Quite possibly the best invention yet!

Because the weather is so awful here right now, I'm pretty much stuck inside, and I AM BORED. One might suggest that I do something productive -- like exercise, but I'm already ahead of you there. I rode a total of twenty (that's 20!) miles on my stationary bike today, not to mention that I did 75 crunches and various other exercises. So needing to find something else to occupy my time, I came across a SkyMall magazine that my mom obtained over two months ago. I'm sure you've seen these magazines if you've ever flown anywhere....They're full of hundreds of overpriced, unnecessary, yet completely desirable items. Anyhow, while flipping through the pages and creating a mental list of all the totally awesome things that I suddenly realize I need, I come across this, and I wonder where this amazing product has been all my life:



It's called "the 'keep your distance' bug vacuum", and I've been hoping for something like this my entire adult life! I never knew it existed, but I so could've used it all these years.
I've always been scared of spiders and had my parents kill them for me when I was growing up. But I had to do it myself when I got out on my own, and I've always HATED it. I usually have to grab half a roll of paper towels (to ensure the spider doesn't get remotely close to touching my skin) before even attempting to kill a spider. And then there's a 50/50 chance that I'll either A.) successfully capture the monsterous creature while trembling and fearing for my life (yeah, I'm a bit of a drama queen at times) or B.) it'll fall to the floor and go MIA, in which I then worry constantly about it tracking me down and crawling on me while I sleep, so that I end up not sleeping at all. Neither of these are wonderful outcomes to me, so I seriously think this may be the best invention yet! Here's a link, if you would like to see more about this glorious invention: http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=102248756&c=10430.

I know what to ask Santa for next year! :)

Sad day...

As you know, I'm a huge Indianapolis Colts fan. And I was so excited for the start of the playoffs, the first game being last night against San Diego. I was proudly sporting my new Peyton Manning jersey, drinking from one of my Colts cups, and chilling with my cozy Colts blanket. Although I fully expected it to be a close match up throughout, I was so ready to see an Indy win. But unfortunately just as anything else in life, things don't always go as we want them to. While it was a very close game up to the end (tied at 17), the Colts defense couldn't hang on, and the Chargers took the win minutes into OT. I admit that I was pretty disappointed and wanted to curse my team. But after I mellowed out, I realized that it could have been worse...I could have been a Browns fan. Ugh. Or a Lions fan. Double ugh. So while I'm bummed that the season is now over for my beloved Colts, I'm proud at how well they did this year. Finishing with a 12-4 record is anything but bad. And I'm still very proud to sport my Manning jersey, considering he's now a three time MVP. For entertainment purposes, here are a couple pics of me in my jersey before the game...

New Years webcam shots :)

I was bored last night, so I snapped a couple of shots on the webcam...

...modeling my "naughty but nice" tee early in the evening (lol)

...closeup of the pearly whites :)

...in my workout clothes

Holiday happenings

Since I haven't posted much lately, I figured I better give an update as to what's been happening with me. I've now been in Ohio for over 7 weeks, and I'm enjoying quality time with my family and best friend. I'd like to say it's been completely wonderful, but to be honest, it's been hard being away from Eric -- especially during the holidays. The longest we'd ever been apart before this was 3 weeks. We still talk every couple days, but I'm making a conscious effort to make myself a priority and focus on what I want and need. Overall, I'm doing well and have so much to be thankful for.

While I'm disappointed to say that I haven't lost any additional weight since leaving Idaho, I am proud to note that I haven't gained any back either. With all of the holiday chaos and yummy snacks consumed over the last month, I'd say that's an accomplishment. Additionally, I'm excited to say that Santa (aka Mom and Dad) brought me an exercise bike for Christmas, which is something I've really been wanting to get me through the winter months. I've started using it over the last week, and I love it! I miss being able to ride my bike outside, but this will definitely help to fill the void while it's cold. Now that the holidays are over, I'll be stepping up my workout routine and getting back to eating like before. I jump started the new year with a great workout today...8 miles on the bike, 100 jumping jacks, 20 push ups and 20 crunches. I may go for round 2 tonight if I get bored. :)

On Christmas day, my parents and I went to my brother's apartment about 10 minutes away. We got to watch the kids open their gifts, and it was a lot of fun. They opened presents at home with their mom in the morning and then came to their dad's the rest of the day. I think they were very happy to get to spend time with both their parents on Christmas. Mom and I prepared a yummy meal of ham, cheesy potatoes, corn, beans, rolls and dirty dessert. We were all stuffed! Here are a couple pics of the kids opening their presents and posing for the camera...

In addition to my exercise bike, my parents got me a couple of exercise tank tops, a pair of jeans, a couple shirts, some bras and panties, an Indianapolis Colts lamp and some toiletries. Plus Eric sent me an awesome "girlified" Peyton Manning jersey that I love. I'll post a pic sometime soon, since Ill definitely be wearing it for Saturday night's playoff game against the Chargers. :) I am so lucky to have people who love and spoil me! I also attended a Christmas Eve service with my mom at her church, and I know she enjoyed having me there with her. It was a really nice service. Oh yeah, a couple weeks ago we attended a Christmas party for a subcontractors' association that Mom's company is affiliated with. This is a crappy pic, but since nobody has seen me in a dress in the last few years, I thought I'd share...

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season, and I wish you all a peaceful and prosperous 2009!