What I Would Really Like

This Christmas we got our boys a Game Cube. Of course if you ask me, we got them an xbox 360. My husband always laughs and corrects me, but honestly--what does it matter? They are both Nintendo gaming systems--they boys know what I'm talking about, even when I get it wrong. But it's funny.

You know what I really want? I want Super Mario Brothers--that first Nintendo game. I remember loving it, but since it wasn't mine I didn't get to play it nearly enough. I don't think they make it for the Game Cube, but I would totally love to get a chance to play it. I was looking on Ebay for it, and they are still selling for nearly $30. It's like 20 years old--and yet it's still one of the best sellers. Too cool!

The Week

The holidays have come and gone! Can you believe it! We finally had our last "Christmas" related activity, my sons cello concert. His concert was originally scheduled for a couple of weeks before Christmas, but due to inclement weather it was postponed until after the Christmas holiday. It was kind of nice getting to hear Christmas carols after Christmas!

Other than that, we've kicked right in with our New Years traditions. Leptovox, treadmill, weight training...you name it--it's all going on here. This year is my high school reunion, and I would really like to look decent. So hard as it may be, I have to keep it up.

We are currently set to fly into Utah in mid-August, and then home just in time to start school. To be completely honest...I CAN'T WAIT!!

My 2009 Plans

Do you make New Year Resolutions? I am BIG at this! I have a resolution for everything, but this year, I'm bound and determined to see some of them come to fruition. My biggest...getting healthy! Notice I didn't say "losing weight"--I find that to be way to vague, and I really want to make it work this time. I've got my weight loss products lined up and I've even moved the treadmill from the boring, cold basement...to my warm, comfortable bedroom with the Tivo. Yeah, you can just hear my seriousness now, huh!

One pound at a time, but I'm hoping by my 20th reunion this summer, I can have lost at least 50 lbs!! Wish me luck!

We Rent...a LOT

Over the holiday break we rented a LOT of movies. Do you and your family do that? With the Red Box dollar rentals out there, why not?? Sadly, because we rented so many they had run out of my favorite chick flick genre and my last rental turned out to be the Sex in the City movie. Honestly, I think you had to watch the series on TV to get what was going on---but I do have to say, during the final scene when she goes back to her 'former' luxury penthouse for her never worn Manolo Blahnik shoes and meets "Big"...I thought that was the best. Especially after he'd left her at the alter. It was a light movie--truly--no plot to stew over. But it was a nice change, Daniel had forced me to rent "The Christmas Shoes". Great movie! Great, 3 HANKY movie!! So something light after that, was a welcome escape!

Sad News

I just got off the phone with my mother, it appears that my uncle has had an accident. He was snow blowing his driveway this morning when the wet snow bogged down the blades. You know what's coming next, but you know--he thought he was being smart. He turned off the snowblower before attempting to clear the snow. The problem was the blades had been working so hard to do their job, that they actually had wound quite tight before he turned off the machine. He reached in to clear the snow and by freeing up the blades it allowed them to unwind--and no safety equipment around could have protected him from what came next.

He is currently in surgery. He's lost 2 fingers on his right hand, and although they are hoping to be able to reconnect them some how, they really aren't sure if they'll be able to, and if they can--just how much motion he'll recover is really unknown.

It's such a sad way to start the year, but if any of you out there have room for some extras...My Uncle Dave could really use some prayers!

Some Time Away

We are planning a fun get away for just my husband and I. I can't decide if I would rather book a cruise, or find a really nice hotel in downtown Chicago for a really good price. Ha...did you notice that? I threw in the cruise idea, as though there is any space in the budget for that (you did read below about the braces, right??)

Time away is really easy when you live near a really fun city. The hotels in the Chicago area are beautiful and have every amenity possible. From the pop up tv (I will have one of these before I die) to the mini bar to ROOM SERVICE!! I don't care if they charge me an additional 18% to bring it to me...someone else cooks it---and brings it to me----in bed!

I think I'm going to check out one of those "name your own price" websites to see what I can get. We do have a few friends left from our days in the hotel business that maybe we can swing a trade out or something. All in all...I can't wait!

Happy New Year!

I have been gone for the past 2 weeks. Nothing fun I assure you! Aside from the holidays, I have been struck by my yearly bronchitis and it was/is a doozy! I'm finally feeling a little better today and my to do list is a mile and a half long! My oldest in is need of braces--I need to find an orthodontist. Our insurance policy is up for renewal, and because there are now braces on the table--I need to find some cheap auto insurance! I have a menu to plan out for the month of January that fits our budget...and I have to come up with some blog posts for the company blog. Can I go back to bed yet??

I'm sorry for the long absence, and I hope that you all enjoyed a wonderful and safe holiday season!