I am so, so tired and lazy today. Its been a very, very long coupla weeks! Yesterday was the grand finale--DH's 46th b-day! We went out to lunch at Guy Fieri's place, Johnny Garlic's. It was a long drive, about 45 minutes each way. After that, I dropped everyone off and headed to the mall for some last minute b-day shopping. At that point I only had two gifts and I really needed more. I just had no clue, but in the end he got a few nice gifts. His favorite was the running headlamp. Clearly, he loved it and wore it most of the night just to annoy us. LOL 

Anyway, yesterday was busy for me. The whole county must have been out running errands--bad traffic, no parking, crowded stores. When I got back I wrapped the gifts, did some housework, lifted my dumbells, and did some situps. Oh, yea, and I walked the dogs. I just didn't have time to run. After DH opened his presents, we went out to dinner to a seafood place we'd never been to before, then watched The Chronicles of Narnia; Prince Caspian or whatever its called. I couldn't really get into it. I liked the first one, though.

Today we're going grocery shopping and finally taking the tree down. I usually have it down much earlier than this, but we've just been busy. Today is THE day. Can't wait to get my living room back in order. 

I am so, so, so behind on the whole blogging/commenting thing. I know I'll catch up with everyone eventually. I keep meaning to, but just don't have the time. Oh, man. I cannot wait for these kids and DH to go back to work!!! 2 more days! (Yes, they have Monday off. Ugh) I hope everyone is doing well and ready to bring in the new year! TTYL!

 I mean, Happy New Year!!!

I'm a little bit hungover today, I must admit. Its the champagne. It gives me the worst headache, but what is new years eve without it?

Last night we went to a neighborhood progressive party. The first party was from 6-8 at a gorgeous home down the street that is nestled into a hillside. Gorgeous. Anyway, this was the cocktails and appetizer party. After that, the whole crowd walked to the second house---about a half mile away, in the freezing cold, in heels---the second house was where dinner was served from 8-10.  Everyone got two beaded necklaces as we arrived and were told that if you could get someone to say the word "no", then you get to take that persons necklace. It was a fun game.I lost my first beads to "Would you like some chocolate?" LOL No! Duh. I don't like chocolate. Oops. I lost all my beads, but I ended up with 3 by the end of the night. Thankfully, the game ended when this house party ended. Relief! We could all say "no" now! LOL

The third party was around the corner and up about 6 houses, so again, we all walked in a group, drink in hand! :) This time I found it to be refreshing because I was getting warmed up! At the third house, it was dessert and champagne. We partied until the countdown to midnight, hugged and kissed our partners, hugged our friends and neighbors, and bid our good nights. What a fun group of neighbors we have! Its the first time we've been invited. Apparently they do this every year. Were in the circle now! :)

We walked all the way home, about another half mile, maybe .8 miles, and toasted sparkling cider with the girls. We took some sparklers and poppers in the back yard and screamed happy new year--this was about 12:20...a little bit late, but the girls wanted to have a little to-do with us. They were not too happy about staying home alone and being bored on NYE, but we just said, too bad. Its an adult holiday and we're going out. Get over it. LOL No, I felt really bad about leaving them.

We were in bed by around 12:45. We had fun. I was very happy with my hair and makeup, not to mention my outfit. It felt good to actually feel comfortable in my clothes for a fancy occasion. I wore black tights, black short skirt, knee length black boots, a red satin camisole/tank top, and my new wool Tartan plaid blazer. I took that off when I was hot, so I didn't wear it the whole time. Oh, and when we walked, I had on my kelly green cashmere gloves....I looked nice and festive, if I do say so myself. I will post some pictures later on when I get around to it.

I managed to get a run in yesterday afternoon before getting ready for the party. I only ran 2 miles, but my pace is getting better: 10:52. I can't wait until I get it back down to 10:20 or so. With the running and all the walking last night, I'm actually down one pound this morning! Yay! :) Could also be that I'm dehydrated from all the booze.

I wanted to wish each and every one of you a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!!! 2009 is going to be our year! I am going to squash this weight and reach my goal! I don't have any resolutions this year. I probably won't bother. I just want to reach my goal weight. And fit into my clothes!!! And look hot at my 25 year high school reunion this summer!!!! Nothing gets me more excited than trying to find a new cocktail dress! Actually, if I work my ass off, I have the perfect red dress that I've never even worn before. I bought it for New Years Eve 2 years ago and although it fit me at the time, I got the impression that the party in the city at the hotel we stayed at wasn't going to be as formal as I thought, so I had brought a backup dress. It turned out to be a very good move!! I would have been way too over dressed. But I love the dress so much and I decided to keep it. Thats a good goal for me. To fit into my beloved, unworn, long red dress.

Ok, time to go take some Tylenol and drink a few gallons of water. And also try to figure out what the heck to get my husband for his birthday tomorrow!!!! Can you believe that he wants to go out to lunch AND out to dinner? He wants to squash me and win our TBL weigh in next week! Not gonna happen!

Happy New Year!

Shelley

Hiked w/family & dogs this afternoon. 1.8 miles took us 45 minutes.

Ran with DH today. 3.11 miles took us 33:42 minutes with a 10:51 pace. I tied my October mileage, beat November by double! Nice. January should be way, way better.

DH has suggested a mini TBL competition between the two of us. Based on weight loss percentage, with a weekly reward, i.e. he wins, lotsa sex, I win, zero sex. LOL Or I get a manicure if I win, etc. I think its nice to have him back in the game. It really helped me lose weight in the first place. There will be a more significant final reward, but that is TBD.

I'm not sure where the phrase "run like the wind" came from exactly, but whenever I announce "I'm going running", DH says "Run like the wind, Shell, run like the wind". So, there you have it. I'm sick of being a Lady of Leisure anyway. And I sure as hell ain't Smokin' Hot anymore, but maybe someday I shall return to that status! All I know is that I've been a huge slacker and its time for me to be on fire.

Thanks for your friendship and support! I love this place. Sorry I've been MIA, I've been busy, stressed out, worried about a family member, plus the kids are home...and needing my constant attention. Your comments always mean so much to me and I will catch up with everyone soon! 

Shelley

Merry Christmas! According to Norad.com, Santa is in San Diego! He ought to reach San Francisco very soon.....you know, as soon as the kids go to bed! LOL We're always the last stop for Santa over here on the west coast.

Dinner with the BIL went ok, I must say. We had Caesar salad, clam chowder, & crab cakes for dinner, then eggnog ice cream and peppermint ice cream for dessert. After dinner we all watched Hancock. What a cute movie! BIL left around 11:00 so that we could do our last minute x-mas touches, like stockings, etc. We are right on schedule. Cookies and milk are out....just what Santa needs, right?

Anyway, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

 Noodles asked me for my mom's lemon bread recipe, so I figured I'd go ahead and post it here. I made mine with whole wheat flour and I used oil instead of butter. Don't do this! I totally screwed it up! Sorry, mom.

Nancy's Lemon Bread

Ingredients:

1 med. lemon

2 1/4 c. flour

1 1/2 c. sugar, plus 2 tsp more for glaze

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp salt

3/4 c. butter or margarine

3 eggs

3/4 c. milk

Directions:

From one lemon, grate all peel, squeeze juice, set aside. (I like to put my lemon in the microwave for about 10 seconds and then roll it around on the counter to make it juicer)

In large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, & salt with fork. Cut in butter until mixture resembles course crumbs. Stir in lemon peel.

In small bowl, slightly beat eggs with fork, stir in milk, then stir this mixture into flour mixture just until flour is moistened.

Spoon into greased pan, bake 1 hour or until lightly browned. Cool in pan 10 minutes.

In small saucepan over med-hi heat, whisk lemon juice & 2 tsp. sugar to boiling. Cook, stirring until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Brush with pastry brush evenly over top of bread.