I could tell you at least 5 stories that revolved around stuck cars and detours we had to take to get home on Tuesday, which happened to be our anniversary.  It took 30 minutes for us to get home from work (which is basically just across the way from where we live) that night because of unplowed roads and trapped cars.  Luckily, they did decide to plow our road, but only one side at 6:30AM that morning or we wouldn’t have been able to get out…however, they did not plow our side of the road, so we had to dig ourselves out of an extra 1/2 of the street.  The storm winds blew in an unusual direction based on my previous experience helping out Deb (who used to live on the opposite side of the street and uphill)…normally the drift went uphill and east, covering Deb’s drive in a sucky way, but this time it came downhill and west.  As of today, there’s no way we could get to our backyard from our driveway, which is pretty hillarious. The snow is about 5’7″ high (approximately).  I need to take some pictures!

My main reason for the post was this:  
I had a dream last night about the huge snow storm we just had.  I personally spoke to the groundhog and he said it would be an early Spring.  I didn’t  believe the little rat and made fun of him.  I know…a talking groundhog and me being mean to an animal…I will chalk this behaviour up to frustration of the snow and being sick with a bad cold.  Anyways, I went to bed after the conversation with the groundhog and when I woke up it was Spring.  I hadn’t fallen into the Sleeping Beauty trap or anything…it just simply happened over night.  And then I felt bad for being mean to the groundhog, but was happy I didn’t have to go through all the watery, muddy yuck that will happen when all this white stuff starts to melt!

Moral:  Be nice during this depressing weather because Spring will be here soon!

Yesterday, I went to the store (as usual) and bought a carton of eggs. 

James decided that he would have an egg sandwich for breakfast.  As I was sitting at the table drinking my beverage and checking out Pinterest, I noticed he made a sound and saw him looking at the egg carton.

He got all huffy with me and said,

“Rach, this carton is missing an egg!  Did you even check it before you bought it?!”

To myself, I’m thinking: [of course, I did. I'm no fool!  I've been buying eggs for a million years, duh! But I decided to have some funwith him, because that's what he'd do to me]

My retort,

“Oh my gosh!  No. I didn’t know you were supposed to. Really?  An egg is missing??!!”  And then, [voice filled with sarcasm] “wait a second…I think I remember eating an egg.  Was that today?”

James:  [A look of malice and the shaking of his spatula in my direction]

I have to admit. I love that guy! I think it’s good to give him a taste of his own medicine once in awhile!

When I was asked what I’d be doing over the weekend on Thursday and Friday from various co-workers…I came up with a big fat ZERO! 

“I don’t really have any plans. Maybe some reading and stuff”

That was all I could come up with.  Maybe that was the best thing for me. Nothing plan ended up being a great weekend filled with fun stuff.  Except for the fall…

After work, on Friday, James and I lounged around with the 2wheatens.  Had some dinner, did a little chit chatting, and then I read over my two new sewing books: The Practical Guide to Patchwork(by Elizabeth Hartman of the blog OhFransson.com, which I love and have been following for over a year) & Fresh Quilting: Fearless Color, Design and Inspirationby Malka Dubrawsky.  I had my eye on these before Christmas and had tried to win some copies on various blog hops, but it never ended in my favor. So, on the night of the first Alligator class I bought them both for myself, as a treat, from Home Ec!  I love them both and highly recommend taking a peak at them!  The rest of the night involved some movie channel watching and coming up with some Norwex deals for my upcoming launch party.
The only downfall to my Friday night was my horrible fall down the stairs.  I was going down the stairs in the dark and Booker T was following me. I turned to tell him to hurry in front of me, so I wouldn’t fall…and SPLAT!  I fell down three of the stairs.  Luckily, I fell backward because it was the top three stairs of the second set of stairs to the basement.  If I would have fallen forward I could have broken my neck and landed on the tile floor.  This was my second fall. James has fallen once (right after his shoulder surgery).  I’m not really sure what the heck our problems are with the stairs, but I think it’s time to nip it in the bud.  No cell phone checking or texting, no 2wheatens rushing, and no going down in the dark.  Maybe that’ll help.  I ended up with a gash on my arm that must have sautered itself because it barely bled, but was sliced almost down to the bone (and is now a huge lump).  I originally told James (who rushed to my aid instantly) I thought I broke my arm because I couldn’t feel my hand.  I must have struck a nerve.  I felt like I had whiplash, but that is starting to go away (my neck is still a bit off).  I feel like I broke my left butt cheek. Aparently, there isn’t as much fat on that cheek as I originally calculated the last time I inspected my butt.  And I had a couple other minor ouchies that didn’t result in any bruising.  I’ll definitely be fine in another day or so, but I’m mainly just thankful that I didn’t break anything.  I have officially freaked myself out, though.

Saturday was a great day!  I was sore, but took some Tylenol.  I got up and grabbed some coffee and sat around in my pajamas until I texted Connie about meeting up at Home Ec.  I watched a bunch of shows that I taped throughout the week, which made me feel accomplished! 
I did meet up with Connie at about 11:45.  I had to circle the block a couple of times to get parking after I initially force fed a broken meter.  I’m blaming that stupid move on the brain jiggling from the fall.  And just to be clear…there was no baggie over the meter.  I did NOT remove a baggie and try to force feed the meter.  Just wanted you all to know that.
When I finally got inside Home Ec, Connie and I took our time finishing up our Alligators and it was a lot of fun!  I don’t think we actually finished until about 3 or so.  The best part was when I was sewing the mouth of my Alligator and the sewing machine kept eating my Alligator.  The thread was getting caught and was pulling the fabric under the plate and into the bobbin area.  I was having a little fit about it, because it happened three times, even after I cleaned everything out and reset it.  Connie giggled and commented on how the tables had turned and that it was funny that the sewing machine was eating my Alligator when normally it’d be the other way around.  It was so funny!  And true!  James stopped by the store, so we could eat some falafel across the street and he took a picture of me, Connie and Alisa with our finished Alligators.  They are so cute!  Mine is currently residing on the shelf next to my sewing desk.
James and I had falafel for a late lunch and then I went home and quick-cleaned the house.  My Norwex products came while I was out, so I have to pick them up on Monday from the post office because they will not leave them outside. Maybe it’s a Canada post thing.  I want to try out my new stuff, hence the quick clean…and I didn’t really feel like cleaning. 
James and I watched the movie “Salt” with Angelina Jolie.  That was quite interesting.  We were sort of, like, hmmm.  It might be worth another watch when it’s free on demand on one of our movie channels.  I think I’d recommend it, but it definitely isn’t in the “Debbie Movie” category (meaning there is too much violence and Deb would never watch it).

Sunday…my usual grocery morning chores were finished by about 9, so I watched an entire disc of Criminal Minds from netflix.  While doing that I downloaded some digital purchases from Design House Digital. I had purchased them on Friday, but hadn’t downloaded them.  Jen Allyson’s stuff was 25% off and Robyn’s new Sketchy line is sooooo cute!  I always like to offset Criminal Minds with something fun and pretty.
We ate some lunch at the house and then I started reading The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield.  I’m totally hooked!!!!  I’m about 25% finished and it is so intriguing and easy to read. I’m loving it.  I got so caught up that I almost forgot that I was supposed to go into work and start up a little something to get us ahead for the next week.  I can tell that this book is going to have a serious hold over me.  It’s the kind of book that you want to call in sick to work, so you can lie on the couch and immerse yourself in it until the end has arrived.  I have to admit that I’m sort of kicking myself for not reading in back in 2006.  I had a few people tell me that it was a book I HAD TO READ, which meant that I couldn’t bring myself to read it.  My brain is wired so that when someone tells me “I have to…whatever” – I end up not doing it or I do it and I end up being disappointed.  It’s like there’s too much expectation for me to feel the way everyone else felt.  I just want to experience my own emotions as they come, in my own time frame.  So, most of the time I end up reading something or doing something that was recommended, but it’s always on my time…I have to be ready.  Today (5 years later) I was ready for The Thirteenth Tale.  And it was perfect timing.

The rest of the day involved me making some reduced fat brownies, that totally taste low fat, and watching some football.

All in all…good weekend!

Today I put in my first customer order for Norwex.

It was a fun trial and error period! Hahaha!

I’m looking forward to going through the catalog this weekend to come up with some of my own little specials.  I am also going to try and figure out how my Launch Party on the 12th will work.  I know it will end up being a percentage party, meaning everyone will end up getting a discount that day, but I’m not sure how I’ll actually arrange it.  Maybe a game or maybe just a bulletin board and a hat with everyone’s name.  It’s going to be fun. 

I know I’ve already had requests for the breakfast casserole.  Someone told me they were coming just because they want me to feed them.  That’s cool, too!

——-

In other news…the Alligator isn’t quite finished, yet.  Look forward to pictures this weekend.  Miz Connie and I are going to go over to Home Ec on Saturday to finish up.  It’s going to be sooooo adorable!  Maybe I can even talk her into some Mediterranean cuisine for lunch…Oasis the Falafel joint is right across the street!

I miss Deb a lot!

She’s always honest.
She always listens, even if the subject matter is repetitive and lengthy.
She’s the best person to talk about something and nothing all at the same time. Randomness is key!
She is always game for whatever.
She’s the perfect person to sing in front of, even when you can’t carry a tune.
She’s an awesome friend; a friend that is hard to come by.

Happy Birthday, Deb!  I can’t wait to see you again.

And as you can see…she’s a BADASS!

I talked about the Standard Process Purification HERE – and now I am saying goodbye.  I know you are thinking, “Wow. That was a fast fail!”  I was thinking the same thing. 

I, unfortunately, learned the hard way that the shakes I started drinking had lactose in them.  A very serious problem for me.  Not only does lactose affect my stomach, but also gives me serious migraines.  I had to leave work early yesterday.  Not fun!

I think my main focus should be on eating smarter and more unprocessed food.  I’ll give that a whirl and see what happens

Norwex:

I have another interesting project that I just signed up for yesterday…I am going to be a Norwex Consultant.

I’m sure you are thinking, “What the heck is Norwex?”

It’s a new way of environmental responsibility when it comes to cleaning.  That’s my take on it anyway.  It’s probably the coolest thing I’ve seen in years!

Renee mentioned these products to me about 3 weeks ago. She was hosting a party on Friday and I went to support her.  It was a really obvious decision for me, since I love cleaning products.

After reading the catalog and seeing the merchandise in use, I knew I needed to spread the word about these products and try to get as many out there as possible (for myself and others).  It was an easy decision to sign up.  I’m really excited about these products because they are unlike any other type of cleaning products on the market. The whole basis is to clean using water…and to actually remove germs and debris, not spread it around. And if you think you are removing germs and debris, you’ll be unhappy to know that you aren’t.  It’s true…and I’m just as grossed out as you might be, maybe more so because of my obsession with germs. So, Norwex is also a lesson on products you currently use.

The Norwex process removes up to 99.9% of many strains of pathogenic bacteria, yeast, and viruses (including: E.Coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Candida albicans, MRSA, and SARS coronavirus).
Having had a MRSA infection last year, I can honestly say that this is a big selling point because that was a horrible ordeal!

More Cool Stuff:
*Norwex products will decrease your cleaning time by 75% (I didn’t believe it until I saw it!).  Who doesn’t want more time doing something other than cleaning?
*Norwex products will end up saving you $450-600 a year on cleaning supplies.  Although, Norwex products seem a little more expensive to get up front, they have a 2 year warranty.  And the hostess benefits are to die for, so having a party is in your best interest!  Renee’s sister had a party and now has almost the entire catalog without spending very much money.
*Norwex products improve your health and the health of your children and animals.  You won’t breathe, touch or ingest harmful chemicals. The Norwex main cleaning agent is the water from your faucet, although there are some products to help the tough spots they are completely environmentally safe. Norwex products are the most environmentally friendly products. You will not be putting anything harmful into the water stream or the environment when using these products.
*Norwex products make your indoor climate cleaner and reduces allergies.  Because they actually remove dirt and debris – it means that you’ll have to dust less!

My goal isn’t to make a ton of money.  I really do just want to spread the word to friends and family…and friends of friends and family.  It’s everyone’s responsibility to make a better life for the generations to come and this is a fantastic way to do your part!

I’ll be having a launch party during the beginning of February, so until then I’ll be preparing!

This morning marks the beginning of the Standard Process Purification Program that James and I are going to go through.  We spent the last two days eating our favorite things that we won’t be able to have in the next 21 – 30 days and both of us suffered serious side effects. Tummy aches and head aches were our main problem yesterday.  Hopefully, we can learn from that and won’t revert back to the bad foods. 

This is what we start today: 
We cut all dairy (not a problem for me), coffee/caffeine (this is going to hurt!), sodas, juices, meats, wheat, nuts, breads, and anything processed. 
What we will be eating is fresh/frozen fruits and vegetables, lentils and organic brown rice (1-2 servings/day), flaxseed oil, and the shakes and pills to help us detox.  Drinking lots of water will also be key.  On day 8 we can add 1-2 servings of organic, non farm raised fish and 1-2 servings of organic, hormone free/antibiotic free chicken. 
I am going to spend the next week deciding whether or not I would like to return to vegetarianism.

I’m really happy to be starting this, even though I know I will have a serious coffee withdrawal. It’s also going to be a daily routine withdrawal.  I am a very routine person, although I have been trying to step outside the box and do more, so this will be an interesting test for me.

Below is my morning shake. I call it “Notta Shamrock Shake” – it has the proper powders for the purification, 1 banana, a few pieces of mango, ice, water, and spinach.  It wasn’t bad. I think 1/2 a banana would have been better

Notta Shamrock Shake

Just a short update:

This week has been a little crazy!  Lots of rushing around and it isn’t quite over, yet.

However, last night I had the opportunity to spend some time with one of my favorite people…Miz Connie Swartzendruber!  We had the first of two classes at Home Ec to complete that cute alligator plush toy I’ve been annoyingly gushing about since I signed up for it a couple weeks ago.

Last night we basically picked fabric and cut it via the pattern all night long.  So, I have alligator skin!  Next week we will spend sewing the pieces together and then stuffing and completing the little cutie pie!  Sew exciting!

I have an early meeting today, so it’s time for me to rush off for coffee and head in to work. Stay warm!!

I’ve been having a really fun time blogging in 2011 and hope to keep up the posts.

I’ve always wanted to write a book, but haven’t really been doing any sort of creative writing over the last couple of years, so I figured I’d start small and just write whatever was on my mind (hopefully) once a day via my blog. 

As far as the book goes…you probably wouldn’t be surprised to know that it could easily be a mystery. And could be a series.  However, it could also be a book with a scandalously frustrating ending.  I’ve been slowly talking myself out of doing the latter.  It may never go to print, but 85% of the outline and the cast of characters has been done for approximately 9 years. I’d have to think about whether or not to change one of the names, since I stole it to name little Miss Bella Eve.  Meh…

Well, that’s what I was thinking about while I was backing up my computer this evening.  Write more.  Don’t worry about grammar because you can proofread it later. Write about anything. Write like no one is reading.

Now that I have that out of my system…

My first ten days of 365 have been going pretty well and I’m happy to say that I’ve been adding fun things to my calendar. Slow and steady.  Tomorrow is a dentist appointment (ugh), but Wednesday is Alligator class day with Connie (yeah!)!  Friday is a Norwex party at Renee’s for any friends who would like to accompany me (babies, children, husbands are welcome).  The big Holiday party at the Kinnick Press Box is Saturday. Hopefully, after all this business, I’ll get some reading in on Sunday.  Fun!

365: 1 – 10