Two-Eight

Yesterday, I turned over another number: 28. I took this one much better than last years bday. I think last years was just a reality check to say: goodbye mid-twenties, let's head towards the thirties.

Anyway, my awesome husband decided to take us camping for the weekend at Lost Maples State Natural Area (one of my favorite state parks).

We got in three really good hikes and kept warm in almost freezing conditions on Saturday night. Our tent, a wedding present nearly 2. 5 years ago, was FINALLY used (I know, it's sad) ... we didn't REALIZE how huge that thing was. 2 people in an 8 person tent. Needless to say we had plenty of room! ha!

Check out our pics on my Flickr site.

Status Update

Just checking in with everyone. I know I've been pretty lame at posting, there's no excuse.

New Years Resolutions Update:
Doing well with the diet. The first week I dropped 2lbs and the second, 2.7lbs. So at 2 weeks in I was almost 5lbs! I think that's a great start to my 20lbs by the Ski Trip goal. And this is with minimal exercise. Speaking of which, Jeff and I bought a treadmill too to help us keep motivated. Or... maybe it will end up being a waste of money, let's hope not. It's not here yet (back ordered due to the "resolution rush") but hopefully it'll be here next week! Can't wait. I'm also doing well with Diet Coke. I haven't had one since 12.31.07 and I'm going strong. I think I'm so distracted by the weight loss goal, that Diet Coke had taken a back seat (...for once...). Anyway, my TV time is my next goal to work on. A few of my "vices" ended this past week and I told Jeff to make sure he monitors me and not to let me watch crap on t.v. Cause I will. Anything. It's sad, really.

House Update:
I've decided to make a better effort at decorating this house. At first, I was scared to spend any money. But sitting in a barren house where everything echoes gets a little depressing, so I've broken. Today I went on a little spree by myself and took care of a lot of things, came home and put the office together to surprise Jeff when he got here. He's been trying to organize it for the past week, poor guy. I've been no help whatsoever. But, I decided to stop being lazy, so I took care of it for him. He was pleasantly surprised. I also made a soup. from scratch. my first ever and it turned out great (surprisingly!). I've definitely been told that I should make that again (good sign).

I SWEAR I'll post pics soon. I've got one event this weekend, but the rest of the weekend I'll have more downtime. I'll try to spend some of that time uploading pics.

An Open Letter

An Open Letter to My Worst Habit

Dear Diet Coke,

It's been 7 days since I walked out on you. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about you every minute of every day since then. We have a history, you and I. A bond that no one else shared, just you and me. Diet Coke, I still reach for you in the mornings on my way to work. Without you I've been nodding off on my daily commute. Shhh, Diet Coke, that will be our little secret. Sometimes, when I am immersed in my thoughts at work, I extend my hand to grab you on my Logo Agogo coaster that sits on my desk, but you are not there, Diet Coke, you are not there.

I've fought with my inner voices telling me that you aren't that bad for me. I can take you back slowly and in more healthy portions. But no! No, Diet Coke. If I can not have all of you and maintain a healthy lifestyle, than I would rather not have you at all. Shh, don't cry Diet Coke. You are not the only one suffering from this. My neurological system is also suffering. It misses the daily stimulation you provided and, in rebellion, has started to shut down during crucial periods in the day as if to tell me, "I Loved Diet Coke too, and I didn't want us to leave! I hate you for breaking us up!"

But, Diet Coke, I need more time. I think another week and the pain and cravings will start subsiding. I will remember the good times. But bad boys can't make life partners. So I must move on to more stable liquids. My parents said water is doing well these days. I'll miss you.

Colleen Koenig

Happy Housewarming!

We had a great turn out at our housewarming party this weekend. Thank you to everyone who made it and thank you for your generousity! Jeff and I already have many plans on how to spend the many Home Depot cards that we received. I'll start sending updates on how we are decorating the house when the projects are completed. Every week the house becomes more and more like home. Funny what some pictures on the wall and some rugs on the wall can do! And to finish off the great weekend, Jeff and I FINALLY agreed on a dining room table and purchased it this afternoon. Delivery is Tuesday and we are excited! I'll post pics ASAP.

Just wanted to send my gratitude to everyone! And you are all welcome whenever you want. The invitation is always there.

Happy New Year - I'm ready for you, 2008.

Happy New Year to all my family and friends! I hope that your celebrations were fun and spent with loved ones. Our celebration lacked the luster, since it was just Jeff and I chilling with our animals in our somewhat chilly house (we are a little cheap right now and are hesitant to put on the heater), but at least we spent ours with a loved one - so that was great. Did I mention that the field across the road from us was on fire due to the 8 fireworks stands that were near?!?! Yeah, well, at least the winds weren't blowing that sucker our way.

Today marks the first day of a life change. It's almost 10am and I've not turned on the television, I weighed myself on my new scale (yikes...Christmas was a bit too indulgent) and I'm blogging - something else that I want to try to become regular at doing. I've not yet reached for that old Diet Coke, but I know the craving is on it's way. Again, let me reitirate how addicted I was to it.

As mentioned in prior posts, I'm excited for this new year. I'm going to challenge myself in ways I've yet to do and I'm curious how I'll respond to my own pressure. I predict only good things.

So I leave you, this first post of the new year, with good wishes on your future endeavors. Good luck with all of your challenges and keep me posted on your successes! I'll surely keep up with mine here at blogofeternalstench.com.