recidivist - Mostly it's up to my knees but we have a lot of drifts which are higher. We're by the river, but we seem to be getting more snow here than even some of our friends in the hills.

We just got sick of being indoors so we risked it and drove to Freddie's - quite a hairy ride but we got all our Christmas groceries. The worst part was getting down our long driveway. I love my little Forester . It's 10 years old but keeps on truckin'.

Marie, rowing is a great idea. I'd not thougth of anything like that. If I could get a second stretchie band, I could rig up a way to do a rowing motion too. I have some weights, but my shoulders are so messed up, there's not much I can do with them, but rowing doesn't involve lifting motion, so that might work. Thanks for the idea.

Marie - I'm sorry to hear you've had to give up your beloved skiing for this season. I hope the MRI doesn't show anything drastic. Hopefully your knee will heal enough for you to go skiing later in the season. Goodness knows there must be plenty of snow! I'm sending healing thoughts your way. I'm glad you and your DH enjoyed the photo. I'd love to get together with you when you are up this way in January. Please keep me posted.

Some friends are driving down from Seattle to visit us today. We tried to talk them out of it as it's a zoo on the roads, but they're determined to come. He does lots of driving for his job (he doesn't fly because of claustrophobia) and has to travel extensively all year. So we're hoping they make it here without any problems. Our DS is going to try to get on a flight tonight out of Boise as we're expecting another 4"-8" of new snow tomorrow and his original flight is early tomorrow morning. We're keeping our fingers crossed that it works out ok.

Brrr, it's cold in my office! My little space heater is doing its best, but my feet and fingers are still cold. I'm off between Wednesday and Jan. 5 , so I'm trying to have as little as possible that I'll have to work on during the break.

There's good news and bad news. The bad news is that, due to all the storms this year, my mom and Grandma have canceled our Las Vegas trip. The good news is that now I can spend a few more vacation days at home, sleeping and puttering around. I'll go to Ohio next weekend, and spend next week with my folks there. I'm sorry that I won't see Grandma and some of the other older relatives out West, but I'm nearly giddy at the prospect of four whole days to myself.

Marie, you're dealing with your knee issues with the right frame of mind, good for you . I love your dedication and focus.

Penny, I hope that your friends and loved ones can still make it to your house. Maybe they should borrow Marie's dogs and mush their way through the snow...

I'm have a backlog of chores and unpacking to do on my free days this week, but I also want to do some brainwork to get out of this sluggish rut I've been in. I broke down and bought Oprah's magazine, so I can read her article on backsliding and get inspired. A co-worker gave me a lovely journal, so I will use it to have a conversation with myslef over the next few weeks. And I'm going to download updates onto my Blackberry, so that it will be easier to check in even when I don't have much access to computers (like next week, when I'm at my mom's).

judy

People are going crazy today with shopping. It kinda scares me a little bit.
I hope the weather calms down soon ..it's kinda all over the place.

Judy, I have to tell you about the most wonderful office friend - the heated footrest. I bought one from buyonlinenow.com for $38 and my feet (therefore the rest of my body) are no longer freezing. BTW, it was free shipping and I got it in 2 days. You can't imagine how much better work is without shivering!!!! Enjoy your puttering days. I hope you have some fun people time on christmas though. If not, you know you're in our thoughts.

Well, work day is basically done. YEAH!!!! 5 days off. I do like the sound of that.
Marie

Our DS managed to get on as a standby on a flight yesterday and arrived ok. It was a very hairy ride to the airport and back - it took us 3.5 hrs. round trip instead of 1 hr. but we're so glad he's here for Christmas.

I wanted to pop in and wish everyone happy holidays and a very Merry Christmas

Hello to everyone from the other site that got to long. Well somehow I forgot my pw etc. and couldn't get on here for weeks. Thank goodness even some stress that I was able to find my way again. Welcome to all the newbies this gang is great and not one yah want to lose. Lose wt. not connections to help us get there. Oh well the kids are in town from HI and it is wonderful. The little guy so darn cute and we'll have to get there during the year. Oh break my heart! Anyways I baked lots of cookies but not until closer to the holiday that seemed to help with consuming a few less. Exercising at the gym no not happening too busy lately. But now on vac. til the 5th so no excuse now. I have been making and selling some of my jewelry that kept me quite busy on top of the holiday, job and shopping. But it will all slow down now I have one more necklace to do today before my daughter arrives at 5 or maybe I will wait until she arrives give her the makings in a wrapped box and let her be part of designing it all. This is a style she requested while we shopped together at an art show. Well thats about it just crazy we spend so many hrs. days etc being so busy and in a few short hrs. it over huh? Well can't say there will be dieting today the menu isn't going towards that okay??? But there is time for that starting next monday for sure. Marie your bread oh honey so sorry. I made 4 batches of our polish christmas eve bread but next year decided to only make 2 batches. Its just way to much hassle people will get less but enjoy what they get it will have to do. Well good luck to all hope santa was great to everyone one and enjoy the rest of your holiday. My family is all taking a nap..... I am going to wrap those beads.
Now I will be in touch and I didn't reach my christmas goal but guess Easter will have to do and get started soon like I said monday.... Journal , scale, gym.....
Carol

Merry Christmas!

I'm having a great day at home, puttering, cooking, and connecting on the phone or texting.

Carol, it's so good to hear from you! I see you've changed your "name" again, but your voice is very recognizable. I bet you're having a wonderful time with your family.

Hi, Elyn! I hope you've been doing well.

Penny, you're son made it, yaaay!

Marie, thanks for the kind words...it's really odd how well I feel I know all of you, even though Penny's the only one I've met, and just briefly. I'm looking forward to progressing a lot faster in '09, along with Recidivist, Mariana, Auntie and all you other wonderful ladies.