Bring on the New Year

Looking forward to spending New Year's Eve in Chicago with my favorite band Lucky Boys Confusion.  I'll be the girl drinking a Captain & Diet, singing along, dancing like a fool, and loving every minute of it.

If I could make a few requests, I'm hoping they will play:

• Closer to Our Graves
• Ordinary
• Anything Anything
• Blood Drops
• Cigarettes
• One to the Right
• Sidewalk Graves

I hope each any every one of you has a safe, happy New Year!

Take some time to reflect on the past year and appreciate those that have helped create the memories.

Firsts in 2011

Who knew that at the wise old age of 38 I would still have a list of firsts?!?

• The most shocking thing I did this year was I went camping - in a tent - in the middle of the woods - with no electricity or water - and LOVED it.  That's me looking ultra cool and oh so fashionable in my hunter orange coat and hat ;)  I can't see spending a week or two camping, but I can't wait to go again this summer for the weekend.  Since I went with "professional" campers, we had many luxuries available to us - like our outdoor toilet!  Probably wouldn't have survived without it!  I have a high-maintenance hair-do, so I bet I didn't look super cute, but since there were no mirrors, I totally didn't care!  We also had incredible food - breakfast burritos, venison nachos, chili-mac, sloppy joes and of course SMORES!!

• Got my very own fishing pole - it's black and of course PINK and I love it!  It was a gift from Glenn - he rocked with this gift :)

• Got my very first fishing license and small game hunting license.  Yes, I caught some fish but no I did not bait my hook or touch my fish.  I also went hunting for grouse, but never got the chance to shoot at one. Learned one thing - NEVER go into the woods without a working compass.  That's a good tip whether you are hunting or just hiking. 

• I shot a gun - actually a few different ones - shotguns and handguns.  I was SUPER nervous doing this.  I didn't grow up around guns and really felt some anxiety about shooting one.  I'm glad I did it, but I probably won't be shooting one again anytime soon! 

• I also went trail biking with my fancy new bike. I'm actually quite good (as long as there are no hills). Thanks to Glenn, Chrissy, Jenny & Ben - I've become quite the little outdoor girl!  Who knew I could do it???? Since I'm a GurleeGirrl, I hate dirt, sweat, mud, bugs, etc., but this year, I set all that aside to experience life.  It was  AWESOME!

• I walked in my first (of many to come) Breast Cancer walk. I was joined by my sister Melissa, Chrissy and Glenn.  It was an emotional day for all, and I am so glad they were there to share it with me. 

• I watched my kids splash and play in the ocean (Atlantic).  Although we have been to Florida every year since 2003, this is the first time we've gone to the beach!  They loved it, and this momma was a nervous wreck!  The waves pretty rough at times and the undercurrent was strong.  It was beautiful, and I'm so glad we decided to have a "relaxing" day at the beach.

• Had a week of no-kids while they were away at Camp Kesem.  Camp Kesem is a camp for children who have or have had a parent with cancer.  The camp is free, as it runs on donations.  My kids had an incredible time, and look forward to going back this summer. 

Thanks to my incredible family and friends, I had an amazing 2011!  Thanks to those that helped me branch out and try new things! You've made me a stronger, healthier, happier girl.  I love you all.

Did you have any firsts in 2011? Are you planning any for 2012?  My list has been started, and I look forward to sharing it with you in the New Year!  

Christmas Loot

Christmas shouldn't be about receiving gifts - but who doesn't love getting them!?!?

I got a few - some I picked out - and others were a surprise:

Bowling Shoes

Biking Gloves

Initial Necklace

Watches

Urban Decay Makeup Kit

Wen Shampoo

Pop Corn Popper

Magnetic Nail Polish

I also got some cash and gift cards - so I'll be celebrating Christmas for the next few months!

Of course, my happiness comes from the smiles of my kids.  This year Colton was extremely excited - about every gift!  He would do a little happy dance with each reveal :)  Ashley on the other hand wasn't as excited - she didn't get an iPhone or iPad, so she's hoping maybe next year Santa will come through. Keep dreaming kid.

The main gift I got this year is my health! This has been one full year of being cancer free! As long as Santa keeps giving me that, I'll be a happy girl.

Sometimes and Always

I spent a few days enjoying my time off - but it is back to work today and am dropping by Megan's blog Mackey Madness for:

Sometimes I'm not excited to take the kids to the movies.

But I Always end up enjoying it as much as they do.



Sometimes I go out to eat and am super excited about my salad.

Then I Always enjoy my meat meal even more!

Sometimes I go to work and try to pump myself up to do the "clean up" work.

But I Always get there and fail to get motivated, and thus still have so many files to go through.

Sometimes I get so excited to read a book and don't want to put it down.

But I Always read it too quickly and am disappointed I'm done.

Go check out Megan's blog to see the other link-ups!

Merry Christmas!!!

I hope you and your family have a blessed and safe Christmas!

Mickey's Christmas Party

During our annual family vacation to Florida, we always attend at least one night of:

Although I try to take LOTS of pictures, I end up enjoying myself too much and forget to take them, and then rely on other family member to hook me up. 

These were taken with my new camera (which I didn't have a case for) and unfortunately I had a huge smudge on the lens (lower right hand corner) and all my pics came out blurry! UGH

But - you get the gist:

I also have to throw in one from Epcot.  My daughter was posing for another photographer, where she is trying to act like she is holding up Spaceship Earth in her hand - unfortunately, my angle didn't quite capture this:

I'm glad Ash is willing to offer that man a seat ;)

I'm linking up with Megan over at  Mackey Madness for Sometimes and Always today:

Sometimes it's hard to motivate myself to go my Jazzercise class but I Always feel amazing afterwards.

Sometimes I think I can eat 20 wings at BWW but I Always end up eating only about 5.

Sometimes I think I'm not gonna put makeup on just to run to Target, but I Always do my hair and makeup before I go.

Sometimes I think it's not worth paying for a manicure but I Always love the pampering and the polish doesn't chip as quickly as when I do them.

Sometimes I like to wear my glasses because I think I am invisible when I wear them but people Always end up seeing me.