I'm a Fork tee hee ;)

You Are a Fork

You are truthful, direct, and straight forward. People find your honesty to be a bit piercing at times. You are driven and wildly ambitious. You know what you want, and you take the most direct path to getting it.

What Utensil Are You?

Things suck here at the moment. But I'm trying to keep myself occupied and not jump into the fire. So far it's working. We shall see...

This Made Me Stop and Think

How big a deal is this, anyway? If I knew I was going to die in a week, would this be something I would want to spend this minute of my remaining time on?


I belong to sparkpeople and they sent me an email today about emotional eating. I was interested and read it carefully. The article changed to points on de-stressing and putting things in perspective.

How big a deal is this, anyway? If I knew I was going to die in a week, would this be something I would want to spend this minute of my remaining time on?

There is something going on that I can't really blog about anymore but it is enough to throw me into either an obsessive state or depression. If I was dying in a week I would not want to waste any time on this problem. I would definitely want to be living my life and enjoying every moment.

I am so grateful that I was given this little bit of wisdom this morning. After I read it I jumped up off the couch and did my usual workout routine. Then I ate my breakfast. Now I am dressed and ready to go to my Alanon meeting.

I am grateful I have a choice. I can sit and worry or I can get moving and realize that I have no control over other people. I only have my life. I am choosing to do the healthy thing today. I don't want to waste any more time on needless worry.

Just for today I will live for this day only. And I will realize that my higher power is in charge and I am not. I really am not. I can't make things different by worrying or obsessing over them. I can only focus on what really matters.

My life really is a blessing. I have been given this one life and I have wasted a lot of time on things that just weren't important. Not today. It is about 55 degrees out and will probably get up to 80 again. I have so many things I can do outside in the beauty of the weather. I want to take advantage of that and I am.

I hope you all have a glorious Friday too.

Unexpected

I feel a lot different today than I did yesterday. If you read my last entry and read between the lines you will know what I mean. If you don't then it's not important.

Unexpected changes happen all the time. You try to be prepared for them, or I do anyway.. It still takes me off guard though.

I never did post pictures from Valentines Day. We baked cookies and decorated them and it was a great day full of laughs and love.


The cookies before we frosted them. Some of them were dark around the edges. Also I lost my heart shaped cookie cutter in the move so we just made them round but they were filled with love anyway :)


We didn't have red food coloring for the frosting but we had red jelly beans. I thought if I put them in the microwave and melted them we could dye to frosting red but it didn't work. It just made it kind of orange looking. I thought it was a genius idea anyway ;)


Prada wanted to help with the decorating!! Awwwwwww......


She really just wanted to nibble.


The finished product! We're still eating them. Of course the day wouldn't be complete without Tee doing something silly. She made a perverted cookie just for her.. lol


It was a good day. Good memories. Those are the times that get you through the challenging times right?

I am grateful for

1. My daughter and the love she gives me unconditionally.
2. My friends and their support and love.
3. My Xena Blu and her constant attention.
4. My sister and the close relationship we have today.
5. Having a Higher Power that I can rely on every minute of every day.
6. Being back in Alanon.
7. My laptop and the constant connection it gives me to loved ones.
8. Long baths with a good book.
9. Tae Bo!!!
10. Beautiful Sunsets and the Havasu weather right now.

Tonight 2-26-09

A week? Really???

I let a week pass me by and didn't write here. Wow. It's been awhile since that's happened I think. How's everything in your worlds?

Mine is freakin' fantastic. I feel amazing. Truly blessed beyond my wildest dreams. I am still busy with my life and it seems that spring is upon us here in Lake Havasu City. Yesterday we worked in the front yard. Well, actually Tee did most of the work because I was not as into it as she was but I did pull some weeds and talk to her.

I know it's dangerous to be so happy because she is sober but I am. I am so happy to have her back I can't even begin to express it. She is feeling good and that makes me feel really good. That said, I am very aware of this slippery slope and I'm building a strong foundation in Alanon for myself so that I can have something to fall back on if she relapses again. It's been two months and I really feel like she is back. It's a beautiful thing to have my best friend back in my life again. I feel like we were separated for so long. So that my friends is why I have been absent from the computer.

I went to an all day workshop on Saturday in Kingman, AZ and it was really a lot of fun. I made some new friends and they are wonderful. They did tell me it's time for me to get out and explore the town since I've been here 6 months. I realize this. I know we have become so safe in this little cocoon we have built and it's time to venture out. So I've been thinking of joining some kind of fitness club, like hiking or kayaking or something. Just thinking about it so far.

I've not lost any more weight but I'm holding steady which is just as good for me. I am still doing Tae Bo 6 days a week and strength training 3 days. My arms are getting so lean and strong and my legs and waist have shrunk considerably. I have also added some walking and light jogging to my routine. Xena is loving it. And the streets are so hilly here that it's a great workout for my hips and legs. I am getting sideaches though. I haven't run in a really long time. I want to start running again. Like real laps around the track.

I can't believe the role nutrition plays in our health. I have had the most horrendous eating habits for most of my life. This journey is an exciting one. Learning that I eat out of emotional distress. That "that time of the month" induces horrible cravings in me. That water is fantastic!!! That taking vitamins is really good for your nails and hair and bones. I really do feel better than I ever have. And I'm almost 42 years old. It's about time.

I haven't been taking many pictures. I need to get some more. We have more work to do on the back yard now. Lots of plants that need tending. All the rain brought many weeds that need pulled too. And the lemon tree should be producing fruit soon. All the birds around us are getting ready to have their babies. It's so fun to watch them.

One of Grandma's best friends came over yesterday to see us and it was good to see her. She loved all the changes Tee has made to the house. She was worried about us because she hasn't heard from us in so long. We made a vow to stay more in touch with her. Sweet lady.

We also are planning a boat trip across the river to have lunch and spend some time. This is a big outing for us. And a step in the right direction. No word on the job front for Tee but the mortgage is covered for March at least. We are taking it one day at a time and it will all work out. No sense in wasting energy on worry. Life is good. All is well.

I hope to be able to get around to all of your blogs soon. I think of you often and hope all is well in your worlds. Hope you have an amazing Wednesday. I am out the door to my Alanon meeting in about 20 minutes. Talk to you soon :)

Blissfully Busy

Wow, time flies. I have just been busy as all get out. I am loving it too.

We had a fabulous anniversary celebration. We went out to a little steakhouse and had a great, quiet and romantic dinner. It was rainy and quiet and beautiful. We adored each other all day and night and I can never get enough of that. Even after 13 years. It's always a letdown when it's over. But real life is important too.

I am getting really into my Alanon again and that has been wonderful for me. I have made new friends and it has given me the confidence I need to start thinking of being out in the world a little bit more. I've been pretty reclusive for awhile now. Not working has added to that. I am going to an all day workshop on Saturday with some friends from my meeting and I'm really excited about it. It will be the first time since the beginning of November that Tee and I have been apart for more than a couple of hours. It will be good for us.

Tee has another job interview tomorrow and another appointment to get state health coverage. It will be the most she has been out in public for a really long time. Say a prayer for her. It's a big step. I know it doesn't seem like much but like I said, we've been pretty reclusive.

I have been writing again! Working on my book. It feels great and scary at the same time to be finally getting some of this out. I have wanted to write for so long and it looks like my writer's block is getting unblocked :) That's a wonderful thing. My goal is to write every day. I hope I can do it.

Also I lost 3 more pounds last week!! I am only 6 pounds from my first goal. My clothes are getting baggy and that absolutely thrills me. If you've ever been on a weight loss or fitness journey you know how that feels. I can't believe how much energy I have and how good I am feeling. My daughter has lost 15 pounds! I have lost 13 since December. A total of 19 pounds since August of last year.

The TaeBo is just going wonderfully. I am addicted to it. I have been doing 25 to 30 minutes of intense cardio 6 days a week with 5 minutes each warm up and cool down. And 3 days of strength training a week. My calories have actually gone up since I am working out so much so I went from 1300 to 1600 a day. And I'm still losing weight! It blows my mind that I am eating so much and losing. But I am eating much healthier foods. Not denying myself completely though! I still have a sweet snack every day. But instead of 5 cookies I'll eat one. And it's working! Woo Hoo!!! I'll have to post before and after pictures someday.

OK, I need to sign off for now. Hope you are all doing well. Can you believe it's already the 18th of February? This month will be over before we know it...

February 16, 2009

It's our anniversary today. 13 years ago we met and it was electric and still is. I wish I could put it into words but I can't really. This picture was from back in those days.

So much has changed and we are different people now. But that love is still there. It's never died.

And no matter what happens, the bond we have will still be there. There's just too much history.

We may not have a wedding anniversary to celebrate but we do celebrate the day we met. It is no less of an anniversary. We may not be acknowledged by the law but we are by our family and friends and that is something.

I am grateful to have such love in my life. No, it's not perfect but it has endured. And we have another year that we made it through.

I think this year will be better. It will not be another year we have to "endure".. It will be a calm and loving one.

Today we will reminisce and make future plans and just celebrate our love. It has always been a special day for us. Today is no exception.

I hope you all have a beautiful day. It's gray and cloudy outside here today but in our hearts it will be sunny and bright... We're living in the moment.

Friday the 13th

I woke up early this morning and I'm so glad I did. I have a lot to do today. Well, not a lot by my old standards but a few things nonetheless. I will do my regular workout and then shower and get ready for my meeting. Then I am going shopping for our anniversary and groceries. I'm not sure what I'm getting Tee yet but it will be fun looking for something. I still can't believe it's been 13 years since we met. Neither of us thought it would last that long. I'm grateful it has.

This picture is of Tee's Grandma. Isn't it lovely? It's another one of my favorites. She always looked so fashionable in her pictures. I just love the boots and the jacket. The winter scene is also pretty. She was from New Jersey. I wonder what she thought of California when she first moved there? Such a different climate.

I got a haircut yesterday! This is a big deal for me because I am always the last person on my list when it comes to doing things for people. I never do nice things for me. I have decided to do something for myself each week. To reward myself for all the hard work I'm doing working on my fitness and health. I have been eating better than I ever have in my whole life. I also lost another pound! I actually discovered I wasn't eating enough to compensate for the hard workouts I'm putting my body through. Who would have thought that eating more calories would help the weight loss start up again? Now I'm only 8 pounds from my goal weight!

I am doing Tae Bo which is really amazing. I saw results after my first two workouts. I love it. It really kicks my butt. I recommend it to anyone that wants to see fast results and get a really good hard cardio workout. It also incorporates some strength training for your abs and legs and butt too. I will be getting into that bathing suit with no shame this summer. I'm confident of that.

Of course I'm eating a lot less processed foods and more whole grains and fruits and vegetables. That has made a big difference. I'm proud of me. So I got my haircut. It's pretty cute I think, a little shorter than I really wanted but it will grow.

It's still pretty cold and we are supposed to get more rain. The city is working on a sewer system and of course they started on the main street in front of our house. It was a muddy mess but yesterday they started putting the pavement back. I hope they finish up soon so Xena and I can resume our long walks down that street. I know she's missing the exercise and I'm just missing getting out there.

It's Friday the 13th! I'm not superstitious about it but a lot of people are. Tomorrow is Valentines Day and Tee and I are baking Sugar Cookies. Heart shaped and frosted. I used to do this with my kids when they were little and we thought it would be fun to do together. I'll be making a much smaller batch but we're going to do it together. We have no big plans for V Day since our anniversary is Monday. But it's nice to just be together and do something fun.

OK, I have nothing much else to say. Hope everyone is having a beautiful morning and that today brings you nothing but good luck.

Lovey Dovey

That's Tee's Grandma and her Mom way back in the late 40's I believe. Her Grandma was a beautiful woman. It is really wonderful that she has so many pictures of them. I don't have any of my Mom as a little girl.

Times sure have changed. Now we have digital cameras and can send people pictures instantly. We can watch events unfold online and there is no waiting involved. It is no wonder we have created a whole generation of kids that expect instant gratification. They really don't know how to wait anymore.

I don't have much patience but I'm learning. I am learning to accept what the Universe puts in my path. I know that everything that happens in my world is for a reason. Even the bad things.

Life is so short. And so unpredictable. I used to hear people say those things and never quite understood them but I think I do now.

I tell people I love them all the time now. I don't ever want my loved ones to question my love for them. I make more of an effort to keep in touch with people now. To send cards (the old fashioned snail mail kind) and pictures. I am getting better with the phone calls but still don't like the phone too much.

I love Valentines Day. I always send out lots of valentines to the ones I love. My kids look forward to it. It's a tradition my Mom started with us kids. I will continue until I can't anymore. I even mail a card to Tee. Even though we live together.. lol

Just feeling all lovey dovey right now. I really love all of my friends here too. I hope you all know that. You are an important part of my world.

Have a beautiful day..

Snow on Mohave Mountains!!

Snow, ice cause standstill
Road closure forces motorists to spend night on I-40

By Jayne Hanson
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 10:44 PM MST

Hundreds of motorists were stranded overnight at the intersection of Interstate 40 and State Route 95 because an unusual road closure caused by snow and ice creating impassable conditions through late Tuesday morning.

“This is the worst snow storm that DPS has ever had to deal with in northern Arizona,” said Commander Dean Nyhart, Arizona Department of Public Safety Northern Bureau Highway Division.

Arizona DPS reported northern counties of Arizona received more heavy snow Monday night and early Tuesday, causing roads to become very icy and slippery.

“High winds were creating dangerous icy roads and white-out conditions for 30 minutes to an hour at times, and that brings traffic to a stand still,” said Arizona DPS Lt. James W. Warriner.

Arizona Department of Safety reported Tuesday morning eastbound Interstate 40 was closed from milepost 9 and milepost 72, an area that includes the State Route 95 intersection at Pilot. The interstate was closed at about 8:30 p.m. Monday and re-opened at about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to Warriner and some of the stranded motorists.

Rigs of all shapes and sizes were near gridlock at the two service stations located in the immediate area of the high-traffic intersection. Parked in organized disarray, tractor-trailers, trucks, cars and RVs were lined up along the edges of SR95 and tightly packed in the available parking spaces of the Pilot and Chevron service stations. The overflow of stranded vehicles was directed into open dirt areas east of the Chevron service station located both north and south of SR95.

“I don’t remember this happening before, I guess the problem is between here and Kingman,” said stranded motorist Mike Manion of Lake Havasu City. Manion arrived at the I-40/SR95 intersection at 7 a.m. Tuesday morning to learn he was stuck waiting along with many others. “I am supposed to be picking someone up from the airport in Prescott right now. We’ll just have to play it by ear,” Manion said.

The I-40 road closure in that particular area was unusual, as it has not been closed for many years.

“It has been at least eight years since the last closing in that area. It definitely is unusual to close that portion of roadway,” said Michele Beggs, public information officer for Arizona Department of Transportation’s Kingman District. Beggs report of the last known closure of the portion of I-40 affected Tuesday was based on records provided by ADOT Kingman District’s maintenance department.

Truck drivers stranded at the Chevron service station told the Today’s News-Herald the road closure is just normal activity in the transport industry.

“We’ve been here since 9 p.m. last night (Monday). It’s been closed down since about 8:30 p.m. last night (Monday),” said Jackey Wilson, of Northern Neck Transfer trucking company, and a 33-year veteran of the truck-driving business.

“What can you do? I mean, safety first, really. I heard there were 22 trucks that slid off the road yesterday,” said George LeBron, Jr., Wilson’s team truck driver for NNT.

FedEx International truck driver Danny Darho said he and his team driver arrived at midnight (Tuesday) only to be directed to park their rig and wait for the roadway to re-open. Darho said he had been talking to other drivers to pass the time and was just about to settle down with a morning newspaper.

The storm system that swept the area Monday into early Tuesday resulted in a collective precipitation amount of .62 of an inch in the Lake Havasu City area, reported by four nearby weather reporting stations. The stations’ locations are Desert Hills, which reported .20; Lake Havasu City .19; Ram Peak .07; and Horizon Six .16 of precipitation.

According to Accuweather.com, Lake Havasu City residents can expect mostly sunny skies with daytime temperatures reaching 65 degrees today, Thursday and Friday.

Partly cloudy conditions with temperatures in the lower 40’s are in store for tonight and Thursday nights.

Friday night is expected to be mostly cloudy with expected rain showers.

Showers are possible Saturday morning with daytime temperatures reaching 64 degrees accompanied by periods of clouds and sunshine. Saturday night will be chilly with temperatures in the low 40’s and considerably cloudiness.

Sunday is expected to be cloudy and breezy with a chance of rain. Daytime temperatures will reach 63 degrees. Sunday night is expected to be chilly and rainy with lows of 45 degrees.

More rain is expected in the Lake Havasu City area Tuesday and possibly Wednesday next week.

You may contact the reporter at jhanson@hanson.com.

This Was Fun

I made videos yesterday of the rainstorm we had. It was fun but some of it is really dark. You can kind of get an idea where we live though. And you can hear me in them. They are only one minute each, my camera doesn't take longer videos than that.

Enjoy :)

The Bedroom Post

Kate had a wonderful idea of us all posting pics of our bedrooms. This is where I am sleeping these days.. I miss my old bedroom but this one is beautiful too. Actually everywhere we have lived has been beautiful. Tee is really the best decorator.

I love the Arcadia doors we have. They are right behind those plants. They lead onto the back patio and out to the pool. You can also see the sun setting over the mountains through the doors when the blinds are open. It's pretty incredible.

Our bedroom is our sanctuary. Every night we look forward to retiring for the day and just chillin' (as my son would say).. It's my favorite part of the whole house. Too bad the bathroom doesn't have a tub. Then it would be perfect. There is a walk in shower but the water pressure is horrible so we don't use it. Ever.... It's just for show.. lol

Hope you all are having a lovely Monday evening :)

Dependability and Lists

This morning, after I woke up I went outside for a moment so the dog could do her business and looked out at the lake. The moon was still shining proudly over the mountains as the sun came up in the other direction. I've never experienced this before.

There are still many clouds in the sky but they are fading. It's cold and windy today. Cold to us is not cold to many others but it's still cold. It's below 50 degrees. I pulled my robe tighter around me and smiled at the moon. So beautiful, so powerful and so full..

I couldn't help but think of the moon and how much I love to feel the power of the moon. So dependable, always rising and changing without my having to do anything. It just is. There have not been many things or people in my life that have been as dependable.

I always prided myself on being dependable at work. I was at my last position for 8 years and only called in sick twice. I was always there. If my staff called in I was there to replace them. If anyone needed anything I was there. It is just my nature to be this way.

Creature of habit. That would be me. I like things to stay the same and I don't like surprises. I like to have a plan and for everything else to follow that plan. Life just isn't that way. In my love relationships I seem to choose people that go with the flow, that are more spontaneous than I am.

This is the first time in my adult life I don't have a plan. Oh, I have a tentative plan in the background, I am going back to school in August but as for the months in between there is nothing. I do have Alanon. I took the treasurer position for my Wednesday meeting so I have to be there every Wednesday morning without fail. I have been exercising 6 days a week and I force myself to do it. I am entering every calorie I eat into my nutrition journal and I do that faithfully. That's my big agenda for my life right now.

But what of everything in between? I just kind of let my days happen to me. I miss having a plan. I know we have things we have to get done but I haven't been taking many action steps to make them happen.

I was thinking of making a list each night of the things I want to accomplish the next day. That could work. If I could think of things to put on the list. Small goals to get done each day.

I am a little bit stuck in a rut. I am committed to taking charge of my destiny today and not just letting life happen to me. I am off to make that list now..

Rainy Day Pics

Wow, it rained all day yesterday and it continues this morning. I thought it was finished but it's persistent. I just stepped outside and the rain still falls and covers everything with it's cleansing body. Yesterday I drove in hopes of capturing some of the rare rain with my camera. I ended up snapping a few shots through my windshield instead. It was kinda fun watching the cars next to me laughing at me taking pictures like a tourist. Lake Havasu City rarely looks like this. It is a welcome change. In a month we will all be pulling weeds I'm sure.




Coming up the hill to our house. You can see the clouds covering the sky. It's definitely filled me with that old familiar melancholic blood. I know it's always lurking and the rain can bring that out full force. I could never live in a state like Washington where it rains so much. Or Alaska where it's dusk all day and night sometimes. I need the sunshine like I need food and water. It feeds me.





It is a blessing to have such a beautiful view surrounding us. We can see the lake clearly from the front and back of the house. I don't take it for granted. I love to sit and watch the changes through the window. Even from my spot on the couch with my laptop I can see clearly outside. I don't even have to wear my contacts anymore. My eyes have been healed and I can see it all clear as day now. And though most of my own personal things are packed in the garage, what is left is a part of me here too. T's pictures of Jimmy on the walls and the gargoyles watching over us protectively have become a part of my history and my world.








Prada was content to stare at the Roadrunner for hours. The Roadrunner was persistent in pecking the window in hopes that the nice Lion would feed her some meatballs. This old bird has been a part of this household for years. T. has continued on with the tradition that Grandma left here when she died. It makes me smile to see her being so loving when at first glance she looks so mean and scary. Most people would never think she could be such a sweet spirit. But I wouldn't still be here if that part of her didn't exist.

Today we will watch some more TV, maybe catch Peyton Manning at the Pro Bowl. I'm not sure we're up to football though after last weeks loss. I think I'll whip up some Queso (Velveeta and Ro-tel) to dip our corn chips into. Blow my diet after working so hard all week. Naw, I'll eat in moderation. And for dinner we will warm up some of the delicious chili I made last night.

We'll finish off the night watching The Girls Next Door (double episodes woot!) and The L Word. Snuggle in bed like we did last night and just enjoy each other. Life feels so beautiful right now, despite the melancholy knocking on my door. I can't help but feel a sense of dread just waiting... waiting.....

I hope I can keep it at bay awhile longer...

Can't Think of a Title

Do you think of a title for your post before you write it or after? I try to come up with one before but it's been hard for me to do that this morning. Sometimes I just sit and don't write because I'm busy thinking of a title.

This picture is my daughter and I in August of 1988. I was so skinny! I wish I could get that thin again but it's not gonna happen. I won't tell you what I was doing to be that skinny.. It was bad. I'll never go that route again :) I was 21 years young here and having a fabulous time with all the friends and parties and life. But I wouldn't go back there for anything. I'll just stay here thank you very much.

I scanned about 50 or 60 pictures yesterday. I looked at hundreds.. We have a lot of pictures and quite frankly I don't know what I'm going to do with all of them. Some are really fading. It's sad. I found pictures of my Mom I had forgotten about. I can't wait to scan and share them with my family. I have a few picked out to get duplicated and put in frames for presents. That's my favorite kind of present.

I'm still not wanting to blog much. I'm on facebook a lot lately. I was so surprised to get a message from an old best friend that I haven't talked to in about 13 years! We got on the phone and talked for over an hour two days ago. I have missed her a lot through the years and have been thinking of her for about a month. Then she found me!! It's very cool to be in touch after all this time. We have quite a history. I pointed her in this direction so she'll be reading my blog too. It's really exciting.

I've missed all of you and you may have noticed me popping in and commenting again finally. I am hoping to get back on here at least an hour a day. Life is surprisingly busy right now and it's a really good thing.

No new news really, we are finally having the estate sale we have needed to have for so long. In two weeks. So we're getting ready for that. Hopefully we make lots of $$. We found an old video of Tee's Grandparents from when they first built this house and were settling and all the furniture was in exactly the same place as when Grandma died! That was 20something years ago too. It's time to sell it all and get our own stuff.

My weight loss and fitness journey continues. I gained a pound at my weigh in this past Wednesday, depressing! But today I'm down again. I have been really cutting my carbs lately and it seems to be helping. Plus I'm still working out 6 days a week. I wish my body was like it was back in my 20's and 30's. I had no problem dropping weight. All I have left is about 9 pounds and it just keeps hanging on for dear life!

Hope you are all having a great weekend. It's just beginning for me. 8:00 am on Saturday morning and all is quiet and well.. Happy Saturday everyone.

It's Tuesday Again...

It seems like the days are just flying right by... I am enjoying it though. Today I worked out like usual but I have been switching up my workouts. I tried Tae Bo and it kicked my ass! I really feel good about this workout though.

My weight is fluctuating again, due to eating way too much sodium. I can't seem to give up the salt. It's annoying. But the cool thing is my body is really changing even though the scale isn't reflecting it much lately. My clothes fit better and I look really good. I tried on some shorts I bought last summer that didn't fit and they fit perfectly now :) I just want to stay right here and be complacent but I won't. I'm sure I'll push myself to lose another 10 pounds or so.

Not much to write about in here. I just don't feel like blogging. I am really happy and I tend to write more when things are bad. Things are really wonderful. I am still going to my meetings and I am even treasurer for one meeting.

T. and I will be celebrating our 13 year anniversary on February 16. 13 years!!! And we almost didn't make it. I am so glad we did. It's been such a rough year (again) but this year will be better. Things are definitely on the upswing.

We won't be going to Laughlin like last year but we'll have fun anyway. We always have wonderful anniversaries. I still have to go shopping for T's present. Maybe this week. I have the perfect gift in mind.

I think we sold a really big piece of furniture on Craigslist, the China Cabinet. It's a Hibriten original and worth a lot of money. Happy that it seems to have sold.

Not much else happening. The Cardinals lost and we were very sad. I'm just happy our boys fought to the very end. They did not give up and they deserved to be there. It was fantastic. But also heartbreaking.. I'm glad football is over. Next year will be even better.

Hopefully I can get back here and read your journals today, if not I'll be back tomorrow. Have a great Tuesday :)

Superbowl Sunday ~Hot and Creamy New Recipe

I'm trying this out today. It sounds delicious and it's low calorie if you eat it in moderation :) I'll try to do that but it will be difficult



Hot and Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip


Ingredients

16 oz Daisy Lite sour cream
8 oz pkg. Great Value 1/3 less fat than cream cheese (neufchatel), softened
3 TB butter (not lite, it won't taste right)
1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
(I like Roland brand at Walmart) NOT MARINATED ONES!!!
10 oz pkg. frozen, chopped spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry (don't go insane trying to get all the water out, its not that big of a deal)
8 servings of reduced fat parmesan style topping (Kraft)

Nutritional Info


Fat: 4.3g
Carbohydrates: 3.1g
Calories:60.9
Protein: 2.3g



Melt your butter in a saucepan. Add drained and chopped artichoke hearts and spinach and cook for about 5 minutes stirring frequently.

Add cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan. Mix well. Add garlic salt to taste. Reduce heat and stir occasionally until heated through and thickened. Remove from heat. Serve warm with tortilla chips.

2 TB= 1 serving

I am guess-timating here on the amount of serving sizes. You will probably eat more than 2 TB, its really good!!! Make a double batch and keep warm in your crockpot for a crowd!!



Number of Servings: 30

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user KATSAMCAMSMOM.




GO CARDINALS GO CARDINALS GO CARDINALS GO CARDINALS GO CARDINALS GO CARDINALS