Souper!

Yeah, I know, I've been MIA. So what else is new? The next few weeks are going to be chock full of blog worthy stuff, so things might pick up a bit in Stella-land.


Shelley hosted a soup swap down at the farm tonight. The six of us enjoyed a great dinner and good company, and each of us brought several batches of soup to swap with each other. I made off with turkey chili, beef stew with red wine, chicken tortilla soup, and sausage and chicken gumbo. And yes, I am dolt and took two batches of turkey chili because, apparently, my short term memory is shot. I myself brought Tex Mex Chicken Taco Soup. Thanks for the recommendation, Hannah! You all know I would never have come up with that on my own!

Thomas had a great time hanging with the ladies.

Now, I must get back to the madness that is my life...

A "Wondrous" Halloween!

I'm frantically trying to get some stuff done before I'm gone all next week for a sales meeting, so this post will be super short.

Its a miracle, but I finished my costume in time. My sis and I...

And a special thanks to Rich Brown of BrownRice fame. He offered some very helpful advice on this frantic and inexperienced homeowner's water heater crisis. No wonder Shelley is always raving about him!

Wonder Woman? More like Slacker Woman.

So I got these in the mail today.

They're supposed to be for my Wonder Woman costume for Hallowen. Supposed. The red bustier is halfway done, but the hard part hasn't even started yet - putting the signature gold "double W" on the front. Not to mention the fact that the rest hasn't even been started on yet - the belt, headband, wristbands, blue skirt (I am not doing briefs, I still have a little bit of pride), and the monstrosity that is the cape. Since I like to make life difficult for myself and put a special "authentic" touch on all my costumes, I have decided to make a replica of the cape that Lynda Carter wore on the TV show, and not just a plain red cape, which would be so much easier. Google image it if you want, I'm too lazy to do it here.

It will be a miracle if it gets done in time. Luckily, I have a backup - Strawberry Shortcake, new and improved, and made my me, of course. I don't do store bought crap.

Its just par for the course for me these days. I feel like my days are chock full, but I get nothing done. I have so much to do around this condo, work is crazy like it always is, I haven't updated my blog in forever, and I am long overdue for a pedicure. I just spent my Friday evening renewing my safety certification online, which I have had months to take care of, so that I can judge my first gymnastics meet of the season tomorrow without being in violation of USA Gymnastics policy. I also have to take another test to maintain my rating, but haven't had time to study. The last chance to take it is in December, or I will lose part of my rating.

What on earth would I do with myself if I had a husband and children to take care of? I can't even take care of myself!

My one victory I am clinging too is that my marathon training is still going strong. No matter what, I do not allow myself to stray from my schedule, unless I absolutely have to. 16 mile run, here I come!

I need a lackey or something. Any takers?

I love you guys!

Thanks everyone for all the kind words. I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends. I am doing a little better this week after having some time to try and calm my nerves about things. It is so comforting to know that I have people praying for me!


I've been lame with the pics lately, but here is my meager attempt. I was in Denver last week for work (well actually Fort Collins, an hour north of Denver). One of my fondest memories of living in Colorado 22 years ago (yikes I am old) was Chik Fil A - the best fast food chicken establishment ever. EVER. Luckily, there was one near my hotel.

Ah...just like I remember it. Except I ordered the sandwich without mayo. I'm in my thirties, ya know.

Back to the daily grind...