Where have I been?

• Running injury
• Aggravation
• Depression
• Not eating right
• Change of medication
• Busy
• Just an excuse
• Fear of failure
• Fear of success
• Crazy?

Starting over...

I'm trying to maintain my amateur status in hopes of competing in the Winter Olympics

Hubby and I are going skiing this weekend. We've only skied a few times before and just like to go away for a long weekend and have fun. We don't even own ski equipment - we rent. We live in the south, so we head to the mountains of North Carolina for a quick trip.

I can't go skiing without thinking of the first time we went. As I've mentioned before, I'm challenged when it comes to being graceful. Ahem.

A few years ago, hubby and I took a long weekend to do some skiing. We had never been before and it was just the two of us that went. No sense in embarrassing ourselves in front of our friends, right?

We'll embarrass ourselves in front of strangers. That's much better.

When it came to skiing, I just couldn't "get it." I was an avid roller skater as a child and tween, but skiing just didn't click with me. Hubby, on the other hand, took to it like a duck to water. I needed to take a class and he took it with me. We learned a lot, but it would be safe to say that if this were the public school system, I would have been in the remedial group.

Finally, it starts making sense to me. Class ends by riding the lift to the top of the beginner slope and skiing down. As we're going up, I see a Hill. Neither one of us thought that would be on our slope because it was definitely pretty substantial.

I get off the chair without a problem (I hear that's a challenge for some folks - I could do that all day long). We ease down the slope. The teacher taught us the best way to control your speed is basically by skiing pigeon toed. That comes to me naturally, so I wasn't really having a problem. The farther you separate your heels, the slower you'll go. When you are going down hill, you can bend one leg, then the other and you'll make "S" curves as you go down the hill instead of going straight down. It's a good way to control your speed.

Hubby and I are doing OK as we go down. Then we approach The Hill. Yep, it's on our slope.

Folks, I just stopped at the top of the hill. Stop. People are having to ski around me and I don't care. I kept telling Hubby and the instructor, "I can not do this." Hubby and Instructor encourage me and remind to just do "S" curves on my way down and I'll be fine.

Hubby steps off the hill and demonstrates perfect S curves. That comforts me and so I decide to step off, too.

Swish.

I take off like greased lightning. I am flying down The Hill to what I surely think will be my death. I am literally screaming "Help me!!" "I can't stop!!" waving my arms wildly, with my poles waving in the wind.

Then, I did something really smart.

I turned around to see if Hubby or Instructor is coming to my rescue. (Like an idiot, I really expected the instructor to speed up and help me.) Hubby? Instructor? Can't see 'em. I'm on my own. So, I'm "skiing," out of control, down hill, not looking where I'm going.

Then, I had a moment of clarity: I told myself I've had a class. I should know what to do. Take the proper stance. Bend one leg, then the other. I'll curve and slow down.

And, you know what? That's what I did.

Granted, it took me a while to slow down from my breakneck speed, but I finally got in control, slowed down, went around a curve, and ended up skiing over to the side to wait for Hubby.

And I waited. And waited. What was he doing?? Why wasn't he skiing quickly to come help me, for goodness sake?

Finally, I see him come around the curve and he is skiing so. slow. He's looking to the left, then the right. Back and forth. I'm wondering what he is looking for. Then I realize what it is - he's looking for me amongst the trees on the side of the slope. Bless his heart.

Finally, he sees me waving and comes over. As soon as he comes to me, I start on him, "Why didn't you HELP me?? You or that instructor? No one helped me."

He said, "Honey, no one could catch you. You took off, went around the curve, and I couldn't even see you. Granted, I could hear you, but couldn't see you."

We had a good laugh and I let him know the important news I didn't fall!!

And, you know what, I'm stupid enough, I mean brave enough, to go back every year since.

To Resolve or Not to Resolve?

That is the question.

I really don't like the idea of resolutions. To me, they carry the connotation of "these are things I'd like to do, but I won't."

But, since I'm not perfect, why not take a moment or two and write down some thoughts on areas I could improve?

I've already been working toward losing weight, so I'm not even going to touch that one. But, I would like to make eating healthier and exercising my lifestyle. I want to start jogging and want to be able to jog an entire mile without stopping. Truly, I want to lose 40 more pounds by 6/14. All I can do is try, right?

I don't think I'll ever be a super duper people-can-drop-in-at-anytime housekeeper, but I would like to make a conscious effort to doing a better job in the day to day stuff. Plus, our room and our laundry room tend to be the "catch all" areas. They both need to be cleaned out. I'll try to do that by Feb. 29th. Sounds reasonable.

Less time in front of the tv. Which would probably help on the above two items.

Work on changing my attitude about people who get on my nerves. 'Nuff said.

Read the Bible more. Which would probably help on the above item.

Spending more time with those I love. Not being as stressed about things that don't matter. Try to be laying down, even if reading or watching tv, by 10:00 three nights a week.

I'm going to stop there. Goodness knows I can't make a list of all the things I need improvement on, but that's a good start!

Happy New Year!

Have a nice TRIP! See you next FALL!

OK. I'm not always known for being graceful. I'm not entirely a klutz, but... recovering from a stumble has not always been my strongest asset.

Hubs and I decide to go for a hike today. I'm so pumped because I am one pound away from officially losing 20 pounds. And, I would like to hit the goal this week. So, off to the state park we go to do some hiking. (for the 3rd time this week)

Water bottle? Check
Leash for dog? Check
Parking pass? Check
Appropriate shoes? Check
Comfortable, yet cute, clothing that coordinates with my shoes? Check
Stretching before hike? Check

Ok, we're walking, we're walking... just going down the beginning our hiking trail. Hubs stops and lets Lou (the dog) use the bathroom. You know, we've walked like 50 paces, at a slight down hill. Since hubby is stopped with the dog, I take this opportunity to step it up a bit and jog a few feet.

Or so I planned.

I looked over my shoulder to see if Hubby was catching up with me and before I get turned around, I trip on a root or rock. Since I am running. Downhill. And, not looking where I'm going, I am not exactly able to recover in the manner in which I am accustomed. I guess this is the best way to put it:

I bit the dust.

Not just a trip and fall. Oh no, that would be too easy.

I literally fall head over heels down the hill.

Take a moment to take that in.

Glorious fall Sunday in the park, lots of people out with their dogs, and I am falling down the trail before I am 50 feet out of the parking lot.

The best we can figure, I hit knee first and continued to go down, flipping, then hitting my shoulder as my feet go over my head. I end in a sitting position - and I am hurting. Seriously hurting. Since Lou is, shall we say, directly in the middle of conducting her business, Hubby is not able to immediately come to my aid. So, I sit in the middle of the hiking trail and I am crying due to the pain. There is a group of 3 (?) men at the bottom of the hill and one of them begins to approach me, offering aid. I lie to him and sniffle that I'm fine. Oh, but the pain? It is so real.

Have I mentioned I'm crying - somewhat loudly - in a public place, having fallen, and have leaves and dirt all over my back? And in my hair? I am the picture of grace under pressure.

So, the hike that was to be, never even got started before it ended.

Hubs helped me dust off myself (he is so darn precious to me - I do not deserve him!) and we made it to a bench where I sat and tried to get my act together. Needless to say, it took a few minutes.

I lifted up my pant leg and there is a lot of blood on my knee. Hubby had a napkin in his pants pocket (I don't know why) and I use it to clean it up. I have scratches all down my arm and shoulder. I try to say I want to keep going, but the skin is so raw around my knee, I can't stand to have my pants touch it.

So, we turn around and walk 50 feet back to the car.

I come home and focus on getting the stains out of my clothing (I couldn't make this up) because I am wearing new yoga pants. I even splurged on the matching jacket because they are pink and black and my new shoes are pink and gray. (It's really all looking good while you're working out, am I right??) After pre-treating my stains, I have no choice but to take another shower after I hydrogen per0xide basically the entire right side of my body. Good times.

I am surviving. Hubby and I can now laugh about it. I'm working on moving my knee a lot so it doesn't get stiff because I still need to lose a pound this week.

Oh, and this new purse I want? I think I've earned it.

How was your weekend?

My Story

Hello, my name is Lisa Kay, and I've been fat since I was 18.

That statement is 85% accurate.

My entire life, I thought I was fat. So, when I would gain a few pounds here and there or enjoy Christmas desserts too much or make some bad food decision, I would think, "Well, I'm fat. This is what happens." Keep in mind, I am 5'7"ish and I thought I was obese because I weighed 145 pounds my sophomore year in high school. It didn't help that my best friend was 5'1" and weighed 95 pounds. I really didn't have anyone to compare myself to. I was a few inches taller than my friends, I actually had a reason to wear a br@ (if you you know what I mean), so, of course I weighed more. I just didn't see it that way. All I knew was that I had to buy bigger sizes than my friends. And, the truth is, it is hard to buy an 8, when your friends are 0 and 2. My biggest problem was myself, low esteem, and poor body image. When I looked in the mirror, I saw a fat person staring back at me.

My true struggle with weight began when hubby and I started dating. We went out. A lot. To a lot of restaurants. And we were so happy and in love, we would order an appetizer, salad, entree, and dessert. By the time I graduated, I couldn't wear the jeans or dresses I had worn the previous fall.

Then, I went away to college.

Ever heard of the "freshman fifteen?"

My experience was more like the freshman 25.

I had a hard time adjusting to college and dorm life. I thought I was being adventurous by attending a college where I didn't know anyone. It was tucked in the north Georgia mountains. The people were friendly. I loved it. However, I missed home and my boyfriend immensely. I ate to feel better.

And, since I was "fat," this is just what happens, right?

Of course, by January, I was adapted to college life and I was a big girl. I was quite embarrassed by my weight, but what I could do? That summer, my mom (who was around 5'8-9" and worked reasonably so to keep her weight in the healthy range) and I discussed it and she offered to pay for my food if I would go to Jenny Cr@ig.

I weighed in at 182 pounds.

I was going to summer school in college to graduate early, so drove home and got my food on Saturdays, never ate in the cafeteria at school, and by summer's end, I had lost nearly 30 pounds eating their food. I had to have been dedicated because the food didn't taste that great!

I kept most of it off my sophomore year, maybe gaining 10 pounds, but I stabilized, even if I was a bit heavy. I graduated with my Associates Degree, moved back home, and went to working on my Bachelor's Degree.

In November of my senior year of college, my mom got sick. She passed away in January while I was student teaching. I was reeling from so much grief, and shock. For the first time in my life, I was too upset to eat. That has never happened before or since. I was wearing size 10 clothes that summer and it was nice, but I certainly hadn't worked for it.

Hubby and I got married in October and I really put on weight fast. I think I hadn't dealt with the grief appropriately because I focused my joy on the upcoming wedding. Once I didn't have that to look forward to, I crashed into a deep depression.

I ended up weighing 242 pounds. My heavest ever in my life - before or since.

(Don't worry, folks, this is where the story gets shorter.)

Eating healthy foods, I lost 45 pounds and that's where I stopped.

I've gained and lost 25 pounds about 5 or 6 times, keeping me in the over 200's for a few years now.

It seems like every time I get close to 195, I freeze up and stop doing the right things. Sometimes it's because of the timing (holidays). Sometimes, it's because of emotions (lost a precious member of my family last year). Sometimes, it's because food just tastes good and I want it!

However, my 20's are nearly over and it's time to take care of myself. My feet and back hurt too much for someone of my age.

I want to be able to wear cuter clothes.

I want to not be the fat one in the group.

I want to have my confidence, umm, shall we say, with my husband. (How's that for putting it appropriately?)

I want to enjoy life and take care of the body the Lord has provided.

My journey is beginning.

Weekend

As I mentioned, our weekend was quite hectic with visitation at the funeral home. The funeral was Sunday, followed by a feast at a great aunt's home. Keep in mind, that this is the South. We comfort with food. A spread was put before us like I haven't seen since last Thanksgiving. Ham, numerous vegetables (several in the form of casseroles), homemade biscuits, and 2 large desserts: coconut cake and death by chocolate cake.

Frankly, the second isn't a cake I would serve after a funeral, but that's just me.

You know, or call it triple chocolate cake or something.

I made the best decision I could at the time - small portions of non casseroled vegetables, but I could still taste the butter and bacon grease permeating the vegetables. So, I went with small portions, no seconds, and no desserts. That's the best I could do!

Fall is definitely coming to Georgia. Saturday, I woke up to an outside of temperature of less than 80 degrees and no humidity. Believe me, this is something I haven't enjoyed in a while! I loaded up the dog and off we went to a park to do some hiking. It was great! Until I got lost. In the woods. By myself. And, I had to get home to go to the funeral home. So, I do what any woman would do in the year 2007. I called my husband! I asked him to go inside to download a map of the park (which I hadn't done) and tell me how to get out of here! Get this - our internet was out at home! Of all times! Anyway, I wasn't actually lost, but I got on a trail that was a loop and I knew I could go back, but I wasn't sure if I was close to the end or not. I asked one person I met on the trail and she said I was about 30 minutes from the parking lot. Yeah, unless you're in stellar shape, there is no way I was only 30 minutes away and that's why I started to get panicked. But, it all worked out. I got a great 3 miles hike in and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Grandma

Hubby's grandmother passed away Friday. We will miss her so much! A different grandson preached the funeral and he did a superb job. It seems that most funerals are either just about the person or just about the Bible. But, he did a great job of talking about her and then using the Bible to comfort. Truly, an outstanding job.

It's so interesting to learn about the "old days." When she was a child, on Saturdays, her mom would give her a dime. She would use that dime to take a trolley ride, go to town, watch a movie with candy, and take the trolley home. On a dime! She was also an insurance salesperson for a while. She was the first female in sales in the area. This was in the day when insurance premiums were collected, not mailed in. She had to carry a pistol because her route took her through a rough area and she was carrying so much cash! It's hard to imagine that she had even touched a pistol!

We will really miss Grandma. But, if Heaven has a beach, I know exactly where she and Grandpa are right now.

So far, so good

After work yesterday, hubby and I went non-stop. We attended a service at a friend's church that started at 7:00, so I came home and did dinner right away. I boiled some kielbasa with new potatoes and served it with green beans. I also sauteed some mushrooms with bell pepper in olive oil (just for me - hubs is not a fan) and it was pretty darn good - and healthy! Plus, I have just enough leftover for lunch today - perfect in my book!!

Afterwards, we had to go to Wa!mart since our dog was nearly out of food, so I picked up a few things while I was there. Got home at 10:00 and still needed to do a load of laundry. I don't see how you moms do it that work full time!! Yesterday nearly wore me out!

Obviously, I didn't get to go for a walk last night, but I plan on it tonight.

The "lifestyle change" (it's not a diet!) went perfectly yesterday. I ate the right things and I feel prepared for today. I wish I hadn't done this to myself. I wish I had maintained. I wish I had lost more before! I wish I could lose the weight I need to and keep it off! But, I'm not giving up. I've spent too much of my 20's overweight and it needs to come off. Now.

Have a great day everyone!

Yesterday's menu:

Breakfast: S!imfast Optima (meal on the go bar)
Snack: banana
Lunch: tilapia, corn, broccoli cheese rice
Snack: banana
Dinner: 1/2 turkey kielbasa link, sauteed mushrooms & bell pepper, one small potato
No snack, but went to bed hungry. (came home and it was too late to eat)
(only drank water all day)

How was your weekend?

My weekend (in bullet points):

• Went to a local craft show on Friday - even took a half day off of work. Saw some great things. If hubby and I had kids, I would have spent everything I had on great things there. However, since we have no kids and I'm learning to sew things for me, I bought nothing, but got inspired.
• Saturday, went to the Georgia Tech game. It was awesome! I really like that our coach doesn't run up the score, even in a blowout. In the 2nd quarter, he took out our quarterback and other major starters, and put in the 2nd string. We continued to score. Rinse. Lather. Repeat. It ended up that the fourth string was put in and we still won by 55 points! I think the Coach Gailey did the right thing by taking out our star players, but he can't tell the players on the field not to play the game!
• Had dinner at a great restaurant Saturday. Had some cajun pasta and it was excellent!
• Sunday, I fixed lunch by using something I had picked up at Publ!x. The meat was a skirt steak (I think), but rolled up (like a jelly roll) with spinach and provolone cheese inside. All I had to do was place it on a pan and put it in the oven. It was very yummy! And, it was husband approved. I fixed some sides and it was super easy!

Today starts a new part of my life - I am going to diet. And, I know it's not a diet, it's a lifestyle change. OK, I am beginning a major lifestyle change. I have been under some personal stress (that I just don't quite feel comfortable sharing yet) for several months now and I have put on 25 pounds in 6 months!! How in the world have I managed to gain 4 pounds a month and not have a baby growing inside of me?? I have just really let myself go and I'm getting back in control, with God's help. And, this time, as I lose the weight, once I'm comfortable in my pants, I'm going to buy a size smaller and wait for them to fit me. Once they do, I am donating my "old" pants. I think that's my problem - I have a lot of "wiggle room" in my closet. I can vary in weight 30 pounds and still have things to wear. Those days are now over! I'll keep you posted!

Random Thoughts of the Long Weekend (Posted a Day Late)

I hope everyone enjoyed their Labor Day weekend. Mine was wonderful. No major news, just got stuff done and relaxed.

Hubby and I were given tickets to Hootie and the Blowfish's concert on Friday night. Being as I was in high school and college in the 90's, I still think they are cool. It's my blog and I can think that if I want to. The tickets were at an outdoor venue and just as we were turning into the parking lot, the bottom fell out and the rain poured down. So, we went home without even parking. I hate that we missed it, but, as my mom would say, "if that's the worst thing that ever happens, I guess you'll be OK."

Saturday, I did some shopping while Hubby worked on fixing up a truck he is about to sell. I went to J0ann's, and they were having a great sale. Plus, I had two coupons - one for 40% any item and an additional coupon for 10% off my entire order. I bought quite a few things and only spent $25. I was pleased. Afterwards, I went to a huge antique mall and found a few treasures. I decided they should stay at the antique mall for now and maybe I can come back and pick them up later. THEN, Georgia Tech (my beloved Yellow Jackets) beat Notre Dame just as I hope they would. Not that I am a Notre Dame "hater," but just because I want my Jackets to have a great season and start it by beating their first opponent, ON THE ROAD, IN THEIR STADIUM, yes indeed. We had friends over to watch the game with and that was great. We had friends that actually attended the game and they said the Notre Dame fans were very nice. That is so great that home fans can be courteous. We're used to UG@ fans who are typically the most obnoxious fans I've ever been around in my life. I am a UG@ hater, not because of the bulldogs (or as they say, "bulldawgs"), but because of their fans. Sheesh.

Sunday morning, I was waking up for Sunday School and church and flipped on the tv. What to my eyes did appear? The immortal Gone With The Wind. Oh, how I love that movie! Yes, it is too long, but, those of you who are fans, what part would you suggest be cut out? I can't think of one thing that should be taken out, so I just accept it as it is. I sat on the couch, basically in a trance, as the characters danced across my screen. Sunday School starts at 10:00. I got in the shower at 9:15. Did I mention I had not ironed mine & hubby's church clothes yet? So, I set off on the whirwind of getting us ready and beating myself up for not being better organized, mismanaging my time, and sitting on the couch watching the best movie ever made. Oh well, these things happen. I'll worry about that tomorrow.

That night, after church, we had our Sunday School class over. It was BYOB.

That's code in our class for, "I'm providing the Cokes and desserts, but pick up your dinner at the drive thru of your choosing and I'll host the get together, but I'm not cooking." Hence, BYOB - Bring Your Own Bag (of food). We had ate, chatted, laughed, played the Wii and had a great time.

Since the 3 prior days were full of activities, we just chilled out Monday. He worked on cars, I organized. I love a holiday!

FALLing in love

Have I mentioned that I sooooo ready for fall? It has been so miserable-muggy-humid hot here in Georgia that I haven't been outside much at all. I miss the outdoors! Labor is this upcoming weekend and I am really looking forward to it.

Not just Labor Day weekend.

But, opening game of my beloved Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets! Go Jackets!

Truly, I love the fall. Spending time outside (especially after being sealed up all summer), visiting with friends, catching up with hubby's college buddies at games, playing hostess to the ones that spend the weekend with us, homecoming at our church, harvest festivals, leaves changing colors, mountain drives, corn mazes, and my favorite day of the year - mine & hubby's anniversary.

Fall can not get here quick enough for me!

Great Weekend

I had a fabulous weekend and I just want to blog all about it! :o)

One of my best friends came over and we sewed! I think I finally have figured out how to make a lined purse or tote bag, with pocket on the inside and out. I feel like a rocket scientist!! (ha) You know how it is when you have one of those "aha!" moments, I had one this weekend where I finally figured out how to put it all together it come out correctly. Thanks, K, for patiently answering my questions!

Church was good yesterday. Then in the afternoon, we "babysat" 4 kids ages 7-13 for a friend of mine to give her the afternoon off. We played hide and go seek for over an hour and had so much fun! And, yes, when I say "we" played, hubby and I were right there with them. Then, we were back at church Sunday night and took them home afterwards.

On the way home, we stopped at T@rget and I found something I've been looking for months. Not a need, just a very strong want. Yes, folks, my name is Lisa Kay, I'm an adult and I want a Wii. I'm not ashamed. Not only did I finally find one, but the Lord worked it out that is was on sale! Thank you, Lord!

Hubby is setting it up tonight, so I anticipate lots of fun. I think we're going to invite our Sunday School class over next Sunday night for us to play together. Good times!

Who else would have us?

Some say my husband and I have a sick sense of humor. It's OK, though, because we're think we're just hysterically funny. However, occasionally, trouble can arise when we don't get the other's so-called sense of humor.

I have been working on some serious organizing. Boxing up stuff and moving to the attic, but before I do, making-a-list-of-what's-in-the-box-and-saving-it-on-the-computer-organizing.

Serious. Stuff.

I have a hard time knowing what to do with "stuff." Not items I use or set out, but just "stuff."

So, I got inspired by an idea I read and I am now putting it in action. I am numbering plastic storage totes, then listing its contents in Word, then putting the totes in the attic.

What's in the totes?

Stuff.

Stuff that I can't throw away.

Some of the dresses my mom saved from when I was a baby. Love letters exchanged by my parents when my parents were "courting" when Daddy was in the service. Beautiful vases that I don't really have an occasion to use often (less than once a year), but can't bear to part with. Stuff that is sentimentally valuable, but doesn't see the light of day often. Stuff that I can go years without seeing, but I would miss it if it were gone.

You know. Stuff.

One thing I'm wanting to store is my mother's china. I love it and it's beautiful, but I don't know what to do with it, so I'm putting it in the attic.

Here's what the story gets a little fuzzy.

I gave hubby the box with the China and said, "OK. This box has my mom's China. PLEASE be especially careful with this box. It's sentimental and breakable."

Hubby picks up the box (we're in the basement) and takes it upstairs to the main floor. All of the sudden I hear boom! boom! boom! Obviously, my precious box has fallen down the stairs.

So, I do what I typically do in a panic situation.

I cried.

Quietly, mind you. It was an accident. I'm not hysterical or anything, but the tears are falling down my face.

A couple seconds later, hubby sticks his head in the room I'm in and suddenly his face changes and he loudly says, "I'm so sorry!"

I understand accidents happen, but the words won't come.

He says, "No, you don't get it. I was just kidding. I threw one of my work boots down the stairs. That's what you heard. The dishes are fine. Really."

Me, "What?"

Him, "I was just trying to be funny. I thought you'd get mad, then you'd see that it was just a boot and then we'd laugh." [insert nervous laughter here]

Me, "You thought it would be funny to pretend like my dead mother's China had been broken to bits?"

(Pause.)

Him, "Well, not when you put it like that."


And that's when we both started laughing.

We jokingly say when one of us does something silly (that might irritate the other one), "It's a good thing God picked us out for each other. No one else would have us!"

Tigers vs. Mosquitoes

This is a phrase I heard a long time ago, but I think it's very true:

It's not the tigers in the jungle that gets you. It's the mosquitoes.

Meaning, it's not the big things that occasionally come up that get you, it's small daily occurrences that can bring you down.

Sometimes, I just get in a funk about our home. It's completely my fault, I admit it. Right now, I really want to do some major organizing. Major. Organizing.

But where to start?

I should straighten up our laundry room. Some of the things I want to move should go in a cabinet in our kitchen. But, that cabinet needs to get straightened first. I want to move our computer to the desk in our bedroom and move the desk the computer is currently on to my craft room. Two fold problem: I need to straighten both the desk in our bedroom and my craftroom to make room for the desk. I want to get one of those wall-mounted-bracket things for the tv in my craft room and move the tv stand to another room. I don't even know where to buy the wall-bracket thing (technical term).

I feel like I have some good ideas for things to do to improve our home, but to do one thing, I have several steps in that one project.

And those things just don't get done when I'm laying on the couch.

Guess Who's Pregnant!

No one in particular.

That was just a trick to get your attention. Did it work?

Hubby and I do not have any children. We've been married for close to 9 years and, frankly, we are quite content with our life just as it is. We *love* children! We're the couple at church that everyone else's kids sit with. (Yes, I just ended a sentence with a preposition.) Outside of church, we tickle and wrestle and chase and have a general good time - with other people's children. Several friends have asked us to be their child's godparents. We have a list of people who are not allowed to fly together! :o)

As far as we're concerned, we may be (bio)children free for the rest of our lives. And we're fine. Really. We haven't "tried" to have children and battled infertility. We don't dislike children. The truth of the matter is that we've never felt God urging us to have children.

Those of you who are parents remember when you got that feeling. That something. That nudge. That desire.

We've never had that.

Sometimes I think, "Um, God. Have you forgotten about giving us that feeling?" If we felt that, I'm sure our life would take a turn. Until then, it's just us.

Some people feel that "everyone" should have children. They'll quote Genesis "Be fruitful and multiply." I think when scripture is used, the context of that scripture is important. Anyone can make the Bible mean anything. What if you were flipping around and read where Judas hung himself, then flipped over a few pages and read, "Go and do thou likewise." Obviously those verses do not go together.

J and I feel like parenting is a calling. Until we are called, all we can do is be ready.

It's OK to ask us if we're thinking about having children. Just don't ask us if we're thinking about starting a family.

The two of us are a family.

Let the Fun Begin (or not)

There comes a time in every woman's life that she knows will come. She has dreaded that time and put it off as long as she can, but she knows it's coming whether she's ready or not.

I'm sure you've suffered from it.

We've all been there.

Now, the time has come for me.

Yes, folks, I went swimsuit. shopping.

At the end of July.

When everything is picked over and mismatched.

Non. Stop. Fun.

So, I did the best thing I could do.

I went online.

And, this is where the story actually picks up. I went to the Land*s End website and had remarkable luck! I bought a "tankini." It's two pieces, but I am completely covered. (Obviously.) AND (the fun continues) I got a very cute coordinating coverup, that came with a matching purse! Hubby and I are planning to go on a cruise in November (our first) and I felt like I needed a little something to make sure I'd feel comfortable. I'll be walking around in my suit a lot, so I thought I'd splurge a bit.

This is where it gets quite humorous.

I really don't know what swimsuits are supposed to cost. I am a bargain girl by nature and couldn't really tell you the last time I paid full price for anything.

So, I asked my friends this question: How much would you spend on a swimming suit?

I got the same reply most everytime: "That depends. What will it do?"

I cracked up! Like, it's a car that comes with features. "This is the deluxe. It has the ability to lift and separate at the top, slim and compress the middle, while not doing anything to accent the bottom."

What does it do?

Unfortunately, not even Land*s End offers magical swimsuits.

5 Things I Love Right Now

1. Learning how to blog.

2. Feeling good about exercising

3. Favorite summer tv show - TNT's "The Closer"

4. Spending time with friends.

5. Enjoying the summer with my hubby.