to Sweetie and Bug bringing me breakfast in bed - homemade waffles and eggs - yummy!

Currently, we are watching Miracle on 34th Street - the remake. We love this movie. It would not be the Christmas season without it. We watch it every year as we decorate the tree.

Photo Check In

Day After Thanksgiving

One year later and she still crawls under the coffee table.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Today is a day to be thankful for everyone and everything in your life. I am truly thankful.

We did not make it to the Turkey trot. I was not feeling well yesterday - I think my sinus infection is back - and the extra rest this morning was exactly what I needed. I am feeling much better today. That and Sweetie had to get up at 4am to start the turkey. I can try and put too many traditions into a day - so this year the turkey won :-)

With dinner at 6, we had a relaxing morning and afternoon. I made homemade cheesecake - it was very good. I also made my famous fruit salad. I almost didn't make it - due to the amount of food coming. However, Sweetie insisted. And, I must say, it was the best so far.



The dinner was fantastic. Sweetie's turkey was falling off the bone, as always. We had more than enough and I believe everyone left nicely stuffed.



What I am thankful for this year:
~ A baby that lights up my life
~ A man that bring me more happiness everyday
~ Family that I can depend on
~ SILs that feel comfortable talking with me
~ Friends that I know that I can depend on, even when I am hiding in my hole
~ A job that I really like
~ Learning about my disease so that I can fight it
~ Learning more about myself everyday
~ A beautiful day to celebrate my thanks
~ Having a family doctor that we trust even when semi scary things are said

The last year has felt like a decade. So much is different from last Thanksgiving. I am thankful for the changes, I am even thankful for the confusion and pain associated with the changes.

Sweetie and I did the wishbone. He won. That makes me happy.

Blah

Today I am home. This works well as I do not feel well. Blah. I.cannot.get.sick! My to-do list consists of cleaning the house, mopping the floors, and baking a cheesecake.


But first - I must nap.

Catch up time

Photos are now up to date :-)

This is the 17th year that I received my fruit cake. Not your normal fruit cake, but Collin Street Bakery's Every year my mom orders it for me. And I received it this weekend. Yummy. Sweetie does not care for it, so it is all mine. It is traditions like this that make my holidays complete.

Sunday Evening

How is it Sunday already? And I owe two pictures. Blah. Friday was wonderful with my mom. I am 99% done with the shopping for Bug. Everyone else falls to second now. Although I did get Sweetie a couple of things. Saturday was lazy and Sunday has been the normal errand day. I did find out that Bug prefers "The Producers" to "The Never Ending Story". But that is ok. I can't argue, the girl loves a musical.

I woke feeling a tad under the weather - I cannot get sick. I have 11 people coming to my house on Thursday for dinner. I also woke with some depression. Don't worry, I am nipping that in the bud. Mom helped with our errands. She and I chatted and that always makes me feel better. I need to walk - not sure if that is going to happen tonight. With the way I was feeling this morning, I don't want to push it. But I would really like a 4 mile under my belt before the 5 mile on Turkey Day.

And then there is Turkey Day. I love hosting this holiday. And I do it the smart way - divide and concur. That helps a ton. But it still means cleaning. And while that is less after the cleaning for my b-day - there is always more to do. And I have to make sure my floors are clean. Always mop your floors before cooking Thanksgiving dinner, in case you drop anything. Shhhhh That was one of my Grandmother's secrets.

The neat thing is that we are having new people at our celebration. FBIL's family is coming. This adds three people. Not bad. But the funny thing is that we almost had my SIL's (brother's wife) parents come. They want to be a part of the tradition. However, their plans changed. So I planned on an additional two then it changed to an additional three instead. Life is funny.

Tonight Sweetie is helping Brother install FFXI, which is pretty cool. Other than laundry and getting Bug to bed, I hope to take a bubble bath. We will see if this actually happens, but I continue to be optimistic.

But laundry and nails. Those are the mandatory chores before the work week begins - all two days for me. YAY!!! Of course those two days are going to be rough - trying to get a full week's worth of work in. But such is life :-) Have I mentioned how much I like my job? I really do. Apparently it is good to use my brain.

ok off to get photos. Be back.

Shopping day

Post to follow. Here is my photo. Me driving to start our shopping day to celebrate my Dad's b-day.