Funniest Card Ever

I usually hate buying greeting cards. Buying a card seems like such a quick errand on my to-do list, but I seemingly always end up standing in the card aisle at Target for a good half hour. I'm typically just looking for something that makes me laugh and finding the perfect funny card is not always easy to do (cue Kevin James women-shopping-for-cards bit)... Especially when you're buying for a dude.

My sister's step-son is currently serving in Afghanistan, his birthday is coming up, and I wanted to send him something to let him know I was thinking of him. So, off I went to try to find a funny card... About ten minutes in, I found one that I thought was pretty good and I thought I'd share...

"So anyway, I'm standing in line to buy you a freakin' birthday card, and the line is like seventeen billion people long 'cause the only thing the dumb teenage boy at the register is thinking about is the dumb teenage girl at the other register, and some lady is turning her purse inside out to come up with 'exact change,' like she's gonna win some kind of 'exact change trophy' or something, and some idiot starts up his 'This item was marked with the sale price' crap, and I just really hope you like this card..."

" 'CAUSE I STOLE IT."

Hahaha... I almost bought several of them to use for future birthdays, but it turns out I'm too cheap. If you'd like to inundate David with cards or other mail while he's serving Afghanistan, I know he'd love it. Let me know if you'd like his address and I'll pass it on. If anything, please pray for him when you think of it.

I may be a Virginian, but...

I will always consider myself a Georgian and still think of Jack Kingston as my Congressman (I actually have no idea who my rep is here...) for this exact reason. Apparently, others (who I thought had a sense of humor) didn't find it as humorous. Kuddos to you Jack! I mean...Congressman Kingston.

"WASHINGTON — In between figuring out how to save the economy, adjust to a new president and lead the free world, Congress took time out this week to overwhelmingly pass a resolution honoring the University of Florida Gators.

But not without some staunch opposition from the biggest Georgia Bulldogs backer on Capitol Hill.

Rep. Jack Kingston, the Savannah Republican whose district starts at the Florida state line, just wouldn’t bite on the bill to honor the University of Georgia’s arch-rival for its recent college football national championship.

He was one of only five opponents to the resolution and the only one from Georgia. A total of 399 representatives voted for it — including all five from Oklahoma. Florida beat the University of Oklahoma Sooners 24-14 on Jan. 8 to win the national championship.

Other members of Congress who opposed the resolution said they did so to protest the controversial Bowl Championship Series (BCS) system.

For Kingston, saying nay was a matter of principle.

“Why endanger a longstanding, traditional rivalry in one weak moment of love and kisses?” he said. “It would be a hard thing for me to do.”

Anybody who knows Kingston, who grew up in Athens and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1978, knows he’s true to his school.

The lobby of his D.C. office has pictures of Kingston shaking hands with George Bush, sitting on a plane with Dick Cheney and hanging out with other political top dogs.

But the first pictures visitors see are of Uga, the university’s mascot. One is a “signed” photograph of the bulldog addressed to “Uncle Jack.” The other is a drawing of Uga sitting atop the USS Georgia submarine, done by cartoonist and Atlanta native Jack Davis.

This isn’t the first time Kingston bucked the majority in voting against the Gators.

In 2006, when Florida beat Ohio State in to win the BCS, Kingston cast the sole vote opposing a similar resolution honoring the school’s football team.

Kingston spokesman Chris Crawford said the congressman got more phone calls on that vote than just about anything else he did that year — from Georgia fans congratulating him, and Florida fans chastising him."

By BOB KEEFE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Friday, January 23, 2009

Go Dawgs!

My Husband the...Spy?

So, here's the deal. Supposedly my husband grew up in this tiny town in the heart of America's breadbasket (do you like my sixth grade social studies reference?). His childhood was the epitome of a small town upbringing-- he'd walk home for lunch in the middle of the school day, the whole town turned up for the highschool football games and the county fair, and his first paying job was a paper route. He even stood before the city council when he was 16 to petition for a stop sign at a certain intersection after getting into a car accident there (and won!). Okay, so that doesn't have much to do with being from a small town, but it's SUCH a Tyler thing to do. I had to share.

Anyway, I've recently developed suspicions that he may be lying about where he came from. Everything fits his story-- I've been to Holdrege and seen the evidence for myself. Heck, his mom's massive collection of his football pins on the refrigerator are proof enough alone. But every once in awhile, a bit of information reveals itself that causes me to stop and think, "Did this guy really grow up in smalltown America??" Or better yet, anywhere in America. Here are a few clues that suggest he may not:

1.) I asked him if he liked Dreamsicles and he had no idea what I was talking about. Literally, no idea.

2.) There was an incident this summer where his cousin and I started lining our sandwiches with potato chips and he stared at us like we were crazy.

3.) He's never played Boggle or Sardines (I'll give him a break on Boggle, but Sardines?? Every kid played Sardines...)

4.) He's never seen Mary Poppins or The Sound of Music (granted, he is a male, but he has a sister). And he never watched "Hey Dude" when he was little. Yep, no clue who Ted, Christine, or Mr. Earnst are. Blasphemy.

Proof enough? You tell me.

Mixed Emotions

Though I am one to refrain from politics in mixed company, one who prefers to avoid controversy, I want my opinions and emotions at this changing point in history recorded. I'm not sure I'll even post this, but I want it on record at least for my own sake. If I offend, it is truly not intentional.

I just finished watching the Inauguration kick-off concert and it has evoked a mixture of emotions in response. Immense pride, anticipation, curiosity, disappointment, skepticism, and hope.

Pride: Pride in my country for uniting under an umbrella of support and excitement, not allowing tragedy or disparity to be the only events which draw us together. Pride that racial barriers continue to crumble. Pride that a huge population of this country have finally realized the dream of being represented by a man who has known their racial struggle, not just empathized with it. Pride that our country may once again be seen by those who haven't agreed with us as leaders in something good.

Anticipation: This past election cycle lasted and lasted... It seems that Obama's presidency has been a long time coming. For all of the promises and expectations, which will he fulfill? Which won't he? We've heard his speeches, we've heard the rhetoric. What will actually come of his leadership? On some promises, I hope he follows through; on others, I hope he does not. I am interested to see.

Curiosity: I watch this crowd of millions on the Mall and wonder how long this unity will last. Will it fade with the emotions when the reality of a country trying to overcome difficult times settles back in? Will the unity of experiencing history fade as everyone falls back into their divisions, just as many did in the mere months following 9/11? Will it fade as Obama begins to make real decisions, hard decisions, ones where no one wins? Or will we support him, try to understand him, even in times when we don't agree? I hope it is the latter.

Disappointment: What a difference it makes when a country supports their President. What a difference it makes when celebrities, media, and everyday people choose to see a man's good intentions and forgive him his faults. I don't suggest our current administration is faultless or that we shouldn't question our government, but I am truly disappointed in the huge sect of the country who never accepted George Bush as their president, and who have failed to acknowledge his sincere intentions to keep us safe, regardless of the failures and difficulties that resulted. I am disappointed that many can find no good in a good man who made hard decisions, sometimes good and sometimes bad. Disappointed that many fail to understand the difference between disagreeing and disrespecting. I respect President-elect Obama and only wish my counterparts had done similarly for President Bush. What a difference it makes when a President has the respect of his country.

The term "American renewal" was used this afternoon and I was disappointed to hear it. I believe the election of a black president contributes to America's greatness. But to say we are now renewed or restored because of this election suggests that we were once finished, dead, destroyed. Our country has faced tragedies and decisions that many of our younger generations have never faced. Because the world, or even our own citizens, disagree does not negate what America has tried to stand for and has stood for since the ground was lain by our Founding Fathers. We are not renewed, we are bettered.

Skepticism: Since the election results came in, I've continually needed to remind myself that this ongoing celebration is not over the failure of one candidate or one party, but the celebration of the first black president, the celebration of a people once beaten, abused, and enslaved, now fully empowered, many fully realizing for the first time the limitless world of opportunities that await them. But from a few, I sense some "ninny, ninny, boo boo," thumb in your face, celebrations of a party's failure that are done under the guise of celebrating a moment in history. I am skeptical of the sincerity of the revelry of only handful of those cheerleaders (who will remain nameless), but skeptical nonetheless. To better summarize my thoughts, how much of this is really about Obama, the first black president, and how much of this is about Obama, the Democrat who took back the presidency, the one who finally beat the Republicans, the one who will finally replace Bush? I know, this may rub a few the wrong way, to question the excitement of some in this time in history, but it does occasionally cross my mind. Just being honest.

Hope: No, not hope in Obama. Not hope in our government. Not hope in my country. My faith, my sense of security, my hope lies in Christ Jesus. I hope that through my leaders, government, and fellow citizens God will work and will restore His people, that we will look only to Him to heal our disunity. No, I don't hope for theocracy, I just long for people to understand that while we lay our trust and hope in man, we will continue to be disappointed and divided. I want less hope in Obama and more hope in Him. I truly hope that our country is better off in the coming years. I hope that our standing in the world is redeemed. I hope we learn from our past and present troubles. I wish my president well and pray for his success, but my hope is in the name of the Lord.

I hope this wasn't too controversial (if Tyler ever runs for office, he will probably make me delete this. :)). It was my intention to respectfully convey and document my opinions and emotions during this time of history, not to offend or disgruntle. My best to you both, President Bush and President-elect Obama.

(Side note: I realize my posts have been quite lengthy lately. I intend to cut back, but didn't feel this was the right topic with which to start!)

Update: I missed the beginning of the concert, just watched it, and have a new emotion: annoyed. Denzel Washington, who I adore, made a statement congratulating those who campaigned and voted for Obama because they achieved a government that is "truly" by the people and for people. Perhaps I'm being too sensitive, but I read between the lines and hear him suggest that had the majority vote gone to anyone else, it would not have been a government by the people or for the people. That annoys me, offends me, and is the kind of statement that divides people. I believe we can all celebrate a new president and a turning point in history without being divisive. There are two major parties and but one president. Every few years, a new leader will be elected. One party wins, one loses. To ever suggest that one party only truly represents the voice and attitude of Americans, that only true democracy exists when your candidate wins, displays flawed reasoning and poor sportsmanship. Those kinds of statements and insinuations annoy me to no end. Overall, it was a great concert, but it had it's moments. And I do love Denzel...

Hunkerin' Down

The forecasts are in. The local news is all over it. Heck, the national news is all over it. A storm's coming. And it's gonna be a big one.

It's called... Hurricane 4 million people.

The Washington, DC area is on lock down. Literally. For the next four days (at least), Tyler and I are lying low. We're grocery shopping like a blizzard's coming, stocking up on Blockbuster rentals, and not leaving the house. I would LOVE to take part in the inaugural events but the mayhem that's ensuing has changed my mind. History's still going to happen, we'll just be watching from the couch.

Every night on the news, there's some new controversy on what streets will be open and confusion on where you can cross the street. Practice parade runs have failed. The police department doesn't know what's going on, the city council knows less. The city as been declared to be in a state of national emergency and miles of barricades are set up everywhere. 5,000 policemen will be on patrol, 7,000 National Guardsmen are coming in, and there's one port-a-potty per every 5,000 people. Businesses are being shut down without warning, hotel and B&B owners are upset because some guests won't even be able to get to the hotel, you have to show ID to come and go from your own apartment, and to top it all off, the city council has decided it's a good idea to keep bars open 24 hours a day for four days straight. Throw in the notoriously bad weather of DC in January and you've got yourself one heck of a party. And what's helpful in a time of chaos, confusion, bad weather, and celebration? That's right reader: lots and lots of alcohol. News reports estimate it will be like the 4th of July ten times over...and I've done 4th of July on the National Mall. It's no walk in the park.

All of the bridges are also being shut down, as well as most of the surrounding interstates (in case you're not up to snuff on the geography of DC, it's surrounded by water on three sides.). The only direct way in from Virginia is by bridge. So if you want to enter the city, you have to either drive up and around through Maryland or take the metro in. But the metro can barely handle a Nat's game.

I hate that this is my first inauguration (and a history making one at that) and I'm not willing to go, but every night the news further confirms my decision. We're going to a friend's house to have an Inauguration Brunch, so at least we're celebrating! My refusal to attend is not a political statement, merely an act of self-preservation. So, if you're sad you can't make it, don't be. Snuggle up and watch on the couch like the rest of the locals. And if you ARE going, I wish you luck, you crazy, freezing people! Don't forget to pack your adult diapers.

Operation Live on a Budget

So, here it is...the final installment of my resolutions. I know you've been waiting anxiously.

I'll be frank. Tyler and I aren't destitute, we don't worry about how we're going to pay our bills, but we're a single income family (for the most part), living in one of the most expensive cities in the country and we're usually scrimping by the end of the month, eagerly awaiting the next pay check. But this happens because we live and spend unconsiously. We swipe that card at the grocery store, rarely considering how we could cut back. We don't live extravagently, we just don't pay close enough attention to the things we're buying that we claim we "need."

So for five or six months in 2008, I tracked every dollar we spent and organized them into categories (bills, groceries, gas, eating out, etc...). What an eye opener it was to see what some of the totals came to! We rarely go to nice restaurants, but we found we were spending more than $300 a month eating out-- I'm talking Chipotle and Panera here! Crazy. As 2008 came to an end, I averaged out our monthly totals in each area. Using these numbers, we agreed on a more reasonable budget total for each category. In many areas, we agreed to cut the numbers in half. The money that we save every month goes entirely toward debt.

Now, here comes the fun part. Using a hybrid of philosophies from Suze Orman and Dave Ramsey (and wise council from my friend Lindsey), we're starting the envelope system. Each category gets its own envelope and once a month, the alloted amount is put in each envelope in cash. That's the budget for that category for the entire month. When the cash is gone, it's gone. Rent and most bills are payed straight from the checking account, but our envelope categories are groceries, gas, eating out/entertainment, miscellaneous (non-food related needs), and we each get $50 a month of "blow money," money we can do whatever we want with. Get coffee, buy a top from Forever 21, save it up for something bigger...whatever you want.

There are a few other steps encouraged by my financial counselors, including maintaining a $1,000 emergency fund-- money you have quick access to (but separate from your checking account) for those unexpected bills-- a car repair, an emergency room visit, etc... We've got our emergency fund and once our debt is payed off, we begin saving. Both Dave and Suze advocate saving 3-6 months of your total monthly expenses saved in the case of an unexpected job loss or economic downturn. We're not there since we're paying off debt, but that's the next step in our goal.

I've been told that the first few months of the cash system are difficult, but Tyler and I are both very excited at the prospect of paying off such big chunks of debt in a single month. I also feel empowered to know where our money is going each month instead of constantly thinking, "Where did that money go??" And I have such supportive friends and family that I know I can call for advice and encouragement. It will be a sweet, sweet day to be debt free.

Click here for more information on Dave Ramey's Baby Steps or here for a free download of Suze Orman's book, 2009 Action Plan. Offer expires TONIGHT at 11:59 pm CT on Oprah's website.

Resolution: Get Organized

Welcome to the next installment of "Kate's New Year's Resolutions." I'll once again preface this (and apologize) by saying this will not be the most entertaining of blog entries, but once it's written, it's a commitment, right? Here goes.

As some of you know, Tyler and I live in a one bedroom condo. Not too big, not too small. Just right for the two of us. But other than a coat closet by the front door and our bedroom closet, we have very little storage. When we first moved in, this place was PACKED to the brim. As soon as we were married, we dove into grad school and work which didn't leave a lot of time for properly storing wedding gifts and sifting through clothes and scrap pieces of paper, golf ball, and old useless notebooks my husband will never look at filled boxes . Slowly but surely, as I've found the time, I've gradually been able to clean through one random box and dark corner in the closet at a time. I've thrown out clothes, shoes, purses, and knickknacks I should've let go of a long time ago. But as much as we throw out, almost surely it's eventually replaced by something else. So every break I have from school, I get on a cleaning out kick. The kind of cleaning where the whole place is torn apart and looks terrible before it looks a lot better.

This Christmas, Tyler's big gift was camping equipment. Piece by piece from different relatives, he acquired a tent, sleeping bag, travel coffee maker, camping pots and pans, camping chairs, flashlights, compasses, and on and on and on... I myself got a sewing machine and several more books that won't fit on my packed bookshelves. It's also a new semester which means new textbooks and notebooks. So this means....it's cleaning time!

I've done a pretty good job so far. I broke down and cleaned out some of my notebooks from undergrad to make room on bookshelves. I've saved a lot of them since I'm actually going into a field related to my major, but let's face it... I don't need that Exercise Psychology notebook anymore. I also cleaned out my bathroom drawers: a MAJOR feat. I slowly keep collecting these tiny samples of lotions, make-up, bobby pins, and those last doses of cold tablets that get thrown in but never get used because...who remembers they're there? My drawers would barely close. So I cleaned 'em out. Our kitchen drawers were becoming the same way. We were slowly expanding our collection of gadgets and our cabinets were in disarray. I cleaned out a junk drawer so well that I had a completely new, available drawer to throw the random gadgets in. Exciting, right?? I know. And lastly, I packed away our Christmas decorations (garland and ALL) into THREE boxes. Count 'em three. After acquiring new decorations and pretty sizable Christmas gifts, I have more room now than I did before... I feel so accomplished.

I'm also a list maker. This is no new thing. Even if it's not originally on my list, if I get it done, I write it down just so I can cross it off. Don't lie, I know you do it too. But I'm going to begin writing down minuscule things, not to feel more accomplished, but because I've been getting so busy that my priorities are getting out of whack. So things like "workout," "Bible study," and "clip fingernails" are gettin' thrown in.

Our last new change: meal planning. In accordance with our new budget (more later), Tyler and I are now pulling up the sales and specials at Harris Teeter on Sundays, planning, and shopping for our meals for the week. We've allowed one night for Lean Cuisines so we have an easy night and one night we're both at Bible study, so there's no cooking. That leaves one night for us to cook together (Sunday), and one night for each of us to cook (we usually find something more fun or easy on Fridays and Saturdays). We plan our (healthy) meals around what's on sale for the week. We go to the grocery store with exactly what we need for the week and since there's no random purchasing and last minute forgotten items purchased during the week, we save a lot of money. It's also so much less stressful to know who's taking care of dinner what night and knowing exactly what I'm cooking. If I get home at 5 or 6 and have to figure out what we have in the house and what recipe will coordinate, it'll never happen... But last night I broiled salmon ($6 at Trader Joe's) and sautee'd yellow squash, zuccini , zuccinni , zuchinni , green squash, mushrooms, and onions.

So, that's what happens when you get organized! A clean house, tidy drawers and closets, accomplished priorities, money saved, and healthy, home cooked meals. Ahhhh... Stayed tuned. The season finale is our budget!!

Thoughts from this week

Just a few things, observations, musings, happenings, what have you from this week...

1. I SWEAR, I'm moving on from Christmas... But I was cleaning off my DVR this week and watched a Dr. Phil from before Christmas about people who take the holiday to extremes and people were talking about the worst Christmas gifts they'd ever received. This one guest gave her 30-year old daughter HER UMBILICAL CORD inside of clear plastic Christmas ornament and her son their old CREMATED FAMILY DOG. I laughed. Hysterically. Who does that?? Another audience member claimed she'd received a ceramic vase for Christmas in which to keep her ashes after she died. Another, a fruitcake from her neighbor that was half-eaten. Where do these people come from??

2. The college football season is over as of Thursday, but I'm just not as sad as I usually am. I know Georgia doesn't win the national championship every year or anything, but for whatever reason, I was SUPER disappointed in my team this year. Heartbreakers, those Bulldawgs.

3. Stafford and Moreno left for the draft. I wasn't shocked, but I wasn't fully prepared for it. My opinion? They're not true Bulldawgs... Green and Pollock stayed all four years, these guys should've. Stafford gets more leeway from me than Moreno. As much hype as Moreno received, he played A SEASON AND A HALF of college football. He might be awesome in the NCAA, but I'm not sure a season and a half is enough time to prepare a 21 year old for the NFL. I sincerely hope they do well and represent Georgia, but I'm a skeptic. All I have to say is: Musa Smith.

4. The Braves didn't re-sign John Smoltz after 22 seasons with them. ARE YOU KIDDING?? Disappointing week for me in the wide world of sports.

5. Resolutions are going well, but I still have many things to get done before I start school on Monday. Most of them falling under the "Get Organized" category, which I will write more on later.

6. The Florida Gators are the national champions. I know, as a resident fan of the SEC that I should be pleased, but it's Florida. Ugh. And Tim Tebow. I know he's a good guys. I used to say, "I hate it that Tim Tebow's such a good guy, because I just want to hate him...but I can't." That's slowly changing. I don't know what it is. I respect his faith and find him to be a sincere person, but... it's just not as hard for me to not like him as it used to be. I get kind of a cocky vibe from him on the side lines (and the whole let's-run-up-the-score-on-everyone-we play-even-when-it's-the-fourth-quarter-and-we're-beating-them-54-3 kind of thing). Everyone has their faults and for all of the Tim Tebow worshipping the commentators do, it'd be hard not to have a bit of an ego. But did anyone HEAR the commentators in Thursdays game? Give me a break. And then that unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Tebow confirmed it all. I hate that gator chomp. H-A-T-E it.

7. My little brother Casey is now eight. Hard to believe. I still have voice mails saved on my phone from when he was three and four... Now he's a big ol' second grader. I'm heading west next month and I'll get to spend a few days in Arizona with my brothers, Dad, and stepmom. I can't wait.

8. I went to the fabric store this week to try to find fabric for different projects I have in mind, but I was a little overwhelmed, left empty handed, and think I'm now scared of sewing... Looks like I'll have to watch the free DVD from Martha Stewart to summon up the courage...

9. It's now 2009. Do you know what that means? I can now say, "I'm graduating from PT school next year," or "I'll have my doctorate next year," or "I'll have a paycheck next year," or "I'll never have to go to school ever again after next year," or "That's DOCTOR Grassmeyer to you" or best yet... "We're going to Italy next year!" I'm excited for everything that's in store for 2009, but 2010...that'll be a good year.

I was going to try to bring the count to 10, but... You just can't make things come to be that aren't. So, those are my thoughts for the week... Thanks for reading, readers!

Did you know that...

Call me a girl, but did you know that your windshield wipers speed up and slow down when you're accelerating and when you're stopped?? At least mine do. I had NO idea.

So, for all you automobile afficianados, is my car a) normal, b) fancy, or c) mis-wired?

Resolutions

It's that time of year! Christmas decorations have been put away (sort of-- it's a slow process), the cookies are gone (sort of, again), and we're returning to our normally scheduled programs. I'm typically no good at New Year's resolutions, but I usually don't tell anyone about them either. And everything is telling me to write it down and make it public in order to keep them-- two things I never do. Usually I've forgotten about my resolutions by mid-February, so here it is. I'm writing it down and making it public. So, PLEASE check up on me. Even if you don't care, for my own sake, I'll be telling you all about my plans and filling you in on my progress because...it's my blog. :)

So here are the resolutions in a nutshell:

1. Get healthy.
2. Get organized.
3. Live on a budget.

Today's topic: Get healthy

When it comes to exercise and nutrition because of my degree and current schooling, I know a lot. All day, everyday for four years I learned about the body, the role exercise plays in essentially every function of our bodies. I took several nutrition classes. In my DPT, I've learned literally every bone and muscle in the body. I have seen, smelled, and removed pounds and pounds of fat from the human body. It is disgusting. You'd think by now I'd be some fitness, health nut. I'd have it down. But I don't...obviously...

I know what to eat and what not to eat and usually I'm pretty good at sticking to it. I'm ready to take it up a notch though. There are tasty treats I eat that aren't necessarily nutritious, but are were low cal. Things I sort of "get by" on. And I'm ready to replace them without feeling deprived (Side note: if you're kicking off a new eating plan, I think it is ridiculous when people expect themselves to go from eating hamburgers to tomatos and cottage cheese. Give me a break. Find what you normally eat in a healthier version, and eat it in smaller portions). For me, this means cutting out my fat free pringles for lunch and possibly my 100 calorie cookie packs. With my daily turkey sandwhiches, instead of my pringles, I need to start eating fruit. Handfuls of antioxidant rich blueberries maybe? With my yogurt in the morning, I'll start stirring in ground flaxseed. And I started this last semester-- baby carrots. I love to eat. My mouth just likes to chew things up. So when I'm at school all day and forget to pack a lunch or just end up staying longer than planned, I pull out my trusty carrots and can eat as many as I want. As long as my hand is continually moving to my mouth, I'm okay. This way, by the time I get home, I'm not so hungry that I want to just pullover at Micky D's on my way home... I've also been eating a small box of raisins after lunch because I absolutely have to have something sweet at the end of my meals.

There are so many things you need in your diet (antioxidants, omega 3s, protein) and I don't have enough room to eat my usual stuff and STILL get in all of the nutrients I need. And if your body is getting it's nutrients, it won't keep craving more food. Your body craves what it needs, so even if you eat 2,000 calories worth of junk, you'll still be hungry because you haven't yet gotten what your body needs.

Something else to tackle. Lean Cuisines. Tyler and I are both busy and want to stay healthy, so our regular habit is to have LCs for most dinners with a sides of veggies. And they're good! Believe me, if Tyler will eat it... We usually buy the pasta ones (Chicken Carbonara is our fave, Shrimp & Angel Hair pasta, the lasagnas, etc...) and have green beans or peas from a can and it's actually quite filling! It's easy, it's fast, it's yummy, and a better alternative to fast food, which we don't do. But I think it's now time... Green beans from a can don't cut it. And frozen dinners won't either. I'm going to try to only buy fresh veggies-- green beans, broccoli, squash, beans. And we're going to try to only do ONE LC meal per week. As long as we plan our meals ahead of time and decide who cooks on what night (more on this in my Get Organized goal), we should be able to do it. Fresh chicken breasts, salads, salmon. I don't use butter or oil when I cook. I use Pam and lots of herbs and seasonings.

It is also a rule that we eat healthy Monday through Friday (for me this also includes no alcohol, which usually isn't a problem). Saturday and Sunday are free game (within reason). It's easier to stick to healthy eating during the week if you're allowed to indulge every once in awhile. And I NEVER, ever skip dessert. Maybe I'll list some of my recipes and dessert ideas later. And I WELCOME your own ideas. Having more meal options makes it easier to stick to, but it can be hard to be creative.

Last step: exercise. Tyler and I started a plan where we each have to work out 21 times per month. This is at least five days a week, but still allows ample breaks (9-10 days off at your choice). Exercise is at least 30 minutes of cardio. Most days we'll do 60, but some days you just can't do it... Simply walking for 30 minutes a day completely changes your mortality and disease risk, so if that's all you can do, DO IT. We're also lifting more weights. I usually get too focused on cardio because my goal is weight loss, but lifting weights (though you think will make you bigger) increases your muscle mass, which increases your metabolism, which in turn helps you burn fat more easily... We have a chart in our closet with a column for each of us that lists out 21 days. In it, we track how long our workout was, how far we walked, ran, or eliptical'd, how many calories we burned, and what weights we did. There are five bonus days listed in case either of us gets particularly motivated. We're trying to think of a punishment/reward system in the case that we don't meet our 21 days or do exceed the 21 days, to keep us motivated. The chart is in our closet so we see it every morning and every night...

So, there it is. The get healthy portion of my New Year's resolutions. So far, so good.

Christmas Mourning

I asked my husband yesterday if we could keep the Christmas tree up all year long and this is what he sent me, the Meyer Minute by Dale Meyer. I've been a pretty lazy blogger these days, so I thought I'd at least post this. Someone I can relate to!

"If grief is a feeling of loss, then December 26th is a day when I feel grief. The few radio stations that carried quality Christmas music the 25th drop it the 26th. TV shows Christmas trees going to recycling stations and shoppers reverting to their consumer addiction. It’s the world pressuring me, “Get on with it; get over the Baby!”So this day, Epiphany, helps me deal with the grief. In eastern Christianity January 6th is the day Christ’s coming is celebrated. For western traditions today recalls the story of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12) and reminds us that Christ not only came for Jews but also for Gentiles, which includes me and probably you. But that’s not why I value Epiphany. As a kid I was impressed that our church left its two huge Christmas trees up several weeks into January. The reason was…and still is…that Epiphany is more than a day; it’s a season designed to continue Christmas. Through Scripture and hymns the Epiphany season plays out the ramifications of the Savior’s coming for our lives. So I protest our culture telling me to get over the Baby. Our tree and decorations are defiantly still up."

“Now, though daily Earth’s deep sadness may perplex us and distress us, yet with heavenly joy You bless us!” (Philiipp Nicolai)