Helping Out Princess Ladybug and MDA...

AUCTION OPEN FOR ONLY 6 DAYS!

The 2007 MDA Gift of Time Gala is fast approaching and we are "going wild" but you can begin the fun early. Start bidding today on great getaways, sports memorabillia and the hottest game of the holiday season the Wii! And what better way to shop for the holidays and help "Jerry's Kid's" too?

The 2007 MDA Gift of Time Gala Online Auction opens TODAY and will close Thursday, December 6, 2007 at Noon CST. Our goal is to raise $250,000.00 which will support research efforts to find a cure for ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), Duchenne and other diseases researched by the Muscular Dystrophy Association. We need your help! Your participation will ensure continued research for a cure of neuromuscular disease and services provided to the families served by MDA.

We'll close a few items early so check back often and get the best bargain of the season. Place a Watch today on your favorites, so that you'll know as soon as bidding begins! Join the MDA Auction Team and forward this email to all of your friends, family, and business associates today! Or just send the link: http://www.mdahouston.cmarket.com/

View All Auction Items

If you happen to be in Houston: Join Us At The Gala

Kick off the holiday season and join us the 2007 Gift of Time Gala next Friday, December 7th at the Houston beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Westchase Marriott. You will have an amazing evening with great food, an outstanding auction, and a very special song sung by our very own Jacob Richard. There are only a few tickets remaining, so call today to reserve your place at the Gala. Contact Cheryl Sargent at (713)522-8561 and you can go wild too!

Love,

Wendy Darling

It makes a person feel real good inside....

Yes, it has been a very busy last few days, and with the exception of the Christmas "thing" I posted earlier today I am behind on my posting.

I was planning to post about Thanksgiving, and how much I ate. I was going to post about Christmas, and how Little Mark and I are reading A Christmas Carol.

I was also going to do a post about Dancing With the Stars finale last night. I am so happy Helio Castroneves won. :-) The guy was really good.

I even have a "political" post in the works, so be forewarned. :-P

There were so many things I wanted to say, and then something happened today that blew all of that out of the water. I was so happy I had to share it with you.

Little Mark and I went to water aerobics this morning. We have become friendly with most of the trainers and staff at the gym, and they know us by first names.

After water aerobics I was waiting for Little Mark to finish his shower and meet me at the tables near the coffee/smoothie area. One of the staff members came over, he is a young man, and sort of heavy. It's mostly muscle now, but you can tell he has been a BBM for awhile.

Anyway, he came and sat down beside me and asked how we were enjoying working out at the gym. I replied that we really love it, and enjoy coming. He specifically asked, "Does Little Mark like to come? Is he doing well?" I replied that he loves coming, and does well MOST of the time. There are times when I have to tell him to keep moving, don't just watch TV. He then said, "I would like for you to pass on a message to him for me. Please, tell him how proud we are of him for working out and working to be healthy. Each day that I see him he inspires me to keep trying. You see, I have been overweight all of my life, but as a child I didn't care to exercise, etc.; and to see him come in each day and work out, cheerfully at his age, makes me want to do it everyday. Please, tell him that we do notice, and that he is helping me/and others even when he doesn't know it. God is using him."

I swear ya'll, I almost cried. And this young man had tears in his eyes when he was talking. It was then that Little Mark came from the dressing room carrying his brand new gym bag (thank you, again, Princess Ladybug) and we left.

As we pulled out of the parking lot I relayed the message to Little Mark, and I could see the beam on his face and the smile. I asked him "how does that make you feel?" He said, "It feels really good inside. Really good."

I have to agree, it made me feel really good too. Really good. :-)

Love,
Wendy Darling

Yep, sounds accurate to me. :-)

Your Christmas is Most Like: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Christmas is a big, boisterous event at your place. And no matter what, something hilarious usually happens.

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

This was shared with me, and I wanted to share with ya'll here.

Stop Before You Gripe

By Michelle Malkin CNSNews.com Commentary

November 21, 2007

Before you blow your top about the holiday hassle at the airport, the long lines at the grocery store, all the hours you'll spend cooking and cleaning, the uninvited guests who are crashing hubby's football party, and the endless Christmas shopping list that awaits, just stop. Stop and think of the Johnson family. Army Spc. John Austin Johnson of El Paso, Texas, is recovering from massive head wounds sustained in an IED attack. Johnson is a member of Fort Bliss' 4-1 Cavalry. He had survived five previous bombing incidents. That is not all.

Earlier this month, Johnson and his wife, Mona Lisa, buried their 9-year-old son, Tyler Anthony Johnson. The little boy had been on life support for several weeks after sustaining critical injuries in a horrible car accident. He was on his way with his family to see his dad in recuperation at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. He never made it.

The family car rolled over several times after being hit by powerful blasts of wind. Tyler was laid to rest at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Benton, Ark. That is not all.The Johnsons had two other children. Ashley Mishelle was 5 years old. Logan Wesley was 2. They were killed instantly in the same car crash that claimed their older brother's life. During the funeral service, the Benton Courier reported, the program included Ashley Mishelle's favorite song -- Ashley Simpson's "Pieces of Me" -- and Sarah McLachlan's haunting "In the Arms of an Angel." White doves were donated by a retired military officer.

To lose one child is devastating enough. To lose three? While recovering from traumatic war injuries? And to bury three little angels just weeks before Thanksgiving? No parent can read of suffering like that of the Johnsons and indulge the petty, selfish complaints of holiday gripers and road-ragers. The complainers featured on the nightly news this week wallowing in self-pity over a few hours' delay on the road or in the air need to get a grip, get over themselves and get some perspective.

C.S. Lewis wrote famously that "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." Thankfully, countless citizens were roused by the Johnsons' plight -- and they demonstrated that the American giving spirit lasts 365 days a year.More than 200 Patriot Guard Riders, the volunteer band of motorcycle enthusiasts who provide protection during military funerals, served as Tyler's pallbearers. The Patriot Guards traveled from Arkansas, Tennessee and Louisiana to attend. Anonymous donors provided the gravesites and markers for the children's plots. That is not all.

Soldiers' Angels provided hotel stays as needed for the Johnsons' extended family in Dallas, a Brooke Army Medical Center official told the American Forces Press Service. The group also provided funding for food and other basic needs. The Dallas Veteran Service Organization and the Veterans of Foreign Wars pitched in with meals. Operation Comfort covered gas for rental cars, which were provided by Hertz and National. That is not all.

The Fisher House Foundation's Hero Miles program provided travel for Johnson to get to his injured wife. American Airlines picked up the tab for the Johnsons to travel to their children's funerals. The Professional Golfers Association raised $95,000 for a new car and other expenses. Operation Homefront will use leftover funds to build a permanent memorial playground in the children's honor at Fort Bliss. Before Thanksgiving brings out the worst in you, stop before you gripe. Give thanks for noisy houses, healthy children and overflowing company. Give thanks for bounteous tables, rambunctious friends and neighbors, life and limb. And give thanks for those who give of themselves -- in service to our nation, in civic duty and in answer to His call-all year 'round. That is all.

Love,

Wendy Darling

Let the Christmas Season commence!! :-)

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. Nothing got burned, all the food was hot and done on time, and I didn't leave the giblets in the turkey or forget to take the brown paper off of the ham before cooking. (Both of which did occur on the SAME Thanksgiving Day once.) :-)

And to top it off WE WENT TO SANTA LAND TONIGHT!! :-) WOO HOO! It is NOW CHRISTMAS!! :-) I did get some pretty decent picture with my camera, and I thought I would share them with you. :-)

The view as you enter Santa Land. Both sides are aligned with many different colored trees. :-)

The elf in the tree at Elf Land. Just another section in Santa Land. Would that technically be a subdivision? :-)

Santa's Toy Shop in "Toy Land." Below is the giant stocking in Toy Land. The lights blink and make it look like the elves are throwing the gifts in the stocking. It's too cool. And yes, I am just a big kid in a BBW's body. :-)

The Bucking Bronco in the "Texas" section of Santa Land. :-)

The Yellow Rose of Texas in the "Texas" section. :-)

Unfortunately, my batteries in my camera died just as we were entering "Angel Land" and the Religious section portraying the life of Jesus. :-( I was very bummed about that. But, we did get to go, we listened to some great Christmas music there and back, and we stopped for hot chocolate and popcorn. All in all, it was a nice start to the season. :-)

Love,
Wendy Darling

Free Comments & Graphics Codes

Love,
Wendy Darling

I'm a baking fool...

Last week I spent 4 days baking for a bake sale, a Thanksgiving dinner and the scrapbooking crop (where THE TRUFFLE was a huge hit.) Yesterday and today I have been baking cookies and fudge for about 40 Marines. It is a LOT of baking, and I am not near done, but it is worth it to send these to the men and women in our military. :-)

I have also learned about popping air popped popcorn and using it to help pack boxes instead of packing peanuts. Definitely going to give that a try. So, tomorrow 3 boxes filled with Gingersnaps, M&M cookies, chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, fruit cake cookies and about 6 lbs. of fudge will make there way half-way around the world. :-) Sure hope they get there in one piece. :-)

Then, in two weeks I will be attending 2 cookie exchange parties. :-) Like I said, I am a baking fool. :-)

Love,
Wendy Darling

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! :-)

Today is "Queen B's" birthday. :-) Hop on over and wish her a "Happy Birthday", please. :-)

Love,
Wendy Darling

NOT a fat free dessert!!

I had a scrapbooking crop club today. 7 hours of uninterrupted scrapbooking. Gotta LOVE IT!! ;-)

We do a pot luck lunch at these, and I was designated to bring dessert. ;-) I brought a double-layer pumpkin pie, mostly fat free, and everyone loved it. However, the real star of the meal was a Chocolate Truffle. I got both of these recipes from this months issue of Food and Family magazine.

I believe the word these ladies used to describe the Truffle was "sensual." Let's just say it was truly enjoyed and leave it at that. :-) Here is the recipe. ;-)

Chocolate Truffle Pie
1 1/4 pkg. (10 squares) Baker's Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate
1/2 C whipping Cream
4 eggs
1/2 C sugar
1/4 C flour
1 C Cool Whip , thawed

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place chocolate in large microwaveable bowl. Add whipping cream. Microwave on HIGH 2 min. or until chocolate is almost melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted; cool slightly. Add egg, sugar and flour; beat with wire whisk until well blended.Pour into lightly greased 9-inch pie plate. Bake 35 min. or until outer half of pie is puffed but center is still slightly soft; cool. Serve topped with the whipped topping. Makes 10servings. May also dust with powdered sugar for decoration.

Love,
Wendy

Her first Thanksgiving program...

I don't remember if I told ya'll that "little Angel" started a private Christian preschool. She started about 6 weeks ago or so. She didn't like it at first, but seems to be settling in nicely.
Anyway, her mom told me that they were having a program and Thanksgiving dinner today, and they were inviting the families. She asked if I would like to go with her. Of course, I said, "Yes." :-)

She wanted to keep it a surprise, so she didn't tell "little Angel" that I would be attending. Last night "little Angel" said that she did not want to be in the program. She did not want to go to school. The only thing that would console her was her mom had to "spill the beans" about me coming. That did the trick, and she was very excited. ;-)

Ya'll, it has been awhile since I have been in that kind of setting. Let me tell you, the minute those kids walked on stage I think there must have been about 50 digital cameras going off, and a few video cameras rolling. (I, unfortunately forgot mine.) :-( Anyway, this was something I would have wanted to videotape. Not just because it was cute, or because "little Angel" did so well, but because I would want to enter it into America's Funniest Home Videos.

Ya'll, you just had to be there, but I'll do my best to describe it to you. First, the kids all range in age from 2 years to 5 years old. They walked them in, and they all were wearing little handmade feather hats on their heads. As soon as some of the children saw there parents they began waving frantically. Unfortunately about 3 of the kids started crying hysterically. This was obviously not going to be good for their parents. They didn't stop until the parents went and took them off of the stage, and sat on the front pew holding them.

One father thought he had talked his daughter into trying again, until he began to leave her on the stage. She ran off screaming, and didn't stop until she reached his pew. :-) Yeah, we giggled, because it wasn't us. ;-)

Then, "little Angel's" class came in. It just so happened that she was right in my line of vision once she reached her spot on stage. It took her a minute, but she finally noticed me. And then everyone in the sanctuary heard "HI AUNT WENDY!" as she waved frantically. I smiled and waved back, thanking God she remained in her spot. ;-)

Ya'll, they were so cute singing their little songs. One was "I'm a Little Scarecrow" sang to the tune of "I'm a Little Teapot." There was also a song about a bee, and let me tell you, you haven't lived until you have heard a bunch of preschoolers sing a cute song about "squishing" a bee, because the bee stung them. And then the proudly sing about how they wipe said bee on their clothes. It's chart topper stuff, let me tell you. ;-)

Then, they told us that they asked each of the children (3 and up) how to cook a Thanksgiving turkey. They wrote down there answers on little turkeys and read them allowed to us. They had the child stand as his/hers were read, and then child would receive his/her turkey and could go sit with their parents. "Little Angel" was only one of about 3 that actually required cooking their turkey. I have learned some new things about cooking turkeys that I will not be trying, and I sure hope these kids get some kind of home ec. classes before they attempt to cook. I heard everything from stirring the turkey up in lemonade and then serve, to covering it in cornflakes and refrigerating it. LOL... :-) One kid even said, "My mom puts it in the shower, gives it a bath, and then she puts salt and pepper on it and we eat it." I don't think I'll be seeing this on the Food Network. :-) (Although there was that one guy that made fish ice cream, so you never know.....)

We then enjoyed a nice little buffet of Ham, Turkey and fixin's. I picked up a small bag of gingersnaps from the bake sale to give to "Little Angel" and she really enjoyed them. I was rewarded with lots of hugs and kisses. We do miss the little tyke. :-) We will be getting her at the end of November, and during her Christmas break. So, we look forward to that. :-)

Love,
Wendy Darling

Just a few thoughts.....

It has been a few days since I have posted. Why? I really haven't had anything to write about.

I could write about standing in front of Wal Mart for 5 hours last Friday, collecting items for the needy elderly in the community. People were VERY generous, and I think "Little Mark" will reach the goal of 12 baskets to give away.

I could talk about the days I have spent at the gym, and the new "torture device" I am supposed to use for leg. But, I'd rather not.

I could talk about the basketball game Monday night. I took "Little Mark" to his first college basketball game on Monday night. He really enjoyed it, and our team did win, but not for fantastic playing. It was the first game of the season, and they have a lot of improvements to make. "Little Mark" liked that he was able to yell and not get into trouble. However, his only "chant" is "Go, Go, Go, Go". He learned very quickly about the banging of the feet when the opposing team is going for a free shot. Thanks to the current college students. He did ask if it was ok, and if it was something I did while in college. :-) He had fun. :-)

I could talk about the bake sale we are having this Friday and the MUCH baking I am doing this week to prepare. :-) So far I have made 4 dozen Gingersnaps, 4 mini loaves of Pumpkin bread, and 5 individual Spiced Bunt cakes. What's left? Brownies and a 3-layer coconut cake.

I could talk about the Singles Class Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow night. I will be making a homemade apple pie (deep dish) and Green Bean casserole. :-)

I could talk about my scrapbooking crop this Saturday, and I am bringing a 2-layer Pumpkin Pie and chocolate truffle (I still have to make those) :-)

I could talk about us beginning "A Christmas Carol" this week, and how long it took me to find free lesson plans for it on the Internet, but I got them. :-)

I could talk about the upcoming 4-H competitions Little Mark has, which we still need to finish preparing for.

I could talk about all of that, but that would probably really bore ya'll, so I'll spare you. ;-)

Love,
Wendy Darling

Love,

Wendy Darling

The Osmonds and our soldiers.

What do they have in common you ask? I LOVE them both, and I say it proudly. ;-) I have always loved the Osmonds. It is my firm belief that Merill is very underated. The man can SANG. :-)

Now, I'm not an Oprah fan (sorry Kwizgiver) but I did watch the last half of her show yesterday when the Osmonds were on it. ALL of them. :-) That's one time I wish I was in her audience. :-) I so wish I had remembered to record it. Anyway, they ended the show with the classic "Donny and Marie" sign off. I admit that I did tear up. Hearing them sing that song made me feel like a little girl again. We watched Donny and Marie EVERY week. I wish they still had variety shows like that on. Shows the family could sit down and watch together. Yes, some of it was very silly, even cheesy, but it was good, clean entertainment. I miss that.

Let's enjoy some cheesy fun! :-)

I have spent most of the morning filling out Christmas cards for the soldiers. I will be doing quite a bit of baking in the next couple of weeks, and the cookies will be sent to the soldiers as well. Specifically my soldier, and a unit of about 40 marines. :-) I can't think of a better reason to bake. :-)

Thank you to all of you who have commited to adopting a soldier. It is truly one of the most rewarding things in the world to do. :-)

Love,

Wendy Darling

Adopt a Soldier

I received the following e-mail this morning.

Soldiers Angels is in need of Angels. After a glitch was discovered in the database there
are around 400 Soldiers waiting for adoption. Please refer your friends and family to
www.soldiersangels.org. If you already have a soldier but want to adopt another Soldier
please email 2ndadoptions@gmail.com. We need to get these Soldiers Adopted so please
tell everyone you know!

I adopted a soldier last week, and I am really enjoying writing to him and sending him packages. I really hope you will decide to adopt one of our soldiers. They need our support and encouragement. :-)

Love,
Wendy Darling

It's better than Harlequin Ya'll....

If you happen to be one of the few people on the internet who isn't reading Pioneer Woman's story let me tell you that you are MISSING OUT! :-) I swear that Ree should be publishing this. She would make a FORTUNE!

This story, posted in cliffhanger segments, tells about her meeting, and romance with her husband "Marlboro Man". It's amazing, ya'll. Just amazing. :-)

If you so choose, you may "begin at the beginning" by going HERE, where Ree has so graciously linked to each installment she has posted so far. :-) So, pop some popcorn, get a nice cold drink (or warm drink, your choice), sit back and enjoy... :-)

Love,

Wendy Darling

Another AWESOME giveaway!

No, I'm not hosting this one, but there is a wonderful giveaway over at 5 minutes for mom It's a RETRO giveaway, and you can choose from 3 different prizes which all come from Pedal Cars and Retro Collectibles.

You can choose one of these cool jalopy cars — The Pink Princess Pedal Car, The Harry Car or The Harriett Car. Or take the equivalent value of $179 as a gift certificate towards any item in their store.

Instead of a pedal car, you could choose the popular Suitcase-Style Portable Record Player was introduced in the late 1950’s.
The Crosley CR89 Traveler Stack-O-Matic takes you back in time as you listen to a stack of old records. (Don't let Cleggy know, but this is what I will choose if I should win. :-) It would make a great birthday present) :-)

Or you could choose a Coke Classic Picnic Cooler or take a gift certificate and put it towards one of our most popular retro items — A 1930’s style Coke Machine.
These coke machines are an exact replica of the famous Westinghouse Junior Coke Machine of the 1930’s and 1940’s. Our customers love these refrigerated coke machines… they are perfect for keeping cold drinks handy in the TV room or on the patio.

To enter this great giveaway just head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom and follow the instructions.

Love,

Wendy Darling

What do you think? :-)

As you can see I have been playing with a new layout. What do you think?

Love,
Wendy Darling

And The Winner Is........

Well, according to my clock it is midnight, Texas time. So, that means it is November 4th, and it's time to pick a winner. :-)

This has been SO MUCH fun!! :-) I can't believe I had 105 people sign up for this! :-) Thank you all who signed up for the "Busy Mom's Guide to Prayer" giveaway. I enjoyed meeting all of you, and visiting your blogs.

I hope you will be back, and I will do a giveaway again. Next time, it WILL be opened up to everyone. Promise. :-) So, without further ado, the winner is:

Random Sequence Generator
Here is your sequence:
91

Saph at http://windersnest.blogspot.com/

Congratulations Saph!! I will mail out your book Monday morning. :-)

Love,

Wendy Darling

Getting ahead....

Tonight we went shopping. I needed a few things for school, and I got a little Christmas shopping out of the way. I can't tell you what I bought, because the people I bought for read this blog. That would kind of blow the surprise. :-)

I didn't get to Santa Land either, but I have been PROMISED by Cleggy that he and Princess Ladybug will take me Thanksgiving weekend. :-) We were going to go, but I felt guilty going without "Little Mark", so we are waiting. :-)

We ate dinner while we were out, and let me just say that if you have never eaten at Fazoli's you are missing something special! :-) They are so good, and NOT expensive. I had the "Chicken Broccoli Penne Bake" and I could not finish it. It was amazing. :-) And, there is only 1g of Trans Fat again, I only ate half of it. :-) OH, and most of a small side salad. I did eat ONE breadstick. If you have eaten there, then you know how much willpower it took to just eat ONE. :-)

Hasting had a whole bunch of their DVDs on sale for $1.99. I picked up "The Jackie Robinson Story" , "Gods and Generals" and "An American Girl Adventure: Felicity" The American Girl...ended up being 1 penny. It is for one of the families in our homeschool group. :-) I think they will like it. :-)

Love,
Wendy Darling

In the words of James Brown.... I FEEL GOOD.... :-)

Now, you are going to have that song running through your head the rest of the day, and you have me to thank/blame. :-)

I went to the gym today! Praise the Lord. :-) I DID NOT overdo it. Honest. I went in, rode 3 miles on the cycle (But I did up the resistance) :-) Then I looked at the new torture device...uh... weight machine. Ya'll, I swear I looked at it and read the instructions for 10 minutes. I couldn't figure out how to do it, and it tilted back pretty far, and I was afraid to get on it. All of the trainers were busy with people, and I didn't want to bother them. So, I gave up and got in the pool. I was in the pool 30 minutes and then did water aerobics for an hour.

I didn't do it as "hard" as I usually do, so as not to aggravate the knee to much. I did get a good work out though. :-) I do feel much better.

I also adopted a new soldier today. :-) I used to correspond with several soldiers and, praise God, they have all come home. But, I found a new place where I could adopt another one to write/send care packages. I got his name today and this afternoon I'm going shopping. :-)

I am also very excited about the giveaways. I sure hope I win at least one. LOL.. :-) I also got to thinking about mine. I had to wonder if I did a giveaway because I wanted more people to read my blog, or because I wanted to join the fun? I decided, IT'S BOTH. Because, we have already established that I AM needy like that. :-) I am also finding a lot of new, neat blogs to read. :-)

Love,
Wendy Darling

WOW!!

I can't believe how many giveaways I have signed up for!! Even more shocking, I can't believe that 73 people (so far) have signed up to win the book I am giving away. :-) Now, if most of those 73 people find that I am worthy enough to come back and read my blog that would be great for my ego, because I am needy like that. :-)

Seriously, leave a comment and stroke my ego. :-)

I did read where there were several people outside of the US who were upset that so many people only opened there giveaway to within the US. (Yes, I was one of them) But, please be assured that the next giveaway WILL be open to everyone. :-) I have no idea what it will be or when it will be, but I promise it will be open to everyone, because that is the way I would want it if the shoe were on the other foot. :-) So, keep checking back. :-)

In other news: :-) I told ya'll I would let you know why I was MIA for awhile. Well, here is the whole, boring story. So, sit back, get a nice drink and prepare to be bored. :-)

I hurt my knee. I hurt it so bad it wouldn't bend, and I could not put weight on it. It was my own stupidity, really. I first noticed it hurting a couple of weeks ago. (Remember the week of the concert?) Well, that Wednesday morning this was my schedule: Got up around 6:00 am and ate breakfast, at the gym by 7:45 am, walked/rode 11 miles. Got in the pool and did weight resistance/swimming for about 45 minutes, then stayed for water aerobics class for about an hour. Went home, ate lunch. Got picked up to go clean the dressing room/cabin for the concert. Was on my knees for approximately 1 1/2 hours cleaning. Moved water and tables (which I'm not supposed to do), then went home and packed for the weekend.

On Thursday I cleaned the whole house, prepared Sunday School lessons and got everything ready for school on Monday. Went to the concert and stood for a lot of it. (It is a concert after all, and it was AWESOME!) Got home and in bed around 1:00 am.

On Friday I was in the car a lot and then went to the scrapbooking retreat for the whole night. I either sat scrapbooking, or worked in the kitchen. Slept for about 2 1/2 hours. Yes, my knee was hurting. From then on each day got progressively worse. Then, Thursday night I stepped on a "Green Goblin" action figure and twisted my knee. Friday when I woke up I could not get out of bed. That is when I went to the ER.

The doc told me that I have degenerative arthritis in my knee and, eventually, I will need knee replacement surgery. My knee is OK, but I aggravated it really bad. So, I have had to keep it straight and keep weight off of it. But, I am doing much better now. :-) I do plan to get back to the gym tomorrow. I was advised to only go 2-3 miles as opposed to 11. And I need to add in a leg machine, but that's cool. I'll add it.

I hate lowering my distance to only 2-3 miles, because I really thought I was doing good. But, I need to be good to my body, so I'll take it slow. :-)

OK, enough of that. :-)

There is a wonderful thing going on for our soldiers I would like to tell you about. Most of you know that I am a HUGE Eric Dodge fan. He was even kind of enough to let me interview him here. Well, he is trying to give the soldiers some support and say, "THANK YOU" by getting as many CDs to the soldiers as he can. He has set up a myspace page for those who would like to help. Please, visit his myspace page and support the troops. :-)

Love,
Wendy Darling