Christmas is Coming!

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Today's blessings: a bit of Christmas shopping and making stuff; picking up Lindley at day care and watching Elmo; floor progress at M&M's

Tuesday Highlights

1. Walked 4 miles at 6am in cold weather with four friends - even though we didn't stop for breakfast. It beat snoozing in the bed for an extra hour or two. At least that's what I keep telling myself.

2. Decided to go to McDonald's for breakfast, since I burned at least 31 calories ambling down the sidewalk for four miles. Opted out of the drive-through because of the long lines and pulled around the parking lot, feeling quite please that there was a parking spot close to the door - only to find out that it had a McDonald's "reserved" sign. Who was it reserved for and why that particular spot? Since nobody was around for me to ask, I left and ended up at Sonic.

3. Ordered a breakfast sandwich and drink at Sonic and paid with my credit card, even though I had been to the bank and had $20. Instead of using cash, I credit carded and then tipped 75 cents, the only change I had. I think the carhop was thrilled with the tip and plans to open a savings account.

4. Came home, ate breakfast, took a shower, and started the laundry process. Went over to check on the progress of Maribeth and Mathieu's house remodel and made some executive decisions. Maybe the green polka-dots won't be so bad ...

5. Went to fabric store to look for a pattern and fabric and ended up getting both. Found out a few hours later that I had left the pattern on the store counter. Luckily they held it and I was able to go by and pick it up. When I got home, I decided to start work on sewing project, which was hampered by cats who like to (1) hear the rustle of patterns when they paw them, and (b) prefer to sit on top of uncut fabric when I get the scissors in my hand. Sewing project delayed.

6. Cleaned out litter box and wish cats would take care of their business when they are outside. Cats laughed and went to scratch on chairs.

7. Decided to balance checkbook and could not figure why computer said I was broke while online banking said I was solvent. Found that I had entered a $113 debit as $11,300. Decimals suck sometimes.

8. Decided to restart sewing project. "Secretariat" was on television, so I had something to distract me, until sewing machine decided to act up. Decided to give it a rest and threw cats outside for some total peace and quiet.

So I guess it's time for bed - it's been a busy day and the cats are out, so the prospects are good for a decent night's sleep!

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Today's blessings: Chatting with the girls for 4 miles; getting projects started; more Christmas presents delivered and wrapped; nice sales people

Hoping For Some Zzzzzzz

So last night I think I got about two hours sleep. This resulted in 800 catnaps today, none of which made up for last night. So the cats and I will try to do better tonight.

And yes, the cats will probably sleep in these positions (as will I)!

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Today's blessings: Progress on M/M's house; another make-it present in the works

Yikers! Let The Christmas Present-ing Begin!!

Every year, our family has tried to come up with some "great" idea for Christmas gift giving. We've given gift cards and drawn names and given to charity. Last year we decided that everyone would have a "theme" for their gift giving. For instance, for this year, Sam's theme is "air." He will be giving every person in the family a gift that has to do with "air." Would it help to tell you that Steve's theme is "feet?"

Anyhow, I had a weak moment and decided to go with my theme from last year - "make it." The only person who has actually kept my gift from last year is Lindley - whom everyone agreed got the best make it present (a homemade A-B-C scrapbook made from family pictures). So one would think that everyone might discourage me from repeating that theme. One would be wrong.

So, instead of going to Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales, I am searching the internet for great make-it gift ideas. Since I don't knit, quilt, macrame, or paint, one might think my ideas are limited. Again, one would be wrong. I don't seem to let my lack of talent impede my gift giving. And as usual, I have great ideas for Lindley's present. The others - well, not so much. When I tried to google gifts, here's one of the few non-obscene ideas I came across:

Fortunately, I don't knit.

Anyhow, I shall continue to research in hopes of finding that perfect project for the family. I'll try to sandwich it in between my research for my part of the family Christmas meal. This year, in the tradition of Cereal Christmas and Fast Food Christmas and Disney Christmas, it's Crock Pot Christmas. So far, Maribeth's doing boiled peanuts and Sam is doing cheese dip.

Just another Christmas at the Davidsons!

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Today's blessings: picking up Molly's CSA; First Watch with Sam, Lynnette, and Lindley; chatting with the cruisers; new Christmas tree skirt; Lindley time

The Best Job In The World

Perfect love sometimes does not come until the first grandchild. ~Welsh Proverb

Our grandchildren accept us for ourselves, without rebuke or effort to change us, as no one in our entire lives has ever done, not our parents, siblings, spouses, friends - and hardly ever our own grown children. ~Ruth Goode

A mother becomes a true grandmother the day she stops noticing the terrible things her children do because she is so enchanted with the wonderful things her grandchildren do. ~Lois Wyse

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Today's blessings: Finishing the carpet pulling-up at Prescott; Lindley time; more Christmas present deliveries; chatting with Maribeth and Molly before their cruise; Sharon joining Udderly Pink

White Friday

I did not stand in line at the stores today to buy stuff at super incredible prices. Instead, I pulled up some nasty carpet in Maribeth and Mathieu's bedroom (they are off to Florida for a cruise). Apparently when one (in this case, the former owner) chooses to clean carpets with the powdery-type carpet cleaner, the powdery cleaner is not picked up by one's vacuum cleaner. Instead, it sifts through the carpet and pad and ends up on the floor underneath. After I had pulled up the carpet and pad, there was a ton of white powder all over the floor. Luckily I had remembered to wear a mask (lesson learned when we pulled up the carpet in the other bedroom), so I was spared the inhalation of the gunk (which I couldn't help but wonder had it been an illegal white powder, how that might change my work speed). It took two dustpans full to clean up the floor enough to start pulling up the tack strips. The only part of this job left is to pull up the sixty jillion staples all over the floor, which I decided to put off until tomorrow.

I guess we all have our versions of fun for the day after Thanksgiving ...

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Today's blessings: Taking Maribeth and Mathieu to the airport; carpet project 90% complete; burrito lunch with Sam and Lynnette; Lindley time; getting started on Christmas gifts

A Day To Be Grateful

For my family both near and far;

For my friends both old and new;

For all things in my life with which I have been blessed,

I thank God.

It is indeed a wonderful life!

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Today's blessings: 5 miles in the Boulevard Bolt with Sam, Jo, Josh, and my personal wogging party - Karen, Karen, and Sharon; lunch at Pucketts with Sam, Lynnette, Lindley, Maribeth, and Mathieu; Steve and Molly's safe arrival in Florida; take-out dinner from Cracker Barrel with Maribeth and Mathieu; watching Lindley on her trampoline

The Times They Are a-Changin'

Me, mid-1980s, to my kids: "Quit jumping on the bed! You're going to break it! Quit jumping on the couch! You're going to fall and break your neck!"

Me, today, to Lindley: "Let's go jump on Lala's bed!! Running up and down on the couch is a great idea!! What the heck - Lala and Pawpaw will buy you a Lindley trampoline to put in the sun room!"

And so we did! Of course, we have no pictures or videos of Lindley jumping in her trampoline - we all were having too much fun!!

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Today's blessings: Lindley's trampoline delivery and Mathieu spearheading its assembly; picking up Lindley at daycare; Molly and her cook staff preparing Thanksgiving dinner; being thankful at dinner with Steve, Sam, Lynnette, Lindley, Mathieu, Maribeth, Molly, and Adam

Watch Your Panty Waddage

This evening I was on my way to pick up Steve from the airport. Due to a number of errands, I went the back route, which happened to have a train crossing included in the route. Of course, I thought I might be running a bit late, since my errand running was not panning out as I had planned. Just as I turned onto the road with the train crossing, of course the warning lights started blinking and the safety gates went down. I started getting all nervous and could feel my panties getting in a wad. I settled myself down, since there was really not a great spot to turn around, and decided I would just spend the time counting the cars. And I did - one, .... two, .... three .... Yep - there were three cars in all, hardly worth knotting my britches up.

Today's lesson: your panties will last much longer if you just hang loose and chill out - and save all that bundling for the big stuff!

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Today's blessings: Getting some of the house picked up; putting up and decorating the Christmas tree while watching "Elf" on tv; pedis with Molly and sparkly nail polish; picking up Steve at the airport; picking up Maribeth and Mathieu at the airport; more Christmas gift deliveries

Lost and Found ... Eventually

Molly called around 6 pm, asking if I had seen her shiny metallic wallet, the one that held her credit cards and driver's license. I told her I hadn't, but I would look at my house. I found nothing, except maybe how gross it was under my sectional couch.

I called her back and we retraced her steps. The last time she remembered seeing it was yesterday when she and I had gone Krogering. Although she remembered stuffing it in an outer pocket of her purse after checking out, she hadn't seen it since. She noticed it was missing when she went to get lunch today. We retraced every step she made after the grocery store. I went to her house and we went through her couch (underneath which was a yucky as mine), her bedroom (slightly cleaner but with bags of stuff from her car and baskets of clean/dirty laundry), and her car (clean only because she had hauled everything out to look for her keys there). We even drove to Kroger, just in case it was on the ground where we parked (sure - 24 hours later - but at that point we were getting desperate - Thanksgiving is in two days and she leaves for a cruise in four days. Things were going to be interesting if she had to cancel/reissue her credit cards and driver's license).

The good news was that we knew the wallet hadn't been stolen because none of the credit cards had been used (Molly had been checking constantly since she realized they were missing). It would seem that the wallet was somewhere in her personal territory - but where?

She called her friend who had come over for dinner, her cousin who had visited her this weekend, and her boyfriend who was one of the last people at her house. But still, no wallet. Two hours later, we decided to go check her office - just in case it had fallen out of her purse.

And there it was, in a box behind her desk. She had put her purse there and apparently the wallet had fallen out, not to be missed until she needed to pay for lunch. We had spent two hours searching, only to find it in the first place we probably should have looked.

What's the moral of this story? Get a big wallet and put a tracking device on it? Start looking for a missing item from the point when and where you realize it's first missing? Get a video camera and start making a video daily diary?

Maybe, but I like this moral of the story better: no matter how, no matter when, no matter why, it's always a blessing to have and be with family - especially when things turn out happily!

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Today's blessings: Steve's safe travel to Florida; first Christmas songs on radio; nice dudes helping with boxes at UHaul; getting Christmas order packages in the mail; picking up Boulevard Bolt bibs and tshirts; looking for wallet with Molly

It's What's Inside That Counts

I'm not sure which is worse - the fact that the brand name of this product is B&M, or the way that the product looks when it comes out of its container. And I won't even get into the interpretation of the raisins in this particular rendition of this product. I will mention that this company also produces baked beans (a no-brainer there). From all appearances, it looks like something I would never approach with the thought of trying it.

However, according to reviews, it's the best thing since, well, sliced bread. Guess it goes to show that you can't judge a book by its cover. Or in this case, a loaf of bread by its can.

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Today's blessings: 4 miles and Bongo Java with Karen and Molly; McAllister's takeout with Steve, Sam, Lynnette, Lindley, Molly, and David; Krogering with Molly; helpful Michael's clerk; two new sweaters via Molly

One and Done

No matter what you say, I know what season it is - the season of whack-a-doodle shopping. You know, Black Friday and all. Molly and Steve are the masters of this phenomenon. I'm the exact opposite, which makes me wonder why in the heck I was in Old Navy with 8 bazillion other people this morning.

Oh wait - Molly said that coats would be 75% off and fleeces were $14. Or $16. Except that fleeces on the website were $7, but you could print out a coupon and get them for that price in the store. But since I did not need/want a coat, and the fleece situation was confusing, again - why was I in the store? Especially since the check-out line was from the register to the back of the store, and the registers weren't all open yet, because the un-needed/wanted coat sale didn't start until noon, and it was 11:45 am, yet I was standing in line with no coat and no fleece - in fact no clothing at all. I was just there as a placeholder. I guess I was there to balance out the two women in front of me in line - with their 97 coats apiece. Their massive coat haul was only trumped by the conversation they were having with their BFF across the store in another check-out line, as each one regaled and tried to one-up the other about not only this coat bonanza, but last year's and the year before that.

All I can surmise is that this was my contribution for the Black Friday madness. Even if they were going to give away coats with a fleece bonus for standing in line, I will not be there. My Black Friday shopping is done, and I saved a fortune - mainly because I did not spend one cent. Sure, I will have to wear my old coat and fleece - if I need a coat or fleece at all. After all, isn't that one of the perks of hot flashes?

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Today's blessings: Walking 4+ miles and breakfasting with Molly, Karen, and Jo; purchasing 4 milk bottles at yard sale on the walk home; Old Navy and Five Guys with Molly and David; Ragtime with David; Steve's Bubba Burgers for dinner with Sam, Lynnette, Lindley, Molly, Adam, Steve, and David

Now What Was I Going To Blog About?

I had a really good topic - really, I did. I thought about it earlier today, and had it all planned out. I think it was going to be an Andy Rooney (may he rest in peace) rant about something or the other. I'm sure it was quite witty. Or maybe not. I guess it does't matter, since at this point I have no idea what it was about.

Which brings me to another point, a habit that Maribeth and I decided we should start. Since we can't remember what we did, or whom we did it with (like something will trigger in my brain and I will ask her why is that triggering - what/where/when did we see/do/eat that) and neither of us can remember until we think really hard and eventually can put the pieces together, we decided that we should carry around a video camera and have a video diary of our day. Which of course is ridiculous, since our days are barely a smidge above boring. But at least we would be able to put the pieces together without taxing the teensy memory parts of our brains.

All that sounds well and good, until we remembered that we don't have a video camera anymore, and if we did, the battery would be dead, and if it was charged, then it wouldn't save anything because the memory disk would still be in my computer, where the memory disks are usually stored when I am ready to take a picture with my regular camera. That is, when my regular camera (a) can be found, and (b) has a charged battery.

So, to put this blog post in perspective, I had a brilliant idea, but since the video camera plan had not been put into action, you have been put through this rambling explanation of why you are not reading about it. The brilliant idea, that is.

Ain't modern technology great?

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Today's blessings: Wal-Mart-ing with Steve; K-Mart-ing and Taco Bell-ing and clean-sheeting with Molly; phone chatting with Maribeth; seeing Marilyn in the audience at the MSU game in NYC; Lucy's wedding pics; cleaning up dead plants in front yard; getting Nutcracker and Ragtime tix

Grandmaw's Here

Tonight I went out with the girls to celebrate Jo's birthday. The food was delicious, the company was amazing, and a fun time was had by all. Of course we had to take a few pictures. Upon looking at the finished result, I came up with with the following question - why are pictures so much worse than when I look in the mirror (where I at least look semi-normal)?

In other words, in the group picture I look like I'm ready for the nursing home. One could only hope the picture will inspire me to do something - like lose 100 pounds and go buy some Clairol. We'll see how that works out.

Technically I am a grandmaw. I just didn't expect to look like one so soon ....

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Today's blessings: 4 miles down Belmont with the Karens; finally finding the car fixup place and Steve; celebrating Jo's birthday with Karen, Karen, and Molly; 3 day planning

Memphis in Nashville

It. Was. Excellent!!

HOCKADOO!!

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Today's blessings: new dishwasher delivery and installation and dude that did both; Memphis with Karen; Lindley pickup and Pinkberry with Steve; JibJab fun

Tuesday Therapy

I think the increase in the water/gas bill is still cheaper than seeing Dr. Phil ..

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Today's blessings: taking Maribeth to the airport and her safe travel to Wyoming; lazy day of doing nothing much; long soak in the tub

So What Is This Udderly Pink???

It's the name of our team. So far, it's me and my girls to the left - Molly and the Karens. We're still hoping that Jo and Gloria sign up, and that many more (from all over the country) will join the team. So, the question remains - WHAT IS UDDERLY PINK??

I guess the best way to answer this question is just to answer a lot of questions.

1. What kind of team have you formed and what qualifications do you need to join the team?

This team formed for the The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure^® . This event will take place in San Francisco on September 7-9, 2012. To qualify, you must be breathing and have a heartbeat.

2. What happens during this event?

You walk approximately 20 miles a day for 3 days. And by walk I mean walk. You start in the morning and take as long as you need. There are lunch breaks and snack breaks scheduled along the way. When you get back to camp, you get a hot meal (breakfast and dinner), you get a hot shower in a semi-truck, you get to do the necessary in a porta-potty, and you get to sleep in a 2-person tent. It's amazing.

3. What if I can't walk the whole thing?

You can get picked up by a sweeper van, who will take you to the next snack stop or lunch or back to camp if it's late in the afternoon. If you don't want to walk, you can sign up as a crew volunteer and still be part of the team.

4. How much does it cost?

Registration is $90, although there is a coupon CURE2012 that saves a bit on that (it expires on December 1). To participate in the walk, each person has to raise $2300. I know that sounds like a lot of money, but it can be done, especially if we all work together. Crew members are exempt from the fundraiser part.

5. Now let me get this straight - I'm supposed to raise $2300, walk 60 miles over 3 days, sleep in a tent, shower in a truck, and peepoop in a porta-potty. And I'm doing this why?

Because you probably know somebody who has been affected by breast cancer. Because breast cancer needs to be cured. Because this is an experience that is so special, it's hard to put into words. So maybe this video of the my walk in San Diego will help.

So now you know. Fundraising on my part starts after the holidays, unless you need your car washed before then. Meanwhile, don't you want to join us?

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Today's blessings: Steve bringing me lunch; chili dinner at Molly's with the family

Udderly Pink Is Coming

Just wanted to let you know - stay tuned!!

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Today's blessings: Olive Garden lunch with Sam, Lynnette, Lindley, Maribeth, and Molly; playing with Lindley; afternoon nap; Steve's safe return home from visiting GDizzle; Mathieu being home from Cuba

Yard Art

Today Molly, Lynnette, and I went to Christmas Village at the Fairgrounds. There was a lot to see (and eat and get personalized and buy). We went in, thinking we would buy nothing. We came out with a puzzle, some fudge, a burp cloth, and some pajamas, just to name a few things. And then there was this, who just begged to come home with me.

I mean, doesn't everyone need a metal peacock in the yard?

(especially if you already have two mouse-eared pink flamingos?)

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Today's blessings: Maribeth finding her passport; Christmas Village with Molly and Lynnette; Lindley time; pizza with Sam, Lynnette, and Maribeth

McRib Me Not

I've never had one, but continued to be intrigued by it. However, I don't think I'll be trying one. Ever. Here's why. I mean really, gym mats and soles of shoes?

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Today's blessings: pulling up carpet at Maribeth's house; lunch and dinner with the Ms

When Your Boobs Deserve the Very Best ...

Model Miranda Kerr walks the runway in a $2.5 million bra during the 2011 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at the Lexington Avenue Armory on November 9, 2011 in New York City. The lingerie features approximately 3,400 hand-placed gems, including 142 carats of diamonds in addition to pearls, citrines, and aqua marines.

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Today's blessings: working on Maribeth's house; picking up Lindley at day care and then to Pinkberry with L and Steve

Tonight, Blogwise ....

Some days are like that ...

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Today's blessings: Lunch with Maribeth; safe travel home for Steve; getting a few tasks completed

My Brain is Numb

I watched too much television tonight. First I watched "Biggest Loser." I dvr it so I can fast forward through the whining and the weekly segment where they make Jennie-O chicken sandwiches and act like it's the most genius thing on earth, except the weeks where they also put them in plastic baggies. I also hate the part where they vote someone off, because host Allison had to review the rules each time someone votes - "Lamar, you have 1 vote. Six votes will get you off the show." "Lamar, you have 2 votes. Six votes will get you off the show. Four more votes and your butt is toast" Really? You mean the rules didn't change in the last sixty seconds? Let me get out my calculator and figure up them numbers. But before I can start punching in the numbers, Allison is back saying, "Lamar, you have 3 votes. Three more votes and your light goes off, because six votes mean you lost." Whew - I was worried that Lamar was still confused about his status.

Next I watched "Property Virgins" or "First Time Homebuyers" or whatever it was. It should be called "I Am Too Stupid To Be Owning Property." The couple buying the real estate tonight were so dumb they probably couldn't even follow Allison's remarks to Lamar. In fact, they would probably be saying the same thing after every vote - "Lamar got another vote. Wonder how many more he needs?" The property couple decided to buy a house because their apartment lease was about to be up - in two months. I think they thought they would just run out and buy a house at KMart and be done with it. They also had a 200-pound dog that drooled a lot. I'm thinking they didn't get their pet deposit back at their apartment. They finally got to close on the house, after Mr. Dufus sat around the lending company for hours, waiting for paperwork. Guess he doesn't own a cell phone. Or the dog ate it.

Finally, I watched "Duggars Vs Birth Control." In case you haven't heard, Mama Duggar is preggers again - with #20. Tonight the Duggars answered a bunch of questions that people apparently want to know. I must have wanted to know too, because I sat and listened to every answer. The most appalling thing I learned is that they do 10 loads of laundry a day. There were lots of more questions and answers, but I was still trying to figure out if Lamar was going home or not.

Anyhow, now my brain is sufficiently asleep so that I can go to bed. Unless I can squeeze in an episode of "Hoarders"!

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Today's blessings: Two laps around Maribeth's neighborhood; Steve's safe travel to Florida; picking up Lindley at day care and playing at her house; chicken tortilla soup and goat cheese salad at Molly's house

Monday

Today I:

1. Walked 3 miles in the neighborhood. It was s-l-o-w, but I managed not to trip on anything and re-twist my already wounded ankle.

2. Gave a pint of blood at Red Cross and got my 2-gallon pin. Although today's visit yielded no tangible rewards (last time I got a free coupon for Edible Arrangement) and there were no Nutter Butter cookies, everybody was nice and experienced (unlike the time I went and the technician was practically following a checklist).

3. Got my hair trimmed up. As usual, I was hoping for a miracle, but at this point, anything would be an improvement. Basically just got a few inches cut off the length. Boring!!

4. Made mashed potatoes to go with the Costco roast that Steve bought. It was all good.

Yep, I think that's about it for today!

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Today's blessings: beautiful day for a walk; Red Cross personnel; home cooked dinner; hairstylist Ashley

Daylight Savings Time ... Or Not

I think I'm going to go take that extra hour of sleep now ....

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Today's blessings: Factory lunch with Sam, Lynnette, and Molly; Lindley time; safe trip back home for Steve and Maribeth

Yard Sale - Check!!

We came, we sold, we boxed up the leftovers. We did all this while waiting for the 30 degree weather to warm up to the promised 60 degree weather (which it did about an hour after the close of the sale). While we didn't have to file a tax return on our proceeds, we at least made some money for our breast cancer walk.

Karen made chocolate oatmeal cookies and was in charge of pricing (she wasn't so impressed with my "everything's a quarter" pricing policy). Molly brought breakfast from McDonald's and was in charge of the money box (apparently my adding up the purchases on my abacus was taking too long). Sam helped by marketing the junk and selling it (and taking stuff to old lady's cars and then picking up lunch). Lynnette and Lindley came by for entertainment value (and give me an excuse to go inside). My job was to organize stuff last night, put ridiculous prices on stuff, and decide to have the yard sale at the last minute (too much planning ahead also results in too much time to change your mind and cancel the whole thing).

Our butt camp pal Michelle came by and got a little bag of junk for a lot of money (although that's not why we like her so much, it was really nice of her to put in quite a nice donation). We also had the usual yard salers - like the early bird old dude who came by before we opened because he has insomnia (and apparently had no intention of buying anything). Another old dude came buy and left without parting with a cent (but not before he asked if we had any tin toys). A lot of people bought the baby clothes and stuff (thanks to Lindley for growing and shedding stuff). And of course, we had the people who basically wanted to load up their cars and only spend $3. They left empty-handed.

We got rid of the big stuff we wanted to unload. We still had a few boxes of stuff leftover, but decided to keep it until next summer's garage sale (even though I still hate them - I mean REALLY hate them).

Maybe then we'll have some tin toys.

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Today's blessings: yard sale and lunch with Molly, Karen, Sam, Lynnette, and Lindley; Michelle coming by and visiting during the yard sale; afternoon nap with the kitties; Olive Garden and Target with Molly

And Then There Was One

I started wogging races in 2000. It started because I was walking in an effort to lose weight, and somehow came up with the idea to do a marathon. I searched and found the Air Force Marathon at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio. This marathon appealed to me because (1) it was far enough away so that nobody I knew would know about it or see me in it, and (2) it had an 8-hour time limit.

When I first told my family about my plan, they looked at me as if I had told them I was going in for a sex-change operation and changing my name to Larry. I'm not sure if they knew what a marathon was, but they certainly knew me, and somehow me and 26.2 miles just didn't seem to go together. Nevertheless, I trained and that September, Sam went with me as I set out to do my first marathon. I managed to finish and receive my medal. It was a totally awesome event.

Since then I've completed 125 races of varying distances from 2 miles to 26.2. My pace has always been pretty slow, but I've managed to finish each race. Along the way I've collected a pretty cool set of medals and displayed them on my wall. Recently it was time to add some new ones to the wall, and I was mulling over different ideas of how I was going to do that.

Before I came to a decision, I came across a post on a running forum where a runner brought up a organization called Medals4Mettle. To quote the website,

Medals4Mettle (M4M) is a non-profit organization that facilitates the gifting of marathon, half marathon, and triathlon finishers’ medals. Runners from around the world give their hard earned medals to Medals4Mettle. Our worldwide network of physicians and volunteers then awards these medals attached to a Medals4Mettle ribbon to children and adults fighting debilitating illnesses who might not be able to run a race, but are in a race of their own just to continue to live their life. It is in honor of this mettle and courage in bravely facing these challenges that they are awarded a medal.

All of a sudden, I knew what I wanted to do with my medals - I wanted to donate them. But did I want to donate them all? I have several that are unique and special. In the end, I decided to keep one and mailed 91 medals to the local branch, hoping they will bring a smile and encouragement to someone who needs it.

Do I think everyone should do this? Certainly not - every medal earned is an accomplishment and a reminder of achieving a personal goal. Just looking at a medal reminds us of how hard it was to get to that finish line, and all those memories of getting there. Sometimes I think we should wear them over and over, just so we can be congratulated on what we did. But for now, for me, it was time to send my medals forward.

And which medal did I keep? The first one, because it represents something nobody thought I could do, but I did. It represents a personal goal that I worked for and the beginning of shared family experiences. It reminds me of Sam's support and his belief in me during that first marathon. It encourages me to get back to what I know to do and keep at it.

Sure, in some way I miss those medals. But at the end of the day, I know what they meant. And if somehow those medals can now mean something to someone who is battling to win the race for his or her life, then that medal had found true meaning - because it has found its way to a true champion.

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Today's blessings: U-Haul dude; seeing Sam's office; hauling yard sale stuff and setting up with Molly and Karen

Thursday Good Times

*Checking on the progress of Maribeth's house, then making family trip to Home Depot for purchase of bathroom cabinet. Good times.

*Slightly twisting my right ankle (not the badly twisted/turned/wrenched left ankle from a few weeks ago that is still sore) when going into the house, causing my bad ankle to bang into the concrete step - actually it was my big left toe, which is now purple. Yes, I have the grace of a bull.

*Nearly finishing my apron project for Karen's birthday, but giving it to her anyway. It's not like it was going to get any better ...

*Celebrating Karen's birthday at Monell's with Karen B, Gloria, Jo, and Molly. Good southern cooking around the family table with four complete strangers - even more good times!!

*Deciding to have yard sale on Saturday but did nothing to get ready for it. Except recruit dinner companions (the ones I know) to help out. I hate yard sales. Purple toe must be affecting my decision making.

Anyhow, that's about it for today. Apparently I am having a yard sale this weekend, so there will be much to do tomorrow. I think I still have an extremity or two that is still uninjured ...

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Today's blessings: All of the above, plus Steve and Maribeth's safe road trip to GDizzle's; watching "Secretariat" for the zillionth time

Now THAT Was Wicked Good!

When I was little, "The Wizard of Oz" came on every Easter (highly appropriate movie for that holiday, don't you think - yeah, me neither). I hate the movie. It was scary and there was a mean, ugly witch, and there was a dog that a mean lady took away, and there were lots of scary things. To this day, I do not watch the movie, except the part where Judy Garland sings "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

So, even though "Wicked" is on everybody's Best Musical lists, I hadn't seen it. I knew it was about Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch, but since I scary-hated the Wicked Witch, I had very little motivation to see it. Except for the fact that it was on everybody's Best Musical lists.

Tonight I saw it with Lynnette, Maribeth, and Karen. And I thought it was great. Maybe it's because I kept imagining Kristen Chenoweth an Idina Menzel in the lead roles. Maybe it's because the songs were fabulous. Maybe it's because the costumes and set designs were totally awesome. Maybe it's because I saw it with people I really like.

But I really think it's because it showed another side of a story that I hated. It showed me how things could look differently, if I knew the whole story. It showed me that happy endings can exist and things may not always be as they seem.

I still hate the movie and won't watch it. But that's okay, because I know the other side of the story - and it's a good one!!

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Today's blessings: taking care of medals; Wal-mart shopping; Wicked with the girls; Steve's safe travel home; two slow miles in the neighborhood

No Excuses November

Welcome to November. For the next two months, I have decided to stay in town (even though possibilities abound to go places). For the first time in several years, I am spending the holidays in town, watching all the specials and actually putting up a decoration. Maybe even baking cookies (I know - I'm out of control). I'm also going to try to establish good habits and get stuff done that has been put off for awhile. Yesterday I Joan Crawford-ed the rose bushes.

Today I decided to hack the IKEA table that I got for Lindley. Basically the hack involved the little desk, the IKEA paper roller thingy, some wood letters from Michaels, three cans of spray paint, and my trusty drill. Here is the finished product:

I still have some stickers to apply (after I purchase some) and to see if The Boss likes it (her Halloween Elmo costume didn't go over so well, so you never know).

At this rate, if I really get a project done a day, I may even get the floor mopped before 2012! A girl can dream, can't she?

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Today's blessings: Seeing the progress on Maribeth's house and going with her to pick out tile; finishing Lindley's desk