Bittersweet.

Today is E's last day at David Weekly Homes as a builder, wow. It's a bittersweet feeling for both of us (I think). E was obviously very, very good at his job because he has been told over and over the past month how much he will be missed and how awesome he was at building homes (His head might explode). E will no longer have a real paycheck, SCARY. We still have a mortgage payment anyways, SCARY. A lease was signed for Rita's, SCARY. Keys are in the mail to he and his brother, SCARY. The buildout is starting after Christmas, SCARY. E is starting a life long dream-A Business, AWESOME. E is super duper stoked about the business, AWESOME. J and E will be on a new journey, AWESOME. There is one really BIG bummer...we won't be carpooling anymore. It's going to be weird waking up for work and watching E sleep while I put on my makeup. I will have to make my own cup o' joe (haven't done that in like 5 years, seriously)! I will have to get mad at the ATX traffic by myself. I will not have my partner to bitch at about all the losers I work with at my "awesome" job. It's a bittersweet situation. I know it's for the best. I know E is thrilled and only positive energy will come about from the business, but life is going to change as of tomorrow. SCARY. Yet, AWESOME.

Holidays.

I hope all had a grand Turkey Day! We sure did...ate too much, drank too much, talked too much and laughed too much...AND, DROVE too much. Our families spend Thanksgiving together...I know, I know you are totally jealous cuz-that-never-happens, but we do. We spent Thanksgiving day in Johnson City on my in-laws ranch. On Friday, we woke and drove to my parents' ranch in Charlotte. A lot of driving, but it was worth it for the fun (even if I did have to small talk my husband to death on Saturday, so he wouldn't fall asleep while driving.)

I love Christmas time! I am pretty sure I could write that 1 trillion times and never get tired of writing it. We typically wait to buy our tree until it's really cold outside (Odd, I know) and last night was perfect. We took our lil (or large) fannies to Home Depot and picked out the perfect tree. We had a Griswald moment...put the tree on top of my VW Passat, ha. We had another Griswald moment when E unraveled the netting...I though for sure the limbs were going to break down the walls...the damn thing is HUGE! It sure is purdy though. I don't ever decorate it the night we get it because I know the limbs need to "fall" a little bit. Since it's so cold tonight, we are going to work out, eat fish, drink egg nog and decorate the tree with carols playing and a fire burning. Doesn't that sound W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L...why of course because it's the most wonderful time of year.

Pics soon! :) Happy Holiday Decorating!

Rita's.

Ahhh, the joy and excitement may now officially begin! E has recently resigned from his
J-O-B as a home builder. And, this leads to many jumps in the air screaming HOORAY at the top of my lungs. See, his job has probably aged him about 10 years because it's 100% stressful, 100% of the time...there is not one moment of relaxation in the home building industry, especially right now in this economy. You may ask WTH is he going to do? Drumroll...
He and his brother will be running a family owned franchise business, RITA'S Italian Ice and Custard. This place is hoppin' all over the country especially in the North East because it's a divine product. It's rather difficult to explain, but one thing for sure that's easy...It has fresh fruit in it, yummy! The first location is going to be near the University of Texas campus, 2nd location will be on the San Antonio Riverwalk and last location will be in Westlake. Wowie...that's a lot...wowie...it's a new journey...wowie...I may never see my husband...wowie...this is the BEST thing EVER (not that I will never see him, but that he is no longer working for the MAN). I will continue working my job to carry E's health insurance until Rita's HAS to have my assistance. It's such a relief to actually be able to scream the news to everyone and anyone. This has been a hidden secret since March because of the vulnerability of E's company finding out. So, I have screamed it, shouted it, jumped up and down! We are blessed and can't wait for the new journey!
If you are in the above areas mentioned...I expect you to stop in to get your FREE ice! :)
If you live somewhere else not in Austin, take a look at the website to find your nearest location...you will not regret it: www.ritasice.com
PS: Katy & Houston peeps...one is coming your way!

Ft. Hood

Yesterday, there was a tragedy at Ft. Hood. A Major killed 12 people and wounded at least 31. Insane.

I happen to work for a Defense Contractor in Austin. Yesterday, we sent 13 employees to Ft. Hood for training...can you believe it? We do this once a year and the date happened to be yesterday, the day of Tragedy. I was tasked with calling the Emergency contact for all 13 employees. I didn't think I would have a hard time with the task because I took a crisis counseling course in college. I was wrong. 100% wrong. I was shaking for about an hour after making the phone calls. Each contact had a different response with 2 being hysterical on the phone. You see, our employees were unable to contact their loved ones. Their cell phones weren't allowed to be taken into the facility, so their loved ones were out of the loop (besides what was seen on the tube). It was an eye opener for me! My first thoughts when I completed the task were the people involved in the 9\11 Tragedy. Those people probably received phone calls of death or perhaps, they didn't receive phone calls at all. They just had to wait and wait and wait. Today, I am thankful for my courage in being able to make the phone calls...even if they were positive phone calls.

Peace be with those who lost loved ones!

It's been a while.

It's been a long while since I have blogged. Not because I am busy and don't have time, just because I lost interest. It baffles me how I lost interest because I am a "Blog Stalker" and that term shouldn't be used lightly (heehee). I love blogs! I am sure it's partialy because I would like to know what is going on in the lives of others even if I don't know them. I check out this blog because I love the pictures, Pennsylvania, and her stories. And guess what...I get to follow her and her husband's journey through pregnancy. Ha. I don't know her from "Adam." Hilar, sick...possibly, but it's fun.

Onto it...there are a lot of updates in the Jensen world, but guess what?...I can't post them until Mid December. It's fun, It's life changing, It's a journey...and NO, I am not preggers. :)

It's time to give THANKS! I encourage you to do this...Write, blog, note what you are thankful for in the next few weeks up to Thanksgiving. It's easy the first couple of days, but I know it gets harder and harder as time progresses to really think about what blessings you have in your life. I am updating my Facebook everyday with something new...today It's Family. Be thankful friends.

Prayer Warriors 101.

This family needs your prayers, your positive thoughts, good vibes...whatever you choose to do to ask for HELP!!!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/KeithBeasley

Take a moment...

Catch Up.

Wowie, it's been a while since I have HAD the time to blog...so much has been happenin' in our lives it's hard to take time to blink.

First things first, I received a promotion and a completely new role at work. I have been trying to get out of my current role as an Engineering & QA Assistant for about a year. I work for a business that is very much specialized, therefore, it's difficult to move around the company. Our VP of HR went to my bosses about a month ago and offered to give me a new position, which would give me opportunities to follow a career path. All three of them felt it was a GREAT move for me. I was skeptical at first, but I decided to take the position as Facilities Manager. We are planning a whole company move in July 2010, which will offer me a lot of experience with Project Management, Contractor Management, etc. I am very excited for this new track that has been handed to me. I feel that it's right up my alley and I will succeed!

As for E, what a rollercoaster ride we have had with his job. He has been building houses with a variety of companies since his graduation from University of Texas. He is currently working for David Weekley Homes as a builder. I know you are saying, what are ya'll thinking...and how does he still have a job? I agree. We agree. Last Tuesday, E called me stating they were revamping and restructuring the whole company and he thought it was his time to go. Of course, I freaked out. I went to my bosses. I called my parents. I prayed. I Im'd. I wrote. I smoked. I waited. I sent him a text message at 5:15 and received no response and thought for sure he was in a layoff meeting. I recieved a call at 5:30 from E stating "I AM SAFE!" Holy crap, you have to be kidding me!!!!!! Unfortunately, 175 people were layed off last Tuesday from Weekley. Managers were demoted. But, E kept his job. He was hand selected by his boss and the Regional VP to stay and continue doing his work. My family, his family and I are so proud that he has made it through 5 layoffs. I think this is a great opportunity for E to expand and grow with Weekley! At the same time of being proud, I feel for the individuals who were layed off and hope the very best future for each of them and their families.

A lot of fun things have been going on at the same time as work crises! E went to Vegas with a group of his guy friends for March Madness. They had a blast...as they were having a blast, I was working (eh-hem...18 days straight of work...I believe I am owed a trip). We have had crawfish boils, shrimp boils, Cajun festivals, friends, beer pong, family, basketball, and the list goes on and on.
Marley man was a sick little doggie for a week or so...ended up he had pancreatitis and was given some meds and an IV. Of course, he is back to himself!
E and I celebrated our 4 year wedding anniversary as well. I cannot believe it's been 4 years...wow time has flown. I was thinking about it...neither has been single in 8 years!!!!!!!!!!!!! 4 years= Gift of flowers and fruit, so I bought E a plant with a shovel and rake. He bought me a Fuschia hanging plant; And, let me tell you the care this plant needs is more than our dog. Can't get to much sun, needs food once a week, needs water everyday, HATES the wind, needs to be pruned daily, sheesh...I would hate it if it could talk and tell me what it needs. It's beautiful though, so I am TRYING to keep it alive for as long as possible.
My favorite time of the year is here, Spring time. We are getting the yard and garden ready for planting. Headed to the Natural Gardener to pick up veggies and flowers this weekend. Planning to celebrate Easter at home with our typical Italian Eggs with family and friends.
Now planning...our 1ST ANNUAL UPSCALE GARAGE SALE, I will let you know how that one goes.

Until next time, I leave you with some of my fav pics of the month...May you all have a wonderful Easter...HE IS RISEN! :)

Wahoo!

A lot has been going on in these neck of the woods. We went to Houston this past weekend for the Cook off. E has never been, so of course it was fun for him to see all the action and people. He kept saying...white trash with a lot of money (LOL). We had an absolute blast! On our way back to Austin on Saturday, we came across the Bastrop Forest Fire. It was huge! The Forest Services and Sherriff's department had 71 closed down. Luckily, E has an iPhone, so we were able to locate ourselves on google and then go from there. We took a long back road that ran parallel to the fire. It was quite sad knowing people were losing their homes, animals, and life belongings. We finally crossed all the fire paths and made it home! Sunday was a day of rest before our crazy work week started.
I have been researching places for our vacation for about 3 months! I am sooo tired of looking at Trip Advisor, Orbitz, and every other travel website. We decided on Mexico last week because we received a great deal and the golf is fabulous. I booked the hotel portion of the trip last week. My mom sent me a quick email stating she didn't feel comfy with us traveling to Mexico because of all the crime. I blew her off (and I shouldn't since Moms know best) until Sunday...We watched 60 minutes and there were Mexico residents stating they wouldn't visit their own country. Taxis aren't even safe anymore. Cancun had 3 shootings last week. AND, Mexico is now known as the Kidnapping Capital of the World. Um, hi, I did some more research yesterday and soon decided to cancel our trip. E and I didn't want to be worried about our safety the whole time we were on vacation. It worked out perfectly because I really wasn't STOKED about Mexico. I love exotic far away lands in the Caribbean!!! I then went to plan #2 and booked our trip. We are going to Punta Cana for a LONG vacation!!! We are so excited and blessed to be able to have such a magical vacation ahead of us.

The Big Question.

We are married.
We both have secure jobs.
We own our home.
We have very little debt.
We have been "together" for over 7 years.
And we always get the question...When will you and E have children?

I think it's an interesting question for a variety of reasons.

E is 30 going on 31; I am 27 going on 28. We both feel we have a long ways to wait. We both enjoy our time; We enjoy spending money; We love fancy food; I love to shop; We both love to travel; We both want to open a business; We don't have family that live in the same city; and the list goes on and on. The idea sparks conversation about once a year and it was sparked about 2 weeks ago. We were eating fancy mexican food and there were children EVERYWHERE screaming and crying at the top of their lungs. I soon realized, I don't think I have motherly instincts anymore. I don't think I could EVER handle those situations. It's almost like working with men has made me well, A MAN! I am surrounded by Men all day, every day of my life and have been for 4 years. I feel I have become hardened to the idea of emotions and along with that, the idea of children. E wants children, but not for another 5 to 7 years. I cannot come to that 5 to 7 year mark. E tells me it will change when our friends begin to have children, but I tell him they have to get married first. It's an interesting change that has occurred and I don't know if the want for a child will ever be in me. Time will tell...

...but....I must say, I will babysit any child ONLY because I can give them back, hehe. So, if you need a babysitter call me. :)

Tuesday 10.

Tuesday 10

10 Things I am looking forward to...

10. A bowling birthday party. A dear friend of ours is turning 29 on Friday and since it's his last "kid" year his wife is throwing him a bowling party. SWEET! I will need the bumpers because I am not a good bowler, but it will be fun.

9. The Houston Rodeo cook off. Of course, if you are from Htizzle you know the fun, crazy exciting times can occur at the cook off. E has never been (yes, in the 8 years we have been together), so this will be his first time. It's going to be a blast!!!

8. Spring time. I love Spring time, especially in Austin! The hills turn green, the bluebonnets bloom, the fields are covered with yellow flowers, the trees turn green, the grass needs to be mowed, AND LAKE TIME! My bff has been living in Lubbock FOREVER, but she just moved back home to Katy. Her father and step mom have a lakehouse and boat, so guess what...EVERY WEEKEND we will be on Lake Travis, wahoo. Looking forward to a nice tan!

7. Dresses. I love wearing dresses! I love wearing dresses because you cannot see the fatness on the legs. Right now, the weather is so confusing that wearing dresses is near impossible or at least without leggings or tights. I can't wait to go shopping and buy precious, flattering Spring\Summer dresses.

6. Flip Flops. Along with dresses, I love flops. I could wear them everyday all day, all year long. I MAKE myself not wear them when it's cold because I am pretty sure people would look at me and laugh.

5. March Madness. I am a huge sports fan; I do love football more than anything, but I do believe that March Madness is the BEST competition out of all sports. E is going to Vegas with the boys, but I am still going to give him some bets to throw for me. :)

4. NFL draft. See, I told you I am sports freak. I love watching the faces of these men light up when their names are called to join an NFL team...A new life, A new chapter.

3. Beer pong and back yard moments. We are the beer pong champs and it's that time of year, to break it out on a Saturday afternoon, throw some back, play washers and horseshoes & of course enjoy fun filled time with lovely peeps!

2. Wedding Anniversary. Our 4 year wedding anniv is April 2nd...I love Anniversaries!

1. VACATION!!! We are going on vacation a little later this year, but it 's going to be worth it. You probably ask, "where are ya'll going?", however, I cannot answer this question because I am baffled on the decision. We have been to a lot of the islands and there are plenty we would love to go back to, but I just cannot decide. Time will tell...

How WE met.

My BFF, Leah Patricia, asked me in 2001..."Do you want to go on a cruise with the Baker Clan?" And of course, I wouldn't miss any type of trip that had to do with #1: Mexico & #2: Alcohol. I had a terrible, rough, unorganized, failing, first semester of college, however since my parents are such loyal and understanding peeps they gave me another chance with semester 2. Since I could prove I was doing so well in semester 2, they allowed me to go on the Spring Break cruise with the Bakers.
Onto it...so the fam drives down to Galveston...gets on the boat...get a beer and participate in the safety course everyone must partake in on the boat. We were all lovin life! The boat set sail to Mexico. Leah and I were layin out on the deck enjoying the warm breeze in our hair, drinking fun cocktails, laughing, smoking, and having the best time ever. We soon gathered our thoughts and really payed attention to the crowd around us...ummm...they were ALL rather young, all girls, in cheerleading outfits...we soon realized, we were on a ship that was holding a CHEER COMPETITION, crushing. Of course, we were still going to have a great time, but we were just wanting other company. The 2nd day we were on the ship...there was a group of LONGHORN fans out on the deck by the pool. Leah and I were like "Look, they must be from Texas or at least go to UT." We were also thinking...they must need adult female attention and must be sick of looking at 9 year olds. Leah and I discussed how we could become friends with this group. And, I decided I would ask them to take OUR picture (HOW FIRST GRADE.) But, I asked, they took it, and we instantly became buddies with this group. Leah was infatuated with one of the guys, I wasn't infatuated with anyone because E wasn't there (HE loves to gamble...sigh), and I just wanted to have a fabulous time. We decided to all meet up that night at THE club. And that's when I saw E...his gorgeous blue eyes, perfect hair, and red Hawaiian shirt. He and I danced the night away (And he hates dancing BTW), drank the night away and stayed up until the sun came up talking about life. We had everything in common...when I say everything...I mean everything: He liked Dr. Pepper, He had a brother, His parents were still married, He loved the Texas Longhorns, Was a Texas Longhorn, He lived in Austin, Was smart, Loved to read, His brother had a Tahoe, He loved to travel, He loved to drink, He loved to party, He loved football, He loved cold weather...He loved everything I loved. As the cruise continued, E's group, Leah and I became very close and had a blast together. At the end, E asked for my phone number. We all said our goodbyes and I shed a few tears...Then Leah and I returned to Katy. I went to my mom's place of work...told her all about the trip...showed her the pictures...AND TOLD HER I met the man I was going to marry. My mom's response was..."Oh Julez, It's boat love..."E contacted me a few days later and we continued our relationship through our college careers. Words cannot describe the amount of fun we had over those years...making new relationships with new friends, growing in our relationship, and both becoming educated at 2 phenomenal schools. And then...he proposed on his boat under the sunset on Lake Austin when I graduated from college. After partying, planning, picking, growing, crying, losing, winning, singing, dancing, laughing, loving for 4 years...
My father walked me down the aisle to say my I do's to Eric, I looked at my father and said..."It's just boat love."

10 Fun Facts.

Tuesday 10

10 Fun Facts about ME

1. I am a midget compared to my family members. My mother is hitting 6 ft; My father is 6'2-3; My brother is around 6'4; AND me, I am 5'7. It's quite depressing when we take family photos.

2. I met my now hubby on a cruise my freshman year of college. It's a great story...let me know if you want to hear it!

3. I absolutely have a texture issue with food. I cannot eat things clumped together...my eggs have to be mashed, my cottage cheese has to be mashed, and I cannot eat chunks of taters, cannot eat Zuchhini or Squash...the list goes on and on.

4. I bite my fingernails.

5. I have HORRIBLE road rage. I think it's from growing up in Houston or just living in a city that is cramped.

6. I love chips and salsa. I could eat chips and salsa every day for every meal. If I was on a deserted island, (besides wanting E) I would NEED chips and salsa.

7. I smoke when I drink and sometimes more frequently than that. I have quit 8 times.

8. I really LOVE to sweat. I know disgusting, but I don't feel that I have had a good work out unless I am dripping. (TMI).

9. People ask if my brother and I are twins. And my brother gets asked, if he and my mother are brother and sister.

10. I am a really speedy typer. I can type over 90 words a minute. People at work say it's annoying how fast I type.

That sums me up...

A day late, Tuesday 10.

So, Here are 10 things I just love...

Tuesday 10

10. My bosses. I have worked at Ultra for 3 years and I must say the only reason is because of my bosses. I have about a 45 minute- 1 hour commute in the morning and then again in the afternoon. The commute is nothing but BRUTAL!!! I have the utmost loyalty to my bosses and they have the same for me in return. I am able to laugh, cry, yell, and just talk to them whenever. They have the best open door policy and I just adore them and the work they achieve!

9. Facebook and Myspace. I truly believe it's an addiction. I am constantly getting on and off...worried I am going to miss an update or a picture a friend has posted. It's insane! I was late in joining both these worlds and sometimes I wish I hadn't joined. I am thankful for the sites because I have gotten back in touch with many people I hadn't talked to since High School or college. Off to logon...

8. Bath Junkie. I heart Bath Junkie!!! I first found this place because a chick that worked next to me always smelt sooo good...I asked her what kind of lotion she had at her desk and the rest is history. I think I could possibly spend hundreds of dollars in this store! Any gift giving Holiday, I ask for Bath Junkie...again, it's an addiction. And, Bath Junkie got my brother in law a super cute date...see it's worth it.

7. Curly Girl. I have struggled with my hair type since I was in 3rd grade. I always wished I had board straight hair that I could let air dry. I have never had that type of hair. If I let my hair air dry, I wouldn't come out of the house. Drum roll....I have now accepted my curly hair. I rarely blow dry it out...I just diffuse it and go on with my day. The reason I love my hair is because of this...
And this...
It's truly amazing! My hairdresser (The best in the world) hooked me up with a CURLY CUT and said...this is it...this means you are now a curly girl. I will never go back!

6. Eucerin. I have had roscea my whole life, which means, I constantly get people saying such things as "Wow, do you fake and bake?" J, "Did you get some sun?" IE: I am always RED in the face. I have tried every product that has been invented for redness relief. I have not been happy until I found this...It's actually GREEN! Green and Red compliment eachother so it neutralizes the face. It's recommended very highly in beauty mags and the Rosacea Assocation (yes, I am for real).

5. Name Brand purses. (I don't need a picture for this) I have loved purses since I was a child. I would have every color purse growing up...when I mean every color...we are talking mustard yellow, purple, blue and then of course the normal colors like pink, red and orange. To this day, I am obsessed with purses. I have upgraded my flavor though, which is an expensive habit, but I blame it on my father!

4. My new camera. I am pretty sure everyone in blog land knows this already. I received an awesome camera for Christmas. I haven't used it as much as I would like because of sicknesses, work stuff, and plain busy for the new year. I am going to take it out this weekend!

3. Our friends. We are surrounded with the most wonderful friends!!! Our friends are spread out all over the country, so it makes for fun travels and a lot of catching up on 6th street when they come home. I just love ya'll!

2. Our families. Duh, no explanation needed here! They mean the world to us!

1. Eric and Marley. I love my hubby and my dog!!! I know everyday I get home I will be greeted with a jumping dog and a loving husband...I couldn't ask for a better life. I AM BLESSED!

Photo tag

My sweet friend, Melissa, whom I have known since elementary Photo tagged me. The tag goes like this: Go to your 4th folder where you store your photos. Select your 4th picture (no cheating)! Post the picture with an explanation. Tag 4 people to do the same!!

So here it goes...

Well, this is not a very fun picture, but I followed the rules. This was Marley's first Halloween as our son pet. We dressed him up as an elephant...and we must say...he was and is the cutest elephant we have ever seen!

I tag:

1. Mary. I work with Mary's husband and I just adore their 3 children, their loving marriage, and the ultimate faith they have in the Lord.

2. Lindsey. Sweet Linds, I have known since high school. We used to talk about boys, go to Katy football games, & cry over our first loves. She is all grown-up now with 2 precious angels and is on a new journey...moving to Idaho!

3. Desiree. Dez..again friend since Jr. High. Our moms used to take turns taking us to high school and picking us up from swim practice. We used to sit under the walk way after swim practicea and ate Doritos and Skittles (weren't those the days!). She is expecting her first little angel in May, yay!

4. Jayne. Jayne dated a good friend of ours when he lived in Austin. The 4 of us had road trips galore to Dallas, Houston, and New Orleans. They were the best of times and some of the worst of times. I will always remember Jayne by "It's a whole chicken." LOL. She is now married (to a different man other than our friend) and has the cutest little boy! Jayne loves taking pictures, so I cannot wait to see the pic she HAS to choose for this tag.

Thursday 10.

I stalk read a variety of blogs and some of the lovely ladies always post Tuesday 10...each week the 10 is different and I love it, so I decided to copy.

Thursday 10

10 things I have to complete in 2009

10. Receive at least a 2 on my year-end evaluation. You are probably thinking, wow a 2, that doesn't seem very good. At my company a "1" is the best, however, NO ONE receives this number, so really "2" is the best. I have been receiving "3's" for 3 years now and it's time to get up to that 2. I have been given more responsibilities, so I am confident I will achieve this goal!

9. Clean our house at least once a month. I am the world's BEST picker-upper. I pick up after us every morning when I wake up. Our house always looks tidy and CLEAN, but the truth is...it's not really CLEAN, just picked up. I want to clean, clean once a month...like get down on my hands and knees and scrub the floors...clean, clean. I am cleaning on Friday, so we will see how far into the year we will get.

8. Learn photography. I received a new Canon camera for Xmas, which I am obsessed with at this moment. This camera can do so many things...and I cannot even begin to use it how it's supposed to be used because I am photography illiterate at this time. I am going to check into free photography classes at UT. Get ready peeps...I will be the papprazzi!

7. Learn to bake better and prettier. Does that make sense? I love to bake and am decent at the task. However, nothing I bake comes out really pretty. I will bake cupcakes, cookies, or a cake let it cool, then ice it and want to cry because it's HIDEOUS. I want to have a completed goodie that E will look at and say, that is REALLY pretty.

6. Read more books. I have been reading the Twilight series and I LOVE it. I have been hooked on them since I opened the first book. I thoroughly enjoy reading because I love silence. I love to lay in bed with no one around (besides Marley), nothing on the tube and just read...relaxing. I am going to buy books that I can start and finish...they are called good books. I have a tendency to start books, but they are boring so I never finish. Onto Elipse...

5. Finish re-doing our house even if the hubby isn't involved. E is in the homebuilding industry, which is great and he loves his job, however, I have learned to dislike his job. I dislike his job because he does so much building, problem solving, measuring, painting, etc at work that by the time he gets home I cannot get him to hang a picture on the wall. Hence, why half of our kitchen tile is pulled up and the other half is hot pink! I have decided that I can do a lot of things on my own or with a little contractor's help. I am going to move forward with the rennovations and just ask for E's opinion every once in a while. Hopefully, the kitchen will be done by this time next year!

4. Lose more weight...This is not a new year's goal for me as I started this jaunt back in August of 08! I was having health issues back at that time...needed to change some things...I successfully changed them and have lost almost 30 pounds. That's a lot of weight! I think about 30 pounds of meat...disgusting. I need to lose at least 20 more pounds to be a healthy weight or at the weight I was my Junior year of high school. This is a hard task because our bodies do something called plateau. I am devoting myself to the gym one more day a week for 30 minutes extra. Determined...

3. Have a garage sale. Ha! I give a lot of things to Goodwill every year because we have an abundance of items that we do not need. I have begun cleaning out the house...I took a few things after Xmas to Goodwill, but the rest we are going to sell. I literally have TOO much stuff. I have purses, armoires, beds, clothes, shoes, belts, and much much more that have never been used or are just sitting in our garage. It's a new year, new beginnings, and I want it gone! When I say garage sale, I mean the largest, biggest, longest, garage sale in the neighborhood...hopefully, we will make a few hundres dollars that will be spent on our 09 vacay. :)

2. Spend more time with my family. My family only lives about 2 hours away from us and we only see them MAYBE once a quarter. That is not enough. I love my family so much and we are all so close I sometimes don't understand why we don't see eachother more often. And, after thinking...I get it...we are busy peeps, but that's just an excuse. No more excuses...Htizzle here we come at least once a month!

1. Love my husband more and more . I love E to death! He is my rock, my best friend, my love, my everything. But, I know that sometimes we get too caught up in our careers, our friends, our hobbies (golf), the television and many other things. I want to get back to the basics...show eachother the ut-most love this year and years to come!

The Bug.

E and I had a great New Year's celebration with our wonderful friends. I was able to use my amazing new camera (my obsession has begun). When I say USE, I mean...taking 300 pictures in one night USE...I was the papparazzi for the night. I loved taking all the pictures and everyone enjoyed it too.As for the new year, I started it off with having the flu, strep throat and an ear infection. Let me just say, I was at home on the couch for 4 days and didn't move, didn't eat, didn't do anything. I felt like I was on the verge of death. I was running a fever for 4 days, so my body was weak and miserable. I am feeling much better, however, since I live in the allergy capital of the world, I am now dealing with Cedar fever (The beloved trees that grow so quickly it throws pollen at rapid speeds and makes everyone miserable for 3 months...). I am hoping to get all this crap out of my system by having a really nice work out tonight, follow it up with a trip to the dry sauna, ahhh...I am already relaxed.

While I was sick, my hubby took wonderful care of me. He is under the impression that sickness is 90% mind. He thinks if you continue to tell yourself you are sick, you will be sick. He is very loving and caring while I am\was ill, but he wanted me to get outside and get fresh air. I would sit outside and read my books. I felt a tad bit better...only because of Edward in Twilight (haha). The books I started and finished were the first 2 books of the Twilight series. I know, I know...I a little late, however, I am sooo glad I started. I absolutely love Stephanie Myers' writing and imagination. I love Bella and Edward!!! I am kind of jealous of Bella at times...how could a vampire be so perfect?!? I have started Eclipse and cannot wait to get deeper into it.

Everyone take their Vitamins...I don't want anyone to have to deal with THE BUG I had last week. For me, my new year begins TODAY, 01/12/09. And I leave you with this...