We had an absolutely lovely Thanksgiving. Mom and Dad just returned from Mexico, so I cooked every little thing. I don't mean to brag, but I did a decent job. I made this homemade cranberry sauce with poblanos and frescos that was just excellent. The turkey was a bit dry, but it must have been fine as there's none left. Several friends came over for dessert, which was great. I just love having people over.

I'm sure I don't always sound like it, but I'm so thankful for everything we have. I love my life. My kids are the best. My husband is a hunk. I'm a lucky, lucky girl.

I took a little break from the gym but I was back at it this morning.

We actually went last night as well, to play basketball. I haven't played basketball in almost 30 years! I made a few baskets though.

I intended to go lap swimming last night, but no dice. Mondays and Wednesdays are water polo nights. Tuesdays and Thursdays are city swim team nights. Somewhere in there, the high school swimming and diving team practice too. I guess I'm not meant to reveal my lovely swimsuit-clad body to greater Cortez just yet.

Darren, Conor, and I went to Denver for a few days. I had to attend training. Darren and Conor went because hey, free room and gas! We watched the election results in the hotel that hosted the Colorado Democratic Party's victory celebration. It got kind of loud I guess--the party was on the news because people took to the streets in celebration--but I slept through the yelling.

I'm pretty happy about Barack. We got rid of Marilyn Musgrave here in Colorado, thank goodness. I don't understand why on earth proposition 8 passed in California.

We had a great time in Denver. I really love that place. We used mass transit a lot. Ate a ton. Saw my dear friend Niki and her family, which was great but too quick. Learned a lot at training. Don't want to go back to work tomorrow!

Anna didn't go with us because she didn't want to miss class. What a great kid. I'm just so proud of her.

I bought fancy makeup in Denver for my birthday. I don't know what's come over me. I haven't worn makeup in years and years. All of a sudden, I'm feeling the need. I look old and haggard and maybe makeup will help. Stupidly, it makes me feel better about myself when I wear it. Whatever. I'm going with it.

Wow, what a great Halloween. Conor was Hellboy. Anna was a devil. I think this is the last year I will go with them, and I'm sorta sad...

Anna has 5 As and 2 Bs, which is a 3.71 GPA. Wow. I never got such great grades until I was in college in my 30's. School doesn't come naturally to her--she has to work hard at it. I am just so proud of her.

Conor is doing really well too. I'm a little concerned about him right now behaviorally, but at least he is doing well at school.

Darren has just two weeks of full-time work. He hasn't found a second job yet, so I am starting to feel a bit nervous. I don't really know what to do. I know nagging won't help...

I'm not voting McCain-Palin, but I have to admit I find Sarah Palin very engaging. I don't agree with her politics or beliefs, but she's interesting to watch. And this? Is hilarious.


The Durango has had issues since we've owned it. We've had it at the dealer several times just in the last few weeks. Hopefully tomorrow it will finally be fixed. We just don't know yet if it will be covered by the warranty. If it's not, I guess it will just sit there until we can pay off the repair bill.

Also, Darren just found out his hours are being reduced at work. The whole department is going part-time. We're gonna try our hardest to stay here, and Darren is going to get a second job. Not sure if I still am--I don't know what we'd do with the kids if we were both working two jobs. Darren will have the extra time, so it makes more sense for him to get the second job right now...

I have to attend a meeting today at work that has had me freaked out for two days. I'm scared I'll burst into tears during it.

My glasses snapped in half this morning. I'm wearing the pair I had when I gave birth to Conor, who is now ten. I couldn't work out this morning because it took me twenty minutes to find them.

I need to find a second job. I can't believe I work 50 hours a week and still need a second job, but I'm trying not to dwell on that. I guess Wendy's is hiring. I'll swing by there after I take Conor to football practice.

Our neighbor was, apparently, beaten to death by her roommate, who was possibly her boyfriend. Man. I'm kind of blown away.

Been working out 5 days a week since forever, it seems like. I go 45 minutes on the elliptical, which burns over 400 calories. Yay!

We have next Monday off for Ute Heritage Day. I'm excited--I could really use an extra day off.