**IT'S OFFICIAL**

This evening I was talking with my friend Laura and she asked if I had seen my name on the official TNT roster.....if you go to http://www.wvrr.org and click on the TNT button in the upper right hand corner you can go to a link that has the roster for the TNT participants. It should say something like "2007 List"--click on it and you can find me in the alphabetical list!!!!!! How cool is that!

I wish I could have a link setup thru this blog but I haven't figured it out yet. Actually I may be searching for a new blog format for 2007--blogspot is not very idiot friendly.

I am sooooo ready for the days to start getting longer! It really stinks to have so much darkness so soon after I get off work.

Dates to look forward to:

Jan 1-7 Back to TH Family Y as they are offering FREE membership for the first week of January.

Jan 9th pickup TNT packet--lotsa goodies inside!

Jan 26th TNT first official training time together

Between now and Jan 1st I am going to begin reducing calorie intake. However, New Years Eve will be an exception due to possible alcohol consumption. After Jan 1st I will basically be doing no carb until I can get sugar out of my system. Lotsa water! Lotsa lettuce & cabbage!

Gotta run! I missed a training dvd at work a couple of weeks ago and I MUST watch it tonight--everything you could possibly ever want to know about PANDEMIC FLU & BIRD FLU! I bet that it got a thumbs up from Roper & Ebert.

ONLY 6 MORE DAYS.....

The holidays will finally be over. I can stop celebrating all of my many blessings with great company, great food (& occassional drink), and a heavy butt that does not want to get out of a recliner.

Once my folks moved to FL I became very depressed. I was bound and determined to not have any fun--afterall, what did I have to celebrate? Fortunately, God has placed very loving, giving, persistant people in my life that forced me out from under the rock I have been hiding under. Who would have thunk that I could have had so much fun and been so busy? Nat's poor girlfriend returned from FL Friday but had to wait until this morning to talk to him. By the time we got home each evening it was too late for him to return her calls.

Yesterday morning we went to the Conley family Christmas brunch. My cousin Annie is the most amazing cook and Aunt Eva can serve up a pretty tasty Mimosa. Annie's priest was able to come for brunch and blessed our meals with prayer and humor. Unfortunately, the Conley kids and Aunt Eva and Uncle Bob were on their way to the airport to catch a flight to Baltimore--the kids to spend time with their dad every Christmas for a week. Last I heard their dad and his wife were stuck in Denver--apparently he needed a specific amount of frequent flyers miles to bump up to the "next level" so they thought they'd just go to Denver for the heck of it--what a rough life.

The rest of our afternoon and evening were spent w/ the Tennises. We were able watch adorable little Kierra open her gifts. After our bellies were full, we all settled into a recliner. They have two couches and a love seat that ALL have built in recliners. I could sooooooo spend days at a time on the end of one of their couches. It is the perfect set up for a lap top b/c the center cushion can be transformed into a table top. The only time you would ever see me is when Dr Phil brought the camera crews and crane over to get a 1200 pound me out of the house by removing a wall! Obviously when I put that couch into context I guess I'd better stick with my slightly uncomfortable furniture.

We had taken my laptop along b/c Nat has been having problems with transferring music to his new iPod Nano that meemaw got him for Christmas. Uncle Bill was able to teach me how to clear a bunch of junk off of my laptop AND he determined that there is a problem with the new iPod Nanos and the latest release of Windows update. Hopefully we will be able to find a fix for it thru the Apple website. Apparently the laptop does not recognize the Nano as a separate device, as it should.

Last night we all went to see the new Ben Stiller movie A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM. It was really cute. I laughed out loud quite a bit. Normally, I am not a fan of that Owen Wilson but I did like him in this movie. Did everyone know that Mickey Ronney is still alive? or at least at the time of the taping of this movie? I thought he died years ago--along w/ Bob Barker! LOL, just kidding aunt sisters!

I am sooooo grateful that God is changing my selfish, ungrateful heart to a heart full of gratitude. I can honestly say that we lacked for nothing and enjoyed all of our time exceeding, abundantly more than I could ask or imagine. God, continue to bless us all.

I BET YOU'RE ASKING, "SHAUNA, WHAT DID YOU DO FOR CHRISTMAS EVE?".....

This morning Nat and I attended services at Maryland Community Church. It was an incredibly beautiful service w/ lots of gorgeous candle light. Normally we attend the eXchange services on Sunday evenings b/c they are taylored more toward the younger, contemporary crowd; however, we opted for the a.m. service b/c we would not be back in town in time for the p.m. service. It was a refreshing change. I really like Pstr Vince McFarland teachings very much.

After service we were able to connect with Nat's half sister's grandpa. Fortunately he was able to come by and pick up the presents we had bought for Chelsae. I have really been stressing over getting these to her b/c I was not particularly fond of delivering these gifts to her mom's apartment (she lives w/ a drug dealer). Chelsae's grandpa was a very nice man. You could really see the anguish in his face when he spoke of Chelsae and her mom and the situation that her mom has chosen for them. It is really sad. You could tell he was absolutely heart broken. He assurred me that all gifts would be delivered to Chels. Hopefully her mom will allow her to keep them rather than sell them for a little extra drinking/drugging money.

We took a trip across the state line w/ Aunt Marci and Uncle Bill. We spent the day with his brother, Ned, and his sister in law, Lisa. They have a very beautiful home. As if great food and great company were not enough for the day--Uncle Ned took us on a little field trip to a place called Darwin's Ferry.

The field trip included a ride in his specially adapted "short bus". So to answer your origianl question, "Shauna, what did you do Christmas Eve" my answer would be, "I took a ride on the short bus". He has purchased a mini school bus to cruise around in. Initially, there was no heat and all of the windows were fogged up. Since there was only one bench seat, Aunt Marci and Sarah had to pull up a wheel well. They were gracious enough to allow me the bench seat.

We not only got to see a ferry built in 1818 to carry stuff across the Wabash River we also got to see a farm that has a tractor collection. There were nearly 40 tractors present on this property....we could hardly contain our excitement. There were many laughs to be had.

Tomorrow will consist of Nat opening his gifts, brunch w/ the Conleys, and back to the Tennises. Later in the afternoon we are considering going to see the new Ben Stiller movie, A NIGHT IN THE MUSEUM. We have been looking forward to this movie since we saw it as a preview for PIRATES 2.

Must run, I am going to attempt midnight mass at St Joes.

Although the food and gifts are great don't forget Immanuel, GOD WITH US!

MANY FIRSTS ACCOMPLISHED THIS YEAR!

Succeeded in initiating a new weight loss regime in my life--including regular workout schedules and participating in 5K races. Succeeded in losing 30 lbs, prior to Thanksgiving of course, and becoming the mom of a high school student.

Believe it or not I will have to say my greatest accomplishment may have to be that I have 85 percent of Christmas purchased. As of this morning, everything purchased has been wrapped. You must understand that I normally procrastinate until a day or two before Christmas! This is a MAJOR acomplishment.

My secret pal, at work, bought me a really neat candy bouquet for Thanksgiving. Based off its design I had decided to create a treat bouquet of my own for my secret pal. I purchased a bunch of really cool, non-cheesy looking gifts at the Dollar Tree. Affixed them all to wooden shish-ka-bob skewers and arranged them inside a wicker basket w/ floral foam in the bottom.

It really turned out looking really neat. This year's secret pal has been my most difficult b/c she is allergic to chocolate! Aack! it is hard to be very imaginitive w/o using chocolate. Life w/o chocolate...the only fate I can imagine worse than that is a kid my brother grew up with who couldn't taste. Now that I think about it he was always a very skinny kid--maybe this wouldn't have been such a terrible fate afterall.

In between cleaning house, decorating presents, and baking cookies I have discovered new online games. Two of which I would highly recommend: MCF:Ravenhearst and Travelogue Paris 360. Unfortunately they are too new for me to download on my Real Arcade account so I have only been allowed one hour of free demo time thru Big Fish. I can't wait to be able to do unlimited play. Hopefully it will be available to me on a nice snowy day--tucked into the corner of my couch w/ big comfy socks and lotsa hot chocolate w/ lotsa marshmallows and Il Divo or Jersey Boys playing in the background.

Plans for the holidays are slowly taking shape. Unfortunately we won't be able to spend time with the folks b/c they came home in October. I know it is best for all involved to not attempt to travel during the winter but I am really beginning to miss them. Aunt Eva called to remind us about brunch at my cousin Annie's Christmas Day. It is an awesome tradition that her family has done for years. Once the folks moved to FL they were gracious enough to extend an open invitation to us. This will be Nat's first year at Annie's b/c he has been with his dad's family in years past.

Best Wishes to you and yours during this season of reflection--the celebration of a birth that brought me everlasting life. Take the time, slow down, close your eyes. In your minds eye picture yourself in a stable, feel the hay below you, as you sit on a bale of hay a flawless, innocent infant is placed in your arms. Get lost in staring into the eyes of the son of God. Worship Him. Give thanks to the Father. Give thanks for the obedience of Mary, Joseph, and the Magi. Worship and Adore Him, Christ the Lord.

A NIGHT OF GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS!!!!!!!

Tonight, straight from work, I decided to get some stuff done that I absolutely despise--tub&shower cleaning and oven cleaning! Aack! These chores have been looming over me. I think I would have rather had a bikini wax w/o prior consumption of booze freeze.

Now that they are completed I feel a great sense of accomplishment! As if that wasn't enough to make me feel warm and fuzzy all over I just got an email confirmation for the Indy Mini sign-up!!!!!!!!!Woohoo! I am officially walk/running with 34,999 enthusiasts May 5th @ 7:30 a.m.

Fortunately TNT provides Turner Coach service to and from the race. Therefore, I will not have to rely upon myself for coherent transportation over there. I will be sooo anxious and nervous that I may have to break a cardinal rule--may have to use the bus bathroom! Aack! Speaking of icky bathrooms, I need to start psyching myself up for the porta-potties along the race route.

I am so stoked. I could run around the living room, in circles, w/ excitement. I have to protect my confirmation so no one attempts to steal MY BIB number. Jen, can you hear me shrieking for joy!?!

****TRYING TO LIVE IN SHADES OF BLUSH & BASHFUL****

Something is trying to keep me from participating in TNT and the Mini. A week ago I jammed my toe into a new shade of violet and last night I wrenched my back trying to keep my nephew out of mischief. Trying to hold him, dig my Mini registration forms out of my purse and trying to hold him at an angle to which he wouldn't kick out the glass display counter wasn't a great combination.

When I turned back to the manager to answer her question a sharp pain shot from my left hip to my heal. The rest of the night was excrutiating. Getting in and out of the car was absolute torture. Fortunately, I was able to find enough relief from Aleve to get some sleep.

Trying to get in and out of the shower and dressed this morning was almost comical. I had to actually lay my panties and pants on the floor and step into them. Then I had to lift my right leg as high as I could until I could grab ahold of my pants and pull them on.

The rest of the day was spent sitting with a heating pad and making as many phone calls as possible so I wouldn't have to get out of my seat very often. By the end of the day I seemed a little more nimble. Getting in and out of the car still sucks. Walking is tolerable w/ occassional shooting pains. Fortunately there are no warning signs--if I anticipated them they would be more painful.

I am such an all or nothing kind of person. My biggest fear has been all along that if I don't accomplish this race in the manner in which I perceive it should go that I would just give up. Tonight I was talking to a friend about this "all or nothing" mind set--unfortunately, we do not think there is any type of meds that will help me to live in the non-polar shades of life. My friend Jen and I have decided that we are not all about the shades of gray that the world speaks of. Instead, we have decided to call it "shades of blush and bashful"--it sounds so much more glam.

Tommorow I am going to try and get some laps in at the shopping center during lunch. I am afraid if I favor this injury it will cost more damage in the long run. Maybe this injury is a blessing. I have made no movement for weeks with no intention of doing so until after the first of the year. Now this will at least get me striving toward mobility.

Please keep me in your prayers--emotional stress and now physical stress are really wearing me down.

SO MUCH FOR BEING CAUTIOUS...

This past Friday the temps were absolutely freezing, literally, so I decided against participating in the Jingle Bell. When I went to the bank at lunch time I almost bit the dust b/c I hit a slick spot in the parking lot. At the time I thought it would be best to be cautious--I don't want to have to recover from a broken bone and miss out on the TNT training.

Instead of doing the Jingle Bell me, Nat, Monica (his girlfriend), and Max(my nephew) headed to the mall for some Christmas shopping. Trying to keep up w/ Max was a workout in itself. I was accused of being a grandparent for the first time. When I was trying to buy a big CARS puzzle for Max the sales dude said, "Let me put it in this so your grandson will not see it thru the bag". Initially I was a little offended. People constantly guess my age as late 20's early 30's--I realized it had been a while since I had colored my hair so I made a mental note to get that done asap.

When I left the shop, caught up to Nat, Monica, and Max, I told the kids what he had said. They were mortified b/c they had been standing outside the shop w/ Max in the stroller and they think that the sales dude thought Max was their kid! LOL From that point forward I had to push the stroller--they were so afraid someone from school would see them and think Max was theirs.

So much for skipping the Jingle Bell in an attempt to be cautious. I think I broke a toe this a.m. when I was going downstairs to get my work clothes. I cannot even explain how it happened! It was the most bizarre thing. Somehow I had a toe tucked under and then managed to slip on fleece blanket Nat had thrown down to the laundry and stubbed it but good. By the end of the day I could hardly walk around the ofc. When I got home and took off my stocking I just about passed out--it is SO purple.

Yesterday I actually put the Christmas tree up! For those of you who really know me you know what an amazing gesture that is. So far I have not put andy lights or ornaments on it--I want to see how Ivey Katapookis acts around it. She has not tried to climb it (as far as I can tell). But she has stood up on her back paws to stretch up toward the top of the trunk of the tree. Kim's cat chewed thru the lights on her expensive pre-lit tree two years ago. I am so afraid Ivey will do the same with my cheap un-pre-lit tree.

If she can obstain from climbing or chewing I will attempt to put lights on in a couple of days. I can't wait to get the lights put up--I absolutely love sitting in the dark watching the twinklee lights! It is so relaxing!