The Effects of the Fall

If Adam and Eve never sinned, do you think they would be hard bodies at 40? Last night, Danny and I went to our first kickboxing aerobics class together. Another result of empty nesting.

After last night, I am wondering why we didn't sign up for a basket weaving class instead. This class is through the rec center and has about 20 students. Danny is only 1 of 2 men there. The Asian instructor is in her 40s if not older and pretty impressive. With a full on 80s club playlist, we did warm-ups, punches, kicks, etc. We had a good time considering the pain I was in afterwards. Danny loves all things physical excercise-ish.

It was sad to see how out of shape and uncoordinated I am. Sigh.

I could barely walk. There are only so many squats this sista can endure. But it did make me miss my Tae Kwon Do days..... you know, when I was a young 30-something....

Dawgs, Dogs, Football, Birthday, Tools

This past Labor Day weekend the Dulins headed for some long overdue fun time with the Gardners. This weekend was the kick-off of football season and it was Bear's 9th birthday. How perfect is that?

To say there was an over consumption of calories would be an understatement. Zoe made that famous Pralle chocolate cake but also added her own twist with homemade peanut butter icing for Bear's birthday celebration. Are you kidding? Homemade peanut butter icing? Just attach 10 pounds directly to my butt, thanks. OMG it was divine stuff.

There was also a lot of dog action too. We had a chocolate, black and blonde lab. Hours of entertainment aside from football. And yes, LOTS of football. GA Bulldogs won so the Gardners were quite happy. UNC (University of Non-Compliance) almost won, and we were proud of the tough fight they put up. Ugghhh.... hey, you, football player Tar Heel guy. Don't cheat in college.

Poor Zoe was struggling from a case of bronchitis, but still managed to do what I love to do best -- SHOP! Seriously, I love to shop with that girl. It is pure consumerism joy. And I only spent $16! She found herself a lovely dish for her dining room table at Pier 1 --- its gorgeous! What great taste you have!

The plethra of Gardner kids are always a joy. Except two of them aren't so "kid" like anymore. Josh is about 6 ft tall and a man-boy or boy-man but definitely no kid anymore. Mac is a close second as she is taller than me!

There were also long overdue haircuts for Zoe and Luke. My work is never done. And the weekend ended with Mac finding the infamous "hands" sculpture in her bed. (Which lucky Wine-price girl will get them next?).

The joy of friendship is wonderful. The joy of having your hubbies be close buddies is also amazing. Thank you Gardners for being our friends!

Demolition Dulins

We have literally and virtually been continuing to progress with our home improvement projects. Namely, we are ripping up floors due to wear and tear and damage thanks to the Bitty (yes, she's still alive) and some BamBam causes as well. The carpet is/was all low end contractor grade that I did not get to spec out before I bought the house, so is it beyond the vacuuming and rug cleaner solutions.

We are getting laminate in the basement (and the animals can do whatever they want, it will wipe up and not scratch). Our living room will get hardwoods that match the hall and dining room. The hardwoods will continue up the stairs and in the hallways. Both bedrooms will get new carpet and a color a little more "pet" friendly than the existing cream color that now bears lots of stains.

I am looking forward to reducing my vacuuming by a lot. Okay, so Danny does the vacuuming, but it will be nice to just sweep up animal and Jacqueline hair.

In addition, I will be doing some "virtual" improvement on this blog as well. It is way overdue for a new look and I'm liking the "interim" site, we'll see what I come up with.