I Used to Be...

I've found myself saying this a lot in 2011.

"Believe it or not, I used to be one of those people who [was]..."

always on time
organized
clean to a fault
focused
proactive
energetic
frugal
goofy
grammatically correct
intelligent
sophisticated
never missed appointments
exercised regularly
sent cards to everyone on their birthdays
responded to phone calls, letters, e-mails, etc. instantaneously
remembered every relative, milestone, or aspect of your life that even you forget sometimes

...and the list goes on.

(BTW, "a good cook" will never be on that list, sorry Russell.)

This year, I'm going to tackle some of those items, and let the rest go. I realized it all changed when I had kids and a bigger house (actually, three houses), and "routine" became a foreign concept. I spend the entire day doing laundry, but don't finish, and then start all over the next day, never officially accomplishing anything or getting closure. It's a lifestyle change that's been hard for me, and even after almost ten years, I'm still an amateur.  But what I've gained is more important that what I've lost.

I'm going to focus on the things that actually make a difference in my life, and therefore those around me. I was talking to friends recently about how fulfilling it is to be able to be a rock, a help, someone people can count on to be there for them or to take care of them, while still letting myself enjoy life, too. And that's been the missing link, me. I've spent a lot of time taking care of other people the last few years, and even spread myself thin on that one to the extent that I'm not doing all I want to for each situation, whether it's that pile of laundry or a a friend's divorce. This year is the year of ME! (Yes, I even feel totally guilty saying that.) But I know it will be a good change for everyone around me.

I still can't stand things out of place, cluttered, or dirty, but I'm going to have to live with a little of that. I hate being late, but trying to get myself and two young ones out the door isn't always smooth sailing (at least I call and tell people I'm running behind!). I'm never more stressed than when I'm worrying about money, no matter the dollar and cents, and this year I'm going to try to let that go a little, too. Don't get me wrong, those traits are an integral part of my personality, but I'm learning to live with a little gray area regarding them.

But getting more organized and decluttered around here will save so much time. Time I could be spending with family and friends, making a decent dinner, exercising (!), pursuing a hobby, relaxing at the lake or beach with Russell, shooting hoops with Anson, coloring with Charlotte, or sending that card to let you know I'm thinking of you, even if I can't call!

I've joked a lot this year about how I've had surgery seven times, and look how healthy I am! Well, although none of those surgeries were cosmetic or related to how I take care of myself, it's reminded me that good health has a ripple effect throughout your life...I'll have more energy, look better, save money, and be more focused.

So although it's cliche, I'm all about getting organized and staying healthy this year! I think that will segue into doing other things I'd like to try in 2012, like some creative projects, travel to see friends and family I haven't seen enough of, and turning 40.

Oh, you say, you're turning 40 this year? Hmmmm...wonder if that has anything to do with this post?

To you all, in 2012, keep working hard, and take some time to enjoy yourself!!!

P.S. I'm signing off to make a casserole for the family of a friend who is in the hospital, and to finish (?!) that laundry. And hope that the Xmas decorations get back into the attic by Valentine's.

A Little Nutcracker for Your Holiday Enjoyment

Just in time for the holidays, I present Miss Charlotte.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

I've always been a sucker for the classic Peanuts Christmas show. I hated the aluminum, colored trees that Lucy wanted, and completely sided with Charlie and Linus when they bought the pitifully small and decrepit tree instead. Molly and I used to try to pick out a "Charlie Brown" tree from the woods behind our house to put up in our playroom downstairs.

We headed out to the Farmer's Market yesterday to get our Christmas tree. We almost picked up one at either Whole Foods or Food Lion when we saw the prices were low and effort would be minimal, but Russell convinced me to trek over to our favorite spot instead. Good thing we did, or we wouldn't have seen these.

Anyone for a blue, purple, or red tree? Nothing says Christmas like spray paint, or spray snow, or whatever that is.

Charlotte kept up the spirit of the old Charlie Brown Christmas special by choosing her own reject for our playroom. One place was selling what looked to be the somewhat awkward and destroyed tops of other trees for a minimal price. I told Charlotte to pick whichever one she wanted for the playroom.

She gravitated toward the one with a bow, of course. I could tell right away there was a reason for that bow, but there was no changing her mind. She was excited that the tree was so little she could carry it to the truck herself. (Speaking of, see that bright star over her left shoulder? That's our black pickup truck. Think it's a sign?)

Sure enough, when we got home and took off the bow, the top was flat as a pancake and the tree looks more like the bottom level of a snowman than a small tree. But she still loves it, and what's there is full and lush.

I tried to get some cute pictures of the kids amongst the trees, but I guess my photos turned out more "Charlie Brown" than Christmas card as well.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas, and we hope you'll have a "Charlie Brown" moment this year.

Fun Times

This post should probably be a recap of Thanksgiving, but I'm not that organized right now. Instead I'm going to share some silly photos of me and the kids at the school playground yesterday. They convinced me to go out at dusk, in 30-something degree weather, cause they were "bored." What a great idea!

Anson and I (and a random kid who was there) shot some hoops, while Charlotte primarily spun around on various vomit-inducing playthings. She finally got me into a spinning tulip, and I felt a little off-kilter all evening.

Take some time this month to get away from your computers, TVs, and the mall. Stop, relax, and take a "spin" outside!

**********************

Anson with the jump shot! By the way, he insists on wearing gym shorts every day, no matter the weather, and his Under Armour hoodie. He is suddenly "aware" of what all of the other kids are wearing. Like the neon green laces? Those were his addition.

Charlotte spins, and spins, and spins, and spins...I'm getting dizzy just looking at her.

It wouldn't be a playground outing if Charlotte didn't hang upside down at some point.

Here I am trying out the tulip. I am going to warn you, it is hard to stop those things once you get going.

The piece de resistance -- a spinning walking circle, ripe for falls and broken limbs. (It's hard to tell in the photo, but the circle spins in the opposite direction that you walk.) Remind me, why would they put these things on a school playground?

I'm Just One Stomach Flu Away From My Goal Weight

Did any of you see The Devil Wears Prada movie a few years ago? One of the characters in the fashion industry says, "I'm just one stomach flu away from my goal weight," even though she's already super skinny. I remember thinking how horrible, yet funny, that quote was.

Well I'm here to tell you it works. Start with the flu, follow up with a week taking care of your dad after having surgery, and finish up with a lingering sickness, and you're done!

Thankfully I have Thanksgiving coming up to set me straight. I can't wait for the stuffing, turkey, potatoes, and snacks galore. I'm going to watch the Macy's parade (even if I'm the only one), some football, and sit in front of the fire and finish reading The Hunger Games.

Hope yours is equally relaxing!

I'm thankful for all of you.

Love, Morgan

Extraordinary Smiles

I'm a celebrity!

Well, sort of.

Check out the web page of Dr. James Harrold, click on the Patient Before and Afters, and then #26. That's moi.

I had my teeth fixed in early 2005, and they just asked me if they could use my pic on the web site.

I actually had the two from teeth improved a bit in 1995 when I chipped one. They were really, really yellow and spotted before that. Then, in 2005, I decided to fix the spaces, etc. I've always meant to go back and have them very slightly shortened, but I've been too lazy.

I was thankful I looked pretty decent in the photo, and then I realized why. I've been Photoshopped! I have a mole on my nose -- believe me, you can't miss it -- and it's not there. So I imagine they "spruced" up the rest of my face as well. Oh, the perks of being famous.

P.S. Oh my, I look young!

It's Hurricane Season Again

Although the hockey season has been in full swing for a while, yesterday was our first full family outing.

Being a Canes fan means going all out with your outfit. Charlotte and I didn't have jerseys, so we stuck with the team colors, but Anson and Russell are die-hard fans and sported the appropriate fan wear. Anson's was even signed by everyone on the team, thanks to a good friend who works for the team.

First things first...the zambonis smooth the ice.

At the start of the game, the lights go out and the large spotlights start sweeping the crowd. Then a "hurricane" warning siren goes off, and the team skates out onto the ice to the sounds of "Rock Me Like a Hurricane." (Our team is in red.)

{I took most of these photos before the game started, which is one of the reasons why the seats look so empty. Once the game is in play, those hockey fans get a little sketchy if you try to mess with their viewing space by standing up to take a photo! Also, there was a marathon going on right around the stadium and the roads were closed. NOT good planning for game traffic and getting fans to the game on time.}

We are lucky enough to have seats at center ice, just a few rows behind the team.  See the red jersey on the aisle to the left of the stairs going down? To the right of the lady in the yellow sweater? That's Russell.

The kids, though they love the game, would rather concentrate on which snacks they are getting and whether or not they can get on the Jumbotron (not this time).

There's usually a minor fight or two to keep things interesting, and this game was no exception. A few minutes into the game, some players slammed into the clear wall and broke it, so we even got to see them come out and replace that. What a loud CRACK!

Unfortunately, our team was losing 5-1 when we decided to go home. Terrible, I know, what awful fans we are. But we had made the most of the day and had fun!