Running on empty

As I was driving home from class last night I realized that I was cruising on E. Literally on E, not just with the little gas pump light lit up. I noticed I was getting low before I went, but figured filling the tank could wait until this morn. It takes me approx. 15-20 minutes each way, so surely I'd have enough to get to school and back.

So, it's really cold and dark out. I'm cruising down the interstate, wondering if waiting on the gas station was such a smart idea. If I run out of gas on the highway, who would I call? It's 9:30p and my mom is at my house with the girls sleeping. I have a lot of great friends, but would they be willing to come save my ass since this is all based on pure laziness on my part?

I watched the little E all the way home. The closer I got the better I felt, but I wasn't out of the woods yet. As I neared a gas station I realized that I didn't even have my wallet with me, so there goes that idea. Normally I grab my phone, glasses, water, snacks and backpack when I go to class. I don't bother with my purse at all. Why would I need money??

As I'm getting closer to Kohler I started letting up on the gas pedal, doing more coasting and turning down the heat (will that save gas, I'm wondering?). I SO want to make it home. And... I did.

Once I parked 'er in the garage I started thinking... how long can I drive on E? Surely there has to be a little reserve in there, but how far can I push it? I've never run out of gas in my lifetime, but I'd like to know my limits. I'm like that.

Here's the plan. Sometime, when it gets much warmer and sunny, I'm going to take a test. Once I start nearing E, I'm going to throw my gas can in the back, grab my cell, pack a little lunch, and start tooling around. I'll just cruise around town until I run out of gas, watching the little lever the whole time. How fun would that be? I'm almost looking forward to it. If you see me driving by your house waving, and then again, this is what I'm doing. Hell, I'll pick you up for the ride if you want to come along.

Did you know...

*A dime has 118 ridges around the edge.

*A person uses approximately 57 sheets of toilet paper each day.

*The best time for a person to buy shoes is in the afternoon. This is because the foot tends to swell a bit around this time.

*Teflon is the most slippery substance in the world.

*By partially filling saucers with vinegar and distributing the saucers around a room, you can eliminate odors.

*America's favorite Crayola crayon color is blue.

*Barbie's full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts.

I'm just saying...

Think spring

All I'm going to say is thank you, Mother Nature, for letting Wisconsin stay clear of that nasty ice storm crossing the US. Not that I wish three inches of ice and lack of power on others, but it's the last thing that I need. These bitter temps are tough enough to deal with; coating my domain with a frozen glaze sure wouldn't pump me up any.

Over a half million people are without power and there have been at least 19 deaths. Ugly stuff. I guess Wisconsin isn't the only crappy place to live after all. It seems that there are more severe storms and natural disasters these days. Are we influencing the weather pattern, or are we just hearing about it more because of technology?

Henpecked

I've been making a lot of cuts at home lately. Not just on dining out and the grocery bill, but other places, as well. I found out yesterday that I could save quite a bit on my Dish TV and phone bill just by reviewing the packages available. That's savings on something we don't use very often. Yes, it's nice to have a phone, but ours doesn't ring off the hook. I'd rather pay the minimum necessary to keep it. Going online once in a while to see what AT&T has going on is a very good idea because they change their rates and packages, but they're not going to call all their customers to tell them that.

When I called Dish I wasn't anticipating any options to save costs, but figured WTH. Worth a shot. After flicking around on Sunday eve I realized that we have a whole lot of channels of shit that we never watch, which motivated me. So, I called and asked if I could get local channels only. I figured they'd laugh at me, but I don't know these people, right? My kids might get pissed, but there are better things for them to do with their time, plus we get our Netflix movies for the weekends. Turns out that they have a small Welcome Package that costs $14.99/month. They don't advertise it, which is crappy, but it's available for those like me that do the research. This package includes all the local channels (which we watch most) plus 20 favs like TLC, TBS, Oxygen, DiscoveryKids, Boomerang, MSNBC, History, Food, etc. Pretty much the only channels we'd care to have. What a deal! We do lose Disney, which Julia was pretty pissed about, but I've had enough Hannah Montana up to here. DiscoveryKids is SO much cooler.

So, I ended up saving $40/month on the two services. Not too shabby, eh? I'm already on the lowest internet plan without resorting to a caveman dial-up speed and my cell is the cheapest plan available. I'm happy with myself. I've become all about being frugal lately and planning ahead. Times are getting tough and while I may be employed right now, that could easily change tomorrow. I don't know when this ship I'm working on is going to sink, but chances are good that it will. Until then I cut costs where I can, make some extra money on the side (without turning tricks) and save. Save, save, save. We still deserve a vacation this year, so I won't refuse the girls that, but I will prepare better for the unknown.

My next step is to build a chicken coop in the backyard. I'm going to buy me a few chickens and sell eggs on weekends. For those that have seen Kit Kittredge... I'll resort to this backup plan if push comes to shove.

8 is enough

A woman in CA just had octuplets. Can you imagine?? There were six boys and two girls, weights ranging from 3 lb -4 oz down to 1 lb - 8 oz. Just tiny little things, but they must've been completely packed in there. The eighth baby was a surprise. They only expected seven, but then after baby G popped out they noticed that little H was in there. Hell, what's one more, right?

There were 46 people working on the delivery. Surprising enough, all eight babies seem to be doing well and breathing on their own. The mother will be going home at the end of the week, but they will be staying at the hospital for approx. two months. These little people have some growing to do and that poor mother needs to get a little sleep while she has the chance. I wouldn't want eight adult children, let alone eight newborns. Ugh.

The doctors said that the mother was planning to breast feed. How in the? Right now she's pumping for these little guys and I'm guessing she'll eventually switch to the real thing when they get home. Her breasts are going to be slapping off her knees by the time the kids get weaned. No thank you.

Write it down, for Pete's sake

My sister is notorious for being late when it comes to birthdays, Christmas, etc. Gifts may arrive a week or two after the fact and she thinks nothing of it. On Mother's or Father's Day I'll ask what Tracy sent and my parents will respond with, "We don't know yet."

I could never understand what the problem is. My mom would always say that Tracy was so busy. Excuse me?? She has a job, yes, but until recently she didn't have any children. So she works eight hours and goes home to drink two bottles of wine every night. Then on weekends she'd travel with her husband. Yeah, I can see why she wouldn't have any time to remember a birthday. Not that I'm not busy working, raising two kids and running a household by myself.

Julia turned 8 last Thursday. Of course she was watching the mail for a package from Aunt Tracy and all I could say was, "Don't hold your breath." On Friday aft I receive an email. "Happy belated birthday!!! Letter know something will be coming special delivery in the mail!!!" I decided to let the poor grammar go, because it doesn't matter, but does she think that Julia is sitting at work with me reading my email? And way to special delivery something the day after. So, Friday night I'm bowling with some friends and my cell rings. It's Tracy. She needs my address ASAP because she's online ordering a gift for Julia and is shipping it to us. First of all, why wouldn't she have my address on hand? She's sent us late gifts in the past, many times. We haven't moved. Second, way to shop the day after.

I know it's the thought that counts, and she doesn't even have to send a gift. A card ON THE DAY would be just fine. What bugs me is that we're talking about a woman with multiple degrees, a Masters even. She's traveled the world, held many different positions and she can't learn how to use a damn calendar?

Gotcha!

I opened the shower door this morn and there was a little black mouse sitting in the back corner! Three thoughts immediately raced through my head.

1 - How am I going to get it out??
2 - I won't be able to shower for work today!
3 - How completely disgusting that I have mice in my house! (I was mortified.)

Before I slammed the door shut I stood back for a minute, and the longer I looked, the more I realized that the mouse wasn't moving. Was it fake?? I grabbed a kleenex (not sure why, because this isn't exactly a spider we're talking about) and leaned in a bit. Still extremely cautious, I bent down and picked the mouse up by the tail, with the kleenex, of course. It was flippin plastic!

My mom briefly mentioned that Jules picked up a practical joke kit at the dollar store last night, but I thought nothing of it. It was late when she told me and I went right to bed after class. Never did I expect this.

After my shower I went up to Julia's room, pulled back the covers and threw the mouse in there. What a little shit! She got up extra early to plant the mouse before I went downstairs. She got me good.

Three times the charm

Here's a big surprise. Kelly Osbourne has checked herself into a rehab center. She's only 24 years old and this is her third trip. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, eh?

This family is far from meeting any norms. Sadly, this is what happens when you grow up in that kind of environment. Kelly hasn't done much on her own to kick off her career. She's been riding her brain-dead father's coat tails for years with the Osbourne TV shows and living the party life in London and LA. Maybe it's time to set some priorities, Kel.

Whoops, hang on to your buddy there, Sweetheart!

No, let me do it

It's the little things in life that irritate me most. I need to let crap roll off my back more, but it's hard for me. My first instinct is to be annoyed by the little stuff. Oddly enough, I seem to handle large problems much better. Huh.

The biggie that made me lose my cool last night: Taking responsibility for everyone and everything. Somehow I became the one in charge of everything that happens in my family. Even for those that have left our family. I am responsible for every piece of paper that comes home in the backpacks, every event on the schedule and every task that needs to get done before the next day. Sometimes I just need people to help me out once in a while.

I told the X and the girls three times that I needed their Scout cookie forms on Wed eve because we have to hand them in tonight at their meetings. I write this stuff down, relay it over the phone, you name it. It is documented somehow, someway. So, last night I pick up the girls and we're half way home when I ask if they have their cookie forms from their dad's house. They don't know. I pull over, we look through backpacks, nothing. We turn around and go back to his house; the whole way there I'm lecturing them on responsibility and how I'm always the one picking up slack and getting things done. Why can't anyone else remember these things but me??

I may have overdone it a bit, but damn it, it's exhausting. I don't mean to blame the kids - I know I'm their mother and my job is to make sure they are taken care of. But why the hell can't those cookie forms just be in the backpack when we get home, like I asked? Why can't someone else take care of lunch money when it's needed or pick up the supplies for a school project when the note comes home from school? It's all me all the time.

Maybe it's my fault for being so organized and setting the super-mom precedent in the first place. I should probably take a step back and think about that one.

Is it black and white, or a gray matter?

Although it was definitely the topic of the day, I chose not to write about the inauguration yesterday because of frustration. I read enough racist, idiotic comments online to last me a lifetime. People complaining about all the hype that was being put into Obama's big day. Well, you know what, this is history. If Hillary had won we'd be seeing the same damn thing.

Some decided to argue that Obama isn't the first black president, but the first bi-racial one. I beg to differ. If my mother was German and my father French, wouldn't I still be German? Race is what you are, and he is black as far as I'm concerned. Bi-racial, yes, but still black. I know Asians that have a Caucasian parent and they still are Asian, are they not? Do they have to take on the bi-racial label and remove Asian and white from their racial resume?

For all those people that have a hard time with the leader of our country coming from a black father, get over it. He was chosen by the people because of who he is, not what he is. I'll admit that DC was a little star-studded the last few days; definitely more so than the last few inaugurations. But, some of that comes from the overall support and excitement for change. I don't care if Obama has coffee with Oprah or mixes it up a little with Beyonce. As long as he doesn't fuck this administration up he can hang with whoever he wants; black, white or latino.

Oh Mickey, you WERE so fine

Remember back in the day when 9 1/2 Weeks was the hottest movie ever? We all ran to rent it... at least my friends and I did. They were a hot couple. And the scene where Kim strip-danced to Joe Cocker's You can Leave Your Hat On... every woman wanted to be her, doing that. Just hearing the song now makes me want to grab a pole.

So, have you seen Mickey Rourke now-a-days?? Egads. It's not a good thing. How can a guy from that movie, who had it all going on, turn into something so nasty? He just won an award for The Wrestler, and while he may not have lost it on the stage, he sure has lost it in the looks department. Talk about plastic surgery gone bad. The guy just fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down.

Sick day

Julia was reading in bed this morn while I got ready for work. Out of nowhere she comes downstairs and tells me that she doesn't feel good. "What doesn't feel good?" - She responds with her head, her stomach and her throat. Wow, that's quite the bug she's got there.

My first instinct is to not believe her. Call me insensitive, but I need signs that something is actually wrong. A fever, little throwing up... something. All her vitals checked out OK, so I told her to have a yogurt and sent her off crying to school. No, I don't enjoy doing this, but I can't stay home with her every time she claims the headache, stomachache and sore throat combo unless there's some proof.

My worst fear is that I'll send her off and receive a call from the school nurse an hour later that she's getting sick. That's when the guilt pours out. And I always feel bad for Alison, who by the way, practically begged me to keep Julia home this morn so she wouldn't have to deal with the crying little kid on the way to school. Poor Al.

It's never an easy call, but you have to go with instinct. How do you determine when your child is being honest or faking it? Is there something going on in their little heads that creates this need to stay home with you for a day? I thought I could read my kids pretty good, but I wonder.

And then on the way to work I think about those days where I just feel like overall crap and need a day in bed, whether it's mental or physical exhaustion. Should I not give my kids the benefit of the doubt and let them have "a day" once in a while?

I better email Julia's teacher and see how it's going...

Letting it slide

You know how in the beginning of winter you keep your driveway and sidewalk nice and clean, always trying to scrape off that little bit that is stuck from somebody walking on the snow before you had a chance to shovel? I always wanted to get out there before anyone walked past my house. Then as time passes you get out there and remove the snow best you can when there's time.

I'm now to the point where I'll drive over it and remove the loose stuff tomorrow, or the next day. Because having some snow on the drive and sidewalk is better than the ice that's still underneath there. That, and we've all stopped caring about how clean our driveways are. We're sick of the crap and have decided that keeping up with it just doesn't matter anymore. Why keep it clean when it's just going to snow again tomorrow?

Da plane, da plane!

“I am Mr. Roarke, your host. Welcome to Fantasy Island.”

Damn, I loved that show. It was on Saturday nights after The Love Boat, another classic. The premise of the show:

The usual format of each episode consisted of an introduction in which Roarke would describe to Tattoo the nature of each person's fantasy, usually with a cryptic comment suggesting the person's fantasy will not turn out as they expected. The episode would then alternate between two or three independent storylines as the guests experienced their fantasies and interacted with Roarke. Often, the fantasies would turn out to be morality lessons for the guests, sometimes to the point of putting their lives at risk, only to have Roarke step in at the last minute and reveal the deception. It is mentioned a few times that a condition of visiting Fantasy Island is that guests never reveal what goes on there. A small number of guests decided to make the choice to stay permanently, living out their fantasy until death.

The guests included TV stars like Bill Bixby and Bob Denver, music stars like Sonny Bono and Robert Goulet, classic film stars like Peter Lawford and young starlets like Victoria Principal and Barbi Benton.

Ricardo Montalban, who became the icon for this show, sadly passed away yesterday morning at the age of 88. He died of complications of old age. I was disappointed when I read this, because he was a huge part of my childhood weekends.

Not too long ago we were watching Spy Kids 2, where he played the role of the Grandfather. He did a wonderful job and besides aging a few years, looked fantastic and still had that classy, distinguished air about him.

It's a sad, sad day for the X Generation.

Little too late, buddy

Funny how guys always want what they can't have.
Last weekend I went out with a couple friends. At the end of the eve I ran into Dan, who some of you know. Dan and I hung out for a while right after my divorce, but it didn't work out. He has commitment issues, among others. Nice guy, fun... we're real compatible, but I don't trust him. That creates a problem in a relationship.

So, anyway, Saturday night I run into Dan. I introduced him to my friend, Scott, that was with me and the conversation was brief. I don't even know who Dan was with. His excessive flirting and "I want you but I'm not going to step up to the plate like a real man and ask you out" crap is getting old. We left a few minutes later and that was the end of the eve.

Today I get an email from Dan. Three days later, so his style.
"Good seeing you the other night. Your date seems like a nice guy."

Now, first of all, it's not like Dan and Scott had conversation. Scott IS nice, and they said hi, but that was it. Second, I never introduced him as my date, but as my friend, which he is. Dan sends off that email just to start a conversation with me. He wants more info and to know whether or not I'm dating. Plus, this is his way of staying connected with me and somehow keeping the door open a little bit.

The guy is relentless. I'm not even sure if I can justify a response to that email.

The wheels keep turning

My head has been spinning lately with everything I have going on. I'm trying to focus on separating each situation and handle things day by day. Last night I barely slept, dreaming about work, classes, etc. I want to go lie on a beach with thoughts of emptiness!!

Today I took the day off to clean up some unfinished business. After lunch I met a contractor (friend) that is putting a new shower in for me. By this time next week I may be showerless for a few days. Lucky for me we have the little clawfoot tub to rely on. Not nearly as productive when it comes to waking me in the morn, but it'll do for a few days.

I was just thinking about jumping on the Wii Fit. I could use a little stretching and yoga to get that huge knot out of my back.

Name calling

Alison comes walking into the bathroom the other day singing that Beyonce song.

Al: "I'm a single X, I'm a single X."

Me: You're a what? Those aren't the words. It's 'all the single ladies'.

Al: Oh. It sounded like single X.

Me: What's a single X?

Al: You know, someone that's divorced.

The kid has a point. I was surprised by her answer, though. It seems like such a mature response for someone her age. I guess that makes me a single X.

New feature

Today is random interesting facts day:

1. If you are right handed, you will tend to chew your food on your right side. If you are left handed, you will tend to chew your food on your left side.

2. Chewing gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying.

3. The Titanic was the first ship to use the SOS signal.

4. The average person who stops smoking requires one hour less sleep a night.

5. Laughing lowers levels of stress hormones and strengthens the immune system. Six-year-olds laugh an average of 300 times a day. Adults only laugh 15 to 100 times a day.

6. The roar that we hear when we place a seashell next to our ear is not the ocean, but rather the sound of blood surging through the veins in the ear.

7. Dalmatians are born without spots.

8. Bats always turn left when exiting a cave.

9. The reason honey is so easy to digest is that it’s already been digested by a bee.

10. Every time you sneeze some of your brain cells die.

11. Your left lung is smaller than your right lung to make room for your heart.

12. When you blush, the lining of your stomach also turns red.

13. When hippos are upset, their sweat turns red.

14. The first Harley Davidson motorcycle was built in 1903, and used a tomato can for a carburetor.

15. The lion that roars in the MGM logo is named Volney.

16. It cost 7 million dollars to build the Titanic and 200 million to make a film about it.

17. The sound you hear when you crack your knuckles is actually the sound of nitrogen gas bubbles bursting.

18. Human hair and fingernails continue to grow after death.

19. The plastic things on the end of shoelaces are called aglets.

20. The only part of the body that has no blood supply is the cornea in the eye. It takes in oxygen directly from the air.

21. Colgate faced big obstacle marketing toothpaste in Spanish speaking countries. Colgate translates into the command “go hang yourself.”

22. The only 2 animals that can see behind itself without turning its head are the rabbit and the parrot.

23. Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.

24. The average person laughs 13 times a day.

25. Women blink nearly twice as much as men.

26. German Shepherds bite humans more than any other breed of dog.

27. Large kangaroos cover more than 30 feet with each jump.

28. A whip makes a cracking sound because its tip moves faster than the speed of sound.

29. If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as a result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural cause.

30. The human heart creates enough pressure while pumping to squirt blood 30 feet!!

Global warming, my ass

I thought I should pop on here quick because the last time I was absent for a few days I received emails from friends, asking if I was OK... the last thing I want to do is make you guys worry.

So, they're saying that next week is going to be cold as hell. I like when they tell us this so far in advance, trying to ruin our weekend. Right now there's a cold front in Alaska that is bringing -50 to -60 degree temps. We'll be feeling a slightly warmer version of that front by Monday.

What do they do in Alaska, close all schools for a few weeks when that happens? How could they get anything done, or even operate in general when it's 50 below zero? Good grief. Why don't these people move??

My trip to the Kenai Peninsula back in 97 was in August. Best time to go. We played horseshoes and drank margaritas until midnight, when it finally got dark. I do have to say that it is by far the most beautiful country I've ever seen. So pristine and untouched. Maybe that outweighs the winters from hell.

Little fact for you all:
On June 21, the sun rises in Anchorage at 4:20 am and sets at 11:42 pm. It's their longest day of sunlight. How wonderful would that be? The trade off - the shortest day is Dec 21, sun up at 10:15 am and set at 3:43 pm for 5 hours 28 min of daylight.

Odd gal out

I've been a little nervous the last week. Realizing that I was almost finished with hanging out over the holidays and getting back to reality put me in a state of uncertainty. Coming back to my job wasn't an issue; that's cakewalk. It was the starting of three new classes this week. There's always an uneasiness when starting up again, besides the fact that one of the courses isn't being held at the college. My Monday eve class is at Kohler. All the students are Kohler employees except for three of us. Not only was I the new kid on the block that knew nobody, but I was one of two females.

I know what you're thinking - Go KB! Well, most of these guys look like typical factory workers. Tshirts and trucker caps. Not that there's anything wrong with their occupation, because each position holds value. They just aren't my type. VERY nice guys, though. Most of them were quite social and started chatting with me right off the bat. I suppose - we have a room full of Kohler guys and little me. I was probably a breath of fresh air for them. The other woman is 50-plus and they see her all the time.

So, the first class last night was a breeze and I feel much more comfortable now. Plus, the assistant instructor is quite nice looking. He doesn't have a ring, not sure if that means anything, but he did speak to me. I wonder if he was looking for a way to start a conversation because he liked me??? I'll have to sit closer to him next week.

...and pfft you was gone

Finally some good news. It may seem insignificant to you, but this is HUGE for me. That damn pimped out tooth is finally starting to move! Some of you were probably wondering, "How long is she going to walk around with that gap in her mouth that makes her look like she just walked off the set of Hee Haw?"

Well, I don't have an answer, but there is progress. Progress that really made my day. The ortho said it moved a whole chain link (these are little gold chains) over the last three weeks and he can actually tap on the bracket that is attached to the tooth now. The bracket is just starting to poke out of my upper pallette. Sounds fun, doesn't it?

He yanked the chain tighter today, so we'll see what happens over the next three weeks. Cross fingers, y'all.

Oh, how I love thee

If you ever have the opportunity, pick yourself up a 12-pack of Ruby Red Squirt. It's the tastiest soda made, ever. The X introduced me to it back in 96 or so. It was the kind of soda that you could leave on the night stand and still be able to take a big swig of the next morning. Can't say that about too many sodas. It is the ultimate quencher when you're hung and a damn good mixer to boot. It teams well with vodka or rum, possibly even whiskey?

For years it disappeared from the shelves and I was one sad puppy. You know that empty feeling when you find out they have discontinued one of your favorite products? Well, now it's back. About a year ago I saw it on The Pig shelf and the ear-to-ear grin was back.

I'm tellin' ya... you won't be disappointed.

Bunch of hacker bastards

I have officially become a victim of credit card fraud. Luckily it was caught early enough.

When I was checking out at Target yesterday my debit card was rejected. I knew there was money in the account, but figured their machine must be whacked or something. I blew it off and checked my account online when I got home. Everything looked fine.

We went to El Camino with some friends last night and without thinking I attempted to use the debit card again. Rejection. Then I started to worry. I've never had a problem with credit before; my mortgage broker told me my credit rating was near perfect. So then I started wondering if the bank had some morons working there that were messing with my account.

I called the bank this morn and reached a very helpful customer service agent. No morons. The debit card company stopped all transactions on my account. They were spotting suspicious activity and froze the card. I asked what they would consider suspicious and she explained that if they see a purchase at The Pig in Falls one day and some electronics company in CA on the next it doesn't look right. They tend to see patterns with the customer's spending habits. Plus, there were $1 charges made. What some companies/people do is test the account by throwing a $1 charge out there. If it goes through, they'll use the account number to make additional purchases. Interesting.

So, yeah, lucky for me my bank account looks fine and all shady transactions were caught. I was very impressed that the card company takes the time to monitor things so closely, but that's to their benefit as well. I'm actually a bit surprised that it took me so long to encounter this problem since I shop online often enough and hacking is becoming a growing problem.

I get a new card now and will have to use cash for the next 7-10 days until it comes. That'll be hard for me because the convenience of using my check/debit card is one that I've become accustomed to. Not to mention having to memorize a new pin and all that jazz. I'll get over it. Securing my money is obviously priority.

Promises, promises

I was never one for New Year resolutions. It seems silly to make a pledge on the first day of the year, especially since most of them end up as empty promises. The way I see it - we should always be looking for ways to improve our lives. I make conscious efforts to do things better each week or month as the need arises. I also tend to make more significant life changes when I go through traumatic periods in my life. Stressful events trigger the thought that there's something missing in my life and that's when I'll take action. Like going back to school, taking golf lessons or signing up for more volunteer work. Even these ridiculous braces were a result of something gone bad.

Traditional resolutions are overrated. Working out more, not for me. I'm a fair weather exerciser and always will be. A healthier diet, that needs to become a lifestyle change. I feel I do quite well in that area with a few exceptions (as I sit here with my bowl of tator tot casserole). I don't need to give up smoking, been there done that, and I don't see any reason in giving up drinking. If you have it under control, why bother? The only fault I may want to cut down on is swearing. I surely don't walk around F-bombing people, but I tend to throw in some choice words when I get frustrated or want to emphasize what I'm saying.

A good friend of mine told me that her resolution was to become more selfish. She wants to stop doing so much for others and start thinking of herself more. I liked that one.