Heeeeeeere's Ka-ren!

Well, hello ladies and germs!

I'm back. This past month (exactly one month since my last post) has been so very busy. I tried not to break the habit of posting once a week, but as you can see...that got away from me.

A quick synopsis of my month:

• We lost Bill's Grandmother at the tender age of 93 11/12. I loved her very much!
• Aunt Kris came up for a fun-filled visit. She even got to see Logan's swimming.
• Logan had his swimming championship. And yes...he got a couple medals!
• More sadness, our dear family friend lost his life also the young age of 92. Not enough time for this very well loved gentleman.
• Jen gave birth to a healthy baby boy. I'm now working 5-days a week for her while she's on leave through July.
• Hit the milestone one-year anniversary of the lap band. Slowly coming off and time--you've heard this tune before -- to kick up the exercise.
• Easter came and went...as did the Easter Bunny.

Because each of these large events deserve more screen time, I will be following this post shortly with individual posts very soon. I promise.

I'm back for good this time!

When Irish eyes are smiling...

Today New York goes green! No, it's not because of the Jets nor is it an environmentally conscious state. Today is St. Paddy's Day!

An Irish acquaintance of mine, Fiona, explained to me that for so many years the Irish were unable to afford travel which resulted in their heritage remaining pretty true to the one nation. Not like here in America where everybody brings their culture with them and sprinkles it in their traditions, their decor, and their mannerisms. It was only after speaking with her did I get how hard everybody holds on to this distant heritage.

After all, as my mother comes directly from Germany and I've been raised with many German traditions as well as speak the language, it is apparent that I am German. But if it wasn't for my mom, my Irish heritage would be much more active.

You see for years when St. Paddy's came around, I almost had to defend myself for wearing green because "you're not Irish, you're German." And yet, friends who's family have been in America since 1900 are Irish. Well - I am as Irish. After doing a genealogy sort, it seems that my family came over in the very late 1800s and guess what...they owned a potato farm in Hempstead. If that's not Irish enough for you...my dad was a cop and we have green eyes. It's obviously deep-rooted in our blood. And if what Fiona says is correct, there's a very good chance that side of the family as long as it existed was of Irish descent; so I may have 1900 years of Irish DNA within me.

So now that I set the background, let's go on to today's celebrations.

We begin with Logan (Gaelic name that means "from the forest" which may explain how he can fly up a tree and jump over bushes at ease)deciding on which green clothes to wear. We settled with green karate shirt and green hoodie over jeans. Then it was on to the bakery to get Irish Soda bread.

This afternoon I will go to the airport to pick up a 5'1" leprechaun named Krissy. Logan does not know that she is coming in for a visit so that she can see his last home swim meet. I know he'll be thrilled. After coming home, we'll have some corn beef (minus the cabbage) and off to see Logan sail through his swim practice.

It's a pretty mellow celebration for us, but I'm excited to turn on the television to see the parade at 11am and wait to see the bag pipers march by. I have a personal stake in this as my very dear friend, Kerry, and her son Colin, will be piping (Colin) and marching (Kerry) as members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Keeping fingers crossed that they get some screen time this year. The past two years they did but I understand they rotate the line-up and they may not step off in time for the cameras. Either way, it's a beautiful day - sunny & about 50 degrees. So the luck of the Irish is shining upon us today! With that...I end off with a famous Irish blessing...

Erin Go Braugh! Ireland Forever!

To Smell or Not To Smell

I recently had an interesting conversation about the power of smell, smelling, and smells. What began as a simple comment became a round of telephone calls about who does and who doesn't.

Let me begin with a simple statement I made to my mom about my sister. I want go out with my sister and experiment with different perfumes. Now I need to step back a little more to bring you up to snuff (yes - pun intended!)

About two years ago, Kerry and I decided to skip going out for a nice dinner while Kelly was otherwise engaged. Instead, we decided to use that money for something frivolous. After all, it was Christmas time and everybody was so busy treating everybody else to treats...who was going to treat the single girls?!? We were.

We first went for some make-up tips at the Mac store and wound up at Sephora's. This lovely boutique of make up, perfumes, and other beauty products. Both of us allowed the sales girl to do us up and give us mini makeovers. We proceeded to buy hair products (my favorite - Jonathan Anton's Dirt), make up, and perfume.

Now as I set the stage for the smell story, you need to understand the store is lined with perfumes of all scents, colors, bottle shapes, and designs. The way to choose a smell, is to take the testers and spray a strip of paper that is also lining the shelves. It took a while as Kerry was sniffing around for a Lilly of the Valley scent and checking out a nice Londony sort of scent (don't ask how to describe that...but know it wasn't fish & chips or pints of ale scents); I was taking it on with Versace's Bright Crystal - a musky floral amber scent. Both lovely smells chosen for different palates.

Bringing me to today's stinky story line.

Next time my sister visits, I told my mom that I'd like to play this smell game with Krissy. It's fun and easy. Smell away and get a bunch of samples that you can play with over the next few weeks before honing in on the special signature scent you'd like to associated with. Let begin with...my sister does not smell. I just felt like going on a sniffing-spree.

Now I've been told that I've smelled (good & bad - depending on who's saying it!), my cat smells, my dog smells, and even my turtle smells. Having a son, he too smells yummy (to his mom) and is even more proud of the smells he can make! BUT what's nicer than closing your eyes, smelling a smell that brings on some great memories. Some smells bring on sad memories but this is supposed to be a feel-good-post.

When I smell Polo, I think of men I had crushes on as a young girl. When I smell Old Spice, I can remember my dad back in the 70s. When I smell Opium, I think of my grandmother. When I smell powder, I remember Logan as a baby. When I smell Grey Flannel, I remember good times with Bill.


THIS is what set off a round of smell-e-phone calls with my mom resulting in a simple fact that to smell or not to smell...we all want to smell nice and let us leave it at that! Oh, and the next time you put on a squirt behind your ears...give it an extra pump for me. You never know who's sucking it up.

Life Gets in the Way

I cannot believe it has taken me almost three weeks to post again. It seems that if I don't have 20 minutes to devote to reflecting...I don't reflect. I believe I may be that shallow or -- ahem -- lazy. No, not lazy - busy! Basically life gets in the way.

The past few weeks have been filled with working, swim practices and meets, and spring cleaning. So let me summarize what's doing in these areas.

WORK
I'm currently working only three days a week which is a big ouch on my wallet. I cannot do this so I've been trying so hard to cut corners that have already been rounded out this past year. The good news is that I will begin working temporarily five days a week as I fill in for Jen's maternity leave. That should help me even out a bit more. I'm excited about this because it seems that when I work on a more compacted schedule, I seem to be more balanced with everything. It may have to do with limited time or maybe the additional income, either way...looking forward to the upcoming months.


SWIM
Logan a.k.a. AquaMan is doing great. He has really grown as a swimmer as well as embraced this as his sport. Such an exciting sport that so many people just don't get. One of my closest friends "warned" me that it was long and boring and the meets are miserable. W-R-O-N-G-! I am fascinated with the whole process. Logan's swim team ranges from 7-17 years as well as being co-ed. In one night, you can see how swimming and experience progress. The way the two-hour meets are set is that you begin with the younger swimmers for individual races of backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle races boys vs. boys and girls vs. girls. As each series of individual races are completed, the next age group goes on. By the time the high school kids are up there...you are on the edge of your seats. After individuals, it goes onto the four-team medley of backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and freestyle. And we end the meet with a series of freestyle relays, again teams of four.

Logan's own team of four have so far (fingers crossed to keep the jinx away) have won 6 of 6 races. We have two more meets and they're hoping for undefeated for their age group 11/12 years. Each boy excels at their stroke - Bobby begins with backstroke, Logan takes on breaststroke, Nadar takes off with the butterfly, and Chris/Kevin finish it off with the freestyle. Such a great site to see! Sounds silly, but it always makes me think of the four that won this past summer's Olympic medley. To me...just as great each time! We're holding on to 2nd place and hope to make it to the Championships on April 2nd.

SPRING CLEANING
We've had a bit of snow and even snuck in a snow day a week or so ago. Crazy winter weather! But hoping to encourage the warmer weather, I've been doing a small project each weekend, trying to get the house ready for my full-time hours as well as a busy spring/summer schedule. It feels really great for me to finally get the time and energy to dig down into some long awaited projects. So I guess the three-day work week did benefit me almost as much as the money did.

And finally...Rudi is home from the hospital which brings both joy and concern as he heals that heart. Good thing is that it's not the love of a woman that he lacks...just some nice thin blood. Keeping positive thoughts headed south and including him in our prayers. Because the power of prayer is stronger than many understand. So here's to you Haboo! We love you!

Knights of the King

I hope you blogger junkies are enjoying your fill of entries. I've been in a writing sort of mood and hope this satisfies your fix. Now let me tell you about the Knights of the King...

Today at the end of mass, a gentleman got up to speak about a group that he organized last year for our Church called The Knights of the King. He went on to explain that this is a support group for men. My first thought, which I of course whispered to Mrs. Salerno, is "This is my type of group. Sign me up." ha! ha! And then I sat back to hear what he had to say and I nodded along with almost all statements.

The first thing Kevin pointed out was that back in the 50s men were portrayed on screen as the backbone and head of the family where he was responsible to provide the necessities as well as as being the moral fiber of the family. Nowadays men are depicted by such characters as Homer of The Simpsons or Al Bundy of Married with Children.

He was right.

When I think of all my favorite sitcoms, NEVER are the men the admirable parent, leader, or teacher. They are the loser divorcee with a bimbo girlfriend (The New Adventures of Old Christine or Reba), the old man sitting in front of the TV waiting for people do his bidding (Everybody Loves Raymond or Frazier), or the educated man who can't maintain a relationship (Ross of Friends or The Big Ban Theory.) There are so many more shows that make the father lovable but a still a needy character - to name a few Still Standing, George Lopez, and Home Improvement.

This group of men, The Knights, offers a place were men can get past the how-are-you stage in a conversation, past the score of the big game, and move on to how well or not-so-well they are handling the financial responsibilities that hang over them, the anxieties of changing times, the parenting problems, the marital discord, and whatever is missing from many homes. Not only will it be a safe haven for men's inner workings but a place to reconnect with their faith. After all, man or woman, weren't we all given the gift of baptism, whatever your faith may be?

Now I can tell you personally that my former-husband, my father, my stepfather, and my friends' husbands can make you think twice about the roles of a man. Some of them may imitate a show quite well (Bill!) and some may have follow a faith (Dad!), but most of them do not have a source of male support. Sure, they may get along with their wives' husbands and consider them friends...and some truly are friends...but maybe it would be good to see more men enjoy being a Knight of the King or at least develop their own K3 night with their peers. [Side note: I'm not comparing a Church group to our friendship, though I thank God for it every day!]

And as I like to always "leave them laughing," I end this post with a suggestion from Kerry...since I can't join this men's group, maybe I can hang out by the coffee as if I volunteer there and see what's available. Hmmm! An idea...who needs eHarmony when I can find me a Knight?!?

Nothing Better Than a K3 Night

Once again the almighty trio of Kelly, Kerry, and Karen hit the town. By now, if you've been reading this blog since its birth, you'll see a pattern between me and the other two - we like to get together once a month and catch up. Our evenings, most of the time, include dinner, drinks, and much fun. We are three women who enjoy our families but know how to enjoy ourselves selfishly. It is wonderful!

Last night, we had our annual Birthday Celebration. Since Kelly and I are only two days apart, we tend to celebrate on a bigger scale near our birthdays as compared to Kerry's May birthday. Stay tuned for that entry...we have something up our sleeve for the Gemini of our group.

This year we treated ourselves with saved monies and gift certificates to an evening at Nordstrom's Spa. The evening began with changing into our robes and then meeting in the solarium where we enjoyed soft music, soaking our feet in warm, soapy water, sipping herbal teas while have a warm towel-wrap placed on our necks and shoulders. It is a wonderful way to relax before a treatment for a good 20 minutes or so.

We then separated for facials for Kerry and me and a massage for Kelly. After a indulgent hour of being massaged, hydrated, and cleansed, we are given a chilled elixir to enjoy...as we settle the tab. (I have to add that gift certificates make this part less painful then it could be.)

From here after making the dutiful phone calls home to children (Kerry), husband (Kelly), and father (me - I'm just nice and considerate. No Electra complex here I promise you!), we made our way to TGIFs for appetizers and drinks.

Our nights together bring a serenity to our separate lives that I think all women should experience. Some of my dear friends -- who may be reading this very blog -- find these evenings to be outside their needs and/or comfort zones. I only hope that I never lose the value of these nights because there is something better to do. I mean really - what can be better than getting together with soul sisters and re-energize our soulful needs?

eHarmony - Is it Harmony or Something Else?

I was all excited to write a bit about my recent eHarmony experiences and was looking for a fun spin on the title. It was only when I really looked over the word that I realized other words that may work as well. Maybe eHormone-y or eWhoreMoney or eHARM-on-me. You decide.

Anyway enough on playing with the words. Let's see if you find a different spin once I fill you in on becoming an active eHarmony member. To the folks that live in a mayonnaise jar and may not have heard of it, eHarmony is an online relationship service. eHarmony matches men and women with compatible singles taking into consideration what it considers key dimensions of personality.

It was on New Year's Day that I decided it was time to get myself out there. After all, I am physically out there charming my way through trains, buses, subways, and elevators. And yet - no connections. I'm also active with Logan's sports and believe that I am "out there" as well. At parties, I interact and draw people in. So what's the problem. I refuse to believe it's my weight. I can think of two wonderful men who anybody would kill to be with one overweight and the other short, balding, big nose...but makes all the women feel fantastic. It's because of these two gents, that I realize that is somebody or somebodies out there looking for me and loving me as is...so on to my adventures.

I spent a good hour answering the 180+ questions for the Personality Profile. And once that was complete, I hit enter and BAM! there were seven matches. Now to be a match means that you share 29 dimensions of compatibility. Once the computer works that out with it's database, your personal preferences weed out the people who do not have what you're looking for. The preferences are on religion, drinking and smoking habits, children, distance, and education levels.

Oh! Did I forget to mention that you also post your photos on this? (Thanks for the photos Lindsay L.)

So back to BAM! seven matches. I immediately jumped on the phone to Kerry and started filling her in on what I just did. When Kerry asked "so what did you do?" I answered her with what I thought was quite obvious "I shut down the computer." As if that stopped the seven men from looking into my life. Ohhh, Karen!

The next steps are quite simple. If me or he is interested, you go to "1st questions" and ask five multiple choice questions that you choose from a list of 50+ choices. Me or he can choose to answer or end the relationship by clicking "Close Match." If questions are asked and answered, then it's time for the other person to counter with five more questions. At this point you've shared 10 questions, and go on to sharing Must Haves/Can't Stands. This is a list of things that you can't live with or without. for instance, I "must have" a mate who shares my beliefs and I "can't stand" somebody who plays the victim. The questions and statements are quite revealing.

So where do I stand...short version...since January 1, I have closed 100 matches and been closed by 40 men. I have been contacted by three men. Two closed me and one asked to communicate outside (that was the Valentine match that I mentioned earlier) since he only did the Free Communications Weekend and was not a member. I decided not to communicate with that person, because if they cannot invest and take advantage of the super-cheap one-month trial...I'm not interested in the Cheap Charlies.

And now that I have grown a set of marbles, I decided to clean out my lists which are sorted in folders as New, Interested, and Maybe. I closed out a bunch of men that kept me open but did not reach out to me and I reached out to three men that I would consider getting to know better. And guess what (here's where reading earlier posts add to the blog charm) if they don't reply or close the match ....drum roll...I guess He's-Just-Not-That-Into-Me! And I will survive.

So you've been fully briefed on the simpler side of eHarmony. Now you tell me is it eHarmony or eWhoremoney?

Winter Recess...at Home

This is the first time in a long while that I am home with Logan for the February break. We normally go for a week and visit the family in Florida. This year due to money and lack of as well as having seen my mom so much this past year helped me to decide to vacation at home.

I'll grant that it was cheaper but not as much fun as Florida. I figured we'd have a great time catching up with friends but almost everybody is away. Tina and family are in Florida, Kelly and family went up to Lucille's cabin, Michele was home for a quick cup of coffee but her kids had gone to Staten Island. But thankfully Zach was home for some marathon play dates with Logan.

So boredom put on the side, it was nice to NOT have anything to do. Logan and I caught up on some TV, enjoyed the "text" options on our cell phones and I've already read two books and working on the third one. I really can't complain since it's nice to just simply "be" in the moment.

Today Logan went over to Bill's for the rest of the break as I headed off to a funeral of a very dear and charming woman - Carol's mother Bea. It's been a rough year for Bea and her family and hopefully peace and strength can be found by all.

I have to say that I have never been to such a beautiful mass. Actually, if I remember correctly, Carol's father's funeral 10 years earlier also left quite an impression on me. For the father it was the four eulogies left by the adult children. This time it was the Priest and what he had to say. The Father read a story from an old Irish monastery. It reminded us that even though our normal way of communications have changed, it is as if the loved one has gone into another room, out of site but not out of mind, and that we should continue to talk to them and feel their presence as we would being together since the bond of love can never be severed. I cannot due this poignant story justice but I will certainly be contacting the Church for this version. I would like to save it for my own...50+ years from now...and hope it brings comfort to my loved ones.

I used to be fixated on death but have more recently learned the value of living for today. I really think my lapband is to thank for that. All the years I thought that if I just got my eating in control, life would change drastically. Well, guess what? I have the eating in control but life has not changed so much. I am increasing my exercise but again life is not that different. I still wake up, go to work, take care of Logan, visit with friends, and do my daily living. And you know what...that is my life and I love it. I will say it's nice to know that I will not gain weight and that I will get in better shape with each passing day. But I'm no longer in it for the "outcome." I'm in it for the long haul and enjoying each sunny, rainy, warm, cold, boring, exciting, rich, and poor days. Because once I finally get there, what's next?

So I end this entry with a reminder that today is tomorrow's memory - so let's make it a good one!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Last week Kelly, Kerry, and I caught the new comedy He's Just Not That Into You. It was fun and reminded us of how ridiculous we were as young women. I found it to be right on target. For instance, the movie begins with a little girl being pushed down on the playground and called a bad name by a boy. Her mother consoles her by telling her that he only did what he did...here's the set-up...because he liked her. He liked her!?!

Aaaaaaagh!!! That was the first of many "enabling" words of advice that a female shares with another female to soften the blow. But maybe ripping off the band-aid would be the better way to go. Who needs words of comfort? It hurts, so get it over with and move on. Basically, be a man about it.

I'm happy to say that after all these years, I understand that if a man was interested in me after meeting me, he WOULD ask for my number. And if we went on a date and I didn't hear from him again, I WOULD understand that he wasn't interested. End of story. No explanations needed. No "he needs time" or "he's not ready for a serious relationship" or even "just wait a few days/weeks/months."

Not wanting to air Logan's private stories, I can only say that my son recently learned for the first and I'm sure not the last time, that She's Just Not That Into You. So even though I am past the drama of misconstrued, misunderstood, and misplaced love, I will have to relive it again and again through his experiences. Ugh!

But to sum it all up...he's all man! Before the night was over, he was over her and onto the next one. Truly amazing! Less than 18 hours later, a new interest on the horizon and this time an older lady! A 7th grader! You go, boy! As a mother of a son with no daughters, I am officially rooting for the boys' team for now on.

And to end this little blog with a teaser...

Today is Valentine's Day and I am happy to say that I got a nice hit from an interesting eHarmony match. I'll keep you posted. I'm ready for Cupid and leave off singing

"Cupid, draw back your bow and let your arrow go, straight to my lover's heart..."

"Happy Birthday to Me...and My Dad-dy!"

"It's my birth-day!" Okay, not today but two days ago. Today is my dear dada's 72nd birthday. Wow - where did the time go? It seems like it was only yesterday that he was 71. Ha ha ha! Sorry, birthdays make me giddy.

If you know me, you know that I love birthdays and absolutely looooooooooove my birthday. It is a day dedicated to me. Everybody who calls to wish me a happy birthday is answered by "It's my birthday!" Again, they are calling to wish me just that, but I have to reiterate that it is indeed MY birthday. I don't need presents, just bare adulation from those in my life.

My birthday usually spread over a few days. This year was no different. Kelly, Kerry, & I had another one of our famous "K3" days. We went to the movies and saw He's Just Not That Into You and then on for drinks and appetizers at Houlihans. Lots of laughter and before, during, and after the movie. Definite chick-flick but I'm happy to say at the tender age of 30+, I realize that I do not need this advice. If a guy doesn't ask me out or were to follow up a date with a call, I get that he's just not into me. But for the younger Karen,this movie might have been a bright lightbult for me.

Onto actual birthday...met up with Kelly, Tina, and Anna for breakfast and more laughs. The day rounded out with Logan & Dad and me enjoying half an ice-cream cake. Mind you it was a Carvel's Little Love and you can only cut six small slices. In about 30 minutes, we'll go upstairs to celebrate dad's and finish off the ice cream cake.

Tomorrow at work, Robyn, Jen, Irene, and Gisele are taking me out as our Birthday Club to have lunch at Chevy's Mexican restaurant. We love this place! I think we do it for just about every body's birthday. And that will end my birthday celebrations for 2009.

Update on the rest of my life:

Logan's swimming is going great. They handed out some past place ribbons at last night's practice. He received 3 Blue Ribbon (1st place), 2 Red Ribbons (2nd place), and 3 White Ribbons (3rd place.) He is a swimming machine!

I'm running up to dad for our night of LOST and will catch you up on Logan's latest school adventures tomorrow or the next day. And don't forget..."It was my birthday!"

"What Shadow?"

Once again, we have no idea which groundhog to listen too. The PA groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, saw his shadow; the Staten Island groundhog, Charles G. Hogg, did not. Now Phil has been around longer, but Charles bit the mayor. Who to believe...tradition or one that takes no crap from the government?!? Since there's two inches of fresh snow outside, I should believe Phil, BUT it's supposed to go up to 54 degrees this Saturday. What a quandry!

Speaking of shadows, my Shadow is not doing so well. His original bad leg is really pretty bad. I now only let him out on a 15 foot lead that I hook to the clothesline when he steps out the back door. This has limited his racing away or jumping at the squirrels and neighboring dogs. I took him off his pain killers (not the anti-inflammatories which he needs from now on.) I may start him on them again, but I'm not sure if they take away pain and then he misuses the leg. I'm torn. Silly dog has also got into the habit of going to the bathroom in the middle of the night. He sits by my bed and stares at my head as he quietly whines. He's too cute & pathetic to ignore, so we do a nightly traipse outside. Ugh! Good thing I love to go back to bed for a couple of hours. Which brings me back to an old memory...

When I was dating Bill about 18 years ago (gulp! I'm old!), I had gone to Germany for the weekend. Bill was staying at my apartment taking care of my dog Buster. When I called him one evening, he asked me "Why the _ _ _ _ does your alarm clock go off at 4:00 am?" To me it made perfect sense. My reply "So I can get a couple extra hours sleep in the morning before I HAVE to get up." He should have known then what he was getting into.

Life is busy as I write this. Work is slow but I am becoming a W2 employee for ML's third party vendor. It seems all these years as an Independent Contractor was not a proper category for me since my duties and time were dictated by the office. All this means is that I will now get my taxes taken out of my check and -- good news -- I would be entitled to some important benefits such as 401K, life insurance, and I believe disability and unemployment if things got rough down the line.

Logan is busy too. He spends a bit too much time texting his friends, but I'm hoping this is the honeymoon period of popularity. Ironically enough this Casanova spends most times texting between Katie, Hannah, Julianna, and I believe Ashley still texts occasionally. Valentine's Day is coming up in less then two weeks. His school is selling "Be Mine" bracelets similar to the famous Lance Armstrong bracelets that were very popular years ago. Logan will get one and maybe by then, know who to give it too. Ahh! The problems of young love!

I'm doing well with my exercising. Really enjoying the Jane Fonda Workout that I do from a book from the 80s. It is a well-rounded work out. The Latin dancing is a bit too complicated but we still try to stab at that since walking is becoming a bit difficult this time of year between ice, darkness, and cold air. Hoping to hit the 60 lb mark before my big birthday next week. It will be my eleventh anniversary of my 30th birthday.

That's it for now folks. Be sure to add a comment so I can see who is keeping tabs of me.

Awaken from My Blog Coma

Hello and Welcome Back!

It has been such a busy, hectic, crazy, time-consuming, where-do-I-start two months. But with popular requests (okay...mom & Kris all over me), I'm back. It seems that it was easier not to make the time for the blog then to do it. Sounds like a lot of things I do in live - avoidance seems to be my route. And realizing that, may shake my butt awake in all areas. So let's play catch up:

In December, Logan went on a cruise with Bill for 10 days where he met Ashley. For most of December they were hot & heavy with emails. In the meantime, it seems to have slowed down only to be replaced by over 1,000 texts from Katie, Hannah, and a couple more female friends.

Mom came up for a wonderful week visit during Christmas. What a wonderful gift! We have not spent Christmas together since 1995. I realized that was the simple reason that my grandmother would visit from Germany during the holidays plus the bad NYC weather does not agree with the thin-blooded Floridian.

The holiday season flew by this year. A good part of it seemed lost since Logan left on December 6th right after waking up to St. Nichlaus' gifts in his shoes until he returned on December 15th.

It wasn't as festive as past years. Our lights didn't work on the outside of the house. Due to the economic crisis, we were not able to have our fun-tastic work holiday party. Weather was wet not snowy. (Wait until I catch you up on this snowy January.)

We did enjoy the annual Christmas Cheer at Tina's house this year. It was great for mom to visit there for a bit to see the young girls she knew with their families as "older" girls. We've been friends for over 28 years and in Kelly's case 36 years. Holy!

Logan was with me for both Christmas Eve and the rest of the time with a short visit with Dad on Christmas day (all of 2-3 hours.) I was thrilled. It seemed that Bill & Betsy had broken up -- again! -- and Bill graciously realized that it would be more festive for Logan to wake up with a tree. New Year's Eve was celebrated at Kelly's with lots of laughter and some great games of LCR Left/Right/Center.

January came blowing in with cold winds and arctic temperatures. That means it's cold enough to make a polar bear shiver. Yuck! In between the cold weather, we have had snow on & off but only one time nice enough to enjoy. That was on Martin Luther King's day. Kelly, Tina, & I took the gaggle of kids sleigh riding at Cedar Creek Park. It was awesome! Not too cold and plenty of laughter.

We did end the month on a very sad note. A very dear friend lost her mom and this is a loss that will be felt by many. A true matriarch of a big, loving Italian family. Ironically, I see my friend as the one now taking on that role. Her style and calming nature draws everybody to her and I think she will fill these shoes with greatness.

And lastly, the economy is taking a turn for the worse. I've had to cut my days at work from four days to three and that is not very comfortable for me. Good news is that I'm actively looking for a part-time job on weekends to supplement this money and hopefully when times turn better, I can continue with this to get myself ahead once and for all.

All else is quiet.

Oh - you're wondering about the lapband. Shoot! I almost forgot about that. Well I'm nearing the 60lb mark but need another 5 lbs to push me there. (I believe in the round-up theory.) I have been exercising more. Walking at least 4x a week and dancing to a video 2-3x while following a favorite old exercise regime - The Jane Fonda Workout. I can only say good things about the lapband. It's a slow journey but I'm enjoying it as I'm taking it.

So now that I have to go shovel some snow -- yes, four more inches just came in last night -- I promise to be back at least on a weekly basis. Ciao for now!