before Christmas

I worked out intensely this afternoon, omgsh my abs are screaming right now. Anyway, it was good and I needed it. It's been so cold that we haven't walked during lunch break all week. So today, I made sure to get on the Gazelle and then work my muscles. I did upper and lower body saving the abs for last. I think I'm getting addicted to these workouts! They are kinda fun and make me feel very good :-) Plus a visual of my goal is etched in my head and I'm looking forward to that ;-)
We had communion at the church today as Seal America made their final event in Washington, DC. We had a live feed on the big screen and a brunch after. It was awesome! Just seeing them during part of this big day felt amazing. Danny comes home Monday, almost for good now. It's going to be nice to have him home again for real. It's kinda like an arm has been missing. Now it'll be back! My brother Danny was here tonight. We exchanged Christmas gifts which are usually homemade. This year is no exception. He made me biscotti and jerky and I made him scones and cocoa mix. :-) I love this time of year!
I have cards for people at church and the kids have gifts for a gift exchange at youth group. Michael put a $10 gift card from Walmart with candy in a box and wrapped it up cute. Nikki created an open gift box with a $10 Family Video gift card, two round small bottles of coke (look like ornament balls), a popcorn box, and theater candy, licorice, and gum; it's adorable. I hope Michael gets it! lol
My mom is all anti-christmas (except for Jesus, the main reason anyway) because there is no energy left in her to do anything. Helping my dad has been draining. He collapsed Friday afternoon and an ambulance took him to ER at 1:30. My son's dr appt was at 1:30 (just a quick check-up) so I went to that & I checked in on my dad after. When things seemed ok, I brought Michael home and then stopped and checked in on my mom. I grabbed his coat and hat and headed back to ER. Tests came back good. His blood pressure is so low all the time and sometimes it drops dangerously low. This is what happened again. He was discharged at 6:30 so I brought him home and got everything situated. I think what we are going to do today is get their christmas stuff out from their garage unit and put stuff up for them. We have some scones and jam for them too and a card from my dogs and cat, lol. That should bring a little happiness in. It's not like they are depressed or anything, they just need a lift. So that's what I hope this brings.
I made the BEST coffee in the world this morning. If you had a cup you would think, "I must be in heaven!"...it's that good. I have these cute little glass espresso cups I got for Christmas and I used one for my coffee this morning. yum! Coffee taste can vary greatly by what ever medium used to hold it. don't ever forget that. ok.
Well, that's that. Another winter storm blowing in today. Work on Monday (no boss), Tuesday (no boss or MeLisSa), and Wed (no one except me and Marion!) Then I'm off for 11 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm having a sound meeting Tuesday night at 6pm with goodies and surprises. Christmas Eve is church. Christmas day is our family Italian feast and presents to open. Surprisingly, there are a few this year! That's all I know. Life is good, eternal life is better.