ORB

The Mister informed me that there is a saying--something about a man who has a hammer thinks that everything he sees is a nail...

I've never actually heard that saying before, and I'm sure I just did it a terrible injustice...  But, whatever...

The Mister proceeded to tell me that I have my very own version of a hammer.  And I have to admit that he may be right!

I've recently become acquainted with the merits of Oil Rubbed Bronze spray paint.  I can't believe the transformation that a little ORB can achieve!  It can update, improve, camouflage, transform and create...  Truly miraculous!  But I do concede that maybe I am finding a little too much love in a bottle.  I actually told my dad not to stand in my entryway too long unless he wanted to be bronzed...  He thought I was kidding!

So, here are some examples of what I can do (have done) with my little bit of magic in a can.

First off, our new home came with brushed nickle everything.  And, while it's fine for some styles, it's not my style.  So--I bronzed all my light fixtures.

That went so well that I moved onto the bathroom.  Did you know you can create your own ORB Dixie Cup dispenser?  Yep, you can!  Here's proof!

I've also bronzed some ugly, old, wooden candle sticks, and I made a beautiful ORB lamp out of a really grungy brass lamp.  Oh, the possibilities!  ORB, I love you!

Darth Vader is a Backseat Driver

Remember when I had a goblin under my seat in the car? Actually, I think it turned out to be Chucky... Anyway, yesterday I was driving down the street and heard woozsh-vvvwmmm...

For those of you less versed in Star Wars, that is sound of a Lightsaber. So I drove 50 miles (at least) accompanied by woozsh-vvvwmmm, and then the fun really began! Darth Vader started speaking from the back seat of the car!

Luckily, Darth seemed pretty distracted by the saber duel going on behind me. Because if he'd started shouting,

Hey, let's stop at McDonald's so I can get a Star Wars toy in my Happy Meal!

Well, then I'd have had to pull over right there to put an end to things.

Fall Cooking

It must actually be autumn. My drive to work is growing less green by the day, and it is rapidly increasing in orange foliage. I actually pulled off to the side of the road last week to snap a quick picture. I couldn't believe the change from one day to the next!

It's been so mild and nice... I almost forgot that fall was on its way in. But it's sprinkling tonight, and the temperature is supposed to drop. However, the true telltale sign that summer is over is that I've started cooking again.

There is something about the cool weather that brings out the chef and baker in me. I think my family was shocked that we didn't have to order pizza or pick up burgers. I hope it was a pleasant change for them. I know I enjoyed the afternoon at home preparing our dinner!

I only hope I can keep it up!  I'd love to do more baking this year, now that I'm not fighting altitude.  I just found a recipe for pumpkin cinnamon rolls...  I think that's going to be my very next effort!  

Sleep

Sleep is one of those things I usually take for granted.  Jammies, a good book, maybe a little Criminal Minds...  And then it's lights out!  But lately?  Not so much. 

My new schedule is something like this...  Jammies, read a book, flip through a magazine, watch Netflix, Skype with European friends, climb back in bed, stare at the ceiling, realize it's 3am...

Not the best schedule for an alarm clock setting of 7am!  Anyone who knows me knows that

Good Morning 

does not exist in my vocabulary.  So you can understand my new reluctance to crawl out of bed and face the world before the sun is even up!
 

The Mister's Foibles

For the record: The Mister not only knows about this post, he was pre-warned.

I love The Mister, I really do. But, even those we love can have peculiar or eccentric characteristics. The Mister has one particularly long-documented foible...  I can live with his Paper Man tendencies.  I raise my brows at his embarrassment for other people--even when they aren't embarrassed for themselves.  I smirk at his signature snack--melted cheese and milk toast (seems a little geriatric, doesn't it?).   But there is one idiosyncrasy which truly drives me up the wall.  The Mister loses things.

I know we all misplace things occasionally. The mate to a sock. The car keys. The cordless phone.  I Even understand the temporary loss of a car in a large parking lot, or an investment in a start-up...

But The Mister LOSES things! And it's never the $5 flip-flops or the old sweatshirt. It's not the 7-11 sunglasses. It's not the lid to the toothpaste.

The Mister has a penchant for losing expensive or hard-to-replace items. These losses usually equate to significantly inconvenient situations... Followed by ineffectual searching... Resulting in eventual replacement purchasing...

Let's document. The credit cards (numerous times), actual cost, just the inconvenience.  The mail key (still missing), re-keying cost, $40.  Mickey Mouse sweatshirt, worn once, $50.  The electronic key to his company car (twice), $85.  Maui Jims that he had to have for nostalgic reasons, $150.  His wedding band, worn for approximately 6 months, $200.  His company Blackberry, $400.   President's Club ring, $500.   The company laptop, $2000.  An entire Volvo sedan, $3000.  And his own hearing aids, $5000.

So, what inspired this post?  Well, here's the thing...  The Mister has lost something new.  The Mister has actually lost pants.  We flew to NYC, stayed overnight, went to a show, and The Mister flew home alone.  Unsupervised...  Which is where the trouble started.  When I arrived back home, a few days later, we couldn't find his pants.  His brand new, I-pleaded-with-him-to-buy-them, $160 Big Star jeans.  Now, you might ask, how did he get home with his shoes and his shirt but no pants?  Well, that's the six million dollar question.  You didn't happen to see a bottom-less passenger on a recent flight from JFK to SLC, did you?

Pee-ers Revisited

For those of you who are just joining me... You have a lot of catching up to do! LOL Actually--not too much, but this post actually is a follow-up to previous posts...  Before we moved off the hill, we had an epidemic of post-midnight pee-ers.  There was the near-miss in the pantry.  The puddle at the foot of the bed in the next bedroom.  And the bull's eye shot into the dresser drawer full of clean clothes.

Most of those nighttime escapades were somewhat anonymous.  That is no longer the case.  One of The Buddies, who shall remain nameless, has renewed his passion for peeing in assorted places.  Earlier this week I heard someone wandering about--it was late, and I thought everyone was asleep...  In he walked, tugging on his underwear.  And before I realized what was happening, he was peeing in my bathtub!  I tried to redirect him to the toilet, but that just encouraged him to wing that thing around, and his wild aiming was no longer being contained by my basin!  So--I quickly reevaluated and encouraged him to finish his business and get back to bed.

Two nights later, I heard rustling again...  I got up to check, and saw a similar sight.  The Buddy was tugging at his tighty-whities (which happened to be blue) and proceeded to wave his business around his room.  Let's be clear...  We no longer live in the contemporary house with the concrete floors!  This was not good!  So, I helped him tuck it away and hustled him into the bathroom...  which has tile...  not carpet... 

The best part (is there a best part?) came the next morning.

Hey, Buddy, do remember what you did last night?

To which he vehemently denies any such occurrences.  He honestly remembers nothing!  Truly at a loss...  What to do...?

Autumn Slides into the Valley

As I witness the harbingers of fall, I know my heightened enthusiasm irritates many of my friends. This year, for the first time--maybe ever--I was caught off guard by the sudden appearance of fall colors and coolish weather. I have thoroughly enjoyed these waning weeks of summer. The warm afternoons, fading into pleasant evenings of dining under an umbrella... But today I saw it.   In that little canyon... The first one you see as you head up the hill...?  There were subtle shades of orange in there... Just whispers of color, really. But they were there.

I've always loved autumn. And autumn appeals to me so much more than fall.  Maybe because it's more adept at invoking the true feeling of the season.  Winter is powerful--with the sharp wind, the biting cold, the blinding light reflecting off the snow...  But autumn is subtle.  Fading temperatures, transforming colors, a gentle slide from the sizzle of summer to the bitterness of winter.  It's a season of mellowness.  Mellow colors, flavors, aromas.

Despite being caught unawares, I'm looking forward to the anticipated changes that autumn ushers into the valley.  Baking pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, simmering spiced cider, listening for the crackle of pine logs in the fireplace.

I'm not wishing away the beautiful weather, but I'm ready for the change. 

Summer's Come and Gone--Almost

Wow!  It's been a long time since I've logged in to Blogger.  The whole interface has changed and it took me a minute to find my way around!   I guess I've been so busy enjoying not being busy that I took an unintentional, prolonged vacation from blogging.  But the kids are back in school.  The schedule has once again become routine, so I guess I should get back to real life as well.

I've enjoyed my summer even more than usual this year.  Two (quick) trips to NYC with the requisite shopping and dining.  A new job (that I love).  Lunches with my girlfriends.  Dates with The Mister.  Movie nights out on the lawn...  Snoasis, days on the lake, corn on the cob.  What's not to like?

Maybe the best part of this particular summer has been meeting new friends.  Neighbors in the new neighborhood.  Mom's of some of HRH's new dance friends in NYC.  Strangers on airplanes...

It might be the end of 2011--but I think this is going to be the start of a fantastic year!

Ready to Concede Defeat

Last week a lovely, young couple moved into the neighborhood.  It's obvious that they are completely devoted to one another.  They chatter happily as they work to create their new home together.  They never seem to squabble.  They are committed to getting their home in order as quickly as possible.

My adorable new neighbors are the Swallows...  No, not exactly Mr and Mrs Swallow--more like the barn swallows.  Yep, my new neighbors are a couple of birds.

So The Swallows (Mr and Mrs) decided to relocate to the neighborhood late last week.  I enjoy their lively twittering.  Their roost of choice is the temperature gauge right outside my office window, which gives me a prime spot for observing them.  I've noticed their pretty colors, iridescent blue wings, orange heads, yellow bellies...  And I thoroughly enjoy their animated conversations.  Their cheerful chatter makes me smile.  They are brightly colored, energetic, and very entertaining to watch.   

It was obvious from the first that the friendly little neighbors were some type of swallow; I decided to find out more.  So this is what I found out:  my cheerful neighbors are the same pesky little birds who love to build muddy nests.  I know, I know...  They will keep the pesky bugs out of my yard, and I'm sure they have other redeeming qualities, but here's what else I learned...

Barn swallows mate for life.  They will live four to seven years, and they will return to the same nest year after year.  They hatch two broods a year--each brood usually includes three to four hatchlings.  The first brood generally hangs around to help with the second brood.  This is all fine and dandy--after all, we encourage committed relationships and a tightly-knit family unit.  The next part is where things get dicey...

So, besides the messy, muddy nest, and the unsanitary droppings, these cheerful little chirpers are also territorial.  Especially when they have a brood in the nest.  So, basically, I'm looking at the young couple, and their first brood dive-bombing any guests who come to my door during the raising of the second brood.  Would you come to visit me if you know that you would be attacked by a swooping flock at my door?  No, I didn't think so...

So we've taken to discouraging The Swallows.  It's not that I'm opposed to them living in the neighborhood, but I'm not sure about having them as "live-in'" guests, so to speak, for the next four to seven years.  Every day we spray the mud off the eves of the porch.  Again, and again, and again.  The Swallows are nothing, if not persistent!  This has been going on for a week now.  And after a week of starting over with their nest-building every few hours, they just keep at it.

I'm about ready to concede.  The Mister, however, is holding his ground.  It is, after all, the house he is financing--The Swallows haven't even offered to pay rent for the pleasure of sharing our roof.  So, armed with a Super Soaker water gun, The Mister attacks, retreats, and attacks again.

It might be a very long summer...    

bcharmed

Sometimes you find yourself lucky enough to know the right people.  I've just found myself in that position!  My good friends (and former neighbors) have just launched an awesome jewelry company called bcharmed.  This opportunity was a no-brainer.  Their jewelry is beautiful and creative, the compensation is phenomenal, and they've done everything possible to make this a successful, turn-key opportunity.

Look at this  gorgeous Stylist Showcase!  You get beautiful, black velvet display pieces, and over $600 worth of jewelry!  And the best part is that you get to pick your own jewelry pieces--pick your favorites and show them off to all your friends.

bcharmed has put a lot of forethought into designing the look of this company.  Not only are they meticulous in the creation of each piece of jewelry, but each piece arrives beautifully packaged. This company is truly detail oriented.

So, lucky for you--you found my blog!  And I certainly know how to hook you up!  If you're interested in improving your income outlook, or just in purchasing a little bling for yourself, you need to check out bcharmed.  I'm currently working on my new bcharmed Independent Stylist website--check it out at www.bforevercharmed.com.  It's a work in progress, but you can see some more fun pictures of the jewelry.

Want more information?  Email me!  I can send you a sneak peek of the catalog (it's still in production).  It doesn't matter where you live, let's schedule a bcharmed boutique for you--did I mention you'll get FREE stuff?!  Email me today--the next five hosts to book a boutique will get some extra bcharmed FREEBIES!

HTML on the Brain

I've been neglecting my blog...  I know.  But I've been obsessed with working on a new project.

Now, I'm no computer guru.  In fact, other than how to spell the terms, I know nothing about Source Code or HTML.  My working knowledge of computers has barely progressed from AOL to Google.  I'm afraid of Control-Alt-Delete.  And my iMac's operating system still confuses me.

I am, however, a master of the Computer Crash.  I can (and usually do) crash annually.  But, despite my reputation for hard drive annihilation, I am pushing forward into the Digital Unknown.  I. Am. Writing. Code.

If you know me at all, you know that once I get a bee in my bonnet I am a bit single-minded.  I research, ask questions, and generally make a pest of myself to anyone who will listen to me.  And then I jump in with both feet.

My latest project?  Building a website (by myself--really!) for my Scentsy business.  I could have paid someone (that's what most of the other Independent Consultants do).  But where's the fun in that?  So I've chosen my colors, picked a style, and made my first effort.  OK, maybe it's not my first effort, but I'm at the point where I actually have a functioning effort!  LOL

At the risk of looking like I am shamelessly promoting my Scentsy business, I do want to invite you to take a look...  More than shameless promotion, think of it as pride of achievement.  Yes, I'm a little impressed with myself!  Not only is it kinda cute (IMHO), but all the linky-thingys work!  YAY!

So, here is the link to my temporary hosting site. (I can't believe I actually know anything about any type of hosting sites!)  www.wickless-wonder.com.

Well, let me know what you think.  But be kind...  First efforts and all, remember? 

Decisions

I'm a Master Decision-maker...  Ha ha haha...  Actually I'm a Decision Procrastinator.  It's not that I don't want to bring things to a conclusion--to resolve the issues...  But, first, I have to research.  And by research, what I really mean is that I need to consult all available resources.  Consumer Reports.  PC Magazine.  Cnet.  ZDnet.  The BBB...

But, today, I made an impromptu executive decision.  Immediately.  On the spot.  Without second-guessing.  And you know what?  It feels good!

Time

It's so crazy how quickly time gets away from us!
This photo was taken in July 1991. 

The little guy in the photo is The Boy. The handsome guy (with the cheesy grin) is my brother. I just realized that The Boy is now almost two years older than Tom was when this photo was taken.  Isn't that just too crazy? And mom, I'll send you a copy of this photo!

Curves

I am well acquainted with the word voluptuous, 

but yesterday I discovered a new word. 

vo-LUMP-tuous

Let's just say that I can relate to this new word even better!  lol 

And so much more descriptive, isn't it? 

Empty

I feel like my head is completely empty lately...  Maybe the hours of mindless driving (sounds scary, huh?) fueled by compulsive Easter candy eating is a causative factor.  Whatever!

For lack of anything worthwhile to share, I thought I'd just embarrass HRH by posting this pic.  I took this a couple of weeks ago for an audition... 

Yes, she does look just like her mother, doesn't she?  NOT!

Neighbors

We are settling into our new neighborhood.  I have to say, living on a street that is full of children is a happy change for us!  We loved our former neighbors...  We just wished there had been more of them to love!  We went from a neighborhood of vacant houses and few children to a neighborhood just teeming with friends and cohorts!  Now, if I could just convince The Buddies to tell me where they're going I'd be set!  Max has a bad habit of wandering off with any new friend he makes...  That makes it a little hard for me to find him!  We nearly called the police twice last week!  We've got to do some serious training around here!

Pantry

I've heard that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone...  I'd say that's about right!  Our last house had an amazing pantry.  Granite counter tops, cherry cabinets, an extra fridge...  It even had a window!  And now I'm relegated to a pantry that barely qualifies as a closet.  I know, a small pantry closet is typical, but still...  Gotta miss all those shelves and the extra fridge--Popsicle, anyone?!

So, The Mister had this brilliant idea that he should build an additional pantry.  I told him that we'd just have to keep extra food storage in the basement...  He just would not listen.  And then he started building his project--without my approval!  I made more than my share of disparaging remarks.  And I wondered who, in their right mind, would agree with him about this being a good idea.

Apparently, in my right mind, I would be the one to agree with him!  That Mister is truly brilliant!  I can't believe that I thought he'd lost all his marbles...  It still sounds crazy, but it is so functional!  The new pantry is in the garage, just outside the kitchen door.  It is accessed by the landing from the stairs that lead from the garage floor into the house.  It is suspended over an additional fridge and freezer which are located at the back of the garage.  

So, I'll do a premature reveal and post a few photos...

These are the stairs from the garage to the house.  

The door opens directly into the kitchen.

The stairs to the right (stacked with boxes) enter the protruding pantry.

This is the pantry--still in need of a door...  

Shelves on the right, a Shelf-Reliance self-rotating can dispenser at the back.

This is a view of the protruding pantry--see the freezer underneath?

The mister is going to add another row of shelves, and we do need to install the light and the door.  Aside from that, I'm ready to start cookin' with my new stash of goodies!  I'll be sure to post better photos once it's done and the garage is emptied enough to really see that it's working (and that my car will still fit in the garage!).  And yes, I will continue to call it the Protruding Pantry...  just FYI...

Thanks, Mister!

Lax

I know that I have neglected my daily blogging for the month.  I'm hoping that the fact that I was focusing on obtaining oxygen for my brain is excuse enough.  Luckily, my cold was short-lived, and I'm back to normal (or my version of normal, anyway...).

I am pleased to say that I've made some progress on the office.  And the kitchen is getting more functional by the day.  We have furniture in the bedrooms (thanks for swapping "junk" with me, Gen!).  And I have high hopes for the laundry room.

Now, if the snow would either provide full coverage, or dry up altogether (along with the accompanying mud), that would be great!  Lola is having trouble doing her doggy-business without tracking mud everywhere!  But, I am afraid that LAWN is a topic that is far (far, far...) in the future. 

Baptism

Today was a special day at our house. It's not every day that we get to baptise one of our children... And today, we got to baptise three! What an amazing experience to watch these three little people as they seem to grow up right before our eyes.  I am so proud of them. And even though we are new to our ward family, we felt all their love today. Thanks, everyone, for making today so special!

And for inquiring minds, who just have to know...  They were not necessarily dunked nor blessed in "birth order" and both were done in a different order...  So you can just keep guessing!  HA!

Scentsy

It's SPRING! (well, sorta...) And the new Scentsy catalog is out! I've only seen it online, so far. But I can't wait to get my hands on one!

Do you want to take a peek? If you do, check out my website! You can order right from there, and everything will show up on your doorstep in a blink! I can't wait to try out the new Jumpin' Jelly Bean scent bar. And have you seen the Warmer of the Month?  So stinkin' cute!  Let me know if you wanna have a party!  I can't wait to show you all the fun new stuff!

Puddles (part 3)

We have seen a return by an unexpected nocturnal visitor... Will the phantom pee-er please raise his hand?

Great. Now, you there, just stop that!

Even though the puddles have been on the bathroom tile (SOOOO grateful that they haven't been on the carpet)... I still don't enjoy mopping them up. If you could just find your way to the bathroom, and then lift the lid before proceeding to dispense anything, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,

In A Word

The title for NaBloPoMo this month is In A Word.  I've started the month by introducing you to my Office...  The word for tomorrow will probably be Kitchen, or Driveway, or maybe Bedroom...  Do you see a theme here with the words I'm choosing?  Maybe it's because thinking about all I need to do for our new home is taking up all the oxygen in my brain.  Or maybe I just have a one-track mind.  Either way, this will probably be your introduction to all things Bean House related.  And how would I describe the Bean House, in a word?  Crazy!  LOL 
Enjoy!

Office

I'm not sure why, but my office frequently bears the brunt of our family mess. For some unknown reason, it has become the eternal catch-all location. It's really a shame, I think I would be so much more productive if my work space was more organized... But at least for now, it has become storage for unopened boxes. I guess it's just a fact that sleeping areas and the kitchen take priority, but I still look forward to the day when all cardboard is evicted from my workspace. I dream about the day when my desks are free from the overflow from other parts of the house.

In truth, I think I've encouraged the chaos in previous houses. Not intentionally, but still... I haven't taken my office space seriously enough (or maybe I haven't taken my business seriously enough) and the office has become Craft Central and Computer Game Haven. This time things have to be different. Not just because I say so... But because I just don't have room/storage/patience for it now.

So--here it is...

Stay tuned to see the final results!

A Moving Experience

We have relocated, yes, again.  But this will be our last move...  Oh, have I already promised that?  oh...  well...

Anyway--this move was full of adventure.  First, I was lucky enough to get to move at the beginning of The Mister's two-week work-related absence.  Moving without The Mister around?  NOT on the Recommended List.

Next, the movers wrecked up nearly all of our furniture...  Trust me, I am not exaggerating.  In fact, it was so bad that they have taken all my furniture to have it professionally repaired.  So--while we have moved, we have arrived without more than a stick of furniture.  That's good for some interesting situations.  Picnic, anyone?

And then there were the problems with the counter tops...  One and a half inch out of level...  Catch that egg before it splatters on the floor!!!

But then there is the good stuff...  Baking without the challenges of higher elevation.  No extreme snow drifts.  AWESOME neighbors (no offense, Jen!  We still miss you guys!).  And a park across the street.  And the best news?  I've become a Master of the Spray Paint Can.  Yep, if it will sit still, I can spray it!  And oh, what a difference a little paint can make!

So--if you're up for sitting on the floor.  And you don't mind mountains of cardboard boxes (hard to put stuff away if you don't have any dressers...).  Then come on over!  We'd love to have a visit!  And we're just excited to be here! 

Diva

We're having a little problem with second grade. Last year, JJ had the sweetest teacher. She treated him like the favored grandchild. JJ has a tendency to get teary. In fact some little girl just called him a whiner and a crybaby. I can't say she wasn't correct. But anyway, last year his teacher would let him sit on her lap, or sometimes she would even let him call home from her phone. After a little coddling, he'd be ok and go back to his desk.

This year, JJ is taken with sick days. At least a couple of times a week I get a call from the office.

JJ is in the office. He says he's sick. Can you come get him?

Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't... But it's getting tiresome for me and for the office staff.

Last week JJ had a complete melt down at dinnertime. He was tired and hungry and just could not cope. He sobbed over his dinner plate. The Mister told him to eat and that he'd feel better... The Mister then proceeded to spoon-feed him. And happily, he became a different child.

Fast forward to an evening in front of the TV. This commercial came on...

And that is when it hit me. I think he's just being a hungry diva at school.

We talked to the office staff and they agreed to stash some healthy snacks for him. He has gone to the office for a Crisis Snack only once that I know of... And I haven't had a call to come pick him up in two weeks! YAY!

Christmas 2010

I know that December has come and gone...  It's nearly mid-January, but I still wanted to add a little blog post about our Christmas Holiday. 

Like any other family with children, the days preceding Christmas were full of excitement.  We took evening tours of the neighborhoods to check out the light displays.  We built snowmen.  We drank hot chocolate.  We speculated on who had been naughty--and if anyone had been nice...  We shopped, made lists, ate too much, and enjoyed each other (up until the point where we started to drive each other crazy!).

On Christmas Eve, with the elves peeking through the windows, we tucked The Buddies into bed.  Due to The Mister's brilliant idea of taking them to Jump On It, and then to the community swimming pool, the little guys were exhausted, and fell peacefully to sleep.  HRH and The Boy were another story...  Delay, delay, delay...  They were convinced that if they stayed up long enough, Santa would let them help with his midnight chores...  Like he would ever do that!  He doesn't even let me stay up to help!  So, after much complaining, they finally skulked off to bed.

A couple hours later, while creeping out to get a drink, I caught The Big Guy!  He had just emerged from the chimney when I unwittingly surprised him.  But he was a good sport.  He even let me take a picture or two, just to show the kids...

We had a fabulous day, full of fun and surprises.  Wishes were fulfilled, and the Lego-Building Frenzy has still not abated.  I think it's fair to say that a good day was had by all.

I hope your Christmas was as beautiful!

Fingers Crossed

It's the beginning of a new year.  A time when many of us reflect upon the previous twelve months.  Our choices, disappointments, and small moments of triumph.  A time to wish we'd done some things differently.  And a time to rejoice in unexpected good fortune.  It's a time of reflection, and an opportunity for self evaluation.

Today in church we had a lesson about the importance of resolutions.  Not exactly a typical topic for a Sunday lesson...  Usually, even if the content remained the same, the title of the lesson would read something more like "Goals" or "Achieving Personal Progression," alluding to something seemingly more enlightened than "lose that last 15 pounds."

I'm not a huge proponent of New Year Resolutions.  I guess my reasoning is that if you don't make them, you can't break them...  Possibly not the most insightful way of looking at it--but that's a pretty good indicator of my mentality regarding change.  Let's just say that I don't do change well.  Change.  I dread the possibility of it...  I avoid the impetus of it...  The whole thought of it makes me cringe, quite literally...

But, after pondering the Sunday lesson, I've decided that I do, in fact, have a desire to change a few minute aspects of my life.  So, here's my plan.  I resolve to lose weight, eat more healthfully, be kinder to those around me, learn something new, be more outgoing, make a new friend.  I plan to be more successful, be more creative.  Walk the dog, drink more water, learn a new skill.  Travel the world, read something amazing, influence someone for good.  I plan to cook from scratch, bake beautiful birthday cakes, and host amazing little get-togethers.  I'll meet all my new neighbors, always wear a smile, and be kind to the guy who allows his dog to poop on my lawn.  I'll plant flowers, create beautiful floral arrangements for the table, and nurture a fruit tree...  There...  I think that will do it...

And if you found any typos in the previous paragraph, you can blame it on my trying to type with my fingers crossed.  Because crossed fingers negate everything...  Right?