Happy Hour Chatter

It's amazing how fulfilling stepping out of one's comfort zone can be.  During this past weekend I did just that, twice. On Friday night I walked in a parade.  That's a first for me.   I've watched plenty of them but never walked in one.   JRCC A-shift (and friends) constructed a float that ultimately won "Most Original" float of the parade.   It was an amazing concept of a gift, wrapped with a bow and tag "From JRCC."   But, the sides opened up to reveal a family sitting I in front of the fire place and the Christmas tree.   It was a brilliant concept and executed beautifully.  Thank you A-shift.  I walked with an ICAP dog named Ida.  She's a pretty little golden lab.  Our start to the evening was a little rough as I scared her by wearing a bombardier hat. However, we made up and she did very well through the parade considering it was her first parade too.    It was blooming cold ...

This quote was on my calendar today.  Loved it so much I had to share: The capacity for caring illuminates any relationship.   The more people you care about, and the more intensely you care, the more alive you are

It's been far, far too long since my last post on this blog.   It's not that I haven't had plenty to blog about, I have.   It's been a shortage of time and desire to do so.    Life has gotten busy, too busy at times.  I have a sense of being overwhelmed with work, my mother-in-law and yoga.      Work:  It seems as if someone flipped a switch and my workload went turbo.  We are launching a new software at work and I'm part of the team that is testing it for accuracy of rollover database information, bugs and overall performance.  While it's been great to get back to something I loved to do in a previous job (over 25 years ago), it's also been a bit frustrating.  I haven't always  been given access to all areas of the software (control issues).  Testing then becomes a question of whether it's an honest programming error or an access error.  Not to mention testing takes time away from an incr...

I've been dealing with my mother-in-law since we admitted her to the nursing home last Wednesday.  It's difficult to see her there in this state.  She's always been a symbol of strength in my mind, always finding ways to get exercise and had the "I'll do it" mentality.  Not so much now.   She's in a lot of pain and has lost her appetite.  She weighs 87 lbs fully clothed.  Her lack of appetite is affecting her physical state; she is weak and all she wants to do is sleep.  I worry about her a great deal.  While I hope for the best, I fear for the worst if things do not turn around for her, soon.    Tom is trying to be strong but I know he feels the weight of the world on his shoulders.  I worry about him too.  I do as much as I can to assure him that it'll be alright, but I know his mind is constantly working about what needs to be done if, and when, his mother passes. As for me, having Ella has brought back memories ...

I spent the night with my mother in law.  She hasn't been doing well the past week.  She is experiencing a lot of pain, hasnt been eating and is very unstable on her feet. After several trips to the doctor and emergency room, Tom made the decision to place her in a nursing home.  Today she'll go to Ava Maria.  Change isn't easy for anyone but especially for Ella.  I fear that this is thw beginning of the end for this sweet lady.  I also know that Tom is going to have his hands full with family.  They've never been close at all..but am sure that this will cement the dissention between them. I will have to be strong for both of them.

Tomorrow it's back to reality - I go back to work.  It'll be a Tuesday disguised as a Monday, and those are tortuous days as it's a double load.  Add to that the fact that I've been gone for a week.  Ugggh!   But, I'm going in to the work week with renewed vigor.  It's amazing what time off can do for a person.   I'm rested, rejuvenated and feeling good about myself.   T and I had a good time and saw some amazing countryside.  I discovered that I'm in love with the mountains - specifically the Grand Tetons.   When I win the lottery, you'll find me there.  :)   So I enjoyed today immensely.  I had lunch with a friend then went out to the Pipestem Dam for some awesome time on the trails.  The sun was shining and it was relaxing and beautiful to sit and enjoy the scenery.  (I'm trying to soak up as much Vitamin D as I can before the snow starts flying).    So for the rest of this nig...

As much as I hated to do it, we left Grand Teton National Park and made our way towards Yellowstone.   The last time that either of us had been here was 20 years ago when we rushed through the park on our honeymoon.   This time we're taking our time.   Today we saw some pretty amazing waterfalls!  I probably took too many pictures but seriously, how often do I get to see waterfalls?   I discovered something about T today....he doesn't like heights.  Well, not heights specifically but rather looking down over ledges.   It was a real trip for him when I was driving through the mountain passes this morning.  It was fine while he was on the mountain side, but when he was on the "cliff" side, he was white knuckling it a bit.   NOT that I'm a bad driver or anything.   We're staying in Gardiner MT tonight in a quaint little hotel run by these goofy two women who are a hoot.   But the room is clean an...

What an absolutely amazing day!  It will be stamped in my memory forevermore. We stayed in Jackson Hole last night and decided this morning to go check out the Tram at Teton Village.   We bought two tickets for the trip up the mountain.   OMG!!  I stood on top of a freaking mountain!   It was so beautiful and breathtaking that I teared up.  We watched some brave souls tandem paraglide.  I wanted to do it but voice of reason talked me out it. From there we went to Jenny Lake and to the boat across.  We hiked 2.5 miles to the falls and another .5 mile to Inspiration Point.    We didn't travel very far today at all...only 50 miles!   We ended up staying at Signal Mountain Resort beside Jackson Lake.  It was a quaint little cabin with no TV and no internet (hence the late post). LOL    Hubs and I took a walk down by the water and watched the sunset.   It was beautiful and the pe...

Today was an amazing day!   We left Lander Wyoming an headed towards the Grand Tetons.  We stopped at Sacajawea's grave site as it was along the way.  Then onward we went. We had one funny moment when we came over a mountain pass .  We heard a loud POP!  We both looked at each other and T said, "Did somebody shoot at us?"  LOL   No, it was just a bag of popped popcorn that popped open from the altitude.   My breath was taken away when we came up over the hill and there they were, shrouded in clouds, dark and majestic.  The closer we got, my eyes were constantly glued to the breathtaking beauty.  I posted a picture on Facebook that said, "I believe I saw God today."  I meant it.  I had tears in my eyes.  I was so moved.   And the day just got better from there.   We found a room IN Jackson Hole Wyoming.  O! M! G!!!   I've ALWAYS wanted to visit this place...a...

It's safe to say that I'm officially in vacation mode.   For someone who lives by a schedule, I cannot believe that I lost track of the day and time.  I'm relaxed and enjoying it.   So much so that I fear getting back on my hectic schedule will be difficult. Today started out early.  Up and out of the hotel by 8:00 am.  It wasn't planned, it just happened.   We made our way to Jewel Cave and caught their first scenic tour of the day.   One hour and 30 minutes of walking and steps.   It put yesterday's Wind Cave expedition to shame.  Once again, T and I found ourselves directly behind the tour guide (just like yesterday), and once again, the man with all the questions was T.  :)  He thoroughly enjoyed picking the guide's mind and tidbits of information.  Can't say that I minded at all....we were privy to some interesting tidbits of information that weren't shared with the rest of the tour. I'm g...

It rained, pretty much all day - which wasn't entirely a bad thing.   We slept in a little bit (for us 7 am in sleeping in), had breakfast and hit the road at 9 am.   The destination goal today was Mr. Rushmore.  Amazing.   I'd forgotten how breathtaking it was.  From there we went to Crazy Horse and saw the head that'd been carved out.  It's going to be beautiful when they finish it - which will be quite a while.   Jewel Cave had an issue with the elevator due to a power surge, so they were suspending tours for the day.   We backtracked and went to Wind Cave.   That was absolutely amazing.  My favorite part of the trip so far.   T and I were first in line behind the tour guide/Ranger.   There was only one more person besides T that was annoying with questions, and that was a little 6 yr old boy.  lol It was all good though.   We're in Custer tonight and just got to o...

Well, we managed to make it through Day 1 without incident.   After much debate on whether we were going to actually go (T hasn't been feeling well the last 4 days), we decided that it was no or never. We didn't actually get on the road until 9 am because of last minute things in town, but once we hit the road, it was time to hit the cruise, crank up the tunes (or as much as T would let me), and away we went. We hit the Enchanted Highway and admired some of the iron works (I thought there would be more of them), then down to Belle Fouche and Spearfish.   We found our hotel with no problems and then took off on the scenic byway.   I now have another bucket list item.  :) We're planning our route through Wyoming right now...kinda...sorta.  We're kinda winging it on this trip...which is good.   I have a college friend who lives in Lusk Wyoming.  I've tried to make contact with him to see if he's still in town this season or out...

Tonight at the gym: 3 sets 8 reps each of lat pulldowns 80 lbs, pushups regular,  shoulder press 20 lbs, hammer curls 15 lbs, lawn mowers 30 lbs and 25 lbs (I wimped out 1/2 way through, skull crushers 25 lbs. Two miles in the Ecliptical and 2 miles on bike 45 minutes teaching yoga. And wasn't ready to go inside when it was so nice outside. Soooo...since hubs wasn't home, I went to Pipestem and did 6 miles biking out there. Now. .I'm tired.

When I think about the person I was in my teens and early twenties and compare myself to the person I am today, I don't think I've changed all that much, although some would say that I have. I'm still the Sherry that likes to laugh, is a bit of a wild-child or free spirit, a dreamer, best friend, beer and wine drinking, rock-n-roll loving, girl who believes the best is in everyone.  The optimist and lover of life. But the years have added a layer of maturity to that girl.  (One should hope as I'll be 52 in a month).   The years have shown me difficulties in love and marriage, death of parents and grandparents, loss of friendships, jobs, opportunities, and disappointments and let downs too many to count.   Walls have gone up, crumbled and been resurrected so many times it's hard to count.    But I always manage to find the joy in life not matter how difficult the road has been. I'm still me..just multidimensional now.  Rathe...

I was able to connect up with some college friends last night.   It was fun to take a trip down memory lane and reminisce about the good times (and even some of the bad) we experienced in college.   Although we admit that we do not feel like we're in our 50's, we couldn't help but laugh at how the conversation revolved around jobs, children, marriages, and health.  Stark reminders that we are NOT in our 20's anymore.    Dean is perhaps the closest to me.  We keep in contact through txt, facebook and the occasional phone call.   He put out a post on facebook a week ago that simple said, "I sure could use a friend right now."   I called the moment I read it.   He's going through a difficult divorce and just needed to vent.  I listened...that's all I did was listen.   Reward?   The biggest hug and "Thank you" imaginable when I saw him last night.  He will be moving to Iowa within the ne...

I had a Girls Day away from Jamestown this weekend.   I started planning this about a month ago....   Capital Grounds Craft Fair, Spa Appointments and dinner at a nice restaurant.  This day was with some of my circle of best friends: Donna, Vickie and Ginny.   Although the day didn't go off completely as planned , it was good!  We ended up coming back to town earlier than expected, then headed to VC for dinner at City Lights.  Great Food1  I highly recommend it to those looking for an out of town dinning experience.   We cruised VC for a little bit, then came back to Jamestown.   I wasn't ready to call it a night, so I cruised out to Pipestem with the sunroof open and the tunes blasting.   I was reliving the day and smiling.   I have such an eclectic group of friends, and I love each and every one of them.  We all have our idiosyncrasies but for the most part, we ignore them ...

Today's Sunday. I've got so many things running through my head that I'm not sure where to start writing.    I've been going at a good pace since the end of May.  I've been doing more yoga classes, been exercising more, riding bike, paying more attention to my diet and just living life.  So much so that I'm a little tired.    Today I'm crashing. Seriously crashing.  Need to do that once in a while.    I've been enjoying this summer, although it doesn't feel like we've had one; the weather hasn't been as hot as I'd like it.  You know me...flip flops and tank tops.   I have had a few really good times though.  I took Blaine to the Stutsman County Fair and Johnny Holm.  We had a great time.  One of the hi-lights for me was when the band played "Don't Stop Believing."  That has always been a special song for me and it has recently become a favorite of Blaine's as well.   When it ...

Today...I was in Minot with three of my best friends attending the Journey concert at the NDSF.  That night, without a doubt,  goes down as one of those memories I'll take with me forever. The day was nothing less than perfect...weather, the company I was with, the jubilant spirit and attitude of everyone and of course, the music of my ALL time favorite band.  The night was perfect.  And you know what?  So is the memory of it.

I grew up in a time when if you wanted something you worked for it. Money, body, home, car, clothes, job, relationship,  food. I see a different type of person these days.  Its not what can I do for you...its what can you do for me.  Starting wage?  Please.  They walk in to a job interview and expect the cream job with the pay to go with it.  What...you expect me to actually work to earn a paycheck?  Sorry. .I dont work.  I'm out here! It's sad and I see it and hear it all the time.  No one wants to drive an old beater of a car anymore or wear thrift store clothes or live on a budget.  The new norm is to expect the best, get the best, without working to EARN the best. And lets talk about the "quitting" factor.  What kind of society are we when we'd rather quit than fix?  Dont like something happening at work? Quit.  Don't like to exercise cuz its painful or you might have to sweat?  Just quit...go to the doctor fo...

Sometimes I'm at a loss for words.  (Hey!  It can happen!).  I run out of things to blog about.  Or maybe it's just that I haven't been inspired about anything lately.  As a result, I haven't exactly been burning up the keyboards to post anything on my blog recently. But I think I'm out of my funk and have some things I'd like to blog about. So be prepared...my quiet spell has ended.  Lucky you! :) Stay Tuned

Today is the Running of the Pink, a local 5 & 10K run fundraiser to benefit breast cancer.  I've taken part in it before and had a blast.  Unfortunately I scheduled yoga for this morning without realizing The Pink was also today. I have several friends running or walking it today and my heart is with them.  They run in honor of friends or family that have waged a battle against breast cancer or cancer in general. My immediate family has not been affected by cancer ..thus far...and I pray that continues.  It's scary and it takes far too many people from this world. So to those running or walking today. ..I'm with you in spirit.   :)

Mornings are my favorite time of day.  There's something so magical about watching the sun come up.  And with it the promise of good things. I had a power yoga class this morning at 6-6:45.  Although numbers were small, the energy was uplifting. Mornings.  I love them.

I was watching the movie "Coach Carter" last night.  It's a very good movie about how a coach turns around the lives of young men on a high school basketball team.  There is a scene in the movie that touched me, greatly.   It a recitation of a poem by Marianne Williamson.   Although the movie clip I'm going to share with you deviates slightly from the poem, the meaning is still the same.  (I actually like the movie version of the poem better). Our Deepest Fear - Clip from Coach Carter OUR DEEPEST FEAR   by Marianne Williamson                       Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?...

I hate that little piece of iron.   One day it's good to me and all is right with the world.  The next day it's mean to me and the world is a cruel place.   I know I shouldn't place so much importance on the numbers that greet me every morning.  But I do.  I have worked hard to get where I'm at and I swear by all things holy that I will NOT go back to the weight I logged 16 years ago.  Never.  Ever! So while I battle this middle-aged spread thing that I have going on right now...real or perceived...I try to remember ALL of the nutrition advice I've received throughout the years from nutritionists and trainers.  Start my day with breakfast which includes a protein, carb and a fruit Eat fruits before noon (gives body time to process the natural sugars) Don't eat any carbs after 5pm. (gives body time to process carbs in to sugars) Focus on protein Quit drinking pop - even diet (too much sodium) Drink water and lots of it To...

I took an ICAP dog out of the facility today and had him with me at my desk.   Sort of.   Elliott is this cute golden lab with a whole lot of attitude and personality.   It was his first time out of the prison other than for visits with the vet. He is in the training phase and needs to be able to have exposure to all kinds of stimulus.  As soon as he hit the main gate, he had exposure.  Oh my gosh!  It's a wonder that I have an arm left.   I do not know if it was a combination of coming out of the facility, me being female or the fact that I didn't enforce the commands sternly enough.  Whatever it was, Elliott wasn't the stellar dog that I felt he should've been.   He wouldn't sit or stay when commanded.   I had to repeat a command more than once...and in training, that isn't good.  It means the dog isn't focused on me, the handler. I've had four dogs out now and I haven't had any problems with an...

How does one keep a positive attitude in the shadow of a huge disappointment?  JRCC is in the middle of a huge...I mean, HUGE, transformation.  The Warden of 16 years took another position within the DOCR.   His vacancy left the door open for upward movement through the ranks.   We've recently hired (from within) a new Warden, Deputy Warden, Chief of Security, Unit Manager, new Captain, two new Lieutenants and two new Lieutenants.  With all of those promotions comes both joy,  for those who received the promotions, and disappointment for those who were not fortunate to be promoted. There are so many hard feelings running through the staff.  Why did "they" get it over me?  I've been here longer!  I've worked hard to get where I'm at!  What could I have done differently?  I deserved the promotion, they didn't. I feel for them.  I do.   I wish everyone could come out on top.  But there are only so ...

It''s Easter Sunday and spring has finally sprung in ND...at least for today.   The temperature is a balmy 73 degrees with a 25mph wind.   Windows are open and I'm loving it.   I cook dinner for my in-laws today.   Originally it was just going to be me, T and Ella but I invited Bill and Jackie yesterday.  I always make far too much food as it is so I knew I had plenty.  I haven't seen them since they came back from wintering in Arizona.  Ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, burnt buns and orange dreamsicle jello soup (my jello wouldn't set).     Oh, and Angelfood cake with strawberries, glaze and whipped cream. As I was slicing the store bought Angelfood cake, I remembered my mother.   Angelfood was her absolute favorite.   She used to make them from scratch and when she did, she'd make 4 or 5 at a time.  She didn't frost them or anything - it was just plain, no ...

I received this in an email a long time ago and saved it.  I'd forgotten that I had it until I was looking through folders for something else.   I thought that I'd share it with all of you :) a. take good care of yourself ... oftentimes we think we should put our families and others ahead of us, but if we do that, then who would they rely on when we fall sick or aren't giving 100% because we don't have it to give? sleep good, eat healthy, dress well, exercise, meditate (prayer, quiet time, whatever... give your mind some 'away' time too) . Not only does this give us the strength and energy to care for others, it is an excellent role model for our friends and families... people learn behaviors from watching not from listening. How many of us would tell our children 'do as I say, not as I do'... change that. Show them how you want them to be by living it yourself. b. speak positively - always - India Arie sings a song called 'Get it together...

Seems like every day we are faced with change of some sort.  Today the new warden of JRCC was a announced.   He's worked at the JRCC for 16 years.   I like him snd believe he'll do a good job.  But with the announcement comes realization of change within our office and the JRCC.  It should be interesting around here to say the least.  Fasten the seatbelts and stay tuned.

My nephew, Travis Schutt, ended up in the hospital last weekend due to complications from alcoholism.  First in Jamestown where we visited him Saturday night.  He was detoxing and could hardly breathe.  We talked to him as much as we could but he was pretty out of it.   Sunday he transferred to Sanford in Fargo to the ICU.  His brother, Robert, kept us informed and said they drained 2.5 liters of fluid from the sac around his heart.  Not good.  I was planning a trip to Fargo with one of my best friends Becky on Sunday afternoon and Monday, so was able to visit with Travis on Monday morning.  Thank goodness Becky was understanding when her shopping was cut to just a few hours due to the time that I spent at the hospital with Travis. The visit started out alright but didn't end well. I turned in to the aunt from hell when he made light of the situation he was in and refused to accept that alcohol played a role in his hospitalization. ...

I remember the days of yesteryear when I used to spend weeks designing my Valentine's box.  I'd consult with my father on size and materials and what I should say on it.  He had the patience of a Saint when I would coerce him in to helping me build the masterpiece.   We could be found forehead to forehead with the Elmers Glue, duct tape, wrapping paper or brown bags..whatever was handy.  Mom would stay in the background but was always quick at hand when we needed another opinion.   She'd put her two cents in, usually accompanied with popcorn and a cup of hot cocoa, then head back to the kitchen to finish the cupcakes or cookies I'd carry with pride to school the next day. Mom would sit with me for hours and help me pick out just the right valentine for each of my classmates.  She always affirm my decision with a nod of the head or "that would be perfect for her/him".  And she was always so interested to see the ones I received in return. I...

A very dear friend of mine sent this to me the other day and I absolutely loved it.  So much so that I wanted to share it with you. “ Promise Yourself ” to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all your friends feel that there is something in them To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. To think only the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile. To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence o...

I was invited to a wine party last night at my friend Sarena Ebel's home.   It was a wine tasting party put on by Jan of Traveling Vinyards.   It was my third party.   Apparently everyone knows that I like wine. It was a small group of ladies; seven of us.   We shared some wonderful food that Sarena prepared with the sole purpose of complimenting the wine.  It was scrumptious!   The food was good too!  :) What was even better was time spent with friends.  I got to see Ginny Kleven again and gave her a big hug.  She's a wonderful lady who has had some heartache recently in her life.  She just lost her sister-in-law to cancer.  As she was leaving she told me  that her brother Mark isn't doing well.  He's down in Texas at the Cancer Center and is to the point of being put in a nursing home as he isn't strong enough to make the trip back home to ND.  She cried.  All I could do w...

Today was Saturday and mother-in-law day.  I picked her up after my yoga class and instantly because concerned.   She looked rough and instantly told me she didn't want to go for lunch after grocery shopping. We did go shopping and I made sure to keep an eye on her in the store; I was never very far away from her.  When we got home, I sat with her and we talked for a little while.   The truth came out.  My mother-in-law, for the first time ever in my presence, broke down and cried.  She is so worried about her sons Bill, Leroy and Doug, as well as her granddaughter Pennie.  She worries continually and today it was too much for her.   She cried; I cried.   I gave her a hug and she just sobbed, "I feel so helpless. I cannot help any one of them." I felt helpless because I couldn't  help her.   I held her and shed tears right along with her.   I tried to comfort her and tell her that she has to ...

I had the great fortune of spending time with my sisters Pat, Judy and Peggy and Thursday night.  We haven't had the chance to get together in quite some time.  We used to get together more often but these days, not so much. and I don't know why really.   Pat and Judy are retired but busy with their families, home and Church.  Peggy and  I work and are equally busy with our lives.   I guess it doesn't matter as long we continue to get together.   I smiled when I walked in saw the three of them sitting at the table, eating popcorn and chicken wings.  After the day I had on Thursday, they were exactly what I needed. We had so much to discuss and so much ground to cover!  I don't think any of us came up for air until we were ready to leave!   We had good food and drink and covered all the important topics - family, health, weather, family, what we do with our days, family, family, family. Our mother passed away 2...

I love the questions people ask.  When they receive an unsatisfactory answer they're bound and determind to get it out of you. It's quite comical.  The less I say, the more they ask.  I know these people well.  They are less concerned about my welfare and more focused on a juicy piece of gossip that can be spread about until eventually any residue of truth is lost with each telling. I saw a quote recently that amused me. "Better to hear it from the horses mouth than from some jackass spreading rumors and gossip." How true is that?! If you're part of my circle of "besties" you will hear from me.  If you want to know something,  ask me.  If I want you to know I will tell you.  That simple. Next time someone with questionable motives asks me a question I choose not to answer, they'll get a smile and. "Why do you want to know?

It's 7:39 am and I see a hint of dawn on the horizon.   There IS hope that Spring is approaching!

So I asked for, and received, for Christmas....a Fit Bit.   What is a Fit bit?   It this little piece of technology that you wear on your body - in my case, my wrist - that measures the amount of activity that you do on a daily basis.   The idea is to register 10,000 steps  - which supposedly is equivalent to 5 miles. I've been wanting one for some time now.   So I was excited to strap it on my wrist and see just how much activity I get each day.  Surely , between the gym and my yoga classes, I hit that 10,000 step goal each and every day. Not!  I was amazed at how little activity I get daily.  Most of days I average between 7500 - 8500 steps.  I have a desk job and I try consciously to get off my chair at least once or twice an hour just to break up the monotony of what I'm doing and to stretch out my body.  But at the end of an 8 hour work day I'm lucky if I have 3000 steps.  Thank goodness for yoga and...

I'm amazed at how judgemental or intolerant society has become.  We're quick to bring the gavel down on a person simply because they are different.  Negativity is abundant everywhere you look.  Is it a wonder we feel defeated before we get out of bed and start our day. Just once I'd like to hear praise instead of cutting words or judgement.   No one is perfect and if you think you are, ask someone.  They'll be all too happy to inform you of your shortcomings.  Signed, Tired in ND

Sometimes all you need is a night out with friends to shake the funk.   Last night was the annual JRCC Holiday Party - this year hosted by B shift as it was their days off.    I  had mixed emotions about going (some days I wanted it and other days I didn't want to go) because of the funk that I've been in lately.   But I donned my Sioux hockey jersey and made my way to the KC Hall at 430 to meet with my friends Vickie and Donna for a pre- party drink.   I made the right decision in going as those two women - each representing a very important part of my "bestie" circle of friends - made me feel better immediately.   Their hugs, smiles and laughter lifted my spirits and made me forget about my funk.   As others arrived that feeling of buoyancy intensified.  Drinks were shared, laughter was abundant, the joy of friendship was evident.  I was able to give hugs to Holly, who has spent the last 9 months ba...

I do not know why but I have a case of the yucks.  No, that's not true.  I DO know why I have the yucks.   The holidays are over, the winter is 40 days long (since our first snow) and it's been brutally cold, I've been sick with a monumental cold since Christmas, hubs has been very sick.  And I have friends going through some dark times in their lives (and my heart aches for them).  Oh, and it's tax season.    All perfectly good reasons to put me in this funk that I'm in.   I literally haven't been eating for a couple of days because my stomach is upset.  When I do eat, nothing tastes good.  Have to admit, that's not a bad thing when it comes to the scale.  (Those holiday pounds are now gone).   I try hard not to slide in to a slump but this time of year always gets to me; I struggle every year.  This depression or SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) sucks.  And I'm not alone. I have a friend...

The temperature is -17 degrees with a windchill of -47.  Nice.  The wind is howling across the prairie and all I can think of is, I want to live in Bora Bora! Not realistic, I know, but it sure gives me warmth just thinking about it - and on a day like today, any type of warmth is welcomed! So far today I've: breaded/browned  goose legs and put them in the crock pot with a cream sauce cleaned the bathroom - more like disinfected everything that the cold germ can live on made caramel rolls swept the kitchen floor, vacuumed and dusted (I hate dusting) set the coffee maker for tomorrow packed my yoga bag for tomorrow (1st class of 2014!) done three loads of laundry, folded and put away What I still need to do: update my yoga blog pack my lunch for tomorrow put my yoga stuff back in my vehicle I definitely have more energy than I did last weekend when I was down and out.  I'm still at 70% of my normal me but trying hard not to push it too hard.  I d...