162 - Hakuna Matata!!!  Finally, some success in the weight loss department.  I must admit, I couldn't accept the 162 without my chemist geekery coming out. I had to analyze whether or not I'd weigh the same on the third floor.  Answer:  No.  I weighed 164 up there, so it's settled.  I will continue to weigh in on the second floor, as I had previous to the master sanctuary completion.  Amen.

I work in a department of about 70 people, with only 8 people that work in my specific area.  I got this message from a co-worker that I don't know well, but has endeared herself to me:

Bobbie Lovelace [11:10] : hi Nicole. I hope you don't find this rude but you look GREAT. When I was told that you were having surg, I thought... she doesn't need it, but you do look good. I can't help but say something to you because you keep getting smaller!
Nicole Turk [11:22] : You are so sweet. Thank you for saying something. I'm not offended at all!!! You made my day. Thanks!

Taylor got an amazing notification on Tuesday:  Congratulations!  Your entry in the 2013 Scholastic Art Awards - Wisconsin has been awarded a top State Award; a Gold Key.  Silver and Gold Key winning artworks will be on display at the Milwaukee Art Museum from Feb. 2 through March 17, 2013.  Gold Key recipients will have their projects sent to National Competition.  If National judging artwork receives a National Gold Medal Award, you may be requested to ship actual artwork to NYC for exhibition at Carnegie Hall.  We are SO excited for her!!!  The collection of jewelry that she designed and created is amazing!!!  She has requested that I not post pics.  Sorry!

Saturday was the first baseball practice of the season for Reilly.  As if that was not exhausting enough, we went directly from baseball to basketball.  Our male athlete is off to a rough start in the basketball department.  First game was a nasty loss of 27-4.  Reilly did score one of the baskets, and had an excellent game.  Lots of shots that just wouldn't go in, and awesome defense.  And, of course, what's a game without an injury?  There were 8 seconds left in the game and he went down; leg splayed in a direction that didn't look natural at all.  Reilly's baseball coach was at the game because his son was on the other team.  When Reilly was laying on the gym floor Coach Hay was holding his head, probably thinking he just lost his best pitcher.  Thankfully, Reilly took a minute, got himself together, and finished the game. That's our boy!

Soccer hasn't started yet, so Brooke doesn't have much going on other than school.  We're still looking for a guinea pig sitter for July 13 - 20 while we're in Florida.  :)

Here's my inspiration for the week: