Thread: DECEMBER Tracking

Talk about lazy bones... that's me lately. I've just been vegging since the wind down of the Christmas festivities... holed up with the kittens, reading, goofing on the computer, organizing photos.

This afternoon I get my haircut. Later, the kittens' real foster mum will come to visit them. Tomorrow, DH is taking me and my friend's daughter ice skaking at an outdoor rink downtown. I've never ice skated, so keep your fingers crossed that I don't fall down and wipe out my back.. or knees, elbows, or head.

Tomorrow night we will go to our friend's Hogmanay party (Scottish New Years), which is always lively with musicians and belly dancers. The hostess is an accomplished belly dancer and pianist and has many like-minded friends. DH and I are comparatively unaccomplished in that crowd, but we have fun.

Teel, the secret to skating: keep your knees bent, and put your hands out to each side like you've got them on a tabletop, for balance. If you start to fall, try to land on your butt without putting a hand out to stop yourself. You'll bounce, and not break an arm. Most of all--have fun! Sounds like the Hogmanay party is guaranteed fun!

Peg, life is falling into place for you. Have a fabulous 2007!

Heather, good to hear from you! You have a giving heart, and deserve all the domestic happiness there is.

I'm in my playroom at the moment, getting my Pride & Prejudice fix via dvd (the Colin Firth version, of course). The Christmas decorations are all stowed away. I got a great deal on NEW lights for next year at Wal-Mart. All's well with the world of Loots.

TTFN.

Hi guys,
Following along at a distance. Today was a very *dysfunctional* day...LOL. Talk about ironic. <snort>
Anyhoo...glad all the chickadees here are all accounted for and snug in their nests

DGS is paging me...gotta go...never a dull moment witha 7 y/o in the house
(wouldn't trade it though for a million $$$$.

later, goils....
(((hugs)))
S.

New Year's Eve Day. Leading the Sunday School class this morning, and after that ??? More P&P, probably. The gym is open for a few hours, so I could go play on the elliptical. It's also open 9-1 on NY Day, and I definitely plan to go there tomorrow. No better way to kick off the resolutions, eh?

Berta, glad you had a safe trip. Seems like the midwest is stormy all down the middle, whether it's snow or tornadoes. My dh wants me to do the driving now, too. You should give spinning a spin, as it were. The workouts are fierce, but you are always in control of your own bike, so you can dial it up or down according to your own assessment. The cues and the music are motivating. A stationary bike is the only kind I'll use. I've had all the street bicycling trauma I need, beginning with learning how.

Peg, I know what you mean about being hyper-aware of all the injustice in the world. At the holidays, when we (and you, no doubt) get about a gazillion fund-raising letters, it seems that there will never be enough money or enough workers to go around, and we're forced to ask the question, "Could I be doing more?" There's a fine balance between having your sensibilities blunted by overload, and staying committed to making a positive difference. There's no final answer.

My own wonderful church is in a budget crunch--as usual. Maintenance costs and salaries go up and up. It's hard to decide to withdraw funds from worthy mission causes to fix up an aging building. But we're stuck with the building, and letting it fall apart isn't an option. I HOPE that losing staff isn't an option, either. A congregation active in mission needs plenty of staff support, as you know, and they earn their raises just like the rest of us. What would Jesus do with a million dollar church budget?? Or a multi-million dollar church building, for that matter.

This could turn into a very long essay, so I'll stop before anyone gets bored silly.

Donna, enjoy yourself tonight. Don't be nervous--just be your wonderful self and smile all over the place. You'll knock 'em dead. Hope the pictures turn out.

I bought three bottles of "champagne" at Wal-Mart yesterday, but I dropped one of them and broke it in the garage. Just as well. At $3.28/bottle, that stuff can create a powerful headache--and probably will.

Can it be 2007 already??? Good health and happiness ahead for all, I hope.

Good New Year's Eve Morning!

Just want to let you know I am following all your posts!

Yesterday we had fun at ... the Dog Races! We are all eating way too much and this morning I am feeling very sluggish. But I will persevere until January 3rd ... when they leave and things get "back to normal." Sigh. It's hard having your best friends far away!

Marie's latest thought (she has many) is investigating retiring in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. She may even go down there in February and investigate. She wants me to go with her, but there is no way I can afford the trip or the time off. According to some "friends of friends" one can retire there on just Social Security $$ and live quite well. Hmm. Why am I skeptical? Maybe because it sounds too good to be true?

Today, after the Chiefs game, we are headed to a casino for a movie, barbecue dinner and an hour of early gambling. Then on home to play some cards while the New Year approaches. No champagne (I don't like the stuff) but lots of love and camaraderie.

I wish you all a New Year filled with Love, Laughter, Happiness, Good Health and we might as well throw a little wealth in the wish, too! XXOO

A good and happy New Year's Eve to each of you. Rainy, chilly, blah weather here, probably the leftovers some of you have already had. I'm feeling just a bit sorry for the Bear's fans (Bears vs Packers) who will be cold and chilly for the night game here, and those who will be downtown for the traditional fireworks on Lake Michigan, too.

I don't think we've gone out for New Years in a million years, other than a neighborhood open house, but tonight we'll be going to an early show at a nearby orchestra hall. It's a live comedy show, family friendly. We'll still be home by 9 and ready to snore:square: Ending the year with a few laughs sounded like a good idea.

Bert, I didn't mean to send any inches your way, LOL!

Bert, Peg, I've been doing Protein Power, and it seems to be very effective in helping me eliminate the "weight creep" I've had over the last couple of years. This month, though, my goal was to just "stay even" and I think I have. Socializing and losing are a tough combination, aren't they? You and most of the other gals do more of that than we do, so perhaps my opportunities for temptation are less.

Heh, Heh, Bert,you can lip sync in the band any time. Heck, you can SING! And you know, I'll bet you got just as much joy out of pretending for dh's sake to be surprised as he did in "surprising" you. That's love, you know?

TB, how was the skating? My first experience a few years ago fell into the category of terrifying/exhilerating. Hmmm. Hogmanay. From your description of the guests, I am imagining belly dancing in kilts :silly: Warped mind!!!

Barb, I have champagne ready, too, but will see how I feel before opening it after we come home. Not chancing a headache. I admit to being hooked into buying by a taste test at Trader Joes. I suppose I'm an easy sell after I've accepted a freebe. That does remind me that the first time I tasted champagne was on New Year's in my landlord's home when I was in Germany as a 20yo. They dropped a sugar cube in each flute before pouring. What wasn't to like about that, I say! I haven't seen that done since and have wondered if that was a tradition or only the landlord's preference.

Alida, you are enjoying your company and the many activities that are so much fun with friends. You know, I couldn't go to dog races, though. More greyhounds are put down if they aren't racing quality or at the end of their careers (at about 3yo) than can be adopted to good homes :( Sorry, don't mean to be a downer about your fun which you do deserve, in spades.

I've heard there is quite a community of Americans living well in various places south of the border. It will be interesting to get your friend's take on the situation.

Dear Shell, I have had my share of dysfunctional family and personal days this month! Enjoy your kiddos there and love up that dgs. Most of the other will resolve itself in it's own time, hard as it is to wait for resolution.

Donna, a full report due tomorrow on you evening out in the red dress!!! And how was the Christmas with grandkids yesterday?

Peg, love all the friendships and activities you have in CA in addition to having your family close. Got to say that your vision of living in a compound with your family (and you WOULD be a gracious Matriarch), actually sounds like the fifth ring of hades to me, LOL! Oh yes, Cortisol Cuties, that's us!!!

Judy, how is/was you "second" Christmas? Whew, you need a couple of weeks of to get everything organized, accomplished, and done..

Heather, I love your description of your children's joy at Christmas. Glad you could stop by in the midst of everything in your life.

Rachel, I know you are also more than busy, but I do enjoy hearing from you when you can.

THis is getting long so I will regale you all with my doctor visit tale another day. Meanwhile, everyone have a HAPPY, SAFE New Year's Eve!

Peg, cross posting! Have a lovely time this evening. Ants? ack!

I am looking forward to the New Year, too It is so good to hear you so optimistic and prepared! Let's do it!!

Dear ones,
I just want to wish you all a most joyous, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

I will most likely be celebrating the same as always...sleeping right through midnight and waking up to a New Year...LOL.

Hopefully back tomorrow evening to visit more when I can take my time and reflect on some things....

Much love to you all, and
((((hugs always))))

S.

I?ve only been able to catch up on a few posts. I?m sure I missed a ton but plan on making myself more active as soon as I can.

Happy New Years Everyone!! Tonight I?ll probably be in bed by 9pm. Being up to late makes me tired and when I?m tired I like to munch. I?m trying to get in a few good days as I finally weighed myself. It?s been a couple of weeks and the results are in...145 pounds!! That is 11 pounds above signature. Can you tell that I had a great binge holiday fest? Not all days were bad, got some exercise in but still the damage is pretty bad. What are New Years Resolutions for any way? My pants are tight and I need some serious damage control before I need new pants.

Peg - Thanks. It must have been hard work raising 3 girls. I?m thankful that God gave me boys because girls to me are pretty scary with all their make-up, hair, scary boy relationships... but I bet they make the best of friends when they are all grown up.

Good luck with those ants!

New Years Resolution to exercise promise?

Teel - Have fun ice skating with success in every step.

Barb - I got my decorations put away. Christmas tree broke on Christmas so that was the first thing to go. DH thinks that he repaired it so hopefully we have a couple of more good years in. And you bought Christmas lights!! I just love Christmas lights. Just makes everything so bright and cheerful. People do amazing things with their houses all lit up too.

Berta - Thanks for visiting my journal. By the time I get the juggling act down I?ll probably be done with the babysitting job. I bow my head to working women who have the energy to work, clean house and take care of their family.

Shelley - Have fun with DGS. I too have a 7 year old at home and they are so fun and active aren?t they? Have a great new years too!

Alida - Happy New Year to you too!

BC - sounds like you have such a lovely evening planned. Have a good time.

I lost a post this morning, but the gist of it was:

Wishing each of you a joyful, proserous, and healthy New Year. May we all reach our goals, be fullfilled, and engulfed in love and goodwill in 2007! There was more, but I forget the rest, LOL!

DH's back is hurting so we did not go ice skating after all. So, we'll leave that adventure for the future (perhaps). It seems like such fun, but an excellent way to bust your booty, too.

I'm mustering my nerve for the drive to the coast and back tonight. It's a twisty, winding, road; and not my favorite drive at night... especially New Years eve. But, I've got major cabin fever and I'm looking forward to the party.

Alida, I've been hearing about Americans retiring to Mexico since I was a girl. Cuerna Vaca was a popular retiree town back then. I understand that by now, certain communities favored by American retirees are more Anglo than Mexican. Personally, it would be hard for me to leave California, and especially the Bay Area; but living comfortably in Mexico probably beats starving here where the cost of living is so high. I think I'd do it if it came to that.

Took me longer to catch up on posts in here, so I probably won't be able to say half of what I'm thinking. lol Dh is playing with my printer so I know he wants my laptop to try everything out. He took pics on the digital camera yesterday so he's playing. Hmmmm....funny how much enjoyment he gets out of playing with things he's bought for me.

The grandkids came yesterday for another Christmas at our house. Sure was a lot noisier than it was on Chistmas day with just dd and dh here. I loved seeing the paper flying and the screams when they saw what they got. But, I have to admit it sure was nice and peaceful when they left. Funny how we get used to our own way of living. It's so easy for us to sit back and pick apart the way our grandkids are being raised since we're finished with our own kids. I have to give my ds credit though. He's a fantastic father to his 3 kids and has soooo much patience. I'm so proud of him. He even jumped up after dinner and started doing dishes (no, I don't have a dishwasher....they all moved out ) I told him to go and sit down seeing as there was myself, dd and his wife so we could do it. His answer was that I made the dinner and there was no way he would let me do dishes. Turned out he washed, dd dried and I cleared the table. His wife went outside for a smoke. Enough said?

I did find a new use for my bathroom scale yesterday. Dgs is just 3 and without a step his aim to the toilet isn't great. I walked into the bathroom just in time to see him standing on the scale so he could pee. So now I'm just going to say "piss on it" when I think of the scale. lol

I'm soooo looking forward to tomorrow and a fresh start. Yesterday was a disaster. I just let loose knowing I was going to have to start over. Yup, you name it.....stuffing, fudge, cinnamon bun, chips.....no wonder the scale said 163 this morning. So far today, I've been good. Couldn't get any worse.

I'm still a little aprehensive about tonight. It's really cold here....good thing we live across the street from the Legion...won't have far to go. But, I'll have to wear boots with my fancy dress cause there is so much ice out there I don't dare wear my heels until I get inside. I'm sure once I'm there I'll be okay. It's just making the entrance. Peg, I'll remember how you love to get dressed up and that will calm me. lol

Oops, gotta go....dh wants the computer and I need to head off and get in the tub and do all the girly things like hair, nail, etc. Have a great New Years everyone. Talk to you all in 2007 when we all get a fresh start.