Well, there were no zombies at the Halloween party we went to the other day, and I didn't see any out trick-or-treating tonight either. But I did get to see a picture of one of my husband's friends on Facebook dressed as a zombie from Plants vs Zombies - my favorite game!! He was the zombie with the cone on his head - yay!!
Maggie was Cinderella, in the same Cinderella dress she's been wearing for months. I think I posted pictures way back when - she originally picked the costume out as a reward for potty training, but she hasn't stopped wearing it since!
At the party we went to, one of my favorite couples costumes was Brittany Spears and K-Fed. There were also a few people dressed as Harry Potter characters (including a dementor!), the goth chick (whose name I don't know) from NCIS, a fairy, Mario and Princess Peach (what a great costume for those old bridesmaid dresses!), and Dexter (which I sadly didn't recognize because I've never watched the show).
What were the best costumes you saw?
31 October 2010
29 October 2010
10 Random Things for Friday
- I'm not usually such an insomniac - why last night??
- I love Halloween!!
- I am helping THREE more people live the Sweet Life with Dove Chocolate Discoveries starting this month (three new direct team members - yay!!) - Who's next?
- Woooo - I'm spooky! I just looked up from where I'm writing and realized I'm sitting on the floor in front of a full length mirror, so my face has that funny laptop glow on it. Are you skerred?
- I really miss my baby girl - we're very seldom apart, but she's staying with Mimi and Papa while hubby and I go to a Halloween party tonight.
Here's our costumes (well, without us in them, but you know what I mean). We still have to put a couple stitches in hubby's since we needed to move the straps apart, but it's the only necessary thing on our to-do list today!- I seem to have misplaced my number 7. Huh.
- I love zombies. I hope someone comes as a zombie to the Halloween party tonight.
- Hope you have a great Halloween weekend!
27 October 2010
Skin Woes
I've mentioned before, when I hear others lamenting about acne creams and such, that I've never had much trouble with my skin. In just the last year or so, though, I've developed a horrible dry patch under my left eye. I have no idea why, and can't think of anything I may have changed to make it happen. I keep meaning to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist and see if I need treatment for eczema or something, but with our insurance changing soon, I have a reason to procrastinate again ;)
Some of the things I've tried so far include diaper cream, a couple different types of eye cream, regular moisturizer applied frequently, and a peeling masque (to get the flaky parts off - yeah, yum!). I thought I had some A&D ointment around somewhere I was going to try, but I haven't stumbled across it yet. If it was just dry, I wouldn't complain, but I've had other people notice it and ask me what's wrong. How embarrassing!
Some of the things I've tried so far include diaper cream, a couple different types of eye cream, regular moisturizer applied frequently, and a peeling masque (to get the flaky parts off - yeah, yum!). I thought I had some A&D ointment around somewhere I was going to try, but I haven't stumbled across it yet. If it was just dry, I wouldn't complain, but I've had other people notice it and ask me what's wrong. How embarrassing!
26 October 2010
Random Tuesday Thoughts
Good thing it's Random Tuesday, because I'm having a heck of a time staying on track today! I've got lots to do, but I'm exceptionally tired and drained today. Blech. While I'm definitely getting my necessary tasks done today, I want to conserve my energy until my chocolate show tonight! It should be a good one, so I want to be on top of my game ;)
We still don't have Halloween costumes :( I was going to give up and order the one I wanted, since overnight shipping was just $9.95 in a message they sent me today, but the one I wanted is sold out. Back to square one, I guess.
Silly Vistaprint is really screwing up lately. They delivered an order to me yesterday, but still not the order that was placed a week earlier. And they refunded my money for my canceled order...well, most of it anyway. I think I might start looking for somewhere else to get some of my business supplies...
I would really, really like a nap. But it's not going to happen today :(
Maggie kept asking to go to the beach today. Too bad it's cold and we're having tornado warnings all over the place right now. We spent some time at the pretend beach in the living room instead.
24 October 2010
More Juggling
It seems I'm still getting credit card offers every day in both my married name and my maiden name from almost five years ago! I'm sure they mean to give me credit lines of $5,000 or more even if they don't have my name right, right?
My favorite, though, are the phone calls that come for my husband. They really like to offer him 0% balance transfer. While that's a great deal, and I used them more than a couple times when I was juggling finances before we were married, there's a little less point to a Citi balance transfer when he doesn't even have a Citicard, you know?
I do remember well what it was like to try and keep all the balls in the air, and credit card calculators have been handy more than once when I was trying to keep myself in the best case scenario. It was in my best interest to stay educated about my options, and not assume people who didn't even know my name could really know what might be best for me.
My favorite, though, are the phone calls that come for my husband. They really like to offer him 0% balance transfer. While that's a great deal, and I used them more than a couple times when I was juggling finances before we were married, there's a little less point to a Citi balance transfer when he doesn't even have a Citicard, you know?
I do remember well what it was like to try and keep all the balls in the air, and credit card calculators have been handy more than once when I was trying to keep myself in the best case scenario. It was in my best interest to stay educated about my options, and not assume people who didn't even know my name could really know what might be best for me.
Sunday Stealing: The Presuppose You're Living in New England Meme
Today we ripped this meme of a blogger known as Wayfarer at Wayfarer's Journal. Wayfarer doesn't explain if he wrote it or stole it. But if he did, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!
Sunday Stealing: The Presuppose You're Living in New England Meme
1. Have you turned the heat on in your house yet this fall? Heck yeah.
2. Do you allow your pets on the furniture? Sure.
3. What were your final words for September? I have no idea, and that was a while ago!
4. What are your first words for October? Hopefully rabbit rabbit!
5. Do you think you’ve ever seen a ghost? Yes I have.
6. What is the one color that represents this time of year? Rusty orange.
7. Which of your senses do you think is most sensitive this time of year? I'm trying, but I don't know if I can pick just one! I love the smell of the chill settling in, the sound of walking on crunchy leaves, the briskness of the cool on my skin....
8. What is your favorite thing to do at the county fair? Watch my daughter having fun and seeing stuff for the first time.
9. What do you like when you have a cold? Not much.
10. Are you willing to spend over $100 for a piece of winter clothing, like boots or a coat? Yes. I hate being cold and uncomfortable.
12. What do you have too much of in your kitchen? It used to be marshmallows. Now it's probably just clutter.
13. What gripes do you have about this time of year? None in particular. I dread the snow coming...
14. Other than yourself, are you responsible for getting anyone ready in the morning? Yup. Miss Maggie.
15. When was the last time you cleaned your gutters? I've never done it. Hubby does it. If I was on my own, I'd probably pay someone to do it. I don't do heights well.
16. So, it’s after Labor Day. Will you still be wearing white? Only if I feel like it. ;)
17. What shows are you most looking forward to this Fall? We're currently watching the old episodes of Big Love. But I do love picking up a good zombie movie in the fall. Or the spring, or even summer or winter...
18. What three things have you just not gotten around to from the summer, but probably should do before snow flies?
Cheers to all of us thieves!
Sunday Stealing: The Presuppose You're Living in New England Meme
1. Have you turned the heat on in your house yet this fall? Heck yeah.
2. Do you allow your pets on the furniture? Sure.
3. What were your final words for September? I have no idea, and that was a while ago!
4. What are your first words for October? Hopefully rabbit rabbit!
5. Do you think you’ve ever seen a ghost? Yes I have.
6. What is the one color that represents this time of year? Rusty orange.
7. Which of your senses do you think is most sensitive this time of year? I'm trying, but I don't know if I can pick just one! I love the smell of the chill settling in, the sound of walking on crunchy leaves, the briskness of the cool on my skin....
8. What is your favorite thing to do at the county fair? Watch my daughter having fun and seeing stuff for the first time.
9. What do you like when you have a cold? Not much.
10. Are you willing to spend over $100 for a piece of winter clothing, like boots or a coat? Yes. I hate being cold and uncomfortable.
12. What do you have too much of in your kitchen? It used to be marshmallows. Now it's probably just clutter.
13. What gripes do you have about this time of year? None in particular. I dread the snow coming...
14. Other than yourself, are you responsible for getting anyone ready in the morning? Yup. Miss Maggie.
15. When was the last time you cleaned your gutters? I've never done it. Hubby does it. If I was on my own, I'd probably pay someone to do it. I don't do heights well.
16. So, it’s after Labor Day. Will you still be wearing white? Only if I feel like it. ;)
17. What shows are you most looking forward to this Fall? We're currently watching the old episodes of Big Love. But I do love picking up a good zombie movie in the fall. Or the spring, or even summer or winter...
18. What three things have you just not gotten around to from the summer, but probably should do before snow flies?
- Throwing away our dead bushes from the front yard :(
- Making sure all of Maggie's outside toys are cleaned & put away.
- Painting the front door (okay, it won't happen, but I keep meaning to, and now it's getting too cold again!).
23 October 2010
The Roasting of Pumpkin Seeds - A Guest Post
Contribution by Darren Saunders
One tradition that our family looks forward to every year is the roasting of pumpkin seeds. Of course, this always starts out going to the pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin! Every year it seems to be someone's goal to find the craziest looking pumpkin they can.
Once home, the carving begins. First, the perfect design has to be found. Now, this can be done freehand or it can be traced. We have even printed designs off of the internet when we are looking for something really unusual or outrageous. With all our pumpkin carving tools, we set out to create some interesting looking subjects!
When scooping out the pumpkins, we take care not to toss away any pumpkin seeds. They are rinsed off, coated with oil, and placed onto a cookie sheet. We do sprinkle them with salt before roasting. It is enjoyable to carve the pumpkins while smelling the seeds roasting.
By the time the pumpkins are done being carved, the seeds are done and are cooling off. We then take our pumpkins into the living room and light them. The rest of the night is spent watching our satellite tv from www.direct.tv, looking at our glowing pumpkins, and munching on our delicious pumpkin seeds!
Another Smile Shared!
Today's chocolate tasting was a lot of fun, and successful for more than just me! Another smart woman has joined my team! I love being a team leader and sharing the chance for a debt-free holiday, or maybe just the opportunity to have an extra $100, $500 or more than $1000 each month!
Dove Chocolate Discoveries announced a special $49 Sweet Smile business kit! You can start your own chocolate business for just $49! The kit comes with:
If you just do your own show for your friends and family, you would make more than you spent and have products left over!!
Please think about whether this would make your financial life easier (and more fun!) or if it might help out someone else you know. I can work with anyone in the 48 contiguous states (sorry, we don't do business in Alaska or Hawaii yet), and I do reward for referrals as well.
There's more information at my website, or feel free to comment and I can contact you with more information (my comments are moderated by me - if you include personal information I will not publish your comment, but I will receive your information :) ).
Dove Chocolate Discoveries announced a special $49 Sweet Smile business kit! You can start your own chocolate business for just $49! The kit comes with:
Products
1 Chocolate Martini Mix Bottle
1 Box of Cinnamon-Dusted Almonds
1 Truffle Fudge Brownie Mix
6 Chai Tea Packets
Printed Material
1 Welcome Packet
25 Fall/Holiday 2010 Catalogs
50 Order Forms
FREE Professional Web Tools
(includes 60-day trial of website, e-newsletter & e-promos)
If you just do your own show for your friends and family, you would make more than you spent and have products left over!!
Please think about whether this would make your financial life easier (and more fun!) or if it might help out someone else you know. I can work with anyone in the 48 contiguous states (sorry, we don't do business in Alaska or Hawaii yet), and I do reward for referrals as well.
There's more information at my website, or feel free to comment and I can contact you with more information (my comments are moderated by me - if you include personal information I will not publish your comment, but I will receive your information :) ).
22 October 2010
Environmental?
Is it just me, or are skin problems becoming more prevalent (or more talked about, anyway)? I can't watch an afternoon of tv anymore without seeing a couple ads for natural acne treatment or younger skin. At risk of sounding like a crazy old dinosaur, when I was younger, natural treatment just meant washing your face with soap and water and not wearing so much make-up. I'm glad I never had much of a problem. When it does get a little less 'glowing,' I usually just try to pay more attention to drinking plenty of water, and (as I get older) putting on my moisturizer each day. Drinking eight glasses of water and wearing sunblock every day never hurt anyone ;)
Reposted Because I Believe in this Cause - Can you Help?
Do you know anyone living each day with juvenile diabetes? It's a whole different life with all the stuff they have to do to just keep going every day. It's not fair! Yeah, mom said life isn't fair, but we're not talking about getting a smaller share at snack time or watching your favorite sports team suffer through a bad call. We're talking about a child in a five-year span with juvenile diabetes having her fingers pricked more than 16,000 times, having more than 6,000 injections and more than 400 insulin pump site changes. That?? Is no where close to 'fair.'
From my friend Kristi:
You can help find a cure! Kristi and her daughter Hayleigh are raising money for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). They are taking donations for their participation in the Walk to Cure Diabetes in Arizona on October 30. PLEASE go to their site and donate what you can! They're still $640 shy of their goal and have less than three weeks to make it before the walk. Here's the site to donate.
Thank you!
From my friend Kristi:
Juvenile Diabetes affects the lives of an estimated 1.7 million Americans, drastically reducing their average life span by fifteen years. Children with Type 1 diabetes are insulin-dependent for life and require daily multiple insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump just to stay alive. Children with Type 1 diabetes and their families are in a constant struggle to manage blood-sugar levels with 8 or more daily finger pricks to test blood, multiple insulin injections or insulin-pump monitoring, and careful monitoring of exercise and food intake. Insulin is not a cure. It only allows our child to stay alive!
You can help find a cure! Kristi and her daughter Hayleigh are raising money for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). They are taking donations for their participation in the Walk to Cure Diabetes in Arizona on October 30. PLEASE go to their site and donate what you can! They're still $640 shy of their goal and have less than three weeks to make it before the walk. Here's the site to donate.
Thank you!
I Don't Have to Make Sense
Maybe PMS is coming again, but I just caught myself reading diet pill comparisons while eating a snickerdoodle fresh from the bakery. Oh, and a sea-salted caramel (the last one in the whole delicious box!). As a friend of mine said when her Facebook status announced she had chocolate chip cookies for breakfast, "Don't judge!"
My three-year-old? Already thinks I'm not too smart. I walked by her room and she was sitting in her ottoman-on-wheels (that is also intended for storage). When I started closing her door and reminded her it's nap time, she said, "Yeah. Close the door so you don't be mad." Like I can't tell by the noise level that she's still awake? Okay, kiddo.
My three-year-old? Already thinks I'm not too smart. I walked by her room and she was sitting in her ottoman-on-wheels (that is also intended for storage). When I started closing her door and reminded her it's nap time, she said, "Yeah. Close the door so you don't be mad." Like I can't tell by the noise level that she's still awake? Okay, kiddo.
Happy Birthday Kris - but WE get the presents!
Go check out My Sugar Bugs and enter to win a beautiful handmade bracelet from Beaded Jewels. These beautiful "Beaded Jewel Bracelets of Hope" are designed and handmade by Lexi Butler, jewelry designer/beading artist. One lucky winner will receive a made-with-love awareness bracelet of their choice. The winner will be able to choose from 30 awareness colors and combinations and also have their choice of a grey ribbon, pink ribbon, yellow ribbon, silver ribbon or several other charms. All charms are sterling silver. The winner will also be able to chose their size for the perfect fit!
Check out and "like" Beaded Jewels on Facebook to see all of her designs! Then visit My Sugar Bugs to enter and maybe win your favorite for free!
Brr....
It's finally starting to get a little more fall feeling out! I love bundling up in sweaters, and I wear jeans all year round, so this is the season where I start fitting in a little better with my fashion choices. If only Maggie could get with the program too! She keeps picking her cute capris and tank tops. Ummm...no, Maggie - it's too chilly for that now! She has some great new long sleeved and long pant outfits, but she gets in a funk and wants to wear her 'seahorse outfit' one more time. Only on a day we're staying in, my dear!
10 Random Things for Friday
- This has got to be a quick list - I've got a fun car to drive, places to go, and people to see!
- I feel like I also have to blow my hair out before driving my hot car. Go figure!
- And I should finish my overdue library book so I can return it when we're at the library today. Whoops!
- Maggie is Jasmine today.
- Maggie is voting that I take a shower 'another day' so she can go to the library ASAP. I don't think the kid is gonna win this one.
- I have a chocolate show tonight to get ready for too. I think most of the paperwork is together, but I need to bake the cookies, and make two phone calls for outside orders. Yay!
- My finger still hurts where I sliced it on my chipped glass pan the other day. Ouch :(
- We still don't have our Halloween costumes for next weekend! I think we're going to do Jack Skellington and Sally. I saw a really cool Sally costume with sort of a twist. I think Costume Express called her 'Sassy Sally.' And I've already got tall black boots ;) I hope they have this costume at a local store!
- My nails are looking worse than ever. Since I've redone my desk, the file isn't as handy, so they are getting kind of sharp and raggedy in spots.
- I've had pizza kits for like two days now, but I think we're having leftovers for lunch again. It's faster when Maggie is so eager to get to the library!
21 October 2010
Jobs: Apples vs Oranges
You really can price out anything now-a-days. A friend was recently looking at job offers. Since each company assumes you value something different, the comparisons get very difficult! One brags about time off, while another notes how low your life insurance costs are. Some have flexible spending accounts, while others may have them, but really want to talk about their community discounts. It's crazy!
I remember learning in college that as long as basic needs can be met, salary doesn't have to go up by much for job satisfaction to go up. People value respect, appreciation and convenience much more than some employers expect!
If you could change one aspect of your benefits package (not counting your salary for now!) what would it be?
I remember learning in college that as long as basic needs can be met, salary doesn't have to go up by much for job satisfaction to go up. People value respect, appreciation and convenience much more than some employers expect!
If you could change one aspect of your benefits package (not counting your salary for now!) what would it be?
For Real...
Here's another fabulous card from the site I told you about the other day. This is one of the considerably less tacky ones, since I don't know some of you personally ;)
Check out Bluntcard.com!
Cleaning
So I've got lots of cleaning on my schedule today, along with starting to prepare for chocolate parties tomorrow and Saturday. First thing I've got to do once I get off the computer is clean the child ;) Yes, Maggie needs a bath. I'm sort of dreading it because I cut my finger last night on a glass casserole dish I didn't realize was chipped. I was trying to 'scrub' the rough part off, but it wasn't food - it was the raw edge of the dish - ouch! I've been trying to keep a dry bandaid on it, but that's about to end.
After Maggie and I are cleaned up and have lunch, I have to make sure to wear her out so I can do my other cleaning during her nap. I've got to vacuum my car so we can potentially trade it in tonight. It's not too bad - I shouldn't need protective clothing or anything - but I'll need to move the carseat out of the way and make sure to get the crumbs and grit out of the cracks. Yum! I got the big clutter out of the way yesterday (although I forgot to reach under the seats - there's something to look forward to...).
After Maggie and I are cleaned up and have lunch, I have to make sure to wear her out so I can do my other cleaning during her nap. I've got to vacuum my car so we can potentially trade it in tonight. It's not too bad - I shouldn't need protective clothing or anything - but I'll need to move the carseat out of the way and make sure to get the crumbs and grit out of the cracks. Yum! I got the big clutter out of the way yesterday (although I forgot to reach under the seats - there's something to look forward to...).
Thursday Thunks
This week's title on Thursday Thunks is I See Dead People!Enjoy!
1. Berleen is sending you away again. You can travel anywhere in the world; one destination per day from Friday through Monday. Where do you go and why? Disneyworld? Some days I'd just be thrilled to be where I'm supposed to be on time! Hahaha...
2. Would you keep a secret from the closest person to you if you thought it was in their best interest? Depends on the secret. I can't think of anything I would keep a secret, but I never say never. Never.
3. Tell me one odd/interesting fact about you that you have not revealed in some other crazy meme. I'm running out of odd/interesting facts....I absolutely love having my nails looking polished and pretty.
4. You can have three wishes (for yourself, so forget all the 'world peace etc' BS) - what are they? These things always feel so serious for me. What if I blow it?? Okay, here goes. 1) Better hair. 2) More energy. 3) Enough money to get the things I see that I want :)
5. If you could change anything about your living situation, would you? Not really. More room wouldn't be bad, but the horrors of moving outweigh the limited space. But we'll probably move anyway.
6. Who is your favorite character from a comic strip? Please post one strip for us to laugh at. I don't usually read comic strips. Does Happy Tree Friends count? They crack me up. (I'll warn you, there's cartoon gore involved.)
7. Now we have found you dead. What five people do you want to MEET in Heaven? Heaven? I don't think I'm done here yet - see you next time around!
8. So since you are dead, what will the title of your life story be? I have no idea. If I'm dead, how is this my problem? :P
9. Word association time! What's the first thing that comes to mind when you see the word pleasure? An island.
10. Kimber is by the Arizona ocean. She finds a message in a bottle. What does it say? It's a receipt from Speedway.
11. Would you like to guest host Thunks one week? Answer “yes” here and email us here! If the answer is “no” who do you think would be a great guest host? Nah. And I don't know who would be a great guest host...
20 October 2010
Shopping
With new vehicles, whether they're daily drivers or recreational vehicles, comes insurance. According to the funny movie we watched last night, the poor guy sold insurance for insurance. Huh? And I thought a seasonal rv insurance quote was complicated!
So we're ready to look at new cars for me, and the one thing we forgot to look at was insurance. Oops! Hopefully it isn't so bad as to scare us off! Hubby wants to shop around with other companies, but I'm always nervous about changing something as important as your insurance company. We'll have to see how different the numbers are.
So we're ready to look at new cars for me, and the one thing we forgot to look at was insurance. Oops! Hopefully it isn't so bad as to scare us off! Hubby wants to shop around with other companies, but I'm always nervous about changing something as important as your insurance company. We'll have to see how different the numbers are.
Time to Spare?
Today was our music class, and we brought along a friend. It always makes things even more fun :) And it keeps me a little more engaged too. I'm so used to following Maggie, or doing what Maggie wants, that I have very little time to do things I want to do without her.
Our class this session involves a half hour of class for just the kids, then they sing a special song that invites the parents in for the last 15 minutes. Usually I hang out in the lobby with the other parents and we all entertain ourselves. My big activity is usually playing online games with my iPad. Today we actually sort of visited. We so seldom get to visit without being interrupted by the kids - it was nice for a change :)
Our class this session involves a half hour of class for just the kids, then they sing a special song that invites the parents in for the last 15 minutes. Usually I hang out in the lobby with the other parents and we all entertain ourselves. My big activity is usually playing online games with my iPad. Today we actually sort of visited. We so seldom get to visit without being interrupted by the kids - it was nice for a change :)
Still Here....
Well, the changing table and TV we were getting rid of are gone, but my old computer desk/work station is still here. I've only put it up a couple times on Facebook, as I really didn't want to officially 'list' it and deal with the crazies on Craigslist. But maybe that should be my next step.
It was a good desk for me, but now that I have my huge awesome desk, we really don't have anywhere to store even that small one. For right now it's on our enclosed front porch. If we had a real basement maybe we could stash it there, but the stairs are funny shaped and hard to get down (especially carrying furniture!), and we should probably be running a dehumidifier, as everything down there ends up feeling a little damp.
Okay, okay...I think I've almost talked myself in Craigslist or Freecycle...buh-bye desk!
It was a good desk for me, but now that I have my huge awesome desk, we really don't have anywhere to store even that small one. For right now it's on our enclosed front porch. If we had a real basement maybe we could stash it there, but the stairs are funny shaped and hard to get down (especially carrying furniture!), and we should probably be running a dehumidifier, as everything down there ends up feeling a little damp.
Okay, okay...I think I've almost talked myself in Craigslist or Freecycle...buh-bye desk!
Away We Go!
Hubby and I watched Away We Go starring John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph last night. I thought it was pretty funny. It was about Burt and Verona, two people about to become parents. They are trying to decide where they want to live and raise their baby, and the friends and family they meet up with on their travels run in all extremes! Here's some of the funniest quotes from the movie (probably even funnier out of context - that's how I roll...).LN: I LOVE my babies. Why would I want to PUSH them away from me?
Beckett: Babies like to breathe, and they're good at hiding it. I put a pillow over a baby. I thought she wasn't breathing, but she was. She was sneaky, but I'll try again.
(okay, this one isn't a funny quote, but I really wanted to share it anyway)
Tom Garnett: She had another miscarriage.
Burt Farlander: What? When?
Tom Garnett: Thursday.
Burt Farlander: This Thursday?
Tom Garnett: Yeah. This is her fifth. I know she loves all those kids like, like they were her own blood. But, I wonder if we've been selfish. People like us we wait till our thirties and then we're surprised when the babies aren't so easy to make anymore and then every day another million fourteen year olds get pregnant without trying. It's a terrible feeling, this helpless, man. You just watch these babies grow and then fade. You don't know if you're supposed to name them, or bury them, or... I'm sorry.
Burt Farlander: Do you promise to let our daughter be fat or skinny or any weight at all? Because we want her to be happy, no matter what. Being obsessed with weight is just too cliché for our daughter.
Verona De Tessant: Yes, I do. Do you promise, when she talks, you'll listen? Like, really listen, especially when she's scared? And that her fights will be your fights?
Burt Farlander: I do. And do you promise that if I die some embarrassing and boring death that you're gonna tell our daughter that her father was killed by Russian soldiers in this intense hand-to-hand combat in an attempt to save the lives of 850 Chechnyan orphans?
Verona De Tessant: I do. Chechnyan orphans. I do. I do.
19 October 2010
School Daze...
When are the deadlines for most engineering scholarships? I seem to remember wayyy back when I was in school (20+ years ago, I've recently been reminded), you had to begin trying to find scholarships almost as soon as you entered school in the fall - for the following year!
I'm still paying for my college education. I know it's a good thing that I have my BBA, but I don't really feel like I use it much in relating to a three-year-old day in and day out! I wonder how much time I spent filling out applications, writing essays, and researching my ethnicity to see if I qualified for any Native American or black scholarships. I think I was even awarded a few bucks for my academic achievements, but it sure doesn't feel like it now, when I'm repaying student loans for a degree I don't use decades later! I know I'll always have the knowledge thought, right?
I'm still paying for my college education. I know it's a good thing that I have my BBA, but I don't really feel like I use it much in relating to a three-year-old day in and day out! I wonder how much time I spent filling out applications, writing essays, and researching my ethnicity to see if I qualified for any Native American or black scholarships. I think I was even awarded a few bucks for my academic achievements, but it sure doesn't feel like it now, when I'm repaying student loans for a degree I don't use decades later! I know I'll always have the knowledge thought, right?
Random Tuesday Thoughts
My husband's pants are disappearing. Yesterday on his way to work he said, "Hey, can you wash some of my khakis today?" I told him it wouldn't be a problem. But when I went through the dirty clothes and put together a load of laundry, I could only find one pair of khakis. He used to have at least three or four pairs. Seriously - where could his pants be??
Yesterday Maggie would not take a nap. Today? She fell asleep on the couch a full hour before her regular nap time. Huh.
I almost forgot I got some Halloween decorations for my office windows. I really want to get those up today, but first I need to finish this, do another post, follow-up with the rest of my hostesses for this month, make a few other calls, follow-up with my guests from last weekend, and empty the dishwasher. And whatever else I remember...
And I still have some Halloween Nerds left from a couple weeks ago. I have to eat them so...well, so I can buy more while they're still available :D
(because orange nerds are THE BEST!!)
I'm pretty excited about looking for a new car. The old one is working again, but she's now earned the title of 'less reliable.' Hubby says cars don't actually have feelings, so I shouldn't feel like a traitor for preparing to trade her in...
It's Done!
Hubby has wanted me to start using Google Voice forever, I think. His main point is to reduce our home phone bill, but I've been hugely resistant because I've published the home phone number everywhere for my business for more than two years! And I do get calls from people who picked up a catalog or flyer a year or more ago.
But yesterday I finally started the switch. I got a Google Voice number (that currently forwards to my house phone, but could also forward to my cell). Then I went and ordered business cards, magnets and a stamp with the new number on them. Now I'm slowly but surely working through a bunch of business publications like my website and newsletter and updating my phone contact info there.
I told him we still can't disconnect the home phone for a while (since I've got things booked with people who know me by the home number through at least the end of this year, preferably longer!), but we're on track to do it eventually.
But yesterday I finally started the switch. I got a Google Voice number (that currently forwards to my house phone, but could also forward to my cell). Then I went and ordered business cards, magnets and a stamp with the new number on them. Now I'm slowly but surely working through a bunch of business publications like my website and newsletter and updating my phone contact info there.
I told him we still can't disconnect the home phone for a while (since I've got things booked with people who know me by the home number through at least the end of this year, preferably longer!), but we're on track to do it eventually.
18 October 2010
Zing. Zang. Zoom!
The circus is coming to town!! Maggie had a great time last year, and still talks about seeing the elephant paint. I can't wait to see what makes an impression on her little memory this year!Through the mystery of magic and the mastery of skill, audiences will be spellbound as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents ZING ZANG ZOOM®, a thrill-filled, mind-blowing circus spectacular where family fun is no illusion. Magical Zingmaster Alex and his assistant, Levitytia, lead audience members through an extraordinary world of fantasy that celebrates the uplifting spirit of the circus and also wards off the cynical Mr. Gravity and his team of Heavies who try to bring everyone down.
Captivating illusions await Children Of All Ages, as apprentice illusionists mysteriously levitate their parents, a four-ton elephant disappears before the audience’s eyes and the mischievous Mr. Gravity transforms into a ferocious tiger. Throughout ZING ZANG ZOOM, circus-goers’ jaws will drop when they see stunning thrill acts that demonstrate unbelievable fearlessness and bravery in performances that defy gravity and logic.
Most magical of all is the incomparable array of exotic animals, which includes a herd of Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, and Arabian and Friesian horses that join forces with human performers to create an experience that reminds everyone that the magic of The Greatest Show On Earth® lives on!
The fun begins an hour before the show with Ringling Bros. Clown College® at the All Access Pre-show –FREE with your ticket!
It’s November 10 – 14 at The Palace of Auburn Hills (Michigan). There’s a special ticket offer for bloggers and playgroups – you can get four tickets for $44 (valid on ALL performances!). Just use the code “MOM” when purchasing tickets online, by phone or at the Palace Box Office.
[Discount not valid on Circus Celebrity, Front Row or VIP Seats. When purchasing on the ticketmaster site, enter the code in the ‘MC PROMOTION’ area. Subject to service fees and charges.]
[Oh yeah, and you should know my family and I are going with complimentary tickets for promoting the circus in places like
this personal blog. ]
this personal blog. ]
Ghoulish Jello - A Guest Post
Thanks for the post from Lynn Guy
Halloween is right around the corner and spooky, freightening movies are on satelite tv from direct.tv/direct-tv-deals.html. This is good because as I was these horror flicks, I'm actually inspired to do some crazy variations on the usual faire of foods.
It was with the movie Monsters vs. Aliens, a cute animated 3D animated movie about, you guess it, monsters and aliens. The very jello-like blob with one eyeball inspired me to think about jello. Blueberry jello. He wiggles and jiggles across the screen in the movie, and I thought it would be perfect for any Halloween party.
Any flavor of jello would work good for this, and tons of variations of addition of fruits can turn the jello into something more frightening. Grapes, for example could make a creepy version of eyeballs. Perfect for Halloween, right? Add some shaved coconut to the jello before it sets to make it even more crazy. Once it has set firmly, it would be great with whipped cream and a very red strawberry topping. If you are really sinister and fiendish, there are gummy hands found in the candy aisle of the grocery store that would be inserted into the jello before it sets. Call it your mad scientist jello if you will. With the addition of some creative foods, the dessert selection can be one that no one would forget.
I Have to Share!!
I'm so afraid I'll forget to tell someone this, and they'll be the one who it could really help out! Would you like to pay cash for your holidays? Maybe make up those few bucks missing from your budget because raises weren't given out by your company this year, or you're working less hours than you used to?
Dove Chocolate Discoveries just announced a special $49 Sweet Smile business kit! You can start your own chocolate business for just $49! The kit comes with:
If you just do your own show for your friends and family, you would make more than you spent and have products left over!!
Please think about whether this would make your financial life easier (and more fun!) or if it might help out someone else you know. I can work with anyone in the 48 contiguous states (sorry, we don't do business in Alaska or Hawaii yet) and I do reward for referrals as well.
There's more information at my website, or feel free to comment and I can contact you with more information (my comments are moderated by me - if you include personal information I will not publish your comment, but I will receive your information :) ).
Dove Chocolate Discoveries just announced a special $49 Sweet Smile business kit! You can start your own chocolate business for just $49! The kit comes with:
Products
1 Chocolate Martini Mix Bottle
1 Box of Cinnamon-Dusted Almonds
1 Truffle Fudge Brownie Mix
6 Chai Tea Packets
Printed Material
1 Welcome Packet
25 Fall/Holiday 2010 Catalogs
50 Order Forms
FREE Professional Web Tools
(includes 60-day trial of website, e-newsletter & e-promos)
If you just do your own show for your friends and family, you would make more than you spent and have products left over!!
Please think about whether this would make your financial life easier (and more fun!) or if it might help out someone else you know. I can work with anyone in the 48 contiguous states (sorry, we don't do business in Alaska or Hawaii yet) and I do reward for referrals as well.
There's more information at my website, or feel free to comment and I can contact you with more information (my comments are moderated by me - if you include personal information I will not publish your comment, but I will receive your information :) ).
17 October 2010
Ahh...The Reunion
The reunion, as I've said, was better than I expected. There were some people who were good to catch up with, and a couple pleasant surprises of people I'd never really hung out with much in the first place.
And despite my friend's advice in the last post, there were some who didn't seem to have changed much since high school! Sometimes that was all right, but usually it just smacked of immaturity by now.
I have to admit there were a few people who approached us like we were on an interview for management jobs or something. "Hi. I don't remember you from high school, but hi. What do you do?" While some people would say this was an ideal opportunity to talk about my business, in the case that this actual conversation is quoted from, I just said I was a stay-at-home-mom to watch his eyes glaze over so he'd go talk to someone else. I'd almost feel guilty for being so judgmental, but I'm pretty sure he was too drunk to remember it by the time we'd left, much less when he woke up again today.
And despite my friend's advice in the last post, there were some who didn't seem to have changed much since high school! Sometimes that was all right, but usually it just smacked of immaturity by now.
I have to admit there were a few people who approached us like we were on an interview for management jobs or something. "Hi. I don't remember you from high school, but hi. What do you do?" While some people would say this was an ideal opportunity to talk about my business, in the case that this actual conversation is quoted from, I just said I was a stay-at-home-mom to watch his eyes glaze over so he'd go talk to someone else. I'd almost feel guilty for being so judgmental, but I'm pretty sure he was too drunk to remember it by the time we'd left, much less when he woke up again today.
Weekend in Review
Whoa! It's been a lot of activity this weekend. We even started a little early to get it all in!
Friday: I had another cardiologist follow-up appointment. Hubby took the afternoon off work, especially since we weren't sure how my car would behave. We did take my car to the appointment (and everywhere else this weekend) and she seems to be doing fine!
From the heart institute, we headed out to the park where my parents were camping to drop off lil miss Maggie for the weekend. She's always excited to spend time with her Mimi and Papa - I can't wait to see some of the pictures they got! She camped with them most of the weekend so she could participate in trick-or-treating there on Saturday night while we had other plans.
After dropping Maggie off, hubby and I headed to the Outback for our traditional Sweetest Day dinner. Yum! I forgot to get the lobster and mushroom topping for my steak on the side. It is so fabulous I like to make sure I get every drop, but I didn't want to lick the plate with all the other stuff too ;)
Saturday: I had to get up super early Saturday to get ready for the vendor event/fundariser I was doing that day with my Dove business. I got lots of great contacts and met a really cool vendor at the booth next to me. It was a fun day!
I went from there to stop and buy some shoes to go with my dress for the reunion that night. As I was missing Maggie, I also got her the adorable princess boots she'd tried on earlier in the week. She was so excited when I told her we got them for her!
Saturday night was my 20-year high school reunion. It was more fun than I expected. There was no one there that I really hung out with in high school, but I made new friends I hadn't met years ago. Go figure! As a friend pointed out to me today: We're all different people now than we were 20 years ago. Leave the past in the past and get on with life now!
Sunday: Today I had to get up early again to get ready for my chocolate tasting this afternoon, and because I was in a hurry to go get Maggie! I miss my girl when we're not together!
We picked her up a little after noon and all headed to my chocolate party. During the party hubby and Maggie went to visit my brother and his family. Maggie did not want to leave her cousins when it was time to go get mommy! Sorry, kid!
Tonight we just ordered pizza for dinner, and now we're catching our breath after such a busy weekend!
Surprise Trip to New Orleans - A Guest Post
Guest post written by Zach Martinez
For our grandson's 15th birthday, my wife and I treated him to an all-expenses-paid trip to The Big Easy. It's only an hour out from where we live in Louisiana, and he'd never been before so we were dying to show him the city. It truly is a fascinating place for any kid to go--the street trolley cars that take you to and fro, the street vendors, the bands on every corner--it's a totally different world. One of the things he wanted to do the most was visit the Audubon’s new exhibit, the Insectarium.That was quite an experience, itself. The whole place is filled with bugs to look at. There's even a tasting room, where visitors can stop in and try some of the edible bugs, like crickets. Of course Billy tried the crickets--my wife and I couldn't get the courage to, though. They also had this huge butterfly room you could go into, where hundreds of butterflies flew around you. One landed on my wife's glasses--it was the coolest thing!
The whole experience made me even more glad I went to HearingAidsbyMiracleEar.com the week before to get new hearing aids. They helped me enjoy the experience to its fullest, I think. We all had such a great time, that now there's only one problem: How will we top it next year?
Sunday Stealing
Today we ripped this meme of a blogger known as Nigel Vanstone a
t Away for a Bit. Nigel explains that he was tagged to do the meme, but does not credit the blogger. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. He promised to post the next 25 questions and he came though. We know some are the most common questions ever, but overall we hope that you'll enjoy Nigel one more time! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!
Sunday Stealing: Another 50 Questions Meme, Part Two Indeed!
26. Do you like someone? Sure. I like lots of people.
27. The last song you listened to? The Martha Speaks theme song?
28. What time of day were you born? 9:06 AM
29. What’s your favorite number? 13
30. Where did you live in 1987? My parents' house.
31. Are you jealous of anyone? Sure.
32. Is anyone jealous of you? Probably.
33. Where were you when 9/11 happened? At work at RepairClinic.com.
34. What do you do when vending machines steal your money? Can't remember the last time it happened, actually.
35. Do you consider yourself kind? I try to be.
36. If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be? I've already got three...I'm not sure anymore where I'd get a next one.
37. If you could be fluent in any other language, what would it be? Probably German, so I'd understand my husband when he tries talking to me in German..
38. Would you move for the person you loved? Yup. Probably will soon.
39. Are you touchy feely? Nope.
40. What’s your life motto? It's all okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
41. Name three things that you have on you at all times? My diamond earrings (there are three of them :) )
42. What’s your favorite town/city? I don't think I really have one. I like lots of different places. It's all about being happy where you are.
43. What was the last thing you paid for with cash? A drink last night at the bar.
44. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it? I don't remember. I do mail notes with lots of stuff I send out.
45. Can you change the oil on a car? I think I could if I had to, but I never have so far.
46. Your first love: what is the last thing you heard about him/her? I don't even know who I'd consider my first love...
47. How far back do you know about your ancestry? Just a couple generations - not far.
48. The last time you dressed fancy, what did you wear and why did you dress fancy? I got dressed up last night to go to my 20-year high school reunion.
49. Does anything hurt on your body right now? My leg still kind of hurts from where I slammed it in the car door three weeks ago.
50. Have you been burned by love? Hasn't everyone?
t Away for a Bit. Nigel explains that he was tagged to do the meme, but does not credit the blogger. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. He promised to post the next 25 questions and he came though. We know some are the most common questions ever, but overall we hope that you'll enjoy Nigel one more time! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!Cheers to all of us thieves!
Sunday Stealing: Another 50 Questions Meme, Part Two Indeed!
26. Do you like someone? Sure. I like lots of people.
27. The last song you listened to? The Martha Speaks theme song?
28. What time of day were you born? 9:06 AM
29. What’s your favorite number? 13
30. Where did you live in 1987? My parents' house.
31. Are you jealous of anyone? Sure.
32. Is anyone jealous of you? Probably.
33. Where were you when 9/11 happened? At work at RepairClinic.com.
34. What do you do when vending machines steal your money? Can't remember the last time it happened, actually.
35. Do you consider yourself kind? I try to be.
36. If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be? I've already got three...I'm not sure anymore where I'd get a next one.
37. If you could be fluent in any other language, what would it be? Probably German, so I'd understand my husband when he tries talking to me in German..
38. Would you move for the person you loved? Yup. Probably will soon.
39. Are you touchy feely? Nope.
40. What’s your life motto? It's all okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
41. Name three things that you have on you at all times? My diamond earrings (there are three of them :) )
42. What’s your favorite town/city? I don't think I really have one. I like lots of different places. It's all about being happy where you are.
43. What was the last thing you paid for with cash? A drink last night at the bar.
44. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it? I don't remember. I do mail notes with lots of stuff I send out.
45. Can you change the oil on a car? I think I could if I had to, but I never have so far.
46. Your first love: what is the last thing you heard about him/her? I don't even know who I'd consider my first love...
47. How far back do you know about your ancestry? Just a couple generations - not far.
48. The last time you dressed fancy, what did you wear and why did you dress fancy? I got dressed up last night to go to my 20-year high school reunion.
49. Does anything hurt on your body right now? My leg still kind of hurts from where I slammed it in the car door three weeks ago.
50. Have you been burned by love? Hasn't everyone?
15 October 2010
Yet More Memories
Getting ready for my high school reunion this weekend has me thinking of a lot of stuff from back then...
One of my very first jobs was as a cashier at a local family-owned hardware store. It was mostly guys working there, except the manager of the auto counter (go figure) and the cashiers. The fact that it was family-owned made a big difference, although a lot of businesses were family-owned back in the late 80s and early 90s. We used to want to work Sundays instead of having them off. On Sundays, the owner came in. You knew when he arrived because you could smell his swisher sweets cigarillos. Shortly after he showed up, one of his buddies who owned a local pizza restaurant would show up with our lunch - some of the greasiest, and most delicious, pizza and garlic breadsticks ever. Somehow I still wait for the pizza to follow when I smell a cigar. Huh.
One of my very first jobs was as a cashier at a local family-owned hardware store. It was mostly guys working there, except the manager of the auto counter (go figure) and the cashiers. The fact that it was family-owned made a big difference, although a lot of businesses were family-owned back in the late 80s and early 90s. We used to want to work Sundays instead of having them off. On Sundays, the owner came in. You knew when he arrived because you could smell his swisher sweets cigarillos. Shortly after he showed up, one of his buddies who owned a local pizza restaurant would show up with our lunch - some of the greasiest, and most delicious, pizza and garlic breadsticks ever. Somehow I still wait for the pizza to follow when I smell a cigar. Huh.
10 Random Things for Friday
- It's almost 10AM and my daughter is making a bed on my office floor. And dragging stuff off of my tables to do it. Why??
- I totally thought hubby was staying home with us this morning. Since we actually move faster when he's gone, it's probably a good thing he went into the office for a couple hours instead.
- We're going to Outback for dinner tonight. It's sort of a Sweetest Day tradition, and tomorrow we've already got plans. I'm happy.
- Last night was Disney on Ice for me and Maggie (along with Ms Denise and Emma). The girls had a great time, and this morning Maggie said she wants to go again. I hope Emma got up for school okay - we were out late!
- My car has been reassembled and is mysteriously running again. Huh. I think it's time for a new car with less mystery.
- I think I need new shoes to go with my new dress. Just sayin.
- After I explained that Papa's mom made the blanket Maggie is bedding down with, she grabbed a giant pillow off the chair (from Home Goods) and told me that Naveen (from Princess and the Frog) made it for her. Now she's asking me who made the chair. It's all or nothing around here.
- Now she's arguing with me after I told her the store made the chair. "Nooo...stores can't make things. They don't have hands!" I give up.
- We've finally paid off one of my hospital bills from my heart procedure in March. One to go (I get bills for the 'procedure' done in one hospital, and for my overnight stay at the hospital next door...).
- My chocolate party on Sunday is expecting like 30 guests!! I'm hoping for a comma show! (That's what we call it when there's a 'comma' in the total, as in $1,000 or more!)
14 October 2010
New Toy Time?
So I think I mentioned we got a new TV a couple weeks ago. Now hubby is afraid we aren't taking full advantage of its awesomeness. His next plan is to get something that plays Blu-Ray movies. He considered himself lucky to find that a PS3 doesn't cost much more than a straight Blu-Ray player, and then we can play ps3 games too! I'm not really offering much resistance, since the last game system I had was an old Nintendo 8-bit when my brother had tired of it and passed it along to me. I can't argue at all when I see benefits for myself beyond just satisfying our original goal for improved movie quality!
Thursday Thunks
Thursday Thunks: The Man in the Moon
The TT questions are brought to you by Bud, the color of bad excuses and the number 9. number 9.number 9.number 9.number 9..
1. It's election time. The moon is currently waxing crescent and is 37% full. What do you do to decide who to vote for? Hopefully learn something about the issues and the candidates!
2. Everybody is afraid of something. Do you play a musical instrument? In the past (think high school and earlier) I have played the flute, piccolo, saxophone and oboe.
3. Everyone loves some kind of music. What is an irrational fear that you have? The honey bear. It isn't natural.
4. Back to politics. Who do you think will be next president after Obama whether he gets a second term or not? I have absolutely no idea.
5. What is the most unusual piece of furniture that you own? Unusual? Probably some of the old tables and an old chair in my office. Not that they're unusual, but their styling isn't common.
6. Everybody gets angry at times. When was your last time and what did it concern? I have a three-year-old. Sadly enough, she's been pushing all my buttons lately.
7. Do you have cousins? If yes, are you or have you been close? I have around 30 first cousins on my mom's side, and five (along with a couple of half-cousins or something) on my dad's side. I'm not exceptionally close with any of them.
8. What was the last song that you sang in the shower? Hmm...I don't remember for sure. It may have been 99 Bottles of Beer, or No More Monkies Jumping on the Bed!
9. What question would you like me to ask next week? Don't care, really....
10. What's in your left pocket right now? Nothing. Usually my cell phone, if I leave the house.
11. When was the last time that you laughed till you cried? Probably with my mom a couple weeks ago when we drove to the Longaberger Homestead.
12. What song would you like played at your funeral? Will it make any difference to me? Maybe 'I'll Follow You Into the Dark' by Death Cab for Cutie.
13. How did you discover Thursday Thunks the first time that you played? Probably from Jodi ;)
The TT questions are brought to you by Bud, the color of bad excuses and the number 9. number 9.number 9.number 9.number 9..
1. It's election time. The moon is currently waxing crescent and is 37% full. What do you do to decide who to vote for? Hopefully learn something about the issues and the candidates!
2. Everybody is afraid of something. Do you play a musical instrument? In the past (think high school and earlier) I have played the flute, piccolo, saxophone and oboe.
3. Everyone loves some kind of music. What is an irrational fear that you have? The honey bear. It isn't natural.
4. Back to politics. Who do you think will be next president after Obama whether he gets a second term or not? I have absolutely no idea.
5. What is the most unusual piece of furniture that you own? Unusual? Probably some of the old tables and an old chair in my office. Not that they're unusual, but their styling isn't common.
6. Everybody gets angry at times. When was your last time and what did it concern? I have a three-year-old. Sadly enough, she's been pushing all my buttons lately.
7. Do you have cousins? If yes, are you or have you been close? I have around 30 first cousins on my mom's side, and five (along with a couple of half-cousins or something) on my dad's side. I'm not exceptionally close with any of them.
8. What was the last song that you sang in the shower? Hmm...I don't remember for sure. It may have been 99 Bottles of Beer, or No More Monkies Jumping on the Bed!
9. What question would you like me to ask next week? Don't care, really....
10. What's in your left pocket right now? Nothing. Usually my cell phone, if I leave the house.
11. When was the last time that you laughed till you cried? Probably with my mom a couple weeks ago when we drove to the Longaberger Homestead.
12. What song would you like played at your funeral? Will it make any difference to me? Maybe 'I'll Follow You Into the Dark' by Death Cab for Cutie.
13. How did you discover Thursday Thunks the first time that you played? Probably from Jodi ;)
Really, Insurance??
A friend commented the other day that he'd seen a billboard advertising 'The Lowest Cost for an MRI.' He was shocked. Insurance doesn't cover this? What's next - bringing your own vital signs monitor to the hospital?
I wish I could have been more shocked, but as more and more people have to go without insurance, health care is becoming something people need to try and save money for. Appalling, I think. I remember around the time I had my heart surgery hearing about someone else who needed the same procedure, but they didn't have insurance. They were in the process of trying to save enough money. Ugh!
Even with insurance, I'm still getting bills for my procedure and hospital stay in March! Good thing nothing else has gone wrong so far to overlap that expense - we may owe on medical care forever!
I wish I could have been more shocked, but as more and more people have to go without insurance, health care is becoming something people need to try and save money for. Appalling, I think. I remember around the time I had my heart surgery hearing about someone else who needed the same procedure, but they didn't have insurance. They were in the process of trying to save enough money. Ugh!
Even with insurance, I'm still getting bills for my procedure and hospital stay in March! Good thing nothing else has gone wrong so far to overlap that expense - we may owe on medical care forever!
13 October 2010
What the Hell Wednesday
Has it really been nearly a month since I've posted one of these? Like there isn't plenty to complain about?? WTH!!
Some of mine will never change. Call people back when you say you will. Do what you say you will, especially as it directly influences someone else's job...If you really want more info on this one, ask me. I'll get out my soapbox, climb up and explain it to you ;)
And a corollary to this one? If you request information through a company's website, please don't be rude when someone calls with the requested information! Duh! WTH??
Dear beloved car of mine: I realize you have 80,000 miles. I need you to realize that we have taken very good care of you during these miles, and you should keep running (or in this case, start running again). Please. Pretty Please. Covered in motor oil, or whatever it is you want, darling. Please.
(WTH?!!)
I have been trying to get rid of three things for two weeks: a computer workstation/desk, a changing table, and a 32" TV (that works). As soon as I listed them on Facebook, several people wanted them. I told each of them, "No charge, just please get it out of my way ASAP!"
The changing table is the only item to have left so far. The other two are up for grabs again and I'm hoping the people who asked second and third and I said, "Sorry - already gone!" come back! Don't tell me you'll come get my crap then back out!! WTH!!!
Just My Cats and I - A Guest Blogger Post
Guest post written by Margaret Thayer
Retiring to Maine was a little unconventional, but I really do love it here. Most folks my age fantasize about moving where it’s warm, but I always found something very charming and beautiful about this place. I also find Maine to be a great inspiration for my writing. It is so wonderful that I’ve finally found time to work on the book I’ve always wanted to write.
Being that it’s pretty much just my cats and me, I’ve spent a lot of time in my comfy reclining chair and watching TV in the evenings. My cats are my world, and I love watching my favorite shows with them all curled up in my lap!
I’ve had a little trouble hearing the TV lately, so I think I’m going to finally check out the Hearing Aids by Miracle Ear that I’ve heard so much about. They sound like they’d be a real life-saver!
Maine is really great place for me right now; it has provided me with a great environment to reflect and to write. Once I finish my book, I think I might just add a few more additions to my furry family.
Boo!
Now it's up to you!
Go to as many of your blog buddies as you want and tell them they have been boo-ed. Have them pick up this picture and add it to their blog and say with the link who boo-ed them. Put the picture in your sidebar if you want so then others know that you have already been boo-ed, if you post lots and it's not on the main page where everyone will see your boo-ed post!
12 October 2010
Expectations
Have you ever thought about how you imagine things 'should' be done? Of course you have. How many things are there that you think should be done differently than you do them? I remember thinking there was my life, and then in contrast there was the way things should be done, especially when I was writing short stories. The way my characters did things was frequently different than how I muddled through them. Somehow I made their lives easier than mine.
In one story, the main character was a young-ish girl embarking on an adventure. The story started with her supervising the movers who were packing up her stuff for her momentous life changing event - moving to California. Although I've never moved that far (for longer than a few months), I've moved several times within the state. Not just around the corner, but usually 30 miles or so. It never occurred to me to hire movers or any other help besides friends and family who were compensated with pizza and beer.
So my perception, I suppose, is that rich people sit back and have someone else do the hard work. Even if I had the money that would technically be enough to pay someone else to move my stuff, I daresay I'd find another use for it. It just isn't part of my 'normal' to suddenly have my life set up by someone else in a new location.
What's your experience and perception?
In one story, the main character was a young-ish girl embarking on an adventure. The story started with her supervising the movers who were packing up her stuff for her momentous life changing event - moving to California. Although I've never moved that far (for longer than a few months), I've moved several times within the state. Not just around the corner, but usually 30 miles or so. It never occurred to me to hire movers or any other help besides friends and family who were compensated with pizza and beer.
So my perception, I suppose, is that rich people sit back and have someone else do the hard work. Even if I had the money that would technically be enough to pay someone else to move my stuff, I daresay I'd find another use for it. It just isn't part of my 'normal' to suddenly have my life set up by someone else in a new location.
What's your experience and perception?
Random Tuesday Thoughts
Maggie saw 'Tuff Puppy' for all of a few minutes on one of the built-in tvs in a van we had last week, and now she hangs out with him and asks to watch his show all the time! They must be soul mates or something ;)
I think I'm going to break open a box of Dove's Sea-Salted Caramel Collection in a few minutes. YUM!!!
I get to close out my PartyLite show and pick free stuff - yay!! There were a couple people who said they were definitely ordering and never did. Their loss!
For the record, I still think I'm succeeding at the Ultimate Blog Challenge to post 30 times in October. I didn't post over the weekend, but I usually post more than once a day, so I'm calling it good.
Happy Sweetest Day (this weekend!)
In addition to everything else going on, this weekend is Sweetest Day! I know a lot of people say they don't celebrate what they call the 'hallmark holidays,' but I believe in celebrating anything and everything! Woo-hoo!!
Usually hubby and I go out to eat and spend a few minutes of 'couple' time while Maggie hangs out with her grandparents, but this year our time is even more limited as Sweetest Day is the same day as my high school reunion!
Luckily I know of a great site that will give me a chance to surprise him a little even without my car to run errands during the day. I can order from EdenFantasys and have a surprise just for us delivered to the house before we get home from all our busy running around! In addition to typical 'adult toys', they've got sensual candles, and massage oils and lotions. And there's even free standard shipping depending on your order size!
It's always important to remember that the 'mom and dad' are the foundation of the family - especially as that family grows! It'll be good for us to take a few minutes and try to remember who we were before being mom and dad. As long as we can keep remembering to be each others' sweethearts for at least a few minutes of each busy day, things can still be great :)
Usually hubby and I go out to eat and spend a few minutes of 'couple' time while Maggie hangs out with her grandparents, but this year our time is even more limited as Sweetest Day is the same day as my high school reunion!
Luckily I know of a great site that will give me a chance to surprise him a little even without my car to run errands during the day. I can order from EdenFantasys and have a surprise just for us delivered to the house before we get home from all our busy running around! In addition to typical 'adult toys', they've got sensual candles, and massage oils and lotions. And there's even free standard shipping depending on your order size!It's always important to remember that the 'mom and dad' are the foundation of the family - especially as that family grows! It'll be good for us to take a few minutes and try to remember who we were before being mom and dad. As long as we can keep remembering to be each others' sweethearts for at least a few minutes of each busy day, things can still be great :)
11 October 2010
Less Than THREE WEEKS - Please Help!
Do you know anyone living each day with juvenile diabetes? It's a whole different life with all the stuff they have to do to just keep going every day. It's not fair! Yeah, mom said life isn't fair, but we're not talking about getting a smaller share at snack time or watching your favorite sports team suffer through a bad call. We're talking about a child in a five-year span with juvenile diabetes having her fingers pricked more than 16,000 times, having more than 6,000 injections and more than 400 insulin pump site changes. That?? Is no where close to 'fair.'
From my friend Kristi:
You can help find a cure! Kristi and her daughter Hayleigh are raising money for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). They are taking donations for their participation in the Walk to Cure Diabetes in Arizona on October 30. PLEASE go to their site and donate what you can! They're still $640 shy of their goal and have less than three weeks to make it before the walk. Here's the site to donate.
Thank you!
From my friend Kristi:
Juvenile Diabetes affects the lives of an estimated 1.7 million Americans, drastically reducing their average life span by fifteen years. Children with Type 1 diabetes are insulin-dependent for life and require daily multiple insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump just to stay alive. Children with Type 1 diabetes and their families are in a constant struggle to manage blood-sugar levels with 8 or more daily finger pricks to test blood, multiple insulin injections or insulin-pump monitoring, and careful monitoring of exercise and food intake. Insulin is not a cure. It only allows our child to stay alive!
You can help find a cure! Kristi and her daughter Hayleigh are raising money for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). They are taking donations for their participation in the Walk to Cure Diabetes in Arizona on October 30. PLEASE go to their site and donate what you can! They're still $640 shy of their goal and have less than three weeks to make it before the walk. Here's the site to donate.
Thank you!
20 Years??
This weekend is my 20-year high school reunion. How did that happen?? I'm not too stressed about it, actually. I weigh pretty close to what I did in high school (albeit with a few of the pounds in different places), I still have all my hair (oh wait, I'm a girl - maybe that doesn't need to be on this list?) and I haven't had an attack of blackheads (although with five more days to go, maybe I shouldn't go bragging yet.
I was kind of bummed that I was going to have to pick some old dress out of my closet to wear (since my car is currently dead) until I got really lucky with some help from a great friend today! After she helped me make a delivery for my business, we headed to the mall for lunch. I was talking about wanting something different to wear, and wanting to have my eyebrows waxed before the reunion and she said, "We're at the mall - let's do it!" She watched Maggie and her son while I got my brows done, and then watched them play for a few more minutes at the play area while I quickly browsed dresses - and found one!
Yay for wonderful friends! I hope I have the opportunity to do something she'll be just as happy about soon :)
I was kind of bummed that I was going to have to pick some old dress out of my closet to wear (since my car is currently dead) until I got really lucky with some help from a great friend today! After she helped me make a delivery for my business, we headed to the mall for lunch. I was talking about wanting something different to wear, and wanting to have my eyebrows waxed before the reunion and she said, "We're at the mall - let's do it!" She watched Maggie and her son while I got my brows done, and then watched them play for a few more minutes at the play area while I quickly browsed dresses - and found one!
Yay for wonderful friends! I hope I have the opportunity to do something she'll be just as happy about soon :)
08 October 2010
10 Random Things for Friday
I haven't posted anything with a picture in a few posts, so here's a cute comic I got in a couple different emails from friends today. Enjoy :)
- I have so many piddly tasks to get done for my moms'night out tomorrow that it's somehow overwhelming. Clean our bathroom, finish straightening my office, clear off my dresser, make dip, call to confirm massage chick....the list goes on! I think it'll be a fun night though. I've got close to 10 friends coming. We'll have a psychic and a massage therapist here for anyone who chooses to pay for an appointment with either or both of them, then I'll try to put out some cards or something for those not in an appointment to just hang out and relax :)
- Tonight I get to go get crafty and make cards with some other friends - yay!
- I was kind of bummed this morning. I got a lead from the company about someone who wanted to look at becoming a chocolatier! Once I talked to her for a few minutes, she said she'd just been to a chocolate party and was also talking to the chocolatier who did that show. Hello? You can only sign up under one person, and while I'm happy to help out a fellow chocolatier, she should be doing the initial sign up stuff for her new recruit, not me. Oh well :(
- Maggie asked to watch Alice in Wonderland yesterday. I don't remember the last time we've watched it, and I don't recall her ever asking about it. Weird.
- Need PartyLite candles? I'm having a catalog show, and your order can be shipped straight to you - Go here to place an order, and make sure the host name shows as Becki B.! Thanks :)
- I still really like playing Plants vs. Zombies. I mean really, really.
- Even when I don't have anywhere I 'have' to go, I feel really antsy not having my car available to take whenever/wherever I want!
- I thought I had a really good idea for a Halloween costume for myself. I wanted to be Flo, from the Progressive commercials? But when I went to YouTube to watch the commercials and get a better look at her outfit, there was a link right on the video saying, "Want to dress like Flo for Halloween? Click here for details of her outfit." So it's no longer an original idea, and I'm disappointed. Now what/who should I be??
- I'm in the mood to eat something chocolate-y. This is an easily satisfied urge in my house :D
07 October 2010
The Addams Family Halloween - A Guest Blogger Post
Guest post written by Betty Gambill
We like a lot of spooky things in our house. We're always watching scary movies together and they seem to never phase any of us. Some of our friends even joke around and call us the Addams Family because we just love all that stuff. So I thought that for this year it would be funny if we dressed as them for our annual Halloween party.
I got stuck with figuring out everyone's costumes so I started looking for ways to make some of them when I saw ClearTVBundle.com and decided to switch over our internet service. I was feeling so crafty after that that I decided I'm going to make everyone's costume instead of going out and buying them.
I think that finding a Wednesday costume for our daughter will be easy, especially because she has long balck hair that she can braid and look just like her. I guess that most fo the Addams Family costumes won't be that hard to make because they're pretty basic. It's just the hair and makeup is what's really going to be a little tougher and really let people know what you're dressed up as.
Thursday Thunks
This week's Thursday Thunks is about Sneaking Out!
The TT questions are brought to you by Bud, the color of a pumpkin pie and the number 3333.
1. When you snuck out of your house for the first time, who were you meeting and why? I don't know if it was the first time, but the most memorable was the time I got caught weeks later because the neighbor mentioned to my mom that he had seen me driving, when in reality I'd only gotten my license like the day before. Oops.
2. Tell us about the last time that you got your heart broken. Extra points if you publish their naked photo. Let's be practical. My heart was 'broken' at birth. We found out about it and had it repaired last March :D
3. Tell us about someone you know named Bob. (Yes, we know this is a stupid question. Stupid is what we do best.) Huh. The BoB I spend the most time with is a forum for direct selling consultants. Yup. That's the BoB I know and love...
4. We just found the perfect retail space. We are giving you the store. What’s its name and what do you sell? I've kind of gotten used to working my version of retail from home. And making the mess selling at your house instead of my shop ;) I'm selling chocolate, baby!
5. Tell us about your last “friend with benefits". My first, last, and only 'friend with benefits' lasted way tooo long at like eight years, I think. At one point we were 'officially dating,' but I didn't know about that until weeks into it. And men say women are confusing? Whatev.
6. Kimber worries a lot. What was the last thing that you worried about? I worry almost constantly about being a mom. And if I'm away from my daughter, I worry even more about her without me.
7. Do you believe “once a cheater, always a cheater”? Yup.
8. Tell us about moving out of your parent’s home. Who did you move in with? The first time I moved out of my parents' home, I got married and moved in with my (now) ex-husband. I didn't know how to get my own place otherwise (can you say young and naive??).
9. What was your most recent regret? I should have gone grocery shopping as soon as the paycheck came in on Friday, when my car was still (I assume) running.
10. Berleen recently ranted on face book about having to got to parent-teacher conferences when your child has great grades. What was the stupidest meeting that you most recently endured? The last meeting I endured, I was running. I hope it wasn't too sucky.
11. Do you collect anything? Lately, I'll say Longaberger baskets. My passion was renewed when we visited the Longaberger Homestead last month.
12. Has anyone ever told you that you were in the wrong job? Not that I recall.
13. Is there something that you’d like to complete before the end of 2010? Sure. I'd like to maintain $1000/month in sales for my business, to keep on track for a sales consistency award.
The TT questions are brought to you by Bud, the color of a pumpkin pie and the number 3333.
1. When you snuck out of your house for the first time, who were you meeting and why? I don't know if it was the first time, but the most memorable was the time I got caught weeks later because the neighbor mentioned to my mom that he had seen me driving, when in reality I'd only gotten my license like the day before. Oops.
2. Tell us about the last time that you got your heart broken. Extra points if you publish their naked photo. Let's be practical. My heart was 'broken' at birth. We found out about it and had it repaired last March :D
3. Tell us about someone you know named Bob. (Yes, we know this is a stupid question. Stupid is what we do best.) Huh. The BoB I spend the most time with is a forum for direct selling consultants. Yup. That's the BoB I know and love...
4. We just found the perfect retail space. We are giving you the store. What’s its name and what do you sell? I've kind of gotten used to working my version of retail from home. And making the mess selling at your house instead of my shop ;) I'm selling chocolate, baby!
5. Tell us about your last “friend with benefits". My first, last, and only 'friend with benefits' lasted way tooo long at like eight years, I think. At one point we were 'officially dating,' but I didn't know about that until weeks into it. And men say women are confusing? Whatev.
6. Kimber worries a lot. What was the last thing that you worried about? I worry almost constantly about being a mom. And if I'm away from my daughter, I worry even more about her without me.
7. Do you believe “once a cheater, always a cheater”? Yup.
8. Tell us about moving out of your parent’s home. Who did you move in with? The first time I moved out of my parents' home, I got married and moved in with my (now) ex-husband. I didn't know how to get my own place otherwise (can you say young and naive??).
9. What was your most recent regret? I should have gone grocery shopping as soon as the paycheck came in on Friday, when my car was still (I assume) running.
10. Berleen recently ranted on face book about having to got to parent-teacher conferences when your child has great grades. What was the stupidest meeting that you most recently endured? The last meeting I endured, I was running. I hope it wasn't too sucky.
11. Do you collect anything? Lately, I'll say Longaberger baskets. My passion was renewed when we visited the Longaberger Homestead last month.
12. Has anyone ever told you that you were in the wrong job? Not that I recall.
13. Is there something that you’d like to complete before the end of 2010? Sure. I'd like to maintain $1000/month in sales for my business, to keep on track for a sales consistency award.
06 October 2010
Sad Part of Fall
Fall is actually my favorite season. I love dressing a little warmer and less revealing in my hoodies and jeans. I love (love, love!) Halloween. I even love watching the leaves fall from the trees and the look of the bare trees against a cool autumn sky.
But right now is sort of the sad part of fall. It bums me out to dismiss what I like about summer. I don't like putting away my flip-flops (okay, I haven't yet). I feel wasteful throwing away my hanging plants outside and dumping out the window boxes. I'm really going to hate pulling up the shrubs that didn't make it alive through their first season. But everything will be that much worse if I wait til snow hits it.
For me to fully appreciate the chill and bare trees, I need to move past all the reminders of new growth from spring and summer. Seeing garden window boxes with dead trimmings leftover, or worse yet - fake flowers covered in snow - would be worse than finishing the work to bring on fall in its entirety now.
But right now is sort of the sad part of fall. It bums me out to dismiss what I like about summer. I don't like putting away my flip-flops (okay, I haven't yet). I feel wasteful throwing away my hanging plants outside and dumping out the window boxes. I'm really going to hate pulling up the shrubs that didn't make it alive through their first season. But everything will be that much worse if I wait til snow hits it.
For me to fully appreciate the chill and bare trees, I need to move past all the reminders of new growth from spring and summer. Seeing garden window boxes with dead trimmings leftover, or worse yet - fake flowers covered in snow - would be worse than finishing the work to bring on fall in its entirety now.
05 October 2010
More Advertising Musings
I usually consider myself reasonably savvy when it comes to internet stuff. I even used to work in ecommerce, but apparently I was there before the days of retargeting. Essentially, you start out at website A, then meander over to B and maybe even C, before retargeting companies bring you back around to the site you were at originally.
Brilliant, I'd say! The actual conversion rate of people doing something the first time they're at your site is very low. But of course it goes up the more times they 'visit.' So if retargeting advertising turns their first visit into their first two or three, you're making progress toward getting their business, right?
I would say I didn't like the idea, but it must be pretty subtle if I've never noticed it before, right? That's my guess anyway. It beats doubting my own observation skills ;)
Brilliant, I'd say! The actual conversion rate of people doing something the first time they're at your site is very low. But of course it goes up the more times they 'visit.' So if retargeting advertising turns their first visit into their first two or three, you're making progress toward getting their business, right?
I would say I didn't like the idea, but it must be pretty subtle if I've never noticed it before, right? That's my guess anyway. It beats doubting my own observation skills ;)
Random Tuesday Thoughts
The office is really shaping up. Which is good, since I need to use the room for either a psychic or a massage therapist during our moms' night out on Saturday!
My neck is already going out of whack again since I just had it fixed at the chiropractor's on Thursday! Arrgghhh! But Maggie stayed in her own bed allll night last night. I'm not sure if it was the new flower light on the wall or the Scooby Doo book that did it, but I'll take the break, thank-you-very-much!
Just weeks after hubby and I decided to fix a few suspension things on my car and keep it for a few more years (instead of getting a new one), it flat-out wouldn't start yesterday. Ugh. Hubby trusted my description of the problem, and the part to fix it will be arriving today. Which means hubby spends his evening in the garage so Maggie and I can have wheels again tomorrow! Thanks, honey!
We're having spaghetti for dinner tonight (how random is that?!?).
I'm looking forward to hitting the resale shops for a few more fall outfits for Maggie. That's what we were trying to head out for when the car died yesterday. Hopefully we'll make it tomorrow or Thursday... She's got like five or six outfits, but by the time you pack one in case of an 'accident,' I'm always doing laundry! And we have more tantrums in the morning, since she frequently doesn't like her choices for what to wear.
04 October 2010
Shaking it Up - A Guest Blogger Post
Guest post written by Mary Bing
I love my apartment, but frankly I was paying too much for it and the utilities. But I absolutely hate moving so I think that I found a good solution to my problem. I just shopped around and found some cheaper utilities and services.
I've lived in my place for three years and it's really started to feel like home to me. After shopping around I found CLEAR mobile broadband packages and settled on one that ended up being cheaper than what I had been paying since I moved into the place.
But it wasn't just cheaper stuff that I was focusing on in the long run. I thought that maybe I should switch up my decor a little bit and ended up moving my furniture around a little bit, now that's a little tougher in a studio apartment than it would be in other places but I managed with a friend and some hardcore planning. I also went and out and bought a new bed comforter that still went with the rest of my apartment's decor but was a refreshing change.
Family Fun
Last weekend we went to Cedar Point's HalloWeekends celebration. They have a costume parade for the kids as well as some extra holiday-themed attractions for all ages from early September until Halloween. We had a great time! This picture is of Maggie and hubby on the Peanuts 500. It was one of Maggie's favorites. The cars were attached to a little oval track, and at the ends of the oval they purposely 'whipped' the cars around for a little thrill :) Maggie loved holding her arms up and screaming! I had gone on it with her while hubby was on an adult ride, but I made him go on it with her when he got back because it was so much fun watching her reactions :)
Among her other favorites were the Snoopy bouncer and most of the rides in the kiddie-land area toward the front of the park. She especially enjoyed the motorcycles, and just barely cleared the height requirement to ride them! The first time hubby was in line with her and he didn't think she cleared it, but the ride operator let her on. The next time I was just watching while Maggie stood in line by herself, and when she got to the front I could see the ride operator looking carefully until I stepped over and said, "She's already been on this." At that point the ride operator looked right at Maggie and said, "Oh, yeah," and let her on. Maggie liked acting surprised every time she rode past us, and she loved beeping the horn.I remember loving Cedar Point when I was younger. I love seeing Maggie enjoy it just as much :)
03 October 2010
Oh What a Tangle!
Here comes the cold and the wet all of a sudden (although I saw it's supposed to be in the mid to upper 70s again by the end of the week!). The catch is, we were kind of hoping for a dry weekend before another drastic change. Hubby had hoped to cut the grass yesterday, but instead the rain barrel got a little fuller as the skies opened up! He can't cut the grass in that, of course. It can really get to be the 'tangle' I mentioned in the title if the leaves fall before the grass gets cut. No one will have any fun trying to run a rake through long grass to collect the dead leaves!
It's really too bad sometimes that I'm not more ambitious about having a nicer looking lawn. If I could try getting into rain harvesting, I could probably have a little greener lawn up front where everyone would see it (our back yard must be a little lower, because it has no problem growing long and green!). Maybe next spring I should check out some rain barrels for sale and see how it all works.
It's really too bad sometimes that I'm not more ambitious about having a nicer looking lawn. If I could try getting into rain harvesting, I could probably have a little greener lawn up front where everyone would see it (our back yard must be a little lower, because it has no problem growing long and green!). Maybe next spring I should check out some rain barrels for sale and see how it all works.
Let the Ultimate Blog Challenge Begin!
Yes, I signed up for another challenge. Several times I've half-heartedly committed to something like this, only to fade fast. But I figure I'm already ahead of the curve this time - this is actually my third post this month! :)
The first Ultimate Blog Challenge idea provided by Michele and Michelle was in three parts:
- Personal Blogging Idea: What do you enjoy most about blogging?
- Write a brief explanation about your future posts and why people will want to be sure to join your RSS feed to get their copies of your future blog posts.
- Tell us you've joined the Ultimate Blogging Challenge and what you'll be posting about during the next 30 days.
What I enjoy most about blogging is putting my thoughts out there. I suppose I'd get more of that if my blog were anonymous, but as it is it still gives me a chance to 'talk' to others even though I'm frequently with my three-year-old. She is a great conversationalist, but there are a lot of things running through my mind that I don't think she'd understand or respond to appropriately. Just sayin.
Almost as much as just helping me clear my head, I love getting comments that reinforce the fact that I'm not insane (right?). As original - or lonely - as my thoughts may sometimes feel, someone else has thought or felt the same some time before.
My third reason is purely materialistic. I enjoy the walking around money, or free products to test, that I get through blogging. Hey, it's true!
I expect some of my posts this month to be just like the ones in months past. Good or bad, I don't have some burning desire to change the whole personality of my blog. I am optimistic that the prompts being provided will give me some extra substance, which should be nice. You want to keep reading to see how true this might be - maybe I'll surprise you!
Oh yeah, I think it's fairly obvious now: I've joined the Ultimate Blog Challenge! I'll be posting about randomness (sort of a specialty of mine), my adorable daughter, my chocolate biz, and whatever else crops up in my life! C'mon by and enjoy the ride with me.
02 October 2010
My Workout!
I've found my new favorite way to build muscles. Moving furniture!
A couple weeks ago I got my new desk (which fills the whole corner of the room and needed to be moved onto the truck, then into the house and down the hall). Yesterday we got a new TV (thank goodness for the handles on that box!). Right now hubby and Maggie are out looking for an entertainment center to hold the new TV and a new dresser for Maggie's room (bye-bye changing table!).
I've never been one to help with heavy lifting before, but I'm the only one around to help hubby lately, and I've got the bruises...er, I mean muscles...to prove it!
A couple weeks ago I got my new desk (which fills the whole corner of the room and needed to be moved onto the truck, then into the house and down the hall). Yesterday we got a new TV (thank goodness for the handles on that box!). Right now hubby and Maggie are out looking for an entertainment center to hold the new TV and a new dresser for Maggie's room (bye-bye changing table!).
I've never been one to help with heavy lifting before, but I'm the only one around to help hubby lately, and I've got the bruises...er, I mean muscles...to prove it!
01 October 2010
10 Random Things for Friday
- My head is killing me. :(
- I have a week to finish doing my office up right! Yikes!
- I had two chocolate shows originally scheduled for Saturday, but one rescheduled and one canceled. I still have one on Sunday, though.
- Oops, number one should have been, "Rabbit, rabbit," for good luck.
- Do you know what sounds yummy right now? A caramel apple from a cider mill. I think that should go on my to-do list for the weekend...
- I meant to set up my catalog show for PartyLite today, but I think I'll just go take another nap instead. Darn headache. :(
- I'm looking forward to playing some Plants vs Zombies tonight. Yeah, I think I'm hooked.
- There are still little orange flags in our ditch (that I think I mentioned last week?), but nothing else has happened....
- My nails are polished again, and they've already lasted a day and a half longer than the last time. Yay for Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear nail polish!
- I just got yelled at by Maggie for, "Putting the stool right on my office?!?" I had put the footstool out of my way on top of the end table she's adopted as her 'new desk.' She makes me chuckle a hundred times a day. :)
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