Loni's Life

DH was out of town this weekend, so it was just a quiet Halloween at home with Mocha.    For the past few years I've gone trick or treating with CK and her kiddos S & Z... but this year their Papa vetoed trick or treating due to flu bug concerns.    So in lieu, I had already donated cookie dough to Mamma C's church's "Trunk or Treat" along with glow bracelets; plus I had sent home flavored popcorn from a new popcorn & candy shop in town to my co-workers kiddos instead.    YUM!   I enjoy their Crazy Confetti candied popcorn.

We awoke to rain on Monday morning in Austin; grabbed a yummy breakfast at the hotel; and hit the road towards home.  The rain persisted the whole way from Austin to Dallas.   A truck hauling lumber on the southbound lanes hit the median and dumped its load in the northbound lanes shutting down the northbound lanes.  Luckily, we were exited to the service road and we were able to avoid the snarled traffic.   Shortly thereafter we saw another truck that had run off the road, into a telephone pole and jacknifed.   Quick prayers and asking fo blessings for continued safe travel were offered quietly and not-so-quietly throughout the day.  Once back on home turf, we let our people know we were back in the metroplex safe and sound and off to get a 2-hours massage.... pure bliss!   Followed by a trip to The Cheesecake Factory where BFF and I split corn fritters, a turkey club sandwich and fries, and we even split a slice of Tuxedo Cream ...

Livestrong Sunday, it's finally here... and lo and behold I am awake and dressed and ready to roll BEFORE 5am.   Now BFF is quite the early bird on travel days and ride days... and generally I am a cranky puss if it's anything before 6am.. unless there have been previously negotiated timeframes and expectations set ahead of time.  This was one of those times where there was an understanding of wake-up call times.   Of course, for a few moments when BFF tripped over the bedding and nearly whacked her head on the wall and her ribs into the nightstand, I saw our Livestrong weekend coming to an unexpected end.   Luckily, she managed to catch herself and fall onto the bed instead of the wall and nightstand. Off to get the ride-day breakfast... and not sure why it works, but it does.. our standard McD ride-day combo meals... and off to Dripping Springs.  Stopped on the way to get gas and water... took the time to air up bike tires while we were well l...

We left on Saturday morning before sunrise.   We asked for our blessings for safe journeys for our weekend for ourselves, others and especially to those fighting cancer.   We stopped at McD's for what is becoming one of our traditional travel-day breakfasts-- for me that means an Egg McMuffin combo sometimes with Canadian bacon, more often without and a diet coke; for BFF that means a Bacon, Egg & Cheese biscuit combo with a milk; plus ketchup for her hashbrown and strawberry jelly for her biscuit.   We had a clear skies and crisp air as we set off and watched the sunrise during the drive and clear blue skies the whole way to Austin.  We hoped that our TOPS pals walking in the Memory Walk would have a nice morning for their trek and that it would warm up at least a little before the walk. We stopped in Italy to refill the gas tank, take a restroom break, pick up some water and a snack (mini donuts), and buy a couple of lotto tickets and then...

Yes, the knitting continues, I just haven't posted much about it lately.     I have a few projects on needles and will be turning attention towards Christmas scarves for special people.   However, I do have one project that is now 80% complete and has been nearly 2-years in the making.   A rolled cable scarf in a light blue for me; it's the first project in my knitting time that is actually for me... since many of my projects are for others and this one gets put on hold a lot.    I got it out of its travel case and worked on it on the way home from Livestrong... and now I'm taking it to Mamma's on Thursday nights for quality knitting time.   So long as Mamma doesn't go touching and feeling on it like she was in the yarn shop, she should be ok.

I'm enjoying Thursday nights at Mamma's for dinner & Survivor night.  This week we also baked cookies for Trunk or Treat.... so got the 4 buckets of cookies out of mine and M's houses as the Aunties purchased from all of our adopted nieces and nephews at the office... so this year's cookie dough purchase supported our adopted kiddos, and supported the community, and didn't go straight to my thighs.   Oh, now that's not to say I didn't enjoy a few cookies... as I did... but not as many as I would have had I been baking them at home with no other destination than my thighs. Tonight's dinner was grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken tortilla soup, yum.  Survivor was good and of the remaining players I'm in favor of Jaison and Shambo.  Totally don't care for that troll-weasel dude Russell since he pretty much straight up lies to everyone about everything and has made so many deals I don't think even he can keep them straight.    I still don...

LiveSTRONG Challenge Austin--- What an incredible weekend! There were just over 6,200 riders, runners, walkers and 900 volunteers participating in the Challenge this weekend. Through the generosity of the 38,607 donors we raised $4 million toward the fight against cancer! Mina and I had a great ride in Austin, we completed the 20 mile, yet still hilly and challenging, course in less time than we struggled thru 15 miles of the 45 mile route last year. We rode more, walked less, and each doubled our individual fundraising for the event.  The weather was partly cloudy and a bit windy at times; started out a bit cool, but warmed up nicely and most thankfully the rain stayed away all weekend!!! Many thanks to our sponsors and our prayers and thoughts to all of those who have been touched by cancer in some way~whether self, friend, family, or co-worker. We ride so that some day we can defeat this disease & we're already looking forward to LiveSTRONG Challenge 2010-Oct 22, 23,...

FFI #147 1. The crickets sing, the dogs bark, and thank Goodness it is Friday! 2.  Wherever you are is  wherever you are. 3. I want to get far away from the  nuthouse of my office for a few days.  4. I won the lotto super huge ; this was a dream. 5. But as for me I'm still begging for money for charity-- Support my ride against Cancer . 6. Few people know where I come from 7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to picking up my bike , tomorrow my plans include arriving in Austin and Sunday, I want to safely complete the 20 mile LiveStrong course with my BFF/Cycling partner!

Saturday Sketch Challenge #121 combined with Late Night Stampers Challenge #42 (Ruby Red, Really Rust, Old Olive) and completed in My Digital Studio

2009_01_30 It's another Monday... and the only thing that makes Mondays better is that sometime's I post a "Mocha Monday"   Here's a photo album of Mocha and Spotted Mousey

Only 7 more days until LiveSTRONG Challenge Austin 2009.   Had a terrific training ride with my BFF yesterday, but was concerned about the gear adjustments on my bike as it was being persnickety about dropping into the small ring on the front... and then when trying to shift from the mid-ring to the large ring on the front, the derailer seemed to drop the chain just to the outside of the largest ring.   BFF and I were having a tough time getting the chain back on when a nice man offered his assistance, we quickly accepted, and he made very short work of unlooping the two kinks in the chain, getting it backon the rings, and getting us back on the road.  So today I dropped my bike off at the shop today for a tuneup with the stipulation that I need it by Friday as we're leaving for Austin on Saturday.   After hearing my plight about the low and high rings, the bike shop dude assured me they would have it done by Wednesday 'cause "fo...

Late Night Stamper's Challenge #41 was a sketch challenge; I was playing with Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio and came up with this holiday card.

Riding!    Got to spend another training ride outdoors and then we're in the gym this week on a taper and headed to Austin next Saturday for our ride on Sunday.   To my family and friends that have supported my 2009 rides for various causes, I thank you for your encouragement and support. For my family and friends that wish to make a donation or feel free to share with your own circles of friends and family, all donations no matter how small or large are appreciated.   http://austin09.livestrong.org/loniholt Picture here is on the road for Tour De Cure San Antonio to Austin May 2009. 

FFI #146 1. So are we going to ride this weekend or not, that is the question? 2. LiveSTRONG Challenge Austin is what's up ahead! 3. I love to spend time with family; eat chocolate, knit, ride my bike, rubber stamp, and take long, hot bubble baths. 4. I nearly always have knitting of some sort to do. 5. I walk a Yorkie when I puppysit . 6. Chocolate is the true elixir of life! 7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to picking up my BFF at the airport , tomorrow my plans include cycling and Sunday, I want to finish some UFO's and start work on my Christmas gift list !

I love Mamma C!   BFF and I have been meeting up at Mamma's for dinner and TV on Thursday nights... I love the CBS lineup.. Survivor, CSI, and new for me The Mentalist... but more importantly is the fun and laughter plus the good dinner too.  Last night was grilled burgers, chips & dip, Niblets and for dessert a Skinny Cow chocolate truffle bar.  Yum.   The only thing that could make the night better is if M could be there.. and if you add Mamma's BFF into the mix, then Mamma would really need to break out the vinyl covers for the furniture to protect them because the 4 of us can really get to rolling in laughter to where nearly someone may wet herself.    Next week my BFF will be home, so we're bringing dinner.

I'm stamping just for fun tonight as my upline is holding a class to stamp this adorable cards from those fun characters residing on Sesame Street. I've done some like these before, but sometimes I just gotta get out and play!

Normally, I'd prefer a loss at TOPS but after a series of reds (gains) in my weight book, I was happy for the Turtle (stayed the same).   Plus "Mother Nature" and her monthly gift to women arrived this morning along with the bloat and extra full bra-cups. 11 weigh-ins until the end of the year; 14 weigh-ins before BFF and I leave for Hawaii.   Goal for an Island Facial paid for by BFF is 21 pounds (was 20, but I gained 1)... of course, I'm paying hers if she loses 20 also. May go to the gym after stamping with my upline tomorrow, or may work out to videos at home instead.   I will be cycling this weekend (training ride) and next weekend (LiveSTRONG Challenge) and in November, I'll be trying out Bikin' Mike's studio spin classes.   My "Fitness Fantasy" goal for 2010 would be to complete Bike MS... not sure if I will be able to finish the whole thing yet; but am still happy with improved mileage year over year.  2010 rides will incl...

A Mocha Monday in Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio

FFI #145 1. Sweet dreams of white sand beaches and plenty of sunshine . 2. I had lunch with friends at a local restaurant serving Vietnamese cuisine. That is adventurous; especially for me. 3. Silliness = my BFF + me. 4. I may go out trick or treating with a niece & nephew this Halloween. 5. Outstanding or not I'm going home early today. 6. The end of the work day is what I want right now! 7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to pizza , tomorrow my plans include sleeping late and Sunday, I want to see Couples Retreat with Mamma C !

http://oneminutewriter.blogspot.com/2009/10/todays-writing-prompt-kids.html My "kids" have been furry and four-legged... so mainly my biggest annoyance with others who have kids of the human variety is when they talk down to me like I have an unfulfilled life because I only have fur-babies -or- when they try to convince me why I should have kids.. or at this age, adopt or foster kids.   I enjoy kids and I enjoy being an Auntie... I get the benefits of spending time with young ones and I get to escape from them when they get on my nerves.    My only other peeve with others who have human kids is lack of parenting and appropriate disciplining behaviors such that their children act correctly in public at least most of the time... oh, I understand the occassional meltdown and whatnot.... but some kids nowadays are just bratty and impolite in public.

My BFF is out of town on business... yet she is also taking care of stuff for our vacation plans in paradise for January.   Our flights are booked thanks to miles and space at Camp Grandma's is available, hooray.   Thanks also to hotel points, we're taking a hop near the end of our vacation time to Big Island at a luxury resort... is it time yet ?! Well tonight the conversation goes something like: Me:  ...black sand beaches', BFF: What? Me: Well, you know Big Island is the youngest of the islands and that there are active volcanoes there. BFF: We don't want to be anywhere near any of that. Me: Well, it depends; there may be some safe viewing areas. BFF: Oh yeah, like there's a show.... Me: {Hysterical laughter breaking out}.. No this is not like Old Faithful and you know when it will erupt... BFF: Ok, I don't know what made me think there was a timed show... ok, truly a blonde moment {additional laughter} Now that I write this, perhaps...

This card is for a little girl that turns 5 this week... oh my, the 'nieces & nephews' are growing soooooo fast. She loves pinks and purples & I just got the sweet treat cups and envelopes and Sweet Centers stamp set  from the 2009 Stampin' Up Holiday mini catalog and wanted to play! Stamps: Sweet Centers, Heard from the Heart Ink: Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry Paper: Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Crushed Curry, Razzleberry Lemonade designer series paper Accessories: Stampin' Dimensionals, Sweet Treet cups, 1 3/4 circle punch; 1 1/4 circle punch, scallop border punch M&M's are from the M&M's October Breast Cancer awareness campaign!

Today was the first annual Wish 100 ride for the Make a Wish Foundation of North Texas.    It's not too late to make a tax deductible donation .   Many thanks to friends and family that have supported yet another of my growing list of charity rides. We had a cold front blow thru Dallas on Thursday night so we were greeted with a slightly crisp morning.  BFF picked me up and since I didn't eat leftovers from PF Chang for breakfast, she went to my fave cycling breakfast spot - McD's for an egg mcmuffin combo meal.  Since I had told her last night I'd have the chinese food for breakfast, she had opted for a sausage kolache, apple fritter and orange juice from a local donut shop on the way to pick me up.   Lesson learned: Don't mess with cycling even breakfast ~ which we had both noted from this year's HHH ride (as I had opted for a Jenny Craig muffin and ended up starving and nearly bonking by Shepherd).  So back to systems normal for me...