Wow, It has been a while

I guess the holidays were just a bit too fun. I figured out that I haven't posted anything about my life since Thanksgiving. I know I promised pictures, but that would make this update way too long.

Thanksgiving was great. I think it was one of our best visits home yet, not too busy, but not boring either. We got to see all of my husbands family (I can't believe how big the nephews have gotten!) and most of mine. Sometimes I think we are lucky that our families live about 2 hours away from each other, but other times it would be nice to go down and not have to see both sides of the family. I got to see my nephew and niece and my husband's new niece. The ache for a baby came back with a vengeance. I thought I had gotten over it because we have actually made plans on when we are going to start a family, but I was wrong. Thankfully we only got a couple comments from family, and those were good natured.

The highlight of Thanksgiving was the motorcycle ride with my dad. My dad used to race motorcycles before I was born, and has owned the BMW motorcycle we rode for as long as I can remember. In fact, I have memories (I must have been around 3) of riding in the side car with my little brother. I haven't ridden since I first got married, almost 6 1/2 years ago. I had forgotten how unprotected you feel on a motorcycle. We rode for about an hour and a half, from Arkansas City (pronounced Ar-Kansas) to Dexter then out to the State Lake. We sat there, talked and watched the sun set. The thing is, my relationship with my dad has been strained ever since my husband and I started dating seriously. Part of it was dad's issues, part of it was my fault and part of it was my pulling away to start my own family. I'm the oldest and I think it was hard on dad. But, starting with that motorcycle ride we have finally reconnected. It is good to be comfortable with him again.

The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas just flew by. I managed to finish knitting my blue socks, and I started a pair of socks for my mom. Pictures will be coming soon. Christmas was good. My husband went a little overboard on my presents, but it was nice to be spoiled. Because hubby was working after Christmas I flew down to Kansas to see my parents. I had another nice visit and another great motorcycle ride. This time we rode from Arkansas City to Shilder, Ok then to Kaw Lake then home.

I'm sure you have figured it out, but I grew up in South Central Kansas. I know most people think KS is flat, but the area I grew up in is the start of the Ozarks. I think it is beautiful. I was reminded of that again during the motorcycle rides, the rolling hills and the plateaus, the green winter wheat surrounded by brown pasture, deer bounding across fields. One day I hope to capture all that in photographs. I have traveled quite a bit, but there is no place as simply beautiful as South Central Kansas. I'm sure part of it is my prejudice since I grew up there, but I think some people would agree with me.

Now for the more current stuff. I took the third part of the CPA exam (Business) last Monday. I think it went ok, but I'll have to wait for about two and a half months to find out. I did find out about the other two sections. I passed Audit, and did not pass Regulation (by only 3 points!), so I need to reschedule the Regulation section. I take the Financial section on Feb 6th.

I have lost a total of 15 pounds and I am feeling good! I'm down to a size 12 and even those are getting loose now. I still can't image losing another 20 pounds, but I am going to do it. I have started exercising again. I walked on the treadmill yesterday and I ran for 2 min of it. I forgot how good it felt to run. I am going to continue with it and not get too neurotic about making a running plan.

I think that is all, so now you are all caught up on my life. So how are you doing?