Saturday - hmmmmm

That's TODAY! I'm finally caught up! And I just have 1 more day to express my thanks on the blog... I must admit this was at times difficult. My life sometimes gets so busy that I had a hard time sitting down to write. I always managed to think of them and had them in my head, said them during my dinner prayers but didn't make the time to type them out. It was a good lesson and one I will continue to work on as I get older.

So what am I thankful for today... having time finally to type them out! It's kind of ironic though. I didn't go skiing with the family today so that I could stay back, rest the knee and work. I've been sitting here at the clubhouse for 4 hours now and most of it has been waiting for things to upload. It's taking forever. So I'm taking that time to multi-task and catch up on my blog! I'd rather be eating lunch right now... I'm starving!! But with any luck, I'[ll be done soon!!!

Friday - SNOW, SNOW and more SNOW!

OK, we didn't quite get dumped on, but we did get a few more inches of fresh powder! And since I skied so sensibly on Thursday, was feeling so great, I figured a few turns wouldn't hurt! We drove to Breckenridge and found more terrain and LOTS more people! That's to be expected on Black Friday! Who wants to fight the malls where there is FRESH POWDER??

Once again, I skied sensibly taking only 6 runs, but with less rest in between. I did quit early but that was in part due to the long lines of people. I just didn't feel like standing in line for 45 minutes for a run! My knee did really well - I'm very happy for that! And I do have to brag that I didn't fall on Thursday or Friday!

And the best part after skiing is a warm, hot meal of chili! That was waiting for us at the condo and I was very happy for that!!!

As for the snow totals - 4 inches yesterday in Breckenridge! And can you believe, Loveland Ski Area at the Eisenhower Tunnel got 14"? That's amazing!

Thursday - THANKSGIVING!

Ah, finally the day we celebrate as Thanksgiving!!! I had a lot to be thankful for this month and especially that day!!!

I'm sure everyone is waiting to hear if I actually skied... well DAH!!! Despite the horrible conditions, we headed over to Keystone and went to the top on the new gondola! I exited at the top, strapped on the ski's and pushed off - yeah I was skiing!!! I took a green, then a blue and then I was EXHAUSTED! (The Therapist was right, I need to work on that endurance!!) I then took a 2 hour rest! Well, it wasn't intentional... I was resting while Dan and Melanie went back to the car to get lunch. Then we got stuck talking to this couple and we were way too nice to break the conversation. Finally we got back out there - I took 2 more blues and was exhausted again! Geez... another break! This one lasted an hour... Dan was suppose to take 1 run, he ended up taking 2 and picking up a Texan who wasn't ready for the conditions. FINALLY I took my 5th run and ended it at the bottom - better safe than sorry, right??

So on Thursday I was thankful for...

• My husband and daughter
• Getting back on the ski slopes
• Good health
• My family
• All of my dear friends
• Having a job
• A great Turkey dinner I didn't have to cook or clean up!

Wednesday - RTD, Clear Skies and 4 days off!

Yes, Wednesday was a bear at work - I have to admit! Melanie joined me for the day since she was off of school. She managed to help with a scanning project and I really appreciated that. Unfortunately most of day was spent in meetings, so I didn't even see much of her. We did get to leave early and there is where RTD came in...

RTD helped me get to Lakewood so that we could meet Dan. It cut out 1+ hours of our commute!

Clear skies abound so that the drive up to the mountains was a breeze.

4 days off... can you believe it? Me neither! That is why on Saturday I've been sitting in the clubhouse at the condo for the past 3 hours working! If the Internet and this computer weren't so darn slow, I'd be done already! Drats!

Tuesday - Washing Machine

Well, you must admit, washing clothes in the river, beating them against a rock isn't much fun!!! We had lots and lots of laundry to get washed this week before we left for our Mountain Weekend! Thankfully our washing machine was up for the task and with my DD's help we managed to get it all done and still have time to pack for the trip! It's those little things in life that most people forget about!

Monday - being employed

OK, I have to admit I didn't get to blogging this week... I was overwhelmed with things to do and unfortunately blogging wasn't at the top of the list. I did write down and keep my list of things I was thankful for, so I'm going to go ahead and submit those today.

On Monday, despite my overwhelming workload, I felt it was necessary to be thankful that I had a job. The unemployment rate is so high right now that even I can appreciate the work and income that I receive. The hours right now aren't so great, but this too shall pass! Dan and I have been laid off before, so we'll keep praying for now that our jobs are still safe!

Christmas is coming!!!

Today I had a great helper in putting up the Christmas tree! I am thankful that Melanie was so into decorating the tree this year - it gave me time to get some of the other decorations up! I didn't get everything up yet, but at least the tree is done! I know, I know it's only November 23rd, but we're not going to be around too much over hte next few weeks, so it's good to get it done! Besides, this is my favorite holiday and I love to watch the twinkling lights in the dark!!! Sorry it''s a daylight picture, but if I don't post now, I probably won't get to it later in the evening!!!

Saturday was declared a day of rest

We slept in late, took a nap and relaxed! After the week I had, I was thankful to have the time to rest! I know everyone needs a day like that, but then afterwards I always feel guilty for all the things I didn't do!

Beer-thirty!

OK, so I don't drink beer, but I'm really thankful for the Smirnoff Ice that I'm drinking after a LOOOOOONG rough week of work!!! Pretty bad when you're thankful for a stiff drink!!!

I have a relaxing but busy weekend ahead! Here is my to-do list!

1. Put up Christmas tree - OK, I know it's kind of early, however we will not be here next weekend, so it's just right!!
2. Cleaners - get my winter coat cleaned
3. Decorate the advent calendar - oh, that one sounds like lots of fun!
4. Complete lots of pages for the London scrapbook - my days are dwindling fast to have it done and shipped for Christmas...
5. Work - from the office :(

I hope whatever you have planned, you have lots of fun this weekend!!!

Thursday - positive attitude

I thought and thought all day as to what I was truly thankful for on this dreary cold day. I had a rough day at work that continued on at home that night until after 10 p.m. With my assistant leaving things are just going to be tougher for the next few weeks. So in the end I think I was most thankful for just how hard I tried to keep the positive attitude going... it's no fun working with a grouch!!!

Wednesday - a ride home

Tonight I was thankful for my friend Moira who offered me a ride home from work! It couldn't have come at a better time! Dan was meeting an ex-co-worker after work for dinner and I was on my own to get home. It was perfect! I got home in 1/2 the time! Thanks Moira for the ride!

Green Light!!!

Today I am thankful for the GREEN light that my therapist has given me! It means that I can SKI next week! He said I'm between 85-90% back to normal and with continued exercise I will continue to improve as well! I have to concentrate on endurance - something I've never been very good at! I guess that will be my new goal in the gym! Not more weight, but more repetition! I'm going to take it NICE and EASY that first day (and second and so on) and take each run with caution! He even said moguls were in my future this season!!! I can't wait to get up on the slopes!!

Thankful to be HOME!!!!

Colorado is home and I couldn't have been happier to get off the plane this morning and see the SUNSHINE!!!! I am so thankful for that! I love my family, my friends and the food in Chicago, but Colorado is definitely my HOME!!! I was so happy to see the mountains, I had to take a picture from the bus stop at the airport!!! In just 9 days I'll be up there in my beloved mountains, skiing and showshoeing and just enjoying the beauty!

Sunday - Thankful for DAD!

I am thankful today for my Dad! Sunday was his birthday - he is 74 and in fantastic shape! I am thankful Dad that you are still with us and hope that there will be many, many more years to celebrate ahead!!!

Sunday Ed and I headed up to Wisconsin so that I could see his "lake house"in Williams Bay! On the way we stopped in Bohners Lake where our family had a "cottage" for many decades! Our cottage was official named "Jarger Manor". This was the first time I'd seen our old cottage since we sold it about 15 years ago. It didn't look anything like our house. Even the hill out back looked smaller. I took lots of pictures and can't wait to compare them to see what might NOT have changed! There were lots of memories made there! After checking out the lake and the store where we bought our fudgesicles as kids we headed to Lake Geneva and Williams Bay where the new "Jarger Manor" lies! I got a tour of the house and the lake before Dad and Marcy showed up. We took a little trip to Yerkes Observatory, but it was closed on Sunday's. After lunch and a Dairy Queen stop, we headed back into Lake Geneva for some casual shopping! There we met back up with Kathy for a bit. When we closed the town down, we headed back to Chi-town and Dad, Marcy and I celebrated his birthday at his favorite restaurant!

It was an awesome way to spend my weekend and I'm very happy that I got a chance to do it! Next time maybe I'll actually go when the weather is nicer!

Saturday - My shopping partner in crime

There were many things to be thankful for on Saturday, including my great day with my very dear, life long friend Snot! She is the BEST shopping buddy around! It's a darn good thing we don't live closer - I'd be broke all the time!!! We hit our first scrapbook store just after 10 a.m. - Craft Fancy. It was the first time we'd been there and it was a really cute store! They had a great class list and I think she's going to try a few of them out! I wish I could go too!!! Then we headed over to Hobby Lobby before settling in for a nice Mexican lunch at her favorite restaurant! After that it was to Arch's where I finally found that advent calendar I was looking for! And our last stop was to TJ Maxx where I bought another suitcase to carry all my crap home! OK, I didn't use both, I just transferred it all into the new one (which was bigger)!!! We had so much fun... as usual!!!

Then Marlene drove me to Olive Garden for the real reason I went to Chicago in the middle of November! (It definitely wasn't for the weather!) I went to surprise my Father for his birthday! He turned 74 on Sunday and the family was celebrating on Saturday night! My brother and his family knew of my plans, but no one else! The first to arrive was Dad and Marcy and boy was he shocked! I wish I had a picture of his face! At least it didn't throw him into another heart attack!!! It was a GOOD surprise!! Then my sister and the kids showed up and they were quite surprised as well! Dinner and the company were great!

After dinner I bid Dad farewell and we headed back to Ed's house for a rest before we went out to Mike's bar to party some more! We only stayed out until 2:45 a.m. this time!!! We were good - I promise!!! It was fun to chat with Sarah, Mike and Kathy and of course Ed. I'm glad I don't do that often... I'm way too old for staying up so late at a bar!!!

Friday - First Snow!!!

Believe it or not, on Friday I was thankful for our first SNOW in Denver!!! Yep, we are a bit late in receiving it this year and although it wasn't much, it was great! Here I am at the bus stop enjoying the flakes!!! Believe it or not it was gone by lunchtime - how typical in Denver!

On Friday afternoon I got on a "jet plane" and headed to my old haunts... Chi--town! Marles and her hubby picked me up at the airport and took me back to their house! Along the way we picked up gyros from Wally's (pre-ordered of course - there's no waiting for anything in Chicago)!!!! It was absolutely YUMMY!!! I couldn't even come close to finishing all that food! Then we stayed up until 2 a.m. talking! Girls!!! What a great start to the weekend!!!

Thankful I finished this card!

I am thankful today for this card... first off I made it for my Father who turns 74 this Sunday. I am happy I got it finished so quickly because I'm running out of time. (I have to send it off tomorrow!) Secondly, I am thankful because this card allows me to play in the TCP Weekly Challenge - I used this weeks color pallet! That was really fun - I liked this one! And lastly I also got to play in the MFT Sketch Challenge! Wow - a triple dose of thanks!!!

I am off for a few days... enjoying some fun with friends! I'll tell you all about how much fun I had, and what I was thankful for when I return on Monday!

Working from home...

Today I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work from home and I am most thankful... although it was not planned! I woke up in a panic attack this morning knowing that I could never finish what I needed to do at the office, so I decided to work from home. What a great move - I got it accomplished in 10.5 hours. A long day, but at least it was spent in my comfy office!

Here are a few more of my 101 list...

• Attend my 25 year HS reunion that someone else has organized
• Hike in the shadow of the Matterhorn hut to hut
• Learn how to cross country ski
• Learn how to use a sewing machine
• Go on a scrapbook retreat to Manitou Springs with Toni
• Take another surfing lesson
• Get my mother’s wedding ring
• Cruise around Alaska’s Glaciers
• Go whale watching
• Complete a clear scrapbook album
  

The Big Blue Bus and more from my 101 list...

Today I am very thankful for the Big Blue Bus and it's driver - my dear husband Dan! Without him, my commute to work gets even uglier! My normal commute to work (about 25 miles away) starts at 6:25 a.m. when we pull out of the garage in the Big Blue Bus! He drops me at the Outlet Mall (about 2.5 miles from home) at 6:35 a.m. where I catch the FREX (Front Range Express) bus to Denver. About 7:00 a.m. I get off the FREX and wait another 7-8 minutes for the Denver RTD bus that takes me the remaining 1.75 miles to my office. I get there about 7:25 a.m. Then I do the reverse on the way back home, but that takes me even longer, leaving at 4:30 p.m. and arriving home at about 6 p.m.! When Dan is away and I don't have a Big Blue Bus to rely on, I have to wait for the little Castle Rock shuttle... unfortunately that doesn't pick up at my house until 7:25 a.m. and I don't get to work until almost 9 a.m.! Oh the joys of not having a license! Please don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining... I'm thankful I have him to assist me!!! Just consider yourself lucky if you can drive!

Here are another 10 items from my 101 list...

1. Repaint the inside of my house something other than white
2. Celebrate another 20 years of marriage with Dan
3. Replace the loft furniture with a sectional
4. Get a dresser for my bedroom (haven’t had one in 20 years)
5. Replace the carpet throughout the house
6. Have my windows cleaned
7. Have my daughter cook 2x per week
8. Use cloth bags for grocery’s and go green! DONE (and we love it!)
9. Re-landscape my front and back yards
10. Meet Marlene out of state for a girl’s weekend
    

Monday is OVER!!!

Today I am simply thankful that Monday is OVER! The next few weeks will be long and challenging at work and I'll just be happy as each one ends!

Here are another 10 from my 101 list...

1. Become a DT
2. Have a reunion with all my HS friends
3. Organize my scrapbook space
4. Get a complete set of Prismacolor markers (DONE)
5. Scrap my Australia trip
6. Scrap my London trip
7. Scrap my Cancun trip
8. Eliminate the pain in my left knee (DONE)
9. Maintain my weight around 135 lbs
10. Meet the members of the Seasoned Survivor CJ Group (DONE)
    

Thanks - I got mail!

Today I am thankful for all the cards that I received this week from my friends! I don't collect the mail often (usually 1 or 2 times per week) and when I did finally today, I opened 4 very special cards! The first was a great Hi/Get Well card from Debbie! That was so sweet of you to think of me! I love the little chick! Then I opened a thank you card from Nattie (Toni's daughter)! At first I had no clue who Natalie was... couldn't read the rest of the post mark! I think she's growing up fast Toni when she uses her full name!!! The next card was a great Halloween card from Patti! What a great Spooky Greeting! Then lastly I opened my "November" friends card from Marles (aka Snot)! She tried another Zindorf technique and I think it's fantastic!

Tonight I am working on my London book. I need to finish it by Christmas as I'm giving one copy as a gift to Dad. Yes, Patti I know I have a lot of other trips lined up to do as well! And yes, they are on my 101 list! How long is yours??!! Here are my first 10...

1. Walk the ruins at Machu Picchu
2. Ride in a helicopter
3. Stand next to an active volcano
4. Learn to scuba dive
5. Walk on the Great Wall of China
6. Ski in South America
7. Climb all 53 – 14ers in Colorado
8. Ride in a submarine
9. Reframe my mother’s chalk picture of our cottage
10. Finish scrapping my Switzerland pictures
    

Melanie's Laughter

Today I am thankful for Melanie and the laughter that she brings to my life! This morning she crawled into bed with me and we spent our first minutes of the day in laughter! Then later today her cousin Betsy arrived for a sleepover and they have been laughing and giggling ever since! Melanie informed me that "laughter keeps you young"! I admire the wisdom she has at her age and hope she is correct in her statement!

I had a fun day creating a Thanksgiving scrapbook with a gal from work! It was amazing at how much you can do when you're not as anal as I am!! It turned out great for her first project! Maybe this will help inspire me to get my London book created by Christmas!!!

24HourFitness

Today I am most thankful for the trainers at 24HourFitness who have helped me find several routines for my skiing rehab! Without watching all of them, I would be lost and probably would have quit by now!

I still struggle on the balance balls, but I am getting better! I know that Mike will be testing me on these, so I have to keep trying them! So between balance and jumping, I will be ready for that sports test!

My weekend plans include a day of scrapbooking with a friend from work. That should be fun. She is brand new to this hobby and I hope I don't overwhelm her on the first day! In addition, we have to pick up the ski boots we picked out for Melanie. They have been holding them for us so that we could use our coupon and save almost $50! Beyond that, not sure what else the weekend holds! What are your plans?

Free Avalanche tickets

I am thankful tonight for the "free" tickets we got from one of Dan's vendors for a Colorado Avalanche hockey game! They had their own box, with free food! The only cost was the $8 foam finger we had to get for Melanie since she couldn't come with us! A small price to pay for a "date" night to an Av's game! Unfortunately they lost the game...

Thankful for CHANGE!!!

Today I am thankful for CHANGE! I don't discuss my political views often, however today it is what I have to be thankful for, so please understand. I don't care who you voted for, I just hope you used your right as an American to get out and voice your opinion, as many of my fellow blogging friends urged you to do yesterday!

As for my opinion, I am pleased that Obama won and I am hopeful that he will fulfill his promise to work for ALL the people in turning this Country back around! We have made history electing a non-white man into the most powerful position in this country and maybe the world! I think the world is ready for this change and I am happy to be alive to witness it!!! I actually was sad I coundn't be in Grant Park to feel the heppiness that Chicago is experiencing!!!

Enough politics, have a great day everyone!

What a beautiful sunrise!

How can you not take a look at this picture and be thankful for the start of a beautiful day! Isn't it wonderful!!!

The other good news was my therapy appointment this afternoon. Mike said that he can perform my "sports test" in 2 weeks and he projects that I should pass without any problem. He gave me several new jumping exercises that I will be doing faithfully over the next 2 weeks to make sure that I am ready to go! With that said, if I can pass, I can ski over Thanksgiving Weekend! Maybe not all 4 days, but I'll take 1 or 2! Back to the gym tomorrow!!!

Kleenex?

No, not just any tissue - PUFFS PLUS! That is what I am most thankful for today! The last few days I have done a lot of blowing of the old nose and if it wasn't for that lotion in the Puffs, I'd have a big red nose today!!! I will be happy when I can breathe again!

And don't forget everyone - get out and vote tomorrow! We voted early and are glad we did with a 4 page ballot! We need a change!!!

Thankful for TIME!

Day 2 - Today I am thankful for TIME! Early this morning we switched back from daylight savings time to mountain standard time and gained an hour! I spent my extra hour SLEEPING!!! It was great since I have this cold!!!

What did you do with your extra hour?

A Month of Thanks!

I am challenging myself this month to reflect each day on something I am thankful for. The list will be in no order of importance, just in order of what I am thankful for that particular day. I plan to record these items with a picture as well and when I am done create a 2-page layout to display my month of thanks! This is a big challenge for me - I haven't blogged every day EVER! So here we go...

Day 1 - I am thankful for a BEAUTIFUL day! It was in the low 70's on November 1st - you got to LOVE Colorado!!! We spent an hour playing miniature golf today!