Holiday Shopping

My holiday shopping is done.  Now I just need to get packages in the mail.  I waited so late, I will either have to pay for express delivery or they may not get to their destination on time.  I am really good about getting holiday cards out early, but the packages are a different story.

Hubby and I don't exchange Christmas gifts because we typically buy for each other throughout the year.  This year, however, we are thinking about buying an exercise machine for the garage.  We have a goal of each losing 50 pounds during 2013, so this would help us with our goal.

Aloe in Bloom

Our Aloe started blooming in the Spring and has continued to bloom on a regular basis all year long. This one is the prettiest thus far.

Christmas Decorations

This year I am just not in the holiday mood, so this is the extent of our decorations.

Thank You Chef Robert Lewis

Hubby and I attended the TCOYD (Take Control of Your Diabetes) seminar yesterday and it was extremely informative.  We learned that we are actually doing well in many areas, but there is still room for improvement.  One of the demonstrations I like the most was from The Happy Diabetic, Chef Robert Lewis.  He made a 3 course meal in less than an hour and showed us all how easily it could be done without blowing our way of eating.  After his demonstration, I purchased his cookbooks and had a chance to chat with him.  He told me something that really clicked.  He said, the secret to cooking is to not be afraid to take a risk.  And from a diabetic standpoint, his goal is just to do better today than he did yesterday.  Nothing magical, just one day at a time.

I realized after talking to Chef Robert, that I am afraid to take risks; and I have no idea why.  I used to cook all the time, but have gotten timid about cooking.  So, Thank You Chef Robert for those simple but eye opening words.

Vibram Five Finger "Smell" (huh?)

During some random Internet searches, I noticed some posts about people who are saying their shoes smell, some even say they downright stink.  I have three pair of the Vibram Five Fingers shoes and absolutely love them.  I have my dressy pair, my every day pair, and a pair that is a little older so they are used for yard work and the such.  My shoes have never smelled, not even a little.  I can wear them for hours at a time, even in the Texas heat, and they never develop a smell.  No, I don't have special non-stink feet.  Trust me, my feet and shoes will definitely smell when wearing regular shoes.  Hubby also has three pairs of VFFs and has the same experience that I have had. 

The antimicrobial material definitely works.  I am totally perplexed as to why some people would say their shoes stink.  Could it be something other than their shoes?

OJ Simpson - Is He Innocent?

There is one sure way to get a debate going in our house; simply say "OJ is innocent."  Hubby and I are on opposite sides of this debate.  I have always believed that OJ either committed the crime or hired someone to do it for him.  Well, news came out today that OJ may be innocent.  The story from the guy claiming to have committed the murders, Glen Rogers, seems plausible; but I am still suspicious of him speaking out now.  He has apparently claimed responsibility for other crimes in order to get moved to another facility or to get off of death row, so it makes me wonder if this is just another one of those incidents.  There are lots of news stories today about this guy and it is really hard to sift through what is valid and what is sensationalized.

Regardless if Rogers did commit the murders or not, I find the timing of his documentary to be terrible for the families of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson.  The documentary is scheduled to air the day before Thanksgiving and could cause these families to relive this painful ordeal all over again.

Ninjabread Cookies

Today, hubby and I found this cool cookie kit for the holidays. Instead of traditional gingerbread cookies, these are Ninjabread cookies.