[x] I have opened Pandora's box. Many, many, many moons ago, I tasted what is called a "diet cherry limeade" at a Sonic Drive-In. Well, there's now a Sonic semi-close to my house and a few weeks back, I broke down and we stopped by to indulge. As predicted, I ordered a diet cherry limeade, and now I want one every day all day long. *sigh* I suppose there could be worse vices to have, but geez...if I were to donate blood at this very moment, the tech would find straight up diet cherry limeade coursing through my veins. So it goes.

[x] It's been a very Coldplay day today. This is A Very Good Thing, as they're one of my favorite-ever bands. The kids LOVE to rock out to this song--and mostly any other Coldplay song, really. :) Love it!

[x] Bear had his first-ever Tae Kwon Do class today. He pretty much loves it. He's got two lessons next week, and then we'll "officially" sign him up. I tried to get Beauty interested, but my princesa was having NO part of it. She starts ballet at the end of the month. I found (what I hope to be) a great class for her--no recitals, very low pressure, just a group of girls looking to have some fun in dance. Since she functions routinely at a 2 1/2 year old level vs. a 3 1/2 year old one, I always worry how she'll feel in any given situation with peers who are capable of, well, a little more. I think this will be great. I ordered her two black leotards, two pairs of ribbed tights, and a pair of ballet shoes. She's all set and quite excited! Class starts at the end of this month. My two big littles are going to quite busy this winter. I was thinking about gymnastics as well, but since TKD is 2x a week and dance is 1x a week, I don't want to overbook. I'd like for both kids to get into swimming lessons as well this summer, so we shall see...

[x] Do I even need to reiterate how relieved I am about Bear's x-ray coming back clear? I couldn't even think about it. I wouldn't allow myself to do so; for about the first three weeks after we were informed about this "nodule requiring follow up", I just ignored it. Erased it. Finally, last week I confronted my feelings about it and was positively sick over it. One thing I will give myself is that I live in a state of gratitude 24/7 for my health, K.'s health, and most importantly, my kids' health. Maybe it somehow links to my "mama bear" anxiety, but I can't express how deeply thankful I am every single day. I hope I always remain in this state; I don't ever want to take our health for granted. My ideal? To be ninety-plus years old and thinking about all the time I "wasted" (but didn't really waste) worrying--about our health, our well being, and the like. That is my goal. If I can keep us all strong and healthy for the next sixty years, I'll be SO happy. :)

[x] Tomorrow, I plan on laboring over my beloved vegan knishes. I always make three, and today we stopped specifically at Whole Foods for some shredded Daiya to add to the mix. Mmm. :) I was going to work on them today, but we wound up running a few errands that took a little longer than anticipated. So...tomorrow is knish day. And for that, I am glad. :)  (Note: I can't take all the credit for this undertaking; K. always peels the potatoes and kneads the dough when I get tired of doing so. It's a team effort.)

[x] Received notification I made Yelp Elite '11! Yeah! If you're on Yelp and not a friend of mine, let me know and we'll hook up. Love me some Yelp. I've met some great people through that site.

[x]  Fourth Meal has now been home well over a month and is doing beautifully. She is so sweet and loving it's impossible *not* to adore her. I think she's happy to be inside. There are still a few "growing pains" with the other meows, but for the most part...she's been good to go. What a love. I am very thankful this situation worked out as well as it did.

[x] I'm thinking about repainting the kitchen. I'm thinking red--not the brilliant, bright, fire engine red (I think it's far too overdone now), but maybe a cross between a deep red/burnt orange. To be determined. And time will tell.

[x] I made these today for my loves; it's my never-fail recipe. I make a few adjustments that I'll one day detail here, but for now...if you need a chocolate fix (and eat eggs), it fits the bill. The heavenly aroma is almost enough to make me wish I still ate eggs. Almost, but not quite.

[x] We have an important meeting this Monday. I'm nervous. I really can't say too much about it, but if you have some good thoughts to spare, I could definitely take 'em. It's nothing with anyone's health, just FYI. Don't want anyone worrying unnecessarily.

[x] I'd better get a move on. Early bedtime for the kids tonight (K. is reading to Bear as we speak and the girls are snug--and sleeping already!--in their beds), and K. and I have a lot to tackle...maybe even some light shoveling if we get really ambitious. ;) Nothing too exciting; it's "date night" (at home) so I'm sure we'll try to relax for at least a little bit. But the nighttime household chores won't tackle themselves; although I try to ignore it, they're calling my name... ;)

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