Cold enough?

Well I found out my suspicion that Hell is freezing over was wrong. Oh, it's cold alright, but the Vikings are nowhere near that Super Bowl. They were pathetic today! The problem is that we are our own worst enemy. The Vikings keep getting beaten by the Vikings -- who turn that ball over like it's tumbling in our refurbished dryer. Grrr!

Of course, those who know me realize the worst part about the loss today is that I have to (gulp) cheer for the Packers Monday night to beat the Bears. Oh, Santa, I am being waaay more good than necessary!

Enough about that. I have a queasy feeling in my stomach already.

That could have to do with the fact other parts of the day were equally disappointing. We woke up to another 4-6 inches of snow. The good news is that the snowplow went through our subdivision. The bad news is that he took out our mailbox. Did you know plastic can shatter pretty easily in cold?

Even the snowblower (which we thought we fixed) was reluctant to work today. Heck, I would be too. Just too cold.

On the bright side (because I always have one), I did get every last present wrapped that we have in the house -- including 10 game prizes for my family's get-together on Friday. That took the longest. I made sure each had different wrapping paper and obscure containers. Hubby asked if that was necessary. "Yes," I said in my "duh" voice. "We don't want people knowing which prizes came from which family." Why? I don't know why but if a person is asking me when I am done wrapping them all, then I'll make up anything if it's not a rule, trust me.

I was able to cap off the night with a Christmas movie on Lifetime so I am feeling like vacation is starting already. Oh wait, it has! Judging by the forecast, I'd say I picked the perfect week to stay inside the heated house and not go anywhere!

TGIF (This Girl Is Freezing)

I'm just chillin' on a day off. No seriously. I am chilling. And even more than that, I am freezing! And yes, just stating the obvious. It's winter in Wisconsin. What else was I expecting?

I had the day off today. I know it sounds like I'm a load with all these days off lately, but I just didn't get any vacation time used up this year. So now it's use it or lose it. I'd rather use it -- even if it turns out to be more work sometimes than, well, work!

Today was very productive. Walked Carter to the bus stop. Went to Mr. Back Cracker. Got all my Christmas cards mailed (fa-la-la!). Got just about the last present bought (more fa-la-la). Did a few more loads of laundry (love that machine -- am pretty much caught up now). Dusted and vacuumed. And yes, did sneak in one Christmas movie on Lifetime this afternoon (while folding clothes). Carter and I even delivered a present, too. But that was an outside job -- as in outside, where it's cold and snowing.

Then I stopped moving. My back was a bit achy from its earlier "adjustment" so I sat in my comfy chair to read and just got chilly. I guess it helped I was on the go all day. Kept me warm.

Now my electric mattress pad has been warming up for me for 2 hours so I am going to lay down and read a Christmas book. It's my day off after all -- even if it took 'til 9 p.m. to start relaxing. As a bonus, I don't have to set an alarm either. TGIF!

The naked truth

During my Christmas movie marathon, I couldn't help but see commercials on the Lifetime channel for a new show called, "How to Look Good Naked." I had no intention of watching it, but it happened anyway.

Still not sure why Jim was checking out the Lifetime listings, but at 10 minutes to 10, he calls me out into the living room and says there's a show he wants me to watch. Turns out, that was the show.

Now why would he want me to watch that? Hmm... Could have something to do with my low self-esteem or the fact I am never pleased with my body/image. I mean that might have something to do with it.

In the show, the overweight woman in focus for the episode tells of her lifelong struggle with diets and her creation of a wardrobe that strategically hides her body. (We're getting warmer...)

The host spends 5 days with her, trying to get her to turn her attitude around, accept her body as is and actually love it ... enough to pose for a naked photo shoot in the end.

The premise of the show is good. I mean it would be great if women (me included) could for once be satisfied with how we are and concentrate our energies on enjoying life. Believe me, I think it can happen. I just don't think the short span of 5 days -- even with full-time attention -- can erase a lifetime of self-loathing. It certainly is worth a try, though.

Will I watch the show again? Maybe. It offered some sound advice. I just need to act on it. In the meantime, Jim will stand by with the camera...