Out with the old and in with the new

A check of the 2009 resolutions I made at the start of the year:

1. To work on being patient and to not react hysterically like my forefathers. New motto: "Let it go" - These last two months were tough, but I think I held it together quite well considering my past and my family history. Thus I shall consider this still a work in progress but a successful one. Score: 9
2. To get back on my exercise track, lose 15 pounds, and live comfortably with my body however it may turn out. - Other than walking the dog, which saves me from a zero score, I didn't do this resolution. I live in this body but not as comfortable as I could if I had shed those fifteen pounds.  Score: 1.
3. To get to the beach at least twice a month. Cold weather in November kept me home but overall I'd say I made it to the beach half of the months. Score: 5
4. To get birthday cards and gifts out on time. Now, this isn't an official resolution, but one I added on to my blog, and one I just can't seem to get a handle on. It will continue to be a resolution until I master it, I swear. Score: 2

Total for the year: 123 points out of a possible 240. At least I got more than half! But the one I feel I really kept was working on being more patient. I'm going to say that I did really well with that one!

Resolutions for 2010:

• To study one subject (can be anything) once a month.
• To see a movie once a month.
• To get into a cleaning routine and keep my house straightened.
• To relax in general and to not react hysterically, especially when it comes to the dog.
• To keep working on getting out birthday cards/gifts on time!

Happy New Year Everyone! May 2010 be a better, healthier and great new year for all.

E and E Stakeout and other pictures from the holiday

One of our traditions is to enjoy a meal at a local restaurant by my house known for its steaks. Oh, and margaritas. Which are quite potent. 

We had an adult table and a kids' table and plenty of steaks were consumed. 

Also, plenty of hours were spent yakking and eating. Some didn't quite make it through all of that

Miscellaneous Christmas photos: 

Gabby Elliot snuggle

The lime green Keds

This smile...

The cousins

My Steelers tree

The family's beach condo rental outside and in

Trip to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Today's weather was a breezy 59 degrees - very Christmas wintery for us here in Florida - but not a good beach day so we met at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a rehabilitation facility on the gulf.

We saw some nursing sharks

Lots of beautiful, colorful fish

Stingrays...

...that we got to touch

Dolphins

including Winter the dolphin who lost her tail...

...and gained a prosthesis one

All very educational and a great way to spend what we in Florida consider a cold day. Afterward, our group ate lunch at Frenchy's (the previous group ate before the aquarium) and we ended the day with some card playing.

Merry Christmas 2009

Christmas morning dawned early and bright. 

Santa had definitely been here alright. 

There were stockings and dresses, candy and toys. 

For each of the four girls and two little boys.

Hectic, chaotic, crazy, and fun

Everyone was pooped when it was all done

 

Dinner prepared, we partook in some gruel

And finished the evening with games and the pool

Merry Christmas to my readers. Thanks for stopping by each day!

Christmas Lights and more

Tonight's activity was to stroll through our local park and enjoy the light show set up for the holidays. 

We brought the dog and we strolled. We not only enjoyed the holiday lighted display... 

...but we discovered family togetherness in the process...