Monday, April 5, 2010

The WEIGHT Battle ...

Oh what can I say, this weight thing is starting to eat at me (pardon the pun)!  You know, I was so good at Christmas, only gaining a couple of pounds, but for some reason the last two weeks I've added about five more pounds ... and there's absolutely no excuse, other than I'm an emotional eater.
    Anyone else out there an emotional eater, and right now don't know why I'd be eating emotionally ... I mean really, our life is pretty good right now, even though we owe stupid taxes once again this year.  Just how do they continue to get blood from a turnip, we have paid more than our fair share over the last almost 41 years of marriage.  Anyway, then there was the car thing, and then we're anxiouisly anticipating the arrival of Baby W, and Dylan's adoption becoming finalized, and then, of course, there's my Mother living with us for the last 8 years!
    Maybe all of the above has caused me to emotional eat, or stress eat, whichever you prefer to call the syndrome!  So today I've turned over a new leaf, I continue to workout at Curves 3 times a week and I'm once again pushing myself instead of talking quite so much.  And then tonite, went for a walk after dinner.  We eat fairly healthy, except for Easter Sunday when my Mother requested ham, scalloped potatoes, carrot cake, fruit salad, and those fabulous Hawaiian rolls ... everything in moderation!  OH, and I'm a Life Member of Weight Watchers, of course now over my goal weight and I won't tell you by how many pounds!  And maybe I have a "negative goal" as I don't want to gain all the weight my Mother has over the past 40 years, she's now 94 years old.
    Well, maybe this blogging thing is therapeutic, I'm going to take a more positive attitude about the weight issue ... we'll see how that goes.  Here's to even more healthy eating, and, until next time ....

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

EASTER, has it been 38 years?!

Thought it odd, Good Friday, March 31st, 1972 that my father would call.  But we were going to the lake for Easter weekend with Don's family, both Don and I had the day off, so we left soon after his call.  Don't remember a whole lot about that weekend, we arrived safely, had dinner and conversation and then on to bed. 
    It was 4:00am and Don's parents came into the bedroom to awaken us and say that I had a call.  I remember parts of the conversation with Reverend Woods, the pastor who I grew up with and who married Don and I just a few years prior.  He was kind, but his words brought the horrible news that my beloved father had died of a massive heart attack at the young age of 56 years.  I remember crying, talking with my mother and asking if she was okay.  The remainder of the day is a blur, we drove back to Houston, made air reservations, called dear friends Eli and Sharon.  Sharon and I went shopping immediately as I didn't have a dark colored dress to wear.
    I remember flying from Houston to Chicago, running through O'Hare to catch our flight to Cedar Rapids.  The rest is a blur, I don't remember too much about Dad's funeral other than it was very cold, Monday, April 3rd, the graveside services and it was gray, overcast and I believe some snowflakes were falling.
    My father was a wonderful man, full of fun and energy, he loved me unconditionally and wanted only the best for me in life.  I fully believe he has watched me from the Heavens all these years, and I know and feel he has shook his head and rolled his eyes many a time, but I also know he's been proud of me and the life Don and I have together.  My deepest regret is that he never met his beautiful granddaughters, Carin and Melisa.  How proud he would be of them, and how much he would enjoy them and their lives with Rusty and John!
    Easter, since that day 38 years ago, it's sometimes been a difficult time for me, but I find strength, comfort and joy in believing that this is a season of rebirth and new beginnings!  So my family and friends, I love you all, and your support over the many years, let the "new beginning begin".  Until next time ....

Thursday, March 25, 2010

THANKS TO ELI ...

YEA Eli, and thanks for the "heads up" about getting my windshield fixed!  Called State Farm, talked to our agent, they gave me the number to call and presto, windshield will be fixed later this afternoon in my driveway, at no cost to us!  WOOHOO!
    Well, there's always the disclaimer, if the dings should further crack during the process then it's a new windshield and we have to pay the deductible.  So, saying my prayers that all goes well!
    I'm so grateful that Eli had the answer, thanks dear friend!!  Until next time ....

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

IT'S A ...

2008 Chevy Impala SS 4 Door Sedan, 8 Cylinder, 5.3 Fuel Injected, Dark Silver Metallic exterior and Ebony interior, leather seats!
    And it came from Lee Hoffpauir in Marble Falls!  I'm especially excited about the "bun warmer", it will be so nice to get in the car and drive feeling the therapy on my lower back, which for the last almost 33 years seems to let me know it's there!
    Yesterday was such a stressful day, I know there are so many more happenings in life that are certainly moreso than purchasing a vehicle, but we really didn't want a car note this year, I was looking at 2011, but God has another plan.  Anyway, Raymond was so very nice, but it still feels like your privacy is being invaded, checking your credit, asking questions, they're typing away on the computer, you're wondering what they're looking at and how long this process is going to take.  Gads ... well actually, it didn't take that long, but it seems like it when you have 10 other things you'd rather be doing than sitting at a car dealership.
    So, after a couple of hours, waiting for the car to be washed, filled up with gas, I get in and head down Park Road 4, it's driving like a dream, having fun on the hills and curves ... so much fun!  And then I notice .... the Inspection Sticker, it expired in February.  Oh great!  Get home and decide to call Raymond in the morning, am going to have a glass of wine instead!!
    This morning I call, "Raymond, everything's great, BUT, Hoffpauir is supposed to inspect even new, used cars ... right?  Well, my inspection sticker shows Februrary 2010."  So, finish what I'm doing and head out Park Road 4 once again into MF, driving South on 281, minding my own business, no trucks in my lane and then POP.  Yup, two stones left their impression on my windshield, no cracks, but small indents ... I am so hoping they don't crawl any further until I can find that magic gel to stop them.  Bummer!  Well it is a used vehicle, but it's in great shape inside and out, think they indicated it was driven by a little old lady only going to church on Sunday!
    Life has returned to normal, we might have been able to live with only one vehicle for awhile, but then I think ... don't think so!  So my friends, drive safely and watch for the "rocks" coming from the opposite lanes, until next time ....

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

NEW OR USED .... ?

Okay, why is it that when you have all your ducks in a row a challenge or "opportunity" appears?  Now don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, I'm just wondering!
    My vehicle for the last seven years has decided to go on to vehicle Heaven, well, actually I feel pretty certain we've decided that after Randy gave us the quote to repair.  If it was just a repair wouldn't be too bad, but there's also a safety issue involved.  Since I drive a very hilly terrain, guess it's time to put the last Mary Kay vehicle I earned to rest, it has served me well.
    So, now we must decide ... new or used?  And we really don't want a car note, of course the Grand Prix was paid off in July 2009, but guess a car note will now have to be added to the budget.  The salesman today was very nice, of course, told him we really weren't going to make any decision today since Carin and Dylan will be visiting beginning Thursday and we don't want to be rushed into purchasing.  That my friends is the highlight, Carin and Dylan will be here tomorrow afternoon (Rusty's at a fishing tournament), so we'll have a fun weekend, planning on SeaWorld San Antonio and then make the vehicle decision next week!
    Until next time ....

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

SPRING FORWARD ...

    Did y'all realize that Daylight Savings Time begins THIS Sunday, March 14th at 2:00a.m.?  Whomever decided, believe it was Congress, that DST should begin before Winter is even over needs to have their heads examined!  I do enjoy DST, but it's way too early.  It should start in April when its warmer and you have reason to be outside longer, but now, before Winter is over ... why?  I worry about all the school kids waiting for buses, once again, when it's so dark.  I'm not certain I understand the logic, but then there's a lot that comes out of Congress that makes absolutely no sense these days!
    Well, guess I'll be drinking my cup of coffee and watching the sun rise just a little later until we get in to the Spring and Summer months!
    Until next time ....

Friday, February 26, 2010

DAD TO THE RESCUE!

    Okay, I'll try to keep this short ... HOWEVER, I'm new to FaceBook and don't really get all that you can do, but I get it enough to check on recent "posts" of our daughters.  Imagine my shock when I see Carin has a "post" she's at the Emergency Room because one of her research horses at the A&M Vet School, Research Department, decided to bite down on her left index finger and she's possibly lost the tip. 
    Well as any Mother would do, I called immediately!  She's in some pain, they were able to stitch her finger okay, and her nail is a mess ... but, Rusty is traveling and she's going to have to deal with feeding their 20 horses and Dylan (he's been awesome of late), so she's not comfortable taking the prescribed pain medication! 
    I offer for the three of us and Rascal to come and help for the weekend, then before she can respond I rescind my offer of "all" and offer Dad's help!  Well she was slow to respond, so I took that as an indication she really wants someone with her ... so a quick duffle bag packed and off Dad goes to aid with the feeding of horses and to entetain Dylan!
    Guess you never outgrow your need for Mom and Dad!  Until next time ....