Happy New Year's Eve & Top Ten of 2009

I was inspired by a fellow blogger to share some of the top highlights from 2009. Create a David Letterman sort of Top 10 like... "The Top Ten Moments of 2009 according to Cassie" or as I like to say trying to remember what happened in the past year. I must admit I had to get some help from iPhoto or I would have struggled to come up with my list. There are many moments that were special this past year but for me these were some of the best:
1. I think Robb and I grew even closer this year. I believe it was a decision I made to want to be more a part of his life and in doing so I would have to do the things he does. In particular hiking and reaching for new peaks or peakbagging as it's called. It's not a goal of mine to get peaks, as I am such a home buddy and at any particular moment would prefer to snuggle up on the sofa, but I have thoroughly enjoyed being outdoors, appreciated the exercise, and been inspired by the sights. And as this list will show it's brought me more joy and accomplishment than I have experienced in a long time.
Okay that first one was a bit long but on to number 2.
2. Seeing my nephew play his 1st Championship Game in soccer. Awesome Coach, Great effort and improvement by Thomas, just great soccer and good fun!!
3. Climbing my first fourteener or a peak that over 14,ooo feet above sea level...White Mountain...not feeling all that well that day but am so glad I finished it.
4. A nasty sunburn hiking in the Baldy Area, probably the worst sunburn I've ever had.
5. Hiking to the top of Red Slate Mountain. 360 degree of god's country...best view from a peak in 2009 or ever possibly:-).
6. Almost killing our dog and ourselves on a hot hot day on Catalina Island to get to the top of Silver peak and back down before the ferry left. Wow did we underestimate the power of nature that day. Lessons learned and thankfully no harm done to any of us.
7. Also in the Baldy area walking through thousands of ladybugs hatching. Quite an experience.
8. Well I can't have a best of 2009 about my Thomas without one about my Tia. It had to be seeing Tia catch a fly ball to end a 3 hour softball game to win the Championship game. This might have been a first Championship game for her as well.
9. I don't really care for running but I thought I needed to push myself to do more, so I did my first and probably only 10k run....the Love Run to help Seniors in our area. A good cause and another great achievement for me in 2009.
10. Well most of the list would not have been possible if Robb and I hadn't joined our meetup group to complete some of our hikes. So thanks to Kathy and Meetup.com. Cheers too to the Wine Snobs of Thousand Oaks and beyond!
So that's about it for 2009!! Happy New Year!!

Good Day

A quick recap of the day...
Work: It was a rather busy day and if it is a good day it goes by quickly so hence it was a good day. I also like to feel like I accomplished something and feel better when I am busy. I also am doing a task I normally don't do and it's a welcome change of pace. I think keeping busy makes the day go by quicker than most anything else. I do wish there was more time as I had planned to read some of my book The Abs Diet for Women. I'm reading this to get another way of looking at health and weightloss and so far I like it.
After work: Well Brad and I met after wok at the mall for a quick visit to our former co-worker. She's always a joy to see and brings back some memories of times long gone. Then a little shopping of course. Bought some small candles that smell of the forest and trees at Bath and Body works. Most of the scents in there make my eyes water terribly but this scent (i think Forest Green or something) and Moonlight Path are two of the bearable ones.
Then on to Williams-Sonoma for another quest of more Forest Green products, this time it's a Room Freshener. The choices get limited when it's 3 days after Christmas and most Christmas items are half off. So room freshener it was. I've never bought it before, so I look forward to a bad smell to come into the house :-) I know weird. Anyway left the mall and on to home.
Home: I do love coming home and tonight is no exception. A warm and friendly greeting by Matilda and a kiss for hubby. Then some wine and cheese before dinner and a quick shower and all is good.
Then another delicious dinner made by my hubby. Tonight Salmon Belle Mar, available @ Trader Joe's, covered in a little alfredo sauce. Also a little broccoli and a salad with leftover carrots and snap peas from our appetizers on Christmas. Wish I had time for photos but I do hope to get more efficient with time and upcoming projects in the days ahead. It's sort of a resolution with me. But more on that later. Too much at once and nothing will get done.
Goodnight!!

Nighly Walk with Matilda

Just got back from my nightly walk with Matilda. I am trying to train her to NOT be the pack leader. I am afraid Robb and I have created a monster in the form of a pack leader. She gets the exact opposite of what the Dog Whisperer recommends...He says, exercise, discipline and then affection. She gets too much affection, a little discipline, and some exercise. So I am working on the commands we learned in Dog Training class and I am not sure it is working. I did manage to get a treat from a kind neighbor who leaves treats out for the taking. So I used the power of food to rehearse the commands and she is getting back in the swing of things, but it will be a slow process.

Joined the DailyMile.com tonight for some help with the new fitness regime I hope to get to in the New Year. Also bought a calendar to schedule my exercise time. Much to my disappointment I found out the group fitness classes at the gym won't resume till January 4th. So I will have to put some effort into working out at home, on the treadmills or on the roads.

Well that about does it for today. Another 2 days of work and then another 4 day weekend. I am looking forward to it. Some more time to catch up on things and start the new year off right.

Night all.

Christmas Mattie

Here's our adorable doggie, Matilda. Looking a little sad but oh so cute. Photo courtesy of hubby.

To Blog or not to Blog

Been thinking about a New Year's resolution to start this blog up again. Seems antiquated but more redundant than anything when you can update your status on Facebook and/or twitter every second if you like. The New Year is fast approaching and not much time to decide. I'd like to see if I could stick to it. Let's give it a try for a few days before the new year and see what happens. More thoughts tomorrow. Off for a tamale lunch now and some magazine reading.

2009

WOW. I just happened to be checking my blog and noticed that it has been quite awhile since I posted anything. I was warned to update or I fear this will be lost forever. So here I am posting a little something. Let's just start with the beginning of the year. As usual most people decide on some sort of resolutions at the start of a new year. I find I am not exception. My resolution year after year always seems to be centered around health, but specifically weight. I have struggled since my teen age years. I have successfully dropped 30lbs from my heaviest...so for that I am proud. I have decided to make it a 3 prong approach this year to my weight loss...food, fitness and life. Well food is difficult but I need to eat slowly...my hubby says I eat chips really fast and i never thought about it but I do stuff them in my mouth like PacMan. It makes you think when someone else observes how you eat....it was eye-opening. Also part of this would be to recognize when I am hungry and evaluate why I want that food...think before eating. The next is fitness and that is simply to get out and exercise more. Finally life is a bit more of a challenge...but I have decided to be less judgemental and more positive about others actions, regardless if I "approve" of them or not. Also I plan on just being more positive in general and grateful for what i have. Part of making my life better is to relieve the stress on money matters, so another life goal is to pay off my debt. Well I actually have to get back to work...perhaps more posts later.