My Little Yankee

Words would only detract from the beauty that is my blessing.

Just a Peak

As I was about to drift off to sleep the other night, I was berating myself for what I usually refer to as falling off the wagon as far as my menu planning and grocery buying goes. But I realized that wasn't the best descriptor because I am still doing it to some degree, just not quite as well as I had been. And it popped into my mind that I work much like the cliffhanger game on The Price is Right. You can over or under bid on that bottle of Mylanta, but not by too much. And maybe that difference of the Mylanta wasn't too bad, but when you combine it with the difference of that can of pork & beans and the dog chow, well now you are in trouble.

That's how I operate too often. I tell myself I can slack up just a bit in menu planning and grocery buying, but that means I also slack up a bit in eating out. And the combination equals Emily as the Yodeler plunging off the cliff.

Chanting...

That is not my path, that is not my path, that is not my path...

...I am trying to hear, I am trying to hear, I am trying to hear.

Thursday Outing

On my lunch hour today, I went to Fred's and bought a garden hoe and a shirt for work. Get a really good mental image of how stupid I must have looked checking out. And you are welcome for the laugh.

Phillip's Perspective on...Exercise

The key to exercise success is to visualize the results you want.
Actually using the equipment is not needed.

Spring Fling

Hello again, Spring! I've missed you, my dear friend!

Now we have days worthy of old fashion good times...

...and perfect backdrops to Sunday evenings...

...and T-ball weather...

...and weekends made for grilling.

Spring rejuvenates my soul. And I am thankful for our God and this amazing planet he gave us.

Now if I can just stay away from the Co-op and all the goodies therein...

2nd REPOST: Shutterfly Birthday Celebration Contest

This picture is from Elliott's 2nd birthday; isn't he too cute for words!?!

Contest details

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO VOTE!

Warning: You do have to sign in or sign up for Shutterfly to vote.

The Stephanie Plum Jelly Doughnut Theory

Several of my friends and family share my love of the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich. I've read the series 3x now. Yes, I am a nerd. And I subscribe to Lula's theory regarding Stephanie as a jelly doughnut. If you shut down a normal avenue for stress reduction, the jelly will just squeeze out of a different part of the doughnut...

This is how I'm choosing to explain my INSATIABLE appetite for chocolate right now. Yes, I gave it up for Lent and was without it for ~40 days, and yes, it could be hormonal, but I really think that the DP cravings have all been transferred into the chocolate cravings column.

Now THAT the scale responds to...sigh.

Summer Wardrobe

I'll never win a fashion award, we all know this. But I get especially tickled at myself come spring. 99% of my work pants are year round pants. I have one pair that is only for fall/winter, and one pair of work capris that are obviously only for spring/summer. I switch out heels for sandals, and sometimes like today flip-flops!, and semi-professional tops for t-shirts...which I "dress up" with necklaces and scarves.

I live in fear constantly that one of my friends will turn me in to What Not To Wear. Shudder.

I miss...

...DR. PEPPER. On the eve of my 100th day of abstaining, I can't help but wonder why I'm torturing myself. Still no pounds lost. :(

Phillip's Perspective on...Studying

Studying is always better with a buddy.

(Emily's note: That is an unintentional flip-off above.)

Cake Divas

Sara has been taking a cake decorating class through personal enrichment:

Her Easter cake showcasing basket weave.

This week's cake.

Meanwhile, here are the cakes I made for Elliott for his 2nd, 3rd and 4th birthdays, respectively:
Add this to the list of things to blame on me in therapy years from now.

911

Courtesy of that white and yellow beauty below, we now have our OFFICIAL Dave Ramsey $1000 Emergency Fund! Baby Step 1 = CHECK!

Now playing: Baby Step 2 = Debt Snowball (also known as DISCOVER CARD).

I think I need to backup and report that our tax refund helped us to achieve pre-step 1 = get current. We were able to pay off our medical bills, my friends from Vegas, and our Co-op bill. Now I am constantly massaging the budget (definitely a work in progress) and stalking our snowball. Good things to come!

The Great White Whale

Nah, nah, nah, nah...nah, nah, nah, nah...
hey, hey, hey...GOODBYE!

The boat has sold!
Hello, Discover, you'll be getting a chunk paid soon!

Phillip's Perspective on...Decorating

When decorating your mantel, you should always use long, clean lines.

Oops, Mami caught me.

Then again, If she didn't want me to inspect the new palm leaf,
she shouldn't have placed it here.

REPOST: Shutterfly Birthday Celebration Contest

This picture is from Elliott's 2nd birthday; isn't he too cute for words!?!

Contest details

The first time I posted this I didn't realize the voting didn't open until today.

Warning: You do have to sign in or sign up for Shutterfly to vote.