a year....comes and it goes.

This weekend...today actually...is the one year anniversary of my mom's death. Sometimes it seems like a million years have passed since my mom died and sometimes it seems like it was yesterday.

The anniversary is today, but it felt like it was on Friday. My mom passed away on the first Friday in May last year. I was in a huge funk on Friday. I wanted to call in "sick" to work on Friday...since I just didn't want to deal. I didn't...because there was work that needed to be done, but I wanted to. It was a hard day to sit in my office and go through the motions...and it kind of felt like I was living the day over again since many things were similar. I had a class I was preparing for the next day last year...just like this year. I had to leave during my lunchtime...this year, to run errands...last year, to go check on my mom. I would often think of that wonderful, naive sense I had last year until my dad called and asked if I had heard from mom and if I could call and see if she was home. My whole world changed...once I left and hoped to just go home, check on her and chastise her for not answering the phone.

So...on Friday, I just kind of went through the day and did everything to get my work done and get home. I spent both Friday and Saturday continuing my funk...I ended up bring snarky and trying to pick a fight with my dad on Saturday while we were shopping because I am just THAT mature. I basically hung up on him on the phone (which I think is just the rudest thing a person can do)...when I was calling him from one side of Target while he was on the other. I went home...ate WAY too much for dinner and then watched a movie and went to bed.

Today, I woke up...and felt better. I felt renewed is the best way I can describe it. I got up before my alarm...and got ready to go to church. I considered not going, but I always feel close and connected to my mom at church, so I knew it was where I needed to be. I spent two days being a grump...and missing my mom and I felt this morning, that she was telling me to get over it and honor her by being that positive being that my was always was. So, today...I have that spirit about me again.

I miss my mom. I can't believe she's been gone for a year. Dad and I went to visit her grave marker...and spend a little time with her. I'm gonna do the best I can to honor her and make her proud. I can dwell in the pain of missing her...but I am not going to do that because it isn't what she would want. She's more important to me and the world than that.

Hugs to all....

If you haven't seen it in 10 years, you probably don't need it...

As I said in my earlier entry....I've been helping my dad de-clutter the house for the past couple of weeks. It's such a pain...but that's the price you pay when you live like a pack rat and think you need to keep everything.

It's amazing the stuff that has been in boxes for years and years...and every once in a while I'd come across some real gems. Like my collection of porcelain dolls. There were probably 6 of them in the box and they are basically in mint condition. I'm not sure what I am going to do with them. I can remember how excited I was about them at the time, but now...I just don't have the space or the desire to put them up on display. I am either going to place them back into storage...or I am also considering selling them on ebay.

One thing my dad and I have been doing, it labeling stuff. Even if I wanted stuff in there, I had no idea what anything was. It was just box after box after box. If I found something that I wanted to keep...such as the dolls or some college textbooks, I would make a little label and stick it on there. My dad is going to try to find his little electronic label maker because that would just make the project go by so much faster. You know what I mean right? Let me see if I can find a link on the lovely internet. It's kind of like these Dymo labels and such. When I was a kid, my brother and I would use that label maker all the time just to play. We would make silly labels and put them on each other when we weren't looking. I can my dad glaring at us and reminding us that it wasn't a toy. tee, hee, hee...

Well, won't he be so happy for me to use it for it's actual purpose. I am really looking forward to getting my brother's room organized and put together. And then, I think my dad wants to turn it into an exercise room. Sounds good to me.

what type of friend are you????

One of my goals in 2008...is to work on my friendships with a lot of people. I've kind of isolated myself as of late...and I don't want to do it anymore. So, I am going to reach out and reconnect.

It got me really thinking...and if I am completely honest...which I try to be...I don't really have that many friends. Those close friends that you hang out with and share everything with. Those relationships...are very few and far between in my life. Probably my closest relationship is with my dad. I adore him...and not just because he is my father, but because he might be the most fabulous human being on the planet. I've always felt that way about him...and I just feel even closer to him in the last year since we've spent a lot of time leaning on one another. The only other really close person I have in my day to day life...is my roomie. We have a lot in common and have a good time together...and share our lives, etc. She's a doll and I feel honored to not only call her a friend, but a close friend.

I have other close friends who aren't in my life. There is my childhood best friend. She lives in town, but we just haven't made time to see one another. It's completely my fault...since it just hasn't worked out. I fully commit and plan to see a lot more of her. She's someone who no matter what...loves me and supports me. I love her so much for that....and wish I had made more time to spend with her. We're going to get together soon.

And then there is my best friend from college...she's someone who no matter how long time goes in between seeing one another or talking, things are the same. She's a kindred spirit...I guess (Wow...can you tell I like Anne of Green Gables with that statement). Our lives have changed...she's married with 2 little rugrats, but no matter what...we just adore each other. She lives in Vermont...and I am planning a trip to see her very soon. I have another really good friend from college...who is always trying to get me to come out and visit her. I wish she lived across town...or across campus, like the good ol' days because then I would be seeing her and her family all the time.

There was a long time when I wouldn't have called my brother my friend. I've always loved him...since the moment I was born...and I'd say the feeling was mutual. But at the same time...while growing up...we loved each other, but didn't like each other very much. We were just very different people growing up. I think becoming adults...we truly grew into being friends. He and his family live in Florida...so, it's always fun to visit, but I wish he lived closer so I could see them all more often. I think the world of him now...how great he is as a dad...and just how much he has blossomed into an amazing human being. I see so much of my mom in him...and that's truly a beautiful thing.

Now...most everyone else in my life fits into those friend "categories"...but I wouldn't call them close friends. Maybe they were once, but now...not so much. Sometimes time just passed...sometimes we just didn't prioritize hanging. We all have those categories...the "work" friends who you adore at work, but you just don't hang out with outside of that setting....the "email/blog" friends who you catch up through email or a blog, but don't hang out...the "long distance" friends who you adore, but are forced to adore from a far, etc.

Ok, I'm babbling....I guess my point is that I adore the close friends I have in my life and just wish I had more. So, don't be surprised if you get a call from me sometime soon...and see if we can find some time to hang. Hugs all.

Happy Easter Everyone! I'll be heading to church in a few. In reality, I don't really know what to expect since I haven't been to church on Easter in maybe years, probably more. Then, I am going to hang out with my dad a little bit...and then come back to the apartment to get some much needed cleaning done. The Easter Bunny isn't bringing me candy this year...since I have banished it, but I heard he was bringing some to my daddy!

Enjoy the day!

Happy St. Patty's Day to all....

Hey everyone....Happy St. Patrick's Day! I took the day off work...why? Because I consider it my nation's holiday. I am a redhead with pale skin that won't tan...and freakles all over in the summer time. So, yeah...to say I am Irish is an understatement.

If you live near a Stewart's and happen to be wearing green today...stop by and get a FREE SCOOP of ice cream. I wish I was eating ice cream, but not quite yet....but soon. Next year, I will get my free scoop. Heck...maybe next year I will go to every Stewart's in town...which would easily be over 10. j/k

I took a quick run over to my dad's this morning....3 miles...and then we went and bought some green carnations and headed over to my mom's grave marker and put them on the stone. She always loved St. Patty's Day and being Irish. She wore a claddagh ring for years and years...which I now own and only wear is seldomly because I am terrified of losing it. So, I hope she likes the flowers.

And now...I am heading out to go to the video store and then do some shopping...looking to see if the sales are any good for some pants, etc. If not...I'll keep looking.

Enjoy the day...even if you aren't Irish...pretend you are!

Busy and fun Saturday....

Ah...the weekend is almost over. How did that happen so fast? I'm happy to report that I did get my run in on Saturday. It was raining when I got up, but it quickly stopped...so I strapped on my shoes and headed out. I didn't eat enough before heading out, so I ran out of gas and stopped at 4 miles, but still...FOUR MILES. I'm not complaining.

Saturday was also my roomie's bday. It was one of those birthdays that ends with a ZERO. I won't say which one...you'll have to figure it out. We went to the movies and then watched a rented movie. We went to see Vantage Point, which was pretty good. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it, but I did. I thought it was cool how they showed the same 20 minutes from a bunch of people's different views...hence why it is called Vantage Point. There was a guy sitting a few rows behind us who was SO annoyed every time the movie went back to the same starting point...I guess he didn't google the plot before going to see it. The rented movie we watched was Dan In Real Life. It was cute...and Steve Carell and Dane Cook with both quite funny.

What did I get my roomie for her bday? Well...I made a mint no bake cheesecake for her to take and eat with her family. I knew it wasn't on my diet, so I was glad she could enjoy it with them. She said it was good and they liked it...in fact, I think her sister got very excited about it. LOL I also got her 2 books about MS, health and weight loss. She's doing all the research she can and they have a lot of ideas and meals plans in there...so I hope she finds them helpful. I also got her some smelly stuff from Tar-get...and some pistachios...cause they are yummy and she likes them. I think that's it...oh yeah...and a kick @rse card.

Saturday was kind of a busy day...which is kind of nice since I usually am not the Queen of Productive and Running around. What have I done today? Well...maybe if you are lucky, I will save that for another entry. *winks*

What the hella?

I was talking with my dad this morning after church...and he said something about his friend at work getting a new truck and how cool the Hella lights were. I immediately knew I was a female because I said...What is hella? I just barely learned what a Hemi is. What is hella? Is it what people say now instead of Hollah when something cool happens?? *giggles*

My dad said he didn't even know what it was until his friend at work explained...that it is the high beam lights that come on a lot of trucks now...and even some cars. I wonder if it is the bright blue lights that I often see. Remember all those commercials that had that hickish guy saying, "Got a hemi??" It's only a matter of time before we see Ford commercials with some guy saying, "Get a hella??"

Yep..I am not a car girl. What I know of cars is...it gets me from point A to point B. If I need to know more...this girl calls her daddy.

Love the one you're with....

Hi all...I wanted to pop on and wish everyone an awesome and love filled Valentine's Day. Even for the chronically single...like myself, celebrate the holiday. I can remember when I was in college and myself and some of my bitterly single friends would call VDay...Black Hearts Day. At least I don't feel like that anymore.

I made some yummilicious brownies last night and brought them into work. I say they are yummilicious because that is what the office told me, but I don't really know...since I didn't eat any of them. I believe them though...since they started eating them at 8:15am and there weren't any left at 11am or so. They looked good....so, I will probably make them again.

And, if my roomie is lucky...I have a couple of them saved and she might get one. I got one for my dad and an extra one for my roomie (Hey Roomie...aren't you glad you got me my $2 now! TWO DOLLARS!!!). I think I am going to go hang with my dad for a little bit tonight since this is his first Valentine's Day since my mom passed away. I don't think he would say anything, but I imagine it's a tough day for him.

Plus...I have tomorrow OFF WORK...and Monday too. I am looking at a 4 day weekend. I am excited about that. I don't plan on doing a heck of a lot...working out...cleaning the apartment a smidge...going for my usual run. And I don't hate work or my job, but I am loving the idea of 4 days away from it.

Enjoy the holiday...share the love!!!!

Back in NY...

Hey everyone...and by everyone...I mean the 4 people who read here. lol I am officially back in cold, snowy NY. My dad and I left warm, sunny Florida at 4:30am on Friday. My brother gets up for work anyways at 4am, so he got to see us off. I wish we lived closer to one another...because I would love to see him and the family more often. And that nephew of mine...did I mention he is the cutest person on the planet. I'll post later a bunch of things that I think are adorable about him....

Dad and I drove through the day on Friday and got smacked with rain in Northern Virgina, so we stopped....we were going to stop anyways. We stayed at a hotel that was way expensive...but with the high price tag, it came with some nice perks. It was a beautiful room...nice big towels...a mini fridge...a microwave...a fitness center. I'll be honest, I am most excited about the fitness center. All I had done all day is sit on my booty....so I was glad to give it some exercise. So, I ran on the treadmill for 30 minutes or so. Then...I watched some TV (I watched Elf on the Sci-Fi Channel...umm, why is Elf sci-fi, even in the slightest)...and headed to bed.

Dad wanted to leave at like 6am...I nixed that. I wanted to workout in the morning before we left. So, 7am was the decided time. I got up at 5:45am...ran down to the car...got my workout clothes on...ran on the elliptical for 30 minutes...jumped in the shower...got dressed...packed my stuff...drank down my breakfast...and was ready to go at 7am.

We made great time...and we were home just a smidge after 2pm. I ran some errands...came home...made dinner...did a load of laundry and now I am just vegging in front of the tv for the evening. I imagine I will be in bed early...and catch up on some zzzzs.

I loved being in Florida...spending time with my brother, his kick ass wife and of course...the adorable nephew. If I won the lottery, I would spend a lot more time with them...since it is just constant fun. I wish I could have stayed longer. I am happy to be home, but I still want to be there. I know that makes no sense, but it does to me.

I hope everyone had a great holiday...and a wonderful new year coming up. Hugs to all...and to all a good night.

tis the season...

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful, special, fabulous holiday! I know, I did. This Christmas was really great. My nephew opened up all 6 million of his presents in about 2 seconds flat. I remember those days...of the sheer thrill of just opening the presents...I barely had time to see what it was before I moved on to the next one. We had a nice breakfast with my brother and his family. They really are dolls for taking care of us and entertaining us so well this week...it's been such a nice holiday.

And what did Santa bring me? Well...I got a new digital camera, which is SWEET! I plan on taking some pictures and posting them as soon as I get back in cold, snowy NY. I also got a nice digital picture frame which is going to be filled with pics of my family and friends. I got a sweet Red Sox t-shirt. I got some yummy, smelly bath stuff. I got a gift certificate to Bath and Body Works and we know how I love that place. It was a really nice year...and Santa did real good by me!

This was the first Christmas without mom...and it's too bad because she would have loved it. My nephew is getting older by the minute...and cuter too. She would have loved his bday party SO SO much. She would have loved just about everything. But, for me...I haven't been sad this Christmas...I know she wouldn't have wanted that. Instead, I am going to love life and my family with the same intensity and passion that she did...I am going to see the positive and merriment in everything. My mom's eyes sparkled when something fun was going on...so, I am going to work hard to have that sparkle. That's the best way to remember her...to talk about her and live in as she would have.

Merry Christmas Everyone...and start thinking about those New Year's Goals now!! I know I have to...because for the first year in a long time, losing a truck load of weight won't be first on my list. Hugs to all!!

Merry Christmas Eve...and a weigh-in too!

Hi y'all! Merry Christmas eve...I hope everyone is having a great holiday. It's been wonderful here in sunny Florida. I would miss the snow, but I could get used to weather where people say it is chilly out when it is 60 degrees. lol My nephew's bday was yesterday and we had a rockin' good time at his party. Phew..I am burning calories left and right playing with that adorable kid.

It's Christmas Eve, but it's also Monday...so let's not forget it is weigh-in time. I am a crazy nut who brought my scale with me on vacation. I wanted to know that I was eating well and doing what I needed to, so the scale kept me honest. It would be too easy to cheat here or there if I didn't step on the scale each and every morning.

So, what did it say this morning on the official weigh-in day? Well...it said I dropped another TWO POUNDS! That makes a total of 45 pounds I have lost since I recommitted in September. I initially thought all I wanted to lose was 45 lbs, but I have decided to go for another 10 lbs...so I am off to the races again. I feel really good about what I have lost and that clothes actually fit now, instead of just hiding me like they used to before. But, I want those vanity pudge pounds gone too. So, I am going after them!!! Fitness wise...this new year is going to be a whole new ball of wax!

Merry Christmas everyone...I hope Santa brings you everything your heart desires! Santa brought me what I wanted...actually he took 45 lbs with him while he was dropping off the rest of the presents. Good job Santa!

Sunny Florida...well, it's a little rainy today...but still!

Hi to all out there on the internets!

My dad and I made it...and are now in sunny Florida for the holidays. We did have some car trouble....I think because we kept boasting about what GREAT time we were making. We were in Maryland...about to hit the W Virginia line...and the tire started making a foul noise. Dad thought it was a tire going...we pulled over...tire is fine. So, we naively went on our way...and the noise got WAY worse. So, we pulled over at the next exit...and by this time, smoke was pouring out from under the tire. We found a little repair shop and they were able to fix it...and seemed honest to boot! It was a wheel bearing that went bad...and the guy said if we didn't stop when we did...the tire probably would have fallen off while we were driving! Eeek...glad we stopped when we did.

Other than that...the trip was uneventful. It was a nice ride...and my nephew is seriously the most adorable person on the planet. I love love love playing with him...and, it is a great way to get my exercise in.

I hope everyone has a great holiday...I will check in from time to time...and say hey...but if it is a choice between running around after my cute lil' nephew and updated y'all...you know where I stand on that one.

Hugs to all...

Only 2 lbs to goal...holy bejesus!

Hi everyone...it's Monday, so that means it is weigh in day. Today and tomorrow are going to be crazy busy days....CRAZY busy. I go on vacation starting Wednesday...and dad and I are going to Florida. There are a million things to get done before I am ready to go.

So...let's get down to business. I was hungry all week long, but I remained a good kid. My boss took us all out to Olive Garden and I was still good....no breadsticks people! I made some thin mint cookies...and didn't bite, lick or taste any of them. I made fudge with my dad (my mom's recipe...so good!) and didn't have any of that either. So, if the scale wasn't nice to me...I was going to have a friggin' fit.

Well, I didn't have a fit. I lost FOUR pounds. I can't believe it. I have lost 43 pounds...and only 2 pounds shy of the 45 pound goal. I think I might try to lose a little bit more, but....I am just happy to be where I am. I didn't even think I could get here, so I am really content. And, if I am a lucky...and the scale gods are nice to me, I could lose the 2 lbs as a Christmas gift.

And...tonight, I am packing for the trip to Florida. I got out all my small jeans...and tried them on. Guess what? Yep...they all fit. One is still too snug to wear outside, but they all fit.

I had a thought today...I am going to have to think long and hard about what my new year's goals are going to be. For the past...well...ever...it has always been to lose weight and get fit. It was the constant answer...and now, I am going to have to look beyond that. Of course...keeping it off is the constant goal...the one I haven't been able to do so far, but it is great having that in front of me instead of losing a ton of weight on New Year's Day.

Hugs...

It's Weigh-In Monday!

Hello everyone...it's officially Monday again, which means it is my weekly weigh-in day. I have always picked Mondays as my weigh-in days because it helps me stay focused on the weekends...knowing I have a weigh-in looking me in the face bright and early on Monday Mornings.

As we know..this week was Thanksgiving. You know...that holiday known for stuffing your face until you have to unbutton your pants. I had a really nice Thanksgiving with family...and I also didn't eat outside of my diet. I had veggies and cheese for my protein. I didn't have stuffing...and lord, I love stuffing. I didn't have mashed taters...and I like them too, but don't love them like I love stuffing.

Anyways...enough teasing you. I lost 3 lbs this week. That's right...3 freakin' pounds. I have never lost weight before the week of Thanksgiving....usually I am right in the middle of gaining weight before New Year's...when I will once again vow to take it off. In total, I have lost 33 lbs since recommitting myself to this diet mumbo jumbo.

This last week was stressful and sometimes sad for me...it was the holiday week, my mom's birthday...plus some other just stressful stuff. This would have been a prime week for me to comfort myself with food...but I didn't. And what is new, I didn't even think about it. A month ago...I was a little stress ball too...and I didn't jump into a pool of ice cream and chow away, but I thought about it. When I was feeling stressed or bad...food was still my first impulse. This week...I dealt with it in different ways. I talked to people. I went for walks. I cried if need be(I am so not a crier). Food wasn't my first thought...and I am really comforted by that. I think this diet...as strict as it is...is teaching me things. I am hopeful it is teaching me lessons that I can use long after I am done losing weight.

Phew...enough of all that seriousness. Oooh...I went shopping this weekend. No, not Christmas shopping like everyone else on the planet. I went shopping for the 2 reward presents I owed myself. I was putting off the sneaks because they were kind of pricey and I was hoping for a sale after TGiving. I got no sale, but I bought the sneaks anyways. I got a nice pair...they feel great on my feet. I always buy Nikes...I think they were just made for my foot. And, I bought some stuff at Bath and Body Works. They had a sale for 4 items for $10...so that's what I got. I have a hard time spending money on myself at any time, but especially at this time of the year...but I needed to get out of the head space because I deserved it...no I earned it. Plus, my old sneaks were falling apart...literally.

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend...and that Monday is finding them well.

I survived Thanksgiving!

Hello. How was everyone's Thanksgiving??? Mine was really good. My dad and I went to Massachusetts and spent the holiday with his side of the family. The meal was held at my cousin's house. The meal was cooked by her husband...and it was delish. They have 2 little twin girls who are 6. They are adorable. I haven't seen my cousin in maybe 10 years, so I got to meet them for the first time. It was a really nice time...and it was nice to be around family in the larger context. My mom would have loved to be there...and spend time with that side of the family. I am hopeful we will continue to do that in the future Turkey Day celebrations.

And...in terms of my diet, I stayed on plan and didn't shovel it in. I brought some mashed cauliflower with me, plus there were some of the best green beans I have ever had. I didn't eat the dessert....and took a nice long walk after dinner. It was a drive to get there and get back home...but well worth it.

So, are you out shopping today? Not me. I am working..we get Thursday off, but not the Friday after. And, I kind of like it that way. I don't want to get up at 4am and be out shopping...and fighting with other customers. Not worth it, nope.

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday weekend....and being reminded of what they are thankful for.

Hugs,

Hi everyone!

Today is a good and a sad day for me. Today would have been my mom's 61st birthday. I have been thinking about her a lot lately...which is what makes it a good day. You know, I was one of the luckiest people on the planet. Not many people got the parents I did. My mom was one of the most amazing women in the world...she was so giving and gracious...and given all of her health problems, she didn't let it beat her. She was one of the happiest people I knew. She always looked for the positive and the silver lining in everything.

And of course it is sad because I wanted more time. I wanted my mom to grow old and grey...and I wanted my nephew to continue to know and love her. I miss her all the time. For the most part, my days are really good...and thinking about her and talking about her is really good. She is the core of who I am as a person...she taught me how to live in the world.

I miss her.

Hugs to all. And...Happy Thanksgiving to everyone out there. Enjoy your time with your family and loved ones. I know I plan to.

early presents...

Oh...I forgot to mention..my dad and I went to Devil-Mart this past weekend. I talk a good game about hating the place, but I will admit it, I shop there. Anyways...we went there to buy my birthday present. Of course first we looked around at a bunch of random things....we spent a lot of time looking at storage bins and a utility cart. We looked at some blankets and such...and then bought some much needed groceries.

But let's not forget that we bought my birthday present...we bought a new elliptical machine. I am excited to get it up and running...and for me to get up and running again. I bought one a couple of years ago and fell in love with it...but then it went and broke on me and broke my little ol' working out heart. And the new one...is a little better than the last one. It isn't a swanky one that costs 1000 bucks...but it's nice.

I'm so excited....I just can't hide it...

maybe I should just move to Florida!

One of my friends just got home from a vacation in Florida...and hearing her tell about it made me jealous. Not of Florida, but because if I was in FL, I would be able to visit my brother, his wife and my adorable little nephew. My dad and I are going to go down around Christmas time since my nephew's bday is just a couple days before jesus'. lol I also would love to spend a week down there with some friends of mine. We have talked about it, but actually planning something...harder said than done. Part of me wants wants to stay in one of those Orlando vacation rental resorts, but the other part wants to stay at a cheap dive and spend all my money on fun things, not a room to stay. Who knows? No matter what...I am excited just thinking about the trips ahead of me to Florida.

already planning my next vacation!

As I am starting on my vacation....of doing nothing...and loving it. I started to think about my next vacation which will be going to Florida over Christmas time to visit with my brother and his family, especially my nephew. His birthday is 2 days before Xmas...so we get to celebrate his 3rd birthday, Xmas and I think New Years. That's a lot of celebrating for one vacation, dontcha think. I know December is a while away, but I have already starting thinking and planning. Kissimmee vacations are awesome because there is so much you can do...you can go to Disney, you can go to Sea World...you can just get some fun in the sun and stick your tongue out at all your friends shivering up north. I gotta start saving though...so we can make the most out of the trip. I am so excited.

*yawns*

I had a lot going on this weekend...so here is an update, cause I know you are waiting with baited breath.

Friday: I got out of work...and was so excited that I am officially on vacation. I immediately went and got my haircut. If y'all are lucky...I might post a pic, but probably not. And if I do, I'll probably post it on myspace...so if you aren't my myspace friend....well, sucks to be you!

Saturday: I had such a hard time getting to sleep on Friday night. I have had a hard time sleeping lately and I am not sure why. Anyways...it sucked even more than usual because my alarm was set for 5am...in order to head to Maine with my dad for the day. I prepared him when I got into the car that I might be Ms. Cranky Pants, etc. (Luckily I kept the cranky at bay). SO, we got into Maine at about 10:30 or so. We walked around the boardwalk and bought some of the best salt water taffy. If you have never had Goldenrod Kisses...you are missing out man. Seriously!!! Then, we went over to the local cemetery where my grandparents are buried and meet up with my 2 uncles. It was hot as balls that day....I mean, I was dripping. My uncles got there...we all chit chatted and what not, took some pics and then headed out of the hot evil sun and got some lunch. We went to this cool restaurant that is shaped like a boat, so you feel like you are eating inside a boat. I got an awesome veggie burger...which was homemade, not frozen, etc. It was yummilicious. We had a nice conversation at lunch...until my uncle showed that he is still living in a bitterbarn since my grandma passed away. But, we all moved on...so, it went back to being nice. After lunch, we drove over to the house that my dad grew up in. My other uncle (Non bitterbarn one)...knew the next door neighbor, so we got to walk through their yard to behind my dad's old house. It is such a beautiful home...and it is right on the water. When my grandma sold it...back in 1979...she sold it for $79,000...and it might go back on the market soon and it is rumored it could sell for over 4 million dollars. That's insane...completely insane people. And..after that, my dad and I drove back home and I was in bed EARLY. Long day, but very good day.

Sunday: The JDRF walk was on Sunday. It was a good day, but a hard one to get through. I got up and headed over to my dad's house at 10am...and then we headed over to the walk. To this date, I raised $416.00...so I think that is awesome. My roommate said her employer has a matching program, so it might be even more....so that's great. I am thankful to everyone who donated, it meant so much to me. And...for the next month you can still donate, so if you missed it...no fear, click away! Ooh...a special thank you to the anonymous person who donated. I wish I knew who ya were, so I could really thank you. I got to the walk...turned in my donations and then headed over to the start line. I saw a woman from my church and we walked together. My dad watched and took pics....which I might post on myspace...see there are benefits to being my friend!! LOL Of course, it rained like crazy for the first half of the walk. I had an umbrella...so it wasn't horrible. It let up about the time we were turning around and heading in the other direction. I talked with the woman from my church through the whole walk...and it was nice chit chatting with her. She's truly a remarkable woman. I finished the walk...hugged my dad...and then we left and grabbed some lunch. I spent some time at home with him and then headed back to the apartment to just sit exhausted on the couch...phew. I watched some crap tv...the roomie came home, chit chatted with her...watched more TV...and then headed to bed.

So...there ya have it. My recap of the first weekend of my vacation. So, what's on tap today??? Well...I am going to do lots of laundry and start pulling my bedroom apart. This week is all about organization...and getting everything clean and in its place. At first, I thought my roommate was on vacation this week...but she's not...so I am going to have to try to get all this stuff done without waking her up or bothering her. It's no biggie...just kind of changes the way I would do things, etc. (i.e...I planned on sleeping on the futon while I worked on my room, but obviously that won't work now, etc.) Oh well...life is about adjusting.

Hope everyone is enjoying their week....even if you aren't on vacation like me.