I have far too much to do to be sitting at the computer writing. But the voices in my head(ok, one voice. mine. The one that I "think" I sound like.Not theone that I really sound like, like when you hear your voice recorded and you think,"is that how i really sound???"and then you don't talk for the rest of the day because you are sure your voice is irritating everyone around you even though they don't tell you so? And when you do talk you try to use your baritone voice? ...ya. that voice.) Any how, if you only knew how much I hold back you'd thank me. I seriously have soooooooooo much to say, about absolutely nothing at all. Dr. Van doesn't understand how my mind works. The other night he said that I make "quirkiness", "classy". I hope that's good.Hedoesn't see how I have so much to say. I told him I could write 2 pages on his hair if I wanted too. it just keeps coming to me. Kinda like my dirty laundry.

So I have one Xmas party down, (last night) and one more to go (Saturday night). SO by all

accounts I should not be sitting here! Plus my hair is airdrying into an oblivion. I look like

Shakira. No really.

I will continue this nonsense later.

Ok, its later. Much later. it's Sunday again. And I feel

like I've lost 10 lbs. Figuratively speaking of course, it is the Holidays afterall... Party #2 went down last night. I was so worried about it and I think it went really well. Dr. Van missed his calling in life and really should have been a party planner. He always has good ideas.

Dang him.

Ok, once again I am adding to this post. i feel like I finally have a minuet to sit and write without guilt. Well sort of, it's Christmas day and my house is literally D- STROYED. But more of that later. This is me trying to relax and let the good times roll without me singing the clean up song and patrolling the house every 10 mins to do a quick pick up. Breathe Randi, breathe.

SO our Staff party. Wow. We had so much fun. We had a really nice turn out and it all went down pretty smoothly. I had to resist the urge to cook for everyone so we had "12 BONES" cater for us.

Good move on our part. It was very tasty and as easy as sending Dr.Van to pick it up when it was ready. I always think I have more time then I really have when I'm hosting anything. SO of course I was running around putting the final touches on everything as everyone was arriving you know, little things like, toilet paper in the bathrooms and such. Dr. Van had to pull me aside a minuet to tell me to slow down that I was making people nervous. I had no idea I could have that affect on anyone? or is it "effect"? I never quite know when to use each word...Anyhow. I slooooowed down and once again tried to let the good times roll by without twitching nervously. The ribs were tasty, the corn pudding perfect, the jalapeno grits creamy and spicy. Our company was even better. Everyone was such a good sport when it came to our games. You never how those will go down. I wasn't sure who had a competitive nature and who to stay away from. As it turned out I ended up competing with the most competitive guy during the championship of "Connect Four".

We had a competition between the girls and the winner played the winner of the guys. I was in shock that it came down to me to represent the girls. You have to know that I am so not competitive. It's just not in my nature. So when I saw the last two guys battling it out best game out of three I was a bit nervous. They were so intense and serious. Clearly out to win. Each move well thought out according to what they thought their opponent might do next. You could cut the tension with a knife or some other sharp object. It took them like 30 mins maybe longer, to play 3 games. I was not eager for my turn to try to impress and challenge my opponent. At this point I wasn't really sure which guy it would be but I knew who I didn't want it to be. Only because I had heard from a few reliable sources that this certain guy did not like to lose. I secretly was rooting for the other guy to win. He didn't though. Darn. Now it was my turn. Oy. I wanted to keep it light and not so serious, this was going to be hard. He scared me. He had the look of a champion in his eyes.

I had the look of a deer in the head lights.

I was the hostess I was going to be gracious.

I didn't even want to play, Dr. Van signed me up for every competition though in hopes to win back all the prizes he bought..Nice strategy Dr. Van. But as we all know I'm not the Super athletic type. I'm not even the brainy type. I'm that rare type that doesn't have a type. So why did he sign me up? Clearly just to increase his odds of winning back the prizes. ( he said it was his Xmas party too and he had every intention of us competing for the prizes too) Fine. I'll play nice and play along..

I fully intended to lose the first game. Because I just didn't care, and I didn't want to get hurt. I didn't really put a lot of effort into it. I won. Shoot.

K next time I'll lose for sure. My worthy opponent kept his cool, we still had 2 games left if he won this next time. 2 more opportunities to annihilate me. I don't know what quite happened next but I won again. Shoot. I totally won I felt like I had cheated. He smiled. Lets go again he proposed. I told him that was fine that I would let him win this time. He didn't like that. He wanted me to try, I supposed he wanted to prove he could beat me just once.We had another go "just for fun". Was he just not paying attention? Was he just being nice because I was the bosses wife? His upper lip twitched a little when I hesitantly dropped the winning chip in to make four in a row and then apologized profusely. " I'm so sorry!! I really am, I don't even like to win". He smiled and shook my hand graciously. I was prepared for him to squeeze the life out of my hand causing me to fall to my knees in agony...but he didn't. I felt so bad I made him take a copy of the game home with him, but obviously not bad enough to give him the prize of dinner and a movie....Sorry "J", you were a good sport though.

We had a plasma car race in the basement.

3 laps around. 4 racers at a time. No touching the ground or you are disqualified. Winner takes home a plasma car. Dr. Van is out after the 1st lap. No problem we still had a second chance to win a car back. That is until Dr.Van gave me a push as I was rounding a corner that landed me right into the wall causing me to suffer from whiplash and a broken arm and the worst part, caused me to lose the race..Fat head. Next time help, don't help.

Next up ping pong.

We recently got this awesome table when all the family came into town for thanksgiving. Thats the first time I had ever played. SO why was I entered into this tournament? Once again, to increase the odds. Man I'm a good sport! So I compete against a randomly selected opponent. We battle it out until we reach 15 points I believe. I'm having fun, working up a little sweat burning a few calories, working off those ribs. I have a habit of lifting my back leg like I'm being kissed romantically, when I reach for a hard shot. It's quite feminine actually. Ok, it's more like I have a muscle spasm that I can't control. I told you I wasn't a jock. Anyhoo, I actually won this round which moved me up to the second round. Now this time I played against a jock. So I was eliminated. I'm sorry Dr.Van. I guess I'm more brains then bronze afterall...Well it was probably more luck actually That I won connect four. But winning is winning and I have movies tickets and a gift card to Macaroni grill to prove it. Your welcome Dr.Van. By the way Dr.Van didn't win anything....just sayin'..... You're a winner to me though.

We had a great time, with some great folks. A beautiful musical number was performed along with a few light hearted numbers that included Dr.Van and I as the subject of the songs...So fun. I really enjoyed seeing everyone with their spouses and friends. As I looked around this group of people it hit me just how down to earth they were. I love that they embrace their southern roots. One of the husbands of a gal who works for us, was wearing his hunting camo turtle neck and ball cap. It just made me smile. I love that. Just being who you are. The other Dr. came up to me and thanked me for" hosting the party and more importantly for being who you are a real breath of fresh air." That was sweet and surprising. I guess you just never know how your perceived sometimes. I'm nothing to brag about, I am for more impressed with everyone else around me, but it's nice to know when you're appreciated for who you are. I love these good people here. We are so blessed.

more later I have to eat more empty calories that I'm just going to have to burn off tomorrow...Remind me to tell you about skiing, 13 yrs, and Christmas...

I love that it's Christmas time. Really, really, love it. I secretly wanted to listen to Xmas music last month but I didn't want to burn my family out on it so soon. Now I listen to it every chance I get. I love that I can turn on the radio and there it is! I walk into the grocery store, and there it is. In the grocery store bathroom, there it is! Christmas is everywhere. And people are nicer for some reason. I'm nicer for some reason. I know hard to believe I can get nicer right? :) I just feel such joy and contentment with everything.

I awoke this cold NC morning to little flurries of snow!! I was so excited. It took everything in me to not run outside and lay in the grass and make a snow angel. Yes, I know it would not have been much of an angel beings that nothing was sticking. In fact it's been "snowing" all day and not sticking. Kinda bugs me. i feel like I'm being teased a bit. This west coaster is not used to much snow and I love that it snows just enough to enjoy it but not enough to make you hunker down in your house for weeks at a time. Is "hunker" a word?

Well, I used this snow as an excuse to make hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies with pecans. Mmmmm. I will share something with you. Warm homemade cookies are my weakness. Not my "one" weakness, I have many of those, but that is a big one. And I get almost as much joy watching my kids eat the yummy cookies as I do eating them.....Not. That was a total lie. That would be just pure torture to watch them and never have one myself. But I do have to be careful because I like the cookie dough just as much as them baked and sometimes there's not much dough to bake, ya know what I mean? I do admit though, it was very entertaining watching #4 eat his chocolaty cookie with such...glee. I did however want to lick his face afterwards, he wasted so much chocolate.

I left church early today. #4 has a bad green nose. He's had it for a couple weeks now and isn't' able to go to nursery. And since I didn't have to teach today like I thought I did, I left early so I wasn't roaming the halls chasing after #4 for 2 hours. I think my family secretly likes when I come home early because they know things will be cleaned up and a little something to eat will be ready on the table for hungry tummies. Today I made open faced toasted sandwiches. #1 requested this. He is a funny one. Very particular about his food at times. Not so much picky, more like he has a sophisticated palate. He knows what's good. He's like the Rat on Ratatouille. He doesn't want to eat garbage. (This of course excludes hot pockets, corn dogs and top o ramen) Anyhow, it was simple today but tasty. I buttered thick sliced french bread with garlic butter then topped some with turkey and various cheese and I usually serve with a variety of spreads. the other day it was turkey, butterkase german cheese and cherry spread. So good. I made a vegetarian one for myself today. It was more like a hot bruchettta. Tomatoes, artichoke hearts, red wine vinegar dressing and blue cheese. Toast and drizzle with a balsamic glaze..mmm On a few instead of blue cheese I used fresh marinated mozzarella. I think I ate one of each! It was so fresh and tasty.

Why didn't I take a pic and post it you may ask? Because I really want a camera that does my food justice. My pictures of food always look hokey. always. And I have a lot of pics of food. But I never post anything because the pictures stink.

I have asked for a camera and photo shop for Xmas but I'm not holding my breath, I know those are big things. So today I told Dr. Van that if he didn't want to get me my first choice, then I'd be happy with an electric blanket...I don't know if I really meant that though....I wonder if it's too late to take it back....One time,( and Dr. Van will probably say I should just "let it go") he got me a mop for xmas........................a mop. That he bought while I was working at the same store he bought it at...on Xmas eve..........?????..................................... that same year I got a frying pan for my birthday. It only took one year of him buying me presents to learn what was acceptable or not. Poor guy. He was so confused. It started with our first Xmas. We had just gotten married 5 days before. I had made him a "goody basket" you know, romantic stuff, coupons (which he still has because I forgot to put an expiration date on them...stupid of me I know.) Chocolate body paint, that I don't think we ever used...anyway you get the idea. So we are at his parents house just home from our honeymoon and he is so excited to give me my present....he is sitting at my feet on pins and needles. "This must be really good" I think. "maybe we should be alone when I open it" I wonder.... "I hope I don't get embarrassed, like at my bridal shower when I opened a box and it was a single big red bow...to wear on my honeymoon".....I slowly tear the carefully wrapped package.....My pitters are getting sweaty everyone is watching me. Dr. Van's eyes are dancing with excitement he can hardly contain himself. I know he wants to rip it out of my hands because I'm not going fast enough but he resists. I finally have the parcel opened and I'm staring at a Franklin Day Planner.."Oh, that's so nice" I say. Dr.Van takes it from me and starts flipping thru it with gusto. He's showing me how I too can be organized and productive like him. Oh how in sync with our schedules we will be. I can tell he is imagining us sitting down planning our weeks together and coordinating special events and work schedules. But then he looks disappointed, because I didn't react the way he had envisioned. You have to understand that the Vans are very....excitable people. And, they like practical gifts. The only time Dr. Van raises his voice is when he's excited about something, in a good way. I later realized just how much my reaction probably disappointed him when I saw a home video of his mom opening a present from Dr. Vans dad. She had wanted a certain porcelain doll I think, and when she opened it, you would have thought she was opening a box with a million dollar bills in it. "Oh my gosh!!!, It's beautiful, oh I just love it!!!!" and then she opened a sweater "Oh, it's gorgeous!!!!!! Oh it must have been so expensive, I love it!!!!!!!!!" even his sisters sitting nearby watching mom open her presents were just as excited as she was..Hand to their mouths anticipating the actual opening of the package..and then shrieking with joy along with their mother....It's quite a video, I may post it someday. IT's actually kinda exhausting to watch. Anyhow, it put my mundane reaction to shame. But I have since learned to show more emotion and Dr. Van has since learned to not give lame gifts. I didn't want practical. I wanted something I wouldn't normally get myself. I'm getting better at appreciating practical gifts...hence, the electric blanket. I would even take a new washer and dryer....

So, live and learn huh? I love Dr. Van and I have to say he's sooooo much better at gifts now. He puts a lot of thought into them and listens to me. He doesn't really shop Xmas Eve anymore. That always bugged me. I know the guy is busy, but really there was no other time to shop??? I know, let it go....

Moving on. Today I was hesitant to get dressed. Not that I was contemplating running around nakie all day, but I was in a "comfy clothes" mood. Yesterday I wore my "Jogging suit" so I couldn't wear that again, but i wasn't wanting to be in jammies just yet, so I carefully selected some leggings and a long fitted shirt. I do not love leggings. I have always been self conscience of tight fitting clothes, but I was feeling a little confident today so I wore the dang leggings. Who was I trying to impress. Now the thing is, they weren't just your run of a mill stretchy pants. They were "Jean Leggings". So 80's right??? I can't believe I bought them in the first place. But really I was trying to go for comfy and something to wear with my slouchy boots. And I knew Dr.Van was going to comment on them!! He came home from church and was changing and I laid on the bed talking to him and then he snuggled up to me. It took about 2 seconds to make fun of my pants. "What are you a rock star with these tight pants?" "No, their jean leggings, their supposed to look like jeans but... their not? Their stretchy see?" I lift my shirt to show him the waist band. Big mistake. "Are those maternity??" He has this exasperated look of disbelief on his face. Fat head. I knew I should have gone with the jammies. I later asked #2 about my pants. "Their cute, don't ask dad what does he know about fashion?" Ahhh from the mouths of babes....I knew I could count on her. And I knew I didn't like leggings. Awhile ago I tried talking my self into believing I was allergic to spandex, so I wouldn't even be tempted to go down that road. I now own several pairs of spandex pants that I often run in! Now everything is bouncing in my spandex. Oh well, shake what your mama gave you right?

I'd better get to bed or at least try to, the wind is howling outside and Dr.Van is talking on the phone in his loud phone voice like he's in a storm or something and the person on the other end can't hear him. The funny thing is, this is his normal voice. He's just loud, and excitable like I said. And I know without even going into the other room where he is, that he is talking with his hands and pacing the floor....I love that guy and his quirks. Even if he buys me frying pan gifts and makes fun of my 80's come back pants.

I'm in bed observing my surroundings. On my night stand I have a take out menu for Franks NY Deli staring me in the face. Thats never a good sign. I admit I went and got my free sandwich today. It was free. That made it taste even better. And they gave me the 12" sub, not the 6". That was awesome. I ate half for lunch...then finished off the other half for dinner when I remembered it was still in the fridge..I almost got giddy thinking about it, kinda like when Dr. Van calls during the day, just to say "Hi"- which is rare.

I'm also looking at the pile o' laundry I once again removed from my bed and placed in the arm chair. It was like De'ja Vu? Like I had already done this very thing so many times before. Weird. I admit, laundry has never been my strong point. Or I guess I should say the folding and putting away part of it. Rarely do we run out of underware probably because we each have like 20 pair just incase the laundry does get away from me. I just hate the daunting task of folding and putting away. I really am lazy about it. When really I should just treat it like a band aid. Rip it off fast and then it's done. Instead, I slowly torture myself by gently peeling it away and stopping half way thru because it hurts too much, so I save it for later, but still always think about it. I know I should fold them as I take them out of the dryer, but seriously 9 times out of 10, the top of my dryer is already occupied with misplaced items that nobody seems to know where they go so the maintain residence on top of my dryer until I get bugged enough to relocate them to their proper homes. And most of the time it ends up being the trash. My Aunt has a rule when it comes to folding, maybe this can help you if you also have a problem with folding laundry. Fold em' while their warm. Do Not let them get cold...Good Idea? Hope it helps you because it sure as heck did nothing for me, except cause me more anxiety.

I also have a cute table that I spray painted set up in here. I was "sewing" some burp cloths a few weeks ago and for some reason, have kept my machine out like I was an avid seamstress just waiting for my next sewing project. I don't sew. I try. I mostly fail at this. Straight-ish lines are pretty much the extent of my abilities. Though, my mother in law swears that if I had a good machine I would "love" sewing. But I swear that if had a real desire to sew for real, then I could probably grow to love it. But I'm not patient enough to learn the sewing "language". Like my 4th graders math homework, it may as well be written in spanish. Maybe I left the machine up to give the appearance of a real sewer...My mother in was just at my house....hmmm.

Well, I have other talents....like..................................................Lets not talk about that.

Anyhow, I am supossed to be snuggling up stairs taking turns with #1,2,&3. I snuggled for a bit but then felt guilty for not having taken a shower after running. SO I said I may return after I clean up. But I'm secretly hoping they can all fall asleep and then in the morning I will tell each of them I snuggled them while they were sleeping. You see, I'm so tired I'm afraid I may fall asleep in one of their beds and their beds are so not comfy...That being said, I should probably get them new beds. Now I have guilt. Darn. I should probably go up and acess the situation before I make any rash decisions about falling asleep in my extremly comfy bed. More guilt. Double darn.

Ok, I'm over it. We have two Christmas parties at our house coming up. Kinda stressed. One for the young women at church then one for our staff. I just want it to be nice, and I don't want anyone regretting it being at our house. My pitters are already getting sweaty. And I just showered. Shoot. I am having our staff party catered. I know, I know, Im such a cheater. But I really think it's for the best. I would be a major un-fun person this next week if I were cooking for 35 people that I was entertaining at my house. It's just too nice of an occasion to mess up and be grouchy over. My kids were helping me decorate today. #1 has become a master of snowflake making in a single afternoon. He was pumping snowflakes out like he was getting paid for it. It was amazing. And my windows look lovely. I've spent the afternoon making more tissue paper balls to hang and then hanging tree ornaments from the ceiling with fishing wire and straight pins. My right thumb is bruised. But my kitchen ceiling looks awesome! I may leave them up all year. Haven't decided yet.

Tomorrow I am busy. Lesson to prepare for church. More decorating, Cleaning because Dr. Van is coming home and I can't have him thinking we just played the whole time he was gone, A parade and some kind of Christmas festival in Brevard to go to, and yes, laundry to fold! And I promised my kids to watch a movie with them tomorrow night because I cancelled tonight on them on account of #3 having several "meltdowns" that left her hysterical and asking me to pray for her to "Have Jesus and Heavenly Father in her heart"......Still trying to figure that one out. She goes to a "Presbyterian Preschool" and she comes home with all sorts of new ideas. The other night she wanted to say the prayer and so we all bowed our heads and folded our arms and she started singing her prayer....It was .....different. But sincere. And a little ...."catchy" it was to the tune of "where is thumbkin?". Learn something new everyday. Especially from #3. She's the one that keeps insisting on asking me "how do the babies get out of your tummy?". Really? Ya, I'm not ready for this talk. I always dance around the answer. Last time, I told her to ask grandma when she comes to visit. But I'm thinking that would be more confusing I dont' use the "real names" of our "private parts" and I know it would all be text book with our nurse/grandma. The truth is, those names make me giggle and feel funny. I know, "grow up Randi!"...I can't. I refuse.

I'd better get to bed gotta get up and goin' in the morn'. Actually I'm secretly hoping that the Nyquil I slipped into everyone's cocoa tonight will allow me to sleep in until 10am. Cross your fingers for me.

My Dr. said I need to be able to turn off my brain at night to fall asleep. And that I need to do this without tylenol pm. I would be happy to do just that, if I knew where my "off " button was. Some of my best ideas come to me at night when I'm trying to shut down. Like when I decided to spray paint in the garage leaving hot pink stains on the garage floor of our rental. Or like the time when I chopped my hair off because I was unhappy with Dr. Van, and then I nailed a "For Sale By Owner" sign in the yard, that I ended up taking out a week later, and then debated on getting extensions in my hair to make it longer again, because I had made up with Dr. Van. Or like the time I decided to go to Culinary School and then half way through really wanted to quit because I wasn't getting an "A" in the math section, but continued anyway and was mad at my self for thinking I could actually go thru the program without doing a lick of math. Who needs math to make a demi glace at home anyway right?

My mind just goes and goes, as I'm sure most peoples' do. It's actually exhausting. I actually make notes to myself about things I want to write about, because I have so many ideas I forget them all. Now, I could never write "Fiction". That's where I draw a blank, and that's the only thing I'm good at drawing. I have no ideas for a fiction story whatsoever. The one I had was taken just before I got to write it down and was made into a series of movies I think it was something about a boy wizard...I can't really think of the name of it right now it's been awhile. Anyhow, my life is far too exciting to pass up writing about. As we speak I'm totally being a rebel. I am still in my "going out" clothes, not comfy jammies and it's 10:30 pm. I also am looking at a clean swept family room, but behind me the kitchen counter is a disaster. My bed has 2 loads of Laundry to be folded nestled right on top of my comforter where Dr. Van would be sleeping if he weren't out of town right now. And I just ate a bowl of Cinnamon toast crunch, with 2% milk. I'm out of control. I may be going for a second bowl just to prove I can live it up.

I have a feeling I am going to be sore tomorrow. I ran longer and harder then usual today. I think it's because I was in the middle of watching my 2nd episode of "Lost" for the day and it was too good to save for tomorrow. My legs will feel it though tomorrow when I go to get out of bed after resting all night. I hope I don't fall out of bed again....I don't want to talk about it.

So since moving to NC I've had a plethra (however you spell it) of embarassing moments. Some of them you may know about, if so just listen and pretend you haven't heard them before, it will make me feel less stupid. But that will have to wait until tomorrow. My Tylenol PM just kicked in and my limbs feel heavy and numb and everything is starting to go fuzzy and my eyelids feel like they are the heaviest part of my body and everything is starting to be extremely silly.. like the word "quiche" ......Of course it would be food related. but really, say it over and over and over and over again...it's a weird word. ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. More tomorrow, I'm sure. Darn these thoughts of mine. Maybe I could think up a good fiction story after all...I was thinking something along the lines of a mortal and a vampire and their forbidden love...Nah, it would never catch on..nevermind.

Do you ever wear a skirt that is too big for you and as your walk it rotates in a complete circle around you, like its the sun gravitating around the earth? (The sun does do that right?) Ya, that's never happened to me either.....Fine I was at the "festival of Trees" tonight and I kept having to do a "skirt seam check". I have a real problem with clothes sometimes. Today I was dressed in my most comfy new running suit, that I will probably never really run in by the way, and I kept getting the worst wedgie. I was disturbed to find out that it wasn't because my underware were on backwards..like the other day. Don't ask. I have no clue what the problem was all I knew was that I was supossed to be comfortable and I wasn't. Maybe it was my punishment for looking as if I was wearing jammies in public. And yes, often my underware are on backwards. It goes nicely with the random array of snacks I often find down inside my bra at the end of the night. #4 often stow's his favorite snacking foods down there. Why? I don't know that answer to that one either, all I know is I usually eat a decent amount of goldfish before bed.

It rained all day today. I love the rain. I tried to shut my eyes again after #1&2 went to school. That was a joke. #4 likes to give me his full attention whenever it looks like I might be nodding off. Today he chose to sit on my head. So I relocated to my bedroom when he wasn't looking. Didn't take him long to find me and before I knew it , we were engaged in a full under the cover tea party in my bed, it didn't last long, he kept hogging all the cake.

I think I must have a hidden homing device implanted in me somewhere. It never fails that as soon I am even kinda alone, my kids know. All of them just know. Especially of I sneek off to the bathroom for a minuet. It's like the have a 6th sense. There ears are so sensitive to the turn of a doorknob, or click of a lock, and BAM just like that...There is a knock, on the door followed by "Mom, are you in there". This is where I ususally answer "No" in my best Mexican accent. Or to really throw them off, I simply just answer "no" in my own voice. They are quick though and usually don't believe me in either voice. Sometimes to save my voice, they simply slide a note under the door with their request neatly written on it. This is where I murmur under my breath, "can I just have one minuet to my self?" This is where I answer my own question with my usual answer in my usual voice, "no, you can't"

So the house is much quieter today. Good and bad. I can finally hear myself think, good. But now I'm left alone with all these random thoughts, bad. I know the whole cliche' of the "inlaws" coming to visit, but I have to say I really had a good time, only a few weird comments were endured, (if we are being totally honest) I really enjoyed hanging out with my sister in laws...or is it "sisters in law?" anyhow, I forgot to mention the day after Thanksgiving madness...You know what I'm talking about, BLACK FRIDAY. Oh YA. that's the one. I have never in my life been scared at Walmart. Until BLACK FRIDAY. The crazies were out I swear. Who in the heck goes to Walmart at 4am to stand in lines, and grab at items that you don't even know if you want or not, but because everybody else is grabbing, it must be something of interest. therefore, you take whatever you can get in hopes that you or someone in your party will have need of that particular item. I still don't know if I need the one thing I got, I just grabbed it because it was discounted and left in a random place. Probably by someone who was coming back for it and didn't think anyone would find it.

So the alarm was set, I didn't set mine, I figured someone would wake me up. As it was when we went to bed I was still unsure of the "plan". Well, I had a rough night with the kids and we had a crazy wind storm. I thought for sure our tree mansion was going to fly back to Kansas where is looks like it landed from. So when I heard a tap on my bedroom door at 4am, and a whisper of my name, I shuddered and pulled the covers tighter around my face. I'm not a morning person per se. So I politely declined the invitation to set fourth at 4am and fight my way thru the crowds. Well 45 mins later.....I was still wide eyed and bushy haired. I was listening to the wind race thru the trees and waited for the "crash" of the swaying tree house that never came. So I decided, if I couldn't beat em', I'd join em'. So I left the house. AS I pulled into the parking lot of Walmart that is on a hill, I looked down at the swarm of cars and thought I was in a nightmare. I couldn't believe that amount of activity going on. Never even on the most crowded Saturday Afternoon, have i ever seen such a sight. I was soooo lucky to get a spot in the front. But nothing could have prepared me for what lie ahead. As I entered I felt my pulse quicken. Not with excitement, but with extreme anxiety. Now I don't mind crowds so much. I love Disney Land and Fairs and all that jazz. But BLACK FRIDAY is like a crazy game show. And your racing against the clock. And you can hardly move because there are so many players, and there are lines going this way and that. I felt ill and if there had been room to lie down, I would have. I instantly regretted getting out of bed. It got worse when I saw sister in law #3. She looked like she had just walked out of a FOREVER 21 Ad. Seriously?? Who gets up that early and showers and puts on make-up and does her hair?? #3 apparently and I didn't get the memo, but then I saw the rest of the group and realized that they too didn't get the memo either and that #3 is an over -achiever. You know who you are, and you know you looked good. Dang you. Then #1 sister in law comes over with her cart of treasures to auction them off. She was standing in the right place at the right time and just grabbed what everybody else was grabbing hoping one of us would want something that she risked her life for. I didn't even have a cart that's how stressed out I was about the whole thing. And the thought of standing in that horrendous line, made me just want to leave and go to IHOP, (which, I suggested a few times but was ignored)whatever. So Sister in law #2 is all business and organized and quick. This makes the other sisters in law have to hurry, which was hard to do given the cirumstances. So while we waited in line and made the cashier check the price of every item and then made her put back half of them, sister inlaw #3 continued to shop. This was stressing out the rest of the group because she didn't answer her phone and we had quite the line behind us building up, and I'm pretty sure they didn't want to wait any longer then they had too. So we finally made it out, and I did purchase one item (that I still may take back) only because I had to wait in line anyway. If it had just been me I would have made a quick U-turn the second I saw the parking lot. I swear I thought it would be like a leisurely, Saturday night Walmart run. You know when you go to get those few things that you didn't want to stand in line for earlier in the day? I had no clue it was so chaotic. Then they wanted to go to Target. I reluctantly followed in my car. But once again was turned off by the amazing number of cars and people in the parking lot. So I grabbed #1 sister inlaw and we were out of there..Am I glad I went? Absolutely. It taught me that #1, I wasn't missing anything by sleeping in, and #2, I'd rather pay the extra $20 then go thru that again. Live and learn. Thanks for the experience #1. It was Memorable.AND you owe me $$ for anit-anxiety medicine that I now take.

We also went on a family hike to 3 waterfalls. That was actually fun. I'm glad I went to that one. We had been doing so much eating and relaxing it was nice to do something physical...so we didn't feel bad eating again later...One morning we girls went to Fletcher Park to run. That was fun. I havent ran outside since Dr.Van ran my jogging stroller over. So it was a nice change and so much easier then the tredmill!! Holy Cow I forgot how much I enjoy running outside!! It was brisk and the cold wind on my face felt good. I probably had snot running down to my chin, but I couldn't tell. My chin was numb.

We ate at a few pretty Fly restaurants. "Frankie Bones" mmmmmmm good. Their "twice baked potato egg rolls"? I'm going to have to make those. And their Goat Cheese Spinach salad with raspberry puree and honey mustard and french fry straws?? yum. Then the "Shrimp and Grits"? aahhhhh.... So yummy. Then there was the "Grove PArk Inn" we went to one of the breakfast buffets there, that was good too, and so fun to see all the Gingerbread Houses on display. They were amazing!! I was totally impressed and jealous and overwhelmed all at the same time. Then" 12 bones" BBQ, is always good...which reminds me, I need to have them cater our work party next week.... They have great ribs with unique sauces like "Blueberry Chipotle" and there sides are to die for, the "corn pudding" and "jalapeno Grits" and "Mac n cheese"...yikes..bikes! SO tasty.. Then of course you have to get "Bojangles" chicken and biscuits because you're in the south, and then you have to compare to "Zaxby's" chicken to see which you like better. And my favorite sandwich shop??? "Franks NY Deli" hands down, the best sandwiches in town...I didn't make that up, their sign says that...I just happen to agree with it, and I have a stamp card that just got filled up, to prove it. (Can't wait to get my free sandwich!)

So Lots of fun, lots of food and lots of memories. It was a really fun Thankgiving. ....Obviously,.... I keep talking about it.

My Thanksgiving Day Table

Just thought I'd share....

Holy Food Hangover. You'd think after a day of constant snacking and tasting and cooking and full on stuffing my face, that I wouldn't want to see another morsel of food...ever. Yet as it is, I woke up hungry. And ate. again. In my defense I did do my run today and yesterday as well so I feel totally justified. And I'm back on track today...sorta. dang leftovers. dang pie. dang social eating.

I'm really enjoying our company right now. I feel so relaxed and no rush to do anything but enjoy the moment. The kiddies are being so good and playing nicely..shocking really. Yesterday was so enjoyable and I have to brag a moment and tell you that there were so many yummy things to eat. My turkey actually turned out really amazing!!! Thank you Pioneer Woman! I brined my first turkey ever. I thought I over cooked it on accident, I couldn't find that dang meat thermometer. And it was so juicy and sweet. mmmm. Dr. Van commented several times that it was the best turkey he'd ever had. That was nice. I think I liked it because it didn't really even taste like turkey. I'm not a big fan I'd much rather roast a chicken for Thanksgiving but that's just not tradition...NExt year i I want to deep fry a turkey..Maybe I'll brine that one too. Or better yet, I'll make the free turkey I got for buying so much food, for Xmas! ...now I just need that deep fryer. I also want a smoker too. I should be telling this to Dr.Van instead of you. Maybe if you see him you could mention it:)

I have to write about my dinner table for a minuet. My sister in law is amazing at making the dinner table look like it should be in a celebrity wedding.It was so fun creating with her! My shabby chic idea actually turned out really well!! I was so shocked! My blend of creams and whites and silver and gold were so elegant and fun. I gathered dinner plates in shades of white and creams and doilies galore every where! Mis matchy silverware and neatly rolled hankerchiefs tied with a ribbon. Silver and gold candlestick holders with glittery candles and tea lights created a comfortable, romantic glow. Then there were my tissue paper hanging balls gathered over our table. I was praying that they wouldn't fall and ignite and ruin the moment. #2 helped me make tissue paper flowers and we tied them around the goblets and sprinkled "pixie dust" (gold glitter) all over! And I of course had to cover up some of the ugly folding chairs with white pillow cases and glittery gold ribbon. If it had been summer I would have had dinner on the patio with twinkle lights...sigh..... Anyhow, it was beautiful and really enjoyable..and I really did eat too much.

Yesterday I was putting on make up. #4 was very interested in this ritual in which I transform myself into a nearly unrecognizable person. I'm surprised he isn't scared or leary of me when the whole process is done. Maybe if I had just walked out all done up without him watching the great change, he would be afraid of this person that somewhat resembles his mother. Anyhow, He loved watching me use the blush brush. He felt like he was missing out and demanded that I give his cheeks a little color too. SO I did, but I had to draw the line at mascara..Although his lashes would be AMAZING! He loves my bracelets and high heels too. Should I be worried. He does have good taste though, but He takes off in my shoes and I find them in odd places,like the pantry shelf, sitting there like an expensive decoration waiting to be admired, or worn.

We shopped at Sams yesterday for Thanksgiving. He was such a good sport. I had so many things in the cart he could barely move. Poor kid. So when we got home he took off outside towards the rope swing. He loves the rope swing. He loves being outside, probably more then the other littles. I really didn't have time to play and swing with him. But I figured I didn't have time not too. He's getting so big and pretty soon he may not want to swing with me. So we swung, and swung, and swung. Until I felt dizzy and ill. He was laughing so much and each time we swung high his face lit up. So I kept swinging so I could see him happy over and over again. The sun was warm on us and the leaves were falling around us I swear it was like an afterschool special in slow motion...It was perfect and I'm glad he made me take a little time out. then he threw fit when we went into the house. Bummer.

I have a slew of family coming into town this week. The inlaws are already here and the rest trickle in the next day or so. I've never done a real Thanksgiving dinner before. I'm nervous and hopeful. I am also brining a turkey courtesy of good ol "pioneer woman". I think we could be great friends if she just knew me. I hope I can do her proud..Thats southern talk. more later #2&3 just got home and I have to hear about the days happenings.

Well, I have to admit I love the day before Thanksgiving. I'm usually at my mom's house baking more pies then we can eat, and preparing the traditional appetizers of Cheese ball, stuffed mushrooms, dates and bacon-which I don't care for they look like cooked cochroaches, but that's just me. Then there is the socializing and the singing in the kitchen at the top of our lungs. I must clarify, this is usually done by my sisters and I. And it is usually followed by a bout of laughter because someone is trying to hit a note well out of their range. Good times. This year has been a little different. I have had the pleasure of cooking along side of my wonderful mother in law and....son. Yes #1 was in the kitchen chopping and slicing in his fresh white apron, he also wants me to point out that he made the cheeseball this year among other things. And I'm sure it will be wonderful. More later.

I just remembered I saw the most amazing blue bird the other day. I was in my closet getting dressed and I looked out the window and there it was. Happily sitting on a branch of a tree in my yard talking merrily to another not so pretty bird. It was electric blue. The color I would want my eyes to be if I had a choice. I so desperately wanted to open my window and hold out my two fingers where I knew that bird would love to perch itself, and just start singing "A Spoon Full of Sugar", at which point my blue bird would join in with it's amazing harmony and we would whistle together and be happy. And then I would snap my fingers and my house would be clean. Just the way Mary Poppins did it. I mean, I am a lot like her, "practically perfect in every way".......well in most ways:) ok, we're nothing alike. She has got it all together, but in my defense Mary didn't birth 4 children. She doesn't even have her own household to run. So there Mary, Whistle that tune.

So I am home today. I need to go antique-ing for some chairs for my dinner table. I am having a hard time finding the motivation and energy though. I even stole Dr.Vans "squirrel killin' " truck to transport my findings, and got his blessing to do so...But alas I'm still recovering from last night's lack of sleep. I already had a diet pepsi and am trying to justify having another one. I should set a limit. I actually have a rather good system in place. Just about every morning I drop #3 off at Pre-school, (choir of angels start singing...now) and then I have my highly protected 44 oz. plastic cup, which I found out I can refill for only 74 cents. So I head to the Shell Station, where they just about know me by name now, no seriously, the other day I got the refill for free because the clerk was in a good mood and I come in often and she said "sometimes, it's nice to get something for free, you can pay tomorrow." Her assumption that I would be in "tomorrow" could have been taken a few different ways in which I could have been offended. Was she suggesting that I had a "drinking problem"? That I am "dependant" on my daily diet pepsi fix to get me thru the day? Either way, she was right, and I was happy to come in again the next day

and pay my 74cents that I took out of Dr.Vans piggy bank. We're pretty much friends now, and I may even give her a X-mas card.

Anyhow, I'm trying to get organized and declutter a few areas in my house..(the whole thing) It's so daunting. We haven't been in this house for very long, but I have still managed to aquire 2 junk drawers. How this happened so quickly is beyond me. It's like the frog in the pot story...You know the one, don't make me type it all out.

So when I am organizing it's hard to just quit and leave to go shopping (as if you or I believe this) But I am willing to make the sacrifice. Because that's the kind of person I am. I am however am not willing to put on makeup or jewelry, to do this task. My sister inlaw would be disappointed in me. (you know who you are..and you probably aren't reading this so, I'm good) But since I still have to run off that dang cereal I figure what's the point right? And who am I trying to impress really? The good people of NC love me for me...Well they would if they knew me.

K . I really should get going, dinner is started, I got a few things organized and it's time to get weighed in. I missed last week so I really should go. And who knows, maybe I"m at goal weight? And then it will be free soon. I will return and report my findings...unless I gained of course at which point, you may not ask me how it went..Obviously if it goes well I will let you

know. I am secretly hoping though they will tell me I am at a perfect weight and that they forbid me to lose another pound or better yet, that I'm too skinny and I should think about gaining weight...Hmmm I will let you know how it goes after all we are friends no matter what my weight right?

So I return from my days outtings triumphant. No, I didn't find a single chair but i did find some cool silverware. I'm doing my Thanksgiving table in a shabby chic theme. I'm hoping it doesn't turn out just shabby. I'm having a hard time thinking right now, Dr. Van is down in the basement with all the kids working on the tree house. The saw is very loud and I'm a little concerned that all the kids are down there...Oh ya, and it concerns me that Dr.Van is using a saw given his career choice. Kinda need those hands ya know? Well, he is determined to get this tree house finished before Thanksgiving. Why the rush? Well, all the family is coming and we're putting the inlaws out there to sleep:) K. not really. But maybe #1&2 will want to sleep out there with cousins. If they don't I just might, it's going to be super cute. And we will have a heater to stay toasty....

Oh my little #4 is so heart broken right now. I think he got kicked out of the basement and he is crushed. Mommy to the rescue..Nothing that a little handful of M&M's wont fix:)

So the night I started this blog I laid in bed for several minuets thinking about the name I

chose. "Carolina Girl"...I thought of "Pioneer Woman".. And then I thought about how uncomfortable and squirmy I get when I try to think of myself as a full grown "woman". I am female and I am over 21, I have been married for nearly 13 years and I have 4 children, so by all accounts I should be a "woman". But I feel so funny saying that. Just like Britney Spears," I'm not a girl, not yet a woman." I'm not really sure when I will be either. I still feel like I'm this little 18yr old girl, and I'm ok with that. Besides "Carolina Woman" doesnt' flow as nicely as "Carolina Girl", I wonder if "Pioneer Woman" be taken so seriously if she was "Pioneer Girl?" I doubt it. I'm ok, with not being taken so seriously for now, I'll let you know when I feel like a "natural woman"..whatever that means..(maybe you don't shave your pitters and legs to be worthy of that title, if that's the case, keep your "natural woman" I'm happy with just being a "girl.")

p.s I reached goal weight today. yay me. Now lets see if I can maintain over the holidays...oy vay.

So I have been so busy. With what you may ask? ....I don't know. Maybe Church. It is pretty busy and working with the youth seems full time, which I do like. But, it's busy and I have a greater appreciation for my past youth leaders...(sorry I chatted and giggled so much in class.)

My kids are also busy. But not like you would think. There are no lessons after school and they don't get home until 4pm. But as soon as they get home, it's complete chaos. Snacks, homework, chores, fighting (mostly from #3), dinner time. Oh dinner time....My love/hate realtionship with you has got to end... I love dinner. I love cooking. But I don't love cooking dinner in this particular stage of life. Mainly because Dinnertime is when my kids decide to tell me they have a project due the next day, or when they decide to start a random art project, or when most fights need to be resolved, or mostly it's when #4 decides he's not had enough attention and is hanging on my legs and threatening to pull down my pants at any given moment, heaven forbid I ever wear elastic waitbands, because my pants would be down around my ankles.

So no, most time dinner making is not that enjoyable, but I know one day it will be and that gives me hope.

On another note, I love my "carolina bedroom". My back wall in my room faces the backyard and is big windows straight across, and a window on each side wall. The ceiling is vaulted into a nice peak with a little window at the top. I love looking at all the trees in the backyard everytime I walk into my room. In the mornings when I'm lucky enough to sleep in on the weekends, I sometimes lay in bed watching all the squirrels run and jump from branch to branch. It makes me think about Disney's "The Sword in The Stone". I would be a squirrel for a day. Preferrably a white one because your not allowed to kill those ones. But I would be a smart squirrel and not freeze in the middle of the road, like so many do. Then they end up on the side of the road. Dead. I've seen them get hit, and I was in Dr.Vans big truck when he hit one. I cried. I was certain we had just ran over someone's mother..RIP.

There's lot's of road kill here in NC. I mean lots. It's crazy. Racoons, possums, the occasional skunk, and of course squirrels. No need to go hunting for these animals, just drive down the street a bit and you will undoubtly, run into them...literally.

Back to my room. I love it. However, with all those windows, youd think we'd have some curtains up? Some sheers at least? No. Not us. I love all the light it lets in, and I just army crawl on the floor if it's night and the lights are on and I'm changing. No big deal right I can handle that. And usually there are so many leaves on the trees that no one can see in anway.....But, I do have one complaint. It's 3:50 am right now. I couldn't sleep. I knew I should have gotten out of bed at 10pm to take a Tylenol PM, anyhow, I was tossing and turning. And then all of the sudden it was so bright on my face I thought maybe I was getting a visit from an angel or something. But alas, it was not. It was an almost full moon. Blinding me. Reminding me that I was not asleep and that it was big and bright. Just out of nowhere it appeared. Did it move? Did clouds move? Did leaves fall off the tree in the exact spot where it knew it would shine right on my face like a romantic scene in an old movie from the 1950's? Well, however it happend it was far from romantic and quite annoying. I am trying to find the beauty of it all, but am finding it hard at this particular hour. Not only did it wake me up completely, but it also reminded me that I went to bed hungry. And the longer I laid trying to sleep, the hungrier I got. Then I started to feel kinda sick. Kinda like when I was pregnant? Then it triggered my bladder, which of course I couldn't ignore, kinda like when I'm pregnant. SO I had to get up to go potty, which led to putting on my uggs, and my sweat jacket. Which made me hungrier. So I ended up with a bowl of Captain Crunch.... with Crunch Berries (that is very important.) I never do this unless I'm pregnant! I used to have an internal alarm clock that went off everynight at about midnight, at which point I would wake with all these symptoms and end up in the pantry trying to quietly eat my noisey Rice Krispies so my kids wouldn't come down and want some too or worse, so Dr. Van wouln't hear me and pass judgement..not that he would, he knows better..

Anyhow, I am horrified to have ended up in front of the computer at this hour with my cereal, especially since I have Weight Watchers today and have to get weighed in. Oh well. Looks like I will be cozying up to the tredmill for an especially long run today...

And p.s. I'm not pregnant..just FYI.

New Beginnings

So I just started this new blog. It's my 4th..I know. Oy. But I decided I wanted to document my new life as a "Carolina Girl" Here in North Carolina. I am actually quite stunned with myself for taking on the name of "Carolina Girl" beings that for 8 years I lived in Sunny Arizona and never "warmed" (no pun intended) to the idea of being called a "Mesa Girl." I was not a Mesa Girl. I was born and raised in CA. I had many "Mesa Girl-ish" friends, but I adamantly was not ever a "Mesa Girl." It didn't feel like home to me. I know, I know, "Home" is supposed to be wherever you family is right? And you're supposed to be happy no matter what as long as you're together. But I wasn't. I followed another quote "Home is where your Heart is" and I didn't know where my heart was really, but it for sure wasn't in Mesa.( On a side note I use the phrase "for sure" a lot because I never really learned how to spell definately correctly and I'm too lazy to even spell check.) I tried I really did. I feel like I gave it a good go. I have many warm (haha) memories of Mesa. I made fantastic relationships with a number of great people. I also made better relationships with My inlawed family. Is that a word? Inlawed? Anyhow, I left behind alot.

Perhaps I should give a bit o' history. Real Quick the Van Fam run down. We (my hubby Dr. Van) finished dental school in 02'. We relocated to Mesa AZ, where he had a job lined up with his uncle. I have to be honest. I did not want to move to AZ. At all.. We had lived there and tried it out prior to going to Dental School and it wasn't for me. It reminded me too much of the desert I grew up in. And I didn't want anything to do with that. I wanted something more then rock front yards (that are sometimes sprayed green for that grass-like effect, but yet still lacks something...like life.) and Saguaro Cactus. I wanted change." I want adventure in the great wide somewhere..."Oh my, I totally was just singing Belle's song in my head as I typed. I never realized...I AM BELLE! HOly Cow.. I love Disney. I knew Beauty and The Beast was my fav for a reason.. Anyhow, The minuet we landed in Az I wanted out. But we settled in. "Fine I will try it out" I'd sigh..But it always came back to the same conversation. Is there something more for us out there? No. There wasn't. Oh we did our homework alright. I researched and got excited about every place we checked out. And it never worked out. And I'd give up. Sometimes I even researched a place and then wanted it so bad but couldn't go thru with it because as it turned out. It didn't feel "comfy" it didn't "fit just right" and I wasn't ready to leave behind my AZ life just yet. So I would re-count my blessings and try to settle in once again.

Fall of 2009 came with a vengeance. We had had smooth sailing in our 11yrs of marriage. And within minuets I felt like my world was crashing down around me and I was left uncertain and kinda scared. We had just decided to "try out" a new place for a bit. I was to pick a spot that I thought I may like to live and Dr.Van would commute for a year so we could have a trial run without severing any ties with our practice. It was to be a safety net. So if we didn't like the new place we could come back. I wasn't too jazzed with this idea. I liked Dr.Van I didn't want to be away from him, but if this trial run made him feel better then I was willing to do it.

Connecticut. It was pretty and had pretty houses. It had 4 seasons, that practically made it a foreign country to me! It was far from anything I had ever known, but that was ok with me. I researched homes for sale and rent and practice opportunities too. "Oh my gosh this might actually happen, I'm moving!" I was elated that I was finally getting my shot at "happiness."

Then my plans got interrupted. Dr. Van was racing in an off road race up in the White Mountains of Arizona. He had done it the previous year and had had a blast. It made my stomach queasy knowing he was racing but he loved it. He had a big Sandrail. This thing is huge. And if you are a engine buff you know that a 900 horse power super-charged LS1 Corvette engine is big and fast ( I only know this because Dr.Van is sitting next to me. He's watching video's on You Tube of the sand dunes and racing as i type..coincidence? I think not.) He loves this stuff and was consumed with this race. So much infact, that despite the promptings and rummblings in my tummy I had regarding him racing, he raced anyway. Everything was going to be just fine. It always was.

Well it wasn't long into the race when I found myself heading to the Emergency Room. " I think I may need a few stitches, and I may have broken my arm" were the words Dr.Van Spoke. The words I wanted to speak were "I knew it, you're not mortal you lied to me" But I held my quick tongue and like a good wife I hitched a ride to the hospital to kiss his "boo-boos" better, and if "I told you so" happened to slip out, he would have no choice but to agree with me at that point, even if he didn't want to, because he owed me.

I was in no way prepared for what I was to come face to face with. And that's how Dr. Van wanted it. Not only did he need a "few stitches" he needed a few surgeries to completely put his hand back together. It was horrible. And I had to watch him as they cut of his very cool racing suit. That was just the beginning. He had what they called a "partial amputation" pretty much the poor guy almost lost his hand. Did I mention Dr.Van is Dentist? He kinda needs his hands....just saying.

So this accident was a huge set back in many ways. Or at least I thought it was going to be. Turns out, Dr.Van and I both agree that this accident was a blessing in disguise. Crazy I know. I'm not happy that this happened by any means, but I see the chain of events that took place before and after the accident and I can't help but see how we were led to this point of our lives here in North Carolina.

We took this accident as a chance to re-evaluate our life and our priorities. "What is the best thing for the family?" We have 4 kids and an opportunity to start over. Where do we go? And as soon as we got to Asheville NC there was such peace and calm. Nothing like I had ever felt before. I totally didn't expect it either. And I really didn't expect Dr.Van to feel it too. So here we are. 9 months ago we made the move across the country, and we are settling in "mighty fine" Dr.Van bought a practice and works to bring home the bacon, and occasional squirrel meat. (not really, but I won't be surprised when that day comes, I guess I'm just gearing up for it) I am lucky enough to stay home with the whipper-snappers. I'm trying to adjust to being in a new place and finding my way around town, which isn't too hard with good ol' GPS. But these curvy roads are killing me!! Where's the grid system people??? K I get lost alot even with GPS.

SO I am using this blog to document my ongoings here in NC, maybe share a recipe or two, did I mention I love to cook? I am currently experimenting with polenta...Well Dr. Van is heading off to bed and has politely asked me to join him..."Well, since you asked so nicely, (and my since my leg is asleep and I have to go potty so bad"...TMI. sorry. I'd better "get gone"...Night Ya'll