Brrr.

I know....some of you love it.  I just don't.  I can stand snow for about 10 minutes....if it's a beautiful wintery white blanket.  But, this blowin' around and freezing my booty off....yuck.  I'm ready for summer.  Beaches....sun.....cool drinks....little amounts of clothes.

Oh now, get your mind outta the gutter!  Seriously.  Have you ever noticed how much time and effort clothes take up?  I mean, on a beach, ya cover up the necessities and you are done.  But, when it's cold you layer.  And, layer.  And, layer.  Then, when you stop in the store, you have to undo at least one layer or you'll suffocate.  Plus, you can't move.  It's just a lot of work!  Plus, think of the money! 

We are planning a trip to the Caribbean.  We had to push it back a bit, but we are still going.  In planning for this, I have instructed the girls to find little clothes to pack.  Comfy dresses....shorts and tank tops....that's really all ya need!  It takes up less room so we can actually carry on our bags rather than check them (and pay for it!!).  Ya don't need socks.  Most of the little dresses and such have built in under garments.  So there ya go!!  If we can pack a weeks worth of clothes in one bag, then there is something to be said for a beachy lifestyle.  And that is...I'm IN!!!

See, I think that's why God created us naked.  If it weren't for that whole thing in the Garden, we'd still be naked, ya know.  And, think of the money we'd save.  And, the less time it would take to get ready in the morning.  And since we'd ALL be naked....then seeing a naked person wouldn't be a shock....so the temptations wouldn't be the same.  We'd just be....well, right now, I'd be really cold!  But, perhaps we wouldn't have scattered throughout the world and we'd all be hanging from the trees in the tropics!  Yeah....that sounds even better.

But, we are not naked.  So......I'll just  go throw on another sweater and pair of socks and save my partically naked body for the Caribbean.  Sigh. 

Oh stop blushing....you all know that you are naked under those clothes, too!!!

Do you hate me? Good.

 I have been a bad Xangan.  That stupid Facebook has made me lazy.  Most of my peeps on Xanga are also on FB, but I know some of you are not.  And, you are my trusted friends.  I love you.  Hope you had a great thanksgiving.

We actually made it out of the muck and mire unscathed for the most part.  It was terribly shallow and rediculous at my in laws, but we managed.  There was a lot of whispering...just because most of us feared what we could say.  My one BIL made creme brulee.  It just seemed weird, but it tasted good.  We did play a couple of card games and everyone seemed to enjoy it.  However....later....I shot a gun!!!  WHOO HOO!!!  My BIL brought his two handguns because I've been wanting to purchase one for myself.  So I was able to try them out and see what I liked.  It's different.  I've only shot a rifle before, so it seemed like I didn't have control over the firearm.  But, I did ok.  We didn't have a target, so I couldn't see how bad my aim was.  But, I managed.  Now, I'm antsy!

Anyway...the happier day was on Thursday when my family got together.  Even though my sister wasn't at the dinner, she sent her boys over to spend the night with us at my mom's.  And, they came to visit and my niece and hubby giggled and laughed and played until she wanted to go home to his house!  Awwww.  They are buds.  Well, here....have some pictures!

So as you can see...it was for the most part a good couple of days.  Mic made a pie and Drew took pictures.  Hubby did a marvelous job at both houses carving the turkey.  And, yes, that is a crown roast at my Mom's....she decided to try something new and it was delicious!  (Yes, my vegetarian mouth had one sampling.  But, back to veggies....)

Then hubby and I went out on Friday.  We found this band in Indy that is really pretty good.  A friend of mine works with the bassist and so we've gone to see them the last two weekends.  FUN TIMES!  First of all, they are typical rock and roll with a bit of their own flavor.  Secondly, I feel like a teenager again.  Since I never was a party girl when I was younger, this has been a bit of a blossoming for me.  Friday night, I met a couple of people and we had a grand time!  Yes, I am a big flirt....but that enabled me to get a dance with a 6'3" cutie! (ok, I mostly danced and he mostly swayed....I think he'd had a wee bit to drink!)  The pub was a very old building that had a lot of character.  Hubby informed me the flirt radar was highly in my favor as there were way more hot men there than woman.  LOL 

Anyway....if you've followed me for a while you know that I've been in a bit of a funk about my social life.  Hubby has been ever so gracious in understanding me.  Most men would be infuriated at my flirtaous ways.  I don't blame them....but hubby understands that it's just my way.  And, we are both confident in our relationship to not be threatened by someone else.  True, most of these guys I'll never see again, but some of them I might.  And, they may become friends.  Since this band is playing a lot of shows through the rest of the year, we are looking forward to being "social" again!  I love it.  I feel like there's life in my life, ya know?  I'm a social bug.  And, being out among people energizes me.  Meeting people...even though I'm a bit timid at first....once I get in the swing, I love it.  I love finding out interesting facts and seeing what you have in common with them.  Not to mention......men, you have got to learn to dance!!! LOL

I'm not sure if that is what has inspired my recent weight loss or what.  I have tried to be careful as I go out drinking (not that I could overdo anyway!  I'm forever the lightweight!).  But, since January when I started my workout, I've lost 13 pounds.  That's almost a pound a month.  It fluctuated a lot, but I have also noticed that I've almost gotten rid of that tummy.  You know the one, ladies....that baby pouch.  So, I'm convinced that slower is better.  And, sticking with what your body tells you, is better.  I tried to follow Kyle's recommendations, but I really don't think I need near as much food as most people do.  I mean, look at me!!!  I'm 5'3" tall and I weigh in at 115 now.  That's a little bit of a person!  Plus, I'm stronger.  My grandmother told me once that the first place you start to look old is your arms.  I have noticed that!  My dance students get it hounded into their heads to work on their upper body strength!  And, honestly, with only going once a week....what excuse do I have NOT to do it??!!!

So, today is a good.  I feel good.  I feel like the changes that are coming are for the better...and I'm looking forward to meeting more people...having more fun....and teaching everyone how to dance! LOL

Yep.

It's been Shopping Day.  And, no, it didn't rain.  I think they were surprised because my day started early.  I had a hair appt at 10:30 AM...which is great since I didn't have to do it before leaving!  But, I did take my nail polish and make up so I could "get ready" there.  Good thing they like me there....I practically moved in!! 

Then, I hit up Olive Garden...my favorite local hang out.  It was busy, but the sweet bartender was still attentive and fun.  It was probably a good way to settle in and do some people watching.  Lunchtime people are kinda funny.

Then, I had to go shopping for pants.  No, this is serious.  I realized that my jeans were way to big after my recent weight loss.  I mean WAY too big.  I could pull them off without unbuttoning them!  ANd, as my girls pointed out..it's a great problem to have....until you need to put pants ON!!!!  Plus, we are planning on going out tomorrow night, so I had NO jeans to wear.  So, I hit up Goodwill and Plato's Closet to check out the used clothes.  Bingo.  I have no idea what my size is now because some of the pants I bought are, um, juniors size.  I had to go with those because the legs are shorter and I won't walk on them!

Plus, I started some Christmas shopping.  Found some good bargains, but I looked like a secretary making notes and such!  But, I love buying gifts for people...especially nephews and niece!!

Then, I finally got around to my "regular" stuff!  The usual tolietries that I'll have to buy all over again next month!  Then, the groceries.  Hubby will be home next week, so that means new stradegy for meals and food in the house!!  Plus there's the whole Thanksgiving thing!  Two days we'll be taking in this year...and I do want to cook this year! LOL 

Anyway.....I finally rolled in my garage at 5 PM!  Fortunately, there were peeps here to unload me and let Mama rest.  Now hubby is going to take me out for dinner and reconnect.

Here's the thing.....I really like these days.  I like taking care of my family in such a practical way.  I know it seems like no big deal, but at a time when it could be said, I don't do much....lol.....it's something that I DO still manage in our life! lol  Plus, what woman doesn't like to shop??  And, I think I just enjoy being back in the social world for a few hours.  I mean, homeschooling and all...we don't always get out as much as ya'd think.  But, I do try to make time for all of us to be out and away from each other for our individual time.  Mine is at least once a pay period to do my "job". 

So, if you'll excuse me....I have a date!

WOW!

Prince, my fellow Colt fan....please tell me you saw that game!  HOLY COW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  The rest of ya, I'm so sorry.....this is just Indiana football.....sigh....I may sleep in my jersey!!