Why I'm Extra Thankful This Holiday Season

It seems like only yesterday, but two years ago my husband and I were preparing to begin a new phase of our lives. Nick was getting ready to go back to school to become a nurse. We had revisited the discussion about going to school countless times, but he had finally decided to change careers.

I won't lie - we were as scared about this journey as we were excited. Would we be able to afford our monthly expenses on reduced income? How would we find time to spend together with his class and study group schedules?

But we soon realized something that we knew all along - God was going to take care of us. The month before Nick started classes, I got a new job with a raise. Soon after classes started, Nick was awarded a scholarship that covered all of his tuition. In addition to that, Nick's employer agreed to let him continue to work, but with reduced hours. Family and friends stepped up in ways we can't even begin to properly thank them or repay them for. Nick even developed friendships with classmates that we can't even imagine not having in our lives now.

While it wasn't always a walk in the park, I wouldn't trade these past two years for anything. And in a couple of weeks I can't wait to watch as he graduates from nursing school. I'm so proud of him and can't wait to see where this next phase in our lives together will lead us.

Guilt Trip at the Gym

Earlier this year Nick and I signed up for a gym membership and I have to say I really enjoy going. Even on my most sluggish days, I still feel a great sense of accomplishment just for going.

But one thing I've noticed lately is the guilt trip I get when I'm working out. Is it from trainers or other gym members? Not even close. It's from the elliptical machine I'm using! You see, when you press the button to increase the intensity of your workout, it makes a quiet, dainty little beeping sound. But when you decrease the intensity - BEEP!!!! A noise loud enough to let people two miles away know that you've decided to tone done your workout.

I'm being shamed into more intense exercising by a machine. What's worse? Um...it definitely works. Don't judge me.

Prepare thyself...

One of the great things about spring and summer is that outdoor festivals and activities go into full swing. And Waxahachie, Texas, is no exception. In town on a recent business trip, my friend Eliza and I discovered two things: 1) cell phones only work in the center of the conference center parking lot and, 2) the amazingly popular Scarborough Renaissance Fair. Now, I normally wouldn't give a renaissance fair a second look. They're not my cup of tea. But with a sign like this it just couldn't be ignored:
That's right, my friends - Prepare Thyself For Merriment!

Super Bowl Recap

Word on the street is that there are some people anxiously awaiting a recap of our very exciting Super Bowl party. Well, this post is for you.
Some would say I got a little bit carried away with the menu. We had enough food to feed about 20 people...but there were only eight of us. I didn't care - when the Steelers are in the Super Bowl, of course it's time to go all out!
Our menu included Italian sausage sandwiches, sweet & spicy meatballs, queso dip, veggies & dip, pepperoni loaf, and the all-important Oreos.
After we filled our plates, it was time to get down to business. Here we are as James Harrison made a 100-yard return just before halftime. Pardon my scary red demonic eyes.
My friend Mary doesn't really care about football, but that night we definitely converted her into a Steeler fan.
With only a few minutes left in the game, when the Cardinals scored and things definitely weren't looking good for us, Nick donned his rally cap.
Finally, with 35 seconds remaining, Santonio Holmes made a miraculous catch that pushed the Steelers ahead. Everyone in our living room erupted with cheers.
The rally cap worked! Here's Danny showing his appreciation for the hat.
By the end of the night, Oliver had had enough. Becoming six-time Super Bowl Champions really takes it out of a dog.

We are the champions!

The Steelers did it! They won their sixth Super Bowl title, making NFL history as the first team to do so. It was a stressful night in our living room - lots of weeping and gnashing of teeth, followed by cheers and shouting.
We're still celebrating at our house, so I'll post pictures of the food & fun tomorrow night.
Until then... here we go Steelers, here we go!!!!

Super Bowl Fever

I am beyond excited right now because the Steelers have made it into the Super Bowl! As the final minutes of the game against the Baltimore Ravens ticked away, I sat preparing the menu for my Super Bowl party. More on that in a future post.
But one of the biggest things that got me into the Super Bowl spirit was a little care package from my mom. What was in it? None other than Eat 'n Park's famous smiley face cookies done in black and gold in honor of the Steelers. Ahh, there's nothing like a little taste of home.
So now we're just gathering our party supplies and getting ready for the big game. Check back on Super Bowl Sunday to get a look at our Pittsburgh-inspired menu.

Resolutions...a few days late

I realize that everyone else on the planet made their resolutions several days ago. But instead of jumping on the typical resolution bandwagon (you know - exercise every day, no junk food, and publishing one's memoirs) I've decided to go for the realistic goals. So, I present to you my very doable resolutions for 2009:

1. I will not hit snooze more than three times each morning.
2. I will not consider clothes laying on the floor of my closet as 'put away'.
3. I won't drink coffee after 7pm (totally screws up my bedtime routine).
4. I will not be ashamed of eating cold leftovers for breakfast (hey, at least I'm eating something).
5. In an effort to break out of a rut, I'll listen to a new music artist every month. Who knows what new tunes I'll find out that I like?
6. Find one new publication to submit my writing to.
7. To preserve my marriage I will not go on snowy hikes, like the Jenny Lake Hike we went on following this photo op:
8. I'll stay better connected to my friends.
9. Watch more Food Network, HGTV, and E!
10. Have a major celebration when Nick graduates in December!