choklad ljus

Don't worry, I am not going crazy or anything...the title is Swedish for "milk chocolate" (at least, according to IKEA).

The last few days have been great! I went with mom to Cincy the other day to visit a family friend, and it was great bonding experience! On the way back we stopped at IKEA, and boy, I hope that there is one on Costa Rica so when I get married (again) that we can outfit our house with everything IKEA. Hope Elliott doesn't mind.

Today I went to the gym, and as I am writing this I am eating chocolate and pretty much null-and-voiding my 500 burned calories. I think I might start a food diary, which will help me lose the 10lbs I gained while I was away. I can come back a new person! Still feeling a little embarrassed to go to the pool...no doubt my suit will be tight, and that is humiliating for me. The plan is to lose a few pounds first, then get back in the water. Not to mention I need a new razor!

This afternoon spent visiting with folks at Catering, and they are thrilled to have me back! It feels good to be back too, so many familiar faces and a place that I know like the back of my hand. Hoping the paperwork for re-hire goes through quick! I want to start making some money, while I can.

Tomorrow morning my Mom and I are road-tripping up to Toledo to pick up my lil bro, for a family weekend. It will be the first time seeing all my brothers and my Uncle, seeing all my family together for the first time. I am looking forward to it, especially since I have some small gifts for my bros. We will be a doing a brunch, and I cannot wait to get my hands dirty in the kitchen...I love making breakfast food!!!!!!

In cleaning out my closet looking for kitchen items to give to my brother, to help him outfit his new and very bare apartment, I stumbled upon all kinds of  treasures.
Family heirlooms, like crystal dessert dishes from my grandma, and a nightgown set made by my great-grandma by hand, assorted books, even my diary from my first summer working in Costa Rica. There are so many things I want to take back with me, but will have to let go. They are too many, too heavy. It is really a challenge to myself, to NOT be a packrat like my parents and to be less material. The things have no value, just the memories. Memories are what you really have to treasure.
This will be a tough lesson, I think.

Missing my esposo tons. There are so many things I want to share with him, so many people and places I want to introduce him too! Looking forward to being able to hold his hand walking down the street again.

Pura Vida