"The app uses your phone location, and a friend’s location, to coordinate a rendezvous point that allows you to meet up in the least amount of time possible. To do this, it uses crowd sourced traffic data to account for traffic jams, closures, etc. The app then gives you the most efficient meeting point, and then 'suggests' local waypoints, such as a coffee shop, gas station, hotel, etc, depending on your personal settings."
I can't wait to try this on my iPhone!! Seems like a great idea!!
WayPoint Navigation http://itunes.com/apps/waypointnavigation
** Note: NOT a sponsored post!!!
September 24, 2015
September 09, 2015
Princess Loves: Asics Gel Kayano Running Shoes!
This post is NOT SPONSORED. I buy all my own running shoes!
These are my all-time favorite running shoes, and as I had my first run of the week where THERE IS NO CHEMO (YAY!), I actually ENJOYED running for the first time since June 16 (day I started Taxol). So this is an ode to the shoes that get me there, and got me here.
Asics Gel Kayano! I am always one number back of current year because I buy them cheaper, but hey, I would buy the new colors if I could!
These are mine! I slightly pronate and these shoes help a runner with a slight pronation. Plenty of support, padding, and durability. One pair generally lasts me about 250 miles - but that is more a function of my knees than the shoes lack of staying power. I am a total nut about keeping my shoes clean also - my running shoes always still look brand new by the time I'm done with them!
These are my all-time favorite running shoes, and as I had my first run of the week where THERE IS NO CHEMO (YAY!), I actually ENJOYED running for the first time since June 16 (day I started Taxol). So this is an ode to the shoes that get me there, and got me here.
Asics Gel Kayano! I am always one number back of current year because I buy them cheaper, but hey, I would buy the new colors if I could!
These are mine! I slightly pronate and these shoes help a runner with a slight pronation. Plenty of support, padding, and durability. One pair generally lasts me about 250 miles - but that is more a function of my knees than the shoes lack of staying power. I am a total nut about keeping my shoes clean also - my running shoes always still look brand new by the time I'm done with them!
January 26, 2015
Voyaging into better eating, trying to make sauteed carrots!
Trying to make healthier side dishes for the family - not tater tots or fries or bread for a side! Let's try sauteed carrots maybe?
Will let you know if anyone (including me, hahaha) eats them!!
Will let you know if anyone (including me, hahaha) eats them!!
January 23, 2015
Recipe Review: Pioneer Woman Steak Fingers! OMG YUM!
So - in my quest to cook more I stumbled across this recipe for Pioneer Woman Steak Fingers!
I wasn't sure about them at first, seems like a lot of work! But I gave it a whirl - they were good! Not even good, great! The hubby and the 2 sons declared them WINNERS, but the daughter not so much :-(
After making them about 6 times, she has come around (we are going with the taste it each time and if you still don't like it you don't have to eat it) - just like the getting-kids-to-eat guru said she would!
Couple of hints for when you cook them:
ENJOY!
I wasn't sure about them at first, seems like a lot of work! But I gave it a whirl - they were good! Not even good, great! The hubby and the 2 sons declared them WINNERS, but the daughter not so much :-(
After making them about 6 times, she has come around (we are going with the taste it each time and if you still don't like it you don't have to eat it) - just like the getting-kids-to-eat guru said she would!
Couple of hints for when you cook them:
- the breading of them does take a long time. I'm usually running out of flour by the end and have needed to add extra + seasonings.
- USE A CAST IRON Skillet! This makes them so much better, really it does!
- I cook with organic coconut oil (refined) and a little organic salted butter - I do not, however, add any plain salt to it and they are PLENTY salty.
Give them a try, they definitely (by now) get a thumbs up from our entire house! And it's SO NICE to have a recipe that everyone in the house is happy to eat (there are very few of those nights!)!
ENJOY!
November 11, 2014
July 16, 2014
Craft subscription service for kids: Crafting our kids
Her first box is the July box and came right on time - it has 2 crafts - all the supplies needed and great instructions.
The first is Americana wind socks made from solo cups and streamers - she loved it.
But the second one!! It's an American flag made from paint stirrers!! It's amazing and she did it all on her own!
Crafting our kids - a service we will probably use year round!!
June 07, 2014
2013 gmc Yukon Denali mirror replacement
This post is because we couldn't find the info on the internet anywhere on how to replace a cracked mirror! This would be the same for a Cadillac escalade or a Chevy Tahoe or suburban. It has the turn signal lights and the blind zone sensor.
You can see the only way it will come up is to jam a screw driver under it and push.
You have to push the old Mirror up really hard to get it off - you will have to smash it to bits. Here are reference pics of the back of the mirror
The lip around the motor at the top stops you from pulling it down as well as the 4 anchors.
December 05, 2013
Gift for child: age 6-10!!
Rainbow loom!!!! The 2 smaller children love this!! They have made at least a hundred bracelets! Tyler puts 2 together and makes necklaces! Jess is 6 and 1/2 and has no trouble using it and my almost 12 year old has also been caught using it to make a bracelet in his football team's colors!
November 25, 2013
Hello?? Been a while eh??
Wow it's been a while! Let's see if we can make use of these tools and get things started around here!!!
Who's in??!! ME!
Thanksgiving is in 3 days, it's going to snow and I've got football to watch! Since I last posted I've fallen into the football trap and I can't wait to tell you all about it!!
November 06, 2012
Princess Loves: Bolthouse Farms' GREEN GOODNESS!
It's good for you!
I eat TERRIBLY. I do not like any (ANY!) fruits or veggies! I love red meats and potatoes! I drink too much diet coke.
So the one thing I CAN tolerate is Green Goodness - to me, it's yummy, but my normal food eating friends actually don't like it?
It's full of good stuff that there is NO WAY I could eat on it's own: Kiwi, mango, banana (ok, I could suffer thru one of these if I had to), pineapple, spinach, broccoli, spirulina, barley grass, wheat grass, garlic, blue green algae, artichoke and apples.
Seriously. It's delicious.
I eat TERRIBLY. I do not like any (ANY!) fruits or veggies! I love red meats and potatoes! I drink too much diet coke.
So the one thing I CAN tolerate is Green Goodness - to me, it's yummy, but my normal food eating friends actually don't like it?
It's full of good stuff that there is NO WAY I could eat on it's own: Kiwi, mango, banana (ok, I could suffer thru one of these if I had to), pineapple, spinach, broccoli, spirulina, barley grass, wheat grass, garlic, blue green algae, artichoke and apples.
Seriously. It's delicious.
Please VOTE!
I have 2 sick kids today. I am going to find a way to get to the polls anyway! Some how, some way.
GO VOTE!
GO VOTE!
September 02, 2012
July 05, 2011
Bad luck...
- Last month - upstairs heat pump dies. $200 for temp fix, $6,000 for new unit
- Kitchen faucet springs a leak and fills lower cabinet - new faucet at 11 p.m. (also not cheap!)
- Truck mirror and door handle break. $200 (thank GOODNESS for the extended warranty)
- Last week: downstairs furnace breaks. $200 for a temporary fix, HVAC guy suggests $3,200 for a new unit (also, thank goodness we have an HVAC guy in the family or this would be a MUCH SADDER post)
- 10 year old HE3T washer (the first production year) makes an AWFUL noise w/each load but is still washing - is it next?? PLEASE NO!
February 20, 2011
Today we re-do the boys rooms!
They both want Clone Wars rooms - so we're doing away with the shades of baby blue and off while and going with: Clone blue, black and white. Also moving beds and furniture! SHOULD BE FUN!
January 10, 2011
Princess Loves: Magic Mouse
So...today I started an Android training class. I have my MacBook Pro (from work) for programming, but I'm a Windows programmer because that's all the customer lets us use. So I haven't developed on my Mac in 2 years. So to do the training, which requires switching from PDF to Eclipse, to the Android Emulator, to the error catcher, to Firefox and coding, it is a PAIN to use the touchpad when you're out of practice. I texted my hubby, thinking he'd pick me up a tiny mouse from Target...what I got was this:
He is wonderful. It is a Magic Mouse - it just WORKS with my laptop and you can swipe to control instead of using a track wheel! It is TEH BOMB, Seriously. GET ONE.
(this post is in NO WAY compensated. My hubby just bought me something nice.)
He is wonderful. It is a Magic Mouse - it just WORKS with my laptop and you can swipe to control instead of using a track wheel! It is TEH BOMB, Seriously. GET ONE.
(this post is in NO WAY compensated. My hubby just bought me something nice.)
December 23, 2010
JC PENNY, here comes the bad review!
In the email I rec'd for my DEC 17 order it says "Most items ship from our warehouse the next business day after your order is submitted. Orders containing back ordered items may be consolidated and ship on the back ordered date indicated."
I purchased these items for a CHRISTMAS PROMOTION on Dec. 17, for FREE SHIPPING DAY. NO WHERE was it indicated that the items would NOT be delivered for Christmas and furthermore, it took 4 business days for my items to get to UPS, meaning they are scheduled for DEC 28 with is DECIDEDLY Not useful.
1. The promotion SHOULD State that even though it is a CHRISTMAS promotion, items are NOT for Christmas delivery.
2. Why did my items take SO long to leave your warehouse? If they had left on time, they might have made it.
So now my grandfather, with his wife newly in a nursing home, will not have a gift from me. THANK YOU JC Penny. I will remember this as well as I will post it to my blog, twitter, and tumblr accounts.
I purchased these items for a CHRISTMAS PROMOTION on Dec. 17, for FREE SHIPPING DAY. NO WHERE was it indicated that the items would NOT be delivered for Christmas and furthermore, it took 4 business days for my items to get to UPS, meaning they are scheduled for DEC 28 with is DECIDEDLY Not useful.
1. The promotion SHOULD State that even though it is a CHRISTMAS promotion, items are NOT for Christmas delivery.
2. Why did my items take SO long to leave your warehouse? If they had left on time, they might have made it.
So now my grandfather, with his wife newly in a nursing home, will not have a gift from me. THANK YOU JC Penny. I will remember this as well as I will post it to my blog, twitter, and tumblr accounts.
December 22, 2010
December 21, 2010
Best Buy Update...
They can deliver on Dec. 27. WHEE. Only 2 days late. NOT. But they're giving me a gift card. That totally makes up for it. NOT. If we thought it would fit in our truck, we'd go get it. Too bad they don't deliver....oh wait! hahahahahaha
a letter to the CEO of Best Buy...
Mr. Dunn - we ordered a 50 inch tv for my mother, to be delivered TODAY. We did not receive a phone call yesterday to scheduled delivery so I called your customer service line.
After holding for 15 MINUTES, the customer service rep informed me:
1. the tv is NOT scheduled for delivery. Will probably NOT BE delivered in time for Christmas.
2. they have no idea why the delivery department is NOT CALLING customers
3. I cannot reschedule it because my HUSBAND ordered it - even though I told her I could answer ANY Security question she might have to verify that I am on the account.
But mostly it is #1 and #2 above - that a TV ordered on Dec. 14 is not delivered, and an attempt to contact us was not made.
What are you going to do to remedy this situation? I worked for Nordstrom for 7 years through high school and college. I know what a customer-service dedicated company can do. Impress me, please.
After holding for 15 MINUTES, the customer service rep informed me:
1. the tv is NOT scheduled for delivery. Will probably NOT BE delivered in time for Christmas.
2. they have no idea why the delivery department is NOT CALLING customers
3. I cannot reschedule it because my HUSBAND ordered it - even though I told her I could answer ANY Security question she might have to verify that I am on the account.
But mostly it is #1 and #2 above - that a TV ordered on Dec. 14 is not delivered, and an attempt to contact us was not made.
What are you going to do to remedy this situation? I worked for Nordstrom for 7 years through high school and college. I know what a customer-service dedicated company can do. Impress me, please.
December 14, 2010
in these hard economic times....
Please please please tip the people that help take care of you all year: hairdressers, teachers, nail techs, etc. These people DEPEND on their Christmas tips usually for December bills (my mom uses hers for her real estate tax). She is noticing a GIANT down tick in tips this year - and I know things are tight all around, but please, remember that these people count on your generosity.
Dear Vending Machine Man:
I am cursing you today. HOW DARE you move the diet coke label to the bottom, and the Diet Coke with Lime POISON to the top? Everyone has picked the wrong soda today because you SWAPPED THE LABELS FOR NO REASON.
December 03, 2010
Lowest Ring...
Of my tree has 3,433,223 ornaments hung on it. The upper 10 rings, 4 ornaments total. I LOVE IT.
December 01, 2010
October 06, 2010
October already??
Hubby left 3 weeks ago for a work trip. He'll be back first week of December. I am a bit busy. Here is what my day (on a Wednesday, the day I have "off" from work) is like....
5:15 a.m.: Jessie sneaks into my bed.
5:45 am: oldest wakes me for my shower. I hit snooze.
5:55 am: shower
6:20 am:head downstairs. Make breakfast for the oldest. Pack his lunch.
6:45 am: Tyler comes down, insists on milk and TV.
6:45:40 am: Jessie comes down, insists on OJ and a different show. FIGHTING Ensues.
7:10 am: Oldest gets on bus. Tyler gets in shower. I get dressed. I dress Tyler. I make Tyler breakfast. I load car of stuff to goto my mom's (she's coloring my hair, so I need a set of old clothes to wear and hair styling stuff so she can check the cut after I style it).
7:50 am: try try try to get Jessie changed for the day. She wants to play on Nick JR and eat something I don't have time to cook.
8:30 am leave house, headed for Tysons.
9:25 am: Drop Tyler at preschool. Drive to mom's. Hurriedly get hair cut and colored. This is a long process, esp. w/long hair.
12:00 pm: blowdry hair.
12:20 pm: run out door to pickup Tyler
12:40 pm: back at mom's. Lunch.
1:15 pm: brother and neighbor try to find leak in my tire while I chase the kids outside.
2:00 pm: load kids, head to cub scout store to buy Badge Magic.
2:25 pm: discover store is long gone. Space is for rent.
3:00 pm: vaccine appt for Tyler. He TOTALLY LOSES it over getting 2 shots. Drive to school to pick up oldest from Chess Club.
4:10 pm: arrive home. Start oldest on his homework.
5:15 pm: pack car for football practice.
5:30 pm: leave for practice.
6:00 pm: drop son off. Head to Mcdonalds. drive back to practice. Eat w/kids in car (it is freezing outside).
7:00 pm: practice done. Head home. Get kids showered, in jammies, and in bed.
7:40 - start cleaning kitchen, packing tomorrow's backpacks and lunches. Lay out clothes for kids for tomorrow. Agonize over the fact that it will be 45 when they leave for school and 75 when they get home: shorts or pants???? Pants or shorts??
9:00 pm: head to basement to spend 30 mins organizing basement storage.
10:00 head upstairs for ME time watching TV. AM TIRED!!!!!!!!!
5:15 a.m.: Jessie sneaks into my bed.
5:45 am: oldest wakes me for my shower. I hit snooze.
5:55 am: shower
6:20 am:head downstairs. Make breakfast for the oldest. Pack his lunch.
6:45 am: Tyler comes down, insists on milk and TV.
6:45:40 am: Jessie comes down, insists on OJ and a different show. FIGHTING Ensues.
7:10 am: Oldest gets on bus. Tyler gets in shower. I get dressed. I dress Tyler. I make Tyler breakfast. I load car of stuff to goto my mom's (she's coloring my hair, so I need a set of old clothes to wear and hair styling stuff so she can check the cut after I style it).
7:50 am: try try try to get Jessie changed for the day. She wants to play on Nick JR and eat something I don't have time to cook.
8:30 am leave house, headed for Tysons.
9:25 am: Drop Tyler at preschool. Drive to mom's. Hurriedly get hair cut and colored. This is a long process, esp. w/long hair.
12:00 pm: blowdry hair.
12:20 pm: run out door to pickup Tyler
12:40 pm: back at mom's. Lunch.
1:15 pm: brother and neighbor try to find leak in my tire while I chase the kids outside.
2:00 pm: load kids, head to cub scout store to buy Badge Magic.
2:25 pm: discover store is long gone. Space is for rent.
3:00 pm: vaccine appt for Tyler. He TOTALLY LOSES it over getting 2 shots. Drive to school to pick up oldest from Chess Club.
4:10 pm: arrive home. Start oldest on his homework.
5:15 pm: pack car for football practice.
5:30 pm: leave for practice.
6:00 pm: drop son off. Head to Mcdonalds. drive back to practice. Eat w/kids in car (it is freezing outside).
7:00 pm: practice done. Head home. Get kids showered, in jammies, and in bed.
7:40 - start cleaning kitchen, packing tomorrow's backpacks and lunches. Lay out clothes for kids for tomorrow. Agonize over the fact that it will be 45 when they leave for school and 75 when they get home: shorts or pants???? Pants or shorts??
9:00 pm: head to basement to spend 30 mins organizing basement storage.
10:00 head upstairs for ME time watching TV. AM TIRED!!!!!!!!!
September 08, 2010
September 07, 2010
well well well...
Hello out there!! How's it going? Wow, being thrust back into real life is an adjustment, yes?
Today is the 1st day of school for elementary kids - so my Son started 3rd grade. He loved it so far, but is still ANNOYED, with a capital A, at having to goto bed on time. He decided he wanted to go swimming right before bedtime and is ANNOYED that we said no. How DARE we???
Today is the 1st day of school for elementary kids - so my Son started 3rd grade. He loved it so far, but is still ANNOYED, with a capital A, at having to goto bed on time. He decided he wanted to go swimming right before bedtime and is ANNOYED that we said no. How DARE we???
September 06, 2010
August 18, 2010
Why oh why...my computer...
There are 4 TVs and 3 computers in this house. WHY OH WHY when I put Pandora on in the kitchen to cook do the kids want to WATCH MOVIES on the kitchen computer? Seriously, we have 4 PLASMA TVs and they want the 21 inch monitor in the kitchen. What. The. Hell.
August 17, 2010
July 28, 2010
Princess Loves: Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector
This is what their website says: Dermatologist-developed to be safe, comfortable. Yet in clinical trials our serum was comparable to a leading prescription ingredient in creating a more even skin tone. A verified 53% improvement in skin tone. For all ethnicities: See results starting in as little as 4 weeks. At 12 weeks, see a visible reduction in dark spots, age spots, and traces of acne past.
My results: I have used it 4 times in about 10 days (I know, I know, I keep forgetting to use it before bed). I LOVE IT. My skin is more glowing, and I believe more evenly toned - even with constantly being out in the sun acquiring a tan (and the face skin of a woman of my young age does NOT tan evenly!). I had been using Philosophy's Save Me, and I thought that was great, well, THIS IS EVEN better! My skin feels better and it feels fabulous when I run my hands over it (when I'm washing my face) - so soft and smooth!
(This is NOT a paid promotion - just a product I had read about and then found in the Cancun airport for 15% off AND with no tax. I couldn't resist trying it at a discount!)
May 15, 2010
Today...
6 a.m. 50 minutes run on treadmill
7-8 shower and do hair
8-9 a.m. feed kids
10 a.m. - at pool store w/sample, get more chemicals.
10:30 Benjamin Moore store for three gallons of HEAVY ASS PAINT
11:00 head home - put first batch (6 buckets, heavy buckets) into pool. Brush pool. Feed kids lunch, dress them for party. Wrap presents. Eat leftover pasta.
1-4 p.m. chase kids around birthday party for nephew.
4 - head to home depot. Purchase 10 16-foot base mouldings. Load into car - this is surprisingly hard work.
5 p.m. Put 6 more buckets of heavy ass chemicals in pool. Brush pool again. Empty skimmer and baskets.
6 - feed kids. Forget to feed self. Wash 4 pool filters, resoak as they STILL look nasty. Brush pool. Discover rotting weeds in bin I thought had drain holes. Carry 10 16 foot mouldings into garage and stack. They are still surprisingly heavy and a pain in the butt.
8 p.m. Fight Jessie into bed (she had no nap). Get boys down after changing boys' sheets. Clean kitchen. Start laundry.
Gosh, no idea WHY I AM SO TIRED. Do you know???
7-8 shower and do hair
8-9 a.m. feed kids
10 a.m. - at pool store w/sample, get more chemicals.
10:30 Benjamin Moore store for three gallons of HEAVY ASS PAINT
11:00 head home - put first batch (6 buckets, heavy buckets) into pool. Brush pool. Feed kids lunch, dress them for party. Wrap presents. Eat leftover pasta.
1-4 p.m. chase kids around birthday party for nephew.
4 - head to home depot. Purchase 10 16-foot base mouldings. Load into car - this is surprisingly hard work.
5 p.m. Put 6 more buckets of heavy ass chemicals in pool. Brush pool again. Empty skimmer and baskets.
6 - feed kids. Forget to feed self. Wash 4 pool filters, resoak as they STILL look nasty. Brush pool. Discover rotting weeds in bin I thought had drain holes. Carry 10 16 foot mouldings into garage and stack. They are still surprisingly heavy and a pain in the butt.
8 p.m. Fight Jessie into bed (she had no nap). Get boys down after changing boys' sheets. Clean kitchen. Start laundry.
Gosh, no idea WHY I AM SO TIRED. Do you know???
May 06, 2010
Why I Hate: Thursday
4:45 a.m. Turn off alarm.
5:45 a.m. Turn off alarm.
6:10 a.m. Get up, too late for my shower. Get Son up and ready for school. Sneak in fastest shower ever.
7:15 a.m. Son leaves - prep other 2 for preschool.
Today we have 2 Mother's Day Teas. Which are the highlight of my day. BUT I've missed the LAST 2 days of work dealing w/the stomach bug, now I'm missing most of today.
1 p.m. Arrive at work
2:30 p.m. Leave work to pick up kids
3:50 p.m. Pick up Son from School.
4:15 arrive home. HURRY and pack picnic dinner for FOUR.
5:00 leave for soccer.
5:30 - 6:30 soccer
7:00 arrive home. Shower three kids and get them in bed.
Then make cookies for Teacher Appreciation.
Thursdays make me want to poke myself in the eye. Repeatedly.
5:45 a.m. Turn off alarm.
6:10 a.m. Get up, too late for my shower. Get Son up and ready for school. Sneak in fastest shower ever.
7:15 a.m. Son leaves - prep other 2 for preschool.
Today we have 2 Mother's Day Teas. Which are the highlight of my day. BUT I've missed the LAST 2 days of work dealing w/the stomach bug, now I'm missing most of today.
1 p.m. Arrive at work
2:30 p.m. Leave work to pick up kids
3:50 p.m. Pick up Son from School.
4:15 arrive home. HURRY and pack picnic dinner for FOUR.
5:00 leave for soccer.
5:30 - 6:30 soccer
7:00 arrive home. Shower three kids and get them in bed.
Then make cookies for Teacher Appreciation.
Thursdays make me want to poke myself in the eye. Repeatedly.
May 05, 2010
What's In It: Premade Gravy
Almost all brands except Heinz contain hydrolized oils and corn syrup. Funny, when I make gravy from scratch it takes 3 ingredients: meat drippings, meat broth, and flour. So - corn syrup?
May 04, 2010
What's In It: Coldstone Creamery
UGH!!! You cannot escape the HCFS and the hydrogenated oils. Not all the flavors but a good number of them. DARN IT ALL.
April 26, 2010
April 25, 2010
April 24, 2010
What's In It? Planter's Dry Roasted Peanuts
Corn Syrup powder. WHY? The ingredients should say: Peanuts, salt. RIGHT? Why corn syrup too?
No more purchasing these peanuts for us, they are off the healthy list. The shame is that I bought them when I was trying to find some more protein, healthy snacks for myself, and ended up with EXACTLY THE SUGAR I WAS TRYING TO AVOID. SHEEEESH Planter's - Shame on you.
No more purchasing these peanuts for us, they are off the healthy list. The shame is that I bought them when I was trying to find some more protein, healthy snacks for myself, and ended up with EXACTLY THE SUGAR I WAS TRYING TO AVOID. SHEEEESH Planter's - Shame on you.
March 29, 2010
Food Revolution
Ok - the stuff we feed our kids is crap. Well - I AM trying and I didn't KNOW chicken nuggets you get in the store were that NASTY.
So - stay tuned! Big changes are afoot! Can I get my kids to change?
I will not purchase McDonalds for my kids anymore.
I will try very hard not to buy items w/high fructose corn syrup - I already TRY to do this, but it's hard - I am going to make more of an effort to hit Trader Joe's for stuff instead of Harris Teeter.
LESS SUGAR - well - after Easter. With their daddy gone, I cannot give them an Easter basket that disappoints. I can't do it.
Other suggestions??? They usually hit 4 servings of fruit a day + adequate organic milk and adequate protein.
HELP ME! What else is lurking in my pantry that is bad (aka. Chicken nuggets!!) that I need to know about? How does one know these things?
So - stay tuned! Big changes are afoot! Can I get my kids to change?
I will not purchase McDonalds for my kids anymore.
I will try very hard not to buy items w/high fructose corn syrup - I already TRY to do this, but it's hard - I am going to make more of an effort to hit Trader Joe's for stuff instead of Harris Teeter.
LESS SUGAR - well - after Easter. With their daddy gone, I cannot give them an Easter basket that disappoints. I can't do it.
Other suggestions??? They usually hit 4 servings of fruit a day + adequate organic milk and adequate protein.
HELP ME! What else is lurking in my pantry that is bad (aka. Chicken nuggets!!) that I need to know about? How does one know these things?
March 24, 2010
How am I supposed to do that?
Ok - Thursdays around here SUCK.
I get off work at 3:30. Drive from Reston to Ashburn to get my son from school.
3:35 - leave Ashburn to drive to TYSONS to get the little kids.
4:10 - head back to Dulles (which is near Ashburn), getting there around 4:50. WELL - now soccer practice will be on the FAR side of Ashburn at 6. Exactly when are we supposed to EAT, HANG OUT, get anything done (like HOMEWORK)? And bedtime is 7:30 - we will be just walking in the door if we are LUCKY? HOW HOW HOW?
I get off work at 3:30. Drive from Reston to Ashburn to get my son from school.
3:35 - leave Ashburn to drive to TYSONS to get the little kids.
4:10 - head back to Dulles (which is near Ashburn), getting there around 4:50. WELL - now soccer practice will be on the FAR side of Ashburn at 6. Exactly when are we supposed to EAT, HANG OUT, get anything done (like HOMEWORK)? And bedtime is 7:30 - we will be just walking in the door if we are LUCKY? HOW HOW HOW?
March 23, 2010
Why I am crying and overwhelmed right now.
5:15 a.m. - wake up and get ready for work.
6 a.m. - wake up older son and get him showered and fed for school.
6:30 a.m. - wake up other 2 kids and change their clothes.
6:50 a.m. - Tyler has HUGE meltdown that I bought shoes for the older child but none for him because HIS STILL FIT.
7:10 a.m. bus comes
7:15 am. - we leave late - see: tyler throwing fit about shoes STILL.
7:40 a.m. drive BY my office to drop little kids off.
8 a.m. drop little kids off. Drive BACK the way I came.
8:30 arrive at work
3:30 leave work
4 arrive home - realize can run to store before the sitter leaves, dash to store.
4:30 arrive home. Put away groceries among 3 kids vying for my attention because they haven't seen me all day (mom, mom, mom, mom, mom, mom, mom).
4:45 fight A LOT with older son about homework. Puzzled by his amazing whininess and flat out refusal to do homework? Every time I start talking with Son, the other 2 start their own fight.
5 p.m. find Son hiding in living room, FAST ASLEEP.
5:15 work on feeding kids fruit, starting dinner.
6 - struggle to wake older child. Feed kids. Burned my own dinner, sneak some of theirs.
7:00 start putting them in bed.
7:30 lights out.
Now all I have left to do is fold SEVEN loads of laundry, prep for tomorrow, work on my mom's taxes, pay bills, wash at least 2 more loads.
Notice there is not ONE MINUTE for me to do any of my stuff or GET SOME FREAKING exercise, which is why I feel gross, which isn't helping MY attitude.
only 53 more days until hubby comes home. Someone shoot me.
6 a.m. - wake up older son and get him showered and fed for school.
6:30 a.m. - wake up other 2 kids and change their clothes.
6:50 a.m. - Tyler has HUGE meltdown that I bought shoes for the older child but none for him because HIS STILL FIT.
7:10 a.m. bus comes
7:15 am. - we leave late - see: tyler throwing fit about shoes STILL.
7:40 a.m. drive BY my office to drop little kids off.
8 a.m. drop little kids off. Drive BACK the way I came.
8:30 arrive at work
3:30 leave work
4 arrive home - realize can run to store before the sitter leaves, dash to store.
4:30 arrive home. Put away groceries among 3 kids vying for my attention because they haven't seen me all day (mom, mom, mom, mom, mom, mom, mom).
4:45 fight A LOT with older son about homework. Puzzled by his amazing whininess and flat out refusal to do homework? Every time I start talking with Son, the other 2 start their own fight.
5 p.m. find Son hiding in living room, FAST ASLEEP.
5:15 work on feeding kids fruit, starting dinner.
6 - struggle to wake older child. Feed kids. Burned my own dinner, sneak some of theirs.
7:00 start putting them in bed.
7:30 lights out.
Now all I have left to do is fold SEVEN loads of laundry, prep for tomorrow, work on my mom's taxes, pay bills, wash at least 2 more loads.
Notice there is not ONE MINUTE for me to do any of my stuff or GET SOME FREAKING exercise, which is why I feel gross, which isn't helping MY attitude.
only 53 more days until hubby comes home. Someone shoot me.
March 22, 2010
apology
I want to apologize for my harsh generalization in my last post - I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound like that or even say that. I just don't want to pay for insurance for people who flat out refuse to buy it for themselves. I'm not talking about people working their way to a better life and need a hand - I'm talking about people who just don't want to use their money for it (until of course, they get really sick and realize what a good idea it would have been) - like some relatives of mine who'd rather use it for car payments because their locality covers their kids for free.
Reading up on it, there is no public option in this bill it seems, just subsidy to help those in lower brackets. I think they should find a way to make insurers lower costs, not pass out money to meet the high costs.
Reading up on it, there is no public option in this bill it seems, just subsidy to help those in lower brackets. I think they should find a way to make insurers lower costs, not pass out money to meet the high costs.
March 21, 2010
HELLO?! well...
what a neglected place this is!! We've been swamped - we went on a vacation to Snomass, CO where the kids skied their hearts out (the oldest got the fastest time on the race course OUT OF ALL THE KIDS!) and the other two made great strides. As did I - this is the FIRST year I got a full week of skiing in! And it did cost us a pretty penny, but a week on vacation w/our kids and the grandparents is priceless.
Then hubby left Wednesday for an 8 week tour. Well, double crap. But him being gone might give me more time to update! I will try!! First up, I need to find out what's going on w/healthcare. I hope I'm not now paying for the healthcare of lots of other people. I get off my fat ass and goto work to afford the coverage we need, all other people can too. So we'll see - I'll read some links and hopefully the bill, but I'm pretty sure it won't please me.
Then hubby left Wednesday for an 8 week tour. Well, double crap. But him being gone might give me more time to update! I will try!! First up, I need to find out what's going on w/healthcare. I hope I'm not now paying for the healthcare of lots of other people. I get off my fat ass and goto work to afford the coverage we need, all other people can too. So we'll see - I'll read some links and hopefully the bill, but I'm pretty sure it won't please me.
January 21, 2010
WOW - I SUCK
Hello? Anyone out there? Doubt it! I'm west coasting it this week! I had a Hibernate training class in San Fran and then one of my bestest friends picked me up for 4 days of fun with her in San Jose. Look for some crazy upcoming pictures - y'all have been warned! We were up until 4:45 this morning, chatting, goofing, drinking and re-watching Twilight (yes, we apparently are quite fascinating I know) -but all of those things are QUITE THE LUXURY when you have a job and 3 kids, so I'm really enjoying just doing what we want to do for once!
Will check in later, after I score some more diet coke!
Will check in later, after I score some more diet coke!
December 30, 2009
Happy New Year!!
OK, so I'm early on this one - but I've missed SO MUCH! I've got a ton to do (hence skipping out on work today) Son turns EIGHT tomorrow!! Do you believe it? I need to recap Nov and Dec.
I've got a plan, I really do for a weekly feature to have here starting next week (well, the first entry will be about something I did THIS week)...but I'm trying!
Happy New Year to you and yours and no matter how good or bad 2009 is/was, may 2010 be BETTER!!!
I've got a plan, I really do for a weekly feature to have here starting next week (well, the first entry will be about something I did THIS week)...but I'm trying!
Happy New Year to you and yours and no matter how good or bad 2009 is/was, may 2010 be BETTER!!!
November 30, 2009
Oscar Meyer Bologna
Now, I do not expect this to be a healthy food product... but why does it have HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP in it? Shoudn't it be only ears, lips and toes of some animal?
October 17, 2009
A rainy weekend...
instead of going to the Homecoming Parade today and the Harvest Festival tomorrow, we are STUCK inside. Wandering thru a parking lot w/a double stroller and Son in the pouring rain IS NOT going to happen. I was going to venture out when it was a drizzle, but as soon as I got done w/my shower this morning, it was pouring. Sucky.
So now T is sleeping and BabyJ is protesting STILL in her crib that she doesn't want to take her nap. She's been complaining for 2 hours. UGH.
This weekend sucks so far. I was also going to grab stuff for Halloween cupcakes, but now all I have cupcakes and icing I could turn orange, IF i had the energy to bake it all from scratch (I was going to buy the mix as I am EXHAUSTED). Probably not. It'll probably be chocolate chip cookies though, from scratch, as they are easy.
So now T is sleeping and BabyJ is protesting STILL in her crib that she doesn't want to take her nap. She's been complaining for 2 hours. UGH.
This weekend sucks so far. I was also going to grab stuff for Halloween cupcakes, but now all I have cupcakes and icing I could turn orange, IF i had the energy to bake it all from scratch (I was going to buy the mix as I am EXHAUSTED). Probably not. It'll probably be chocolate chip cookies though, from scratch, as they are easy.
October 13, 2009
Sept. 1991 - Dietrick store - MY BIGGEST DISCOVERY
Setting: 1991. I had arrived at VA Tech only a few weeks earlier and LOVED EVERY SINGLE MINUTE OF MY EXISTENCE. College life, with out parents, was FOR ME! I loved it. I did not, however, love the food. In the first 3 weeks of school, I LOST 15 pounds. The food at the dining hall sucked - so I had cheerios for breakfast and a ham&cheese for lunch and a ham&cheese for dinner. No snacks and I was even drinking full calorie PEPSI, for goodness sake. AND A LOT OF BEER. And I lost 15 pounds if that tells you anything about how little I was eating.
So, out of desperation, I goto the little store under the dining hall and am desperately searching for something, anything to eat. I spy COOKIE DOUGH. Darn, I don't have an oven, so I can't make cookies. BUT! There is no "adult" around to STOP ME FROM EATING THE DOUGH RIGHT OUT OF THE PACKAGE! OMG - now THIS is a revelation. And really, a pivotal point. NO ONE AROUND to monitor my food choices! What a discovery is this?! I can eat WHATEVER THE HELL I WANT. And buy that dough I did. AND EAT THE ENTIRE PACKAGE!
(now, I wasn't dumb enough to assume I could eat like that every day - but it was a treat, as was entire bags of Ruffles and dip as well as 7-11 nachos and Velveeta Mac & cheese. Also RAMEN NOODLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
I was officially a grown up!
So, out of desperation, I goto the little store under the dining hall and am desperately searching for something, anything to eat. I spy COOKIE DOUGH. Darn, I don't have an oven, so I can't make cookies. BUT! There is no "adult" around to STOP ME FROM EATING THE DOUGH RIGHT OUT OF THE PACKAGE! OMG - now THIS is a revelation. And really, a pivotal point. NO ONE AROUND to monitor my food choices! What a discovery is this?! I can eat WHATEVER THE HELL I WANT. And buy that dough I did. AND EAT THE ENTIRE PACKAGE!
(now, I wasn't dumb enough to assume I could eat like that every day - but it was a treat, as was entire bags of Ruffles and dip as well as 7-11 nachos and Velveeta Mac & cheese. Also RAMEN NOODLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
I was officially a grown up!
October 10, 2009
Shopping for tops...
and i've found the most ridiculous tops EVER.
there are ruffles
there are mid-driffs still showing
there are shoulders showing (this isn't so bad, just not anything I have anywhere to wear something like this)
THEY ARE SEE THROUGH!
No wonder I can't find anything I like - all the vendors are busy creating CRAP.
there are ruffles
there are mid-driffs still showing
there are shoulders showing (this isn't so bad, just not anything I have anywhere to wear something like this)
THEY ARE SEE THROUGH!
No wonder I can't find anything I like - all the vendors are busy creating CRAP.
October 08, 2009
11:36 p.m. - this totally counts right?
11:36 p.m. - Still Thursday!!
Today was weird. I work for a govt. agency. Our office is in a general office park, but there is no way the landlord doesn't know there is a govt customer there, as well as Raytheon and SAIC offices.
So - today they had a BBQ to "thank" us for being tenants. Well - they had a guy sneaking around taking pictures. Uh-oh. Just because we are paranoid doesn't mean they aren't watching us!!
So - we wonder if it was just pictures or something more?
Today was weird. I work for a govt. agency. Our office is in a general office park, but there is no way the landlord doesn't know there is a govt customer there, as well as Raytheon and SAIC offices.
So - today they had a BBQ to "thank" us for being tenants. Well - they had a guy sneaking around taking pictures. Uh-oh. Just because we are paranoid doesn't mean they aren't watching us!!
So - we wonder if it was just pictures or something more?
October 07, 2009
WOW - I'm really bad at this, eh?
Although I am cutting myself some slack - I had to work the past 2 days and then take care of three kids once I got home! And with the PILE of homework second graders get, and the fact that they aren't quite able to do it unsupervised yet, we are BUSY.
My work laptop (a mac) won't connect to the internet, only the network. It will connect to internet if I hardwire it to the router. So the blue cord running across my bedroom from the router to the laptop is AWESOME.
That is the hardest part about having hubby gone so long - I can handle the work of taking care of the day to day stuff, but when stuff happens that I can't fix thru pure effort or spending time, it is very frustrating. Or when something on the house or cars breaks that I cannot possibly fix, I just want to cry.
Honestly, I don't know how single parents do it. What do you do, when something breaks that you CANNOT fix and no one is coming home in 2 weeks to fix for you or make it easier?
My work laptop (a mac) won't connect to the internet, only the network. It will connect to internet if I hardwire it to the router. So the blue cord running across my bedroom from the router to the laptop is AWESOME.
That is the hardest part about having hubby gone so long - I can handle the work of taking care of the day to day stuff, but when stuff happens that I can't fix thru pure effort or spending time, it is very frustrating. Or when something on the house or cars breaks that I cannot possibly fix, I just want to cry.
Honestly, I don't know how single parents do it. What do you do, when something breaks that you CANNOT fix and no one is coming home in 2 weeks to fix for you or make it easier?
October 05, 2009
October 03, 2009
So far so good!!
Today was a CRAZY busy day!! ArizonaPal came into town last night so I had the girls over for dinner/beer/wine and a ROCKBAND rockout! It was awesome until we lost track of time and it was POOF 4 a.m. Remember, hubby is away so guess who gets to get up w/the kids at 7? It wasn't ArizonaPal, that's for sure!
Then I had to drive ArizonaPal to Reagan airport, which is NOT the one near my house. Then drive back. And take a super fast shower to goto the DULLES AIRPORT (the airport that IS near my house) Plane Pull. It's an event held by the Special Olympics to raise money - where local businesses put together teams to see who can pull a FedEx jet the fastest. It grows every year - they put up a HUGE bounce around park, food vendors, a bus pull for kids, airplane show (they actually drive the old planes up and down the runway next to the one all the people are on), car show and a military plane exhibition where you can get IN the fighter jets. It is way way cool and we had a blast.
Then a birthday party at Friendlys and a trip to ToysRUs. PHEW - am now very very very tired!
Then I had to drive ArizonaPal to Reagan airport, which is NOT the one near my house. Then drive back. And take a super fast shower to goto the DULLES AIRPORT (the airport that IS near my house) Plane Pull. It's an event held by the Special Olympics to raise money - where local businesses put together teams to see who can pull a FedEx jet the fastest. It grows every year - they put up a HUGE bounce around park, food vendors, a bus pull for kids, airplane show (they actually drive the old planes up and down the runway next to the one all the people are on), car show and a military plane exhibition where you can get IN the fighter jets. It is way way cool and we had a blast.
Then a birthday party at Friendlys and a trip to ToysRUs. PHEW - am now very very very tired!
October 02, 2009
October 01, 2009
September 30, 2009
31 posts!
If Akeeyu can do it, so can I! A post every day for the month of October!! I'm sure you were on pins and needles waiting for my return, weren't you?! ;-)
September 14, 2009
VMAs
Dear Kanye - you are an Ass. Also - you are short and she should have flicked on you on top of your short man little head.
That is all. Oh and you shall hereto be referred to as K-Pest. Do you THINK Beyonce needs YOU to stand up for her? If she needs anyone to stand up for her (WHICH SHE DOES NOT) she'd pick someone better (like someone that can sing and has talent. Also, height) than you.
The Princess.
That is all. Oh and you shall hereto be referred to as K-Pest. Do you THINK Beyonce needs YOU to stand up for her? If she needs anyone to stand up for her (WHICH SHE DOES NOT) she'd pick someone better (like someone that can sing and has talent. Also, height) than you.
The Princess.
September 11, 2009
Eight years ago.
I remember vividly (like we all do).
I was driving to work - in my super large SUV gas guzzler. I was 6 mos pregnant. I heard on the news a plane hit a building and thought "wow, that sucks. What an accident". And changed the station.
When I got to work, about 5 minutes later, a co-worker told me again. Yeah, I heard, that is terrible! And sat down - goodness I was ALREADY tired from having to shower and drive to work ( I was a horrible complainy pregnant woman ).
When the second plane hit, the co-workers wife called and told us. Stunned, to say the least.
Shortly thereafter everyone realized it was TERRORISM and not an accident. The local news was going CRAZY. We live in the DC Metro area, literally at the end of the runways of Dulles Airport. They grounded all planes. Planes were still missing.
Our office sent us home. I sat in traffic on the way west to our house in Leesburg. Thankful every minute that I drove an SUV and should I need to, I could just drive around all this frustrating traffic and either get home or get to our "safety point" 262 miles south in Blacksburg, VA.
My husband is a contractor for a government office that demand he stay in the building during this craziness, even thought the government officially released all employees.
As a wife I was terrified. There were still news reports of planes missing and circling the DC area looking for government buildings to hit. I couldn't barely watch the news of the tragedy that had happened, waiting for the NEXT tragedy. The one that would take my husband. My phone didn't stop ringing, as my husband's family figured out why he wasn't home yet. I sat and cried and prayed. For all that were missing and for my husband, that nothing else bad would happen.
For me, my life was impacted, but I did not lose the love of my life that day. I saw those people on the shows after 9/11. Today, as I read the different memorials, I think of those still living and I hope the wifes/husbands/children are finding a way to deal w/the pain of today.
I was driving to work - in my super large SUV gas guzzler. I was 6 mos pregnant. I heard on the news a plane hit a building and thought "wow, that sucks. What an accident". And changed the station.
When I got to work, about 5 minutes later, a co-worker told me again. Yeah, I heard, that is terrible! And sat down - goodness I was ALREADY tired from having to shower and drive to work ( I was a horrible complainy pregnant woman ).
When the second plane hit, the co-workers wife called and told us. Stunned, to say the least.
Shortly thereafter everyone realized it was TERRORISM and not an accident. The local news was going CRAZY. We live in the DC Metro area, literally at the end of the runways of Dulles Airport. They grounded all planes. Planes were still missing.
Our office sent us home. I sat in traffic on the way west to our house in Leesburg. Thankful every minute that I drove an SUV and should I need to, I could just drive around all this frustrating traffic and either get home or get to our "safety point" 262 miles south in Blacksburg, VA.
My husband is a contractor for a government office that demand he stay in the building during this craziness, even thought the government officially released all employees.
As a wife I was terrified. There were still news reports of planes missing and circling the DC area looking for government buildings to hit. I couldn't barely watch the news of the tragedy that had happened, waiting for the NEXT tragedy. The one that would take my husband. My phone didn't stop ringing, as my husband's family figured out why he wasn't home yet. I sat and cried and prayed. For all that were missing and for my husband, that nothing else bad would happen.
For me, my life was impacted, but I did not lose the love of my life that day. I saw those people on the shows after 9/11. Today, as I read the different memorials, I think of those still living and I hope the wifes/husbands/children are finding a way to deal w/the pain of today.
September 08, 2009
September 04, 2009
that long?
WOW! It's been that long eh? We went to the beach (did I tell you that?) then I switched jobs.
I went from 25 hours w/some from home in a swanky cushy office to back to "customer" space in a gross office where we have no control over our machines and space. And a 30 hour work week with no hours from home - a big change. So I've been a bit swamped. And hubby is on a business trip for the next 10 weeks. No wonder I'm tired!
BabyJ is starting preschool - she got potty trained the second day I had her in underwear full time and just started taking care of those issues by herself! She breaks the record among my kids of youngest to train!
ToddlerT is going back to the 3 year old class and Son just had his school orientation today for SECOND GRADE. How did that happen??!!
Anyway - I will try to post more often, and MAYBE even something interesting to read!! hahahahaha i know i know. You'll believe it when you see it!
I went from 25 hours w/some from home in a swanky cushy office to back to "customer" space in a gross office where we have no control over our machines and space. And a 30 hour work week with no hours from home - a big change. So I've been a bit swamped. And hubby is on a business trip for the next 10 weeks. No wonder I'm tired!
BabyJ is starting preschool - she got potty trained the second day I had her in underwear full time and just started taking care of those issues by herself! She breaks the record among my kids of youngest to train!
ToddlerT is going back to the 3 year old class and Son just had his school orientation today for SECOND GRADE. How did that happen??!!
Anyway - I will try to post more often, and MAYBE even something interesting to read!! hahahahaha i know i know. You'll believe it when you see it!
August 20, 2009
Obama-care hurts middle class.
Here is an article, from CNN no less - about how Obama-care is going to seriously hurt the middle class, and they have no idea it's coming.
The main example is a family w/a 85K income and good insurance. Here is how they are going to be totally screwed...
http://money.cnn.com/2009/08/20/news/economy/health_care_reform_middle_class.fortune/index.htm?section=money_topstories
do we need "change" in our system? Absolutely. His change? NO!
The main example is a family w/a 85K income and good insurance. Here is how they are going to be totally screwed...
http://money.cnn.com/2009/08/20/news/economy/health_care_reform_middle_class.fortune/index.htm?section=money_topstories
do we need "change" in our system? Absolutely. His change? NO!
August 06, 2009
holy moly - PANDORA!
why did no one tell me of this magic radio app??!! I LOVE IT - I have several playlists that I set up and added artists to and give thumbs up and down and VOILA!!! A radio station fit for a princess! ;-) It is perfect - it plays EXACTLY the music I like! I cannot stress that you have to try it if you have not -it is free and all your favorite music! Why buy music? I can take it and turn it on for my iPhone and never need i-Freaking-Tunes again!!
July 29, 2009
July 11, 2009
Dick's Sporting Goods
I called in search of a pool basketball backboard...
First call: put on hold INDEFINITELY for pool department
Second call: called main line, Golf pro picked up and yelled at me for calling the wrong dept. HELLO Jackass, I dialed the main number and YOU picked it up. He said I had to call the main line to get transferred to pool dept. I said I DID CALL THE MAIN NUMBER AND HUNG UP
Third Call: Currently on hold. At five minutes into holding AGAIN, my husband actually arrived there. It was seriously faster for him to drive there than for me to call and get a person to answer my question.
GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE, YOU DON'T LIVE AT DICK'S SPORTING GOODS.
First call: put on hold INDEFINITELY for pool department
Second call: called main line, Golf pro picked up and yelled at me for calling the wrong dept. HELLO Jackass, I dialed the main number and YOU picked it up. He said I had to call the main line to get transferred to pool dept. I said I DID CALL THE MAIN NUMBER AND HUNG UP
Third Call: Currently on hold. At five minutes into holding AGAIN, my husband actually arrived there. It was seriously faster for him to drive there than for me to call and get a person to answer my question.
GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE, YOU DON'T LIVE AT DICK'S SPORTING GOODS.
July 04, 2009
June 27, 2009
The story of the bikini!
Well - last weekend Hubby was in VA Beach for work. Saturday was rainy and gross here so I threw the kids in the car and we went down to see him! In order to be able to get the bathing suits quickly, I put them in a separate bag so we didn't have to open the suitcase in order to hit the beach. I'm sure you can see where this is going!
So we check into the Sheraton and ! NO BEACH BAG! Yikes! Now, I know they SELL swimsuits at the beach. And I know it generally takes a month of searching for me to find something I consider acceptable to be seen in. So now I have 10 minutes at a crappy beach store? GOOD LUCK.
So - being a mom of three, I generally opt for a tankini. Ok, forget generally. ALWAYS. BUT at the beach, unless you wear a size 24 (I wear a size 6) you won't get a tankini or 1 piece. You will buy a bikini. CRAP. SO I pick out a cute one and off I go.
Well what do you know? I LOVED IT! AND IT DIDN'T LOOK AS BAD AS I THOUGHT! Apparently w/the tankini, not only is it generally not super-flattering anyway, I look uncomfortable, which makes it look LESS Flattering. And hubby says everyone can tell what I'm hiding anyway....so BIKINI it is from now on! I did go splurge on an awesome one this week, as I don't think the beach one will survive the washing machine (though it IS cute)...
GO ME! Bringing sexy back (and the bikini!)!
So we check into the Sheraton and ! NO BEACH BAG! Yikes! Now, I know they SELL swimsuits at the beach. And I know it generally takes a month of searching for me to find something I consider acceptable to be seen in. So now I have 10 minutes at a crappy beach store? GOOD LUCK.
So - being a mom of three, I generally opt for a tankini. Ok, forget generally. ALWAYS. BUT at the beach, unless you wear a size 24 (I wear a size 6) you won't get a tankini or 1 piece. You will buy a bikini. CRAP. SO I pick out a cute one and off I go.
Well what do you know? I LOVED IT! AND IT DIDN'T LOOK AS BAD AS I THOUGHT! Apparently w/the tankini, not only is it generally not super-flattering anyway, I look uncomfortable, which makes it look LESS Flattering. And hubby says everyone can tell what I'm hiding anyway....so BIKINI it is from now on! I did go splurge on an awesome one this week, as I don't think the beach one will survive the washing machine (though it IS cute)...
GO ME! Bringing sexy back (and the bikini!)!
June 21, 2009
June 20, 2009
June 18, 2009
Bad parking
parked in the turn area between aisles where you are supposed to drive.
June 09, 2009
Texts From Last Night...
this website where people submit their oddball texts....MAN! makes me both wish we had texting when I was in college and REALLY glad we didn't!! Although, some of the texts I went back and read from when I was in Vegas make me lean towards the "good thing we didn't have this" side! Also - camera phones and digital cameras! WHEW! No one needs to see some of those nights!
June 05, 2009
June 01, 2009
May 28, 2009
heartbreaking...
a local church just sent a link out asking for donation for Helping Hungry Kids. Many kids don't have enough food to eat on the weekends (they get reduced/free lunch and breakfast at school) - so they are asking for donations of food for the kids to have placed in their backpacks on Friday afternoons to ensure that the children have something to eat over the 2 day weekend. I don't know why, but this is really really bugging me and has me all teary eyed. I cannot imagine my children KNOWING that they do not have enough food to eat at that maybe, when they get home from school today, there WON'T BE ANY DINNER. Is that not one of the saddest things you can imagine? I know how no one LIKES to be hungry and to think of CHILDREN not having enough to eat it breaks my heart.
What will these children do over the summer? I plan on dropping several bags off at the church this next weekend (they collect the 1st sunday of the month). You should look and see if your church or school has a program like this (I also see it called Backpack Snacks or something like that).
What will these children do over the summer? I plan on dropping several bags off at the church this next weekend (they collect the 1st sunday of the month). You should look and see if your church or school has a program like this (I also see it called Backpack Snacks or something like that).
May 24, 2009
South Pole blog!
I found this link - he works at the South Pole and is a photographer! Amazing pictures of what goes on there when it is -80 degress F!
http://pcully.blogspot.com/
(hahaha I almost posted this without the link!)
http://pcully.blogspot.com/
(hahaha I almost posted this without the link!)
May 17, 2009
Cub Scouts at the Farm!
What do you get when you let a 7 year old loose at a farm w/a digital camera?
- pics of the cool cobwebs
- pics of dirt
- 3 different shots of pig butts
- 2 different cow butts
- 1 horse butt
- 1 peacock butt
- 1 turkey butt
- one pig SNOUT, up close
- a couple of closeups of a farm truck - the emblems
- a dog butt
- several sheep butts
lovely photographs.
- pics of the cool cobwebs
- pics of dirt
- 3 different shots of pig butts
- 2 different cow butts
- 1 horse butt
- 1 peacock butt
- 1 turkey butt
- one pig SNOUT, up close
- a couple of closeups of a farm truck - the emblems
- a dog butt
- several sheep butts
lovely photographs.
May 15, 2009
Tina Turner Legs...
Well...I have ALWAYS had nice legs. And when one has an asset (and a few NON-ASSETS) one flaunts that asset! I went to the salon today in my Daisy Dukes (the only kind of shorts I OWN) and they FLIPPED out. Apparently, they think my legs are awesome. SERIOUSLY -for 10 minutes they inquired -natural? YES! No lipo there! Just 3 miles 3 times a week for OMG 20 years now (fuck! 20 years?? damn i am apparently old) and a nice skin color (tan!) to show them off. I love the muscle that runs down your outer thigh so I work that one SPECIFICALLY at the gym. If hubby wouldn't freak, I'd give you a picture.
Several times during my life, guy friends have told me I have BETTER legs than Tina Turner (which is funny since my first name is TINA!).
Several times during my life, guy friends have told me I have BETTER legs than Tina Turner (which is funny since my first name is TINA!).
May 12, 2009
am busy!
Hi! I started my new job yesterday (which I love) and promptly ran into a neighbor (she works in the next office) and an old classmate! WEIRD. And then found out an old coworker ALSO works here. Small world, eh?
When they were showing me the office, the conference room fridge contains Sam Adams! Now if that isn't a sign I'm in the right place, I don't know what is!
Anyway, I'm loving it and busy reading up on the technology I'll need, hopefully I can post tomorrow from home!
When they were showing me the office, the conference room fridge contains Sam Adams! Now if that isn't a sign I'm in the right place, I don't know what is!
Anyway, I'm loving it and busy reading up on the technology I'll need, hopefully I can post tomorrow from home!
May 07, 2009
seriously people?
people are paving their front yards in Mont. County to get more parking spaces: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/05/AR2009050503739.html
May 04, 2009
May 03, 2009
May 02, 2009
what a way to start the morning!
Hubby let me sleep in! At 8:30 I came downstairs just in time to see ToddlerT throw up all over the floor! Damn neighbors waking me up w/their early morning lawn mowing!!
May 01, 2009
Friday Bullets!
April 30, 2009
Doing my part to keep the economy going...
month - I am trying to save the salon!!
April 24, 2009
Money day 3 and 4
UGH! We apparently really suck at this money saving thing.
Day 3 - Wednesday
Groceries. $97, which puts us at $50 over grocery budget for the week ($150 is budget, spent $100 on Sunday).
Hubby takes ToddlerT to swim lessons and Son wants to swim too - $9 entrance fee.
Day 4 - Thursday
$12 lunch - team lunch. Had to go.
$30 Gift for friend.
$10 Hubby had lunch at Pei Wei because he forgot his lunch.
Day 5 Friday
Just sent $169 for flag football camp.
Holy hell it's only 7:45 a.m. and I already blew the day!
Day 3 - Wednesday
Groceries. $97, which puts us at $50 over grocery budget for the week ($150 is budget, spent $100 on Sunday).
Hubby takes ToddlerT to swim lessons and Son wants to swim too - $9 entrance fee.
Day 4 - Thursday
$12 lunch - team lunch. Had to go.
$30 Gift for friend.
$10 Hubby had lunch at Pei Wei because he forgot his lunch.
Day 5 Friday
Just sent $169 for flag football camp.
Holy hell it's only 7:45 a.m. and I already blew the day!
April 22, 2009
Money - day 2 - Tuesday
$40 for Urologist visit.
$10 for pain meds for son.
$11 at McDonalds for special Mommy & Me lunch.
$70 at Target - $7 new toothbrush for son (you have to throw them out after having strep), $3 for one for ToddlerT, $27 for sunscreen, $9 for diet coke 12packs, $15 car cleaners/wax, etc)
Hubby indicates that we need mulch. If we decide to forego this expense, all our plants and shrubs will die in the summer sun. AWESOME. What's that going to be, like $200? SWEET!
As a bonus, ALL the t shirts I bought this weekend look like crap on me, so they are going back.
Calgon take me away!
$10 for pain meds for son.
$11 at McDonalds for special Mommy & Me lunch.
$70 at Target - $7 new toothbrush for son (you have to throw them out after having strep), $3 for one for ToddlerT, $27 for sunscreen, $9 for diet coke 12packs, $15 car cleaners/wax, etc)
Hubby indicates that we need mulch. If we decide to forego this expense, all our plants and shrubs will die in the summer sun. AWESOME. What's that going to be, like $200? SWEET!
As a bonus, ALL the t shirts I bought this weekend look like crap on me, so they are going back.
Calgon take me away!
A Twilight Review
Michele is a blogger I LOVE. She is also a writer. So when I stumbled on her review of Twilight (which I also LOVED), I had to read it. And then she made me think.
Read it here: http://www.hereticalideas.com/2008/10/book-review-twilight/
Read it here: http://www.hereticalideas.com/2008/10/book-review-twilight/
April 21, 2009
Money!
Hmmph. We finally sat down and looked at our recent spending...starting w/the trip to Vegas, we've been BLOWING our budgeted spending out of the water. And we haven't stopped - of course, there's not much we could do about it. We had already paid for and scheduled a vacation in March w/Hubby's Dad. And that cost almost TWICE what we had budgeted - not including the broken collarbone that we had to pay for up front. Then I had to pay for braces starting in Feb - so that is a big chunk of change + $150 a month for a year. UGH! Then, the oldest had ZERO clothes that fit anymore. I had to buy him jeans that didn't leave red marks on his waist and shirts that didn't look so tight. THEN the oldest son and daughter had ZERO spring clothes (THANK GOODNESS the middle son can wear hand-me-downs from the older son and that I bought nice enough clothes that those are still in awesome shape).
So, we're buckling down. Yesterday, I resolved to bring my lunch to work, which is RARE for me. YAY! Didn't spend an extra $15!
BUT then I had to take Older Son to the dr for a strep test and a urine test. $20.
Anti-biotics - probably another $10.
Sundae for son for getting his throat stabbed - $3.
Then, ToddlerT had swim lessons and was too hungry for dinner to wait until he got home, so a $3 happy meal for him.
Ugh.
So today is Urologist appt. = $40 + goodnessKnowsWhat after that.
I also feel like I should take son to lunch because it's a rare day that it is just me and him....thoughts?
So, we're buckling down. Yesterday, I resolved to bring my lunch to work, which is RARE for me. YAY! Didn't spend an extra $15!
BUT then I had to take Older Son to the dr for a strep test and a urine test. $20.
Anti-biotics - probably another $10.
Sundae for son for getting his throat stabbed - $3.
Then, ToddlerT had swim lessons and was too hungry for dinner to wait until he got home, so a $3 happy meal for him.
Ugh.
So today is Urologist appt. = $40 + goodnessKnowsWhat after that.
I also feel like I should take son to lunch because it's a rare day that it is just me and him....thoughts?
April 16, 2009
TAXES
DAMMIT.
In our mail yesterday was a tax notice for $944. And I am really irritated by this on MANY MANY LEVELS.
1. There are TONS of people (most of them were picked by Mr. President to serve in his administration) that DO NOT PAY TAXES and aren't being chased down by the IRS. And yet they come after little old ME who pays a metric ton I assure you, in taxes.
2. My #@$@^% company changed it's policy in 2007 and that is why we suddenly owe the taxes. Way back when, my company offered short term disability, and if you wanted it, you purchased it for something like $2 a paycheck. Now, if you happened to GO on short term disability (which my company uses for maternity leave) you get 60% of your salary and didn't have to pay taxes on it because you paid the premium. WELL, some of the STUPID FUCKING MORONS that work at my company got injured and discovered that short term disability is useful, but they hadn't signed up for it (because they didn't think they'd need it) and then bitched at the company (like it is someone else's fault they didn't sign up for something they need). Well, this happened to SO MANY STUPID FUCKING people, the company decided to pick up the tab in 2007 and cover everyone. WHICH MEANS THAT NOW THAT INCOME IS TAXED. FUCKING MORONS. AND THEN, the short term disability company did not take NEARLY enough taxes out of my disability checks when I had BabyJ and now I owe. So if people weren't MORONS, my insurance would cost me $52 a year. But now it has cost $2500. PEOPLE ARE SO STUPID - WHY WOULDN'T THEY JUST SIGN UP FOR THE FUCKING INSURANCE IF THEY WANTED IT?? OR AS A SAFETY NET?
When we got the W2 for the 2007 I forgot to include it because I forgot that the way the company handled disability is different now (that part is MY fault). #@$@#%@%$@%@%@
In our mail yesterday was a tax notice for $944. And I am really irritated by this on MANY MANY LEVELS.
1. There are TONS of people (most of them were picked by Mr. President to serve in his administration) that DO NOT PAY TAXES and aren't being chased down by the IRS. And yet they come after little old ME who pays a metric ton I assure you, in taxes.
2. My #@$@^% company changed it's policy in 2007 and that is why we suddenly owe the taxes. Way back when, my company offered short term disability, and if you wanted it, you purchased it for something like $2 a paycheck. Now, if you happened to GO on short term disability (which my company uses for maternity leave) you get 60% of your salary and didn't have to pay taxes on it because you paid the premium. WELL, some of the STUPID FUCKING MORONS that work at my company got injured and discovered that short term disability is useful, but they hadn't signed up for it (because they didn't think they'd need it) and then bitched at the company (like it is someone else's fault they didn't sign up for something they need). Well, this happened to SO MANY STUPID FUCKING people, the company decided to pick up the tab in 2007 and cover everyone. WHICH MEANS THAT NOW THAT INCOME IS TAXED. FUCKING MORONS. AND THEN, the short term disability company did not take NEARLY enough taxes out of my disability checks when I had BabyJ and now I owe. So if people weren't MORONS, my insurance would cost me $52 a year. But now it has cost $2500. PEOPLE ARE SO STUPID - WHY WOULDN'T THEY JUST SIGN UP FOR THE FUCKING INSURANCE IF THEY WANTED IT?? OR AS A SAFETY NET?
When we got the W2 for the 2007 I forgot to include it because I forgot that the way the company handled disability is different now (that part is MY fault). #@$@#%@%$@%@%@
April 09, 2009
April 08, 2009
April 05, 2009
April 02, 2009
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