Random Pieces of Me

2011-09-13T15:37:00.000-07:00

I bought these REALLY, cool bowls at Amazon. They come from Zak!Designs. They are made out of recycled materials yet no harmful plastics are in them. VERY COOL!!!

They are described as mixing bowls, but they aren't really the right size. AND, one review said they cracked when she used them with her hand mixer. My purpose is to use them as cool serving bowls. Chips, dips, salsa or guacamole.

Aren't they fun?????

9/11 - 10 years later

2011-09-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

Saute'd Chicken Thighs with Leeks

2011-08-30T19:24:00.000-07:00

Hmmm, what's for dinner?

This recipe kind of came by accident. (Now, I am sure I am not the FIRST person to ever make this. But its my blog...and I wanted to share!) I had some chicken thighs to eat up. Didn't feel like baking or grilling so thought to saute them. I also had a leek to use. When it came time to add some liquid, I discovered I was out of white wine (GASP) and chicken broth. But in the back of the fridge was a non alcoholic beer that someone left here. So I used that in the recipe.

And it worked!

Plus a small glass for me was a nice treat. I prefer the real thing...but it wasn't THAT bad!

Saute'd Chicken Thighs with Leeks

2 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 leek, white parts only, sliced into thin rings
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Santa Fe Seasoning (I used one from Pampered Chef)
salt/pepper
1 cup white wine, chicken broth or beer

Heat your skillet over medium heat, add oil then add leeks and saute.
Meanwhile, season both sides of chicken thighs with Sante Fe Seasoning, salt & pepper.
When leeks are almost soft and translucent, add chicken. Cook for about 15 mins (turning half way thru).

Remove chicken to a plate. Turn heat up to high. Add the liquid (beer, wine, chicken broth or whatever you have on hand). Scrape all the bits off bottom of pan. Keep stirring till bubbly then reduce heat to simmer. Add chicken back to pan. Turn a few times to get sauce on both sides of chicken.

Cover with a lid, turn off heat and let sauces coat chicken (about 3 - 5 mins).

ENJOY!!!

They would be delish with smashed potatoes! I served them, tonight, with some zucchini stix. You can find that recipe here:
Zucchini Stix

Those were REALLY good.

Nana's Roses

2011-08-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

Thirteen years ago, my Nana passed away. It was a really hard time and hit David, me and the kids really hard. I had some wonderful friends give me a gift certificate to a local nursery and advised us to buy something special in her memory. I spent months researching exactly what kind of plant I wanted in her memory. Even though I do NOT have much success with any sort of plant that requires any sort of tending to; I decided on a rose bush. Then I spent more time deciding what color/kind. Finally found one that fit perfect. 'Touch of Class'. It was an orangy/pink color and fit my Nana to a tee.

We designed a Peace Garden, where we planted the rose along with some other plants. The garden was behind a big outdoor fireplace/grill so was semi private and secluded. It had a stone bench. I added a bird bath and other features. For a few years it thrived and was a really peaceful place to go and reflect. Then I got involved in other things and it grew into an ugly mess. Although David would always weed around the rose bush.

Three years ago we moved. We rented out our old home and left the rose there. David would go by occasionally and make sure it was still there! When the renters moved out, David decided to dig the rose bush up and bring it to our new home.

For the last three years, David thought it was dead. But he kept tending to it. Several times he thought it was gonna bloom and the deer would munch on it. But he never gave up on it!!!

Yesterday as I drove down the driveway I saw a hint of orange in his normally green garden. I thought maybe a weed? Well tonight he came running in house with a big ole smile on his face and said "Nana's roses finally bloomed!" And this is what he brought me:

Creamy Penne Pasta with Andouille Sausage

2011-08-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

I received some yummy and organic pork andouille sausage this week. They are local and made with no hormones or antibiotics. I wanted to do something different than the obvious; grilling them and throwing in a bun. So I did a search online and found one that looked promising.

The original recipe called for turkey andouille sausage. Well, obviously, I substituted with my pork andouille. And it called for baby spinach....I had regular spinach on hand.

(Excuse the messy plate. I was so excited to eat I didn't have time for fancy staging. LOL)

OMG....it was DELICIOUS!!! I totally could see ordering this in a restaurant. It had just the right amount of spiciness and so creamy. David had three servings, he loved it so much.

You MUST try this!!!

You can find the original recipe here Creamy Penne Pasta with Turkey Andouille Sausage

SKINNY GIRLS MARGARITA NIGHT

2011-03-11T15:38:00.000-08:00

Yes...it is GIRLS NIGHT. And Yes...I did pick up some Skinny Girl Margaritas.

Never tried them before. They JUST arrived in WA. So me and a few girlfriends are gonna test drive them. Crossing fingers that they are YUMMY. I'm sure they aren't as good as my delicious margaritas....BUT I think they are more figure friendly. And THAT is always a good option!!!

I'm ready to go!

SNOW!

2011-02-26T16:38:00.000-08:00

Been snowing ALL DAY LONG. Wasn't expecting this. (of course I haven't really been paying attention!). I had big plans tonight. Getting together with the gals I graduated with. Well due to weather, it was postponed. Boo Hoo. I was really looking forward to tonight. I had margarita fixings all ready, I had my outfit set out. I guess I REALLY have cabin fever and needed to get out of house!!!

So instead I am going next door to hang out with my sister in law, while the guys are off at a poker tournament. I think we are doing dinner and a movie. Eat, Pray, Love. At least I am not stuck in the house again and have something exciting to do:-)

When they said this was a La Nina year..somehow I expected it during December......not into almost SPRING. Oh well.....its purty to look at:....and FUN to play in.

Update

2011-02-21T17:14:00.000-08:00

Today is 2 weeks since I had my hysterectomy. Everything went well. I checked in Monday at 6am and was released Tuesday about 1pm. Was on pain meds for 4 days before felt good enough to go without. I felt GREAT that first week. So good that I overestimated my recovery and did a bit too much!! My doctor made me realize that no pain did not necessarily mean I was back to 100%. So last week I went back to taking it easy and think I am on the right track for healing.

Today, I drove my son to his chiropractor. He was going to be in there a while so I decided to hang out in Target. I just browsed and walked up and down the aisles at my own pace. It felt good to walk. While it wasn't anything that worked up a sweat...it still felt good.

I can't believe I am saying this...but I miss exercising!! I can't wait for my 6 week checkup, to be cleared to get back to working out. For now; I am starting short walks...at a slow pace.

It is hard to be stuck at home and seeing everything that needs to be cleaned yet not being able to really do much about it. I can basic stuff but no vacuuming or scrubbing. David has been awesome with keeping up laundry and dishes but I still see stuff that I want to do. I think I need a maid........

So for now, taking it easy and trying not to go stir crazy!!!

A bit apprehensive....

2011-02-06T18:02:00.000-08:00

(So trying hard to keep this post out of the TMI category......)

Tomorrow, I am off to the hospital to have surgery. I'm going in for a hysterectomy. Not for any cancerous reasons! I am horribly anemic and have been for years. After spending the last year, ruling out everything else; we (my doctor and myself) have decided this is my best option. And believe me...I am ready!

So while excited about the future and improvement to my life; I am nervous. I mean..its SURGERY. Anesthesia and everything. AND with my anemia; there is a possibility of a blood transfusion.

Sooo, while I am 99% feeling positive about the situation, I am 1% scared!

I'd appreciate any extra thoughts, directed at me, in the morning:-)

Wordless Wednesday ~ Feb 2nd 2011

2011-02-02T10:21:00.000-08:00

Raise Your Glass

2011-01-31T13:32:00.000-08:00

I LOVE PINK!!!

Raise Your Glass

Right right, turn off the lights

We gonna lose our minds tonight
What's the dealio?

I love when it's all too much
5 AM turn the radio up
Where's the rock and roll?

Party crasher, panty snatcha'
Call me up if you are gangsta'
Don't be fancy
Just get dancey
Why so serious?
So raise your glass if you are wrong
In all the right ways
All my underdogs, we will never be, never be
Anything but loud
And nitty gritty dirty little freaks
Won't you come on, and come on, and
Raise your glass
Just come on and come and
Raise Your Glass!

Slam slam oh hot damn
What part of party don't you understand?
Wish you'd just freak out (freak out already)
Can't stop coming in hot
I should be locked up right on the spot
It's so on right now (so fuckin' on right now)

Party crasher, panty snatcha'
Call me up if you a gangsta'
Don't be fancy
Just get dancey
Why so serious?

So raise your glass if you are wrong
In all the right ways
All my underdogs, we will never be, never be
Anything but loud
And nitty gritty dirty little freaks
Won't you come on, and come on, and
Raise your glass
Just come on and come and
Raise Your Glass!
Won't you come on and come on and
Raise your glass!
Just come on and come and
Raise your glass!

Oh shit my glass is empty...
that sucks !

So if you're too school for cool (I mean...)
And you're treated like a fool (treated like a fool)
You could choose to let it go
We can always, we can always
party on our own...

So raise your (Aw fuck)
So raise your glass if you are wrong
In all the right ways
All my underdogs, we will never be, never be
Anything but loud
And nitty gritty dirty little freaks
So raise your glass if you are wrong
In all the right ways
All my underdogs, we will never be never be!
Anything but loud
And nitty gritty dirty little freaks
Won't you come on! and come on! and
Raise your glass
Just come on and come and
Raise your glass
Won't you come on! and come on! and
Raise your glass
For me
Just come on and come and
Raise your glass...for me

Friday night ramblings

2011-01-29T22:11:00.000-08:00

David and I just finished watching Repo Men with Jude Law and Forest Whitaker. The ending came out of no where. Just when I was satisfied that the movie came full circle and was neatly tied up in a bow; the ending changed and I was left going "HUH?". I love movies that make me think...but kinda wish this one had ended with a nice, fluffy ending. Although it really wasn't a nice, fluffy movie.

Jude Law? WOW! Never really gave much thought to him till tonight. He's HOT. WOW! (not as hot as my beloved Ben...but a real close second).

Forest Whitaker? Dang, he is so talented. I don't think I have seen him in anything that I haven't liked.

One thing, I think my husband loves about me is I love action movies. Matter of fact, most of our movie dates are action movies. He has no problem watching chick flicks, but we usually reserve those for watching at home. I prefer to see the action movies on the big, movie screen. But the older I get the more I love action movies without all the blood and guts. Repo Men had plenty of it...got me a bit squeamish at times. But I thought it was good. The concept of repo'ing organs when the paitent can't pay for them; kind makes me nervous though................

Did you hear they Transformers 3 is in 3D? WOOHOO......just gotta wait till July!

UPDATE: Yes, I am a dork....I realized that I posted Friday Night Ramblings....on SATURDAY night. OOPS, a day late and a dollar short.....

Birthday Boy

2011-01-22T08:29:00.000-08:00

Boooo...I hate that my kids are growing up!

Happy 19th Birthday Dylan

Drama Free Zone

2011-01-11T15:48:00.000-08:00

This is one of those things that is going around every ones Facebook status. I like it!

There comes a time in life, where you walk away from all the drama and the people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you make laugh, forget about the bad, and focus on the good. So love the ones who treat you right, and forget about the ones who dont. Life is too short to not be happy.

Just one of the things I am working on this year.

One extreme to another...

2011-01-10T11:09:00.000-08:00

I had to leave these beautiful surroundings, on Friday....

To come home to these beautiful surroundings.

Amazing what a day...and two states distances...can make!

I think I am glad I came home to snow and not gloomy rain! :-)

What a day!!!

2011-01-10T10:52:00.000-08:00

I just gotta vent about my day yesterday!

We are having a snow storm. Dylan's car has been broke down for a few months so he occasionally borrows one of ours. (We have Davids truck and Kayleighs old Neon). Well Saturday night he was in the Neon and the tires are really bad on it and should not be driven in the snow. He was going around one of the roundabouts and slid into a curb and cracked a rim. I still don't know how bad it is, since he parked it at a friends house till the snow melts. (it won't make it up our driveway). So David has the truck to go back and forth to work (gas guzzler) and I am stuck home. I can occasionally borrow my moms but still an inconvenience.

That's not even the worst thing! I had the best dinner planned for Brenna's birthday. Per her request, cchicken fettuccine alfredo, cesear salad, and garlic bread.. So I am getting ready to start dinner and David informs me we are out of propane. We use propane to heat the house, run our fireplaces AND for the cook top. I am clueless why we ran out, but maybe while we were on vacation, the fireplaces were run a little longer than normal? UGH

So I make adjustments and borrow my moms hotplates to boil noodles and cook sauce. I decide to bake chicken in oven and also use oven for the bread.

I'm getting back into my groove; using what I have available to make the dinner turn out good. I put chicken in the oven. And start to boil water for noodles. ALL of a sudden I hear a POP! Then icky smelling smoke. MY OVEN BLEW UP!!!! Can you believe it??? So David is swearing and I am trying to figure out what to do. Brenna tells me to saute the chicken. (DUH). So I pull out a cast iron pan and start sauteing 4 chicken breasts. Once that is done, then I go back to boiling noodles. THEN, I do the sauce.

In the meantime I decide no bread since I can't cook it. Well my mom brings up a toaster oven. So my counters are all crowded with extra appliances. I am running back and forth between toaster oven and little cook top to try to get dinner together. David keeps telling me to just cancel the dinner but I guess I took it as a challenge! LOL

We ended up eating over an hour late....BUT the fettuccine turned out sooooo delish!!!! In the end it worked out. Just a bit hectic.

So this morning, I call first thing to get the guy out here to fill our propane. Well of course, we are on a waiting list....and my house is getting colder and colder. (its at 59 right now). And I am worried because last time it snowed the truck got stuck in our driveway. LOL CROSS your fingers that he makes it here...and makes it up our driveway so we don't turn into popsicles!

SECOND call of the morning was to the appliance place. I needed to double check because this happened once before. I need to refresh my memory on when and how much. Well it was just a little over a year ago AND it cost $500 to fix. No warranty since this oven set wasn't bought from them, the oven is over 10 years old and the part only had a 90 day warranty. Well at this point there is no way I am paying another $500 dollars, for it to happen in another year. So looks like I will have to buy a new double oven set! UGH. Can't do that right away so will be without ovens for a few weeks.

So now I am sitting here, bundled up, cruising the Internet looking at double ovens.

How was your weekend??

UPDATE: Propane truck arrived AND made it up my driveway!! House should be heating up soon.

Sweet 16!

2011-01-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my youngest daughter, Brenna!

A New Year, a New Me....the REAL Me

2011-01-01T00:37:00.000-08:00

I am starting off the New Year with a repost of two of my favorite quotes and thoughts. Thought it was a fitting way to start the New Year.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Healing may not be so much about getting better, as about letting go of everything that ISN'T you - all of the expectations, all of the beliefs - and becoming who you are.
-- Rachel Naomi Remen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom"
--Anais Nin

Sometimes we wonder how we got to where we are. Not our surroundings, jobs or life around us.....but the person the world see's and accepts. Because honestly, I don't think that person is always the person that we feel on the inside.

I think we all make changes along our lives path that we don't consciously agree to! We get married and give up a part of our freedom....we sometimes conform to what we think is the ideal spouse. We have children and begin to behave in a way that we think is THE way that a parent behaves. We don't always share our strong opinions because they are deemed NOT politically correct. We start to dress a certain way, behave a certain way....and conform ourselves. ALL so we can be liked by the masses. So we fit in. Molded into a cookie cutter image of what we think we need to be.

But what if that is not how we feel on the inside? What if we want to be more true to how we really feel?

The RISK is: what if no one likes the person we are on the inside? What if we offend someone? What if they laugh at us? What if they talk about us? What if not EVERYONE likes us?

Is the RISK worth it?

Oh the Places I will go......and the Things I will see....2010

2010-12-31T08:08:00.000-08:00

My new "do"

2010-12-28T22:42:00.000-08:00

For a few years now, I have had the same profile picture. I liked it because it was a bit anonymous.

Then yesterday I finally decided it was time to update it to something a bit more current.

AND of course, TODAY....I totally changed my hair!!!!

So in keeping with starting the New Year with a new Me. I updated my profile pic.

Change is good....right?

Where have I been?

2010-12-27T18:36:00.000-08:00

WOW, I can't believe its been so long since I updated my blog. No excuses other than life:-)

Had a wonderful Christmas! Probably the best one in a long time. Was lowkey with just my family, my brothers family and my mom. NICE.

Some good news is I attended my WW weigh in today and lost 2 pounds over the holiday. THAT was rewarding. AND, I have lost 35 pounds for the year. AND, I am at a weight I haven't seen in a LONG time. Feeling motivated on that front.

Along with losing weight, one of my goals for the New Year is to do more things for ME. One of those things is journaling, taking pictures....and sharing it all here.

I have a busy week ahead. Going for a year end "makeover" tomorrow. Changing my hair color and style. I am BEYOND excited for that. Of course, I seen a few pics this weekend of myself that I really liked and I had a few seconds hesitation on going for a change. BUT, I need it ...and I am worth it! THEN, I am spending the rest of the week getting ready for vacation. WOOT WOOT. Friday we are heading to Santa Barbara to visit family, do some sightseeing and having some relaxing time. David and I are going with my brother and his family. Only one of my kids that is going is Kayleigh. Will be interesting to spend New Years down there.

So now, I need to do a bit of research and figure out how to update my blog from "the road". HA! Not sure if I am taking my laptop or not? So you can either expect updates....or you will have to wait till the following weekend when I return.

Happy New Year. Here's to a GREAT year ahead!!

The Light is Reborn

2010-12-21T15:43:00.000-08:00

The Light is reborn.
In the greatest darkness
Out of Winter's cold
From our deepest fears
When we most despair
When all seems lost
When the earth lies waste
When animals hide
From fallen leaves
When the river is frozen
When the ground is hard
From the midst of the wasteland
When hope is gone
Out from the hard times
Shadows are fleeing
Light is returning
Warmth will come again
Summer will be here once more
Plants will grow again
Animals will be seen once more
Life will continue
Green will come again
Death is not forever

The Sun is back

He is born again.
~~ Ceisiwr Serith

Top of the World on a Blistery Day

2010-04-08T18:10:00.000-07:00

What does my son do when he has some free time? Jumps into a friends 4x4 truck and heads up to Mt. Pilchuck to check out the snow levels.

AMAZING view!!

Full Circle Farm

2010-04-01T06:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I mentioned picking up my vegetables from Full Circle Farm. I thought I would take some time to share what they are about and why I love them so much!!

Full Circle Farm is a local farm  that provides farm fresh organic food. I started with them about a year ago and LOVE them. They offer a program of buying a subscription to their FARM TO YOU program. For a weekly fee, I get a box of tasty organic produce. They have several "pick up" spots around Puget Sound. (I pick mine up at Grilla Bites, in Snohomish).

Their box of "goodies" is available year round (which is not always the case in other local CSA type farms). In my box I get food grown from their farm, food grown at other local organic farms and occasionally out of state organic farms.  They have a network of organic farms that help supplement my box each week to provide a well balanced variety

Another thing I love about them; is thier Green Grocery.  I can add other products to my box each week.  Depending on the season they offer cheese, herbs, freshly baked bread, chocolate, tea, coffee and even flowers.  They are currently looking into providing milk and meats!!!

Before I joined them, last year, I did a lot of research into other farms. I feel that Full Circle Farm is the best out there. ONE thing I liked was if I didn't want to...I didn't need to buy a YEAR subscription. I could do weekly subscriptions. Also, most of my subscription is managed online. I get a weekly email that lists the upcoming selections in my box. I can go online and make substitutions, shop from the Green Grocery or even cancel a week if I am out of town.

The most important thing to me is I totally trust them. If they provide produce from other farms....I know I can trust that farm too.

In this age of Fast Food and highly processed food; I think that eating 'greener' is very important. Becoming a member of Full Circle Farm was the first step for me. A step that I am so happy I made!!!

Check out their FAQ's for more info.   Make sure you take the time to really explore their site too. They have lots of good info regarding why organic food is so good for us...and the enviroment.

I'm off to gobble up the rest of that Pasta Primavera........all made with vegetables from Full Circle Farm!!!

A DELIGHTFUL Hump Day!!

2010-03-31T18:26:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh, do you see that? Blue skies and...dare we say it...SUNSHINE.

LOVE IT. Although apparenly we are going back to grey and rainy fairly soon.

Figured I better take advantage of it while I can. I put on my walking shoes and hit the Centennial Trail. I went to a part of the trail that I hadn't been to before. I admit, I was a little nervous because its more of the secluded part of trail and not as populated. But no one jumped out of the bushes and tried to kidnap me. Always a plus!!!

I walked for an hour. I even jogged a bit. Okay, Okay....it was only for a few seconds and it was when a bee was terrorizing me. BUT HEY....I JOGGED! Anyway, it was so nice to get out and move. Its been a week and a half since I last walked! I enjoyed the sunshine, scenery, occasional biker that passed me, and wildlife (NOT the bees!!!) But by the time I got back to the truck, I was done. My feet were a bit sore and knees a bit wobbly. As of now, an hour seems to be my limit. I shouldn't complain since when I started in January, I could barely make 20 mins!!!!

Afterwards I drove to Snohomish. Went inside the Snohomish Bakery and got some wonderful Italian Bread for dinner. Then picked up my veggies, from the drop off spot for Full Circle Farms.

Dinner tonight was a simple but delish Pasta Primavera, with whole grain spiral pasta. Seems to be on our menu weekly since its a great way to use up veggies before they go bad!

Right now, I am sitting on the couch, basking in the stream of Sunshine that is coming through the back door!!!! All while relaxing on the computer...waiting for my Wednesday night tv shows to begin.

I LOVE SUNSHINE!!! I LOVE WEDNESDAYS! and I LOVE DAYS WHERE EVERYTHING GOES RIGHT!

Healing

2010-03-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

Healing may not be so much about getting better, as about letting go of everything that ISN'T you - all of the expectations, all of the beliefs - and becoming who you are.
-- Rachel Naomi Remen

Pasta Primavera

2010-03-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

Sadly, I don't have a new camera, yet, to dazzle you with my fabulous meal. (just pretend there is a fantastic picture here that inspires you to make it TONIGHT!!!)

I had an abundance of veggies that needed to be used, and just happened to catch an episode of Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger, this weekend, on the Food Network. PERFECT way to use up all my veggies and enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal!!!!

Pasta Primavera

I added zucchini, a bit of onion and some jumbo shrimp.

TRY IT!
edit: (I've made it several times and each time have used diffrent vegetables. Very easy to adjust to what you have on hand!!!!)

Another St. Paddy's Day Dash photo

2010-03-22T20:58:00.000-07:00

(David), Me and my BFF/sister in law: Chilly

Risk

2010-03-18T03:18:00.000-07:00

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom"
Anais Nin

Sometimes we wonder how we got to where we are. Not our surroundings, jobs or life around us.....but the person the world see's and accepts.  Because honestly, I don't think that person is always the person that we feel on the inside.

I think we all make changes along our lives path that we don't consciously agree to! We get married and give up a part of our freedom....we sometimes conform to what we think is the ideal spouse. We have children and begin to behave in a way that we think is THE way that a parent behaves. We don't always share our strong opinions because they are deemed NOT politically correct. We start to dress a certain way, behave a certain way....and conform ourselves.   ALL so we can be liked by the masses. So we fit in. Molded into a cookie cutter image of what we think we need to be.

But what if that is not how we feel on the inside? What if we want to be more true to how we really feel?

The RISK is: what if no one likes the person we are on the inside? What if we offend someone?  What if they laugh at us? What if they talk about us? What if not EVERYONE likes us?

Is the RISK worth it?

Wordless Wednesday 3/17/2010

2010-03-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

FIRST 5K ~ St. Paddy's Day Dash

2010-03-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

WOO HOO. I DID IT!!!!

I walked 3.8 miles in the St. Paddy's Day Dash. THANK GOD for all my training! If not for training, that 1+ mile on that slow incline would have kicked my ass!

Here is me and Kayleigh afterwards!!!

Now on to the next one!!!!

Wordless Wednesday 3/10/10

2010-03-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Ya know that old saying....

2010-03-04T21:48:00.000-08:00

If you don't have anything nice to say....then don't say anything at all?

So yah....that's me today.

I hit a Personal Best Part 2

2010-02-21T15:47:00.000-08:00

Today, was soooo gorgeous outside. Talked David into heading out to the Centennial Trail. As we were walking...I finally found the mile markers on the trail! So we got to about where I had done it last Weds. (about 1.5 miles). I decided to push it a bit more. We walked all they way to the 2 mile marker then turned around and headed back.

4 MILES! WooHoo! I am so excited. I did that in 1 hour 11 minutes. Not sure if that is a good time...but doesn't matter to me. I DID IT!

Now I KNOW I can do the St. Paddy's Dash.

I'm rewarding myself this week with new shoes. And if I can squeeze it in: an Ipod armband, fanny pack and a new hat to keep the sun off my face.

I'm off to gloat to my family.....

I hit a Personal Best

2010-02-18T13:00:00.000-08:00

Sooo, I have made the commitment (along with several friends) to participate in the St. Paddys Day Dash. It's a 5k+ (3.8mile) walk/run in Seattle. It is sponsored by the Detlef Schremph Foundation. I have a fondness for Detlef....my oldest daughter met him when she was about 5. He was really nice to her, signed his picture for her daddy and complimented her on how cute and polite she was:-) The Dash and the Detlef Foundation is raising proceeds to Dash Autism.

I have been training since the beginning of the year. Yesterday I hit my "personal best". While in Snohomish I decided to stop at the Centennial Trail. I walked it from the beginning in Snohomish to the Pilchuck trailhead. I estimated it 1 1/2 mile each way. Tried to find it online and all I could find was a reference in this wonderful blog.

I figure I walked AT LEAST 3 miles. Took me an hour, knees were sore...but I DID IT!!!! The furthest I have gone so far:-)

YEAH ME!!!!

I wear my sunglasses at night....

2010-01-08T20:32:00.000-08:00

OMG...check out these SUPER cool and chic sunglasses!!

You can find them here. If ONLY I could afford that for sunglasses.

But I can't....so I settled for these SUPER cool retro ones:

Oh the Places I will go...and the Things I will see.....2009

2010-01-04T22:20:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!

2010-01-01T21:43:00.000-08:00

SADLY....Ben Affleck was NOT under my Christmas Tree.

BUT on the flip side....I received some wonderful presents:-)

Now on to the New Year. Diving in head first........

All I Want For Christmas....part two

2009-12-02T13:19:00.001-08:00

All I Want for Christmas......

2009-11-30T16:37:00.000-08:00

Just in case you were wondering.......here is my Christmas List:

Fiesta Ware Dinner Plates (any color but yellow)

Le Creuset Rectangular Baker in Flame

Basic Kitchen Torch

Food Processor

Yoga DVD: Am/Pm Yoga for beginners

Deborah Lippmanns nail polish: Marque Moon & Wicked Game

IPod Nano

Cloth napkins

Wine glasses

supportive, orthopedic (but attractive) house slippers.

~~~~~~
I can you hear you snickering over the last item!

Pie Making....a year later...

2009-11-27T13:33:00.000-08:00

Sooo, last year I shared my story regarding my yearly pie making tradition.

This year I set out to make pies, as usual. Only problem is my oven had "blown up" a few days earlier and we were waiting on the part to come in to repair it. So my sister in law offered her house and ovens to me. I thought that would work out since we were having a family dinner over there anyway with a few friends. Of course, as I arrived I was subjected to some teasing from everyone. Lots of jokes all evening long about my pie making history. This only fueled my desire to make the PERFECT PIE (kinda like the Perfect cheer?)

All was well. I only had one glass of wine.....I was on track....I was focused........my ingredients were assembled....I was ready to prove myself. I was feeling good about the experience.

THEN....I go to insert a knife into the pumpkin pie to see if its done. I decide to lick the knife. I immediently sense something is wrong. I take another taste.

CRIPES....I FORGOT TO ADD THE SUGAR!!!!!

Needless to say.....I am passing on pumpkin pie duty to someone else. I will stick to pecan and apple.

And the teasing continues...............

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T10:46:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for:
~~ All three kids will be under one roof to celebrate Thanksgiving with the family.
~~ My family that loves and supports me and lets ME....be ME.
~~ My friends who are always there for me through the laughter and the tears.
~~ my dogs that don't care what I look like in the morning, they will still snuggle with me.

My Motto

2009-11-18T08:33:00.001-08:00

An online friend had this as her email signature. I am stealing it!

"My darling girl, when are you going to realize that being normal is not a virtue, it rather denotes a lack of courage" Aunt Frances from Practical Magic

LOVE IT!!! I want to tattoo it to my forehead:-)

Blog Recomendation

2009-11-16T11:36:00.000-08:00

Love, Love, Love this new blog. And her recipes are to die for.

Check it out.
The Hazel Bloom

Stroke Me

2009-09-18T21:11:00.000-07:00

Can I tell you how excited I am?????

We are going to see Billy Squier, tomorrow night.

Billy Squier (along with Queen) is the very first concert I ever saw. Way back in 1982...with my dad! None of my girlfriends were interested in going so my dad stepped up to take me. We had a blast. One of my favorite memories of the evening was my dad razzing the guys sitting next to us, all evening long. It was SOOO obvious that they were totally trashed. To be honest I don't think they even knew who was performing that night.

So needless to say, Billy Squier and Queen hold a special spot with me. I still have my original concert tshirt, tucked away in my hope chest. Its really old and musty.....and REALLY small. I think the only person who could wear it now is my petite 14 year old. But I am scared to have her try it on for fear it will disintegrate right in front of me. I'm pulling it out and taking it with me tomorrow. *Maybe* I can track Billy down and have him sign it????

I've been checking out www.BillySquier.com today. Same songs....still rock...but he has tweaked them a bit. They sound GREAT. If you get a chance, check it out.....

Granny

2009-09-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

"She'd been a witch here all her life. And one of the things a witch did was stand right on the edge, where the decisions had to be made."
- the musings of Granny Weatherwax

Why do I bother????

2009-08-22T15:26:00.000-07:00

Two steps forward.....

Two steps back.....

Repeat.....

Repeat.....

Repeat.....

Repeat.....

When I Get Where I'm Going

2009-08-03T20:44:00.000-07:00

Last week, my son lost his mentor. His football coach, who was more than just a coach to him, passed away suddenly. He was his friend, confidant and a second father to him. Dylan spent just as much time at Coach Joe's house as he did here....maybe more:-) They were so close, that Dylan's name (along with 3 other football players) was listed in his obituary.

They had the memorial last Thursday. It was held at the football field. While I never got to know Coach Joe that well; I went along with my daughters. (Dylan was actually part of the service.) The football stand were packed with our local community. During the entire service all you could hear was sniffles and sobs. I was so in awe at what everyone said about this man....and man I hardly knew. It made me sad that I didn't know him that well. But I also learned so much about him and some of his views that I came away from the service with a new outlook on several aspects of my own life.

The officiating pastor sang this Brad Paisley song. Not a dry eye in the house....it was simply AMAZING.

RIP COACH JOE.......

When I Get Where I'm Going

When I get where I'm going
on the far side of the sky.
The first thing that I'm gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly.

I'm gonna land beside a lion,
and run my fingers through his mane.
Or I might find out what it's like
To ride a drop of rain

Yeah when I get where I'm going,
there'll be only happy tears.
I will shed the sins and struggles,
I have carried all these years.
And I'll leave my heart wide open,
I will love and have no fear.
Yeah when I get where I'm going,
Don't cry for me down here.

I'm gonna walk with my grandaddy,
and he'll match me step for step,
and I'll tell him how I missed him,
every minute since he left.
Then I'll hug his neck.

Yeah when I get where I'm going,
there'll be only happy tears.
I will shed the sins and struggles,
I have carried all these years.
And I'll leave my heart wide open,
I will love and have no fear.
Yeah when I get where I'm going,
Don't cry for me down here.

So much pain and so much darkness,
in this world we stumble through.
All these questions, I can't answer,
so much work to do.

But when I get where I'm going,
and I see my Maker's face.
I'll stand forever in the light,
of His amazing grace.
Yeah when I get where I'm going,
Yeah when I get where I'm going,
there'll be only happy tears.
Hallelujah!
I will love and have no fear.
When I get where I'm going.
Yeah when I get where I'm going

Tomorrow will be better?

2009-07-23T21:15:00.000-07:00

Ever have one of those days? Where you are pissed off and grumpy yet you don't know why? Where you have the most negative outlook on EVERYTHING? Everyone pisses you off and they really didn't do anything wrong? Just them breathing and talking to you grates on your nerves? They piss you off so much that you want to punch them in the gut to get them to quit talking to you?

NO? Oh maybe its just me........

Yes, today is one of those days! And just when I am about to pull my hair out; a good friend sends me an email with lots of good positive stuff in it. So I thought I would share:-)

45 Lessons that Life has Taught Me:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone.. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful..

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does..

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36.. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift

What I'd Give

2009-07-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

"What I'd Give"

What I'd give to bring you flowers.
What I'd give to get you alone.
What I'd give to bring a smile across your face.
What I'd give to take you home.

What I'd give to make you coffee.
Find out how you like your eggs.
Wrapped around you in the mornin'.
A tangled lace of arms and legs.

What I'd give to let you love me.
Find out everything that brings you joy.
Wake up to your face above me.
I'd be that girl and you could be that boy.
Find out why that feelin' is...
Oh, what I'd give. What I'd give.

What I'd give to take you dancin'.
What I'd give to make you mine.
If you got questions, I got answers.
And my answer's "yes" to you every time.

What I'd give for just one minute.
What I'd give to count all the ways
If your heart was dark with nothing in it.
I'd give you mine and take your place.

What I'd give to let you love me.
Find out everything that brings you joy.
Wake up to your face above me.
I'd be that girl and you could be that boy.
Find out why that feelin' is...
Oh, what I'd give. What I'd give.

~~Sugarland

Pssst: Simply....cookies

2009-07-16T23:27:00.000-07:00

Pssst: Simply Cookies

(click here for coupons)

7 months???

2009-07-16T20:56:00.001-07:00

Seriously....7 months since I last posted? Really?

Um, I guess I could say I have been busy. With what....I am just not sure. Work is slow so I guess I will blame it on my new addiction to DVR'd tv. OMG....I DVR EVERYTHING!!

I'm addicted to reality tv. The cornier....the better. Well that and my longtime addiction to One Life to Live and General Hospital.

Maybe I need to watch less tv and spend more time on the internet? Hmmm, that doesn't quite sound right either. LOL

Regardless...I'm hoping to be around more!

SNOW DAYS!!!

2008-12-18T11:48:00.000-08:00

The Graduate

2008-12-10T13:12:00.000-08:00

After a year of taking prerequisites, then two years of nursing school; Kayleigh has graduated!!! All her hard work paid off. There were many gatherings she missed because she had to study, and many nights of going to bed early. But she finally did it. We are sooo proud of her. She is taking the holidays off then hitting the books in January. Testing is end of January. And the best part is she has a job already lined up. After she passes her test, she starts working at the local hospital!

The proud parents with Kayleigh at Graduation:

The whole family:

PSST: Product Recomendation

2008-12-09T12:37:00.000-08:00

Our 'big ass' Christmas Tree

2008-12-01T20:17:00.000-08:00

We got our Christmas Tree today. Every since we have been married, we have always gone to local tree farm and cut our trees. One of the benefits of living in WA State...there a million tree farms! And at the tree farms, you pay AT LEAST $40. And that is just for the basic tree. I always like the nicer ones and end up paying way more. Well last year we went to the Ranger Station (about 11 miles from our house, up the Mountain Loop Highway). Got a permit for $10. And we spent the afternoon driving around the mountains, in the snow, looking for a tree. WE HAD A BLAST. All three kids went and they had so much fun. We stopped several times so the kids could take pictures of the awesome views. And we were WAY UP THERE. (Of course we took a few side roads to test Davids truck out on the trails. It was fun....bouncy....but fun:-)

THIS year, we headed out again. Unfortunantly all the kids had plans for the day, so it was just David and I. It wasn't quite the fun experience as last year....it was POURING rain..nothing like last year when we had tons of snow. But we took the dogs and didn't dwell too much that the kids weren't with us.

We are in the new house so we wanted a really tall tree to fit our vaulted ceilings. We finally spotted the perfect tree!

David proceeds to cut it down then we realize it is REALLY big. So David gets to work on trimming it up a bit.

Now its time to load it in the truck. HOLY SMOKES. It barely fits into the truck. OOPS....looks we did get a bit over zealous.

So it took a bit of finangling to get it into the house...and even more manuevering to make it STAY put! But its up...all decorated and SO BEAUTIFUL. And for TEN DOLLARS.

My nephew Easton said it looked like a monster, the first time he seen it! LOL

Be Thankful

2008-11-28T10:17:00.000-08:00

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes.They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,because it means you've made a difference. It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings. ~~ Author Unknown ~~

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T15:14:00.000-08:00

For YEARS, I have this tradition of making pies the night before Thanksgiving. (I know I'm not the only one!) Even the years when someone else has offered to bring pies....I still make some. Its my little way of having a family tradition that I can count on....and maybe pass on to my girls. (neither who show much interest in cooking. LOL)

I usually make the basic pumpkin, pecan and apple pies. Once in a while I stray and add a new twist to the recipes, but always the same flavors of pie.

FLASHBACK to a few years ago. I had all my ingredients assembled early in the day and was just hanging out...waiting to start. I was watching Oprah and she had Racheal Ray on. They were making Pomegrante Martini's. I got a wild hair; looked up recipe online....and ran out the door to grocery store and liquor store.

Lets just jump ahead a bit and say that I got WASTED...and none of my pies turned out that year. And my family has not let me live that down.

So this year, I making 4 pies. One each of basic pumpkin and pecan. And my sister in law requested a Chocolate Pecan Pie AND a Pumpkin Cream Pie. So that makes four. (no apple this year.)

Its pretty pathetic when I open a bottle of wine and my girls see me and groan "oh no....moms drinking....no one eat the pies tomorrow!"

LOVELY!

BUT...I have managed to maintain a decent buzz while making pies and not get too drunk! I'm sure my pies will turn out!!!

What do you think?????

EDIT: So I typed this as the pies were cooling. Left to go next door....only to come home a few hours later and discovered that the pecan pie was MISSING! After looking around, I found the empty pie plate on the floor. And Jake, the dog, acting very shameful!!! OMG he ate a whole pecan pie! Needless to say, he's sleeping in the garage tonight. Apparently I jinxed myself. I mentioned to Kayleigh about how in our other house, every year the cats would get into the pies...or there would be kitty footprints across the pie. This year we thought we were in the clear with only one cat who spends most of her time outside. Guess Jake just felt it was his turn!

I'm also trying a new side dish recipe. Fresh Corn with Wildrice

I will let you know what the verdict is on my 'drunken recipes'. hehehehehe

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. Give thanks...be grateful for what you have and not dwell on what you don't:-)

Love to all.

Grades

2008-11-16T16:01:00.000-08:00

I think the motivation of getting his liscense and possibly a car; have done the trick!! Dylan had a GREAT mid quarter report card last month. 2 A's, 3 B's and one Pass (he is a T/A for a biology class....its pass or fail).

His quarter report card was almost the same....although he dropped one of those B's to a F! I guess he failed to turn in his quarter project. But his teacher emailed me today and said that Dylan has already turned it 25 extra credit assignments to try to make up for it! He said he was on track to raise the grade for the semester.

WAHOO...about time:-)

Skinny Bitch update

2008-11-15T15:50:00.000-08:00

Soooo, as the end of the year nears....I guess I should update on my weight loss journey. As of now, I have lost 20 pounds this year. Not as much as I wanted to, but I am happy to report that I have kept it off all year long; even over the Summer which I've always had a tendacy to regain any weight that was lost in the Spring.

I blame my low numbers on my Skinny Bitch partner. The bitch got pregnant this year! LOL, j/k! So her Skinny Bitch journey has been put on hold till the New Year. She will have had her baby during the holidays and ready to get back on track. We will hit the new year running!!

Yah, Yah...I know I can't blame it all on her. I need to take some accountability that I slacked. But I guess ending the year with a 20 pound loss from last year is a success.....RIGHT?

Fight the H8

2008-11-14T17:16:00.000-08:00

Auntie, let's bake a cake!!

2008-11-14T15:27:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, when I was talking to my nephew I told him that when I watched him today we would bake some cookies or a cake.

Today when he got here, he comes in the house and says "Auntie, let's bake a cake".

So here is Eastons cake....he frosted himself. Did I mention he is THREE????!!

Chicken Breasts in Wine Sauce

2008-11-13T15:00:00.000-08:00

Hmmm so its 4:45pm and the questions gets asked: "Whats for dinner".

Well...I know I'm making something but just not sure what? So I take a look at the freezer, fridge and pantry. I come up with:

frozen chicken breasts
can of Cream of Mushroom Soup
garlic
wine
and some dehydrated mushrooms

Okay..., so I wing it. I hurry around and defrost the chicken breasts in microwave. Gather some flour, oil salt and pepper. Get out the pans, cutting boards and such.

Once the chicken is FINALLY defrosted, I pound out the breasts, season with salt and pepper and dredge in flour. Quickly saute in pan, along with garlic:

Remove chicken to a baking dish then I deglaze the pan with some white wine, stirring up all the yummy brown pieces (and tasting wine at this point is A-OK):

Now I add the mushrooms and let them rehydrate:

Add the cream of mushroom soup and let it simmer for a bit:

Pour sauce over chicken, in baking dish:

Bake till done and then serve over white fluffy rice with green beans on the side:

DELISH!!! And a big hit with the family.

So here is my final recipe and directions:

Chicken Breasts with Wine Sauce

6 boneless chicken breasts
1/4 cup flour
salt and pepper to taste
2 Tbsp. canola oil
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
LOTS of fresh garlic, minced
1/2 cup white wine (okay..I might have used more)
handfull of dehydrated mushrooms

Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 9 x 13 pan with nonstick cooking spray. Pound chicken breasts to 1/4-inch thickness. Place flour, salt and pepper in a gallon-size ziploc bag. Add chicken breasts to bag and turn to coat. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add garlic. Saute chicken breasts 2-4 minutes per side, just until browned. Transfer to prepared pan. Set aside.

Add mushrooms, more garlic and wine to skillet. Saute 3-4 minutes, scraping up browned bits. Add soup and stir till heated through (Pour over chicken. Bake, covered, for about 30 mins.

Serve over fluffy rice.

Served 6.

Don't Vote???

2008-10-29T15:50:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-22T22:03:00.000-07:00

Sooo,

2008-09-16T16:58:00.000-07:00

Soo, as my title suggest; I am a total random person....full of contradictions and various interests.

~~I love to be a girly girl, get all dressed up in designer jeans and nice jewelry...and go out on the town. Yet the next day you can find me in dirty jeans and a 3 day old tshirt (that I picked up off the closet floor) with greasy hair pulled into a ponytail.

~~I love to shop for clothes, jewelry and fun things like that. Yet my current obsession is being FRUGAL and saving as much money as I can on groceries.

~~I LOVE celebrities..read all the gossip sites. AND I have some defininte views when it comes to politics.

~~I'm a mom yet I love being sexy and things that go with it.

~~I LOVE to cook. I love to find new recipes and try them out. But I also love having someone else do the cooking for me...as in some really good resturants!

Having said all that, there are days where I wonder exactly what this blog is? I have days where I wonder if I should start other blogs: FRUGAL blogs, cooking blogs, family blog? I also wonder if I have readers if they prefer one to the other?

I have finally come to the realization that THIS blog is MY blog. And as the title says...its gonna be RANDOM. For me, blogging is all about a place to journal. Sure its also out there for the world to read, but if its my blog I should feel comfortable with what it is. And not worry about attracting certain readers as opposed to others.

Expect that one day I might talk about my weight loss struggles, another day I might post my grocery savings, the next will be pictures of my recipes and then yet another day might be thoughts and vents. And yes I will post the occasional SEXY topic. (nothing toe curling....LOL)

Its gonna be a variety.....but again....I'm a RANDOM person so my blog should be as well:-)

GROCERY SAVINGS

2008-09-16T11:49:00.001-07:00

I have to brag! Trying to save money. So I have been cutting coupons, watching sales ads and reading a lot on the internet.

Yesterday I did my "big" grocery shopping trip. I saved so much, I can't beleive it.
Original price: $208.59
Savings: 125.51
Out of pocket spending: 83.08!!!!!!

Go ME!

Couponizer Giveaway

2008-09-06T23:11:00.000-07:00

Check out Moms Need To Know for a great giveaway. Its also a great site for lots of freebies and savings ideas.

SHOPPING!

2008-08-19T22:30:00.001-07:00

Oh such fun! I got to go shopping for clothes today. My sister-in-law (and one of my bestest girlfriends) took me to the mall. It was fun to get out of the house, it was fun to go with a girlfriend to help pick out outfits with, it was fun modeling the clothes for someone else and it was fun going out to lunch. We laughed, chatted and had a great time.

We are going to L.A. for the weekend. We both are Cookie Lee Consultants; she is a full time consultant while I am a Personal Shopper....mostly for MYSELF. Anyway this weekend is their annual convention. So we are heading out of town for that. And of course we needed new clothes for our trip. LOL

So now I feel all fashionable! Unfortunately this is more of a business trip than pleasure. Not a whole lot of site seeing..but we will try to squeeze some in on Sunday before we have to head home.

Now I have only tomorrow to pack, make a grocery list for David, pick up the house AND run last minute errands.

Life keeps getting in the way.

2008-08-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have every intention of updating this blog. I always have lots to say. Yet life has been so crazy lately I just haven't had the time to get on here. It frustrates me...but I guess I shouldn't complain that my life is filled with 'busyness' :-)

I've been enjoying Summer. Entertained family from CA; been out of town, several times for relaxing vacations; been busy getting settled into the new house; enjoying lots of family/friends gatherings and birthdays.

Work is slow (Real Estate...blah). I'm working on getting my home office whipped into shape so I can be more efficent.

Done lots of cooking lately. And yes....even....BAKING. Who knew? LOL but I make a pretty mean Apple Crisp and Blueberry Cobbler!!!!

So hopefully I can get here more often. I have tons of recipes to share! Lots of pictures and fun stuff.

The Zen of Sarcasm

2008-07-21T10:02:00.000-07:00

The Zen of Sarcasm

1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me the hell alone.

2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and leaky tire.

3. Its always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.

4. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.

5. Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.

6. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.

7. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.

8. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes.
That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

9. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is probably not for you.

10. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.

11. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably a wise investment.

12. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.

13. Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield.

14. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

15. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.

16. A closed mouth gathers no foot.

17. Duct tape is like 'The Force.' It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together.

18. There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.

19. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.

20. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

21. Never miss a good chance to shut up.

22. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

Home again...

2008-07-08T16:24:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, while I had a wonderful vacation and did not want to return, now that I am home; I am glad. Course it helps that we came home to GREAT weather.

Yesterday I spent the day, unpacking and getting our stuff put away. Oh and did I mention LAUNDRY? Lots of it!

Today I am putting my house back in order. My mom entertained a bit up here and the floors are a diaster. LOL

ALSO....D hasn't been living at home for the last few months. He has been staying with random friends. Well he is now back home too:-) We are still adjusting and there needs to be a major talk between him and his dad; but I am sooo glad he is back home with us!!!

The rest of the week? I'll be preparing my K's 21st BDay Bash on Saturday. Complete with a live band and lots to drink. WAHOO......

Happy 4th!!

2008-07-04T16:20:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful 4th! My family is enjoying a GREAT week away in a small resort town in Eastern WA. The weather has been WONDERFUL here. So sunny and warm. We are enjoying the sun and lots of time out on the boat.

Yesterdays boat ride was especially fun. I managed to drink a whole pitcher of margarita's all to myself. LOL Today will be more lowkey. BBQ and good friends!!!

Happy 4th of July!

An ending....

2008-07-01T15:45:00.000-07:00

My beloved Papa passed away in May. A month later we had an amazing Memorial for him (and my Nana who had passed away 10 years before). We chartered a boat and spread their ashes into the Puget Sound. The day was perfectly sunny. As their ashes were released we had Somewhere Over the Rainbow, playing. Then as we circled their ashes and the flowers we had thrown, we listened to My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion.

There is so much I could tell you about him. But I think his obituary sums up almost it all. Other than I loved him so much and will miss him every day!!

Jerry Darling

Jerry Darling, 75, of Granite Falls, Washington unexpectedly died of a sudden heart attack May 15, 2008. He was born in Plankinton, South Dakota on September 3, 1932. His family moved to Los Angeles, California to escape the Great Depression and he grew up in Inglewood, California. As a boy, he became fascinated by airplane development in wartime Los Angeles. World War II left him with many very vivid memories and a sustained pride in our country's accomplishments. He flew in the Air Force during the early 1950s and was stationed in the Mediterranean. After he served his country in the Air Force, Jerry met Betty while they worked together at Douglas Aircraft. They fell deeply in love and married in 1955 and honeymooned in the Deep South. In the early 1960s, he worked on NASA projects. He was particularly proud of a design for a satellite and work he did on the Atlas rocket. Jerry accepted a job offer from Boeing to work on the 747 and they moved from California to Everett in 1966. He was a proud member of Boeing's Incredibles for his work to make the 747 possible. He worked there as a tool design engineer until his retirement in late 1995.
Jerry had a marvelous sense of humor and loved to laugh, joke and tease people, but never in any hurtful way. Handsome and athletic, he aged gracefully and felt fitness was essential to enjoying life. He was a man of very many enthusiasms and hobby's. He enjoyed flying and owned for a time a small acrobatic airplane. He loved sailing, so he owned a 28 ft sailboat and had a home overlooking the Puget Sound. He liked astronomy, so he had a large telescope. He became very passionate about bicycling and rode in the Seattle to Portland bicycle race more than once. He also ran the Seattle Marathon during the time when running was his passion. He learned to scuba dive after retirement and dove on many occasions with his son Steve. He spent many evenings with his daughter, Rhonda, attending plays at the Everett Theater and listening to the Everett Symphony. Painting came easy to Jerry and enjoyed his lessons in the art. He enjoyed playing golf and loved following the tournaments of the PGA. He loved books on history, politics and above all, science. All of these subjects he could discuss with a great depth of knowledge and feeling. He loved his classical music and attended with friends concerts by the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and performances by Seattle Opera. He decided shortly after he retired that he would become a hand on a fishing boat in the stormy Gulf of Alaska! He did this for ten weeks and enjoyed every minute telling story's to the family about his adventures.
Jerry was preceded in death by his dear wife, Betty Darling. She died in 1998.
He is survived by his brother, Dr. Jack Darling and Geraldine, of Arlington, WA; children, Rhonda Darling, and Steve and Debra Darling; grandchildren, Jason and Chilly, Christina and Dave, Cassie and Jeremy, Ashley, Jason and Nicky; great-grandchildren, Kayleigh, Dylan, Brenna, Bryce, Easton, Aidan, Chance, Tori, Jordan, and Payton; his brother-in-law, Jerry Tippin and Janice; and all of his nieces and nephews who meant so much to him.
He was a very kind, thoughtful man his many family members and friends will greatly miss. Jerry was deeply loved by his family and those that new him.
At his request, no services will be held. His ashes will be mixed with those of his wife Betty and spread in the Puget Sound within view of the house that he and Betty lived in for so many happy years overlooking the water.

New Beginnings

2008-06-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

Sooo, we are finally situated in our new home. OMG...I LOVE IT!!

With all the turmoil of the city wanting to buy our home and then being able to get into this one; its amazing how I feel. I lived in the other home for 10 years. It was our first home we owned. I loved it. I raised my kids there. I learned so much about myself while living there. I was so sad when I knew I would have to move. It will always have a special spot in my heart. The memories and friendships that were made there will be with me FOREVER.

But oddly I have jumped into this move with both feet and haven't looked back. Before we lived 'in town'. Now we live out of town on 6 acres. While I do sometimes miss the hustle/bustle of being in the middle of town (as much hustle/bustle that a small town has) I have adapted to being out in the "country".

While I don't have the sounds of the comings and goings of being in town; I am enjoying experiencing all the new sounds of the country. Birds, owls, coyotes at night, neighboring horses neighing, the rushing through the trees and PEACE and QUIET. I wake up every morning and drink my coffee on the back deck; listening to the birds chirping. At night I love to sit out there and wait to hear the local owl hooting. We've gone for many walks, exploring the neighborhood and trails.

Speaking of birds, I have gone a bit bird crazy. Binoculars, bird books, bird seed and feeders. But it is so fun to be able to spot new birds or the thrill of recognizing frequent visitors to my feeders.

The weirdest change? I am enjoying cleaning. LOL I have a nice routine and the house has been staying spotless. AMAZING. It's a new me!! But I love having my house look so nice:-)

We are still adjusting to it all. New mortgage, bigger "yard" to take care of, and my mom moved in downstairs. (that's an entirely other post!). But I LOVE IT HERE!!!! And I feel so complete right now in our life!

I'm BAAAAACCCKKKK

2008-06-24T14:31:00.000-07:00

I'm back in the saddle:-)

I'm moved into our new house and somewhat settled. YIPPE

Now enjoying the nice weather, new deck and some good wine:-)

I've got lots to say...and update......

Taking leave...without pay

2008-04-05T00:10:00.001-07:00

OBVIOUSLY....I'm not around.

Been up to my eyeballs in work, family and teens. So this is an official notice of my "taking a break" from blogging.

I shall return....soon.

My life...lately

2008-02-19T16:21:00.000-08:00

So yes, I have been busy. Oh so busy.

Hmm, lets see. Working hard on this new healthy lifestyle change. Which means lots of exercise, lots of research and lots of reading of all things healthy. I REALLY am enjoying two books. Dr. Oz's 'You on a Diet'. And Bob Greenes 'Best Life Diet'. Both are WONDERFUL books. And neither is a DIET...yet more a way of life.

Okay...what else? Oh...D had surgery on his knee. On VALENTINES DAY. That made for a sucky VDay for me. And I have spent the last 5 days cooped up in the house, answering to his every beck and call. I'm beginning to think he is milking it now.

Been working a lot. Or should I say trying to work a lot. Working hard at drumming up some business. Real Estate is kinda funky right now. So doing everything I can to get more business.

But the big exciting news! My brother and David have been building a brand new house. It is on the property behind my brothers. Originally it was for my mom and then they would sell it in a few years and use the equity for her retirment. WELLLLLL....now that has all changed. She will live in it till the city buys our house and we are ready to buy it! Then she will move into the FULLY, FINISHED downstairs (complete with kitchen). She will have money for retirment...plus live "with us" as she gets older and needs more care.

So now that I know it will be "mine" down the road....I have been spending more time over there helping to get it finished. There are some design changes I will make and paint choices. But I LOVE it. I can't wait. I am already buying stuff for it. (I know..silly me!).

So that has been my life of late. Now that things are all balancing out....I plan on being on the blog more...and reading everyone elses:-)

Monday Weigh In

2008-02-18T18:44:00.000-08:00

As of today I have lost 19 pounds since beginning of the year. I am right on track for where I want to be!

AND...I went in Friday to have my bloodwork rechecked. I am proud to say that I have reduced my total cholestral by 43 points! I'm still working on it....but that was AWESOME news to hear!!!

I'm working on a update post for tomorrow. Been busy, busy, busy:-)

Monday Weigh in and other ramblings.....

2008-01-28T09:08:00.000-08:00

WAHOO. Another 4 pounds gone forever.
Total of 14 pounds since New Years.
I am 1 pound away from my mini goal!

I've planned out our dinners for the week, so I should be on tract. Breakfast and lunches are usually never a problem but sometimes dinners are. So by making a weekly menu I am hoping that will help.
~~~~~~~~~~~

It's a snowy day here.

I sleep with my cellphone either next to the bed or sometimes under my pillow. (I started this when the kids would be out and I would go to bed early.) ANYWAY, B uses my cell phone to talk to her friends a lot. They send her texts too.

So this morning, at 6:15, I woke up to my cell phone buzzing with a text message. It was B's best friend and it said "WAHOO...NO SCHOOL".

I was thinking WTF? So I get up and look out the window. COMPLETELY covered in snow. WOW. When I let the dogs out, I walked out into it and found out it was solid ice UNDER the snow.

David leaves early for work. He just now got there.....1 1/2 hour later!! I guess tons of roads are closed so he kept having to find an alternate way to get there. He said where he works, it is just dumping and doesn't look like it will stop.

So me and the kids are bunkered down in the house. Even K's college is closed!

I need to go to grocery store later to get meatballs.. I'm thinking I'll walk. Get some exercise, fresh air and enjoy the snow:-)

I'm still hacking...but my allergy pills seem to help.

SICK

2008-01-27T20:16:00.001-08:00

So I have been MIA this week. All last week I fought with a sore throat. Woke up every day with one but it would go away soon. Well Thursday it was sore all day long. Then Friday I felt better. But Friday night, I went downhill. Spent all day Saturday on the couch, under a blanket. Today was better but now its sore again and starting to hurt. And my sinuses are all blocked up.

I see a visit to the doctors office in my near future. UGH

Monday Weigh In

2008-01-20T20:23:00.000-08:00

(I've decided to have Monday be my weigh in day and also a day for reflecting here regarding weight loss, health and such. I don't want this to strictly be a weight loss blog so I chose just ONE day a week to check in)

Since I started this new lifestyle change on January 2nd, I have lost 10 pounds! Very motivating. I am sure that a lot of that is 'water' weight...but any bit taken off is gone forever and closer to my goal.

I've been reading lots of motivational books to keep me on track. One common theme in many of them is how the successful people had an "AHA" moment or something in their brain "clicked". Well I feel it! I'm there!

This last few weeks have been fairly easy. I am just making good choices. The other night I went out with a couple friends. One friend ordered dessert and I just had a bite. I felt good about that:-)

My lifestyle change is off to a good start.

Skinny Bitch

2008-01-17T07:51:00.000-08:00

My new header: SKINNY BITCH. Thats me:-)

Funny....my girlfriend and I started our new lifestyle change at the beginning of the year. We started talking about how we were to become Skinny Bitches. Then low and behold I see this at the bookstore! I had no idea there was a book out. It just reafirms our motivation!!!!

We aren't calling it a diet. NOPE...its a LIFESTYLE CHANGE. And boy do I feel great. I'm just doing it in small steps but making sureing I ACTUALLY eat my meals, watch my portion sizes, make good choices and get more movement into my daily life. I've lost 5 pounds so far:-)

So I promise to not bombard you with 'dieting' stuff...but I will update from time to time.

2008-01-02T20:32:00.000-08:00

So Lori tagged me a while ago, and I am just getting around to it. LOL (I'll blame the holidays!)

A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
B. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

5 things I was doing 10 years ago:
1. Putting together an offer on our house!
2. Worrying about and taking care of my sick Nana.
3. Potty training an almost 3 year old.
4. dealing with a POTTY mouthed almost 6 year old.
5. Making friends with the loopies!

5 things on my to-do list today:
1. Pack away all the Holiday decorations that are stacked on the bar.
2. Clean up my bedroom.
3. Clean up my bathroom.
4. Finish reading my latest Stephanie Plum novel.
5. DRINK MORE WATER

5 Snacks I enjoy:
1. chips, salsa and guacamole
2. CHEESE!!!!
3. Chocolate....especially dark chocolate.
4. my grampa's popcorn
5. salt and vinegar chips

5 Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1. buy some land and build a custom home
2. buy a new car
3. donate to children and animal charities
4. go on an AWESOME vacation
5. INVEST the rest.

5 Places I've lived:
1. Everett, WA
2. Granite Falls, WA
3.
4.
5.

5 Jobs I've Had:
1. Track coach for Special Olympics
2. appointment secretary for a photography studio
3. hair dresser
4. day care
5. real estate agent

5 Things People Probably Don't Know About Me:
1. I spend a lot of time day dreaming about being famous
2. I tend to spoil my middle child
3. If my sleaves are long enough I cover my hands when opening up the doors at my daughters school????...and ONLY there?
4. I can't go to sleep till my toes are hanging off the end of the bed.
5. I tend to provoke people into arguing with me.

Okay.....I'm not tagging anyone. But if you wanna do the meme, let me know you did:-)

A New Year...a Fresh Start

2008-01-02T17:16:00.001-08:00

2008! WOW....remember when we were kids and we tried to imagine what life would be like in the year 2000? While we aren't hoovering around in space cars 10 feet off the ground, things are definently diffrent from when I was a kid!

Anyway, I've taken the last month to enjoy the holidays and my family. Was on a tighter budget this year so while I missed out on the mad Xmas shopping frenzy...it was nice to not overdo it.

I've set a goal for myself this year:
To become healthier, on the inside AND outside. Course that includes losing weight, taking better care of myself, working on some of my personal demons and issues that follow me. LOL Any progress I make, I will consider a success towards reaching my goal! AND a big part being healthier is writing more. LUCKY YOU GUYS. hehehehe

While I away, I turned 41. Not that big of deal, other than it seems I have TOTALLY lost my eyesight in last month. GEEZ...time for a visit to the eyedoctor. I "see" (barely) glasses in my future. I'm wondering if contacts are an option.....

Tonight David is having family over to celebrate my BDay. So nice of him...but that means pizza, munchies and cake. UGH. So much for DAY ONE of getting healthier. I've vowed to have ONE small slice of pizza and NO appetizers. Wish me luck.

Weeweechu

2007-12-25T10:04:00.000-08:00

*Pedro & His Girl*

One beautiful December evening Pedro and his
girlfriend Rosita were sitting by the side of the ocean.

It was a romantic full moon, when Pedro said,

"Hey, mamacita, let's do Weeweechu."

Oh no, not now, let's look at the moon!" said Rosita.

Oh, c'mon baby, let's you and I do Weeweechu.
I love you and it's the perfect time," Pedro begged.
"But I wanna just hold your hand and watch the moon." replied Rosita.

Please, corazoncito, just once, do Weeweechu with me."

Rosita looked at Pedro and said, "OK, one time, we'll do Weeweechu."

Pedro grabbed his guitar and they both sang.....

"Weeweechu a Merry Christmas,

Weeweechu a Merry Christmas,
Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year."

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Writers Strike

2007-12-24T10:03:00.000-08:00

The Writers Strike is effecting all of us. Even me! LOL

NAW, seriously.....I'm just super busy with the holidays, family and friends. I will be back in the New Year.

LOVE to all my bloggy friends.

Holiday Wreath

2007-12-06T08:04:00.000-08:00

Here is my pretty wreath I made....all by myself:-) The picture doesn't do it justice. BUT you can see that it was snowing that day:-)

Stormy Days

2007-12-05T07:34:00.000-08:00

We had a storm over the past weekend. Started off with heavy snow on Saturday. Then it warmed up that evening, turned to rain and rained three days straight. THEN add in major winds. Made for a flooded mess. Here are some pics that B and I took.

Here are some flood pics of our local river. This area I am standing and the tree to left is usually a large beach area.

Driving around town, I came across this fallen tree...being held only by the powerlines. AND I had to drive under it. SCARY!!

Canyon Creek....getting really close to that home on the right.

This tree was being tossed around in the creek

Holiday Meme

2007-12-04T08:24:00.000-08:00

Give The Moose a Muffin had this Meme on her blog. Sounded fun...and holidayish! :-)

1. Wrapping paper or gift bag?
Wrapping paper...till I get lazy then they all go into gift bags.

2. Real tree or artificial?
REAL TREE. Living in the Pacific NW....we have an abundance of tree farms.

3. When do you put up your tree?
Normally, Thanksgiving weekend but we are getting a slow start this year. NEXT weekend!!!

4. When do you take down your tree?
Sometime after New Years.

5. Do you like eggnog?
Yes I do. My fave is Eggnog latte's.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
My Sunshine Family house complete with the ENTIRE family.

7. Do you have a nativity scene?
Nope.

8. Hardest person to buy for?
My brother.

9. Easiest person to buy for?
My kids!

10. Worst Christmas gift you've ever received?
Well it wasn't the worst. But one year David only got me a snow hat for Xmas. He forgot to finish his shopping. LOL

11. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail...if I get around to them.

12. Favorite Christmas movie?
A Christmas Story

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
As much as I want to start early....I never even think of it till the weekend after Thanksgiving.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
YES! But I received two of the same thing and had permission from the person who gave it to me (my mom)

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
All the yummy Christmas cookies!

6. White or colored lights?
Typically I like white lights on my tree and colored on the house.

17. Favorite Christmas song?
Christmas Wrap by the Waitresses

18. Traveling for Christmas or stay home?
Christmas Eve will be at our house. Christmas Day will be at my brothers....a mere 7minutes away.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers?
Yes. Can't you?

20. Angel or Star on top of tree?
STAR

21. Open presents Christmas Eve or Morning?
Both! This year we are gonna do kids presents on Christmas Eve...then on Christmas morning, Santa comes. Us adults will open on Christmas day...from our gift exchange.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
People who get so caught up in shopping, shopping, shopping and don't appreciate anything else around them.
23. What I love most about Christmas?
Snow...and the pretty lights.

Happy Birthday Riley

2007-12-03T14:31:00.001-08:00

Riley, my Shih Tzu, turned 1 years old on Sunday. He is the only dog I know that has a designer bean bag for his bed!

BLAH

2007-12-03T13:38:00.000-08:00

This is a good picture of how I have felt lately. I'm on all new meds for various ailments and took me a while to adjust to them. Finally I feel like I am getting back into the groove of things.

Thanks to all who emailed me, asking how I was:-)

HNT: Soaking my cares away

2007-11-15T08:47:00.000-08:00

Family Weekend Away ~ Leavenworth

2007-11-13T07:55:00.000-08:00

Our mini family vacation was a blast! We had so much fun. Everyone got along and enjoyed each other. My son, who said he would refuse to talk to us the entire trip; talked our ears off on the way there. He spent the entire 2 hours talking about history! OMG...we couldn't get him to shut up. LOL I think I had a permanent smile the whole way there!

We spent the weekend: exploring Leavenworth, shopping, playing games, a mini birthday celebration for my sister in law, and just goofing around. Had a wild game of charades. (I won...thank you very much). Played several games of cards (I didn't win....).

It didn't snow while there:-( BUT, on way home we got a big blast of it on the pass. It was slippery! We came upon an accident where one car had went over the side of road! SCARY Of course by the time we hit the snow; my camera batteries were dead. I was bummed about that.

Overall, it was a GREAT family vacation. I think a much needed getaway for myself, David and kids.

Here's the kids....being goofy in car ride over.

B and D playing in the pool. Did I mention its an OUTSIDE pool and it was about 40 degree's....at 10:00 at night! BRRRRRR

Getting warm and hamming it up in hottub.

This was the view from our backdeck of condo.

PRIORITIES! David checking his Fantasy Football stats..

D on the ride into town.

WELCOME TO LEAVENWORTH

David and my grampa...waiting on the WARM side of the street for us shoppers.

Public transportation.

Cute little Bavarian village nestled in the mountains.

The towns MayPole. They put this up about 9 years ago as a permanent fixture. AND WE WERE THERE. K and D remembered the celebration: parade, dancing in the streets ect. B was too little. But it was kinda cool to see it again.

My brother and family, taking a horse drawn carriage ride. My brother looks a bit bored. LOL

Nephew and B rolling down the hill in the city park.

Running back up....

America's Next Top Models...in the famous Hat Store

Helium fun! We laughed and laughed and laughed over this. I guess we are easily amused.

Davids turn!

America's Next Top Models part 2

Cleaning up to go home. DARN

Feeling back in the groove...

2007-11-09T11:49:00.000-08:00

Today I was able to sleep in...till 9. It was bliss. I havent' been sleeping well, and then getting up early every day this week to ~~argue with~~ wake up my son; has taken its toll on me. So this morning was nice. He got up without me waking him and his sister drove him to school.

As far as D goes things are a *little* better. He is getting up each morning, although its hard for him. I understand that its hard to get up (I mean I was a teen once!) But to yell at me, like he did last week and then tell me he wasn't going to school ect. THAT IS not going to fly. One of his teachers called me with some concerns. I was able to tell her my concerns. We are setting up a conference with all his teachers, us and him to figure out some solutions. I feel that is step in right direction.

We are going away this weekend as a family. Including my mom, grampa, brother and his family. Staying in some condo's in Leavenworth (a cute Bavarian village, nestled in the mountains). Of course D doesn't want to go. But he has no choice...its a family 'vacation'. He informed me "fine, I'll go but I am not talking to anyone'. LOL That cracks me up. I'm sure the weekend will start with him being grumpy. But hopefully he'll mellow out.

I am excited for this weekend. I love this village. AND, they say it might snow!!! Nothing gets me in the holiday spirit more than Leavenworth......and SNOW.

I found out some news on the city situation. They approved the plan that would put the road right thru our home. So yes, they will be buying our home. BUT, the dipshits took so long to decide that they missed some deadline to apply for funding. So now they have to wait till NEXT August. And then who knows how long it will be after that. I was actually at this meeting and got to speak. I told them that me and my family felt like we were in limbo. Now that its a reality...we want to move. BUT, we can't till they buy the house. So we are sitting here in a house that we've been advised NOT to make improvements to. Meanwhile I found the perfect home for us...and we will probably have to kiss it goodbye since we need the money from this one first. And we can't really put this house on the market...cuz who will by a home that is gonna be torn down in a year. They were semi understanding but still frustrates me. I've talked to a few people (my broker, loan guy) and they feel I need to write a letter and send it to the mayor and every council person. I need to make them know what they are doing to us. IT is really stresssfull and I want out of this house now. Yes, I love my home; but it no longer feels like my home. I'm ready to move on. So they need to come up with some alternative to buying our property! Crossing fingers.....

I'm feeling better. It's only been 2 days on all these meds. So probably not the meds; but maybe the hope that they will work. Although I am having this inner struggle with having to put so many chemicals in my body. Before when I was on one prescription; I was fine...but now I am taking up to 6 diffrent meds each day. It kinda wigs me out. I'm taking the wait and see approach..... but I'm not comfortable with all of it. Yet, I know for my health I need to do SOMETHING.

So I must finish packing and cleaning. I hate coming home to a messy home!!!
Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures.

HNT: From Head to Toe

2007-11-08T07:04:00.000-08:00

I felt I was in need of some pampering. So I went and got my hair done...totally changed my hair color. I went back to my natural (for a while). Then I went and had a much needed pedicure.

I'm feeling a teeny bit better now!

That's it...just give me a cane and some Depends.

2007-11-07T22:59:00.000-08:00

I finally had my doctors appointment today. When she asked me if I had any concerns; I told her "where do I begin". OMGosh, I felt like such a hyperchondriac. I went on and on and on. When I brought up my weight, she said 'lets tackle these other issues' then deal with that. As suspected I am severly anemic and my thyroid is severely out of whack. What I didn't suspect was my cholesteral was HIGH, I have seasonal allergies and am depressed. (Okay I had a sneaky suspicion on the depression).

Gosh, I feel so old now. I have a million prescriptions. I had to make some notes so I can keep track of what to take and when and how many.

I'm not really into pumping my body with all these meds. BUT, if I can start feeling better then it will be worth it. And I plan on doing some research on each and maybe some alternatives to them to help with the "conditions" that I have.

I'm just hoping that I get back to feeling somewhat healthier than I do now.

Do they still have bootcamps for teens?

2007-11-05T09:09:00.000-08:00

I'm just having a crappy morning.

I had my 2 year old nephew all week. I enjoyed it SO MUCH. Yet today was looking forward to sleeping in, since he was now at home; hogging his parents bed. But NO, I had to get up early to ATTEMPT to get my 15yo son out of bed and off to school. It was a battle. And to be honest...he is still in bed. I am at my witts end with this one. SERIOUSLY There is no reasoning with him. He says he hates school and is gonna flunk out anyway so why go? I'm so tired of arguing with him. I've decided to call the school and set up a meeting with his counselor, us and him.

The thing is....is basically he's a good kid. Just NO MOTIVATION at all. Which is hard for me since he is complete opposite of his older sister who I had to FORCE to stay home from school when she was sick. UGH

There are times I think, FINE....if he wants to be a loser and fail school....let him. But of course there is the other part of me that thinks its my job to do everything thing I can to help him and try to motivate him to move forward.

Tonight I think we will be sitting down as a family and setting new rules and such.

Sometimes being a parent sucks!

On a lighter note: I was reading blogs this morning and all of a sudden I hear this huge FART. OMG...my son has this remote control fart machine. Well the noisebox was sitting next to the computer. I'm thinking "WTF" and then I see the remote part in my dogs mouth. LMAO Not only did it give me a laugh...but scared the shit out of me.

M.I.A.

2007-11-02T12:23:00.000-07:00

Life is hectic for me. Between not feeling well (drs appt next week), working, having my 2yo nephew for the week, and teen drama; I haven't had much time to blog. Heck, I haven't even had time to read YOUR blogs!
I'll be back after the weekend. Hopefully with lots of interesting things to say:-)

My new favorite quote:

More Graphics at pYzam.com

HNT: Pet Edition

2007-10-25T12:54:00.000-07:00

Something a bit diffrent:-) Mostly since I am still sick.