334 / 365: Broke...a haiku

I hate being broke
Many bills, little moolah
Makes for sad, sad time.

(So much for my "To Me, Love Me" gift. Maybe next week....)

Until next time...pay away!

333 / 365: So young.....

Sad news today. God took a young man this weekend. This sixteen year old's leukemia caused his high school to rally around him and bring about awareness of bone marrow donation. Sadly, he did not live long after "Team J" was created.

New "To Do" list:
1. Love the husband...check.
2. Hugs and kisses for the boys...check.
3. Be a friend and a positive colleague...check.
Repeat tasks 1-3.

Until next time...live and love away!

332 / 365: A Fresh Start

My weight loss journey has been in a holding pattern the last few months. While I haven't gained (much), I haven't lost enough to hit goal yet. A plethora of factors (excuses) have been factored in: no time to prepare healthy meals, no time for frequent exercise, and Weight Watchers on the back burner.

No, I didn't quit. Due to finances, I cut back to WW Online. It's a great tool, but it's not a weekly meeting. Yes I'm holding myself accountable: tracking (sort of), weighing myself (every other week), and reading blogs and message boards, but it's not the same as going to that Saturday morning meeting. I miss my great leader!

The shot in the arm I really need arrives tomorrow. WW is unveiling its new PointsPlus program. While it has some similarities to its old program, it appears to be even healthier. Since it is not being released online til tomorrow, I've been reading reviews of people attending today's meetings and those who have been "secretly" testing it the past few months. While some were not pleased, most found the plan more flexible, more healthy, and in some instances, more simple. Hmmm...flexible, healthy, simple. This is what I need!!

Besides going online tomorrow morning, I'm also going to give myself a "To Me, Love Me" gift of going to Saturday's meeting and purchasing the materials I need to motivate me through this holiday season. I'm hoping this mental game will help my body, mind and soul get through my annual "funk" with a better frame of mind. And who knows....maybe I can lose a few pounds along the way. A true Holiday miracle?

Until next time...lose away!

331 / 365: Trying for them....

I hate to admit it, but I am NOT a fan of Christmas. Never have been, never will. The only redeeming quality of the season is SOME of the music. (Stevie Nicks singing "Silent Night" can easily turn one to atheism.)

Anyway, I'm trying really hard to get into the spirit of things. I hope I can get out of this "funk" before Christmas. I would hate to have my kids identify Christmas as the time Mommy is sad. That's not fair to them.

Wish me luck as I try to put on a happy face for the three beautiful faces in this picture. God, help me!!

Until next time....try away!

330 / 365: 21st Century Learners...

....with parents who have a 17th Century Budget.

How I wish I could put an iPad in every stocking and a laptop under every tree. But alas, it probably won't happen. (Unless we hit those numbers!)

Oh well, a few "old" toys won't kill 'em! Legos and books, here we come!

Until next time....shop away!

329 / 365: The aftermath...

Dear God, Thank you for all you've given me. I am SO blessed to have so much while many have so little. Thank you for my beautiful family, friends, home, food, job, and a good life!

The aftermath of today's feast is proof positive of all my blessings!

Until next time....thank away!

328 / 365: Three Wise Women

I had a great start to my Thanksgiving Break, having lunch with two former colleagues. We discussed many a topic over fuzzy navels and Chinese food: work, children, parents, etc. Conversing with these two fabulous ladies raises me to a higher intellectual level, as well as gives me a reason to belly laugh!! It was a joy to hang with friends and get an estrogen fix!

I am eternally grateful that these ladies are in my life.

Until next time...discuss away!