Weather or Not

It is said if you do not like North Alabama weather, wait a few minutes. January has been a prime example. We have had beautiful sunny 60 degree days, torrential rains, a tornado, and yesterday was rain, snow, sleet and freezing rain. And as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words so I borrowed these photos from the community. They captured the weather better than I ever could, so they deserve all the credit! Makes me wonder what the rest of 2010 has in store for us!

The result of all the rains:


The tornado starting to form:



Amazing picture of the tornado behind the First Baptist Church downtown:


Enormous snowflakes!


I love this photo...just precious! There was not enough snow to make a big snowman...so make a mini snow goddess instead!

A Purpose, not a Resolution

I know I'm late...but it is a occupational hazard for accountants. We are always behind the calendar. At work, I am still working on 2009. I usually frown on making "New Year's resolutions", but then again, it seems like a good time for some self-reflection, some goal setting and starting some new habits. I am not keen on the word: resolutions. I prefer goals, purpose and intent.

Habit: an acquired pattern of behavior. It is said that it takes 21 days to start a new habit. And I know from personal experience that it takes much longer to break a bad one. For the most part, I am a frazzled wife and mom of two teenage boys...so taking on 365 days at a time is just too much for me. I am also a slow learner, so I will take a month at a time.

Borrowing humbly from Shelley Hendrix's blog: Andy Stanley said that it is always a mistake to decide what you will do before you decide who you want to be.

So who do I want to be? My intent is to be more like the Proverbs 31 woman. The Bible says that the Proverbs 31 woman is purposeful about bringing good to her family through the use of her time, skills and energy. She makes good choices about how she spends her time and operates according to her priorities. She plans ahead and is prepared for tough times. Her husband and children feel well-loved and cared for. She is loving, giving, warm and compassionate.

So for the month of January: due to necessity, rather than resolve, I am putting my health first. I believe that if I make small adjustments (one each week), I will be more likely to keep on track. Baby steps to a healthier me.

Buddy is 18!

My little Buddy is now eighteen years old!!

Color of Winter

When everyone else took shelter due to freezing temperatures and a weak attempt at a snow storm, the birds were out in numbers. The majestic male cardinals looked remarkable against the grey skies. We had as many as five male cardinals, two female cardinals, a bluejay or two, a few wrens and bluebirds and quite a few chickadees. I'm sure they thought it would be warmer down south, but not this week. They must be hungry because we have had to fill up the bird feeder every day.

Sizing it all Up

Ok, so it is the start of a new year. Every other commercial is telling us to lose weight and get in shape, ugh. While I was out shopping I picked up this shirt. I got home and was ready to wash it when I looked carefully at the label:


Am I reading this right. In Asia, I am considered a 3XL? And in Japan a 4XL. Oh my! I need to get my sorry butt back to the gym!!!

Week After Christmas

My work was closed the week after Christmas. It was nice to have a few days off.

Monday, Tdawg had a follow up appointment with the ENT. The final assessment is that he has a deviated septum. That is why the sinus infection is not clearing up. He is going to need surgery. He has opted for after basketball season (end of February). The best thing is that they do not pack the nose anymore. I always heard that was the worst part.

Tuesday was road trip day. Cletus has a bad case of bike fever. So we went up to Franklin TN to the Cool Springs Mall and two Harley shops near there. He has not purchased one yet...but he was doing some serious drooling.

Wednesday, I took Tdawg and his girlfriend to the mall. For me, it could have been financially disastrous. I am bored with my clothes and would love to have a whole new wardrobe. I looked and looked but only found one sweater I liked enough to buy. I think I would rather have a new spring wardrobe...but the weather is not cooperating.

Then we all went to the movies. Tdawg and his girlfriend went to see The Blind Side. Buddy and I saw The Princess and the Frog. I thought it was quite dark for a Disney flick. I'm not convinced that black magic is general audience appropriate.

Thursday was a vain attempt to clean the house. I did manage to pack up all of the Christmas decoration and pick up the house a little bit. Then Cletus and I went to date night. A great dinner at Logans and a terrific movie: The Blind Side. We were home long before the New Year's Eve crazy people were out on the road. Staying up past midnight is no longer a challenge I wish to participate in. I relish a good nights sleep.

Friday, New Years Day. I felt quite blue. I feell like I did not get nearly enough accomplished...still have a lot of unfinished projects. I do not make resolutions but I still have a few goals.

Ans before I knew it the week was over and so was 2009.

Mystery Solved

I asked for a crockpot, a waffle maker and a wide slice toaster for Christmas. Cletus said he refused to buy any of them. Years and years ago, I asked for a nice set of pots and pans for Christmas. Cletus bought me a very nice set of Revereware. I was thrilled! But his workmates have dogged him relentlessly.

I didn't think it was so bad...I did ask for them after all. But I have heard of much worst gifts. M said that she got trash bags from her husband for Christmas. Strangely, they are still married. I think he just hands her cash now.

And the one that wins the prize: C told me that her mother in law bought all of the other daughter-in-laws sweaters for Christmas. However, the mil gave her a girdle! That's right, nothing says Merry Christmas like serious foundation underwear from your mil! Bless her heart. The other daughters in law modeled their sweaters. And C said she modeled her underwear (over her pants). Talk about being a good sport!

More Shopping?

Of course, our Christmas money was burning a hole in our pockets. So, the day after...we were back out in the crowd. The crowds and parking lots were crazy. Must have been about as bad as Black Friday.

First stop for me and the boys was Game Stop. I found a Wii game that we all liked. So I got it and picked up a controller and headed to the long checkout line. I got to the register and handed the cashier the box. I was shocked when she informed me that they were all sold out. So why do they still have the box out? "Oh, as a promotional item" she tells me. What?? Are you trying to tell me that you are promoting something that you don't even have?? I was not at all pleased!

Second stop was Target. I wanted a large crockpot for Christmas. My poor crockpot, purchased back in my college days, had long past its happy days. Sadly, the only setting left was blazing hot. The last time I used it, it melted the tablecloth. Time to replace. Crockpots have come a long long way since my poor old one. I may need to take a college course: Crockpot 201 to operate my new one. Also need crockpot recipes, so feel free to share :-)

Christmas Trash Talking

It just would not be Christmas without trash talking. Don't worry, it was all in good fun. Buddy got a Wii for Christmas. So all day on Christmas, we played it as a family. Match after match of bowling, tennis, golf and baseball. It was so much fun! Of course, someone would lose and it would turn into a best 3 out of 5....and then 5 out of 7. It went on late into the night. I was amazed at how fast Buddy picked up on all of it!!

Christmas

I had a great Christmas. The jolly fat man graded on a curve and granted some leniency to put me on the "nice" list. My favorite gift is an Ipod; I love it!! Tdawg has been my DJ, hooking me up with all of the songs that my Sissy sent. I think I have enough songs to start my own Best of the 70's and 80's radio station! I am still organizing songs and creating playlists. I have to set up a boo hoo list, a pumped up/gym list and a mellow out list. It is awesome!! Thanks guys!! I can't wait to take it to work and drown out everybody!!