Yeah, day late, dollar short, whutevah. I’m happy to be able to report that for the most part I actually took time off. Yes, it was only for the most part.  I just couldn’t help myself and set up a new coaching program that went live today for one of my testers and will go out in beta on January 16. If you want to be notified when the sign up starts you can check out Internet Marketing Cleanup.

So today is Monday and it’s time to start getting into the grind a little. Not fully, but I really have to ease myself back into a routine. Putting Christmas away will be high on the to do list for the day even though I really don’t like doing it. It seems like I just put everything out.

Now for resolutions. Do you make them?

I can’t remember the last time I did. Probably over 10 years ago because I always set biz goals instead of personal resolutions. However, this year I’m going to set one. I resolve to take better care of myself. No other stipulations, just to take better care of me and to put myself first. Sounds selfish doesn’t it? Believe me, it’s just the opposite.

Putting myself first will mean a lot of things. Eating a little better, working out a little bit more, drinking a little bit less, getting more massages and definitely getting together with girlfriends more.  Yep, even typing those things out it still looks selfish to many Moms I’m sure. But, a happy Mom is a happy family and I know this for fact. I’ve put myself first before and the house was all the better for it.  I was taking trips with my girlfriends and enjoying more hobbies. It’s time to get back to that.

I’m not putting any stipulations on how I have to take better care of myself. I’m just going to resolve to do something daily that’s better for me. I do think that it’s time for me to schedule one weekend away with the girls so I’ll set that as a goal.  I’m sure I can get some girls to do that. lol

This year are you setting any resolutions or goals for yourself?

Photo credit: buzzybee

Halloween is quiet at my house. I’ve had two trick-or-treaters and it’s 8:40pm. I don’t think the hordes are going to arrive any time soon. I’m glad we didn’t buy too much candy and really not any of my favorites. I snagged a bag of tootsie roll pops but those things can be stored for years as long as it’s a dry environment. Yes, I know this for fact

Kids are at parties/trick-or-treating with friends younger siblings. Hubby is at work and I’m hoping he has a really quiet night. No one likes going on kid calls and of course this is a big night for those. I hope everyone is being extra careful while driving and looking out for the goofball kids.

Every year I say we’re going to have a party but I won’t say that this year. lol I’m growing accustom to my quiet Halloween night and I kind of like it. Next year hubby isn’t scheduled to work so he’ll be stuck watching horror movies with me. He doesn’t have a choice, it’s a tradition now that won’t be denied. Sadly the tradition is to watch cheesy, dumb scary movies tonight. UGH.  I’ll put a classic in after I go pick up the youngest from his party. But I wanted to get this post out first.

Hope you had a wonderful Halloween. Did anyone go to a fun party tonight or over the weekend?

I have fallen in love with this winery. Unfortunately I can’t get you a link to look at because they seem to have let their domain name go. It’s printed on the label so this is not a good business decision or sign. They closed their tasting room a few months ago as well. I just may have to buy cases of some of the wines in case there is something going on. They have truly become my favorite reds.

I’m not an expert, nor do I pretend to be. I’ll learn as I go. Right now I’m just a plain old wino that’s starting to get picky about what she buys and is slowly expanding types of wine I’ll try.

So you may laugh at how I judge my wines and I’m cool with that. But I bet more of you will follow along and thank me for telling you how it was with words you understand and explanations that make sense.  I’ll get better at reviewing as I go along so bear with me as I learn.

Swirl test – it coated the glass very nicely

Smell – no alcohol smell which is a big one for me.  It’s not real grapy smelling. There is only a hint of smokey and a dark berry of some sort (blackberry or boysenberry?)

Taste – It’s so smooth. I haven’t enjoyed a wine this smooth in quite some time. This is because I haven’t been keeping a record of what I REALLY like so I forget when I go to the store to grab a bottle. I see why people keep their wine labels now. I do believe I need to keep a little scrapbook for this purpose and it’s why I took a pic to include here.

The smokiness is very mild which is what I prefer.  I’m not a fan of the overbearing smokey flavor.

This is definitely a wine I will get again and I will gladly try some other wines from them.  I wish I’d been able to go through the winery and take pics when we stopped by.

No one can disagree about the amazing things Al Davis brought to the world of football. Recent years have been rough for those of us in the Raider Nation but the fundamentals of the team and the attitude of the players has always stayed the same. Hit hard with no apology and runover anyone in your way.

I’ve loved reading the articles going over everything Mr. Davis accomplished.

Let me just recap some of my favs!

• He’s always been coach (for good or bad), GM, was AFL commissioner and of course owner
• In the 29 years he’s been owner, we have 3 superbowl trophies. There are only 8 teams to have 3 or more trophies out of the current 32 teams. No the bronco’s aren’t one of those 8
• He hired the first black coach, first latino coach and the first female CEO
• Madden, Gruden, Shanahan, need I say anything else?

His loyalty knew no bounds. To be a Raider was to be a Raider for life. This loyalty goes all the way down to the fans. While we’ve gone through many a rough season, we’ve always been loyal to our Raiders.

It’s the end of an era for the NFL and the Raiders franchise. We’ll see where this new beginning takes our Raider Nation. But where ever it does go it won’t change the fact that Al Davis created the mentality and high octane playing that mean you are a Raider.

RIP Al Davis and comfort to your family in this time of mourning. Thank you for creating the team that I know and love.

Yep, these are my big dates for Halloween. Hubby is working and both the kids went to friends houses. I have 2 more hours before I go pick them up. I’m feeling really unfestive and even turned the porch light off. I usually love Halloween, but it’s really different this year.

For one thing it’s on a school night so that stinks. Then the kids are just too old to trick-or-treat anymore. We did get some costume stuff for the youngest, but the oldest is just at a get-together at her boyfriends house with some friends. eww, that’s weird to type!

I had big plans of sitting here watching horror movies and drinking some wine, but then I remembered I have to go out and pick the kids up. arghhh, spoiled plans. I watched The Crazies, but now I’m bored with scary movies which is not normal. I’m in a funk So I’m catching up on Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice instead lol Yet another fun-filled holiday!

I made my first sushi rolls today.  Not only did I make my first rolls, but hubby made a roll as well!  We are seriously ready to have our own party and show off our skills.  Previously I could spend about $20 take-out on sushi rolls.  Lately I haven’t been very excited about my rolls even though I’m a total addict.

It wasn’t that I loved sushi any less, it’s just our local place has gone down hill a lot and that is very sad.  I never had a problem before spending that much money on my sushi because it really rocked.  lol  Well now I just need to find some great sushi grade fresh seafood, because I’m going to make it my own and toss veggies in it and make the rice as thin as I want.  Not only that, but I hear there is brown rice I should be able to use to make it.

Much experimenting is needed and a huge sushi roll party is in order.  But I’m excited and any sushi addict will be as well.  BTW, be jealous of my super cute sushi bowls and plates.  I have matching place mats and awesome chop sticks as well.  My brother set me up 2 years ago with everything to make and serve it.  DOES HE KNOW ME OR WHAT? <smooches and hugs>