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!

Mid-week report...

It's Wednesday....which means it is Hump Day y'all. We are over the hump and closer to Friday. Plus, this is the Wednesday after what the news reporters were calling Super Tuesday 2. Hillary won Ohio, Rhode Island and Texas...and Barack won Vermont. I've written before that I am a Hillary fan, but part of me just wants this battle to the nominee to be over...and I've crunched the numbers and it looks like...no matter what...it's probably going to go Obama's way. I just don't want to see the Democratic Party spending ALL their time fighting each other...while McCain and the Republicans are uniting and preparing for the real fight, the general election.

Anything else really going on in my life? Not a lot. My roommate's birthday is coming up soon. I've never really been the kind of person who likes to celebrate my birthday, but I know my roomie is. So, we're trying to find something to do...even if it is just a movie and hanging out, etc. And of course...it means I gotta get cracking on buying her gift. I always want to get special gifts that mean something to the person...not just a gift card or a neutral gift. I always want the gift to be something that shows them I thought of "them" specifically. Don't get me wrong...I've bought gift cards before and in all honesty, I like getting them...but still. Hmm, maybe I will buy her lingerie
(just kidding...but I sure got your attention, didn't I?). I'm gonna poke around the shops this weekend when I am running errands and what not...and see what I can find. I always just keep looking until at some point...I come across the perfect gift.

I hope everyone is enjoying their week...and has fabulous plans for the weekend. I don't, but well...I live a pretty boring, grandma lifestyle.

Happy Leap Year!

I couldn't let the day go by without posting...since it is Leap Year and all. I don't know why I find the idea of Leap Year exciting. I guess it is because it's the day that only exists once every 4 years...kind of like it's a magic day that only gets to come out and play every once in a while.

So, I hope you are enjoying your magical Leap Year day!!!

A day off, a weigh-in and a sick roomie...

Hey everyone....it's Monday aka Weigh-In day. I like having Mondays off from work (President's Day) because I can get up, lounge around and then do my weekly weigh-in. I forgot to not set my alarm...so it went off at 7am, but that's ok. I got up and then weighed in at around 7:30am...and started about my day...getting my breakfast...yadda yadda.

So, how did it go? I lost 2 lbs last week for a total of 67 lbs. I started transition on Friday, so the weight loss will probably slow down or stop altogether. Last week, I was only in transition phase for a few days, so I am not surprised I lost a couple of pounds. I have set a transition and maintenance range...between 65 and 70 lbs lost. So, I would be cool if I lost a couple of more pounds...since I imagine I might get some rebound pounds when I start adding a bunch of stuff back in.

I ran on the elliptical today. I have been doing interval training lately with my elliptical. I have been running normal speed for 4 minutes and then going as fast as I could for one minute...and then go at normal speed for another 4 minutes...over and over. I hope that this will help my endurance as I start running for speed and distance.

Let's see...other than that...the only other interesting info around these parts is that my poor roomie is sick as a dog. She started coughing a little here or there a few days ago...when she swore she wasn't sick...but, well...the sickness gods had other ideas. She is coughing up a storm now....and her throat sounds horrible. I feel for my roomie and hope she gets better too, but at the same time...I am terrified of getting sick. Every time she coughs...I wince. I have been taking some echinacea for weeks and I have Zicam in the apartment, if I need it. I won't make the mistake my roomie did...and think it isn't a cold for a couple days...instead, if it hits...I hope to use some prevention and knock it out.

I also spent the afternoon cleaning the apartment. It was on my agenda anyways...since it needs it and it hadn't been cleaned for a few weeks, but since my roomie is sick...I definitely needed to clean it. I cleaned the kitchen...cleaned the bathroom and wiped down the furniture in the living room. This week, I am going to make a cleaning schedule...and post it on the fridge. I want to keep the cleaning up...so it doesn't turn messy so quickly. It seems that roomie and I don't seem to notice the messiness until it is pretty bad...and for the past few months, that's just not cutting it for me. I wanna clean because it's what you should do...not because the apartment is so messy, you have no choice. I wanna to treat it like how you think of brushing your teeth. Do you only clean your teeth when you notice how dirty and gross they are?? Of course not. You brush your teeth twice a day...because you are supposed to and it keeps them clean...always. So, I want cleaning the apartment to be like that for me. That's my plan at least.

Alright...I'm off...to watch some crap tv...and lounge around on my day off. Enjoy the day...if you are working or not. And if you wanna...send me some healthy thoughts that I don't get this nasty cold my roomie has. *crosses fingers*

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!!!!

Super Fat Tuesday....

*giggles* That's right...today is not only Super Tuesday, but it is also Fat Tuesday.

So, if you live in one of the 22 states that is having a primary today....don't forget to get out and vote. NY is one of those states, so I will be heading to the polls once I get out of my dentist appt this afternoon. There have never been this many states on Super Tuesday before...it's as close to a national primary as we have ever had. I have never hidden who I am going to vote for....I'm a democrat, so I will be voting in that primary and casting my vote for Hillary Rodham Clinton. I am not voting against Obama, but I just feel that Hillary is the most qualified candidate to lead the country.

I guess I should rant about one of my pet peeves....not voting. I don't know how many people I have come across in the last few weeks who have no intention of voting in the primary...and some more who aren't registered to vote, etc. I consider it an honor to be able to vote...and have a voice in our system. For decades...women before me championed and sacrificed so that I could have the simple right to vote...so, in many ways...I consider not voting a slap in their faces. With freedom and democracy...comes responsibility. When most people tell me they aren't voting...here are the main reasons: 1) The system is so corrupt...I don't want to be a part of it. 2) My vote doesn't really count anyways. 3) I don't like any of the candidates, so why bother. And...some of that argument is right on the money, but I don't think it is reason not to vote. Right now...our system says it is a democracy, but I am not sure it actually is. I do agree...that in many ways...it is bought and paid for. And, I have felt at times that my vote doesn't really count because of the way the electoral college works. But...there that just confirms my need to vote. I know the system will never change if only those who support the corruption vote in it...if only those who champion the status quo. I have often said that if everyone voted...our political system would be vastly different. In terms of statistics...people in poverty don't vote...so, why should a politician pay attention to their issues...when they don't come out to the polls. Let's say for example...Person #1 votes and Person #2 does not. There is a particular issue that is important to both people....Issue A. Person #1 is against issue A...and Person #2 is for issue A. Who is the politician more likely to listen to??? Person #1...because they vote. Yes, that's simplistic...and with lobbyist...things get more and more murky, but I still say...if we ALL voted, we'd be more powerful than the biggest, wealthiest lobby...because our votes ELECT people.

Alright...off my "You should vote" soapbox. At least for now.

And let's not forget Fat Tuesday is today too. Today is the day before Lent...when people are supposed to indulge in whatever they are going to give up for the next 6 weeks. My church is having its annual Pancake Supper tonight. And...for me...I am proud that this is the first Fat Tuesday where I am not actually fat. whoo hoo. I usually always order pizza for dinner tonight...because I give it up for Lent. Not this year though. I am still giving it up for Lent...candy too...but, not going to be eating it tonight. Instead, I like the idea of being in the healthy BMI range for Fat Tuesday.

I also decided to commit to church for the next 6 weeks. I am going to put more in the offertory...and go to church each week for the Lent period. It is sad how little I give each week...even though I make it up by making one or two big donations throughout the year...and bringing in items for dinners and church events, but still....I realized last week that I put more money in each week for our Lotto Club at work than I give to the church. Not right, not at all. So, I am giving a little more in the plate each week. It's still not a lot...but it's a step in the right direction. And going each and every week is something I need to do. I like going, but I usually end up taking at least one week off a month...and it's amazing how that one week can snowball into two...or three and then suddenly, I haven't been in a month. So...I will be at church for the Lent period...no ifs ands or butts about it.

Enjoy your Tuesday all...and if you are have a primary today....VOTE!!!!! *smirks*

It's Monday: It's Weigh-In Time!

I have the day off work, but that doesn't mean I had the day off work when it came to weighing in.

I forgot to update last week...my bad...I lost 5 lbs last week. Who knows how that happened. It's the most amount of weight I have lost in one week since I started this whole program. I pushed the exercise...and got back into my pattern of eating since being on vacation, so that might be it, but who knows.

How did I do this week? Pretty good. I lost 3 lbs this week...for a total loss of 58 lbs. I am surprised at the loss since I ramped up my exercise this week...and did some different things. I wondered if it would slow things down a little bit, but it didn't. I did circuit training twice...went out for jogs (in the freezing cold) twice...and did the elliptical twice. So, I think varying thing around...probably helped.

I am getting better at the jogging...even though I will admit, I am not a great runner. I want to run a 5 mile race in March, so I am slowly increasing my endurance, etc. I wish it wasn't so cold today...because I would go for another run. I have been running outside...and with it being in the single digit temperatures today, no outside for me.

I also got a new ab program that I ordered off the internet over the weekend. I haven't tried it yet, but it is on the agenda. I am happy with the weight loss, but I still need a lot of toning and shaping that my abs need...stat!

Alright, I am off...to finish some cleaning in my room and puttering around the apartment. Sounds exciting for a Monday off work, eh?

MLK Quote

The question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be... The nation and the world are in dire need of creative extremists.

-Martin Luther King Jr.

It's New Year's Eve people!!!

I can't believe it's NYE...this year has flown by. It's been a good and a bad year. I have liked my job, taken getting healthy seriously, saw my brother and his family 3 times this year, etc. Of course, the bad...is that my mom passed away this year. Most of the time, I have adjusted and can say that I am happy and found a way to move on that honors her...but on some days, I just miss her something fierce....you know, when you have a question that only she would know the answer to. All in all...I have high hopes for 2008.

I am not someone who makes New Year's Resolutions...I think they are cliche and that people don't really mean them when they make them. I think people make them...knowing they are going to break them.

But I do believe in setting goals for the upcoming year. Why is a New Year's Goal different than a resolution??? The intent just feels different to me, that's all.

So, here are a few of my goals in 2008:

1. For the first time, losing a truckload of weight is not one of my goals...and I couldn't be happier. I set a goal last year to lose 45 lbs in 2007...and instead, I lost 47. I have a few more I would like to lose, but that doesn't mean I don't have any fitness goals.
*I would like to ramp up my exercise even one more notch. I want to keep doing the cardio (with my rusty trusty elliptical) and also do a lot of circuit training to tone and shape what I've got.
*I want to run a 5K. I put that as a goal last year...and I walked a 5K, so I thought...good enough. Not good enough. I want to run one. We have a local runners club here and they have 5Ks throughout the year...so, I want to sign up for one. There is one in March...and I might sign up for that one to push myself to be ready by then. I won't like training and working up to it in the cold, but I'll survive!
*A fitness goal I have...is to figure out how to maintain my weight. I have had success at losing weight and gaining weight, but staying the same weight...that is such a mystery to me. So, I want to maintain my weight...and plan on giving myself a reward for each month I maintain my loss...once I am done losing.

2. I want to be more organized in all areas of my life. I want to be more organized at home. I want to constantly keep the apartment clean. Instead of letting it get gross and disgusting...and then doing a mass cleaning, I want to keep on top of it every single day. I also want to be more organized at work...I want to not let things pile up. So, I am looking for 2008 to be the year of organization.

3. I want to be more active with my church this year. They have been really wonderful this year. My mom loved church and so being there is a really nice way to be close to her. I want to get involved in more things...and become more connected to the church, other than through my mom.

4. I want to expand my wardrobe. I want to buy some more clothes...but within a budget. I plan on buying a new item or so every time I get paid. It would be nice to not be still wearing clothes I was wearing in high school.

5. I want to continue saving money. I want to start a Christmas savings account so that the holiday spending doesn't always seem like such a pinch. I also want to save for another trip to Florida...possibly going with some friends, etc. And, I also want to take another look at my monthly budget...making sure I am saving all the $$$ I can.

Those are some goals I have...I am sure I will have more and that I will tweak them, but those are the thoughts that come to mind.

Anyone else have new year's goals????

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...

Shop, shop, shop....

Except for one last gift...I am all DONE with my Christmas shopping. And that one last gift..it's not available until next Tuesday, so I feel very done. Phew. I picked up the last minute items today and now I just have to wrap everything and be done with it.

And it is good that I am done...since my dad and I start the drive to Florida for the holidays next Tuesday. Time is flying people...flying! I can't wait...even though I have a million things to do until then.

It's Thursday....can't wait for Friday!

Hey everybody...I haven't posted since Monday. I remember when I used to post once or twice per day, but well...life is just sometimes too busy for that. This weekend, I am planning on getting some much needed Christmas shopping done. I did some last weekend, but I need to finish it. I need to buy some things for my brother and his family, for my dad, for my roomie...and I am also going to buy some cute pet supplies for my adorable kitty. She doesn't really play with toys and well, she's a cat..she doesn't understand Christmas, but still.

Unlike some people...I do not enjoy shopping. I don't like the crowds. I don't like picking stuff out. I don't like spending my money most of all. So, wish me luck!

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.

Gifts that make a difference!

I am just beginning to do all of my Christmas shopping. I usually always wait until the very last minute, but this year I am trying to be better. I do a lot of my shopping online because it is just simpler than going from store to store...in hopes of finding what you are looking for.

I was talking with my dad last weekend and we were talking about the possible recession and the price of gas, etc...and how it might all effect holiday gift shopping. He said he watched a news story and they said people would probably buy just as much, but where they will penny pinch is with charitable giving. That is such a shame to me.

Well, there is a solution. You can shop for gifts at charitable sites. That way, you are getting a nice gift and also helping a great cause. A great example is the Alzheimer's Foundation of America eStore.



You can buy some really nice, beautiful jewelry while giving money to a great cause. I can remember doing that when I was in college. I bought my mom a bracelet that also donated money to an AIDS organization. I loved the bracelet, but I also loved that my gift was more than just jewelry.

There are so many worthy organizations to give to this holiday season and Alzheimer's is definitely one of them. I can't imagine suffering with this disease...and not remembering important things or people in my life. It is also heart breaking for the families of those afflicted as well. I can't imagine. You know, research and finding a cure for the disease is important, no doubt. However, what is also important is helping people who currently have the disease with treatment and care. I have a friend who used to work in a nursing home and she would often tell stories of Alzheimer's patients which were in her care.

So, if you like the jewelry and feel inclined, buy one or two or a dozen for a good cause. Remember, all the proceeds go to support the Alzheimer's Foundation! Make your Christmas gifts have an impact beyond the 20 minutes it takes to open them all up!! Hugs!!!