Back from Limbo.

Sorry about that, folks. I wish I could say that my absence was due to me having some amazing adventure, but the truth is that I just haven't been able to think of a thing to write about. There's really not much new in the world of Nicole. I'm neither gaining nor losing (and not really trying to lose at the moment, honestly). And I'm having a bad case of "Been there, wrote about it already" as far as this journey goes.

And I'm probably going to have to take an extended break from the entire Internet in the latter half of July. The last week of Sopranosmania has convinced me that I can be on the Web next month or I can avoid spoilers for the last Harry Potter book, but I cannot possibly do both. (Mostly because I lack the self-discipline to not go snooping around to see what people have heard. I think it's a sickness.)

I *did* get a new bathing suit; it's a sporty Nike number that's more geared to lap swimming than my previous suit was. It took a few pool visits for me to make friends with the new suit, which reveals far more of my back than my old suit did. It does not, however, reveal so much of my backside; that's a tradeoff I can live with. I'm amazed by how many of you had the same "transparent butt" problem. I wonder why swimsuit manufacturers haven't been able to fix that one -- probably because they want us to have to buy new suits regularly.

And do NOT even get me started on the price discrepancy between women's swimsuits and men's swimsuits. My husband picked up some new trunks at the same time I got my suit; he spent about a fourth of what I did, and I tried to pick out a relatively inexpensive one. Grrr. I was going to complain that women should just be allowed to swim topless, but it occurs to me that this could make going off the diving board a very painful experience.

Oh, and a recommendation: I've already raved about the Jell-O sugar free puddings, and now they've come out with Mochaccino, a chocolate/coffee blend. SO good. I've also decided that one of my favorite things about summer is the blueberries; I love getting the big fat fresh ones from the store and mixing them in with my morning granola and Fage yogurt. Mmm. They're also nice to mix in with the sugar-free vanilla pudding for a dessert that tastes far more decadent than it is.

So that's about it. I'll try not to take so damn long for the next update. Hope you're doing well.

Comments

[Debbi]

So good to hear from you again. My tiny Kroger carries sugar-free pudding in vanilla, banana and chocolate. And maybe chocolate fudge. I'm ready to take a road trip just to buy pudding!

[Lady Rose]

I have a ton of information and pictures up from the HUGE Harry Potter party we had two weeks ago for my daughter's 11th birthday - it was a year in the planning, we rented a hall and it was totally awesome. (Pages on the left column of blog for everything) Just thought you might like seeing the pictures since you a Harry Potter fan too. I am excited about the last book - sad in a way too - cause it's ending. But at least the movies will come out next. :) Lady Rose

[past.girl]

Hi. I just found your blog a few weeks ago. Your story/journey is seriously inspirational! Thanks!

[Laura]

Well, I just started reading you a month ago, so feel free to recycle old ideas and write about the been there/done that if you feel so moved. It will be new to me and looks like a few others too. Enjoy your summer-- I am right there with you on Harry Potter. Cannot wait to read it.

[Nina]

Hi Nicole -

I hear you about the whole been there/done that aspect of blogging. It helps to know you're struggling as well - perhaps we'll get out of this mini-rut together.

I can't wait for Harry Potter either! Although it's so sad that it's the last one...We'll have to take extra long to read it, just to make sure it lasts.