Finding Home in February

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We pretty much had up until summer to find a place to call home.  Our plan was not to wait until the last-minute to pack, find a place to move and have the stress on us at once.

Rather, our plan was to pack and look and when the right thing came along we would be prepared to “jump” fast.  And that’s pretty much how it went down.

One of our goals was to downsize our things.  We sold our honkin’ dining room and bedroom furniture.  The big heavy stuff we’ve been lugging around for years.  The stuff we grew to call our white elephant.  What a relief to get that behind us.

Our plan was to find a home with a nice open living and dining area aka a great room.  We’ve learned over the years that our “old” dining room suit did not get used nearly as much as we use our pool table.  When push came to shove, we decided it was time for the dining room to go.  And the “plan” was to put our pool table in the dining area.

When the search for a home came into play this was one of the big things we wanted in a home “a great room”.  We were also looking for privacy, peace and quiet.  Lo and behold, we found just the home.  It happened fast and it was love at first sight.

This backyard also had us at hello!

Delighted is how I felt when we got the call that we were welcome to be the new renters of this home.  And I’ve been on a high ever since.

Blessings – Debbie

The End Of An Era

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Once upon a time (January 2004), a passion grew inside of me to make pottery.  My hubby, right by my side every step of the way, encouraged me to pursue my dreams.  The passion grew and unfolded such a great desire to have my own home studio.  Again, hubby right by my side made all of my dreams come true.

As time went by, my work made its way to galleries, art shows and the like.   I also donated… quite a lot of my work to the Food Bank in Fort Worth to sell for profit for their organization.

My dream stayed alive and survived for several years while I didn’t have a studio thru a series of moves.

Then we moved to San Diego and hubby once again gave me an amazing studio where I started my passion where I left off.  It was then that I realized that I wasn’t getting any younger.  The 50 pound boxes of clay felt heavier than they once did.  My aches and pains grew in my back at the end of the day.  However, I still fought to keep things going.

Last year I was in contact with several galleries in San Diego and was on the brink of getting work out there but the writing was already on the wall, physically.  The day arrived when hubby and I put our heads together and once again he walked me thru this decision.

In the end, he let me understand that if it’s ever something I want to pursue, to go for it.  The ad was placed on Craigslist and everything sold to the first person that called.  Might I add, he wasn’t just any person, he’s “Master Potter” of 40 years.  He was purchasing all of the tools to give to the cause of helping others learn the skill of pottery.  He’s also giving of his time teaching others such that he can leave this world giving back.  He purchased the Kiln, potter’s wheel slab roller and chair and we donated everything else in my studio to his cause + 450 pounds of clay.

I could not have done any of this without hubby and his amazing support.  He decided to purchase the rest of my pottery so this means I am completely sold out of everything and I could not be happier.

The gentleman (in the above photo) who purchased all of my things, brought this beautiful gift of pottery that he had made as a token of thanks.

At times, it was hard to come to grips with the end of this era.  But in my heart of hearts, I feel so happy and at peace with where my tools have gone.

Blessings – Debbie

The Many Changes In January

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Happy New Year!  January 1st was the day to access all of the weight gain over the holidays.  I was up 4.2 pounds after the holiday celebrations with family and friends.

The New Year was started off on the right foot.  It started by getting up on the right side of the bed, if you will.  It was an exciting day!  A day of change, in fact, we were looking forward to this brand New Year, knowing it was going to be loaded with lots of change.

We started the first day of the New Year with a nice 2.5 mile walk.  This is what brightened my day.

The days and weeks of January were hit hard with a lot of exercise.  Each morning was a brand new day to make a difference for my health sake.  And I did in fact get rid of all the holiday weight gain in just over a week!

 The beauty along the way was an amazing perk.

January was also a month to begin packing up all of our belongings, in order to move on.  It was also a time to begin the search for a new nest to call home sweet home.  A month of having lots to look forward to.

In the midst of all the packing and house hunting, it was a time to finish glazing the pottery that was still sitting on the shelf looking all bare and neglected.

It was an amazing bonding time in the midst of everything that was going on.

 

In the end, I was pleased with the outcome of this last batch.

To be continued…

Blessings – Debbie

Family, Friends and Christmas

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Is it really March?  And am I really trying to catch-up on the blog?  Yes and YES!  Lets get started, shall we?

Is there anything better than spending time with family and friends at Christmas?  I feel one of the greatest gifts we can give to family is spending time together.

This Christmas we flew to FL to spend time with my parents and my “Little Brother” and his family.  Good meaningful times were had.  And lots of good memories were made.

My family, minus my big brother and family.

I had the privilege of taking a few pictures of my Brother and his family…

…My pop with his best friend…

…Nieces and nephew being silly at Christmas…

…Nieces and nephew – sibling shot…

…and again…

One evening (while in town) on a whim, my little bro called to see if we would like to join them for dinner.  It turned out to be such a great event.  After dinner, we enjoyed a nice little stroll and visit on the boardwalk.

Hubby got to see his old buddy – We enjoyed an amazing little outdoor lunch.

I had the privilege of taking pictures of my beautiful twin nieces with their best friend of so many years.

And my nephew with the snake he’s raised.

But most of all, I will cherish the love we share, the precious time we carve out for each other and all the special memories we made.

Blessings – Debbie

I'm All About The Sale

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I love when I discover a sweet sale on something I need.  Especially when it’s 80% off!

Shoes are one of the things I need most.  I have very few in my collection as I’m just not a big fan of shoe shopping.  I won’t get into it now, but, trust me when I say “I have an old faithful pair from 2000.”

My 80% off deal of the day!

When hubby asked tonight what all I gathered for myself this week, he jotted down every little detail.  I had no idea where he was going with this, but, I soon learned.  Next thing I know, this became his FB status.

My wife Debbie is ready for our Christmas vacation.  She has:
  • A new dress
  • New necklace
  • New shoes (80% off she reminds me)
  • French manicure with a “fine sparkly silver line” ($2 extra) …
  • Pedicure done in “Christmas Red”
  • Hair is died and cut (again)
  • She has a pretty flower in her headband

How much did this all cost?  It doesn’t matter.  We’re ready

I love how he celebrated my excitement this evening.  I’m still excited over my $17 and change dress and the necklace I snagged from the clearance rack.  ‘Course I didn’t think (at the time) to tell him about all my deals or those would have made the headlines too, I’m sure.  But, I’m not sure he’s as giddy as I am over the sales as much as he’s genuinely happy with my excitement.  Either way, I’m one happy lady, he made my night.

Blessings – Debbie

Are You Ready For Christmas

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When asked, are you ready for Christmas, I can finally sit back, relax and say a hearty yes.  I can’t tell you how good that feels.  But, allow me to say, it’s feels great!

Even down to a nice relaxing visit to the hair salon late afternoon.

This was my mid afternoon cup of coffee at the salon.

Taken with my cell and toyed with for a bit in one of my apps.

 So, I ask, are you ready for Christmas?

Tick Tock, it’s Christmas week already!

Blessings – Debbie

Our World Revolves Around Home

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Whether near or far from home, there is one thing for certain, there is no other place on earth as comforting and soothing as home sweet home.  We depend on it to always be there no matter what.

It’s just the place to find that perfect peace and rest.

It’s the place where love abounds.

Oh there’s no place like home for the holidays.

Where we come to grips with ourselves and life.

A place of refuge like none other.

It’s these times during the holidays and seasons of good cheer when our kitchens are a buzz with all sorts of treats.

And the time of year when weight can creep on like a leach.

Last week I spent many hours in the kitchen preparing for our annual Christmas party.  Many hours went into making sweet treats and an assortment of all kinds of food.

And yes, last week I gained more weight than I care to admit.  But I will, because this blog is about truth and honesty and it’s totally freeing to just get it out in the open.

I gained just under 5 pounds last week.  Eekkk

I truly wanted to go into denial and not weigh in, but that was not the way to move forward.

And it felt like the end of the world.  Like I would never get back to where I once was all those (almost) 5 pounds ago.

However, on this journey, I’m learning more about myself than I have in the past.

I’m learning that our bodies are VERY forgiving!  It’s extremely shocking how forgiving our bodies are, if we get right back up and keep on going in the right direction.

I got right back up after the party was over.  All sweet treats and food was sent away with guests, such that there was not a single thing to tempt me.

And don’t you know, those (nearly) 5 pounds melted off in just 3 days!  I’m still in disbelief, but I also know that this is the way our bodies behave when we get right back to eating healthy.  Thank you Jesus!

I’m going to remember this as we go into the Christmas season.  I may (who am I kidding,) I will put on some poundage over Christmas.  There is no way around it.  There will be fudge, peanut brittle, brunch and dinners to attend and I’m all about being on board with the celebrating.

I love this quote “Most people worry about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, when they really should worry about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas”.

That said, Christmas celebration is in order.  And I know when it’s all over, those pounds too shall drop off just as fast if not faster than I put them on.

As I contemplate the New Year, I look forward to finding complete health, a new place to call home, family trips and continued spice in life.

Blessings – Debbie

Today We Celebrate Us

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In the beginning, there was a Christmas party, December 13, 1997.  From this day forward, we would never be without each other.

Today, tho it’s cool and rainy on the outside, the homefires are burning on the inside.

I made an early morning shopping run as I tried to dodge the rain drops.  I was hit by a few drops, but overall, I’d say it was perfect timing considering it rained on and off all day.

Hubby and I shared a simple lunch date mid day.

And the pool table is already set up and I’m so ready to sit, chill with a cup of coffee and play our favorite games into the night.

Blessings – Debbie

From the Kitchen Sink

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Last week revolved around the kitchen sink while preparations went into organizing a party in our home Saturday evening.

White elephant gifts were purchased and wrapped for the party.

And candy canes were sprinkled around the tree.

By the time Friday rolled around, the kitchen was in full swing.

On Saturday the kitchen was in complete shock with loads of dirty dishes and mixing bowls piling up.

Hubby in true hubby fashion swooped in and kept the kitchen clean All. Day. Long.  And  just like magic he had everything organized and the hors d’oeuvres and dinner items had name cards in front of each dish.  I love it that our day was completely enjoyable and totally stress free.

Soon the guests began to arrive.

Folks mingled, played pool, the wii and xbox 360.  Hors d’oeuvres were served at 5, dinner at 6 and around 7ish the white elephant  gift exchange commenced and lots of fun was had by all.

But the sad part about the entire evening is this “I have no pictures to show for it”.  The special moments visiting and playing games defined the night.  I was so wrapped up in fun that I was afraid to start taking pix as the moment would have been lost.

Guests stayed and played with us ’til the wee hours of the morning as Texas Holdem’ Poker was the last game played amongst friends.

Hubby and I chilled in the family room ’til around 1am when we both decided it was time for some much needed sleep.  I put blinders on to the huge mess in the kitchen and decided the next day would be the perfect time to handle it.

Sleep soon came, but much too early hubby slipped out of bed Sunday morning.  That’s when I tugged on the covers and with a kiss on my cheek from hubby, I was out like a light ’til 11am.

And just like that when I entered our little world, the house was completely clean and all put back into place.  The dishes and mess in the kitchen was just a memory as hubby totally whirled his magic wand and made the mess disappear.

As I repeatedly thanked him for all of his help, he was thankful for me getting lots of rest and not waking until he had it all cleaned up.  He rocks my world even if he had left it all for me as I try to tell him “It’s my job”.  But I do love his eagerness to surprise me and his desire to make all the days of my life happy.

Blessings – Debbie

The Dr is Here

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When this season rolled around, my drinking lots of water rolled out.

  • Drinking water right now doesn’t sound as good as it did during the summer months.
  • I’ve been dipping into hubby’s Diet Mt Dew the last couple of weeks and thinking about my old friend Diet Dr Pepper.

So apparently I talked myself right into purchasing these guys a day or so ago.  The Dr made it to the shopping list and into the shopping cart today.

I’m thinking this could turn into a slippery slope.

They were brought into the house in quite a large quantity.  The reason = they were on sale.

I’m sure in the days to come, I’ll come up with a really good reason to drink lots of water again.  Until then, I’m going to ration these guys and enjoy the Christmas Season.

On a really bright note – I’ve continued to make healthy living a top priority.  I’m down another 2 pounds this week and I’m amazed to see these unusual results.  Being down 2 dress sizes and celebrating how great I feel is pretty exciting.

The thing I continue to remind myself when I want to splurge on sweet things is this fact.  Eating healthy is not a piece of cake.  The End

Blessings – Debbie

Better Days I Can Not Remember

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Finding the love of my life brought new meaning to love.  Marrying the love of my life has given new meaning to happily ever after.

This is the ornament that held my engagement ring all those years ago.  It has such special meaning and will always be treasured.

It was a wonderful surprise on Christmas morning when my boyfriend asked “will you be my wife”.  Words can’t begin to express the joy we’ve shared as a couple thru the years.

I was quite surprised this year as hubby wanted to upgrade my rings.  He forced me to LA (the diamond district) a few weeks ago.  And I kinda liked it.

We became so familiar with the area and spent a total of 3 weekends there.

This is the set we had made and picked up Saturday.

We shopped the top rated places we found on Yelp and did lots of research in between.

Lots of thought went into these.

When we finally found just the right jeweler, he made all of our dreams come true.

He made drawings of the rings in 3D – then stereolithography molds were made. I was impressed with the technology to get all the right measurements.

I’m beyond thrilled with its beauty.  But beyond that, grateful for the love we share.  Love truly is the Greatest Gift.

Saturday, the 26th, was the exact day we picked up the set.  As we were on our way home that evening, we stopped for this amazing sunset.

This was hubby’s post on FB that evening.  It’s worth repeating on the blog.

“What a great way to end a great day with Debbie. On our way home down I-5, just as the sun was setting, a sign appeared up ahead. Vista Point, next exit. It was a beautiful sunset on the Pacific. Better days I can not remember.”

Blessings – Debbie

A Thanksgiving To Remember

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Hubby and I have a Thanksgiving tradition.  The tradition revolves around sleeping in, getting all pretty and driving to the place where our reservations were made.  I suppose it has to be one of my/our newer favorite traditions.  Here are the perks:  no cooking ~ no leftovers ~ no mess ~ no clean up ~ where the two of us enjoy each other and the day.  I’m so happy we started this tradition a number of years ago.

Where hubby and I spent our Thanksgiving, The Hotel Del.

I was able to catch a break in the clouds when the sun came out for a spell.  May I insert that it was so cool to be barefoot on the beach on Thanksgiving?

Blending Christmas decor with Thanksgiving seems the thing to do and now I can’t imagine not blending the two.

 

The food was amazing!

In fact, there wasn’t room enough to try everything.  But I’m sure it was all cooked to perfection.

The dinner music was so lovely…

And the ambiance was perfect.

Hubby and I were lucky enough to have this window seat, looking out to the ocean.

There was ice skating in paradise.

And a very happy couple.  We spent a good 4 1/2 hours and enjoyed everything all the way around…

As I wake from fond memories of Thanksgiving, I’m so thankful we have no treats lurking around to tempt me.

I’m thrilled to announce that I lost a little more weight during Thanksgiving week.  To be exact 2.2 pounds!  I also measured my waist this morning to see how I’m coming along.  Turns out, my waist is a whole 5″ smaller so far this year.  I’m so thankful for that too!

It’s been a great year and so far, I’ve reached my weight loss goal and then some.  This was done by setting mini goals + reaching them + continuing to set mini goals = success.

But the most exciting key I have in my pocket is the fact that hubby is right here doing it with me.  He’s my biggest fan and for that, I’m grateful.  I wouldn’t be where I am on this journey without him.  We both look forward to reaching our goals and keeping this healthy lifestyle for life.

May we continue to give thanks long after Thanksgiving.  May we continue to love and appreciate our loved ones.  And may we never forget WHO has given us these blessings.  Thank you Jesus!

Blessings – Debbie

The Full Value Of Joy

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“To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with.” – Mark Twain

Pic taken in the garden and toyed with in Lightroom.

I’m blessed beyond words to have the love of my life.  He sprinkles my days with love and paints the most brilliant of colors into all of my days.

Today, just because, he treated me to a wonderful lunch date.  And just because, he tells me I’m beautiful and that he loves me.  It’s so special to me because I feel it so deeply day in and day out.

Because of him, I never feel alone and I feel so blessed to get to divide our great adventure with each other.  I personally can’t think of a better way to express joy, thank you Mark Twain.

Blessings – Debbie

About Last Week

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Last week was the week when the Christmas Spirit hit.  And this is the way Monday morning took shape.

The sentimental ornaments we’ve collected over the years were all given a special little place to hang.

The nativity nook was created while other areas were decorated.

The stockings were hung and by Thursday, everything had a home.

By the time the weekend rolled around, hubby made big plans to take Friday off and take me into LA for a nice couple day weekend.

We enjoyed amazing views from the Hilton penthouse spa.

Plans were made for Korean BBQ in Korea Town.  We enjoyed this little sit down Friday evening.

This has been a wonderful week all the way around.  It’s nice to have everything in place for this Thanksgiving week.  I’m so ready for it to get here!

Blessings – Debbie

A Sunset to Remember

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This was just over a week ago when I ran to the beach on a whim to catch the sunset.  Arrival – 3:30pm – Just enough time to scout the area to see where I wanted the sunset backdrop to fall.

The perfect spot.  I thought the pier at this angle would be best.

A collage of pictures taken from the evening to remember.

It’s nice to get away from our normal activity and change it up from time to time.  This made for an extra special evening.

Blessings – Debbie