Phew. I seem to go through blogs like some people go through cars (and like I used to go through men): shiny new... bored. Next!
I have come right back to where I started, which is actually where I'd like to be. I like my Tri-Girl audience and I like being able to let it all fly, not just write about boring old weight loss. So here I be, on this 2nd day after Christmas, wondering where to start and more importantly, where not to go at all.
I dropped the f-bomb right in front of my inlaws yesterday. It was a silly little bicker that turned into full blown stupid in about 12 seconds flat. So I said, "Maybe we should all just leave and then start this f-ing  day over!" or something to that effect. I than announced I was, "tired of dealing with this retarded family" and left. But only for a short time and only to let Pat the Hooster out so she could eat some snow. I went back in because we had sausage.
But seriously. Say what you mean or shut the hell up.


Yes, all one table. And yes, wrapped with wrapping paper.

My mom hosted Christmas Eve for a paltry 22 this year. It seemed more relaxed than in years past and I'm not sure if that had to do with me not dreading the holidays for the first time ever or if it was really just more relaxed. Perhaps both. The whole night was really great. My daughter only had one major meltdown, the Chinese Auction went swimmingly and there was no blood. For us that's a good holiday.

Normally I have about a 5 day long pity party working up to New Year's because I haven't been invited to go anyplace, but at this stage in my life I just can;t give a shit. I sit up late with my kids and my husband playing wii and trying to keep my eyes open and I do just fine.

So what have I been doing for Christmas vacation? 

Well, wearing one of these:

and standing atop a 16' wall holding the end of a 22' long piece of sheet metal until Ben can screw it into place. After all of the hard work, though, we only have 2 more sheets until the roof is done! It is an interesting feeling looking over the top of the wall, up the roof, while leaning back on a buckstrap and harness, hands-free for working. Oh, did I mention we're building a pole barn? Maybe I should start there. We're building a pole barn. It is ginormous and we've been doing it all ourselves, meaning Ben and me plus our families and friends. It's a lot of work but on the whole thing we only have 2 more sheets of 3x22' metal to do and the roof is done! My thighs are sore from climbing the ladder with the end of the metal on my head (20' ladder...) and then my shoulders with their torn rotator cuffs burn from over-head passing the metal up to Ben on the roof (also tied in). Now that we're nearly there we have a great system! So, if you ever need help with a pole barn... I'll plead insanity, deny ever writing this and tell you to hire someone.

I'm a big, bulky girl and I know most things involving strength are attainable for me. I am practicing asking for instruction rather than playing the girl card and saying I cannot do things. (Once the crew saw me moving the 70 pound mats we use for lawn preservation the cat was out of the bag.) So when I told Ben we needed more wood cut to length before I could split, I followed it with, "So if you could either cut some or show me how to", I was immediately assigned a pair of chainsaw chaps and a little husky. Watch me go. It's actually a little more fun than I plan on letting on.

So in a nutshell, I'm hangin in there. Life goes on and around no matter what I do, and I feel more confident in just letting it do so. There are still the strains of marriage, the trials of parenting, the sleepless nights of a business owner's wife. And here I am, truckin along.

Be well, be kind, and be you.