The Paper Chase

Today I pulled together the data and materials needed to prepare our 2011 income tax return.

I have a four-drawer filing cabinet which is stuffed "to the max" with paperwork.  So I decided to start purging some stuff as I retrieved the tax information.

I would say that I made it through about 25%... of one drawer.  (Baby steps....)

But I did work on my novel today!

Breakfast for Lunch

I now have gone out for lunch two days in a row.

Today I met my friend Carmen at IHOP.  We both decided to get an omelet.... Is the correct spelling "omelet" or "omelette"?  My extensive Google research of two minutes informed me that "omelet" is preferred by American writers.  The French spelling of "omelette" is used by non-American English-speaking writers.  So, my initial choice of "omelet" makes sense given my nationality.

But back to my breakfast -- er, lunch.  After our scrumptious meal, we still had some time before Carmen needed to head home.  So we decided to go walk in the Maine Mall... not shop, but walk.

We walked the length of the mall three times without going inside even one store, although we were tempted to go into the Coach store and buy ourselves new purses.  But we decided that it wouldn't be prudent.

My tummy has been very happy these past couple days.

I won't be stepping on the scale any time soon.

The Wisdom of Tommy Jon

Lew and I went out to lunch after church today with Tommy Jon and Julie.  (Why do we call him Tommy Jon?  Long story.  Not the topic of this post.)

We went to Cracker Barrel.  I got my yummy yellow-hued meal of chicken & dumplings, hashbrown casserole, macaroni & cheese, fried apples, and a cornbread muffin.

When Tommy Jon ordered his meal, he selected fried okra as one of his side dishes.

Lew asked him, "What's okra?"

Tommy Jon's response -- and I quote:

"Okra is a nasty-tasting vegetable that tastes good when it's fried!"

A Lovely Spring Day

Yes, I know that it is January 28th.  But you wouldn't have been able to tell by the weather!

It was beautiful here.

Not sunbathing weather, mind you, but it was unseasonably warm.

It was nice to see Mr. Sun shining so brightly.

I think I've got the earliest case of Spring Fever ever.

(Postscript:  My Spring Fever was made "worse" by the movie Moneyball.  Mom, Dad, Lew, and I just watched it.  A baseball movie will always make me dream of Spring!)

Quarter-of-a-Year Club

Guess who is three months old today?!

Happy 3-month birthday to you, sweet baby boy!

You bring us all such great joy.  :)

Grampa and Tia love you!

***   ELI   ***

The Phone Call

When I answered the phone this morning, I could tell from the Caller ID that it was someone calling for Lew.

Me:  "Hello."

Caller:  "Hello.  Is Lewis available, please?"

Me:  "No, he's at work right now.  Would you like his cell phone number?"

Caller:  "Oh, yes. Thank you!"

I gave her the number and hung up the phone.  I knew that the next call she made would affect not only my husband's schedule, but my own as well....  After all, someone has to drive Lew home after his colonoscopy!

I must admit that I chuckled a bit.

Dad 81: Greek god update

(I'm a little nervous about what's supposedly coming next week -- but I do have all editorial control over Mainely Tracy, so I shouldn't be too scared.  LOL!  In the meantime, enjoy Dad's post! -- Tracy)

Derf Here!  From the slightly snow-covered northeast coast.  Yes, we still have snow on the ground.  It is much less than one week ago due to the warm weather of the past few days.  It reached 50 degrees here two days ago.  And to think in one week we'll be in February.  Only a very short winter remains.

It is time for an update on my attempt to reach my "Greek god" physique.  On August 11, 2010 I wrote about my doctor's visit.  My large body of 300 pounds earlier in the year had gone down by about 25 pounds prior to my visit.  However, I had gained a little heft and stepped on the scales at 283 pounds.  Doc told me I should lose some poundage.  This would help my blood pressure, verge of diabetes, and overall health.  I must admit that I felt fine.  My cholesterol has never been a problem.  I took my doctor's advice and started on my salads (yuk), burgers (no rolls) and various other non-goodies.  As I said in 2010, my world was upside down.  I was now eating food that I had frowned on.  It didn't seem fair.  But that's life.

Within a year I was down to mid-200s and I guess in better health.  I felt no difference.  However, blood pressure was better and I guess my blood sugar had improved.

I then had another appointment and weighed in at 265.  That was six months ago.

The reason I chose today to blog again about this issue is that I must go back and get my semi-annual physical within the next two weeks.  All the blood work will be done and I hope to pass all tests.

I have been very seriously exercising at least five times a week for 46 minutes on Lew and Tracy's elliptical machine.  The number 46 is a result of a 40-minute workout with a 3-minute warm up and 3-minute cool down.  I can't say I like it while I'm doing it, but when I have completed my training I'm happy.  The scale is now reflecting a weight of below 250.  Boy, will Doc be surprised.  His scales, however, will be a little more than our house scales.

This brings me to this point.  I am not ready for my picture to be published in my Speedo.  I'm not sure I'll ever get there.  Please be sure to look next week for a surprising picture.  Only "the Shadow" knows.  Enough said.  No more for today.

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!