a VERY good mail day

Yesterday was a fabulous mail day, the kind that only comes but once or twice a year for me. After seeing Jill's Impress order in person, and realizing that her circle dot stamp was a different size than mine, I of course decided that I needed that size too and so I placed a little order. Then I started searching around for some Autumn Leaves rub-ons that I wanted. I couldn't find them anywhere (sold out) but I did find these cool AL clear lc letters! So I also placed a little order from Scrap Supply. It was my first order from them and I was very happy with the service. I placed both orders on Friday or Saturday, can't quite remember, and they were both delivered on Monday! Pretty quick, eh? And the best (and most dangerous) part is, Scrap Supply takes PayPal! Wouldn't you know it, but the thank you card that Impress sent with the order has a stamp on it that I've never seen and now I totally want. They've got a good thing going there. And you saw correctly, Scrap Supply sent a Fun Size pack of M&Ms! It's like they know me...

my first goal of the year

Since my overall weight loss goal is terribly overwhelming, I've taken a page out of Al Roker's book and have set my first goal as follows: Lose 20 pounds by March 14. I heard him saying that that was his goal on the Today show and thought, "I want to lose 20 pounds too! March 14 is my birthday. How cool would it be if I could lose 20 pounds by my birthday?" Anyway, I decided to go for it. So I made this little book to keep track of everything I eat and the results of my Monday weigh-ins. I did weigh myself this morning and I stayed the same as last week, which I guess is a blessing after I pigged out at the book club fondue feast and ate Thai food and Mexican take-out as well. Still. I started on January 5, so I've been working at it for a little over 3 weeks now and my total loss is only 4 pounds (I gained one week). At this rate, it's not looking so good to get to 20 by March 14, but I will keep trying! I'll keep you posted, as I'm sure you're dying to know! : )

To Do Lists

I don't know how I would function without my to do lists. I usually have several going at once, although lately I have been keeping one on the refrigerator, and that's handy. If I don't have a list and I find I have a little time on my hands (let's say Eva's napping and the boys are at school), I honestly don't know what to do with myself! I can end up wasting all my time trying to decide what I need or want to do! But with the handy to do list at the ready, I'm never at a loss. I just check to see what all those things are that I've been meaning to get to. (I do realize that this may be yet another indication that my memory is failing.) And don't even get me started on how good it feels to check an item off the list... now that, my friends, is one of my greatest joys in life. I'm not even kidding. Sometimes I will even add something to the list that I have just completed (and for some reason never got around to writing on the list) just so I can have the pleasure of crossing it off. Am I alone in this?

At any rate, yesterday I got to check off something that has been on my to do list for months: making shadow boxes for Eva's nursery. I finally finished them and I'm so pleased! It's hard to say which felt better: the finishing of my project or the crossing it off the list!

to floss or not to floss?

I went to the dentist on Monday and he said my gums could be in better shape. The problem is due to, you guessed it, my flossing difficulties. Mostly I just don't do it (oh the shame). The floss always gets stuck in between certain teeth, it's frustrating, I just hate doing it... Of course I've been told umpteen times that I need to floss. I've even made resolutions in years past to mend my errant flossing ways, but to no avail. But for some reason, this time I decided to do it. It may have something to do with the fact that the hygienist had me try their floss and it didn't get stuck in my mouth. (Is that all I needed? a brand change?!) I have now flossed four days in a row, including book club night, when I got home at 1:00 and was so tired. I'm kinda proud of myself! So now I'm just putting it out there for a little extra accountability.

greatest book club ever

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that I belong to the greatest book club ever. It's the perfect size (6 members) and we have all come together and jelled in such a fun and cohesive group. I so look forward to our monthly (sometimes more) get-togethers and I am never disappointed. Last night was just such a night. Jenn overwhelmed us again by making her no-holds-barred fondue feast. I think it may now be my favorite meal... She also rendered me speechless by making us all our own personalized 2006 reading log books. Amazing. (I will post a photo of mine as soon as possible.) I wish I could come up with such ideally personal gifts! My friends are so inspiring to me. All I did last night was show up and I was richly rewarded with good food and great conversation. Thanks, book club girls, for being there for me and making my life so much more fun!

my little darling

Look at that face. Is it possible that this enchanting creature could be the cause of so much worry and sheer exhaustion? Yes, this is the little darling that robs me of my sleep, causes me to continually wonder what in the world is going on in that tiny mind and body, and has cost us a pretty penny in doctor visits and prescriptions. And yet, when I look into those eyes... well, let's just say that it's a really good thing she's so darn cute. (I tell myself that about 20 times a day.) And I'm happy to report that she seems to be fully recovered today! No traces of RSV remain, as far as I can tell. And even more incredibly, she slept through the night!! It's been three weeks since I've had anything even close to a full night's sleep, and today I am a very happy woman.

p.s. OK, I don't know why, but Blogger says it's loading the picture and then never does. rats.

Relief Society Rocks!

Can I just say how much I love the Relief Society? My visiting teacher called yesterday and found out that Eva and I were both sick and lo about 5:30 the dinner brigade showed up! They brought homemade chicken noodle soup, salad, muffins fresh from the oven, and frosted brownies. Even the boys were excited (about the muffins and brownies). You know, we had food in the house, we could have had cold cereal or peanut butter sandwiches, but this was really a treat. Chicken soup truly is a comfort when you're not feeling well. It was such a kindness and I appreciated it so much. Charity never faileth.

I'm online!

Okay folks, I've caved to the pressure and I guess I'm officially a blogger now. I resisted heartily due to my lack of expertise and my lack of a scanner. Also perhaps due to my lack of anything profound to say. But I have enjoyed checking into my friends' and my sister's blog so much that I decided to join their ranks. Alas, Eva has RSV right now (slowly recovering, I think) and is waking up from her oh-so-short nap, and the boys just got home from school. So I guess I'll have to write more later. Hugs to you all --m

p.s. If any of you experienced bloggers want to give me any help and/or advice on improvements, i.e. adding photos or getting a better template, I'm open to any and all suggestions!