Day 39 - Corrigendum

Typos are very important to all written form. It gives the reader something to look for so they aren't distracted by the total lack of content in your writing ~Randy K. Milholland~

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Today I'm grateful for:

God's tenacity.

signs from the universe. I may not always like what they have to say, but it's always interesting hearing them, and in such creative ways too.

Valentines dinner plans with a prince in chocolate brown. I do indeed, again.

faith. I have it though I'm still lacking the ability to take the first step.

my little dog. He rocks and though he was rather scared, he conquered his fear and kept me company on the new treadmill. Which I named Herman but the way.

the new treadmill. I've got the flue, I feel like crap by my little dog needs a walk and so do I. Walking/riding is my non-chemical mood stabilizer. Herman is awesome and very unbeast like. Once I feel better, I'm gonna give this a go. We will see if my knee holds out. Since I started exercising regularly I have not had to ware my knee brace. That says something...

Poohisms: “Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.”

my book. No one has bought a copy, Oprah has not called, it's chocked full of Corrigendum’s, but I can say, in earnest and with complete honesty "I wrote a book". That's enough for me. BUT one day, Oprah WILL call. Perhaps once I remove all the corrigendum’s...

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Tuesday Gratitude

Whoooohooo! 2 days and only 1 indoor hamster pile! I do think it's more "trained human" than "housebroken hamster" but I'll take it. Let's see how he chooses to get even when I put him in the Santa Suit I bought. Oh, and he's taken to sleeping UNDER the covers. When the man comes to bed he has to dig for hamster before he can lay his weary head. Consistency and routine are turning the freak alien hamster into a proper little dog. ~WOOF~ Could this be an end to "The Hamster Chronicles"? Perhaps, but I anticipate Roy the Boy giving me years of material. Stay tuned.

Today I'm grateful for:

gift giving. I made Kelly a gift. I was like a kid who just couldn't wait! Kelly said I called her 10 times and text 5. What can I say, I was excited! The idea was the mans, but I worked hard on that album. When I finished it LATE Sunday I wanted to drive to her house and give it to her right then. I was a good girl and waited. I started calling her at 7:30 A.M. She called me about 5 P.M. but she agreed to come to the house to get it. It was a photo album of red leather filled to the brim with every photo of the Redbird I could find but it was the inscription in the front that made us both cry. I LOVE it when a gift is "the perfect" gift. The right gift to the right person at the right time. When it's handmade it's even better.

Walkies. There were much less leash snapping and "NO"ing last night and the man said we were out for 50 minutes. NICE! Didn't feel that long. At least not for me. Since the temperature drop, he is reluctant to "sit". When commanded he gives me this pained expression and tries to "sit" with his boy bits just off the pavement. Can't say that I blame him.

the wrapping elf. I leave items in the Pixie's room and they appear wrapped under the tree all ribbon'd and bow'd and tagg'd. Very spiffy.

190.4. Down a full pound since I weighed in Friday Morning. I have NO idea what I'm doing right but I have a sneaking suspicion the Christmas cookies I've been addicted to are laced with some sort of fat melting chemicals. Must be an early Christmas gift. OH. MY. GOSH! THERE IS A SANTA!

God. He has helped me let it go. I'm all about the happy. Thank you Lord. Um, you may have to help me let it go again....repeatedly. Can I ask for forgiveness now? Like a salvation credit? Or a Layaway plan for heaven? Cuz I KNOW I'm gonna need more help. Sorry Lord, I am a weak sinner.

Wendy's chili on a cold day. Total hot bubbly cheesy goodness in a travel sized cup. *burps* (OMG I just saw the sodum count!)

the man gifts! I finally think I got one worthy of him. It's NOT his big gift. In fact, it's one of his cheaper, smaller gifts but I knows my man. Oh, and my man is physic and not allowed anywhere near the tree. I have the hamster and the Pixie on Guard duty. No, I mean it. He once guessed a sweater that we had boxed in a box in a box in a box the size and shape of a snow shovel. He is just plain freaky in his accuracy.

free lunch. The boss is hosting a Christmas Lunch for all the employees. Um, that would be ME, Oh, and the PM's too, but really it's just for me. *eyes the new guy with that "fear the spork" look* From Al's Pizza. THE best pizza place in Riverside. *drools*

riding on the Autobahn. Oh yes, I will. Thankyouverymuch

today's Poohism: “You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.” Took me 45 years to learn a lesson that was right there in my Pooh book all along. When I left my little corner, I discovered...

My Freak Spawn.

There are no words capable of describing how much I love these girls.

Dear Diary - Friday Gratitude

Dear Diary:


OK, so the week in review? The weekend sucked but was saved in the end by BLT's & sock monkeys, Monday was a Monday and marked by a 2 lb weight gain, Tuesday I got a PUPPY!, Wednesday I water fasted, Thursday I tried to intimidate a hamster and failed, Friday is PAYDAY!

How's that?

Considering how much I've written in my lists this week, a Dear Diary review just seems redundant. I think I'll just leave it at this and get on with my Friday Gratitude.

Today started out way to early. My poor man got a call in the middle of the night from work. He had to work about 2 hours from home then drive into work at 4 A.M. I hope they let him go home early.

My day however, started out quite nicely. Granted, when the phone rang at 2 A.M. the hamster started dancing but he settled down quickly and with the man's side of the bed vacant, he had more room to stretch. I kid you not, that hamster stretched himself into a Mastiff. When the alarm went off I was jammed to one side of the bed and he was luxuriating like a prince on 3/4 of a queen sized bed. Misty used to do the same thing but at least she had 20 lbs on her. This little bugger is 2 lbs if he's an oz. Amazing. In spite of that, I was exceedingly happy.

Other than when the phone had rung, I had slept through the night. This detox is yielding some surprising results. I thought for sure with the amount of water I was consuming, I'd have to move my blankets and pillows into the bathroom but no. The last 2 nights I woke up ONCE to pee. Wow. Oh and what's left of my lady parts are working much better. Now THAT was a total shocker! I thought those parts were dormant for good. I'm in day 3 of the detox and I am utterly amazed by the changes. Even with cheating w/ coffee. I am now down to 189.2. This is the weight I was 4 months after I quit smoking and had my first weight melt down. Funny, 189 don't look so bad from this side. Just more proof it's all in your perspective. Oh, and Roy went potty outside! Twice! He had an accident this morning but that one was my fault. He had gone all night without going and I assumed I had time to make coffee before I walked him. That's a My bad not a hamster bad. Yes, today is going to be a good day. I just hope the poor man can get some sleep. I hope Roy lets him :/

Today I'm grateful for:

piles and puddles outside where they belong. Good boy Roy!

Shank confirming what I feel. I am down to 189.2 lbs. I have not been here since January. I know it's a mere 6 lbs but it makes a huge difference in how I feel and how my clothes fit. Perspective is everything. Now, when I kick in my work-outs WITH my diet the pounds are gonna fly off. Looks like Skinny Granny was right. I am one smokin hot granny.

FRIDAY!

PAYDAY!!

Roy the Good Boy. He's still a humping hamster but he is eating regular and making deposits outside. Our life together is going to be a long and happy one. I can't wait till he grows into his collar so we can go for walks. I've asked Santa for a basket for the big pink bike so we can go on rides together. I can't wait for Roy to meet Irving and the bubble gum pink car and the winking cat and all the other joys of his neighborhood.

My poor tired man. He's been at work nearly a full shift now and still going and I know he has to work tomorrow. He works hard so we can live the life we do. Oh, and he's hot.

My Mom calling me her Sunshine. I'm a 46 year old woman and I can go back in time and feel like a 6 year old again. In a good, flashback, kinda way. I dig it.

Kelly coming for dinner. Whoohoo! I get to talk to the baby bump and continue where I left off with the pre-programming. "You love your granny. Granny gives you cookies. Granny lets you jump on the bed. Granny don't yell like Mommy. Granny gives you the FUN toys."

David's good report from school. *sighs* Really? Kindergarten already? Where does the time go? I miss my royal duo :(

coffee. Copious amounts of hot coffee. With Pruvia and creamora. Yes, I know. This is counterproductive to a detox but screw it. Next time I do the detox I'll go all the way. I plan on doing it again after the holidays. For now? More coffee please!

Garden Pixies. I just realized my youngest has not been on my list in awhile. Have I told you lately how awesome my Pixie is? It's not just that she is a fundamentally good kid but I LIKE her. I like the way she thinks, I LOVE her imagination, it just comes to life in her drawing. Have I told you guys she's an amazing artist? Well she is. And my Pixie has a heart the size of Texas. She loves with her whole heart. Her love comes out in her hugs and kisses. Her hugs are painful and her kisses are wet. That's just because they can't contain all she wants to put in them. She is epic, hippie, Strawberry haired, big hearted awesomeness in near woman form. When I stop and think about how close I came to missing out on knowing her, the weight of regret nearly crushes me. Thank you Lord for waking me in time.

Lisa sounding upbeat and happy on the phone. Even if it's a snow job it was nice to hear. I miss talking to THAT Lisa. She and I used to have so much fun. I hope I get her back one day. I see glimpse of her every now and then. In the mother’s day photos, in the baby bump photos, when she talks about her man and occasionally on the phone. I want THAT Lisa to come out and play. I remember playing hooky with her and having so much fun. I remember sitting out under the car port of the McCahill house talking for hours. I remember car rides with her as co-pilot. I remember "I break with thee, I break with thee, I break with thee. Then I throw dog poop on her shoes." Steve Martin is a must for any road trip. *sighs* She will come back to me. I know she will. She loves her mommy. I just need to be patient.

Today's Poohism: “Poetry and Hums aren't things which you get, they're things which get you. And all you can do is go where they can find you.” This is pure Pooh awesomeness and oh so true. Tomorrow I'm gonna go where they can find me and I'm taking Roy with me.

Ari: THAT look is what I'll remember in my old age.

David: So grown up

Tuesday Gratitude

Another day, another few ounces.

My scale is bouncing around like a superball in a concrete cell. I have not been the same weight 2 days in a row. Yesterday it was 195.2 today it's 194.6. At least it is currently going in the right direction. I'll take it and run with it.

Today I'm Grateful for:

Shank not pissing me off. Every ounce is a victory.

Rubber bands. They make a satisfying "THWACK" when they are shot at the ugly picture hung in my office. Don't mock, it keeps me from sporking the freaks.

The freak parade is back. Guess that batch of "3 day notice to vacate"' woke them up. "Yes, you must pay the late fees. Why? Because rent is due on the first. No, it's not your first time. See here? You were late last month and the month before and. Well, yes, my parents were married when they conceived me but I'll pass your regards on to my mother. That will be $975 please." *sighs* I've missed my peeps. All my mocking energy was getting wasted.

God. He forgives me even if the freaks don't.

My man. Even when he comes up behind me, shouts "BING!" in my ear for no conceivable reason and then begins to poke me with his two index fingers. No, seriously, crap like that is why I love him. His odd Daveisms keep me entertained and remind me I'm loved.

my christmas list. I have the man convinced it's going to be EPIC. *snickers*

today's Poohism: “A little Consideration, a little Thought for Others, makes all the difference.” You're a wise bear Mr. Pooh.

Friends. Just a few months ago I was all sad and pathetic saying the only friend I had was soooo far away. Turns out I was an idiot. I got loads of friends and they are as close as I allow them to me. Duh Beth...

the word: felicitous http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/felicitous It sounds like a vile little word but at it's root, it means "Happy". I like that.

being a yellow crayon. I have no pretence of being a flashy red, a seductive pink or a wise amber. After all, it's not easy changing from black to yellow. I am yellow and content to be so, it is fun to occasionally have spots though. Right now I have green spots. Green is the color of life, I'm good with that. The pictures I color with my crayon have interest and depth. I can dig it.

day 2 starting out well. I woke, mounted the stationary beast and rode. I ate right. I watched a little Andy Stanly and said my prayers. I'd say Tuesday is shaping up nicely.

Andy Stanley. He's freaking awesome. He's no Pastor Ken, but he speaks to me like no other preacher has. Ever. http://www2.northpointministries.org/player/player.jsp?occurrenceID=4139 Check him out.

being an odd duck. *quacks* It's a label I'll keep. Along with freak and weirdo. Being called an Odd Duck this morning is what put the green spots in my yellow crayon. It just made me happy.

My boss digging my Odd Duck status. She said it with joy and affection. I don't even mind that she stole my saying. She steals many of them. It seems I'm infecting her. I can dig that too :)

It's been a while since I posted a photo of my favorite person.

Shhh, don't tell the kids. They each think their my favoite.

 *sighs* My man is just plain yummy.

Friday Gratitude

We made it! We made it to FRIDAY!!! *booty dances* Careful, my booty is rather large these days. Once it gets ta swingin, it gets hard to control. It’s been a long but interesting week.


Today I’m grateful for:

FRIDAY! *booty dances*

Today's Poohism: “Sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river slipping slowly away beneath you, you will suddenly know everything there is to be known.” I have 7 bridges in this town. I'll keep trying till I get it right

A completed query letter. Ma, this is the letter I send to literary agents, publishers and magazine editors. I’ve decided to feel out magazines and see if I can be a freelance writer. They better hurry cuz once Oprah calls, my price doubles.

Taking my little list to a whole, nutha, level. I now have a blog. Ma, basically is blog is exactly like these emails, just published out on the WWW for all to see. I am airing my insanity to the masses. This will either be an adventure, or ignored. Only time will tell. You can find me here: http://meagain-alifeofgratitude.blogspot.com/ if you want to share our emails with any of your friends, feel free to give them that link. I’m planning on throwing a couple of our old ones up there as well. Are there any you liked enough to repeat?

Letting it go. The bug that was up my butt yesterday has fallen out just in time for the weekend. Good timing dont’cha think?

Girls night out. If I can talk the man into letting me go that is. I’m gonna need to be REAL nice to him tonight. Not only am I asking that He be without me for a 3rd Saturday night in a row, but I need him to babysit the Pixie and the BFF. What you think my chances are?

My BFF. She rocks. She is going through a hard time right now but she takes the time out of her day to make me smile, she loans me a REAL film camera so I can play and she even treats me to dinner on Girls night. I love her to bits and pieces.

Sims 3. A new computer game I bought months ago. Remember when I was all pissed about blowing $50? It was because I bought that game and didn’t have a computer that could support it. Well the man fixed my computer while I was in DC and THAT GAME ROCKS! Awesomeness in pixilated form! I anticipate it being a while before the house gets cleaned…or I shower…or grunt…or…

Feeling good despite the fluff. Being obesely fluffy is driving me mad and making very crabby but thus far, I’m managing. I finished my medication today and I’m going to pick up the items for my detox so come Monday, this fluff’s days are numbered. Ounce by ounce I’m going to send the fluff back to Rex.

Knowing, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I can conquer the fluff. I didn’t used to have faith in myself and many still doubt me. That’s fine, I’ll just have to show them. After all, it took me 3 years to convince myself but hell, if I can quit smoking and get baptized, I can do anything. You watch, next year this time, I will be lighter, leaner and faster. I will come in 2nd from last in the GA Race for a Cure bike race and cross one more item off my goal list. Just wait and see.

Having a weekend to enjoy. Have I mentioned I’m glad to be home? Oh, OK, just checking.

I’m grateful for a thousand other things that never seem to make it to my list, life, family, a job I love, words, writing, the free internets, healthy kids, my own health and the health of the man, the man’s job and so much more but I think I’ll leave it here for today. Hope you two have a great weekend and do remember to give each other and the grandbabies a hug from me.

Love you,
Me

If you have the vision, you can look past the grey and see the sun spots.