I Made My Lists and Checked it Twice

Don't ask me if I have been naughty or nice. If you have met me you know the answer (it's both).
There is something very freeing about writing it down. My brain is able to release it. With so much going on and so many things to remember I was becoming a little bit scatterbrained. I said becoming and a little (be nice).
Sometimes it isn't even about forgetting something, but about thinking you forgot something. If I write it down and scratch it off I am able to see if I have done it or not and let's face it- it is so fun to cross it off your list.
I don't have any issues with the perfection of getting it all done. Instead I am proud of myself for getting 2, 5, or 10 things off my list of 20. Then I start with a new list after the weekend and so on. To be honest I have many lists. How many lists? Well I have....9. Yes. I know. But there is a lot going on and I needed many categories. So, I have 9 and I now feel I have a game plan. I know what needs to be done and when it needs to be done. I know what I need to do for Joshua's graduation (what I need to bring to MO and what I can buy down there). I know what I need from the grocery stores that I go to regularly and when I am going to do it. I know what bills are due and when I am going to pay them and so on and so on and so on.
Now if I could just get up the energy to get going - lol.

-19 pounds since starting
+114 days

24 days to Graduation, 86 days to 21st birthday and 253 to Leah's birthday

Goals and Random Thoughts

I have been stuck on 19 pounds for what seems like forever.
Originally I wanted to cut down the soda intake (even though it was diet) and instead I have cut it out completely. That's a good thing for my wallet and waistline. I am still exercising quite a bit and eat pretty well. I am still eating a lot less sweets but have not cut them out completely. And my weight has stayed where it has been. My clothes are much looser and I am more flexible but I want more of this excess insulation to come off.
My meal planning and grocery shopping have gone out the window this month. It seems we have been extra busy in April. I think I need to get back to lists. I love lists. I mean I love, love, love lists. In my dream world they are color coded and everything has it's own piece of pretty paper and my handwriting looks like a calligrapher's. My style is closer to a crayon on a napkin.
I think this is my goal for tonight. Make lists of: groceries, chores, bills to pay, when to work out, Joshua graduation plans (in MO no less) etc., etc., etc. (insert voice of the King and I). I just have to find my journal. I have a t least three. I use exactly zero. But I buy them and have them because they are so pretty and I will use my pretty pens. They make me smile. And if I make a mistake I am not going to worry about pretty or perfect or even pretty perfect, I am just going to do it. I'll be back tomorrow morning to let you know how it goes and to let you know if the scale has moved.

-19 pounds since starting
+113 days

25 days to Graduation, 87 days to 21st birthday and 254 to Leah's birthday

Easter Break - Kids are Coming Home

The kids are coming home from St Paul Lutheran High School, the best boarding school ever, tomorrow after classes. I have to begin by saying that it is always a joy when they come, especially after such a long time. They were last home at Christmas.
Tom and I went down for a weekend in February to watch their basketball games and I went down for a weekend to see the Spring play (Joshua had a lead). They like to bring students home on breaks.
Usually it is an international (or 2 or 3 or 4) who stays with us. The rule in our house has always been 'you can bring home as many as you can legally put in the car'. The most we had was over Thanksgiving 2 years ago. Four teenage boys from Norway and two from Spain. Let's just say it was very different than our usual guests from Taiwan or Korea. Asian girls are much smaller than Eastern European boys. Nonetheless they all stayed in Joshua's room and our Internet did not crash (10 people and 7/8 computers). I believe that this trip Anna and Mats (Norwegians) are coming this trip. They usually spend a day downtown Chicago (they take the train) and the rest of the time visiting with all the friends from here. It will be loud. The dishwasher, the shower and laundry will be running the whole time but it will be a blast. They will leave on Monday morning and the time that they were here will be over in a blink of an eye. The bright side to all the noise and commotion? They stay up so late they don't get up very early so I have quiet time in the morning and if I start to go really crazy I can go to the gym and sweat off some stress. I just may lose a few pounds - lol.

-19 pounds since starting
+105 days

33 days to Graduation, 95 days to 21st birthday and 262 to Leah's birthday

1 Day x 100= 100 Days Down

Yesterday was the 100th day since starting my new weigh of thinking.
Whenever I see a 100 day anything I can't help but think of Kindergarten 100 day celebrations. I think every school does these. On the 100th day of school they have a party. The kids make/bring in 100 of something. Sometimes it is pennies taped to cardboard in the shape of 100 or candies or something really creative. I am a hands off homework kind of mom which has served me well for the most part but let's be fair. There is only so much a 5 year old can do by themselves. I give Leah credit for reminding me, nicely asking, reminding again and encouraging me to help her with this project. The day before the project and time was running out we decided to make 10 paper chains of 10 chains a piece and staple them to a straw hat that she wore. I love my little girl (who is now 16 and driving). Very creative and she didn't even roll her eyes at her mom. She is such a good sport. She knows I love her but I don't do very motherly things. She obviously loves me for me and not my mothering skills (dad cooks and does laundry).
 Let me give you a final example. Leah was in Brownies. She had a zillion patches and the pile kept growing. When KellyAnn was in Brownies I fabric glued them to the sash. It was ok but not great so I wasn't going to do that again. Leah chose a vest. The first year in the parade and her little vest had 0 -zero- badges on it. They were in a pile at home. The second year-0-zero patches on the vest. The third year the troop leader (who I have since become friends with) told Leah that she could not march in the parade unless her badges were on her vest. To quote a favorite movie line "Nobody puts baby in the corner".  I did NOT take that news well. Anyone who has met me knows NOT to challenge me. You want her badges on the vest. You tell my 8 year old she can't march with her troop. Well I will put the badges on the vest (Dianne style) and so I did. Put them all in a baggie and stapled them on the back of her vest. And my darling daughter marched in the parade with her friends. The troop leader was not amused. I think she has since learned to be more specific. Perhaps not.

-19 pounds since starting
+101 days

37 days to Graduation, 98 days to 21st birthday and 265 to Leah's birthday

Grandma finds out baby gender

Our oldest daughter and son-in-law are expecting our first grandchild. She is due August 29 (eleven days after her 21st birthday). They had an appt. scheduled for yesterday and found out the gender. She told me she would post it on facebook so we would all know and I calmly explained that she could call or text me so I,

a) will be the first to know (or second if they tell other grandma first which is ok in my book)

b) won't find out with the world on facebook

c) will be the first to know

She agreed to call before posting it publicly. She thought she would be calling sometime between noon and 2:00pm. Ok dokie. Until I have to run an errand from 11:15-11:45am and realized they are on the EAST coast which means they are a time zone ahead. UGH. I text her, figuring she would have to look at her phone before calling me. Hopefully it was off or on silent. So my message said 'running an errand be back in 30'.

I get a phone call on my cell 15 minutes later with my lovely daughter laughing at me. "Mommy, it's not like I am in labor or anything" so I calmly explain that I didn't want her leaving it on the machine at home or something. She said that she would not do that and she would have called my cell if no one answered at home. Call me silly but I didn't want to take the chance. Better to state what I want so there is no confusion. So she told me they are having a girl. They had boy names picked out so now they will begin the process of selecting girl names. The baby weighs about 11 ounces (less than 3 sticks of butter) and is healthy. Craig was on the phone at the same time telling his mom. Being the grandma's should have some privileges. 

 -19 pounds since starting

+99 days

38 days to Graduation, 99 days to 21st birthday and 266 to Leah's birthday

Dietrich Bonhoeffer Book-Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy

Last week I went to see author Eric Metaxas and was thoroughly impressed with him as a speaker and writer. He made history interesting and easy to read. Who would have thought? Here are a couple of reviews. I am not an avid reader but I have started this one and am enjoying it. Anyone out there read it? Thoughts?

From Publishers Weekly: In this weighty, riveting analysis of the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Metaxas (Amazing Grace) offers a comprehensive review of one of history's darkest eras, along with a fascinating exploration of the familial, cultural and religious influences that formed one of the world's greatest contemporary theologians. A passionate narrative voice combines with meticulous research to unpack the confluence of circumstances and personalities that led Germany from the defeat of WWI to the atrocities of WWII. Abundant source documentation (sermons, letters, journal entries, lectures, the Barman Declaration) brings to life the personalities and experiences that shaped Bonhoeffer: his highly intellectual, musical family; theologically liberal professors, pastoral colleagues and students; his extensive study, work, and travel abroad. Tracing Bonhoeffer's developing call to be a Jeremiah-like prophet in his own time and a growing understanding that the church was called "to speak for those who could not speak," Metaxas details Bonhoeffer's role in religious resistance to Nazism, and provides a compelling account of the faith journey that eventually involved the Lutheran pastor in unsuccessful attempts to assassinate Hitler. Insightful and illuminating, this tome makes a powerful contribution to biography, history and theology.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

''In Hitler's Germany, a Lutheran pastor chooses resistance and pays with his life. . . Eric Metaxas tells Bonhoeffer's story with passion and theological sophistication, often challenging revisionist accounts that make Bonhoeffer out to be a 'humanist' or ethicist for whom religious doctrine was easily disposable. . . Metaxas reminds us that there are forms of religion -- respectable, domesticated, timid -- that may end up doing the devil's work for him. --Wall Street Journal

''In this weighty, riveting analysis of the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Metaxas offers a comprehensive review of one of history's darkest eras, along with a fascinating exploration of the familial, cultural, and religious influences that formed one of the world's greatest contemporary theologians. A passionate narrative voice combines with meticulous research. . . Abundant source documentation brings to life the personalities and experiences that shaped Bonhoeffer…Insightful and illuminating, this tome makes a powerful contribution to biography, history, and theology.'' --Publishers Weekly

''A welcome new biography of one of the twentieth century's leading lights. Metaxas magnificently captures the life of theologian and anti-Nazi activist Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), who 'thought it the plain duty of the Christian-and the privilege and honor-to suffer with those who suffered.' In the finest treatment of the man since Eberhard Bethge's Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Man of Vision, Man of Courage (1970), Metaxas presents a complete, accessible picture of this important figure, whose story is inspiring, instructive, and international in scope. . . Metaxas rightly focuses on his subject's life, not his theology, though readers will learn plenty about his theology as well. The author makes liberal use of primary sources, which bring Bonhoeffer and other characters to vivid life. For the most part, Metaxas allows this epic story to play itself out, unhindered by commentary; where he does add his own voice, the conclusions are sage. A definitive Bonhoeffer biography for the twenty-first century.'' --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

-19 pounds since starting
+98 days

39 days to Graduation, 100 days to 21st birthday and 267 to Leah's birthday

42 years old today!

So 42 years ago today it was Easter Sunday. My mother was in labor and my brother and sister (11 and 8 years old) waited anxiously for the news of a brother or sister. Now before you get all sentimental and awww isn't that sweet, what they really wanted to know was who was getting there own room. My father had finished the upstairs into a small and large bedroom and a half bath. Each of them wanted the smaller room for themselves. My brother won and my sister got stuck with me. Not right away but once I was old enough to be out of the crib on the main floor, I moved upstairs.
I think this is a bit unfair. They each had a chance to have their own room but I never had that chance. No matter what gender I ended up being (female for those roflyao at me) I would always have a room mate. Well until they moved out, as they are much older than me.
My birthday has only fell on Easter one other year. When I was 11. It cycles every 11 years, at least it user to. 1980, 1969, 1958, 1947, 1936, 1925, 1914 then something went wonk-ie. It won't fall on Easter until the year 2042. I will be 73 and I am going to have a huge party. You are all invited. So that is why I consider myself an Easter baby and why each Easter I feel it is my birthday. More than today anyway.

-18 pounds since starting
+94 days

43 days to Graduation, 133 days to 21st birthday and 271 to Leah's birthday

Birthday Coupns

I love coupons. I am a coupon queen. Ask anyone that knows me. Not an extreme couponer like the tv show but if you need something I will find the cheapest way to get it.
A few months before my 40th birthday I decided to sign up for every birthday coupon I could find. Red Robin, Bennihana, Houlihans, Baskin Robins, Culvers, Cold Stone Creamery, JC Penney, Sephora, Vera Bradley, Victoria Secret, a local greenhouse, Aveda, DSW, Ruby Tuesdays, Qdoba, TGIF, etc...
Most of these birthday coupons come by email but a few come in the mail. Do I use them all? Nope. A few I throw away (especially if they are only good for 2 weeks and I don't get there) but who cares? So I put the coupon in the recycle bag. No biggie. Most are good for the whole month though so I can work it into my schedule.
I have a method to my madness. I sort them by location and use. Victoria Secret is at the same mall as Vera Bradley, Aveda and Sephora so I will make my rounds and use them all at once. I am not sure about the freebies at Aveda (I have not been there before) but I figured I could put the travel size in my overnight bag, give it to a friend or donate to the local shelter (always looking for travel size personal hygiene items).
Last Thursday I went to Houlihans for dinner. Tom has praise team on Thursdays so I knew I had time to just take my time and enjoy. I asked the waitress how the birthday coupon worked and she said that I could order anything and if it was over $15 I would pay the difference. She mentioned that Thursdays were surf and turf so if I ordered any of the steaks it came with a 5 ounce lobster tail, asparagus and my choice of potato. I got the 9 ounce steak so I paid the $3 difference and tipped on the full price of the meal. I usually don't eat out by myself but I enjoyed the experience. I felt like a food critic. Taking my time and enjoying each bite. It was nice to take some time for me.
Tom and I went to Red Robin yesterday and I had my birthday burger. We don't go out often but since we were only paying for his we decided to make it a date. It was a late lunch/early dinner, then church (he was worship leader this weekend) then home to veg out a little. I started and finished a fun crochet scarf.
I am really looking forward to Bennihani. If you only sign up for one, this is the one. I will be going one night after work and am really looking forward to it. Thirty dollars for the birthday person. I have not been before but am pretty sure it will be awesome.
So go online and sign up for birthday coupons. Just google free birthday coupon or go to your favorite store and fill in the birthday field.

-18 pounds since starting
+91 days

46 days to Graduation, 136 days to 21st birthday and 274 to Leah's birthday

Birthday Genes - I Mean Jeans

I am having a birthday in 5 days. One of the department stores I frequent sent me a birthday coupon for $15 off of anything. I was also able to use the current store coupon with my birthday coupon so I went shopping for jeans. I was wearing the same 2 pair of jeans but they were getting pretty saggy. If I wore them straight out of the wash I would be ok but if I wore them more than once they looked horrible and I had to keep pulling them up (yay for our team). So I went, tried on, and bought a pair 2 sizes smaller than the ones I had been wearing. They look good and are really comfortable and did I mention they were $5? Yup. After the 20% off and the $15 off they were 5 bucks. Woohoo!

-18 pounds since starting
+89 days

48 days to Graduation, 138 days to 21st birthday and 276 to Leah's birthday