I remember the old days, when I could actually do some form of physical exercise or exertion and I felt like a human afterwards. Now, a measly volleyball game can wreak havoc on my body. Namely my knees.

Not being the strapping young lass I used to be… it’s gotta go!

My Anniversary Photos.

here is the fondue that changed my life forever

here is me enjoying the fondue that changed my life forever

here is me with the man I married, which changed my life forever

Statistically speaking, 1 out of only a pool of 3 may not be scientifically significant, but this anniversary beat out year 1 and 2… blew ‘em out of the water! Who said that the anniversary symbolized by leather isn’t awesome.

On to today.

There are so many things about Walmart that belongs in this weekly post, but I’m going to focus on one.

Don’t get me wrong, there may be equal parts of love as there is hate when it comes to the big W. They ofter goods at great prices and have a relatively large selection. Where else can you buy a beautiful gold crucifix AND oil for your lawnmower. But then there are the people… the ones who shop there. The ones who work there. And they are all pretty much idiots. Except for when I’m there. And when you’re there.

ANYWAY, in every Super Walmart that I’ve ever been in, there is an EXIT door, and and ENTER door. Easy enough, right? Then why does it never fail that someone is always coming the EXIT as I’m trying to leave. It doesn’t mean that you’re supposed to exit the real world and enter the store. NO. The EXIT door means you’re supposed to leave the store through that door. And it also means that people who are leaving the store are probably going to be going OUT of that door. Meaning, don’t go IN that door.

The thing I love most is that when I’m wheeling my crap out of the EXIT door, and someone is coming in, they always look annoyed, as if I am getting in THEIR way. No, dude (or lady dude, or mullet creepy hole in your pants he/she), let me stop my cart carrying 239048 lbs and get out of YOUR way. Because I would hate to slow you down while you’re getting your carton of smokes, Twinkies, and latest copy of The National Enquirer. I’m also dying to know what Bat Boy is up to.

Reading signs on doors, it’s not just for kids anymore. People, get a clue, learn to read and actually follow directions, cuz your ignorance has GOT to go.

It’s been quite a ride, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

Happy Anniversary baby!

The candle of your life may have been snuffed (I’m not making fun of death, but that cheesy statement made me laugh), but you’ll always be my brother.

Happy Birthday Zeke!

As Americans, we’ve become so accustomed to not actually having to do much for ourselves. Food is incredibly convienent (so much so that the rates of obesity are at an all time high), we don’t get up to change the channel, we need a remote for that. We can’t even press a gas pedal for an extended period of time… we’ve got cruise control. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE all of these things, but I think that line has not only been crossed, a javelin has been thrown over it. Because how else can you explain the following:

The Forever Lazy. You don’t know what it is? It’s essentially a Snuggie (which is bad enough), but it’s get legs. Legs and what I call a poop flap. A zippered part at the butt that you can zip and unzip to use the bathroom. Seriously, when did we get so incredibly lazy that you can’t put forth the effort to remove some clothing to use the john! When you’re cold, there is this magical invention that has surprisingly been around for awhile. It’s called a BLANKET!

And now there is the Pajama Jeans. Check it out HERE.

I am a HUGE fan of comfort. As any of my friends know, I’ll get into some comfy pants anytime I’m at home. But is it really that difficult to get your ass in a real pair of jeans when you go out? Now there are jammies out there masquerading as jeans?

Nothing is wrong with being lazy sometimes. And it’s OK to want to be comfortable. But come on people… this crazy crap has got to go.

We drove about 1 mph until we could find an available space. Instead of it just taking a few seconds, it took what felt like 43 hours (it was probably 30 seconds). Yes, we survived this difficult and traumatic experience. But it was really annoying.

People, try to have some level of awareness of your surrounding environment. I don’t expect special concessions or treatment, and I don’t really give it, but have the common courtesy to not completely block the paths of others, and in this case, to simply move to the side. Because blockin’ my way has gotta go.

Last night our not so little family celebrated the fun occasion. I’ve been kinda sick this past week, so Greg took the reigns and make some yummy food for everyone, including chocolate fondu as a treat. Add in a bunch of games, “creative” dancing, the ball dropping countdown, Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider for the kids (and me), noise makers, and what ended up being a movie marathon, and you’ve got an idea how our night went. So much fun that there was no time for photographs.

At about 1:30 a.m., I threw in the towel and headed to bed. Greg said the kids were all still awake at 4 a.m. Seriously?! Which explains why it was between 10 a 11 a.m when everyone started to emerge from their slumber.

It’s been a nice day, other than the fact that I’m still sick, and the kids definitely took advantage of their last day of vacation. I can’t say that I’m ready to get back into the real world, but there is something to be said for routine. And the prospect of writing “2012″, and the reality that I’ll be writing “2011″ for the next 4 months, is super exciting.

I hope you all had a wonderful day and wish you a wonderful new year!

2011… you gave us:

• lots of birthdays
• a 2nd anniversary
• pets and poop
• reptile parties and Sammy, the snake we’re “babysitting” indefinitely
• new jobs mixed with old jobs
• plays and concerts
• lots of gotta go’s
• sunburns
• volleyball with J.F.+1
• girls trips and late nights
• foundation and organization meetings and work
• physical ailments and lots of dr. appointments
• camping
• swimming
• trips to St. George
• 2 new cars

and so much more.

I can’t say that 2011 was perfect, but overall, it was a pretty good year… full of family, friends, and love. I’m looking forward to ringing in 2012 tonight with my awesome family!

Happy New Year!