One Month Later - Day 83

Wow. . . now that was really long.  Sorry about that!  Life has been CRAZY to say the least!  I am sitting at my desk at work converting some video, and thought i'd do a quick update while I wait.


Love life. . . boo.  Went on a blind date last night that was so horrible that I probably will never do it again.  I have never been so creeped out in my life!!!


Diet. . . been better, but now that i'm home it will be easy to get back on track.  Also, the weather is getting nicer, so i'll be getting outside more.  Maybe some longer bike rides with my girls.

I've been a little out of the loop for about a week.  Time to come back to life.  I have been working on my poster. . . I was really excited to do it on the event I planned on covering for my event video.  The event is now though pushed until the end of April.  Guess I'll have to choose another.  Ugh.  There was just so much potential with that one!!!  GRRR


Las Vegas you would think would be a great place to obtain some video.  Yeah, maybe if you're willing to carry around your video camera in the crowds and get yelled at for running video where you "didn't have permission."  PFFT, get over it.  I actually told some old man it was a calculator and he believed me.  Heh.  Still didn't get much done though.  I worked my butt off.  


My family has been shaken up a bit by the news that my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer on Friday.  It's not looking great, well, we really don't know at this point how bad it's looking at all.  Surgery is next Friday, then well have more news.  I really want to do some video about her journey through this, but I'm pretty sure she'll murder me in my sleep for it.  
Tonight. . . girls with crayons.  


Till then. . .

Day 49

There are many benefits to “knowing people,” but there are also downfalls.  Like when you get excited about using a new camera for your next project, and you even reschedule time to be able to use it, and then, “oh, man i’m sorry, I forgot it.”

Oh well!  I’ll be using my JVC again for this shoot.  I am looking on the bright side and reminding myself that it really does do better in low light, which I am most likely going to have to shoot in.  

Awesome BBQ for lunch today.  My daughter has spent the day with me at the office and has been extremely good.  Tonight, dinner and a movie with a friend and the girls.  Can’t wait to just chill for a bit.  

Days 40-48

Ok, so I guess this has turned into a weekly blog.  I have been required to start a blog for school as well.  Ugh.  Now 2 blogs, a video posting website, twitter, and of course facebook, are taking up WAY too much of my time.  For school or not. . . it's crazy.

By taking the brilliant advise of a professor of mine, many of you know I landed a pretty kick ass job.  There are days where it is really hard to balance a job like this, a 15 hour course-load, and raise 3 amazing daughters.  Then there are days where it pays off.

I have been thinking about purchasing a Kodak Zi8, but have been hesitant after a couple of my classmates returned theirs.  My boss bought one yesterday.  SWEET!  He’s going to let me try it.  You don’t get many “try it before you buy it” opportunities with electronics.  So… yay crazy life… thanks for the bonus.

Taping my video this weekend.  (it was the only time my “subject” was free)

I have been asked out on a couple of dates, but I'm just not ready.  The closest i'm coming is a huge group dinner on Friday night.  HA.  I really think all of this is just crazy.  I'm thinking of an arranged marriage.  Hmmm.

Diet: AWESOME!  I only have one more pound to lose to get to my next goal.  I've been eating oatmeal every morning, and I think that's done a lot of the work for me.  Fills me up, keeps me full until lunch. . .and it's SUPER TASTY!

Parenting class for Parents of Children of Divorce tonight. . . :-/

Till then. . .

Days 35-39

Today was epic.  I'm really not sure how to explain it, but it was.  I went to a church event for new members, and a couple of friends went with me for support.  Very fulfilling.

I got SO much done today at work, that tomorrow I will be able to relax totally, and maybe knock out some stuff for school.  After dinner tonight, I met a friend for a beer.  It was great sitting with someone, and being completely honest . . . even brutal at times, with how i'm feeling about life.  I really. . . truly. . . do not feel like the true love thing exists.  Neither does he. . . so it was nice to not feel alone for the first time in a week! He poured his heart out about his new girlfriend, and he said it felt good to get that stuff out.  Sometimes, people just need friends.

I miss my girls.  More this week than usual.  Not sure why.

KARAOKE!  This weekend, a few friends are coming into town, and we're all going out together.  They say it's for my "new independence," knowing that it's not something i'm excited about, but they're just trying to make me feel better.  I love them for that.  It seems like we're celebrating my independence more than anything these days.  I can't wait for the day that we're celebrating my happiness. . . rather than my loneliness.  Someday. . . .Soon.  Maybe.

Sorry if this sometimes sounds like whining.  Give me more than a week.  I'm really fine.  School is great, friends are great, and new friends will be great too.

Diet is AWESOME!  2 more lbs lost!  I haven't been this driven for a long time.  I'm very proud of myself! I hope all of you are having a great week.  I hope it's not long before I blog again.

Till then. . .

Days 33 & 34

It's now been 2 days.  Alone would be a good way to say how I feel.  I have been trying my best to stay busy at all costs.  My girls have had a great week, and I have decided to just keep as things were normal for them.  They know nothing. If I tell them they may never see Michael again, they'd be so sad.  They really, really loved him.  If I just gradually mention him less and less, they'll probably get used to him not being there.

So. . . as if dating wasn't horrible enough, I'm faced with the possibility of having to some day start up again.  After an 11 year marriage, I thought dating wouldn't be so bad.  WRONG!  I think it's more heartbreaking than it ever was when I was a kid.  But I guess it will inevitably happen, and hopefully when it does, I will have found someone really great.

My diet has been going really well lately, and I've lost another 3 lbs.  On a roll!  I really need to get going with Yoga, and some running, or I'll start to slow down.

School is just getting rolling, and I think it's going to be a great semester.  I am already learning so much, and have benefited at work because of it.  I was offered another job.  Denied it. . . as usual.  I have to finish school people!!

Till then. . .

Days 30-32

"If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is compromise" --- Robert Fritz

Some days we face challenges that we don't want to face.  They blindside you when you're least expecting it, and force you to make choices that you weren't prepared to make.  I have found that it's best for me to just meditate about it, and think before my actual thoughts are revealed.  Sometimes, they never are, and sometimes that's for the best.

It's a crazy how heartbreak feels the same when you're 30 that it does when you're 3 and you break your favorite toy.  Tears, chills, and the feeling that . . . well, there are just no words to explain it, it's simply .  . . painful.

With an incredible challenge in front of me, I am faced with siding with either my head or my heart.  That "follow your heart" stuff is sometimes a bunch of hooey, but I feel like maybe I need to compromise.  Follow both?  By putting my heart out on the table, i'm making the choice to either be hurt or loved.  I am a person who loves with all my heart when I choose to, and I care about people easily.  I have been told that I don't speak my mind often.  My choices determine my future, and I choose my battles wisely.

When I kiss someone, and feel goosebumps.  When they are the first person I think of when I wake up, and the last when I go to sleep, I know there's something there.  Feelings happen . . .  but whether you act on them or open your heart to them, I believe is a choice.

"Whether we love, or close our hearts to love, is a mental choice we make, every moment of every day" --- Marrianne Williamson 

Till then . . .

 

Days 28 and 29

Diet = epic failure

But who can blame me!  I'm in Seattle!!  Home of some of the most incredible seafood a person can get their hands on!  And tomorrow. . . i'm eating doughnuts!! I heard about a place called Lola on food network.  I plan on it!  Last night I had prime rib.  Mmmmm.

I am in Olympia, but I'm about to catch a train back to seattle.  I plan to go to Pike Place Market, and do a little touring before it gets to dark.  Speaking of dark, it gets dark really early here.  It makes me appreciate just how much daylight we have back in Kansas.

I actually can't wait to board the train.  The amtrak trains up here are really nice!  Leather interior, and plenty of leg room for this 6'2" girl.  :-)

A fountain that's obviously NOT automatic.  But I enjoyed watching

the girl standing in front of it for awhile before telling her.  hehe.

I will be home tomorrow night, and will hopefully have a few beautiful pictures for you.

Till then. . .

Days 19-27 (ugh)

Yeah. .  . sorry . . . I am a "little" behind.  :-)  Anyway.  I'M IN SEATTLE!!!  It smells different.  Like. . . trees.  I love it.   I may not come home.  I think I'll just send for Michael and my girls, and live happily ever after. lol

Brand New Boeing 737

The sunset was almost constant for an hour.  It was like we were chasing it over the horizon.

The beginning of the sunset. . .

I was sitting at the hotel bar this evening, and the bartender asked where I was from.  After telling him that I was from Kansas, and I was just visiting Seattle because I "wanted to," he thought i was funny and told me my meal was on the house.  SWEET!  I love this city!!

I am sorry, dear reader(s), that I have been so lax.  I promise to try better this week.  The last week has been crazy with school starting up again.  I'm excited that it's close to the end.  2 more semesters. . . YAY! I have some really interesting classes to take this semester.  I truly think this is the semester where I actually learn something worth while.

The girls were wonderful last week, and I can't wait to get home to see them.  (though I will make sure to enjoy EVERY minute in this beautiful state of Washington)

Life is to be enjoyed.  And this weekend . . . I am enjoying it.

Till then. . .

Day 18

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET GIRL!!

The cupcake making has come to a close, and the party has managed to wear out three of the sweetest little girls.  They are all snug in their beds, and I will soon be as well.  I . . . am. . . exhausted.

I have recieved my student loan money, and school starts next week.  I am actually kinda ready!  Bring it on!  I have some really fun classes next semester, and I can't wait.

I also think it's time for a new car.  The mini (ok, it's a van) is on it's last leg, and chugs WAY to much gas!  I need a little car to just commute with.  I'm loving the Scion tc.  They actually have on on the lot here in town in the exact color I want.  And it's a 5 speed!!!  YAY!  I'm going to think about it.  But I really really want it!

I haven't been able to talk to Michael much this week.  :-(  His clinics started back up, and I've been wicked busy at work, and with the girls.  I'm sure school isn't going to help.  But we always make time if we can.

I miss him. . .

I think it hit me today how fast time really does fly.  I sat down for a moment this evening and really thought about it.  My baby girl is 4.  I started to appreciate the little things, even if for only a moment.  I am a lucky woman.  I have 3 beautiful children, 2 very supportive parents, a great job, and a wonderful future ahead of me.  I was lucky today to have the patience of a wonderful man.  I don't know how he does it, but it only proves how great he is.

Thank you. . .

Till then. . .

Day 17

Today was wonderful.  Just really darn good.  Work was good, people were great, cupcakes were fantastic, and I can't really complain.

I did find out that I have to take 15 hours of classes next semester to graduate on time.  That's kinda poopy, but i'll do it.  I have to.

I don't really feel like writing much today.  Frankly, it's late, i'm tired, and I'd like to read a little.

No news is good news. . . right?!  Oooorrr. . . I just don't feel like talking about it.  ;-)

Till then!

Day 16

I woke up at noon today . . . :-/  Not exactly the start I wanted to the day, but it is what it is!

My baby girl turns 4 tomorrow, so today was PICTURE DAY!!!  Oh man this girl is a stinker!  She posed as if the whole studio was only open for her!  Out of 3, she is my only child to NOT be scared of cameras. It was hilarious.

My daughter has had major food allergies since she was a baby.  Starting with 28 different foods, we are now down to 5.  She is deathly allergic to eggs, and peanuts, severely allergic to wheat and cherries, and still has a mild allergy to milk.  So how in the world do you make a cake for a child like her?  Thankfully, many companies now make gluten free mixes that you can buy at most health food stores.  Unfortunately, none are egg free.  I found that if you mix potato starch, tapioca flour, and water together, it makes a great egg substitute.  (most subs are still made from real egg.)  I opted for a powdered egg replacer from the asian market, and it's wonderful.  SEE!!

They have an interesting texture, but they're delicious anyway!  I think she will be really happy.

Back to work tomorrow.  It will be the first early morning with the girls since before Christmas.  I'm sure i'll be exhausted all week, until I get back in the swing of things.

Diet: Surprisingly well with all the cupcakes around!  I kept my portions small today, and never really felt hungry.  I also find myself craving fruits and veggies, instead of sugar.  (ok, don't get me wrong, sometimes I just want chocolate)  I'm pretty proud of myself!

I have 24 more cupcakes to frost, and then i'm off to bed!  Tomorrow, 24 more cupcakes!

Till then . . .

Day 15

Short but sweet. . .

I just woke up after the most horrible nightmare!  It's amazing how much you realize you care about someone when you're faced with the brief thought that you may have lost them.  It's the scariest thing in the world.

I realized I hadn't written a blog for today, which is actually yesterday, because today is . . . today.  Anyway . . .

Ooh ooh, ooh ooh ooh, you make my dreams come truueee......

Back to bed. . . :-)

Till then. . .

Day 14

Has it seriously been 2 weeks since I started writing this thing?!  Wow.  Crazy.


Reminisce: to recollect and tell of past events; experiences.

I was invited over to an old friends house tonight to hang out while her husband and his buddies played poker.  There were a few other women there that I didn't know.  Usual awkwardness.  We started playing a dice game and I relaxed a bit.  Later in the evening though, I was able to talk about the past with her.  It's crazy how much you forget, and how after only a few minutes, how much you remember.  I was really happy then.  She even said she remembers how I was friends with everyone.  I "didn't have a mean bone in my body."  That was nice to hear.  Because frankly, I don't remember much. (head injury from a softball, long story)

Anyway, this was a particularly good day.  Isn't it great how after a particularly "meh" day, the next can be so great?!  This is why life is good.  Work was "exceptionally" well, and I accomplished more in the 5 hours (yeah I was sort of late) than I think I had accomplished all week.

Motivation, I need it.  I hate how when I wake up late, I regret it.  I love how I feel after getting up early.  I hate how I feel when I've pissed off the day, so why is it so hard to motivate myself to DO SOMETHING?!!!

Laziness, it's starting to become a habit.  I have to stop it.  There is nothing wrong with me health wise (blood results turned up negative. . .for everything. . . good) and I just need to get myself on a better schedule.  Moving on. . .

Diet today: Ok. . . not good, but not really bad either.

Faith today: AWESOME

Boyfriend today: Perfect.  :-)  I am so lucky to have him.  He has a big day tomorrow, and I am with him 100% no matter what.  6 months today. . . . it's gone so fast, and if I've learned anything, it's that caring, romantic men do exist.  I can't wait to see what the future holds.  :-)

Till then. . .

Day 13

Ahh Siblings.  You have to love 'em, but you don't have to like 'em.

I spent the evening with my little brother and his fiance.  They are getting married in June, and are planning a nice little reception, followed by a "party" that none of the "old people" are allowed to go to.  Nice dude. That won't upset the family at all.  Anyway, I told him that he should rethink that, and he just said. . ."yeah."  Oooook.  lol

So today, I've been reeaally tested emotionally.  It's really hard to keep my mouth shut sometimes.  But in an effort to "choose my battles," I have chosen to keep certain things to myself.  Not easy.  Sometimes that means tears, sometimes that means calling friends who don't know the situation and simply venting.  Accepting the ways others do things, especially when you are not really sure it's the right thing, is hard.  Sometimes you spend a lot of time waiting for certain things to happen, and they never do, so you have to just accept that too, and move on.

One of the worst things ever:  When someone hurts your feelings . . . and they didn't mean to. What do you say?! Nothing!  Well that's what I do.  What is the point in making them feel bad?  It would only be to make you feel better.  So you just suck it up. . . and once again. . . move on.

Diet: BAD. . .

I had blood drawn today.  I've just been really tired.  We'll see what happens.

I just found out that studies are now showing actual calorie counts were an "average of 18% higher," than listed on the boxes of food.  Even at national food chains.  SWEET!  :-/

I think it's time for bed . . .

Oh. . .the ants.

The crazy things don't stop!

What do you think?  Do you say what you feel, even if you know it may backfire?  Or do you just keep things to yourself, and hope it won't eat you alive?  Please comment . . .

Till then. . .

Day Twelve

Today went pretty well.  Well, kinda.  On my way to work, a truck threw up a rock and cracked my windshield.  Then, when I got to work, the phones weren't working.  Good for me, bad for clients.  After that was all resolved, the day went pretty well.

After a pretty laid back day, I went to my favorite coffee house.  Raspberry Mocha. . . mmmm, my favorite.  I then went to Hallmark to start looking for invitations for my friends baby shower.  It's going to be so much fun!!  I can't wait!

Today I got  short with my ex-husband about medical bills.  My ex . . . we'll call him. . . Kyle.  Kyle actually was nice about it, and I was not choosing my battles well.  After telling Michael about the conversation, he asked me if maybe I read the text wrong, and said maybe he was just inquiring, not attacking.  He's so right.  Sometimes I don't know how I got so lucky.  I have an ex-husband who keeps things civil, and doesn't fight with me.  His girlfriend is nice, and actually respects me as the girls' mom.  I have a boyfriend who appreciates the civility, and tries to keep me grounded.  And I have three happy daughters, who love all of us.  See, there is something to be said for happiness, and keeping the peace.  If only the world saw things this way.  At least I know my girls will grow up loved.

I'm off to bed "early" tonight.  I have to get up at 4 for work.  Sometimes I think my boss has got to be insane.  5AM!??  Yeah, he's laughing right now while he sits in Vegas at a Trade show that doesn't open until 9.  Oh well!  I'll be off by noon!!  :-)

The diet today went well until the 2 chocolate chunk cookies. . .oh, yeah . . .and that coffee.  Well, tomorrow's a new day!!

Till then. . .

Day Eleven

Road Trip!

I took a road trip with a couple of close friends to visit their parents in a REALLY small town south of here today.  It was a blast, as usual.  Emily and Jo are hilarious and have a habit of making me laugh so hard I can barely breath.

This was a special trip.  I would be asking their parents if they would be my godparents.  I also asked Emily and Jo if they would be godmothers for 2 of my 3 daughters.  They all accepted.  After many happy tears, Jo realized this meant that she would be required to attend Easter vigil, and announced that she now hated me.  HA!  Too bad lady!

Today was a very busy day at work, so it went really fast.  I love these days.

My butt hurts.  I must have done something to it.  Who knows.  Pulled muscle, pinched nerve, something.  All I know, is that it hurts all the time now.  I should go get it looked at.  But really, who wants to go get their butt looked at.  Not me.

I apologize for the late ant update.  They are doing very well!  It's still so fascinating.  They have now dismembered one of the dead ants, and placed body parts throughout the tunnels.  Not exactly what the manuel said would happen, but I think I got special ants.

OMG Weddings.  My little brother is getting married in June, and my friend Emily in September.  It seems like i'm surrounded by weddings!  It's been the first time in a long time that I've had ANY interest in anything "wedding" related.  Primarily because I find stuff like this. . .

SO funny!!  And oh so appropriate for today's couples.

I'm burning a WoodWick candle.  I love it. It was a Christmas gift from Michael.  Every time I burn it I think of him.  :-)

The rest of the week should be interesting.  In at 5 am on Thursday.  Not looking forward to it.

Till then. . .

Day Ten

I have decided not to listen to anyone when they tell me how hilarious a movie is.  The last 2 i've seen, I've been SO pumped about, and then let down.  So from now on. . . I go into everything thinking it will be bad.  Then, no let down.  Ha ha.

I had a pretty good day.  This right here will be what we will call. . . "A Meh Day."  Nothing epic happened, not even anything sort of exciting.  I went to work. . . I worked. . . I came home . . . and now I am going to go to bed.  Calm down folks, this may be too exciting for some to read.

I did make gnocchi for dinner though.  It was pretty great.  For desert . . . brace yourselves . . .

I've decided to treat myself once a week.  This looks really bad I know, but it's not!  Thanks to my diabetic daughter, the ice cream in our house is "no sugar added!"  Only 60 calories per 1/2 cup!  Here in this small bowl is 1 1/4 cups of the ice cream.  3 different flavors even.  150 CALORIES!!!  Plus the syrup which was lite, and another 30.  Still. . . not bad my friends!

Tomorrow, I have a dinner date with my new godparents.  They don't know they are my godparents yet, but after tomorrow, and a hopeful acceptance, they will.  :-)  As for work, we're being interviewed on the local news, so that just means that I have to get up early and try to look nice.  Meh.

Anyway, I'm going to read another chapter in my M.C. book, and head to bed.  I can't seem to get enough sleep lately.  Maybe i'll catch up sooner or later. . .

Till then. . .

Day Nine

"Life happens, when you're busy making other plans." - John Lennon

Isn't it the truth.  If one were to sit and write down their plans for the upcoming year, and then compare those plans to what actually happens, chances are . . . they're way off.  I plan to lose weight, graduate, and move up in the world.  I have to admit, that if they don't happen, i'll be a little sad.  But I've had these plans for years. . . so, thanks life.

I have a habit of scheduling everything.  By the hour at times.  My biggest pet peeve. . . being late.  I hate being waited on.  I would be happy if I were NEVER the driving force of someone else's stress. I prefer to be the accessory, the one who is just there.  But by taking risks, I know I could maybe make someone else's life better.  I want to make people happy.  I think it's time for me to quit planning so much, and just let life happen.  I have always loved surprises.  Ever since I found all my presents one year and completely ruined Christmas.  Life. . . has forced me to be a planner.  I have too much on my plate at times, and without structure, i'd crash and burn.

A new goal.  CHILL OUT!  I promise myself that on the weekends, I make no plans.  Ok, who am I kidding.  I may plan to go somewhere, or do something, but no more hour by hour stuff.  To save my sanity however, I will keep my hourly schedule for work and school.  I need that.

For the last couple of weeks, it has seemed that I've been separated from my favorite people all at once.  It's not easy.  Missing one person takes a lot out of you, missing four is worse.  I won't see my girls for a week.  This is much easier when I am buried under school work.  I won't see Michael for possibly a month.  Boards are at the end of January.  I pray for him every day.  I'm not exactly a daily prayer kinda girl, but I know how much he wants this.  I wish so much that I could do something to help, but I can't.  I just support him the best I can.  No matter what happens, I'll still be proud of him.

The temperature is supposed to drop below zero tonight.  It's been a crazy winter already, and it's only January.  I kinda love it.  Ok, I really love it.  Tomorrow starts a new year at work, and a new year for me.  I'm ready.

Bring on the life!

Till then . . .

Day Eight!

As a wise 7 year old once said. . . "that sure sounds like love to me."  The evidence is in this blog.

I had a lot of time to think about life during my drive home today.  It's really hard to think of bad things right now.  Finally.  My dark cloud has moved on.  And so have I.

Michael and I woke up and finished our movie.  We then got dressed, I packed my things, and we headed for lunch at TGI Fridays.  This is always the meal I dread the most.  The last before I leave.  Each time gets harder.  I hate missing him, but love having him to miss.

Here is my list of observations from the weekend. . . in full 500 days of summer fashion.  :-)
I love how every time I kiss his cheek, he says "thank you."
I love when he sings.  Even though it may not be "to" me.  It feels like it.
I love how almost everything reminds him of a song.
I love how he keeps track of everything.  EVERYTHING!
I love how he has a folder in his email with my name on it, so he can save my letters.
I love how he remembers every date.
I love how he looks me right in the eye, especially when he has nothing to say.
I love that he loves to sneeze.
I love how at the most random moments, he sends me a text that says, "miss you, babe." (he just did)
I love how my heart feels when I read it.
I love how every time I think about my time with him, I get goosebumps.
I love how after spending 2.5 days with my daughters, he still likes them.  :-)
I love that they adore him.
I love how he laughs out loud while watching a movie.
I love how everything on his desk is perfectly alined.
I love how he makes little noises when he's kissing me.
I love when he kisses me, and doesn't care who is watching.
I hate how he calls me "pooper!" But I love the way he giggles when I glare at him for it.
I love how he is probably giggling right now while reading this.
I love how he calmly tells me when, "it is what it is."
I love how our six months have felt like six weeks.
And my favorite:
I love how he holds my hand.  No one in the history of holding my hand, has ever held it like he does.  I sometimes can't think of what's going on, because i'm only thinking of how I never want him to let go.

If you only knew me.  I have lost hope in romance.  By reading this, it doesn't sound like it.  Michael is a med student, and is still learning so much.  He is so smart, and I know he'll be a wonderful doctor.  He is already healing me.

Till then. . .
          

Day Seven (written on day 8)

The juicy details!!! WAIT!  NOT YET!  :-)

New Years Eve:
Meeting the family can be a stressful event.  In the past, it has been for me.  As I made the drive to visit my boyfriend, and meet his extended family, my stomach was in knots.  I would find out that it was all for nothing.  The knots I mean.  I was welcomed by a group of family and friends with open arms. . . and european kisses.  It was AWESOME!  They are wonderful.  Almost like in a movie, there was more food than an army could eat (the whole weekend) and everyone was happy.  I come from a large, and loud family, and I have really missed spending time with them.  I found myself so comfortable, that I felt I had known them forever.  His father, a wonderful italian man, told the greatest stories.  And his mother, the most beautiful spanish woman, made me feel as if I were part of the family.  I love them.  I can't wait to get to know them all better.

Ok ok, juicy details.  Ha ha.  Michael and I had a great time.  We decided to just stay home with his family for the evening.  It was the best decision.  We stayed up late just enjoying all the company, and toasted the new year with champagne and kisses.

New Years Day:
We spent the morning together, just "chillin." We decided to have lunch at Red Lobster, then go walk around the mall for a bit.  I love spending time with him.  I can't get enough of it.

We had dinner at a japanese steakhouse with his family for dinner.  It was their "first family dinner of 2010." (as his father labeled it)  I felt so welcome, and was even included in the family photo.  Wow, words can't express my feelings.  :-) We ended the night playing Catch Phrase back at the house, and then retreated upstairs.

Michael and I watched the beginning of 500 days of Summer, and fell asleep next to each other.  *sigh* It's the best place in the world.

My diet was a failure, physical activity (not a complete failure ;-), and relationship . . . success.  I fall asleep every night with him on my mind.  I can't imagine a day, or night, without him there.

Till then. . .