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This movie was absolutely amazing! I had my birthday last Friday, and as part of my "birthday weekend" going to see this was part of it. I am generally not attracted to the Sci-Fi sort of genre, but this one is really good. I had heard a lot of good things about it from family and friends and I decided to give it a shot. I was not at all disappointed. Originally it was going to be Tom and I going to the movie. I could tell he didn't really want to go so I gave him the "out" he needed and took my two older kids. My 8 year old and 5 year old. I thought Dylan would like it. He loves anything robotic and alien. I was worried about how Chloe would handle it. Well, she had a blast. She was intrigued and not once did she freak out. When things jumped out at you she would laugh her little head off. When there was fighting she would giggle and say, "That's gonna hurt!" My little girl is as disturbed as her Mother. Dylan was just amazed at the effects. He kept reaching up to touch the things floating around. Since the movie is in 3-D it completely immerses you into the planet "Pandora". I found myself almost believing that I was part of it all. The storyline reminds me of 'Dances with Wolves' But way cooler. I highly recommend it to everyone. I can't wait for the rest of the trilogy to make it to theaters!

State of the Union

Last night was the annual State of the Union address. I can't say I am inspired. As always, it bored the heck outta me. It was the same thing, different President. They always toot their own horn, talk about how we need to come together and how it is the other sides fault. I got a kick out of Supreme Court Justice Alito's response to Mr. Obamas criticism. Other than that, I sat there, drifting in and out of consciousness for 70 minutes of my life. Before anyone gets excited and pegs me an Obama hater, I have this same criticism of every SU address. For once I think it would be cool if the President got up there and in five minutes or less said, "This is what is going on, This is what I am doing, This is what I hope to accomplish." When you cut it down, it wouldn't take but a few minutes for him to say what needed to be said. But in between the standing ovations and jabs at the right it was the same old thing. Just insert the issues of the moment. Tom was watching it with me and all he could say was, "They must be Lutheran, stand-up, sit-down...." He always teases me about that and my Church. I was hoping for something different. Seeing as this is supposed to be such a different President. But he doesn't seem to be able to think for himself. I never wish for the failure of our Presidency. I keep hoping that something will happen that will make me say, "OH YEA! He is one awesome President." Hasn't happened yet. For once I am so grateful that I didn't vote for a sitting President. Again, before anyone gets excited, I didn't vote for him cause I knew he would win. I vote for who I think is going to lose so I can bitch about it. Anyway, you would think I would learn my lesson but every year I turn it on. Stare at the mind numbing boob tube like a zombie and think, "EVERY DAMN YEAR!"

Inches

I have finally measured myself. Something I haven't done since July. I am happy with my results so far, but look forward to more being long gone. So, without further delay, here are my three main areas. I am only putting down how much I have lost not the actual measurements.

Waist: -9.5 inches

Arms : -2 inches

Thighs: -2 inches

I am thrilled with these numbers. I have lost over a foot all over. I don't expect my butt to really go down too far. I have always had a bubble butt. I can firm it up tho. I do like what I am seeing when I get out of the shower and don't shudder. My only regret is that I let my depression and anxiety get in the way of a healthier me. I wish I would have done this sooner. Feeling and looking better makes it so much easier to get through the day. And while Tom has always told me how pretty he thinks I am, I can tell that he is enjoying the rediscovered self that I am returning to. :o)

Well, it was fun.

Yep, it was fun while it lasted. The Vikings lost in overtime to the Saints. It was a great game despite the fact that my team lost. Depressing. Oh well. Super Bowl is coming up in a couple weeks and it is between the Saints and the Colts. I really don't care who wins that much. But since in this world we usually have to pick a team, I choose the Colts. Can't go wrong with a team that shares its name with my son COLTon. So, GO COLTS. Maybe I can convince my hubby to take me to Vegas for the cool Superbowl parties on Fremont Street. We did that once, and had a blast! And we rode roller coasters and had yummy food. (Ever try a deep fried Oreo, oh man, so bad for my diet but one of the best things in the world!) So, maybe I will go get me one of those big cups in the shape of footballs and have some Margaritas, with a double shot of alcohol...whoopee!

I want to write about something serious right now. Unfortunately, there is so much to write about. There is so much to think about in this world. Disasters, politics, poverty, gender issues, if the Jazz can make the playoffs. I can't wrap my mind around anything right now cause I am tired. So in a couple of days I will try to come up with something that stimulates thought, or maybe even riles anger like my Gun post did. Maybe I will write about THAT! You wouldn't believe the correspondence I have gotten from people on both sides over my opinion. If you have something that you would like me to share my thoughts on, let me know.

I want to mention that some friends and I found that we are gunning for the same fitness goals. So much so we started a group on Facebook called "Lose It!" It is a group that we hope to inspire, encourage and challenge each other to feeling better about ourselves. Most of us are on there for a weight loss help, but there are 1 or 2 that just want to get and stay healthy. If you are going for those goals and want a little bit of a 'cheering' section, let me know and I will send you an invite to the group. Of course you have to be on Facebook.

With that I will say goodnight. :o)

My first blog

So I have forgotten that on my Myspace, which I hardly go to anymore, is where I used to blog. So, if you are at all interested in my life from January 2007 until May 2009 (when I started THIS blog) I have opened it up to public view. I had forgotten a lot of things and it was interesting for me to see what my life was like! http://blogs.myspace.com/desertgirl77

Tova

I have nothing exciting that I want to write about at the moment. I thought about politics again, but nah, not in the mood. So you all get to read about my super cool doggy. I wanted a dog a few years ago. I love dogs more than any other pet and I was chomping at the bit to get one. I really am not peculiar about breeds however I refuse to pay money to buy a dog. I will pay an adoption fee and such from a shelter or rescue group but it seems ridiculous to me to pay a butt load of money for a dog when you can get a similar mutt for free or next to nothing. Tom, on the other hand, seems to be picky. His dream dog is an English Mastiff, that my friend and her mom breed. She will cut us a deal but still, its paying quite a bit for a dog with an expected lifespan of ten years. Uh, not at this moment, thanks. They did mention that if they had one that was a runt that they couldn't get rid of it was ours free and clear. So there is a shot! In January 2005 I had mentioned that my friend was breeding her border collie and she said I could have one. Tom quickly rebuffed, "You aren't getting no border collie" to which I replied, "Hey, you get your dog, I get mine! I want a dog!" He couldn't really argue with that. One day he was looking at dog breeds on the Internet. He had seen an ad for a dog and wanted to know if it is what he thought it was. Ok. He kept mentioning this dog that was free in the paper. He then later in the evening said, "Why don't you call and see if this dog is still available." I got irritated cause he was bringing up the dog again. I said, "What is it with you and this dog?!?!?" He said, "I DON'T want a border collie, you don't care about breeds but I do and I don't want to come home to a border collie. If I arrange this dog for you, you will have your dog and that will be the end of it!" Alrighty then. So we went that night and looked at the dog. We fell in love immediately. He is a Samoyed. A dog I have never heard of. But one of the prettiest dogs I have ever seen. We ended up taking him home that night. We haven't ever regretted that decision. He is the friendliest thing you ever saw. He LOVES kids and will let them crawl all over them. I never have to worry about him biting a strange child for pulling hair or bothering him when he is eating. I love this dog. My biggest complaint however, besides the shedding issue, is that I thought he was the biggest wuss on the planet. I wanted a dog for some protection for our home, he didn't fit that job description. And he likes to run. If he gets out he shoots out of that gate like nothing else! Samoyed's are bred to be sled dogs, well, that definitely set in him! The other day he got out. I was here alone with the kids and Tom had my car. Well, I went running after him. Cool cause I had missed my workout! Look at the bright side huh? After chasing him for probably 20 minutes I caught up to him playing with three other dogs. One of those dogs is considered vicious. He will bite. His owner came out and kept warning me to stay on the perimeter of his extension leash. OK. Well I got up to Tova and the mean dog lunged at me. I was out of reach, but Tova didn't like it one bit. I don't know if it was cause he thought I was in danger or what but Tova went crazy on this dog. I actually saw Tova attack something. And he went for the neck and had that dog pinned to the ground. I was STUNNED. The owner and I broke them up and I took him home. Proud that my dog can in fact kick some hiney. He really is awesome, and while he is really the family dog, in truth he is all mine. Thanks honey, you did good on this one!

"I have a dream....."

I was going to write today about the disgust I am beginning to feel for where our country is going. Then I started thinking about how today is Dr. Martin Luther Kings birthday. Today is a day about human rights and equality for all people. He was an inspiration to people of all races. An icon that reminds us that love and action can get you a lot further than hatred and ignorance. So in honor of MLK day, I decided to post a video of his speech given on August 28, 1963. I have read and heard this speech frequently, kinda happens when you are in numerous Political Science courses and a Sociology major! Now this is the WHOLE speech, which is long. I would hope that you listen every word and reflect on them.
This is a link to youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEMXaTktUfA

My Teams.

Football season is coming to a close, the playoffs are underway. I am so thrilled that the Vikings are moving forward. They just beat the Cowboys and next week they will play the Saints for NFC championship. While I am basking in the glory of a Vikings ass handing to the Cowboys, I am a bit frightened about next week. Saints are having a great season. I guess I should be happy that the Vikings are doing so well and are making it far, but I would love it if just ONE of my teams played in the Superbowl. And since my #1 team, the Broncos are way out of the running I am putting on my Vikings gear and showing some love to my Minnesota roots. (Grandpa is from there.) I usually have a family get together at my Mom's for the Superbowl for my birthday. Really, a Superbowl party, Football has always ruled my family's life! Tho, I opt to not celebrate any more birthdays, they keep coming, so I drag my feet and put on a fake smile...."here's to one more year!" UGH! Anyway, back to football. I am seriously hoping and praying that the Vikings can pull out a win next time and make it to the Superbowl. What a cool gift that would be. (That and my tattoo! Come on Dad, I am waiting!)

The end of football will mean that I can now focus on the Utah Jazz. I love basketball, it is a close second to football in my book. My friend, Asia, says I must have a thing for big black men. HAHA. I enjoy watching and playing basketball. Always loved it. Being in Utah, it is easy to be a Jazz fan. Of course I have met more than once many of the team members. My favorite has been meeting Karl Malone - The Mail Man. And getting a chance encounter with John Stockton was awesome. They are seventh in the western conference right now. Not bad, not really good, but they still have a slight chance in the finals. OK, STOP LAUGHING! I know, I know, my teams aren't exactly the dream teams of the sports world, but I am loyal. They have their ups and downs and I bask in the glory of a winning season, and endure the scorn and laughter of those around me in their bad seasons. But I never give up!

Also NASCAR is about to start in Daytona next month. My driver is Kasey Kahne. I was a fan of Dale Earnhardt Sr. Of course he is now Dead. It took me a while to focus on a new driver. Some said that I should turn my attention to his son. No thanks, not really a huge fan of his. I decided to find a younger guy that will be around for a while.

So how can I go wrong with a young man, with great eyes BTW, who is pretty good at what he does, drives a DODGE and is sponsored by Budweiser? Cool thing about that is my husband works for Coca-Cola here in Cedar and they also distribute Anheuser-Busch. I get well supplied with items that sometimes have him on it!

So there is my sports takes for the moment. I hope it clears up the confusion of where my loyalties lie. I am the sports nut in our house. Tom will watch it with me, thank goodness he is supportive and I was able to bring him over to my side away from the Steelers! Tho once in a while he says to me, "Honey, Its just a game!" To which I have to tell him to, "Shut up and get out of this house!" I think he just says that to irritate me.

Back to the fun stuff

I am pretty happy with what I have lost so far in regards to my weight loss. I have slacked off a bit thanks to the holidays and wedding and all that. Happily tho I have not gained a single pound. (Sadly I haven't lost much either) I am happy to say that I am down 31 pounds. I am about half way there! YAY! I have jeans that used to be too tight to wear that are now way too big. That is a great feeling. Jeans that I haven't been able to fit into in years are now comfortable. Even while at the wedding in Idaho, I got complimented many times over at how thin I am getting. That was very inspiring. When I got home and showed hubby pics of the wedding, he looked at the one of me holding Erika and said to our kids, "Mommy is HOT!" HAHA! ('bout damn time he noticed that his wife is hot! ;oP) Since my goal is set to be reached before memorial day, I now need to kick it back in gear. I have reset my Calorie Counter to make sure that goal is reached. I am still doing my hip-hop abs, mostly cause I like watching Shawn T, very nice, and I don't want to disappoint him! Yea, I know I am married, doesn't mean I am DEAD! The kids also gave me a mountain bike for Christmas, and while it is a bit chilly to do that, I can't wait to take it out into the hills and explore the area around me. Good thing I live out in the country! My son can't wait to go riding with Mom. So here goes the second half of my weight loss goals. It isn't as hard as I thought it would be. Since I don't really diet, I just make sure to make what I eat count since I have a limit to the amount I can eat. It is really a lifestyle choice than a diet that will end eventually. I don't intend to hit my goals and then give up on it. I don't work this hard at getting rid of this ugly fat just to let it all come back. Thanks for all the supportive messages from those that send them to me. You have no idea how much it helps to find out that people are in fact noticing the change in me.

Earthquake

A magnitude 7 earthquake has hit Port-au-Prince, Haiti. It has literally flattened most of an entire city in what is arguably the poorest nation in the western hemisphere. There is an estimated hundreds of thousands of people dead. All of a sudden my problems seem so small and ridiculous. Really, I don't have very many big problems, but now they really seem insignificant. I can't imagine how frightened and helpless the people of Haiti are feeling right now. I have experienced a few earthquakes in my life, the largest being a 5.9 on my mom's 40th birthday. And I had a 4.1 as recently as last week. Sadly I didn't even notice it, thought it was a big military jet from Nellis! That is nothing compared to what happened yesterday. I would imagine a lot of the damage to the infrastructure is due to the fact that they are such a poor country and things are not built as strong as they are here. I think this can serve as a reminder to us all that things may seem to get bad sometimes, but remember it could always get a lot worse.

"Bodies were everywhere in Port-au-Prince; those of tiny children adjacent to schools; women in the rubble-strewn streets with stunned expressions frozen on their faces; men hidden beneath plastic tarps and cotton sheets" -AP

Idaho Trip

I had an amazing time this weekend. My Mom and I traveled up to Idaho for my cousin, Brei's wedding. I will try to do a quick walk thru for inquiring minds. We headed up on Thursday and hung out with family. I had never met the fiance Ben, but right off the bat I knew I loved him. So sweet and lots of fun. And he loves the Broncos so he will fit into this family quite easily. We just got to know him and caught up with the rest of the family. The next day, Friday was busy making strategic plans for everyone. Get the last minute details and try to have fun with it. In the morning, Mom and I were able to sneak over to my old friend Jennifer's house to see her and her baby Aiden. Jennifer is like a sister to me. I love her a lot! My mom has even laid claim to the Grandma title and wears it proudly! We stayed for a little while and then went around gathering last minute details for the wedding, snuck to a scrapbook store and then we went to the rehearsal dinner for an amazing Italian feast. It was so neat to have a great dinner and talk with family. After all was said and done, the waiter came and serenaded the happy couple. SOOO sweet! Afterwards we went to my Uncles house and hung out getting our assignments for the next day and I played with their newfoundland Ryka. HUGE dog, but super sweet. The next day was THE big day. I hadn't been able to see Jennifers hubby, Brandon, the day before and they had wanted to get together again before we left. (And OK so did I.) My Mom had things to do so Jen and Brandon came by the hotel and picked me up. We went to a rise and dine sort of place and I got to chit chat and trade smart ass tirades with Brandon. After that they took me to my Uncles house and then we went to the hotel to get ready. OK, it may seem like too much info but really, this kind of crap only happens to me. I needed to shave my legs for the dress I was wearing that evening. I get into the bathroom, lather up and start shaving. Damn if the power didn't go out. I am alone in a hotel room bathroom...no windows, door shut...all foamed up, UGH! I manage to get the door open, open a window to let SOME light in and finish my work without nicking myself. My Mom and I were in charge of picking up the wedding cake and some flowers and getting them over to the venue. All I can say is thank the Good Lord above for GPS. We managed to find the place in an old building in down town Boise. It was gorgeous. My cousins daughter Ericka became my best buddy. She and I hung out after she hit her head and I was there to comfort her. She wouldn't let me leave her lol. To make her happy we snapped pics of ourselves. She was such a princess and so sweet. We went through the wedding and it was beautiful. It is awesome to see two people come together like that when they are so much in love. I wish them all the best. The next day was time to come home and so Mom and I made the long trip home. I am now exhausted but glad to be home to my babies. Tom is glad to see me. He called me to see when I would be back. "I need a break" Yeah well, honey, WELCOME TO MY WORLD!

Jenny

I got a pretty sad notice in my facebook inbox last night. It said that my friend, Jennifer Green Lilienthal had passed away due to liver cancer. Her husband had logged into her account and sent me a message telling me. It surprisingly sent me into a flood of tears thinking about how she was my age, not really that old, and such a sweet person. We were just notified within the past month that there were some tumors, but it was nothing to worry about. Apparently someone was wrong. This just all happened so quickly. Jen was one of those 'special' people if you know what I mean. I hate to use the word handicapped or retarded. There is such a negative connotation that goes with those words. Words are important to me. Anyway, I knew her in high school and she was the sweetest person you could ever meet. She definitely loved people. If you became her friend, you were a friend for life. She was ALWAYS sending me emails and popping up on my chats. She loved the Denver Broncos....YES!!...so we always had something to talk about. If there was something bothering me she would encourage me and remind me that things could always get worse. She was in my corner cheering me on during the good times and helping me thru the bad. There were so many people that hurt her. It always broke my heart. However, she never let that stop her from being the caring woman that she was. I believe she is now flying with the angels where she belongs. No one can hurt her and she isn't limited by her problems.

There seems to be quite a few of my former school mates that have passed on. It is a bit alarming. I know people die, but every few months I open the newspapers obituary page and see people that I knew in school. Some I knew better than others. A few stick out, such as Yale Abernathy. He died over ten years ago, but he was such an amazingly, talented guy and a wonderful friend. This world lost a lot when he passed. I miss him.

Just a reminder to always let those that you care about, know that you care about them. Words mean a lot. Don't let pride stop you from saying "I'm sorry" when you hurt someone, and don't forget to make the people that you love feel special. You never know if it is the last time you will ever talk to them again. I am grateful that the last chat I had with Jen was a good one. All about our Broncos. Rest In Peace my dear friend. I look forward to seeing you on the other side.

Cemetaries

I am fascinated by cemeteries. I find it really interesting. If I see a graveyard I am tempted to stop and take a look. Sounds kinda morbid I know. Something about seeing a persons final resting place is a habit for me. I like to read headstones which by the pictures and words engraved on them, can tell you a lot about the life they lead. Their likes, beliefs and family. I am also a member of findagrave.com. It is a website which will link you to almost any cemetery in America, and some overseas. You can see pics of a lot of headstones. Many of my loved ones and friends are there. It is almost like a virtual cemetery. Some will have their obituaries on there. You can also leave a sort of virtual flower and message on each one. They also have photos of thousands of famous and historical grave sites. I have seen everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Martin Luther. I also on occasion will go take pictures of headstones for the site. I guess we all have our quirks. This is one of my many. Cemeteries don't frighten or sadden me as they do some people. I find people exciting, dead or alive.