New Years Resolutions Update




I wanted to put in a quick link to my previous post so you could refer back, but I can't figure out how you do that. Karen, you did this once, can you help me out? Anyway, I thought it has been a month, and in order for me to stick to my resolutions, rather than dump them by now, I have to do regular updates. More for me than you though, sorry!:)
Resolution #1: Lose 10 pounds

Well, this may not be very accurate I am afraid. For years I have avoided getting on a scale by principal. Scales discourage me. So, it is not a habit. I have had to remind myself, so I have only gotten on it twice in a month. I really don't know what I weighed for sure Jan. 1. But from the first time I weighed in and this last Friday, I lost 1 pound! I am choosing to celebrate this, because for some reason, even though I don't have a lot to lose, it is extremely difficult for me to lose period. Even when I had a personal trainer and ran! So, this is a victory for me! I have been really good at keeping a consistent work out schedule. I have only missed one scheduled day in a month. Pretty good for me! I am walking with doggies, switching up hand weights and yoga and pilates. I have been doing pretty good with portion control, allowing myself to slip on that once in a while. Snacks have been hard for me. Mainly because days I am out in the classrooms, I can't bring in my own food, so that means no snacks. I started out with carrots, nuts, and fruit. The fruit eating part continues to me a big challenge for me. When did I start not wanting to eat fruit?! Apples rotting in my fridge as we speak.

Resolution #2: Giving up Control to God

This is has been up and down for me, but mostly up. God is really working on me. Life at work is VERY stressful right now, and I am not feeling job security for a number of reasons. But he keeps reminding me that he is in control, and you know what? I am not freaking out nearly as much as I usually would be. I feel ok about whatever the future brings for the most part. He has always seen me through. Not to say I don't have a few moments though. I am working on some new ways to make a living until I can realize my dream, and I have to put myself firmly in his hands everyday.
Resolution #3: Make new friends

This has been a slow progression, but I am moving forward here. I joined the Easter Choir at church, and have met a couple different people even though we haven't had a rehearsal yet. This Sunday we will. I have been going to a Wed. Bible Study, and will go to the once a month Women's Group this coming Thurs. night. I do have to work on skipping out of church as soon as it is over, instead of sticking around and try and talk to someone. I have also been more open to different situations, like when I met my friend at the bowling alley last weekend. I met her husband's bowling league wives. They were mostly Airforce Wives, and they turned out to be great. They even want to set me up with someone. :)Resolution #4: Coffee Dream

This one sadly, has taken a back seat for the time being. I have been running into some difficult financial issues, and I have had to re-evaluate my life, expenses, etc. I am working on a new venture, which I will share in a blog soon. But until I get my feet planeted more firmly, I just can't move forward with it yet. I have gotten applications at a few places, but they really aren't hiring right now anyway. This is their slow season.

Resolution # 5: Keep in contact with old friends.

I really am working on this one. Too often, I get caught up in my own little world and things I have to do, so calling people gets put on the back burner. But I have connected with a couple friends in the last month, one I hadn't talked to in quite a while. That was fun. I will keep this one close to my heart though, and not let it go. I do hope that some of those friends will call me too though. I tend to get discouraged when it is me doing the calling. I am working on that one too.

So, really I am doing well here I think. There have been a few moments when I have wanted to ditch my resolutions, especially the working out one, but the thought of writng you my progress kept me going.

I ask you.....am I old already??







Last night I went to the Black Rose, which is a community center in
Black Forest. My boss had asked me and another co-worker if we wanted to go to this place to listen to music featuring Chuck Pyle, seen in this picture. I said "Yes!", thinking that the other person was going to say yes too, we had had a stressful week. But she said no, and so did everyone else she asked, so I was stuck. My boss loves going to the Black Rose, and loves Chuck Pyle even more. He is actually famous in the Country Music world, and has written many songs for famous singers, but I only knew he was old and sang country songs. Here is an epitaph I found on his website:



An accomplished songwriter, Chuck's songs have been recorded by John Denver, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Suzy Bogguss. Country fans know him best for writing, "Cadillac Cowboy", recorded by the late Chris LeDoux, and "Jaded Lover", recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker.

At the Community Center, they serve cookies and brownies, coffee and tea. No wine. I really needed some wine! You also have to sit on metal folding chairs for 4 hours! There were three acts before Chuck, who were three guys with guitars from Madison Wisconsin. They were all really good. Then Chuck came on, and to my surprise I liked him. He has been doing this a long time, and he is very comfortable on stage. He is also a really good story teller. So, despite the headache I had the next morning from sitting in those chairs, I had a fun time. More importantly, my boss had a great time.

Ok, the reason I asked if I am old before my time, is tonight I am going to a Bowling Alley to hang out with a friend from work. I am learning to knit. I joined the Easter Choir at church. I sit at home a lot. Seriously, who am I??

Ahhh domestic bliss.....

Here is my attempt at Banana Bread last night. I baked it the time it stated in the recipe, forgetting that I sorta live in high elevation. I used the tooth pick method in the middle, and nothing clung to it, so it's done right? I set it on the stove to cool, and when I came back, this is what I saw. I did eat some this morning. I had to microwave the 'bleep' out of it to cook the middle, but once that was done it was pretty good. Guess I won't be taking this little beauty to work with me.

Which side is my side?

I dare you to figure it out! Yeah, like it's hard! Welcome to my new hobby. A hobby I thought I would never attempt, mostly because I am not crafty and I lose patience easily for things like this. Some women from church taught me, or at least got me started. I borrowed a project from a friend of mine from work who is really good, as you can probably easily see which end is hers. She had said she messed up on it anyway, but I couldn't find where, unlike my side where you can see billions! It, surprisingly, is pretty fun and relaxing despite my lack of skill right now. I am getting better, and I really like the process. I am just doing one type of stitching right now until I firmly have a handle on this one. The group from church meets again, their craft group is called UFO (Unfinished Objects), next month. I can't wait to show them my progress! Custom made scarves, here we come!!:)

Christmas' last hurrah!

As you can see from the first picture, I was smiling from ear-to-ear all night! A couple days before I went to RC to see my old friends, I was going through my Hope Chest, Gramma made me. She is slowly trying to get rid of stuff, no easy feat if you have ever been to my Grandparents house. Anyway, I found a box of notes written to me from my friends from High School. I had notes from Suree, who affectionately referred to me has "Pisshead" or "Piss", Cher wrote some funny ones as you might imagine, those of you who know her, and some from Janet and Beth. There were several from people who called themselves my best friend, but I can't for the life of me remember who they are! For some reason Karen and Carey's notes were not in there, I think I had them in a different place. Anyway, it was so fun reading these, and made me want to be in RC that much sooner. My intention was to bring the notes, so Cher, Suree and I would have a good laugh. Also thought it might be a good conversation tool in case we have those awkward gaps in conversation. Why I always worry about that, I don't know, cuz that never happens with these friends of mine. It really truly is as if we are in each others lives everyday. We don't miss a beat. I forgot to bring the notes anyway! But we did talk about them, and did some reminiscing of the past. We were laughing pretty hard already by the time the guys showed up. Our guys!:) I haven't seen Mitch, guy with the snow hat on, for 20 years! It was even easy to talk with him, as if time has never past! Mitch is happy, married and has a youngin that he beams about. His smile was as big and constant as I have always remembered him to be. It was better than I can describe to you all, how it was for me that night. I have never had better guy friends in my life, and I really miss that, having guy friends. And my girl friends, well I love them so much, and I will carry my time with them in my heart for a long time. I haven't laughed like that in so long. I haven't felt a part of a group in so long....trying not to cry here. So, thank you Suree, Cher, Robbie, Pat and Mitch for a night I will hold very close for a long time. Can't wait to see you all again soon! Mitch and Pat said they will be coming to the big 20 year! They better! I told Robbie, who graduated a year before us, that he might as well come, he practically was an honorary member of the '89 class! Happy New Year my friends!

Squeaky Dog Christmas, second annual!

I couldn't put the pictures in order. I guess I am still not all that savvy with this whole blog thing. Anyway, we had Squeaky Dog Christmas on New Years Eve. In part because I was snowed in Cheyenne the night before, and in part because I didn't have anything going on this year for New Years, Wa! It was fun though. After dinner, I brewed some Starbucks Christmas decaf coffee and put a little Carmel Bailey's in it!:) Then let the festivities begin. We had lots of dog treats of course! First came Rooby's stocking, but each toy I brought out went to a different dog. Then Millie's stocking was opened. As you can see, Rooby had a blast running around trying out all the new toys. Millie seemed, much like last year, a little overwhelmed by all the activity. And Rooby wasn't even stealing the toys away from her this year. So, not sure what was up with that. I had to prop the toys around her for pics, unlike Rooby. Millie did play with some toys the next day though. You can also see that a couple of the tennis balls I bought met their demise almost right away. Do not buy tennis balls from a pet store. Always better to buy real tennis balls, they last longer. Anyway, we capped the night with watching the ball drop in Time Square, see dogs in their hats. It really wasn't such a bad way to spend New Years. I thought it might be a little depressing, but I was also happy to be home and not still in a blizzard. Happy New Year! See comments WAY down below, not sure how I did that either!

I thought I would start out my New Year with some resolutions that I soooo want to keep! We will see where they take me:

1. The ever popular main goal: lose 10 pounds. To do that I plan to get back into better portion control; eat more fruits and veges; check out videos of yoga and Pilate's; more exercise with the poochies. I plan on losing a pound a week.

2. To give up more control to God. My life needs to be more about what he wants for me. I am getting there already, but I still have a lot of work left to go. Less about me, and more about what he wants for me.

3. Make friends. Also going in the right direction here, but I really want this/need this to happen.

4. Make my coffee dream come true. This also needs to happen in steps, but I need to really step it up. First step, get a part time job in a Coffee House. Finish writing my business plan. Sign up for Chamber of Commerce Business class.

5. Keep in better contact with close friends. All my really dear friends are far away. I want to make it more of a priority to keep up with their lives. I never want to lose contact with the people that mean so much to me, and would love to reconnect with others I haven't talked to in years.

There you have it. And they are in writing so I can reflect on them often. These goals mean a lot to me, and I don't want them to slide. I hope to update my progress periodically on my blog. For your enjoyment of coarse!:) May this year be good to us all, and full of great surprises!

Merry Christmas everybody!

Karen gave me the idea when she said she got a snow flake on her toes. I just had these put on my thumbs, the rest is red. I am sooooooo tired of always having crappy nails, especially when I go home and am going to be seeing my old friends. So, after feeling horrible about them all through Thanksgiving break, I vowed to have them done for Christmas! I am just hoping they last. I haven't quite figured out how to be still afterwards, you can tell I am typing. I so want to be a girl, but on these kinds of things, the tomboy in me peeks out! Anyway Karen, hope you don't mind. They make me think of you when I look at them, so if you do mind...tough!;)-

Now, more importantly, I hope all of you have a very special Christmas. And we all remember to keep him in the season. Merry merry Christmas, and have a Happy and safe New Years!

Is it weird that I cried when I put my new bed together? My first what I call, "grown-up" bed. I was sitting there looking at my headboard, and started crying. I realized at first that I was happy. Happy that I bought this beautiful bed on my own, happy that I put it together by myself, happy knowing that I worked hard to pay it off. So, I dried my tears and finished up. But before I knew it I was really crying. Crying because I was also sad. Sad because I put together my bed by myself, sad I made another significant purchase without my husband. I am glad that I had God to help me with the whole thing. He definitely helped me put it together, cuz if he wasn't I would have threw a few fits. I am also glad that he held my hand through my tears. And now I have a beautiful new "grown-up" bed.

It's been awhile, it feels like since I wrote anything. So, a few updates about what has been going on with me in the last week. I went to my first Women's Bible Study from my church last Thursday night. Of course, I was late! I got lost trying to find it. But it was great, just like in church, everyone welcomed me in without overwhelming me. I recognized many of them from church, and a few of the ladies I had met last Sunday were there. My teacher, who I supervise was there, along with a former teacher of mine. So, there were enough people there I knew to make me not as freaked out. We talked about Christmas Traditions, which was very interesting since my family doesn't have very many, and those we do center around food. All in all, I felt like this is the right place for me to be. I look forward to actually getting to know these incredibly sincere amazing women. I am baking cookies this weekend for the lady who works for the Mission. I don't get to bring the cookies to the Mission myself, because when they are going I will be at work, which is a bummer. But I at least feel like I am doing something good outside of me. Jan talked to me again about the Craft Group, and me and my two teachers were laughing about our silly projects that we could bring, for example I have three coats with buttons hanging on their threads that I just don't fix because I am lazy! But I really do think I want to learn how to knit, so it will be fun.

The next big event for me is I have been planning my Wine and Appetizers Party for a while now, and it is just right around the corner! Next Tuesday night! Yikes! There has been so much going on, that I haven't written you all about it. I will break it all down for you, and welcome any suggestions that I have missed, since I am not an experienced party planner by any means. Karen really gave me the inspiration for what I am doing after reading about one of her parties she gave in Bama. So, here goes. Like I said it is Wine and Appetizers, with some Silpada Jewelry mixed in! I love Silpada parties because they don't put on stupid presentations or games. There is no pressure to buy. They bring a display of many of the best pieces, and you get to try and wear anything you want! The rest of the time you mingle and have fun. Towards the end they do ask if anyone wants to buy anything, and if several do, I get some free jewelry for being the hostest with the mostest! My favorite part!:) Anyway, I loved loved the bamboo wine plates Carey got Karen for her burfday, so I went and bought some green ones for my party. They are perfect, because I don't have a lot of places to sit, so several people will have to stand. I also bought some new wine glasses from World Market, I didn't have a set. Oh, and I got some really cool magnet Europe inspired Wine Charms. They go with my Europe picture wall in the Dining Room. Now the Appetizers part of the party. I picked several easy recipes from my 5 Ingredients/3 Easy Steps cook book. Recipes include: White Pizza Dip w/French Bread, Monterey Jack's Dip served with chips, Quick Mix Dip served with Veges, Sausage Balls, Olive Cheese Balls, Tumbleweeds (dessert), and Red Hot Christmas Punch. I will be adding more little desserts on my own. I only have about 8 people coming. I split each of the recipes up in twos, meaning there will be teams of two people bringing ingredients and making the recipes together. It is all a surprise. I handed out cards with half of the recipe on each. They don't know who they are making it with, or what they are making. I will work out a schedule so each team has a time slot to make their recipe. This way, we have a continuous flow of apps throughout the night. So, what do you think? Seriously, what do you think! I have lots still to do. I need to reorganize my newly painted office, clean clean clean, and get my schedule written. Did I mention I need to clean? And do some shopping? And I am sitting here writing this blog?! Yikes, I really need to get going.

But before I do, I just wanted to say that yesterday, as you may know, was Sue's funeral. Karen, I was there in spirit, but it killed me to not be there. My mom was suppose to go in my place, but the prospect of bad weather scared her so she didn't go. I haven't called, because I am trying to keep a respectful distance. I know Karen has much to deal with right now. I am missing you though. I know you are getting through this, and you have support. I am thinking and praying for all of you.

I will miss you Sue. Until we meet again.....

Another Church Story

I walked into church a little mad at myself for once again being late for the before church prayer and the divvying up of serving tasks.

I haven't made it once for this.

But, I am early for church when this happens, so that's good.

I was, however feeling like I am still looking in.

So, I made myself go stand by myself in the hall where everyone is coming in. Before I could get my prayer out to God, someone approached me.

This someone happened to be the Pastor's wife.

Instantly, she started taking me around and introducing me to several ladies in the church.

Before I knew it I was accepting all these invitations!

Some of which you will laugh at, like the crafty group I said I would be a part of:) Ha!

Why did I say yes to that?

I guess I just so badly want to get to know these people, I will almost say yes to anything.

I also found myself telling this nice lady that I will help her bake cookies to give out to the Mission.

I was invited to join a Women's group that meets once a month on Thursdays.

I think I am the most excited about this prospect.

They meet this Thursday night.

I was invited to a coffee thing tonight for new people at the Pastor's house, but I am not going to make it to this one sadly.

I think I overwhelmed myself today.

So, cookies, ladies and knitting (they're going to teach me) for now.

God is really moving.

I have never been to a church so welcoming before.

I love it!

Bobbi made this for me, and one for Karen. I just had to share it, because it is so pretty and unique! She said she used the inspiration of my coffee shop for the design. I can hardly wait to wear it there! Thank you Bobbi for being you.

My time with Sue and Karen

I was worried. I was worried that I wouldn't get there soon enough. I was worried about Karen getting through each day. I was worried that I wouldn't be a good enough friend, meaning that I wouldn't know what Karen needed the most when I was there. I still worry. But my time there was precious to me. Thanksgiving to me was more than wonderful. I know it was a stressful time for Karen, but she really pulled off the day with love and grace. The food was incredible! That girl can cook! I can't say enough about Champagne Turkey. I was honored to share the day with Sue, who was awake for much of it, and able to talk a little. Mostly, I know she listened hard to all that was going on around her. I am happy that my mom was able to come and share the day also, and very glad she finally got to meet this amazing woman. I know Sue made an impact on her, like she does with everyone she comes into contact with. The follow days were hard. Sue was pretty worn out from all the activity, and was asleep and didn't wake up much by the time I would make it over to the house. But on the last day I was there something truly amazing happened. It was a hard and difficult day to say the least. This was Tuesday, Karen wrote about much of the day in her blog, so you know it wasn't a good day. But when Larry, the pastor came, and Millie Sues great friend, and we prayed.... God was there. I felt it all around us. First we prayed for Sue. I was able to lay hands on Sue and pray for the woman who has prayed and encouraged me for years. I just felt God all around us, and I felt him lifting Sue up. There was definitely a light there in Sue's eyes. There was joy there, and love all around. I was able to have a moment with Sue that I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to do. I so often do not tell people in person how I feel about them, because it is soooo hard for me. I can write it, but to say it out loud with that person looking into my eyes is extremely difficult. But I, with lots of help from the Lord, told Sue what she has always meant to me. I told her that I knew she has been praying for me, and that her prayer and influence has been strong in my life. Sue said she has been praying, and that she loves me. I just wanted her to know how much she has meant to me over the years. It was a short exchange, but one I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I also watched Karen going through so much, and with more strength than she knows she has. I knew this was hard. I know Karen feels that she is not equipped, but to witness all that Karen has been facing for the past month, well there is no words worthy enough. I have so much love and respect for Karen, even more than I ever had before. Karen, you are incredible. Your mother knows it is you taking care of her. She loves you more than you can understand. And, I did see pride in her eyes of her eldest daughter. You have had to make some very incredibly hard decisions, and mostly on your own. But you aren't alone, because I saw God give you the strength when you needed it the most. And even during the most difficult time during this time that we had to face, I was honored to be there with you. I hope you know that. I know I tried to make lame jokes at times, but there was no other place I wanted to be at that very moment. I just hate that she was in pain. My heart just hurts that this is all happening and that there is nothing I can do to make things better for you. But know that I love you. I love E. I love Sue.

Well, I'm off to do a lot of what you see here in this pic of Karen.....don't shoot me! I plan on leaving tomorrow morning if the snow we are suppose to get is not too bad. Please pray that it isn't, and I can get there safely and at a decent time. I haven't been home for Thanksgiving in about 10 years, so you know you and Sue are very important! I am thankful to be able to get to spend some time with Sue and the Klasi family. My mom is also coming to hang out with us, and hopefully I will see my brother at some point. Carey might be coming too! I pray with all my heart that Sue knows how much she is loved by everyone who knows her. I can't wait to be there.....to just be with my best friend and her mommy.

For Karen

John 14:1

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me(Jesus).

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

DeAnn!

The new Hot Cocoa Kisses, are my new favorites! Yum, just had to share.

Assignment #2



This last weekend, I decided to go check out a local Coffee shop in Old Colorado City, called My Daughter's Deli and Espresso Bar. I got myself a Pumpkin Spice Latte, and sat down to take notes. It was a quaint place, but a little too small and narrow for me. There is no outside seating, and the tables line up against one side of the place straight down to the other end. It felt a little like a cafeteria setting to me. It wasn't cozy. They did have a few antiques, and nice art from local artists. I was able to think of a lot of things that I would do better with my own place, and things I wouldn't do at all. So, it was a good first visit. I also got some tips from colleagues of mine about resources I could check out. Apparently, there is an organization that helps women get grants for new business set up. Definitely going to check that out. I haven't started writing out the business plan yet, but I would like to start it hopefully this weekend. Keep praying that doors open for me. As hard as I try, I can't seem to stop thinking about this dream of mine.

In the spirit already? I don't know, maybe I am just in a buying mood, but when I saw the Hershey's Candy Cane Kisses that DeAnn talked about last year, I had to snap them up and try them. I couldn't find them last year! They are good, but white chocolate isn't usually a favorite for me, but they are not bad. I think next time I am going to pick up the new Mint Truffle Kisses. Those might be more up my alley! I also finally got a new cell phone! I got a pink Razor! My old phone was part of my on going technology woes. It was literally falling apart in my hands a little more each day. My new phone is soooooopretty! And pink! I am such a girl. Anyway, somebody call me. I want to hear my new ring tone!:) Happy weekend!

I suck.



I keep reading, and rereading what I wrote about my dating experiences. I hate how I sound, and believe me I did not want it to sound as bad as it does. It is just really hard to explain what I really mean. No matter how I try, it sounds just as bad. I really do care more about what is on the inside than the outside, and if you look at the guys I have fallen in love with, you would know what I mean. I also know that there are more important things out there to cry about than my nonexistent love-life. So, I am sorry for what I said. I am sorry for how it sounded. I will do better at staying positive.