Happenings

Life has been very simple this year.

I am still loving my new job as a Marketing Associate with the company I have now been with for over 9 years (feelin' old).  It's definitely a better fit for me than what I was doing previously.  Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful for my time in Customer Service, but I am also glad that it is behind me.  Onward and upward.

Howie has been working a new job at his same company, too.  He now works as a bread mixer.  I'm not sure he likes it any better than his previous position, but the hours are a little better.  At least he's working days now.  Those night shifts were rough.  After 5 years of marriage I have to finally start adjusting to sleeping with someone.  I'm used to having nights to myself, but it sure is nice having him around.

School is going at a good pace.  I took this past summer off because I was getting a little burned out.  It was a nice 3 month break.  I really needed it.  I was able to start the Fall semester refreshed and ready to learn again.  I'm enjoying my time at the U.  It's a great school and I'm proud to be a part of it.

Howie and I both got new cars!  I got a 2013 Nissan Rogue and Howie got a 2013 Nissan Altima.  We love them both.  The Rogue is really fun to drive.  It suits me so much better than my old Mazda.  Both of our cars were 10+ years old and we felt it was time for an upgrade.

I'm happy to say that since this photo was taken I have lost 10 pounds.  It's just like me to schedule a family photo shoot, hate the way I look after the fact, and THEN lose the weight.  Yes, I am dieting again.  I don't really look at it as a diet though because I'm still eating what I want.  I've joined Weight Watchers and I really like it.  My friends, family, and coworkers have become intimately aware of "points" and what foods hold what point value.  I remind them all the time.  "Are you sure you want another bagel?  They're like 9 or 10 points each."  "That small bag of chips, juice drink, and cookie you're eating?  That would be a meal's worth of points for me."

Another bit worth mentioning is that I have become almost completely vegetarian.  I know, I never thought this day would come either.  I've been watching a number of documentaries lately and doing a bit of research.  I will eat chicken occasionally (hence the "almost") but the plan is to go completely vegetarian soon.  Definitely off of red meat.  No red meat for me.  I am still continuing to research it, but I tell ya, I have lost a lot of trust in our public food system.  It makes me sick, to be honest.

Anyway, that is what's going on in the Gardner residence.  I'll try to start posting regularly again.