Good (and cold!) afternoon! I've been missing in action while putting into motion plans for my immediate future. I turned in my resignation on Monday. Director refused to accept it. She's telling me that I'll be back. But, I had already decided to take time off from working, period, to finally have my knee replacement surgery. That is now scheduled for March 7th. Only one knee needs it. The other one has a kneecap problem which will be dealt with at another time. I need to drop a few pounds between now and the 7th to make recovery easier for myself. So, I've hit the SS way hard and heavy. I've been invited to a Girls' night out with some of the other teachers tonight at Gloria's, a Salvadoran and Tex-Mex restaurant. Wish me luck SS'ing there! lol Zig, it's so nice to see you here again. Jen, I'm glad your girls are on the mend. Winter is always a rough time on little ones. BJ, I admire you for being able to work in the funeral industry. It takes a very special person. Dee, sounds like you and your dh may have a very special evening coming up! Suzanne, I know the job is still hectic, but isn't it nice to have one you like? Maddie, sorry your dh is under the weather. Hope you manage to enjoy your enforced weekend at home. Raeanne, Marci, Donna, and Besh, it's always a pleasure to read your posts. Oh, Patti, where are you? Well, heading for a quick nap before my big night out on the town. I'll be up past my usual bedtime. LOL Take care and stay warm. It's supposed to drop to the 20's during the night here. Brrrr!

Brrr! I'll take Carol's beach, though the snow is lovely. I had some fun with photos I took of this bull we saw yesterday - I put these two together for my blog, and thought I'd share them here, too.

Just in from gym using the machines. Really out of shape and my back and body are talking to me. Now that I'm back, gotta keep it up! Fixing to end it all with using my free weights that I got for Christmas. They have missed me :o)

Lydia, I really hope your heart gets into your lifestyle and it gets easier for you. Gadgets, way to go!!! I think it is so important not to have junk in the house. Luckily Ron is not bringing in that stuff, either. Kathi! Picking up meds and taking care of your insurance is a great thing to do for yourself. The goal is to love yourself enough to want to treat yourself with love and care. I realized that if I really loved and respected myself I wouldn't treat myself so shabbily by getting so overweight and out of shape. We are all on our way!!! Thanks for posting, everyone. It helps me stay on track!