this n that thursday (link up)

This: I go back to work today. I enjoy what I do for a living, but I really enjoyed having just over a week off. It's incredibly hard to go back to work. I am thankful that this week and next week will be short weeks; easing myself back into work will help.

That: We had a total of four Christmas celebrations this year. One with my parents the Saturday before Christmas. One with my husband's extended family on Christmas Eve. One with just my husband on Christmas Day. And one with my in-laws the day after Christmas. We also went to church with friends on Christmas Eve. This year was probably my favorite married Christmas so far.

This: I feel so much more grown up now that we are in this house. Part of it is because my parents and my husband's parents are treating us more like grown-ups. My parents brought antiques and pictures from their house along with Christmas decorations for me to have. I get a piece of home here in my home from now on. Having support on this big purchase, and being treated more like an adult, makes this next chapter of our lives all the more real.

That: I am going to be an aunt this summer! And on Friday, we should learn if it will be a girl or a boy. I am pulling for a girl. I think my husband is pulling for a boy because then there won't be quite as many cute clothes and such to buy. Not knowing the gender didn't stop me from buying things for Christmas, though.

This: I am doing my best to get back on the healthy weight loss train starting today. It is so easy to get off course but so hard to get back on course. I need to remember my why's and also think about how much better I will feel and look once I finish losing the weight. I also need to remember how much healthier I will be once I finish losing the weight.

That: I think I outdid myself this Christmas. I always like to say I can't cook, but I truly can no longer say that. This Christmas I made the following: a roasted turkey (with my mom's help -- she did the majority of it but I was there), roasted brussels sprouts with dried cranberries and balsamic vinegar, my Nana's potatoes, roasted butternut squash with moroccan spices, and rolls. I also baked the following: double dutch chocolate cookies, two cheesecakes, carrot cake, and mini apple pies. We also ate leftover stuffing and mashed potatoes on Christmas Day thanks to my mom's cooking.

This: There was an ice storm in Oklahoma City over Christmas. Most of it has melted now, but I am still nervous about getting into my car and driving to work. I do not do well with snow or ice on the roadways - especially since the side streets and neighborhood streets do not get plowed or salted. Most of it has melted, but I am still nervous. I might be waiting until the sun has been out for a little while to head to work. Also I think I need an SUV; driving a small car makes driving a tad bit scarier.

That: It feels so good to be back to blogging. I miss it when I'm away. Now to tackle the hundreds of unread posts on my Google Reader...

I'm linking up with with Jena from Recently Roached and Katie from Katie Did What today!