... I lost 25 lbs. (so it's time for a new picture ... not that my face looks that different. My butt, on the other hand ... and no, I'm not posting a picture of that!).
... John had knee surgery three days before his birthday and 11 days before Christmas. Hopefully I shipped all the holiday orders to all the right places while playing nurse, shoveling snow, and shopping for gifts. And I only pilfered a handful of his strong meds to get me through. Yay me!
... Mom had shoulder surgery ... a few months after her two surgeries and radiation treatments for breast cancer last year. And, I must say, I was the picture of restraint when my father acted as though the world would end because he might have to wash a dish or two until she could move her right arm again.
... John's father had four heart-related surgeries, so John's mother, not me, was the nurse of the year for 2007. The woman deserves a week at The Golden Door. If she asked me to tag along, though, I'd be right there.
... I created a monster schedule for myself this year and will be doing a bunch of outdoor shows in addition to my regular fare. This will mean lugging around and setting up a 60-lb. canopy. I'd better be one buff girl by the end of the season ... that's all I'm sayin'.
... I read A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle. Excellent, I thought. Haven't tuned in to the teleclasses on Oprah.com, but when the series is over, I plan to play them all in one long marathon session while I work.
... I survived another mammogram ... barely. Had the red, raw skin underneath those babies to prove it. Ouch.
... I won Leah's monthly print giveaway one month and chose this beautiful 'Butterfly Tree' print for my studio. Thanks Leah!!
... John earned his yellow belt in Haidong Gumdo (Korean sword art), and is well on his way to his orange belt, despite all the time he spent on crutches, in bed, and in physical therapy the past few months. Go baby!
... Ryan turned 22 ( ... at precisely 4:13 this morning). My goodness, how the years have flown. Happy Birthday, Ryan!
Yeah ... that's a quick snapshot of the past eight months ... or at least what I remember. And now, I hope I can get back to semi-regular 'everyday life' posts, which I really, really want to do. It's just been a little hectic around here. I've still been visiting your blogs, though.
Did I mention that I lost 25 lbs.? And not all due to stress, either.
And what's new with you?
p.s., I've created a special giveaway this month for the set of five 'Inspiration' bracelets above. Go on over to the live.love.sparkle blog and find out how to enter.
congrats on the weight loss! that's quite an accomplishment!!
good to see you back in the blogosphere darlin!
Posted by: leah | April 12, 2008 at 05:50 PM
Happy Happy Joy! She's back. So good to hear from you again (even if a little delayed catching it on my radar).
Can't wait to hear more!
Posted by: Will | April 29, 2008 at 11:03 PM
I second Will's emotion my friend. GREAT to see you back! (more please) xo deb
(and brava on the weight loss girlene! since we last got together, i've been keeping it going too; we must get together and compare our fabulously smaller butts!) :)
Posted by: deb | May 04, 2008 at 09:13 PM
25lbs! WAY TO GO!! That rocks.
and by the way... I love those new bracelets. Beautiful...
Posted by: Megan Potter | June 05, 2008 at 04:18 PM
Here's how out of it I've been...this post is nearly 3 months old and I'm just seeing it! I've been out of the loop the past few months...but hope you're doing well. Sounds like your life has been VERY hectic. Always happy when I see your feed in my Bloglines. ;)
Posted by: Marilyn | June 29, 2008 at 08:36 AM