Rounding Up January

I'm taking a cue from Katie the Scrapbook Lady and will TRY and be faithful in doing my Monthly Round Up for every month this year. I was pretty good last year, but I stumbled major time towards the last quarter I think (maybe even before).

But hey, new year, first month, new resolution. I hope. Keeping my fingers crossed! Hehehe.

What books and/or magazines did I read this month?

Hmm....I'm afraid I had *just* come to the conclusion that I absolutely NEED to start reading again. I've been floundering for words whenever the kids and I (or Japa and I) would discuss things; I'd vainly search for a word in my mind, most of the time coming short. So yes, I have GOT to start reading something --anything-- again!

What movies and/or tv shows did I watch this month?

Offhand, all I can think of is MONK. All seasons so far, hehehehe. I am LOVING Tony Shalhoub, too! I also like Wizards of Waverly Place --- I know, totally kiddie, or tweeny (?), but it's just such a refreshing tv show. And of course, I can't not mention ALL the different CSIs. Love them all!

A single movie this month: Bride Wars. I watched this with the girls and it was quite entertaining.

What special days did I celebrate and how?

Let's see. New Year's Day was spent in the States. Although we didn't do anything special, it was made memorable because we were complete as a family again. Not having Dad in the house for the Christmas countdown was bittersweet; it was great he had spent the whole day at home and that he would be getting another day pass for Christmas Day, but it was still different. It wasn't tradition. So for New Year, it was just a GREAT feeling overall to have Dad home at last. He was discharged the day before New Year. And the family started the year right: complete.

Chinese New Year was celebrated by just eating out. At Causeway. Dimsum and a plethora of Chinese food.

What gifts did I give and/or receive?

We had some "leftover" gifts from Christmas when we arrived. And the gifts of the office staff are STILL in my closet. Yet to be given away. Gulp! This is a wake up call, for sure, to have THAT done! Hehehehe.

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?

It was the month of pins and needles, numbness and swelling of the hands. The hypersensitive feeling I had on my upper legs was enough to spur me to visit a neurologist and my endocrinologist. I had a nerve test done, which basically announced that I had slight carpal tunnel syndrome in both my wrists. My legs? Nothing to be concerned about. My back? Just a little bit of twinge when they stuck in that needle during the nerve test, but otherwise it's fine.

I also had a TON of bloodwork done, which I passed with flying colors. ALL my numbers were right smack in the middle of the NORMAL ranges. For everything. Hah! Yes, I'm all smug about those numbers, and proud of them! At least I now have my baseline numbers. Just in time, too, since I turn 40 this year :)

What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family?

It was a busy month to have fun, hahahaha. I remember watching Monk with the girls, and Ranger had his Father-Child Day for school. Japa went, along with Rogan and Raine and if the number of photographs were an indication, they had a blask.

What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this month?

Well, not exactly new, but I did make some spam sushi for the kiddos, as well as spam musubi. It came out pretty good and we ate sooooo much rice for that particular homemade meal!

What special or unusual purchases did I make?

We bought a new car!!! Finally! We settled on the Suburban, a blue LT and it is a monstrous beauty! We named him Rex. Yup, definitely a boy's name for this vehicle!

What were my accomplishments this month?

I scrapped 29 pages :)

Anything else noteworthy to record?

I had my hair chopped off!!! Ten whole inches! I've got a new look :)
I've also resigned from a couple of Creative Teams.
My Word of the Year: WORK. And so far I'm sticking to it! )

[SOME SCRAPS]

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

The kids were off to their first "gimmick" of the year. They had their post-Christmas swimming party, along with the other younger kids from the team. The day started with training, then brunch at Teriyaki Boy, then the whole day was spent wandering about in Bonifacio High Street. The older girls wove through the aisles of Fully Booked while the boys and Rielle and Sara played games at Time Zone.

When Rogan's money ran out, we took him home, along with Raine and Rielle. Raegan stayed on to catch a movie (Beverly Hills Chihuahua or something like that) and didn't come home 'til about 9 pm! Sheesh! And they're just kids! Hehehehe.

Oh well. At least they had a blast....and I got a haircut :) A whopping TEN inches off! Sorry, no photo yet. As usual, I'm too lazy to download from the camera. Besides, I think Lai has some of the better pics in her camera :)