I need a break....Now

I knew this week would be a challenging one and I wasn't let down at all.  We usually take this week at work to clean and get ready to hit the ground running for the new year.  This year, we still had experiments that needed to be finished or just done, and we were all very stressed.  We knew together we could get it all completed, but it was still a race to the finish line, and my experiment didn't really work 100 percent per se.  Sigh.  Eleven days off and it will be cherished as it is surely needed.  I'm so ready for this break and also to spend some time with friends, both new and old.  I'm also ready for a slowdown.  NO medications to take, no practices to get to, no rush in the morning to down my coffee and read my emails and get myself and Andrew ready.  Just slow and peaceful and easy.  My soul needs this.  

First, we celebrated our 20th year of marriage!  We usually try to get to a fancy restaurant or something fun, but with me being sick and our schedules being crazy, it just didn't happen like we wanted.  We decided that some good beer and some Hy-Vee deli take out was just fine this year and much cheaper.  I love Manhattan Brewing company at this time of year as they decorate, and it feels so festive and fun.  

Christmas was great as usual with our little family.  We hit the jackpot on what Andrew wanted with the bass guitar Tony bought at the last minute being the best.  I was really worried at first because I thought since he had picked out the majority of his Christmas ahead of time that he wouldn't be very excited.  He was very specific in what Lego sets he wanted this year and picked them out ahead of time.   He opened every present like he had no clue what was coming and made my momma heart happy, even showing excitement for clothing and underwear.  Is he already done putting together all the Legos as I type this on Friday?  Yes.  Him and his dad are still battling on Atari, and we will be getting more games to play for sure.  I feel like that was his biggest surprise and also the hardest one to master since playing with a joystick if foreign to this generation.  

Tony and I decided to spend our money on our trip instead of each other, but I did get him some dog dad pants, and he got me some new KSU lavender.  

I need another sweatshirt like I need a hole in my head, but it is what it is.  It's soft and purple and I love it.  

Most of the day was spent playing games, watching football, or eating.  Tony prepared a prime rib for dinner with mashed potatoes and fresh green beans, and it was amazing!!!!

On to work outs.  It was an abnormally warm winter week. Most love that except the weirdo that is me.  I LOVE winter running meaning cold temperatures and wind chills. I don't love ice, but an occasional snow is welcomed and nice.  This hot and muggy winter mess is not my favorite at all.  Plus, now we have mud and I wasn't ready for mud season yet.  The good news is, if I am rested, I am more ready to work out.  Heck one day I even got 2 work outs done in a day.  Three humid moist runs, and three work outs including arms, abs, and lower body was accomplished this week.  I call it a win! 

I shouldn't have to run the fan in the shop in December but here we are.  

We ended the week with a trip to Sugar Creek and Stranger things marathon in our pjs.  I don't sit very often so this is special for me!  Sitting still is not my specialty, and neither is resting. I am trying to get better about it, but I am work in progress.  Sunday saw a HUGE drop in temps from the balmy 60s and 70s to feels like 10 as of typing this.  

Have a great week y'all!  We are heading to Tulsa this coming week to cheer on all of our favorite racers.  I can't wait!