I need a BREAK.

I'm reaching that point where I just feel like a hamster in a wheel - I'm doing the same things over and over and over and over again and I'm burnt out. I get like this every now and again, and it basically means I'm overdue for a me-day of doing nothing at home (and I do mean nothing - no running to the grocery store, no laundry, no NOTHING), and thankfully, I'll get that chance next week. There's nothing bad happening in my life at the moment (thank goodness and knock on wood) - I just need to breathe for a little while, and then everything will be right with the world again.

The 4 day break from work next week will certainly help with all of this. The best part is that it's a precursor to my 11 DAY VACATION in December. I haven't had a vacation that long in...2 years. I'm beside myself with glee at the prospect of setting my own agenda for a week and half. It's going to be fabulous.

I'm already feeling better just thinking about it!

An important, unrecognized milestone.

November 4th marked the two year anniversary of maintaining my 50 pound weight loss, thanks to Weight Watchers. It's hard to believe that it's been two years already, but I'm so proud of the fact that I've been disciplined enough to keep it off and not give in to temptation at every chance. It's been a challenging two years and I'm still learning as I go on how to maintain my success, but I think I've done pretty excellent, if I do say so myself.

I don't toot my own horn very often, but I think it deserves a pretty loud toot for this.

Repeat movie night.

My husband and I watched The Color Purple tonight after not having seen it for quite some time. I positively love that movie. I have yet to read the book, so I think it's going to be next on my list. The primary reason for watching it again was because I went and saw the play last weekend at the Community Center, and it was great. Better than great. And I'd forgotten about what an inspirational story it is, and was interested in comparing the two to see the differences. The play was pretty close to the movie, although there was a lot more (fabulous) singing in the play.

I won't give away all of the details in case not everyone has seen it, in which case I implore you: please rent the movie! You will not be disappointed, I promise you.

Today's funny cat picture:

Happy Caturday!

Is it April?

Seriously. What's the deal with this weather? I like spring-ish weather as much as the next person, but Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away. It's supposed to be COLD. You're supposed to be able to make a fire and cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate and a blanket, not out running around in shorts and a t-shirt with the air conditioning on.

I just checked the weather report and apparently it's supposed to rain next weekend, but it's going to be in the 70's through Wednesday. Sheesh.

Although it will make for a very pleasant weekend, so have yourselves a good one!

Thanksgiving baking adventure.

I've decided to make this cake for Thanksgiving, and I actually get to do a trial run on it before the big day. My co-workers and I are having a potluck the day before Thanksgiving, and we're only bringing in side dishes and desserts. It will be a plethora of mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie and stuffing. Yum.

I'm so excited to make this cake! I'm sure it's going to be amazing. I'll be sure to take pictures of this creation so I can share it with all of you.

Maybe I should start fasting now to make room in my stomach...?

Sigh.

My mom sent me this text message earlier today:
















Isn't it picturesque? Her and my stepdad are in Kauai right now. It almost looks like a postcard.


Though it won't be in Kauai, I'm SO looking forward to the Thanksgiving break. Only 17 more days!