Well, New Year's Eve is almost upon us. I never quite know how to feel about this holiday. So I think it is my least favorite of all.

My little Chihuahua/Sheltie mix is now up to 31 pounds. Yikes. I hope he quits growing sooner than later.

Puppies are like kids. When they're all worked up, all they really need is a nap. Lay them down and poof! Sleeping.

Eight more hours until 11 days off. Geez, I need this.

"Every night I kneel and pray. Let tomorrow be the day." Oliver

Put my new Craftsman tool bucket together. Have on my new Bears socks and mittens. Next, try out popcorn machine!

Well, the party's over and I am wide awake. Think it went fairly well. I wish little Buddy had relaxed more but he's young yet.

Hosting my family's holiday party tonight. I hope it goes well!

13 days until my first week off in 2012. 'Til then class project, family Xmas party, final exam, shopping, and decorating. #time

Hamlet... Puck....Toby.... Coco Beans...Junior....Sir Bounce a lot....Sparky....Pip....Latte...Lincoln...Abe....it has to be just right.

Tomorrow I will be picking up my new little doggy friend, who is still in need of a name.

Daniel Day Lewis, Sally Fields, Tommy Lee Jones, James Spader. Good God. Magnificent.

"The only man a girl can truly depend on is her daddy"....and her brothers....and her dog.

Lately there's been a plethora of woodpeckers in the tree; it is nice to listen to their gentle rat-a-tat-tat.

Toby? Mr. Bingsley Sweetness? Magic? Paddles? Bogart? Bugsy? Or simply the cutest thing ever on all fours.

I need someone to talk me out of getting a puppy.

Day 2. Whew! Had a bite or 2 of bread and cheated with nibbling on a butterscotch. Other than that I am on my way.

Day 1 of Atkins complete. Bad day to start as I have nothing I need but made it thru. First few days are the toughest.

That's it. I'm going back to Atkins. It's the only one that works for me. There is a dress for which I must shop!

Was looking at puppies for adoption. Training is work. The application wants blood. Still i do miss my 'lil doggies. Need to think.

This running thing comes in handy. I just won a one minute shopping spree at Kmart up to $250. I ran fast and grabbed a tv.

"Enchanted" as I clean. A fav but it always makes me cry at the end when they're on the stairs and she thinks she lost him forever.

Back to the gym this morning, after a 2 week hiatus. That felt good. I was starting to worry about myself!

Someday things will make sense to me but until then I guess I'll be confused. Seems simple enough.

One last True West tomorrow. Seems too fast to be over already. But ACE has just begun and the future is bright.

To my sis and everyone in NJ, keep the faith and be safe.

I just made my first batch ever of snickerdoodles. Damn, they are good! I hope they get to the bake sale before I eat them!

Why does everything seem better the moment you start a 4 day weekend?

Currently baking a perfectly golden piece of fluffy toast. I love the smell of toast!

Uncle is in town. He loves to tell stories about him and Pops from their Navy days. I could listen for hours.

I know I certainly don't deserve my friends and family but I am truly grateful to have them.

The line from the show that suits me best this week? "I don't sleep." ha ha ha! Too much to do! :o)

I don't know anyone who could have better brothers than mine. They always step up to help me. I'm damn lucky.

There is no crying in True West.

Sometimes I wonder if animals out in the wild are happy. They do what they do because they have to, but do they like it?

Some say we all have a soulmate. I say we probably have a few. I've never been smart enough to recognize one! Lol

Dad's birthday. Always in my heart. I hope he'd be proud of all we are creating at rehearsals.

Was a long hard day today. Not sure why. Just another day with good and bad. Glad it's over and can start fresh tomorrow.

Feeling frazzled. I hate that feeling. The gym usually erases my frazzlings (that should be a word) but no time today. :(

What the hell would Mitt do if he did get to the oval office? Put his feet up? He's sending all the big problems to the States. #passingthebuck

I almost forgot to put on my Bear wear! What's the matter with me?!?!

I am so grateful to have my family and friends. I hope someday I can find a way to give them all they given to me.

A nice weekend. Finished the blocking and ran a crazy crowded 5k this morning. Still not ready for work tomorrow.

Those moments when my brothers remind me of Dad, that's when it seems he's right there with us.

Tonight the True West adventure begins....

I came in third in my age group at the 5k this morning! The first time I've placed! Hooray for me!

In case you were wondering, coffee makes a wonderful cleaning agent for your keyboard...and pens...and pencils...and desk.

By some educational miracle, my 4.0 GPA remains intact. Unbelievable...and spectacular!!

Why is it every time I see the dentist my teeth hurt terribly for days. The never hurt before they "fix" them Fail.

"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightening and lightening bug." Mark Twain

If your only water source was a colony of ants, could you drink? That's what kizards do. Glad I'm not a lizard.

Hippies. Can't live with 'em. Can't live without 'em.

Had 99% going into the final exam. Just finished the final and I hope my early efforts pull my ass out of the fire. #disappointed

Have you seen the commercial with the girl in a bike race and her man with the pizza box at the end. Gets me every time.

Took H to Medeival Times for her 30th birthday. What a fun time!

It's time for a new day, Sunshine! Are you ready? Me neither. Wake me up in an hour.

Heading home today. Work tomorrow. :o(

It is good to be reminded that there is always room for growth, and opprtunities and change.

Spending some time a little north of Sheboygan, so of course I must wear my Bears shirt as much as possible!

It's days like today that give me that feeling of excitement and the wish to go outside and play! #foreverakidatheart

Lately, I find I am talking to myself but I never seem to have a response! Good God, even I don't listen to me!

Well my id and ego talked it over and we decided to do one of my shorter Jillian Michaels DVDs instead of rest. Felt so good!

They say it's actually good for you to take a day of rest from working out. So why do I feel so guilty about even considering it?

Considering I was up all night thinking, lunchtime today means catnap. Zzzzzzzzzzz

I think I would like to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. It is now on my to do list.

The hardest part of any workout is getting up and getting started. It's all downhill after that. #freetobe

"In life, the monsters win..." George R R Martin.

Now that I have no bushes in the back yard, mowing the lawn goes lickety-split! Thank you, Stormy Weather! #onthebrightside

I did not fall asleep last evening until 5 am this morning and got up for work at 7. I am feeling a little sleepy now! :o)

I did not fall asleep last evening until 5 am this morning and got up for work at 7. I am feeling a little sleepy now! :o)

So far I have a perfect score in my statistics class! What are the chances of that? Ha, ha! (Knock on wood-don't want to jinx it!)

So being a little strange I tried on the skorts I used to wear when I was a 20-something. They still fit!!! BooYahhh!!!!!

Took the day off today. A lot of errands to finish. One of these days, I am going to take a day just for me, just to enjoy it.

I'm happy to report the outside temp of 92 has finally caught up with the inside temp. Was 95 in here yesterday so frost warning!

A few days without air & tomorrow is supposed to be crazy hot! I hope I'm not totally cra cra by the time the guy can fix it.

Not too mention, all of my 30 to 40 little birdie friends have lost their morning hang out. This makes me a little sad.

The guys just left from removing all the storm damaged bushes from the back yard. The yard looks naked.

Just ran 4.9 miles. Damn! That felt good! Great start to a beautiful day!

Been trying to work on my conversational skills. They suck. I seem to say too much, too little or something stupid.

Decided to sit outside for a spell and it is definitely cooler outside. I'm guessing we're at about 90 now. It feels nice.

Days when I'm feeling tired of everything and everyone are days when I know the truth is I'm really just fed up with me. :)

All week long the poor li'l birdies have been gasping. Just put up a bath to give them some relief! #waitingforfeatheredfriends

I actually slept late this morning. I haven't done that since before they moved Dad into the nursing home. #catchingup

Night after night, as strange as it seems, the sound of his laughter will sing in your dreams.-Rogers and Hammerstein

Off until Monday. Hooray! Rehearsal, shows, yard work and other home chores. May not be as relaxing as a trip away but it will do!!

Rehearsals that run late are a double whammy. I'm crazy tired but wide awake. Maybe boring T.V. will help.

While you were out: the vent and shingles from your roof blew off. Oh, the bushes in the back were ripped out too. #gratefulnoonewashurt

This a.m. I spilled hot coffee on my arm. After noon I spilled boiling water on my bare thigh. Tonight so far so good.

I try to live young. I always will. So when costumes make me feel matronly, it's too much truth to face. #oldageandvanity

I just woke up from 2 hours of sleep. The first I've had since Saturday night. I'm getting too old for all-nighters...unless they're fun, of course.

Concrete floors suck!!

I just saw the same man in the same convertible driving next to me in St. Charles. What are the chances? #stillburly

Sunday, in the city, I saw a burly man driving a cute red convertible in a risky area. I thought there's an advantage to burly.

Class final last night. Whew! Now a 3 week break from school. Perfect timing as rehearsals heat up to open on the 5th.

Without a doubt, I am Able. I am lucky and proud to say i am my father's daughter.

Hair appointment in the a.m. Tired of me. Maybe a dramatic change..blond? Red? Crazy short? Maybe. Maybe not.

Hmmm. I haven't had a Rolo in awhile. Probably since Christmastime. That's just wrong!

Stop the world! I want to get off. (ok..an oldie but a goodie?) Fly me to the moon? I just need a break. #stopthemadness

I must be wearing my invisibility cloak today, as about 5 different people ran into me as I walked through the store.

Just finished Catching Fire. Damn! Now, I have to know what happens! Guess I better make a run for book 3.

Why is it, even at this age, when meeting new people or when dealing with emotions, I back into my shelll like a turtle?

Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrims' pride, from every mountain side, let Freedom ring.

It's just a play. Don't get bogged down by it. Life is too short.

The best part of all of the in depth dental work being done: the pain killers. The worst part? Needing them. :o( #needtosleep

I wish I had eyelashes as long and as lovely as an elephant's.

Me: Flowers are like little bows on the earth. H2: So true. So cute. #finallyappreciatedformypoeticside

I find I usually look much better from a distance. So please, step back....WAY back.

I don't know, but I will cross that bridge when the trolls are out!

I have decided that I would like Jim Caviezel on my team. Is that too much to ask?

A word of advice: if looking at a woman's past photos, NEVER say, "You were so beautiful!" Always say, "You are.."

I missed my run and workout today. So I feel rather blah. But after all, tomorrow is another day! Thank you, Scarlett.

"This is the song that never ends. Yes, it goes on and on, my friend. Somebody started singing it not knowing what it was..." #passingthebuck

It is all final. Be less quick to judge. Be quicker to forgive. Past differences cause twice the damage if we don't learn from and rise above them.

I kept thinking today was Thursday which really wasn't a problem. That is until tomorrow when I realize it's not Friday.

In the oral surgeon's chair, I thought of Dad and how he put up with MS for 30 years. I've got it easy. #missingmyhero

"Everybody needs somebody sometimes." Dean Martin. Crazy ol' Dean. Not a favorite but a good ol' tune.

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." Albert Einstein

You know how your toes are cold so you sit all tucked in to warm them and bam! cold toes touch your legs! Brrrr!! Yeah, like that.

I have a table, a beer and appetizers on the way. I love eating out!!! #favorites

A sleepless night thinking about work to be done, uninvited ants, and oral surgery on Saturday, calls for Castle.

I am trying reverse psychology on my insomnia. If I think sleep is not allowed. Then I will stay up. Eventually my body will give in, right?

This may sound silly but I took my final tonight and I scored 100%. I cannot believe it!! Hooray for me!!

Nice day today spent with my little girls and nice night listening to Grits sing. A day that serves to reminds me how lucky I am.

So sorry. I guess I woke up a little grumpy this morning. #orwhydosomepeoplehavetomakesomuchnoise?

I wish my neighbor could be louder on early Saturday mornings. #Not.

Why do I wake up earlier on the weekends than I do on workdays? #needmorebeautysleepthan most

"I've seen fire and I've seen rain. I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end." James Taylor #favorites

I lost 1 of my shoes and it's an important shoe because it goes on my right foot. Without it, I walk lopsided! Oh my...

Did I miss the memo that says everyone is supposed to arbitrarily stop their cars in the middle of the road?

Good lord. I am already wishing for Friday. I definitely could use a vacation.

Oh, pooh. It's cold this morning. Guess it couldn't last forever. :-(

Global warming. Pro: Sunny 80 degree days in March. Con: House being invaded by ants.

Lost me $20 at poker so I guess the luck of the Irish doesn't always apply. But I have on me temp Irish tattoos nd that's just fun!

I don't care which side of the fence you walk on. If you can promise me gas for under 2 bucks a gallon, you have my vote. #ripoff

Going out tonight and I'm wearing my capris, maybe even heels. #suresignitsspring

One sheep. 2 sheep. 3 sheep. 4 sheep. 5 sleep! Hell. That never works. A day of meetings tomorrow too, so I guess I'll doze off then.

Lazy today.. So bad...Got up at 5. Did bills, cleaned the house, did homework, had a read thru. Never got to the gym. Lazy lazy. #pooped

I can feel I'm stronger today than I was a year ago. Proof is in the push-ups: can do more & they come easier. 50 & kickin' it. #knockwood

Above 60 degrees today! So that means I had my lunchtime run outside today! Damn, it felt so good!

Do you ever have those days when it feels like no one is really listening?

Busy day: gym, grocery shop, copy script, haiir cut, buy a new vacuum, pay bills, and homework. Ah, the glamor!

Gentlemen: If a lady asks you to square dance, don't dismiss her. You never know where it might lead.

The little puppy on Dog Whisperer reminds me of my Lacey dog. The best dog ever!

Motivation: Trying on my summer clothes and finding they MOSTLY fit - just have to work out a little harder and no ice cream!

Monday is over. Hooray! Hopefully the rest of the week will be smooth. Kind of early in the year but maybe I need a vacation!

Crazy squirrel is trying to get in thru my window screens. Hmm. How would Hitchcock have done with a film called "The Squirrel"?

I am, officially, a college student once again......YIKES!!!

A smaller group for poker tonight but I came in second place! Woo hoo!

Why ruin a beautifully quiet and peaceful Saturday morning with so much noise? Quiet, please. People living softly here.

Ever get tired of being in your own head? Wouldn't it be nice...once in awhile...to be in someone else's...to learn how they think.

Indubitably!! Say it. Fun, right?

If i stay up late tonight, Monday morning's work day will never come to be, right? #Sundaynightmindgames

I know I shouldn't say this because it's been such a mild winter, but I could use some springtime.

Had a nice day today with with my youngest and her beau; more wedding gowns and venues. Glad to see her so happy.

I admire my fellow runners' tenacity when out there on a day like today. But I've got my Insanity & Jillian Michaels DVDs to keep me warm!

There are 7, count 'em, 7 squirrels in my front yard....(if you knew how small my front yard is you would be amazed by that fact.) #squirrrelly

I woke up feeling chilled to the bone. Brrrrrrrrr!!!!!!! Cold. I think I should look into an electric blanket. Warm and toasty!

Middle of the night wake ups! Yuch! Must think of pleasant things...puppies, flowers, white clouds, chocolate covered carmel, laughter...sleep?

Enjoying my coffee. Thinking about last night's sky. The stars were so bright, so close and so clear; Beautiful. #quietsundaymornings

"For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream." Vincent Van Gogh

Good God. Every once in awhile I can admit that a good shouting session might be good for me. It would not be cute.

Poker night. Hmmm...if I go all in on the first hand, things would probably go much faster!

Dreamed I was running. When I woke up my heart was beating crazy hard. Cardio while sleeping...if I could bottle it, it'd sell for sure!

Does it ever feel like nothing in your life works right...like the furnace, the dryer, co-workers, the car? Oh my.

"Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I am very lucky to have my two little ladies in my life. How empty life would be without them.

Taking my youngest to look for a bridal gown. Say What?Exciting and petrifying! An experience I wish I'd had - I hope I'm helpful to her.

Cold winter nights are much more cozy when there are holiday lights glowing. Too bad they're all put away now.

As they say, good has to play fair. Evil has no rules by which to play. That kind of sucks for the good guys.

Has anyone else noticed that the latest Link looks a lot like Michael Jackson.

I don't like the feeling of burning cold when I'm chilled to the bone. A fireplace would be wonderful on a night like tonight.

Back to work tomorrow. Boo. Hiss. That's the way it goes! It's days like today when I am sure I would appreciate a life of leisure.

Happy New Year, dear friends!