Merry Chrismahanukwanzukkah!

I want to wish all of my friends and family a very Happy Holiday - no matter how you celebrate.

My son is on his way via Santa Southwest, and I am looking around at my house and it is finally done! I've finally finished holiday preparations. I made 7 1/2 dozen chocolate chip cookies, raspberry crumb bars, chocolate peanut butter bars, and peanut butter cookies.

I've pre-made the "Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole", it's in the fridge. The dishes are done, the kitchen is finally clean. All I have left to do is set the coffee pot.

May you and yours be thankful for all you have this year. I know I am.

No, I Haven't Run Away To My Own Island...Yet

I know, I know. Once again it's been a while since I've been here. Well see, right about October 15th is when the Moving Crazy started. I had to get my office cleaned out, packed and ready to be moved by October 31st. In the interim of doing that, I had contractors at the new space, cable installers, phone installers, furniture installers, and appliance delivery folks.

Then The Big Move happened. On Friday, October 31st, we relocated to newer, nicer digs. But it wasn't over. I had phone issues, and furniture issues. I had HVAC issues. I had unhappy people issues. I have since, hopefully, resolved most of those issues.

And now here it is, December 20. The time just completely got away from me. But I was forced to slow down this weekend. I realized as I was wrapping up some HR stuff at work that I had 61 hours of PTO yet to take. Granted, we have a very generous PTO policy - 4 weeks per year, but I can only carry over 40 hours. So between now and the end of the year, I had to find a way to take 21 hours of PTO.

So Friday I took a half day and the things I got accomplished were amazing! I finished up some stocking stuffer shopping, I got my oil changed on my car, I made a few phone calls I needed to make. I cleaned up my house, which had come to look like a fraternity house between my husband and I never being home. (I fired my cleaning lady - I need to find a new one STAT!)

I wrapped the rest of my gifts and quite honestly felt good about the day.

Then there's my husband. Last Sunday was my birthday. He had to leave to go to work at 11 a.m. and wound up spending the night at a hotel near the airport. Monday he worked late and then again on Tuesday. Wednesday he got stuck at the airport again and got home late Thursday. Friday he went to work super early (on like 4 hours of sleep), and came home late. This morning he woke up, packed a bag and was back at it again.

Why you ask?

THIS:


Yes, there are many people that are all "ooh" and "ahh" all about it, but not me. I want my husband to come home. We were supposed to attend our "Christmas With Friends" tonight, but I had to cancel for us. One, I can't make it up the hill to their house in my vehicle, and Two, I wouldn't go without my husband to something like this anyway.

Sigh. Effing Snow.

Only in Portland

Only in Portland can the worst - and I mean absolute WORST drivers on the road be flaunting Obama 08 stickers.

Gah!

Hunting

So this morning I packed up my husband and sent him on his merry way with two of his friends to go hunting. They will be gone for 6 days. Hopefully they have fun and bring back some meat. That would be nice.

So my plans are?

*Sleeping all over the bed, not just on my side.
*Eating whatever I want, whenever I want.
*Watching Lifetime or whatever I want until my eyes explode.
*Going out with the girls on Saturday night.
*Dinner with the boy child.
*Dinner with a girlfriend.
*A baby shower.

And now I am hungry, so I am going to go eat. Whatever I want. *wink*

It's Our Anniversary

Six years ago today, I was getting ready to go out on the town with my girls and have my bachelorette party.

Six years ago tomorrow, I was watching my in-laws transform my backyard into a beautiful scene set for my Rehearsal Dinner.

And six years ago Sunday, I married the love of my life, the man of my dreams, and my best friend.

Happy Anniversary honey!

Labor Day at the Coast

Last year we decided, along with two other couples, to rent a beach house at the Coast to have one last long weekend and say goodbye to summer. We had such a good time, that we decided then and there that we were going to make a tradition out of it. This year we rented a house that was brand spanking new, beautiful and well-appointed. It had a hot tub on the deck, and a great view of the beach. We had a fantastic time, just hanging out, cooking, playing games, and being with each other away from the stresses of our daily lives.

So big thanks to B&C, and E&J for making yet another memorable Labor Day weekend!

95% Stuck on Stupid

I have literally had my ass handed to me for the last two days. Handed. To me. And it's only Tuesday. Sweet Mary.

I won't go into too much detail, but let's just say that 95% of the world is stuck on stupid these past few days.

In related news, I went rafting down the Deschutes with some friends this weekend and what a blast!! I did manage to wrench my shoulder riding the bull through a couple of the falls, and I also brought home a nice sized bruise on my calf, but overall it was a fun weekend.

I'm sitting here vegging watching the Olympics, thanks to that wonder we call TiVo! Only mine is just a DVR. Love it!

Have a great week! I know I'm trying!

Confessions of a Cheater. Part I.

I have a confession. I have been cheating. For so long now my loyalties have lied with one particular product, and now I have been sucked over to the dark side. Or the light side. Whatever.

I am a coffee junkie. My husband knows it, my friends know it, my family knows it. There's no secret there. And for the longest time, the 'Bux was my supplier.

Until last week. I decided to try the new McD's Iced Coffee. Oh Em Gee people!! It's a great combo of vanilla (or your choice of caramel or hazelnut), milk and coffee, perfectly iced, perfectly roasted, perfectly YUM! And on top of the yum, it's only $2.69. A full $1.00 less than what the 'Bux charges me for what my palate has now decided is burnt coffee. Sigh.

I will probably dip my toe back in the PNW coffee powerhouse during the holidays. Unless of course, my new love decides to foray into the pumpkin spice world. Then it's going to be a cold, hard Christmas.

Things That Made Me Smile This Week

Back for another installment. I'll include the 4th of July weekend since I was a lazy ass and didn't post.

1. Spending the Fourth with my husband and setting off fireworks. Including the ones we bought. *wink*

2. Making corn pudding and getting it right. YUM.

3. Getting what could possibly be the best news ever. It's top secret until the deets are worked out, but it looks good so far.

4. The week FLYING by. I love that.

5. Wednesday night chick flick night with C. PS I Love You. Sob.

That's all I got. Hey - at least you got something right? Now have a good weekend!!

An Example of When You Cannot Rest on Your Laurels

Paging M. Night Shyamalan. I need to have a few words with you. Let's begin at the beginning.

My love affair with you started with a little gem called The Sixth Sense. Oh the twist at the end. Loved how dark the cinematography was. And that little boy - Mr. Haley Joel! What a find! What a treat! What a fantastic little actor. I found myself crying at the scene where he was locked in the little room at the top of the stairs being attacked by the dead people. Oh my mother's heart wretched for that little boy!

You tempted me with Unbreakable. You temptor you. Bruce Willis returns and Samuel L. is always a good character actor. And the twist? Oh GOD the twist was delicious! Fantastic! That Elijah caused all those tragedies so that he could find his exact opposite in the world! How perfect!

You teased me with Signs. Mel Gibson AND Joaquim Phoenix? Oh dear sweet Mary hold me. The struggle between faith and doubt. The love of family and mending broken hearts. So good. Quite possibly your best yet.

Then I fell in love with you after The Village. Yes, there were impractical parts of the movie, like how did she run so perfectly through the forest completely blind? I told those blasphemers that when you are blind, your other senses make up for it. So she had acute hearing and sense of surrounding. And of course, you brought me back Joaquim Phoenix. I wanted to tear Adrien Brody limb from limb during the stabbing scene. And I like Adrien Brody. That's when I knew you had accomplished what you set out to with that movie. And I thought I couldn't love you more than that.

Then you hit me with Lady In The Water. Wow. I was a bit disappointed. To say the least. And that's where I'll leave that.

And then this weekend. I went and completely wasted 90 minutes of my life on a little ditty you called The Happening.

First of all, I noticed that you were Writer, Producer and DIRECTOR. Well, were you absent most of the time, because either the directing was horrible or the acting was horrible and I have seen Mark Wahlberg, and Zooey Deschanel in other films, and they do NOT act like they are at their first acting class with Jack McFarland. No they do not.

Secondly - a pandemic caused by plants? Seriously? I was waiting, hoping, nay praying that there would be a good twist. Alas, not so much. I'm a little disappointed. To say the absolute least. I expect better from you. It's your fault, you set me up with The Sixth Sense. I've got a bar and you, my friend, have failed to reach it this time. I think the only thing happening in The Happening was my wretched boredom with the whole deal.

I know you will probably never see this little rant of mine, but from one completely enamored fan, I'm hurt. It's like you are completely resting on your laurels and now as long as your name is attached to a pile of cow crap, someone is going to fund it. I find that sad.

Do me a solid Mr. Shyamalan. Make me something GOOD. And put Joaquim Phoenix in it. Shirtless. That would make up for it all.

Things that Made Me Smile This Week

Here we are: at the end of another week. What made you smile this week? Here's mine:

1. Spending all day Saturday with my husband. We shopped, ate lunch, and hung out. We rented a movie and just enjoyed being together.

2. My bike ride with C on Wednesday. Good times.

3. My venti skinny caramel latte. Tastes good and 1/3 the fat and calories of a caramel macch.

4. The last-minute camping trip we decided to go on. Yee-haw!

5. My husband coming home last night after being away for work all week. And subsequently waking up next to him this morning. That really made me smile!

Have a great weekend!

My Friend Jack.

Last night I met a few friends up at a local watering hole for some libations. It was G's birthday, and we were having a low-key celebration.

One of G's friends - I'll call him Jack (for reasons you will find out sooner rather than later, and then want to wash your eyes out with bleach, or laugh heartily, depending on whether or not you are one of MY friends) - wound up joining us. G's a cute little thing, but sometimes the stuff that just flies out of her mouth, especially when fueled by fire water, is insane.

I need to give you a little background first. The first time I met Jack, the first thing G told me about him was that he liked to walk the otter. Twice a day. Like clockwork. Oh - you aren't familiar with that phrase? Well, how about milk the snake? Lap-based web-browsing? Getting some air nookie? Shaking your fist at the ex-girlfriend? Tickling your Elmo? Are you getting it now?

So this is the first thing I learn about Jack. And trust me, there was no shame in his game. He didn't care. It was his, he could play with it if he wanted to! That aside, and I'm not even sure it needed to be an aside, he seems like a nice enough guy. Healthy. Cleaned out. **wink**

Last night Jack joined us for G's birthday. And she took it upon her self to remind me about his daily habit. I gotta hand it to him (no pun intended), he's pretty ok with it. I told him his urologist was certainly going to appreciate the cleanliness when it was time for that exam.

But see, G had been drinking wine, and then joined us all for cocktails, and she started polling the boys: Sock or shower? Which do you use? I was pleasantly surprised to learn that there were a clean bunch of boys, who all used the shower.

Except J - who called home to get his girl to draw him a bath.

Things That Made Me Smile This Week

In an effort to live a more positive and productive life, I am going to try and post once a week on things that made me smile that week.

Here we go:

1. When I was at the Outlets with my son this week, I was waiting outside the restrooms for him to come out. Standing there waiting for his wife to come out was an elderly gentleman. When his wife emerged from the bathroom, he lit up, grinning from ear to ear. She smiled sweetly back at him and he gently put his hand on her back, guiding her outside the restroom door. It was a very tender and touching moment, and I am glad I got to witness it.

2. I was getting my coffee this morning and I go to a Starbucks that is inside a grocery store. As I came out, there was a woman tying her dog up so she could run inside. She was loving on him so much, telling him what a good boy he was, and that she loved him and she would be right back. That made me smile.

3. My boss told me I was a genius. That made me smile.

4. My son is becoming a responsible, mature, caring individual. He displayed it in so many ways this week. That made me smile.

5. My husband took me to McMenamins for dinner on Thursday and we had a tough, but honest conversation. Believe it or not, it made me smile.

Look around you and be aware of the things that make you smile each day. They are more important than the things that make you frown.

I Weep Sometimes for the Future Generations

We're so dialed in, plugged in and turned on. We email, IM, blog and post. We get our news from the homepage of CNN.com, our bank balances online, and the weather through the computer screen.

Gone are the days when a handwritten note or invitation came in the mail. Evite's are as plentiful as spam, oh so abundant and raiding your inbox like ants at a picnic.

Today is the birthday of a friend of mine. I sent her an eCard first thing this morning. It was from Hallmark, so doesn't that count? Granted, we are all going to dinner later, and I have a gift and a handmade card, but what does it say about me that I sent her an eCard?

When I received a gift from a relative, I sat down and wrote a letter of thanks. Now, my son simply makes a phone call, or sends an email. Am I ok with it? I guess it's better than no thanks at all.

I see tweens and teens alike walking through the mall and texting their little fingers off. All while carrying on a conversation with their companions. Even my mother-in-law is into the texting game. I'll admit, it's a lot easier to text someone when you only have one little thing to say.

The other night my husband was in the bedroom watching TV, while I was on the laptop and my son was in his room on his PSP, playing an online game with some of his friends. I realized at that moment, that we are too dialed in. Too plugged in. Too reliant on electronic communicado.

So this week, unplug, untune, and spend some quality time. It's not forever.

It's The End of the World as We Know It

...and I am skeered.

It's June peeps. JUNE. The first day of summer is around the corner. Apparently, someone forgot to inform Oregon. Or Mother Nature. That bitch.

We had SNOW up on Mt. Hood last week. S-N-O-W. You know, that white stuff that falls to the ground when it's too godforsaken cold to rain? Yeah, that.

In June.

Have I mentioned it's June?

So I laugh every morning at our weather forecasters. Meteorologists. Lying whorebags. They keep promising me that it will be sunny and 68. Lying liars who LIE. That's what I say.

It's so bad that we have a name for it. Up here in the PNW, (Pacific NorthWest, cause I know SOMEONE is going to email me about that shiz) we are calling it JUNuary. It's been cold, and rainy, and wet. And miserable.

That noose in the garage? It's nothing, keep moving.

But today - TODAY - the meteorologistlyingwhorebag told me it was going to be Sunny! And 68! I went out to run errands at lunch and guess what? There was some bright light out there, the likes of which I haven't seen here in, oh, since the 3rd of A Long Time Ago. I actually had to put on my sunglasses. Seriously!

Anyway. According to the weather forecaster guy, it's supposed to be in the high 70's and SUNNY this weekend. It better be. Or else the national news is going to have a headline similar to "Oregon Woman Goes Crazy and Kills Meteorologist".

Hand to God.

Losing Myself

I am trying to lose weight. Trying being the operative word. I've changed my diet, I've started going to the gym on a regular basis (Ok, so the last three weeks don't count - see post below this one!), and I've not been so stressed.

With that being said, no one has informed my brain and my sweet tooth that I am drastically cutting my caloric intake of chocolate, sugar, and caramel. They are mad.

I've changed my caramel macchiatto (300 calories, 70g of fat, 43g carbs (I KNOW, RIGHT!) to a skinny caramel latte (160 calories, 0g of fat, 24g carbs). I've bought Jello Sugar Free Dulce de Leche pudding, I've stocked up on natural snacks like Pirate Booty and Sun Chips. I've even cut out my full sized chocolate candy bars for the fun size. I have to keep the brain and sweet tooth quiet somehow.

So what I have found is that the weight is coming off, slowly but surely. I only have about 20 pounds to go, which, when you say it out loud, doesn't really seem like a lot. Seeing as how I've only lost ten in six months, it seems a bit daunting to me.

But I can do it, I know I can. I put on a shirt that I haven't worn in a while this morning and it's loose! That excited me. The little things. The little victories.

Celebrate with me. Dance a little.

Why Am I Paying Rent?

Since May 21, the Coyote and her Den have actually slept in their home a total of 6 nights. In three weeks. The remaining nights have been spent in far-away exotic places. Well, ok, not necessarily exotic (or far away for that matter), but certainly NOT in my own bed. First there was the va-kay to Cabo, which I know, I can't complain about. Then the trip to Phoenix for the boy's graduation ceremony. I know, again, I can't complain.

This past weekend, we took a trip to Denver so the boys could attend Fan Fair at Mile High. For those of you who don't speak football, it's an annual fair put on by the Denver Broncos wherein millions and millions (ok, maybe not millions, but it looked and felt like it) of fans can see and speak to present and past players. There are autograph and photo opportunities, merchandise out the wa-hoo, and the ever popular, Punt, Pass and Kick competition. For kids and adults. Although besides the obvious age advantage, I'm not so sure they needed to distinguish between "kids" and "adults". Have you ever seen what happens to perfectly mature men when they get to stand on the same turf as their football heros? I promise you, there's no "adult" mentality going on there!

Such is the story of what my two boys got to do this weekend. They are both very big Bronco fans. So my younger boy got to participate in the PP&K competition. As his very proud mama watched from the stands, my boy threw a PERFECT spiral. Long, and lean. And trust me, I'm not just biased. People all around me were marveling at the arm on that kid. Especially since he weighs about 97 pounds soaking wet. He's long and lean! And has an arm! Who would have thought that PSP, PS3 and Nintendo would do that to a boy?

Then my older boy (aka the Hub)got to take the field for a Field Goal. Oh the look in his eye as he stepped onto Mile High Turf. He stood back, kicked, and into the stands it went! He could have dropped back at least another ten yards and he would have been good. I was cheering like it was the Superbowl winning kick! Point being, my husband kicked a field goal at Mile High Stadium. Not many people can actually say that.

Yesterday we toured the Celestial Seasonings and Coors factories. No, they aren't neighbors. They aren't even in the same town. Although, that would be sort of funny. In my own twisted course of thought. You know.

So a tired Family came home late last night and the Coyote and her Field Goal kicking Superstar husband had to work today. My lucky little man is at home, relaxing.

I need some sleep. In my own bed. For more than three nights in a row. *wink*

It's Why I Shave My Legs

Ahhh. Spring. The time of the year when the birds chirp, the flowers bloom, and the razors are blazing! If you are a man reading this, DON'T read on. It may scar you for life.

Women - are ya with me? We only shave on a consistent basis, when it's warm and we're going to be wearing skirts, dresses, shorts and capris. It's true. Admit it and feel the load lift.

So this morning I decided to wear a dress to work, so I shaved in the shower. I got out and was getting ready and my baby girl kitty came in, as she always does in the mornings, to let me know what she had planned for the day. She likes to come in and mouth to me, she's so talkative. She tells me all about how she plans on taking a nap, eating, taking a nap, getting some water, taking a nap, chasing her brother around the house, and then taking a nap. She has a hard life I tell ya.

So this morning as she is telling me her nap schedule, she's winding herself in a figure eight in between my legs. Nothing feels better than soft kitty fur winding itself between freshly shaven legs. NOTHING. It's soft. It's highly-sensitive, because there's perfect fur to skin contact, and it's one of the joys of owning a cat. She's precious.

Except at 5 in the morning when she jumps up on my chest purring at me because she thinks it's time to get up. Then she's a punk.

We Are The Champions

For the past 34 weeks, C, N, and I have been bowling on Monday nights on a women's league. We bowled our final night last night, and we took home the trophy. We were league champions!! First place baby! Numero Uno! We each won a little cash, had a good time, and felt really proud of ourselves and our accomplishments!

For the past three weeks, TLC has been at the bowling alley filming episodes for Little People, Big World. The Roloff Family lives in the Metro Portland area and Amy bowls on our league. My husband knows the Roloff's since they fly Southwest quite a bit, so it was nice to see the action. I signed a waiver, so you might be seeing me on a TV near you soon. I'll keep you posted. I'm the one in the pink "Dolls With Balls" shirt! **wink**

With that, I bid you adieu. The Coyote will be on va-kay for the next week. Talk to you when I get back!!

Cold Stone: Creamery of the gods; and OMG! DH!!

I've been pretty disciplined for the last five months with my diet and exercise. And it's paid off. I've lost some weight, but mostly toned up in places where I was getting a bit "jiggly".

This weekend was HOT. Like playing shadow tag with 100 degrees hot. We had a busy weekend, with cueing, playing golf, hanging out, and doing yardwork. So on Sunday night the Hub and I decided to head to Cold Stone for a date.

Walking into Cold Stone Creamery you are instantly transported to heaven. The smells, the mix-ins, the possibilities! They are endless. So he grabbed a Peanut Butter Cup sensation and I had the Coffee Lovers Delight. Or whatever they're called.

I woke up this morning .8 pounds heavier. No more for me!!

************************************************************************************

Did you WATCH the season finale of Desperate Housewives last night? I. Was. On. The. Floor!! Warning - possible spoilers ahead:

SUSAN! Dear GAWD get it together and STICK WITH ONE MAN.
Gaby: Honey. Just because you have kids doesn't mean you get to let yourself go.
Bree: Get some girl!
Lynette: Wow. You need to get it together and get your boys some serious help. Shielding them from the law after the fire, not so much a good idea.
Katherine: You actually endeared yourself to me tonight.

Speaking of Season Finale's - what about CSI? Holy craptastic batman! I did NOT see that coming.

Partly Cloudy, 93.

Ten days to go.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all of the mom's out there.

The Ten Day Forecast

We at the Coyote are getting ready to head out on a well-deserved Mexican vacation. We're going with two of our best friends, who happen to be married to each other. See how wonderfully life works out? We'll get some sun, lounge by the pool, drink mas tequila, eat and shop. We're going deep sea fishing one day, and then the boys are going to go again, while the girls head into town and garner some treasures. At a reduced price of course.

So we've been having the countdown for months now. As of today, we leave in 13 days. So my husband decided to check out the Ten Day Forecast. Today, it's going to be 94 in Cabo. Can I tell you what the high in PDX was today? Somewhere around 53. That's a 41 degree difference. Fourty-one. Fourty. PLUS ONE. There is no culture shock like leaving the cold and entering the tropics. None. Makes you want to strip to your skivvies and jump in an ice cold drink. But the Federales frown on that kind of behaviour at the airport. Don't ask, I just know.

So I can imagine that we'll be on top of that Ten Day Forecast for the next 12 days. But do we care? As I said to my husband - That's what the pool is for!

Merrily We Go Round

Two days into my new job, my assistant decides to tell me she is interviewing for the state of Oregon. This makes complete sense to me, and let me tell you why. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from OSU, with a degree in Economics. And here she sits, making slave wage, being my assistant. I've got to hand it to the girl, she needs to use that head of hers. So she is.

She just walked in here, and told me she got the job. I was the first person she told, but **shhh** don't tell her husband. She wanted to call her mom after she told me, but I advised her to call her hubby first. She came back in blushing and thanked me for the good advice, because he really appreciated the first call.

I said first call. She didn't call me, she walked over and told me. So he was the first call. Stop looking at me like that.

So now I have to recruit, interview and hire another assistant. In 11 days. Oh, she's giving me until the 28th, but see, I am going to be on a little vacation from the 21st to the 28th. So with the holiday, that takes about 6 interview days out of the equation. And besides, I want to hire someone soon so she can train them. And then there's the little matter of moving some people around, because I want the new person to be at the front desk. It's beyond stressful.

I know, I know, I bought, closed, and moved into a house in 12 days when we lived in CT. A-ha you say? Yes, but that's ALL I did for those 12 days: inspections, appraisals, attorneys. It consumed my day.

So here I go - getting ready to write an ad for a new Executive Assistant. Wish me luck!

*Cough, Cough* Clearing Out the Cobwebs

OK! I know! I haven't been here in AGES. I'm pretty sure that if this blog were a bar, there would be a little guy in the corner with a beer who died three months ago. It's bad.

Here's the thing. I cannot believe it's May. And not only May, but May 6th already!

So let's recap. I visited in February to let you all know about my fantasmic job offer. Well, let me tell you about that job. Not so much. They were leveraging their receivables to pay payables and that's never a good idea, know what I mean (and I think you do)? Besides that, they have an antiquated accounting system that still runs in a DOS-based program, and they had just gotten the General Journal program installed and were working out the bugs. As they say in my favorite country, no est a bien.

So they hired a Controller, and I took my leave. Which is fine. One door closes and all that. So I promptly started at a non-profit organization. I don't get to wear jeans every day, but the perks definitely outweigh the bad in this one. I love my job, I like the people, my boss is super laid back. He's younger, which I think is important in today's day and age as we need to keep the finger on the pulse of employee appreciation. Since I've started, we had our Administrative Professionals Appreciation Day, I scheduled a Cinco de Mayo luncheon for everyone yesterday, and I'm working on implementing a summer hours schedule.

Much to my amazement, this new brand of stress reduction has really shown through in my personal life. I'm not as edgy, my bowling scores have improved (I bowled a 600 series this season!), and I'm losing weight. And feeling great.

So with this new brand of stress reduction in my life, I am going to try really hard to blog at least once a week. Bear with me dear reader, I'm navigating yet another new course.

Besides, we're looking for a house to buy right now. That should be enough blog fodder for a while, agreed?

I Really Need to Learn to Give it to God

Really. My biggest problem is that I am a control freak. I need to feel in control of my life. And that causes more problems sometimes than it helps.

I see that my last post there - below this one - on January 25th I was feeling sorry for myself. I thought that with all of my efforts and perseverance, I would land myself a job. I left out the most important part though - I forgot to put it in God's hands. Of course, I still needed to do the work, but giving it up to Him was a missing piece.

Don't get me wrong, you can't simply sit back and say "OK Lord, do your thing", because that doesn't work either. You still have to do the leg work, but give it to Him, and the leg work won't feel that hard.

Shortly after I wrote that post - I received a phone call from an employment agency. I started a job on Tuesday the 29th. It's considerably more pay than my previous slave wages, and I get to wear jeans every day if I wish.

I was humbled, and reminded that the Lord works in mysterious ways. Yes, He does.

The Job Search Continues

Who would have thought that I would still be sitting here, two weeks after I left my job, still waiting on an answer from a job I interviewed for? Such is the turn of events that is my life. Un-freakin-real.

Happy New Year! 2008 Resolutions...

Resolutions. We hear we should make them, we hear we should keep them, we hear 50% of people don't. So why bother?

I'll admit, I fell off the wagon over Christmas. If you count Christmas as December 1 - 31. I went to the gym maybe twice? And I ate. Oh boy did I eat. That's the bad thing about Christmas, is the food. It's so....fat. But it's so GOOD. We were busy every weekend, with parties, and visiting friends, and my birthday smack dab in the middle there.

But now it's the new year. It's two thousand effing eight! How did that happen? Chris and I met before the new millenium even begun, and now we're 8 years into it!

So I got back on the wagon. I'm on a new low GI (Glycemic Index) eating plan, and I am back at the gym. Along with this new attitude will soon come a new job. I gave my notice to my current employer on November 30th. My last day will be January 11th. I know, I'm a nice girl, I let them find someone and I am staying for a week to train. Can we say "dragging our feet"?

So I have an interview tomorrow and I am super excited about it. Wish me luck faithful readers!