All I want to do is snuggle in, watch movies and eat.

Last night it snowed.  Again.  And this morning school had a two hour delay.  I didn't want The Boy and Middle to have to take the bus so I drove them.  It took me an hour round trip.  To put that in perspective it took an hour to drive eight miles.  

Little's school is closer so we walked, actually more like stomped, our way to school.  I am loving my tall winter boots (best thrift store find evah).  

It's hard to believe a week ago it was sixty degrees, the bees were flying and I was gardening.  Now my world is frosty and white.  

This weather makes me want to snuggle in, watch movies and eat.  Only here's the problem.  I'm on a diet.  Yup. It's official.  I've joined Weight Watchers (could I *be* any more middle aged?).  After trying to do it on my own and gaining an additional ten pounds I am seeking help.  

I've been on it a week and, as of today, am down five pounds.  Not too shabby.  What I've realized is I eat healthy but eat way too much.  Cutting down portion sizes has been a BIG eye opener for me.  

I like that I can still use all my old recipes and plug them in to the weight watchers recipe tabulator.  Then I can determine just how much I am allowed to eat.  Additionally I'm trying new recipes.  

Tonight we're having chicken enchiladas and tomorrow night crock pot bolognese over whole wheat pasta.  

I can also earn activity points which lets me eat a bit more.  Every day this week I've either walked, hiked or been on the treadmill.  Oh yes and I've shoveled snow.  My ultimate goal is to look good in a swimsuit come summer.   I have no interest in being skinny but rather hope to be fit and healthy.  

I must admit I've been a bit hungry this week.  I'm getting used to the feeling and it is abating.  Currently I am curbing that gnawing feeling with a big 'ol mug of tea.  

I've avoided diets a lifestyle change for years and am open to any hints, tips and suggestions you might have.    

Wish me luck!

xo. 

The Weekend

Oh how I *love* weekends; especially when we all have time off together. This is a rarity and something to be treasured. This past weekend we took full advantage. We went sledding, canned fresh tuna, baked banana bread and I even squeezed in time to knit.

We made pasta with artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, bright yellow tomatoes and basil. Oh the smell of fresh basil! Is there anything finer?

We had family taco night with homemade guacamole. Everybody ate and nobody complained -- hooray! Too bad we can't have tacos every night of the week.

We celebrated two separate birthdays -- a one year old's and a thirty-two year old's. How lovely it is to gather with friends.

We finished Harry Potter. The very last book of the series. Put all seven books together side-by-side -- that's quite a bit of reading and quality family time spent over the years.

Basically we had a lovely couple of days. If only all days could be like last weekend. But they can't (at least not for the time being). So we are continuing to truck along.

I, personally, am struggling a touch. Winter is challenging. The sun plays a big role in my mental well being. I'm trying to stay positive; to find crafts and activities to bring joy into my life. I am working to appreciate all I have (and am doing my best to ignore all I don't).

That is my word for this year, 2011. APPRECIATE.

I have many hopes and dreams for this year.

• I hope to bring in more money by both working hard and spending wisely.
• I hope to get in better shape.
• I hope to run a half-marathon.
• I hope to truly learn to play my bagpipes (rather than the dying cow noise that currently emanates from said instrument).
• I'd like to reset my family's routine and bring in more books, more crafts and less media.
• I'd like to get organized once and for all.
• I'd like to finish the pizza oven we started building over two years ago.
• I plan to dance on stage (yes -- my dance class comes with a recital).
• I'd like to knit a full-sized blanket and perhaps another sweater.
• I'd like to camp as much as possible.
• I need to clean out our garage.

and the list goes on and on. But most of all, whether this list gets checked off or not, I want to appreciate each and every day and each and every moment for the beauty contained within. If I can accomplish this then life has no choice but to be "all good".