Saturday Weigh-In ~ 12/30/17 ~ LINKUP

 

My week started off great with exercise 2 days in a row.  After that it went downhill.  At least officially.  Technically, I have worked my butt off this week.  We have been going through boxes and moving furniture and going up and down steps like crazy.

I've been more conscience of my eating, at least after Christmas Day.  I've been trying to get back into my tracking groove and have been doing pretty well logging onto Weight Watchers Online and tracking my food intake as well as my exercise.

This past week has been all about starting to put healthy living practices into place so that I can kick off the new year strong and in full force.

I'm just getting warmed up :)


My week's stats:

 
Weigh-in: +3.5   Total:  -19 lbs.  (I'll update sometime Saturday morning)

Exercise:  Saturday:  2 miles ~ 27 minutes
                  Sunday:    3 miles ~ 40 minutes


              TOTAL:   5 miles ~ 67  minutes = 13/35 FitPoints

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Whether you've got 100 (or more) pounds to lose or just 5.  Whether you've been weighing in for years or just starting.  Whether you do Weight Watchers or some other diet or exercise program.  Whether you are 65 or 25.  I'd love, love, love to have your support and friendship in this constant struggle which is weight loss/healthy living.

 

So please leave a comment with a link to your fitness/healthy living/weigh-in post and let us be each other's accountability.
 

Linking to:  Dare to Share, Saturday Sparks, Bouquet of Talent, Saturday Shuffle, Saturday Sharefest,  Sundays at Home, Sunday's Best, Dishing It and Digging It. Simple Sunday

Friendly Fill-Ins ~ 12/29/17

1. On New Year's Eve, I  spend a quiet evening with family.  We usually get shrimp and have hot apple cider.  Sometimes I don't even make it all the way to the countdown.  I set my alarm clock for 5 minutes until midnight and wake up to watch the New Year come in and then go back to sleep!  lol

2. One goal I have for 2018 is  a very cliché "get healthier".  I really mean it though.  I just hope my goal lasts past February!

3. In 2017, I accomplished  survival!  It has been a crazy year with building, starting a job, getting the kids where they need to go and keeping everything going in some semblance of order .

4. I   read 36 books   in 2017.  My goal was 52 (one per week) but I didn't quite make it and that is OK.  I'm good with 36 :)

Merry Christmas 2017!!!!

Saturday Weigh-In ~ 12/23/17 ~ LINKUP

 

I've been missing from my Saturday Weigh-in posts for quite a while now.

I started having some issues with my depression/anxiety and felt like I had to lighten up on myself for a while.  I'm feeling much better now and really want to get back into a routine of working toward getting healthier physically also.

Once again, I feel as if I'm starting over.  I've gained a few pounds over the past months so I just want to start fresh.

Hopefully, I'll be able to get into an exercise routine that fits my new work schedule.  I'm now working Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8am-2:30 which leaves me just enough time after work to pick up the kids.  My plan will be to get my exercise in on my days off.  I'll probably be using my exercise DVDs, especially, Leslie Sansone walking DVDs.  First, I must get my DVD player hooked back up!  Step one!

Second, I need to control my eating.  I'll be using my Weight Watchers Online program.  I don't know if I'll get fully started on this until after New Year's Day.  I really should at least start monitoring what I'm eating to get into the swing of it again.

Third, my mini-goal is STILL my 40th birthday toward the end of March.  That gives me 3 good months to get back on track.  I haven't set a goal of how many pounds to lose because that really stresses me out.  I'm just going to try to do the best that I can.

Fourth, Saturday Weigh-in posts really help me stay accountable.  I'm going to try to post the good, the bad and the ugly without getting overly worked up over the ugly.

So, what are your healthy living goals for 2018?


My week's stats:

 
Weigh-in:    Total:  -22.5 lbs.

Exercise:  Non-existent

              TOTAL:     minutes = /35 FitPoints

Notes:  I'm writing this post to help me think through my plan and get back on track.

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Whether you've got 100 (or more) pounds to lose or just 5.  Whether you've been weighing in for years or just starting.  Whether you do Weight Watchers or some other diet or exercise program.  Whether you are 65 or 25.  I'd love, love, love to have your support and friendship in this constant struggle which is weight loss/healthy living.

 

So please leave a comment with a link to your fitness/healthy living/weigh-in post and let us be each other's accountability.
 

Linking to:  Dare to Share, Saturday Sparks, Bouquet of Talent, Saturday Shuffle, Saturday Sharefest,  Sundays at Home, Sunday's Best, Dishing It and Digging It, Simple Sundays

Friendly Fill-Ins ~ 12/22/17

 1. I can't wait to see  my girls  open my gift to him/her.  It is probably going to be the last year for the "big guy in the red suit" as my youngest is almost 11 years old.  I'm trying my best to enjoy myself, even though things are so very busy right now.

2. I have had the same  calendar for   1 year :)  I have my new one all ready for 2018.  I'm kind of a calendar geek!  Actually, I love all things stationary.

3. I would not mind if Santa were to bring me  a vacation, maybe a beach getaway!  Anywhere would be great.

4. On Christmas Eve, I always    sit in front of the Christmas Tree in the quiet with a cup of tea or hot chocolate and just reflect on the holiday in peace .

Book Review ~ Falling Like Snowflakes by Denise Hunter ~ 12/21/17

 

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Blurb:

 

Eden Martelli is too busy fleeing the clutches of danger to realize she’s running straight into the arms of a new love.

Speeding north through rural Maine, Eden Martelli wonders how her life came to this—on the run with her mute five-year-old son dozing fitfully in the passenger seat. When a breakdown leaves them stranded in Summer Harbor, Eden has no choice but to stay put through Christmas . . . even though they have no place to lay their heads.

Beau Callahan is a habitual problem solver—for other people anyway. He left the sheriff’s department to take over his family’s Christmas tree farm, but he’s still haunted by the loss of his parents and struggling to handle his first Christmas alone.

When Eden shows up looking for work just as Beau’s feisty aunt gets out of the hospital, Beau thinks he’s finally caught a break. Eden is competent and dedicated—if a little guarded—and a knockout to boot. But, as he soon finds out, she also comes with a boatload of secrets.

Eden has been through too much to trust her heart to another man, but Beau is impossible to resist, and the feeling seems to be mutual. As Christmas Eve approaches, Eden’s past catches up to her.

Beau will go to the ends of the earth to keep her safe. But who’s going to protect his heart from a woman who can’t seem to trust again  

My Thoughts:

 

I'm reading this series a bit backward!

 

I started with Book 3 of the series and then got my hands on Books 1 & 2.

 

I wanted a nice, wintery read and this did not disappoint.  It was full of holiday traditions and festivities all the way from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day.

 

Beau was an amazing hero and Eden (or should I say Kate) was a great damsel in distress.  Even though she was a damsel in distress, she was determined to live her own life and be free of the evil that was chasing her and her son Micah (Jack).

 

I wish I had read this series in the proper order.  I would have enjoyed the 3rd book of the series even more if I had.

 

Book 2 is on my shelf and I'm looking forward to delving in sometime soon!  I can't wait to read Zac's story :)

 

CLICK HERE FOR A TEASER!

For the Biblical "Way of Salvation" please see my header or click HERE.

 

Linking up to:  Share Your Cup;  Grandma Ideas, Literacy Musings and Saturday Situation, Booknificent. Party at My Place , Saturday Review of Book , Book Nook, Hearts for Home, The Monday Review, Homemaking Party,  Favorite Things

Hodgepodge ~ 12/20/17

  

 

Joyce's Hodgepodgey Questions:

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1. Where have you found unexpected magic or delight this holiday season?

My coworkers are amazing!  I received so many gifts and thoughtful cards this Christmas!  I was really overcome with how sweet they are.

 2. What's your favorite type of holiday gathering? Will you/have you gathered in your favorite way this month?

My favorite type of holiday gathering involves food and family.  Yes, I have already gathered in this fashion and will again on Saturday and then again on Christmas day.

 3. Time has named 'The Silence Breakers' (women who came forward with stories of harassment)  'person of the year' for 2017. Would you agree? If not, who do you think deserves the title?

To a point I agree.  Wow, this is a hard question! I think I'll keep my opinion to myself on this one.

 4. How did you spend your time this year? Are you happy about that? Elaborate

I've spent this year working and "helping" to build an addition.  I'm happy to be almost done for the year.  Yesterday was my last day at work for the year and we are SO close to being finished with the addition!  It will feel good to just relax for a while.

 5. Bid farewell to 2017 in ten words or less.

You weren't the worst, but not the best.  Goodbye! 

 6. Insert your own random thought here.

Two weeks of vacation!  I love you!  lol



I'd love to return the visit!  Please leave a comment and a link!

Teaser Tuesday ~ The Negotiator ~ 12/19/17

My teaser for this week is from:

 Kate O'Malley had been in the dungeon since dawn.

The members of the emergency response group comprising the SWAT and hostage-rescue teams had been relegated to the basement of the county building during the last department reorganization.  The metal desks were crammed together, the concrete walls needed repainting; the old case files made the room smell musty; and the hot and cold water pipes coming from the boiler room rumbled overhead.

The team was proud of its little hovel even if the plants did die within days.  The location allowed for relaxed rules.  The only evidence of bureaucracy was a time clock by the steel door so those not on salary could get paid for all their overtime.

Also linking up to:

 


Happy Tuesday!

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 12/18/17

 

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday.

 

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The weather outside is::::

We had some snow this past week that actually hung around for a few days.  Then it warmed up and the snow slowly melted all except for a tiny bit.

We were supposed to go Christmas Caroling after Church last night but it ended up raining and icy so we stayed in and had soup, rolls and cookies.
 



On my breakfast plate:

Special K Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar

  

As I look around the house::::

 

We have been spackling our finger off around here!  I actually have a spot rubbed raw on my finger from the way I was holding the "spackler".  But, now, the spackling is done and we get to paint!  So exciting!!!

On another front, the space we are living in right now is getting even more cramped with presents and snow gear.  I will be so glad when we get to spread out a bit more!


On today's to do list::::

Devotions
Work 8am-2:30PM
Pick up the girls from school
Make Supper
 

Happening this week::::

 

Monday.... See above.
Tuesday...  Work 8am-2:30pm, menu and grocery list
Wednesday... Christmas Vacation Begins!!!!, Laken's Christmas Program, Prayer Meeting.
Thursday... Off, laundry, bake cookies, Kaylee's Christmas Program
Friday...  Off, Bake Cookies, Wrap presents
Saturday...  Family Christmas Get-together
Sunday...  Church Christmas Program

Currently reading::::



Have you ever read anything by Dee Henderson?  This will be my first and I'm super excited to read it because I have the whole "O'Malley" Series on my shelf.  All 6 of them!  As mentioned above, I'll be on Christmas break for 2 whole weeks and intend to spend my relaxation time reading the O'Malley stories.  I really hope I like them!  I'll let you know :)
 

On the TV::::

Holiday Baking Championship


Listening to:

 

On the menu this week::::

Monday - Ham Pot Pie, Green Beans, Apples
Tuesday - Chili, Rice, Oranges
Wednesday - Ham, Cheesy Potatoes, Peas, Peaches
Thursday - Salisbury Steak, Mac-n-Cheese, Broccli, Pears
Friday -  Pizza
Saturday - Family Christmas Luncheon
Sunday - Dinner at Church

What I am creating at the moment::::

I've been working on Laken Giant Ombre Granny Square when I have a few minutes.  I actually took a few pictures this week but didn't have a chance to load them on my computer.  If I get a chance sometime this week, I'll update the post.

Edited to add pictures:

Picture From the Camera

Kona and Laken enjoying some popcorn while watching TV.

Bible Verse/Devotional

 

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Linking up to :What Are You Reading,  Merry Monday, Modest Mom Monday,  Art of Homemaking, Soul Survival,   Good Morning Monday, Menu Plan Monday ,  Mommy Monday, Busy Monday, The Scoop,  Homemaking Linkup, Music Monday, Craft On, Creative Gallery, Pieces By Polly

 

Friendly Fill-Ins ~ 12/15/17

I thought I'd try something different this Friday and join in with McGuffy's Reader and 15 and Meowing's Friendly Fill-ins.  You can go check it out by clicking on the picture above!

1. Snow  is on the ground!  Finally, I am getting in the Christmas Spirit.  I needed just a bit of snow :).

2. I  only have 2 more days to work and then I have 2 weeks off!  I am so excited!  It is going to be a busy two weeks though with final Christmas preparations and going through and moving boxes.  Our addition is so close to being finished.

3. One holiday memory that I cherish is  Christmas Eve's spent at my Grandparent's house.  All the excitement of the night and morning to come was almost too much!  I loved that all my aunts and uncles and cousins were there and we were together.  Since they've passed away, we seem to have scattered a bit and it makes me very nostalgic for those times as a kid.

4. I always thought that Santa  was passing over our town.  On Christmas Eve at my Grandparent's, we would watch out the window all evening to see if we could see him flying over.  We also watched the News because the local channel would have "Santa Sightings".  Now we go on the computer and watch exactly where he is at any time of the day.  My how things have changed.  And I'm not that old!

 

This was fun!  I might have to start joining in weekly :)

 

Book Review ~ Rival Hearts by Tara Randel ~ 12/14/17

 

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Blurb:

 

They both want the promotion. But will they find out that it is worth the cost?

Molly Henderson and Ben Weaver have been rival magazine writers for the same publishing group for years. When both come up for the same promotion, they find themselves in an unexpected competition to win the spot. Molly, editor of Quilter’s Heart, and Ben, editor of Outdoor Adventures, must switch roles, each working for the other for one month, then submit an article at the end of their quests.

Can girly-girl Molly survive the outdoor adventures that Ben has planned? Can Ben navigate the perils of the social dynamics of quilting events without destroying a valuable quilt in one short month? More importantly, in this he-said, she-said situation, will Molly and Ben give in to their attraction and fall in love, no matter who wins?

My Thoughts:

 

 I've been in another serious reading slump.  I hadn't read a book in probably 2 months or more even though I had a few book reviews scheduled out.

 

I finished a large crocheting project and decided I'd really like to spend some time reading but I needed a book that would draw me in.  In the past, the Quilts of Love Series has been met this criteria for me.

 

It took me a week to get it read (lots of Christmas preparations and life) but I'm so excited that I actually read a book!  It is a step in the right reading direction :)

 

I really enjoyed the premise of this book.  Two magazine editors vying for the same promotion and their boss throwing in a challenge or, you might say, competition.

 

It was so much fun reading about an indoorsy quilter learning to kayak and an outdoorsy manly man learning to quilt.

 

This was a fun, great read!

 

CLICK HERE FOR A TEASER!

For the Biblical "Way of Salvation" please see my header or click HERE.

 

Linking up to:  Share Your Cup;  Grandma Ideas, Literacy Musings and Saturday Situation, Booknificent. Party at My Place , Saturday Review of Book , Book Nook, Hearts for Home, The Monday Review, Homemaking Party,  Favorite Things

Hodgepodge ~ 12/13/17

  

 

Joyce's Hodgepodgey Questions:

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 1. 'Hurry less, worry less'...what's your strategy for making that happen this holiday season? How's it going so far?

I have a calendar that I fill out for the next week with my plans.  The idea is to have it on paper so that I stress less.  The beginning of the month I was a bit harried, but as the month goes on, I'm getting a little more laid back in the "mood" for Christmas.  It probably helps that I have 3 more days to work and then I have 2 WEEKS OFF!!!!  whoohooo!!!!

2. Do you have a list of to-dos that need accomplishing in order to prepare your home and/or property for the winter season? What are some of the jobs on your list? Are you a do-it-yourselfer or do you hire someone to accomplish these tasks?

The chimney's have been cleaned and the coal is stocked.  The outside decoration have been put away for quite some time and new tires have been put on both vehicles.  We're as ready as it gets.  Oh, and we're mostly do-it-yourselfers.

3. According to dietitians surveyed, the most popular health foods for 2018 will be -turmeric, sprouted foods (bean sprouts, breads with sprouted grains, etc), veggies in place of grains, dairy free milk, and pulses (lentils, chickpeas, etc).  What's the first thought that ran through your head when you read this list? Of the foods listed which one might you add to your regular diet? Also, can milk really be dairy free? Is it still milk?

YUCK!!!!  None and NO!  lol

4. The Pantone Color of the Year for 2018 is Ultra Violet. According to the Pantone site 'Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking pointing us to the future.' What say you? Do you like the color purple? Did you see the movie or read the book-ha!?  Is purple a color you wear often? Describe for us one purple item in your home without using the word purple.  If you were in charge of such things what color would you select for 2018?

I like violet more than "purple"  I saw the movie "The Color Purple" a long time ago.  I'm more of a burgundy or magenta kina girl.  My color would always be turquoise/aqua, my favorite :)

5. Favorite book read this year?

Probably Dancing with Fireflies by Denise Hunter


6.  Insert your own random thought here.

 

 Did I mention I only have 3 more days to work and then have 2 WEEKS OFF?????!!!!!!

I'd love to return the visit!  Please leave a comment and a link!

Teaser Tuesday ~ Falling Like Snowflakes ~ 12/12/17

My teaser for this week is from:

It was amazing the depth of courage a mother could find with the life of her child was on the line.   Eden Martelli frowned at the map on the console beside her.  She was somewhere northeast of Bar Harbor, following the coastline on Route 1.  She'd made a wrong turn somewhere--it was starting to become a way of life.

She focused on the highway that stretched ahead, the weight of fatigue pushing on her shoulders.  How many hours since her last catnap?  It would be heaven to stretch out on a hotel bed for a few hours. 

Also linking up to:

 


Happy Tuesday!

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 12/11/17

 

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday.

 

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The weather outside is::::

Baby, it's cold outside!  So very cold!

We had some snow but nothing that lasted.
 



On my breakfast plate:

Hot Chocolate and Toast

  

As I look around the house::::

 

The drywall in the addition is done!  Now we need to spackle and paint.  We've been discussing flooring options but haven't decided on which type to go with yet.  I'd say we are NOT going to get it done by Christmas.  There is just too much work to do and too many obligations this time of year.  Good obligations, but they take time that we could be working on the addition.  I want to enjoy the Christmas season but it is a bit disappointing to be behind schedule...


On today's to do list::::

Devotions
Work 8am-2:30PM
Pick up the girls from school
Make Supper
 

Happening this week::::

 

Monday.... See above.
Tuesday...  Off, groceries, laundry, Kona to Vet, Ladies Group Christmas Dinner
Wednesday... Work 8am-2:30pm, schedule for next week, Prayer Meeting.
Thursday... Off, laundry, Andrew's Christmas Program
Friday...  Work 8am-2:30pm,
Saturday...  Housework/Addition
Sunday...  Church, Youth Group-Play Practice, Choir Practice

Currently reading::::



When perusing my bookshelf to pick out my next read, I wanted something set in the wintertime to get me in the "spirit".  Luckily, I love Denise Hunter and had this book on my shelf waiting for me to read.  I have high hopes for this book.
 

On the TV::::

Holiday Baking Championship
Hallmark Christmas Movies

Listening to:

 

On the menu this week::::

Monday - Chicken, alfredo noodles, peas, apples
Tuesday - kielbasa, fried potatoes, corn, grapes
Wednesday - Soup, Grilled Cheese
Thursday - Pork Roast, mashed potatoes, broccoli, oranges
Friday -  Pizza
Saturday - bacon, pancakes, eggs
Sunday - Dinner at Church

What I am creating at the moment::::

I've been working at a leisurely pace on Laken's Afghan using the Redheart Ombre yarn I wrote about last week.  I'm loving how the colors are changing and the giant granny square is turning out.  I've just gotten started, so it doesn't take too terribly long to finish a round but as it grows it is taking longer and longer.  I'm enjoying this project.

Bible Verse/Devotional

 

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Linking up to :What Are You Reading,  Merry Monday, Modest Mom Monday,  Art of Homemaking, Soul Survival,   Good Morning Monday, Menu Plan Monday ,  Mommy Monday, Busy Monday, The Scoop,  Homemaking Linkup, Music Monday

 

Tea Time ~ Christmas Cards and Decorations ~ 12/8/17

 

Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things that made me smile this week :)

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~The girls and I wrote out our Christmas Cards this week!  We started out with Laken picking out which card to give and I was writing the signature and address.  Pretty soon, Kaylee came out of her room (Shocker!) and wanted to help.  I ended up supervising and refereeing while Kaylee and Laken finished the cards.  I kinda wanted to do it myself, but I decided if they wanted to help, I wasn't going to hinder them :)

~The building inspector came on Monday to inspect the wiring.  While here, he also OK'd the drywall!  Now we only need the final inspection after all the little things are tweaked and finished before moving our things into the addition.  So excited :)

~Laken has a part in the Christmas Play at school.  She is Dolly Holiday and elf who is supposed to portray Dolly Parton's character.  She is all beside herself because she has to tell a boy elf "I will always love you"!  Too funny :)

~A package we ordered on Black Friday finally came!  We thought it had gotten lost because the tracking said it had been left by the front door but there was NO package to be found anywhere at ANY of the doors.  Last evening the UPS driver came to the door with not 1 BUT 2 packages!  Yay :)

~My Aunt Sherry always bakes goodies for our Wednesday Evening Bible Study at Church!  This week she made those little yummies with a pretzel, a Hershey Kiss and an M&M.  You know what I mean don't you?  Laken asked Aunt Sherry for the "recipe" and I laughed and laughed :)

How was your week?
 

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!
 

Linking up with Friendship Friday, Five on Friday, Show Off Friday, Awesome Life,  Friday Favorites , High Five for Friday , Tricky's Five , Friday's Fave Five. Fresh Friday Finds, , Sweet Inspirations, Funtastic Friday .

Hodgepodge ~ 12/6/17

  

 

Joyce's Hodgepodgey Questions:

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 1. What title would you give this current chapter of your life?

"Hurry Up and Wait"

 2. December 6 is National Microwave Oven Day. Who knew? Besides popcorn and coffee reheats, what's the most common thing you microwave? Could you get along without a microwave?

The most common thing microwaved in our house isn't done by me.  The girls are constantly microwaving their little snack sized frozen dinners.  They are quick and easy snacks for after school.

 

I remember when we got our very first microwave.  Who knew we would become so dependent?  It would be difficult to get along without one now.

 3. If you could insert yourself into any Christmas carol and experience the lyrics in real life, which Christmas carol lyric would you choose and why?

THIS rendition of Jingle Bells.  It makes it sound so romantic....sigh....

 

 

 4. Describe the most beautiful drive you've ever taken.

I'm going to say it was my first date with the Hubby.  I was so nervous (he was too)!  But I knew forever was in the making and was so, so, excited!

5. What's something on your Christmas list this year? (an actual list or figuratively speaking, either one)

I really don't want anything other than to have the addition on the house finished.  We are so close!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

 

My youngest has a room full of clothes.  NO kidding!  And yet, she NEVER has anything to wear.  Anyone else have the same problem?  She's my little fashionista.


I'd love to return the visit!  Please leave a comment and a link!

Teaser Tuesday ~ Rival Hearts ~ 12/5/17

My teaser for this week is from:

 

Molly Henderson forced herself to remain still, even though every fiber in her being wanted to scoot to the end of the chair and rattle off at least twenty questions that came to mind.  "A challenge?"

Her boss, imposing as he sat in his leather chair behind an enormous mahogany desk, steepled fingers under his chin.  Self-satisfaction curved his lips.  "Let's call it a little in-house competition between you and Ben.  The winner will be editor-in-chief of my new magazine, American Legend."

 

Also linking up to:

 


Happy Tuesday!