FAMILY MATTERS

I have just returned from a trip to New York, one very different from the one I experienced with my friends back in November. This trip was spent with my in-laws for the Christmas holiday. Some may see the word "in-laws" and think, "Oooh, in-laws, we know how that goes," but that's not the case in my life. "In-laws" does not have a negative connotation for me, in fact, I have been blessed with some of the most interesting, loving, honest in-laws there are.

First there is my mother-in-law: She is very caring and so open with me. I ask her all sorts of questions about her life and she answers them honestly, which I completely appreciate. Being a Southern girl, I'm used to a little bit of "BS" in order to keep things light and not too serious, while my New Yorker in-laws are right out there with their opinions and true selves. (I think I especially enjoy this honesty because it reminds me of my Mother, who has always been out there with her self and her feelings and thoughts. See

Mom's Blog

)

Second is my sister-in-law, who is beautiful and fun and who is the "peace keeper" of the family, always politically correct and genuine about it. My sister-in-law has a way of making everyone feel comfortable and my husband has a wonderful relationship with his sister that I really admire.

My brother-in-law is very creative and insightful and he has been known to be somewhat aloof, as was verified in a conversation I had with him this week, but he has always been very open with me. He is intelligent and sensitive and cares very much for his family and friends.

All of my in-laws love each other deeply and this strong love for each other allows them to feel safe enough to voice their issues and concerns with one another. This causes friction and, although it is uncomfortable at times, I also believe it's necessary friction. If we keep all of our thoughts and feelings bottled up, they will eventually turn into deep resentment and anger and relationships will suffer greatly.

So, I have to say that my in-laws and my husband have gotten something very important figured out: It is important to be able to get things out in the open to be able to work through the issues we have in order to have a sincere, open relationship with family members. Family, the people who have shared your life with you and helped make you who you are, are important enough to do just that. I would say my trip to New York showed me, above all else, that Family Matters.

"And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins." -Mathew 1:18

Just a little reminder of the true meaning and reason for the season of Christmas. Merry, Merry Christmas!! I will be on Christmas hiatus from the blog world, and possibly the Internet as a whole, through December 28. I hope you and yours have a wonderful, safe, memorable Christmas.

God Bless.

"Just when you think things couldn't get any better, you step on the scale."

This is a direct quote from someone over in my Weight Watchers group today. (Yes, I am finally speaking up publicly on my blog about what it is I have been doing to lose 23 lbs. I'm at 22.8 lbs. lost as of today, so we'll round on up to 23 lbs and call it "good" right before the big holiday!!) This great one-liner from a fellow WW pal just made me realize how great it feels to succeed and to have people around me who understand and who are experiencing these moments along with me, how great it feels to feel good about yourself when you wake up in the morning, go through your day and go to bed at night. The wonderfully positive attitude of my WW pal today just reminded me why I started this journey to begin with.

I've been going to Weight Watchers (WW) here at work since June. What finally led me there was an altercation I had with a scale in my gym. I hadn't worked out consistently in a long while and I hadn't been on a scale in even longer. So, I decided one day that I had lifted a couple of 2 lb. weights and walked on the treadmill for about 15 minutes, which is better than nothing but definitely not a sweat-producer, and I wanted to see how much I weighed. I timidly got on the scale, messed with the funky weights of the old timey doctor's scale and, to my great surprise, the scale said 170 lbs.!! I stepped back off of the scale and thought to myself, "That can't be right!" So I got back on and tried it again with the same result. I was horrified. I couldn't believe that the people at my gym couldn't find ACCURATE SCALES!! I mean, come on, my gym is associated with the hospital, they have to have accurate scales. I huffed out of the gym, determined to find an accurate scale and about two weeks later, June 29 to be exact, I did find one.

On June 29, I made the decision, all on my own with not one person by my side, to see what WW was all about. Our company pays for a large portion of the cost of the program and I didn't see any reason why I couldn't make it work. So, on June 29 I walked into my first WW meeting where I was greeted by Karen, who is our program leader and who I completely admire for her humor, her honesty and her strength. After meeting Karen and filling out some paperwork, it was time for the moment of truth...the first weigh-in. I got on that scale and low and behold...it said 171.6 lbs.-to the last ounce, baby!! I didn't realize until later how very important those ounces were going to be to my progress. I couldn't believe my eyes, but, even in my disappointment, I breathed a sigh of relief because I could finally stop lying to myself and I was finally doing something about it.

Looking back now, I remember walking into that room for the first time thinking, "God, I hope I'm not the [insert appropriate adjective here]" (youngest, fattest, skinniest, etc., etc.). I was none of those things and, even if I had been, it wouldn't have mattered one bit to anyone but me. But I was so caught up in what I didn't want to be that I couldn't see past that to what I am and what I can be. I was so guilty of just ignoring what my body and my soul tell me, whether that is "slow down" or "get yourself moving" or just "it's not time for that now." Through WW, I have learned to listen to myself-what I need, what makes me feel good, what I really want and why. It has been a long, successful journey to this point.

I have sincerely enjoyed going to these WW meetings every single week for the past 26 weeks and I look forward to continuing to attend these meetings to stay in tune with myself and to cheer on and sympathize, whatever the case may be, with my fellow WW pals. I also look forward to learning more about who I am, body and soul.

Weight Watchers On-line

Last Friday, my co-workers and I went to lunch and then to the movies. I was really excited about this fun day away from the office and I was looking forward to seeing this great movie...

The Family Stone

Boy was I ever surprised!! What started out as a typical "family comes home for Christmas" movie turned into an emotional roller coaster. There was laughter and anger and tears. All of which felt so good. This movie makes you think about family and how important they are. It reminds you that you should cherish every moment you have with family and friends as you never know if and when they will be around. I highly recommend this movie and I would be up for seeing it again should anyone need a movie pal to go with them. It has a fantastic cast, lots of great laughs for guys and girls and a genuine message for anyone. If you see it, or have already seen it, let me know what you think.

After a semi-stressful week for my husband and I at work last week, we have re-gained control and are back on track, therefore, I am feeling really excited about our trip to New York this Thursday. We figured it out last night, and it's been about a year and a half since we saw his family who live in NYC. That's way too long!! We miss them so much and we can't wait to see them and spend time with them for Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas, as mentioned previously, I have really been in the spirit of the season-buying gifts, wrapping gifts, spending time at holiday parties and gatherings and just enjoying life-and I think one particular thing about this year helped me to get more in the spirit of what Christmas is really about. since we're going to New York this year, my husband suggested we not erect a Christmas tree or do the typical fussing with decorations and things around the house. Well, at first I was sad about this as I really enjoy decorating, but now that we've gotten closer to the actual holiday I realize that I usually spend time fussing around the house and not paying attention to the things that are most important-friends, family and quiet, reflective time for myself. So, I am glad to have that extra time without the fuss as it has made for a very special time for me.

"When you're down and troubled and you need a helping hand,

and nothing, oh nothing is going right,

close your eyes and think of me and soon I will be there

to brighten up even your darkest night.

You just call out my name and you know wherever I am

I'll come running, oh yeah baby, to see you again.

Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall...all ya got to do is call and I'll be there,

yeah, yeah, yeah, you've got a friend.

If the sky above you should turn dark and full of clouds

and that old North wind should begin to blow,

keep your head to Heaven and call my name out loud now

and soon I'll be knockin' upon your door.

You just call out my name and you know wherever I am,

I'll come running, oh yes I will, to see you again.

Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall...all ya got to do is call

and I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Hey ain't it good to know that you've got a friend

'cause people can be so cold.

They'll hurt you and desert you, well they'll take your soul if you let them.

Oh yeah, but don't you let them.

You just call out my name and you know wherever I am,

I'll come running to see you again.

Oh baby, don't ya know 'bout...

Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall...hey now all ya got to do is call,

Lord, I'll be there, yes I will.

You've got a friend.

You've got a friend, yeah.

Ain't it good to know you've got a friend?

Ain't it good to know you've got a friend?

You've got a friend."

-James Taylor

I've got so many friends, so many great friends that this song genuinely speaks to. I am very lucky.

But one friend in particular makes my heart fill with joy when I think of her and she has made this week extra special for me through her generosity and kindness.

This friend and I became friends in college; we are sorority sisters. She was a wonderful young lady when I met her in college, lots of fun and full of smiles and laughter. She is an even more remarkable woman today-strong, giving and so very real. She is intelligent, warm, happy, uncomplicated, innocent, beautiful and one of the most caring and thoughtful people I know. She is one of those people that listens, really listens, because she truly cares. She expresses her feelings so easily and she pays careful attention to those she cares about. Although she lives miles and miles away now, I know she and I will always be friends. It is tough to not be her friend as she is so easy to like and even easier to love. We share a friendship that I treasure-the kind of friendship that challenges those miles and months apart. She is a forever friend and I am so, very blessed to have her in my life, as my friend.

Casey, thank you for being my friend and for your thoughtfulness and all the wonderful things that make you who you are. I can't wait to share so many more memories together with our darling husbands. Thank you for your kind gifts. Your kindness truly made mine and my husband's week. We miss and love you and John and wish you all the happiness and love in the world, which you both so wholeheartedly deserve. God bless you both.

"Silver Bells. Silvers Bells. It's Christmastime in the city!"

I'm so in the spirit of the holidays. I gave my first Christmas gift to a friend, had my first taste of mulled wine (very yummy!), went to my boss' Christmas party and drove around with friends looking at Christmas lights...all on Friday night. That began my jolly holiday mood.

"You better not pout, you better not cry..."

We got all of our Christmas shopping finished on Saturday, which was a great accomplishment. Toys R Us was a mad house, but overall the shopping was enjoyable. Saturday evening was spent at a favorite hole-in-the-wall spot with my husband where the Christmas lights and tree shined brightly around us. One more step toward the giggly, silly holiday spirit.

"You better be good, I'm telling you why..."

On Sunday, I wrapped gifts while listening to Christmas music and a I finished a really nice photo album that I was making for a friend of mine to give as a Christmas gift to her father-in-law. With all of the wrapping and gift-making, I felt like a bona fide elf!!

"Santa Claus is coming to town!"

I still believe... (www.northpole.com)

"Look at everything as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time. Then your time on earth will be filled with glory."-Betty Smith

Everyone gets so nostalgic around the holidays, myself included. No one wants to work. Everyone has a bit more rosy in their cheeks, a little spring in their step and a lightness in their hearts. But at the same time, everyone longs for those holidays of years passed when they had few worries and looked forward to all of the wonderment of the season.

I love the time between Thanksgiving and New Years, as hectic as it can feel. Most of all, I enjoy all of the things that my co-workers and I do for the less fortunate that either live in the neighborhood surrounding the hospital where we work, or for the family members who also work here with us and have had some kind of tragedy occur keeping them from being able to provide for their family this holiday. I am surrounded by so many generous, giving people all the time and it's easy to forget that not everyone is like that.

As my co-workers and I wrapped gifts today to be distributed to kids at a nearby elementary school tomorrow, I began to feel the real feelings of Christmas. That feeling of giving unconditionally to someone who may never know your name. These kids will open gifts tomorrow from all of us and it may end up being that Christmas to remember forever for one or two of them...the Christmas when Santa Claus really did exist through the faith of these children and the generosity of so many who care for others.

Feeling overwhelmed.

School finished for the semester yesterday.

Work stress.

Holiday cards to complete and send.

Holiday parties to attend.

Holiday gifts to buy.

New side business to keep me busy.

New York trip to prepare for (Dec 22-28).

Houston trip to prepare for (Jan 6-8).

Health and fitness program to keep on the forefront of my mind so as not to diminish any of my progress.

What is it with girls...we all love to dance. Me and my friends have this thing we call "Dance Party U.S.A." It began when I had a bunch of friends at my house for a girls only sleepover a few years ago. We had the radio on and, after a few cocktails, we all began cutting a rug (literally!!) in my living room. Some of us free-style, others choreograph and perform, but we all love to dance.

Maybe it was "Flash Dance" with Jennifer Beal and Michael Nourie, "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" with Sarah Jessica Parker, "A Chorus Line" or maybe even Madonna in the '80s and '90s, but no matter the inspiration, dancing brings out the best in us.

This past Saturday was no disappointment (see photo above). A group of nine girls shined a friend of our's living room floor dancing to the beats of everything from Vanilla Ice's '90s hit, "Ice, Ice Baby," to JoDee Messina's popular country song, "I'm Alright."It was a blast and kept us up until the wee hours of the morning.

So, girls don't "Just Wanna Have Fun" they "Just Wanna Dance!!"

In response to Bab's blog , I would like to add a little something else that has been on my mind regarding pregnancy and having babies.

Personal space.

It's something that I hold very dear as I am slightly claustrophobic. Not to say that I'm not affectionate or "touchy-feely" as I have been known to hug for longer than the norm and I pat shoulders and arms when the person talking to me says something funny or otherwise interesting, but I am speaking more of that space between us and those pregnant bellies or us and those cute babies and toddlers.

Yes, I admit it, I am guilty. I see a wonderfully pregnant tummy and I want to reach out to it. Maybe it's the knowledge that there is a magical life growing inside and that it's so real and human. I don't know what it is I guess I just think pregnant women are beautiful.

I also have a tough time resisting a baby or toddler, even strangers' babies or toddlers. They are just so irresistably cute and wonderful!! (See photos below for verification...)

This urge is so strong that I find myself holding my hands together to keep from embarrassing myself...but the bottom line is, I don't do it. I don't touch other people's bellies or children unless invited to do so and even then it's only when it is an invitation from someone I know well.

Now that I have admited my urge, I have to tell you that many of the mothers that I know say not everyone controls those urges like I do. Yes, that's right, strangers will come up and touch their pregnant tummies, ask to hold their baby or pinch the cheeks of their toddler without ever a word to the parents. Others may not touch, but instead they lean in very close to the baby or toddler and talk to them in that squeaky, baby-talk voice, "He's a good wittle boy...yeah. Such a sweet honey bunny." This just isn't acceptable. Get a life, would ya?!

In conjunction with these weird-os who reach out unsolicited, are the parents who ask strangers if they want to "feel the baby kick" in the pregnant tummy, or if they want to hold the baby or play with the toddler. Granted, this is a personal choice, but I still think it's a bit strange. Not everyone wants and feels the urge to hold your baby and that's alright, no need to get bent out of shape over it. Some people can just walk on by without turning into puddy over your little angel. Not everyone has the same urge that I have...I may be the minority. Either way, personal space is important and maybe the infant doesn't want you 'tapping on the glass,' if you will, when she is in her mother's tummy minding her own business. Maybe that toddler doesn't want his cheeks pinched.

Did you ever think about that?

Since I seem to have touched upon a hot topic yesterday with my mental outburst about my husband haphazardly checking next to the "Have a baby in 6-12 months" box, I will continue on with something in relation to this that is on my mind.

I have a really close friend/co-worker who is currently pregnant with her second child. She is the quintessential pregnant woman and mother. She doesn't really complain about her pregnancy, she doesn't waddle (not in month 1 or even in month 9), she doesn't have really strange food cravings and her pregnancy has not, to my knowledge, affected her work, her social life or her personal life. She is glowingly pregnant-beautiful, radiant and happy. If we only saw her, and people like her, pregnant, we would all have babies all the time. They make it seem fairy talesque.

On the flip side, not all women are like my friend who is currently pregnant-beautiful, radiant and happy. Many others waddle during the first trimester through month 9, complain of body changes and sickness and just moan and groan, in general. And this moaning and groaning doesn't stop once the baby is born...it continues until those around them, who think about having babies, no longer see it as such a joyous, beautiful, wonderful thing.

There are also people who do not have the desire to have children, which, especially today, is completely acceptable. But within the groups of people who do not desire to have children of their own, there are two types. There are ones who may not want to have their own children, but they do not see having children as a negative thing. They are even genuinely excited for those who do. These people sometimes become wonderful, loving aunts, cousins, friends, etc. to the children in their lives. They are comfortable in their choices.

Then there is the second group, those who have no desire to have children and are quite nasty about it. They sneer at people who have their bouncing babies on their hips. They scoff at the mention of children in a group setting and they make their disdain quite obvious to anyone who will listen. These people are quite disturbing to me.

Now, why, you ask, do I draw these comparisons and "types?" It's because I think so many are afraid-afraid of how we really feel. Many of us jump, all too often, into what we're "supposed to do" and don't listen to what's "best for us." It's quite alright not to have a child. There are so many other ways to give back to society and to live a very full life without populating it. I applaud those who are not afraid to be who they are and do what is best for themselves. If more people did what was best for themselves and their families, there might be less children abused, abandoned and neglected.

But, I do want to say that we should all respect each other's choices. If you are a pregnant woman and you have chosen to have a baby, please understand that you don't have to waddle in the first tri-mester, you don't have to complain and moan and groan as its not healthy for yourself or those around you. And if you're one who chooses another life path besides parenthood, there's no reason to be nasty about it. Someone chose to bring you into the world and so having children is a necessary part of human nature.

Most of all, respecting yourself means respecting those around you who have made their own personal, many times different, choices. Our differences and our individual choices are what make the world go 'round.

There's my soap box for the day!

I was sending out a simple product registration card this morning that has a simple little household survey attached. I read through my husband's responses to its many questions about our household income, our regular activities, what we read, etc., etc. All of the answers were right on, and then I got to the final survey question, which especially caught my attention. It read...

You and your spouse plan to do which of the following in the next 6-12 months:
Buy a house -
Have a baby- X
Buy a car -
Lease a car -

I see that haphazard "X" next that my husband marked next to "Have a baby in 6-12 months" and I begin to panic.

My mind races with questions: "Why do they want to know this? Are these other options even in the same league as having a baby? Did my husband decide to have a baby in the next 6-12 months without consulting me? Did he decide to tell me we were having a baby by asking me to drop this unsealed product registration survey in the mail for him? Does he really think he has complete control of the baby-having thing? Weren't we resolved to wait a couple of years after deciding we weren't ready to start trying in 2005?" I am so confused!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And then I stop..."He's a man," I think to myself, "6-12 months could mean 6-12 years to him. Surely he's thinking we would start TRYING to have a baby in 6-12 months. Trying is the best part after all." I smile to myself. And then I think, "He did check the box." Checking the box could really only mean that he, even subconsciously, wants to have children with me, the person he listed as his spouse in survey question number 5, but whose job title he omitted in question number 6. So, I don't have a job title, but I'm going to have a baby in 6-12 months...I could seriously overanalyze this!!

I have to stop myself again. It's only a stupid survey and, really, all this means is that my husband and I are on the same track. I want a baby, maybe not in 6-12 months, but I want a baby all the same and that's really all that matters.

Whew....it feels good to get that out.

Note to Self: Don't read unimportant product registration surveys that husband fills out and wants me to mail for him. :0)

Thanksgiving-My Way

I gave thanks for my grandparents. My grandfather is 79 and my grandmother is 84 and both are relatively healthy and happy and I love them to death. They are a precious part of my life and I am blessed to have them around.

I gave thanks for my mom. She has been through a ton over the last several years and to see her smile, really smile, and to hear her laugh, really laugh, fills me with joy like never before. I am extremely happy for her most recent life changes and enjoyments. I love you, Mom.

I gave thanks for my husband. He worked until the last hour before Thanksgiving and then got up early on Thanksgiving Day to cook for our family. The meal was fantastic, but the love and hard work my husband puts into everything he does is what made the day extra special. He is my hero in so many ways and for so many reasons.

I gave thanks for our health. With so few years on the Earth, I am so happy that those I love and care about are healthy and safe.

I gave thanks for friends. I am grateful that I have the friends that I have, particularly my girlfriends who shower me with love, laughter, kindness and loyalty. I am also thankful for photographs that I can look at over and over again, remembering our good times together. All of our fun girls' nights...

I gave thanks for intelligent people. Through the work of the intelligent people who invented and improved upon the Internet, I have been able to build upon and begin relationships with people I would not have had the opportunity to know as well without it.

I gave thanks for music. As you saw from my previous blog entries, I was in a music state of mind last week. I think it was my way of preparing myself for the Thanksgiving holiday, to let go of stress and restlessness and just listen to the music. All of the songs listed below are songs that I feel deeply about when I hear the words.

Here's to giving thanks more than one day a year!!!

I am headed into blog hiatus for the next few days to celebrate one of my favorite holidays, Thanksgiving. I give thanks for family, friends and a husband that I am so blessed to have by my side. Have a great holiday!

The real me is a Southern girl with her Levi's on and an open heart.
Wish I could save the world, like I was Supergirl.

The real me likes to laugh all night, lying in the grass just talkin 'bout love.
But lately I've been jaded, life got so complicated.

I start thinkin' about it I almost forgot what it was like, to know what it feels like with you. I can let me hair down, I can say anything crazy I know you'll catch me right before I hit the ground. With nothin' but a t-shirt on, I never felt so beautiful, baby, as I do now. Now that I'm with you, with you, with you. Now that I'm with you.

You speak and it's like a song and just like that all my walls come down. It's like a private joke, just meant for us to know. I relate to you naturally, everybody else just fades away. Sometimes it's hard to breath, just knowing you found me.

I start to thinkin' about it. I almost forgot what it was like, to know what it feels like with you. I can let my hair down. I can say anything crazy, I know you'll catch me right before I hit the ground. With nothin' but a t-shirt on, I never felt so beautiful, baby, as I do now. Now that I'm with you, with you, with you.

Come and take me, love you, save me. Like nobody else now I can be myself with you. I can let my hair down. I can say anything crazy, I know you'll catch me right before I hit the ground. With nothin' but a t-shirt on I never felt so beautiful, baby, as I do now. Now that I'm with you, with you, with you...

--Jessica Simpson, "With You"

Another summer day has come and gone away in Paris and Rome, but I wanna go home.
May be surrounded by a million people I still feel all alone, I wanna go home. Oh I miss you, you know.

And I've been keeping all the letters that I wrote to you, each one a line or two, "I'm fine, baby, how are you?" I would send them but I know that it's just not enough. My words were cold and flat and you deserve more than that.

Another aeroplane, another sunny place...I'm lucky, I know, but I wanna go home. I've got to go home. Let me go home.

I'm just too far from where you are. I wanna come home.

I feel just like I'm living someone else's life. It's like I just stepped outside when everything was going right. And I know just why you could not come along with me. This was not your dream, but you always believed in me.

Another winter day has come and gome away in either Paris or Rome and I wanna go home. Let me go home. I'm surrounded by a million people I still feel alone. Let me know go home. I miss you, you know.

Let me go home.
I've had my run, baby, I'm done. I've gotta go home.
Let me go home.

It'll all be alright. I'll be home tonight. I'm comin' back home.

--Michael Buble, "Home"

Come a little closer, baby.

I feel like layin' you down on a bed of sweet surrender

where we can work it all out.

There ain't nothin' that love can't fix, girl it's right here at our fingertips

So come a little closer, baby.

I feel like layin' you down.

Come a little closer, baby.

I feel like lettin' go of everything that stands between us

and the love we used to know.

I wanna touch you, like a cleansing rain and let it wash all the hurt away.

Come a little closer, baby.

I feel like lettin' go.

If there's still a chance then take my hand and we'll steal away

off into the night until we make things right.

The sun's gonna rise on a better day.

Come a little closer, baby.

I feel like strippin' it down back to the basics of you and me

and what makes the world go 'round.

Every inch of you against my skin,

I wanna be stronger than we've ever been.

So come a little closer, baby.

I feel like strippin' it down.

Come a little closer, baby, just a little bit closer, baby.

Come a little closer, baby, I feel like layin' you down.

--Dierks Bentley, "Come a Little Closer"

It seems the older I get the more I learn that I don't know about life.

For me, there are two defining truths about life that I have learned that I can definitely say I know for sure.

I know that our background and up-bringing may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I know that just because someone doesn't love you the way that you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all that they have.

On this beautiful Friday, I am very aware of what I know, and how much I have to learn, about life. I am most grateful for the experiences I have had, the people I have met and all the things I still have left to learn and experience.

(Note: I am about to show you a different side of myself. The side that is a bit whacky and a lot Type A. Please proceed with caution...)

I don't know how many people read Real Simple magazine, but I absolutely love it!! (See the link to the right for a better understanding.) And my husband knows I love it. Every month when it comes in the mail , knowing how much I love Real Simple, he comes in the house after checking the mail box saying, "You've got a surprise." I always know what he is referring to as this magazine is my prize each and every month. Real Simple magazine, and my love for it, really says everything about me.

Here's why and how:

It's sensible. Each month Real Simple gives simple tips on everything from how to get a tough stain out of your favorite white shirt, organizing your kitchen pantry, what to get the friend/family member who has everything and what to do with those odds and ends you think are worthless. One of my favorite sections is the "AHA! Use" section where a regular household item is shown to have several "AHA!" uses aside from its original use.

It's decisive. The magazine gives you a feature each month on the best of everything-best jeans, best cashmere sweaters, best plunger-anything you might ever think about buying. It takes the guess work out of some important decisions and purchases! They tell you what is best for the money and they explain what makes something "the best" by their standards. I've found that they are always right.

It's heart-warming. There is always a featured writer who contributes to the magazine giving special life lessons and sharing their personal stories. It is always uplifting and makes you feel good all while teaching you something worthwhile. On the final page of the magazine, there is always a quote to take away with you. I love quotes and I love this final page of Real Simple.

It just knows.
This is something I just can't seem to get out of my head. Real Simple, like the pastor on Sunday morning, just seems to know the things I am thinking about. They always feature articles and ideas that respond exactly to me and my life at the time the magazine is delivered to my door. For example, one thing I was thinking about doing this year is making my own holiday cards to send out to family and friends, but I didn't know quite where to start, how expensive that would be and whether the bigger cards I was looking at making would cost me more in postage. I could take a trip down to the USPS office, but why do that? Real Simple to the rescue. In the November issue, wouldn't you know it, there are several pages about making your own cards, mailing deadlines for cards and packages to arrive on or before Christmas, various envelope sizes and the amount of postage needed for those odd sizes and they even introduced www.photostamps.com, which is a company that makes specialized stamps using photos that you upload yourself. What a cool idea! Once again, Real Simple pulled through for me. They're like an old, trust-worthy friend who knows what to say before you've even spoken your problem. Ahhhh....

It invigorates. As you can see from this long, loving post, Real Simple magazine has a huge impact on me. I read it over and over and I keep every issue. I lovingly tear its pages out to keep in files for organization strategies, yummy recipes, holiday tricks, just about anything. I have never loved an inanimate object so much. It truly fills me with energy and makes me want to re-arrange the whole house, get crafty, do laundry and start a charity all at the same time.

Real Simple you are the best magazine EVER!!

"The Biggest Loser"

I haven't ever watched this popular television show, but I understand the premise. A group of overweight people go on a weight loss journey to see who can lose the most in a set amount of time (aka "The Biggest Loser"), all while being filmed for TV. The whole world gets to watch their progress...I say, "Oh, The Horror!! The Horror!!"

I, personally, began a journey that, for a while, was merely observed by a few of those around me. At the beginning of my journey, I was pretty quiet about it. I told only those that I felt would truly understand what I was doing because I didn't know how successful I would be and I didn't want all eyes on me in case I failed or gave-up. Then, as I began to make some real progress, I told more and more people around me about my journey and, before I knew it, my circle of support had grown quite large. All while I was growing smaller and smaller by the week.

After the first ten weeks of my journey, a few of my co-workers decided to join me and we are now a great cheerleading squad for each other's achievements and a shoulder to whine on when those achievements just don't seem to come. I think it has brought our office closer together to be able to share in our great strides toward being healthier.

I started out on this journey in July at age 26, 5'8" tall, size 10 or 12, 171 lbs. I am no longer ashamed to mention all of these fast facts about myself because I am so proud of how far I have come. I am now, 21 weeks later, a strong size 8 and weigh 150 lbs. I am 21 lbs. lighter and I have never felt better!!!

I now understand why "The Biggest Loser" is so popular. Holding yourself accountable, whether it be to your 18 co-workers or millions of people watching the TV show, is a driving force behind making the right choices. Though I never thought I would say this for several reasons, I am proud when my co-workers call out to me, referencing the TV show, "Hey!! Biggest Loser, Congratulations!!"

Thanks to everyone who has helped me on this journey. The support and understanding from all of you make a huge impact on my progress. I still have a small road to travel before achieving my final goal, but I am so excited to be where I am today, I had to share.

BEFORE & AFTER

(JULY) (NOVEMBER)

I was a little under the weather over the weekend and yesterday, hence my absence from Blog World. Funny that "under the weather" is how we describe it as I honestly blame the weather for my recent illness-allergies. My senses and sinuses are completely out of whack because of this strange, unusually hot fall we're having.

Now I know I live in Dallas, Texas and the fall and winter here are by no means severe, but it feels like spring heading into summer and it's humid and just too warm. The average temperature for this time of year in Dallas is 55 degrees, the temp the last few days? Upper 70s, low 80s...that's just so not fair.

I'm ready for scarves and jackets, cute sweaters and rosy wintry cheeks.

I'm ready for cloudless skies, chilly winds and a fire to warm my tootsies.

I'm ready for hot tea, hot chocolate and hot cider.

And turning down the air conditioning in my car or my house just isn't quite the same.

I sent out an e-mail yesterday to my closest friends to see if there might be some interest in a new endeavor I am embarking on and as I was about to send the e-mail, I had such anxiety over the possibility of rejection or lack of response. I asked myself: What if everyone thinks I'm crazy for asking this of them or for wanting to make this happen? What if no one responds? Well, that little voice in my head, as my mother calls it, almost won out until a co-worker friend of mine, who has had a similar successful endeavor, came in and made me feel completely comfortable, saying "you never know until you try." Thanks for that!

Today I am extremely excited about the response I have received just since yesterday and I am energized about this new endeavor. More to come...

Babies, babies, babies!!! I love babies and children and animals and all people over the age of 70.

Maybe it's the smell of a brand new baby, their warmth and the soothing feeling of them asleep in your arms that I love. Or maybe it's knowing that babies are fresh minds and bodies, untouched by sadness, loneliness, fear, bumps, bruises or scars. Babies are a blessing from God and I feel that peaceful blessing deep inside every time I see or hold a new baby.

I love the energy, curiosity and wonder of children. They laugh more than they cry. They ask the best, most honest questions that adults wouldn't dare ask. Children are giggly and silly and make me feel so alive when I am around them. The children in my life fill me with love and anticipation for the people they have yet to become...so many dreams to fulfill and so many experiences to be had.

Animals, and more specifically our pets, are some of the most wonderful of God's creations. They are beautiful and strong and smart. My dogs welcome me home, make me feel safe and make me to feel like a kid again. What better way to spend your day than with a creature who loves you to death, can run and play until you can barely move and sleeps next to you all night saying, "I won't let anything come between me and my master." Their love and loyalty is unconditional, a special, special gift, and the pain felt when they leave us is immeasurable.

The people I have met who have lived many, long years, and have done so with grace, truly enrich the world with their knowledge, their insight and their experience. What better way to grasp an understanding of life than to listen to someone who has traveled the roads of life ahead of you. We have so much to learn from our elders and so much to respect them for. They built this world we live in and I am so appreciative of that.

Today, and always, I hope our lives are filled with the peace and innocence of a brand new baby, the curiosity and wonder of a child, the unconditional love of our pets and respect and gratitude for those who have gone before us.

New York...what a city. From the tall buildings to the noisy streets, you can feel the excitement just walking past a pizza window or hot dog cart. But it's not the buildings or the cabs or even the food that make New York such a great city, it's the people. When I was there last weekend with three of my close girlfriends, I realized that we were unique in this wonderful city. We speak only English, we are not in a hurry, we laugh and smile more than we curse and scowl and above all else that sets us apart is that we are all blond. I know it may sound crazy, but you see very, very few blond people in New York. With our light hair, giggles, smiles and slow pace, we stick out like a sore thumb. Now, some might say this is a good thing. In a city with millions of people, you might want a little attention. And I agree. In certain places it was nice to get that attention and to be noticed, but we also can't go incognito. When we're waiting for a cab or standing in line for a table at a restaurant, people stare and then they ask, "So, where are you girls from?" as if we're an alien life form. So, I have an answer for all of the New Yorkers with their beautiful chestnut, ebony, auburn, brunette locks: Redken, L'Oreal, Clairol, Aveda. I could go on and on. Although my friends and I have some semblance of blondness in our hair repoitoire, we see the importance of professional assistance. That professional assistance is what turns heads and causes numerous questions in New York City. So New Yorkers, go out and buy a bottle or visit your closest salon.

You're worth it!!!

All the blonds in New York...

I thought for a long time about creating my very own blog and for various reasons I thought it would not be a good idea for me. For one thing, what if no one really wants to read what I have to blog about? What if I ramble on-and-on and it's really irritating and silly? Or (gasp!), what if I spill my guts and then my intimate thoughts are out there for everyone to read? Then I took a lesson from a certain friend of mine whose blog I have sincerely been grateful for every day that I read it and so I decided to take the leap. This blog doesn't have to be about anything or anyone but me and my thoughts and feelings. My very own on-line journal and anyone who knows me, knows I love to be open and talk things through, so why not do it here? So, welcome to my blog "Under a Santa's Moon."

"Under a Santa's Moon" is a piece of artwork given to me by my mother some time ago. Each year my mother (aka "Santa") gives me a gift on Christmas morning that I can keep forever, something extra special. This piece of artwork was that something special one year and at the time I wondered exactly what I was going to do with it. I knew it was something to cherish forever so I hung the artwork on my wall at home in Houston and then transplanted it to Dallas, hanging it in the various places I've lived over the years.

It took me a long time to realize the significance of this artwork, but it makes so much sense to me now as an adult. To be "Under a Santa's Moon" is to be loved, protected and showered with the love and acceptance that parents have for their children and that Santa Clause symbolizes. We all wish to feel that same love and acceptance throughout our lives and the artwork, which now hangs on the wall in my office, is a special reminder of the unconditional love and acceptance that my mother has always shown me.

I am filled with joy when I see this print on my wall each day. My wish is for us all to know and feel what it is to live "Under a Santa's Moon."