So, as you can see- I've been blogging more lately and changing up the background and other misc. stuff. i just found a great place for backgrounds, templates and stuff. I'm always searching for fun templates that 'fit my personality'.... is that possible!? Well- this was a great one and so are a bunch of the templates that they have on the site I found this. Good fit for me.
Anyhoo- So I see I lost my message board and links. DAMN! Now I have to figure out where I can grab them back from. UGH!
I think I'm going to change my background- every couple of days. So, check back often. It's almost 10pm and I *hope* Private Practice is on.
PHEW! Just looked online, since I didn't see it on at 9pm. Thankfully I didn't miss an episode.
See, I know there are much more important things going on right now in the world (the war in Iraq for example)... but I have very little time to myself since PJ works so much. I value my alone time w/ my few tv shows whenever I can. In the last few years, since DVR's became a significant part of our lives- we haven't planned around tv shows. We go on with life and catch up to the shows when it is convienent for us. *Here's where the complaint comes in- feel free to tune out this isn't an important moment, not even sure why i'm blogging about it*- 2 weeks ago, my Tivo (in our bedroom) said it wasn't connecting to the network. I ignored the message and went on w/ life. 3 days ago, it said there was only 1 day of programming left! On Monday- I called TiVo (like an idiot from my land line ... hellleeww!) they gave me another number to try to connect to b/c apparently there have been connectivity issues w/ a particular provider of a few other #'s I tried. Long story short, called back today- spoke to a very unsympathetic guy who basically told me, that it is an issue w/ Comcast (our phone provider) and that I'd need to by a network card (wireless) for $60 or a wire connector ($30) or give up TiVo. He didn't seem to care too much- and I felt a little pissed off since I don't even know what shows I watch on Wednesday nights!! ARGHHHHH-
Of course we don't have a router (for the wireless card) and our bedroom is far on the otherside of the house up the stairs. So wire isn't even an option. Tomorrow, when I have NOTHING else to do (ya right) I'll call and whine to Comcast.
I'm sure glad I have my day planned out- I feel much better. jk
On another note- two of my shopping packages came in the mail. WHOOO HOOO! I received... oh dang- I can't tell you. I also received my package from Bath & Bodyworks. I know I know- I could've gone into the store to pick those up. But, if you know me- I can't stand going into the stores especially this time of the year when things are so crazy busy. I'm best behind the keyboard. I can't believe tomorrow is Thursday already!!! Where has time gone.
Okay- so here you have it....I'll start by 'setting the mood'. I'm on my lunch, I have less than an hour in Target aka: Tar-gette. I look around, find nothing more than what I usually find. I head to the Christmas ornaments. It's busy for 2:30 on a Monday, but I'm busy trying to stay focused. Like a glow from a dark room, a white tree stands out and I swear I hear angels sing (okay so maybe that's a bit exagerated- but I liked the tree). Immediately I call PJ (who mind you has been very patient w/ my retail therapy lately) and the conversation goes like this: "I found this tree I really really like. We've never done this before (see me justifying it already?) and I'd like to do a 'different' tree this year, and buy new ornaments- I won't need to dig out the old ones either". (See I've given two reasons why he would benefit from going along w/ this). And like any reasonable man, he asks 'How much is this going to cost?" And as a smart woman, I over estimate, knowing we'll probably end up somewhere between zero and my number. "$100"... slight pause as I know I'm overshooting. "Um, no..." and with that the negotiation begins... "How about $60?". Being good negotiaters that we are (remember we did live in San Diego a stone's throw from Tiajuana)- I agree thinking I can probably do this for $60 (on the first purchases).
And it's done, I hang up knowing I'm on a mission. I use my phone, take a photo of the tree and send it to PJ... in the meantime- I find all the items I want though many aren't even available. Finally I head for the checkout a little unsure of the total of my purchases. The lines are long, again I am surprised since it's a Monday afternoon. She rings me up and again, I hear the angels sing- $58 and change!!! WHOO- HOO! I'm excited and PJ will be happy (though at $60 I'm sure he was prepared for my 'typical overages beyond budget').
I feel euphoric and am loading up my truck knowing I just got the decorations that I wanted. My phone rings, I look at the caller-id and it says "PIMP CALLING" if you know me- you know that is my husband (his phone says 'THE BOSS' for me LOL). I answer it as I'm maneuvering my treasures into the truck.
The first thing out of his mouth is: "I got the picture of the tree you sent me... pause. That is the ugliest f-in tree I've ever seen!"
I pause (for the dramatic effect of course)- "Well, you're a day late and a dollar short, because I'm just loading up all the ornaments right now!" (in my best condesending tone of course all while joking with him)
Then, like the smart man that he is his immediate response..."That is going to be the best f-in tree I've ever seen!"
***These are the ornaments I bought... minus the glittery words*** they didn't sell the sequins spray picks unless you purchased a $300 kit w/ all this stuff in it. So I found them online somewhere else!!
So I started off by titling this 'Online Holiday Shopping' to be "oh-so, politically correct". But at our house, we do Christmas Shopping. So there you have it. I'm not shopping for the 'holidays' but for Christmas. Now that I got that out of the way-
Okay- so I have my opinions (rather strong) about Wal-Mart. Maybe I was also moody- though as you can see, many things made the trip challenging er.. uh... annoying. But hey- Amanda, you're right- that's why it's cheap. :)
On another note, in discussing it with someone else - it sounds like it's polar-opposite in the south. A Wal-Mart in Alabama, has employees that are super nice and will take you directly to where you are going. And that is the expectation. Oh well. Enough about Wally-World.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and there is LOTS to do. Family & friends coming to our home so it'll be a full house. We get to cook in the new kitchen. I'm super excited about that- anxious all at the same time!!
Okay- gotta run. If you don't hear from me for a few days- I'll catch you up on Sunday.
Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving. Don't forget to say a prayer for our troops who are overseas fighting for our freedoms, and for the families at home spending this holiday without their loved ones.
1. The lady that crosses in front of my truck as I pull into the parking lot. She is wearing her 'soccer grandma' velour outfit, and nonchalantly pushes her cart right in front of my big ass, black truck. Then she looks over to me, and throws a 'oh, didn't see you there/giggle shrug' in my direction. I smile politely then wonder 'How the hell did you not see my black 4-door monstrosity of a 5600 lb truck barrelling toward you and your purchases?!"
2.Nobody knows how to park, so double the spaces are taken by people over the lines- I have to park far away.
3. Why are ALL these people AT Wal-Mart at 2pm in the afternoon anyways!?! Jobs anyone!?!?
4. The guy at the door that welcomes me to Wal-Mart
5. Grocery carts, they're gross- people put their hands all over them and I think they should be treated like nuclear waste.
6. Smelly people.
7. Stand up straight when you're pushing your cart!
8. Why is there an optical store inside Wal-Mart? I've never seen one person in the area, unless they had a lab coat on.
9. If you have a child, be giving to this world- don't let them run around in the stores practically knocking over my grocery cart.
10. If you have more than one child- it is beyond unacceptable to let them both run after each other.
11. Kids don't belong in clothing racks, hiding on shelves or playing in the merchandise. There is no excuse to this. Take them to the park or put them in a box at home to play. Kids jumping out from behind hidden items only scares the crap out of unsuspecting walker-bys.
12. The lady yelling at her husband/boyfriend/baby's daddy.
13. Same lady yelling in front of her child.
14. Same lady yelling to make a scene and think that she's making a point to the man who is crazy enough to be out with her, let along get in the bed with her (if he so was the baby's dad).
15. Did I mention the crazy lady yelling!? This really solidified my thoughts about her specifically.
16. Where are the items when you need them?
17. Where are the employees when you need to ask them questions?
18. Why is it that the employee can't answer my questions about the differences between Geo-Mags and Magnetix... when the toy section is 'their area'.
19. The employee who is putting the kids' toys from "go-backs" back onto the shelves, but first wipes her runny snotty nose, then handles the toys and looks at you like 'What?'. GROSS!
20. The lady, yelling at her man, with her young child... 2 isles over.
21. The scanner machine is able to answer my questions about 'the real difference (price)' between the Geo-Mags and Magnetix. Magnetix wins by $10 less.
22. Still can't find the 'one' item that I am really looking for.
23. Paid for Site-to-Store shipping online the other day... now that I see my item in the store, now what?! I guess I wait for that elusive email to tell me it's time to come stand in line and pick up my item.
24. Great! Another trip is planned in the near future.
25. The smell of the subway restaurant mixed with the smell of Wal-Mart. This should never be done.
26. Having someone cut in line.
27. The person that cut in line, can't control their child and they are willfully disobeying their parent.- my heart is racing.
28. DAMN! Someone please shut your kid up a couple isles over, the child sounds like they're right next to me cause they're screaming so loud.
29. Screaming lady, screaming at her screaming child and blaming the dad/man... oh look it's the same crazy lady from the toy section.
30. Did I mention I hate people who scream at their kids in public (or at all) but especially in public? It is embarrassing to the child and only makes the parent look like they need to be noticed or approved of. I'm a strong believer in getting your tone stern and telling the child quietly- how to behave. Or... a trip to the bathroom is a good place to 'talk' through whatever needs to be said. Parents usually embarrass themselves when they lose control to keep their voices down.
31. The guy who starts to scan my items. Asks me if I found everything okay. When I say no, he looks at me with a blank stare ... I guess that's just too- damn bad. Why do they ask if you found everything okay- if they're not going to rectify the situation and help to fix the problem?!
32. Catching a glimpse of the 'hot item' I wanted to pick up- I've already paid... so I say I'll take it to Customer Service since I already paid online for this. Reluctantly (as if I'm going to steal this) he says- hmmm- okay.
33. Long lines at Customer Service.
34. Forget it. I'm just paying for it- we'll give the extra one as a gift. It's not worth the time in line behind at least 7 other people.
35. FOR God's Sake- that lady again w/ her dysfunctional family. Listen, if it's that bad- go home and try again another day.
36. The guy at the door, is he supposed to be like Costco where they look over your receipt- or does he just hand out stickers?
37. People standing around the entrance and exit doors smoking. Gross!
38. Piles and piles of shopping carts. Don't be surprised if you find them down the street.
Okay- so this is as far as I could get. And I know many of these things happen in other stores too- it just seems like they ALWAYS happen at Wal-Mart.
Soooo.... if I've missed one of the great reasons why Wal-Mart sucks, share with me your story!!
To answer this: The # High Cost for the Low Price = My Sanity....
Okay- so I don't even have enough time to go on this one... but check in tomorrow to find out the top 50 reasons why I hate Wal-Mart. And though 50 seems like a lot, I have no doubt, that after my trip there today, I'll probably be able to come up w/ at least that many of them. And if you have any suggestions- PLEASE chime in on my message board. I may not even sleep tonight thinking of ALL the reasons why. LOL. Okay- I'm cracking myself up already. G-night.
So we worked our butts off to finish the kitchen. We got new appliances b/c I promised to use them. I 'invested' in some great cooking tools from my friend Andra who sells Pampered Chef. I was so excited to get a mini-muffin pan and a tart shaper and thing to squirt stuff into the little items I create.
Well, I tried to use won tons today. That was a joke, they fell apart, but they were still good.
Then, I tried to make Fat-Free Chocolate Chip Mint Cheesecakes. I don't typically eat food off the ground, but PJ said it was damn near the worst thing he'd ever tasted (gotta love true honesty right?). It probably didn't help that I forgot about them in the oven and they had a nasty thick skin on the top LOL!
I'm not meant to be good at cooking, though I do try.
Okay- so here I sit, on this hard wood chair surfing the world wide web for 'the perfect deal' on the gifts that we want to get Makena for Christmas...
Hot items this year are:
Webkinz - I've avoided these because I wonder how much she'll want to get 'online' to keep an eye on her 'pet'. Seems that I keep hearing 'Grace has these, Madeline has one' etc... then when we saw them at the store the other day... Makena pleaded how much she 'needed' one too. Well, I was pleasantly surprised by how little they cost (under $10) so, I'm game- what's another dust collecting stuffed animal anyways? :) I'm not paying $5 for shipping on these, so I'll make a trip to the PX to pick some up tax free.
Magnetix- Big on building, loves magnets... and since we all know Makena isn't into mouthing her toys- I'm not worried that she'll ingest them. Plus, my friend Charmaine got them for her daughter Sarah and she told me how great they are.... CHECK- off the list. Found a pack of 120 w/ a case at ToysRus.com and w/ another $5 I'll get free shipping on it!
SUPER Hot Toy of the season - Crayola Color Explosion Board. This was on tv a while back and I had a mental note to be sure to buy it for Christmas. It would be great for the car since it is usually dark when we're driving home. It's sold out in many places or twice as expensive. I just bought it at Walmart.com (though I avoid this place like the plague)- used their SiteToStore delivery so I didn't have to pay shipping and it was only $20. Online I found it at Amazon for $18, but you gamble waiting 1-2 months for it. Or pay $35+shipping. YIKES!
Disney DVD Pictionary- So, we just saw this on tv (they suck you in whenever they can) and shopped online for it. I saw that it was listed on Target's black friday list (see it here) for only $20, but since WalMart has it for $24, there is no use fighting the crowds over an extra $4. Off the list - I guess WalMart is sending me an email when it's ready to be picked up. Hopefully I can make only one trip to that store.
I'm cold, and sick of sitting on this hard chair. I'm heading to do laundry... hmm which is better?!
I don't have anything interesting to say right now, in fact I'm trying to be quick because PJ is home and I'm going to go spend time w/ him and Makena.... so enjoy the photos-
Makena had her friend Sarah over today- they were so sweet and played ALL day long w/ no arguments. They played so well together and were such good listeners. They spent most of the day dancing around in their leotards!
FINALLY- Phase I of the kitchen remodel is FINISHED! No, it's not completely done. But it's getting there. :) YAYY!! As rare as it is for the house to be totally clean, it was mostly picked up- vacuumed etc... (SHOCKING if you know me LOL). So, I've added a bunch of photos.
TA-Dahhh- the kitchen. Yes I know, I need window treatments and when "Phase II" is finished, we'll rip out the flooring (THEN, and only then will we be finished!)
Baum-chicka-baum-baum!
Dining area
Family Room/Dining Room
Say hi to 'Gus Gus' he is SUCH a camera hog!
Family room- yes I FINALLY got the photos on the walls. I'm terrible at those small details.
Princesses Makena & Sarah playing in Makena's room. This room is probably next for the final touches.
Okay- so as I said in my last post, I'm on a mission. A mission to find great holiday gifts this year. If you're in my family, expect something different this year. Expect, the unexpected.
Watch the tags: UNIQUE GIFTS for interesting finds on the internet.
disclaimer: if I'm posting it here, chances are I'm not getting this for you if you're someone I give a gift to. BUT- they are interesting new items.
How about giving a sheep, cow or... can of worms. See how you can make a difference with this gift.
So, I think this would be something I'd actually waste my money on, then I'd end up putting pens and pencils in and out of this to watch the fish swim. What a time waster! Still, interesting enough to make 'the blog' lol.
The coolest desktop organizer yet!No feeding, no cleaning necessary. The DeskQuarium Desk Organizer will have all your coworkers wanting one for themselves! Just drop an item (pen, scissors, etc) into this unique desk organizer and bring your fish to life! Utilizing a pulsating water pump, your underwater friends swim around the tank, accented by "deep sea" illumination. The lighting and fish animation lasts for 30 seconds until the fish go back to sleep - awaiting their next queue. DeskQuarium is the most fun desktop diversion in ages! Just fill the tank with water, drop in the "fish", and you're ready for a whole lot of fun! Includes 4 plastic fish. Size is 3.75" wide, 4.5" deep, and 3.75" tall. Requires 2 "AA" batteries, not included. You supply the sissors, pens, or whaetever else is clutering your desk.
NEXT....
And for the drunk... er I mean, 'Wine Enthusiast' in your life....
Wine Clip Thermometer Details:You know the game, you feel the wine then you ask your friend "I don't know is this the right serving temperature?" then they say "I dunno I'm not an expert!" Take the guess work out of serving wine with our Wine Clip Thermometer. Just clip it on center of the bottle and the temperature of the wine will appear on the stainless steel thermal band along with the suggested serving temperatures of various wines from Champagne, to Chardonnay, to Merlot. Reusable again and again, and the best part is no batteries are required! Fits standard sized (750ml) wine and champagne bottles. Click on the photo to go to the website.
AND.... there are tons of 'non-blog-worthy' items that are just plain crazy. Now I know this is a subjective subject, but let's be real- these items are TOP NOTCH!! ;) Check this one out:
No, he's not 'just' Ken's hotter brother, he's an actual USMC Figurine... that YELLS at you!! (I'm thinking, I *might* know someone who might get this as a gag sometime!!)
This Talking Sgt. Ermey Figure features over 30 points of articulation and is dressed in highly detailed USMC sweatshirt, campaign hat, pants, and boots. Former Marine Sgt. R. Lee Ermey returns to his earlier profession, giving PT (physical training) to new recruits like you. Best of all, he speaks 15 motivational phrases guaranteed to bring out your best when you exercise including "You better start PT'ing right now, or you're gonna have to pay for two seats when you travel on the airplane!" and "I'll PT you until you die!" 12" vinyl figure includes full-size whistle to get yourself moving and display stand. Parental discretion advised. Uses strong language not suitable for children.
Anyone will tell you (especially my co-workers) that I can dish out the sh*t and take it too. But I probably dish it out way- more than anyone. Probably because I'm the only 'girl' upstairs and we're in a very masculine industry of construction. ANYWAYS- did I tell you how I tricked one of our new employees into dressing up for Halloween? Did I mention, most of our employees belong to a religion that doesn't celebrate any holidays, especially Halloween? Need I say more?! Paging Dr. McCartney, Paging Dr. McCartney. I'm sorry, but it was pretty funny. Well, This is something I could see me having at my desk, backwards, very much like me and my sense of humor.
Okay- that's it for now. I'm heading to bed. Night all!!! Till tomorrow - sweet dreams.
So, it's *that* time of the year, time to shop for Christmas. I have VOWED that this year, we will put more thought into our presents. I want to get things that are 'different' than the typical gift card, or whateva... THIS YEAR, I will also have shopping completed before December 24th 10pm. *snicker snicker*
That said, you will begin to see many little do-dads and 'odd' sites that I come across. Feel free to look at the crazy things I find, and maybe, just maybe- you'll like them too.
Cleaned up my playlist, and will update it later with some new music. This is what I'm listening to now. Classics! Have a happy Tuesday. Leave me a message if you have any suggestions.
So, if you love a bargain, like I do... you've probably heard of T.J. Maxx. And if you're lucky enough, you live in Southern Cali where there is an T.J. Maxx Home Store. No, this is not just any ordinary store, it has the best freakin' deals known to man kind. Scratch that- to women. Regardless, I shop there.
Moving on...
When I decided to redecorate Makena's room (yes it was all me, PJ could give a rat's a$$ about redecorating) - I shopped around for a 'frugal' deal and found a cute quilted bedding set at T.J. Maxx. I don't remember what I paid, but it was very reasonable--- VERY. Like so good that I was elated (though I can't remember now). It's been several months since we went to the *Princess Theme* and as I'm tucking Miss Makena into bed, I do a double-take at the embroidery on her bedding. Hmmm- P-P?-I-N-C-E-S-S, then I move the pillow to find that also, F-A-I-P-Y-. So, her Faipy Ppincess bedd... WTF?! And so it dawns on me, THIS is why it was sold at T.J. Maxx! Thank God we aren't using the letters on her bedding to teach her to spell. Otherwise, we'd have Makena Stoupal instead or Stoural. I suppose next time I'm so hard on myself at work, I will have to reminis to the mistake of some poor soul at a sweat factory in a third world country at the age of 4 that embroidered this for my daughter's bed. Likely the whole batch had to be sold to some 2nd's store and they were sent home, grounded!
just sitting here thinking.... Makena spends a weekend at my parent's house, probably at least once every 4-5 weeks. It gives me a nice break, it gives her a nice break from me (God knows she needs it) and well, she comes home sounding just plain smarter. I love my parents :)
What a weekend!!! First, let's just say THANKS Mom & Dad for taking Makena for the weekend!!!
Friday night, I picked up Makena and Sarah and we met up w/ PJ & my mom at Red Robin. We all had some dinner then my mom took Makena home with her and I dropped Sarah off at home.
Saturday I headed out to Port Gamble with Michelle (she assisted me) and shot Mandy's and Joey's wedding. It was at a beautiful location, St. Paul's Church in a quaint little town. It was really beautiful. When we were finished working we headed home and I met up with PJ and my friend Charmaine. PJ took off from the Marine Corps. Ball and we went out! It was nice to get out. By 1:30am I was fading quickly. So home we went and it was wonderful to sleep in. Around 11am, we went to a new restaurant here in Arlington and enjoyed a nice brunch. It was quiet and we got to read the paper!! Ahhh- the simple things that you take for granted until you have kids. LOL! Then, off to 'The Crack House' aka: Home Depot. SHOCKING! I know- us... going to Home Depot.... well, we FINALLY bought a new stove. It'll be delivered on Friday, I *PROMISE* photos once it's in place.
It was nice, I had today off in observance of Veteran's Day. Sadly, PJ had to work :( It's 7pm and he's still working :(
I did meet up w/ my dad to pick up Makena. It is really nice to have her home. Here are a few previews of photos from the wedding. I'll post them online when I am completely finished editing through them. I shot about 4gigs, so there are a lot to go through.
Okay- so at first I thought this is a terrible idea, and to watch your pet freak out would be plain cruel. Then... I watched the dogs, they seemed ok. The way the cat responds (the orange tabby) is exactly how any cat of mine would respond, I think. But the last cat at the end... AWESOME!! Needless to say- my opinion on this is mixed. Great for a dog, but why wash your cat???
This has been a long running question... we hear it from many friends, sometimes from family... 'WOW! Makena is 6 already!? Are you going to have anymore children?'
It depends on what day you ask us this. Last spring, PJ and I decided- that we'd see how it goes and possibly if it's 'meant to be' then in 2007, we'd grow our family. Well, on somedays I'll say YAY! I think this would be great! But on most days, I usually stall and think... hmmmm- I don't know, we'll see. Makena is such a great little girl, I can't imagine having anymore children. I believe someday we will, but we're still young. And let's face it, the age difference would already be 7 years now, what's another few?!
BUT- what we do long for is a dog! We just LOVE Gus Gus (our cat) so much.
I can’t imagine our home w/out him. However, we would love to have a dog. I often find myself surfing petfinder.com where they have lots of pets. Of course many of you know the story of Duke. Last year ‘Santa’ brought Makena a Labradoodle. Duke got HUGE fast, knocked Makena over and was too much of a puppy for our family. So, with that we realized that if we would ever consider it again we would have to find an older dog that was smaller. Something I could manage and wouldn’t pull me around with it’s brute force. A dog that had a laid back personality that loved to be with us and be cared for. Gus is great, though we can’t take him anywhere. That said, we are considering a wonderful Westie, who is 8yrs old named Maggie Mae. I’m sure she’d end up with the name Mae Mae, like Gus turned to Gus Gus. Regardless, not even sure if Maggie is still available. I really wanted to ‘stew’ over the idea of bringing another pet into our home. I feel like we’ve learned quite a bit after last year’s situation w/ Duke. Keeping in mind of course that we were in the middle of moving, starting new jobs, settling in etc… Having never personally been a dog owner, I had less of an idea of what we were getting into. Like I said, older dog, smaller (due to Makena’s size) that is good with children, and good with Gus. With that said… here is a photo of Miss Maggie.
The holidays are upon us; celebrations with friends and family of another year together in harmony. As we consume the wonderful food and drink of this party season, please use this valuable information from what is obviously an intelligent dietician.
HEALTH - QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true? A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... Don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables? A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake? A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio? A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program? A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you? A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! . Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: Is chocolate bad for me? A: Are you crazy? HELLO. Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure? A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets. And remember:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming : "Woo Hoo, what a ride! "
sus·pense /səˈspɛns/ Pronunciation Key - Pronunciation[suh-spens] Pronunciation Key - –noun 1. a state or condition of mental uncertainty or excitement, as in awaiting a decision or outcome, usually accompanied by a degree of apprehension or anxiety.
LOL! SORRY- you WILL Have to wait until the stove is in before I 'unveil' the end of PHASE I of the kitchen remodel. You all crack me up w/ your emails wanting to see the pics. Haha- I really had hoped the stove would be in place, but with a white stove, black cabinets... let's just say- it's no bueno!
As for dinner, Makena ate it- I haven't had it. I haven't been hungry this evening, only thirsty. So I'm having Kool-Aid and oranges. YUM! Healthy. But she's eating it, so it couldn't be that bad (although this is a little girl who loves noodles w/ italian dressing the best!)
Well, this weekend was- BUSY! Makena had a b-day party on Saturday for her friend Sarah. They went to Jump Planet, or 321 Bounce, one of those inflatable places where they run the children silly, pump them w/ food and send them home. She had a GREAT time. The kids seemed really well behaved and all was well until Sarah's dad had too much fun on the inflatable obstacle course. His ankle swelled up really big and seemed painful. I took off w/ him and drove him to the ER. Luckily it wasn't anything major, just a reallly really bad sprain.
Saturday evening was uneventful. We had wanted to go out, but didn't have a babysitter at the last minute, so the Stourals stayed in.
Sunday we were up early, PJ had a soccer game in Northgate - so we headed south. I kicked around the ball while PJ found out that he wasn't going to be playing afterall. :( He came to fill in for people, but turned out they all showed up (first time this season). He was really disappointed. So was Makena. We were having fun playing around and she wanted to watch PJ play. We headed south to Ikea.
I'm not a huge fan of Ikea. We liked it when we were younger, but it all seems so cheaply made and more like 'College Dorm' type stuff. It's not really our style. But we were looking for some storage solutions. Checked it out, not what we wanted.
Our plan to head further south to Bonney Lake (1hour 35 mins south of our home) was to pick up a new stove. (well new for us). KitchenAid, slide in stainless steel to match the rest of our new appliances. So, we've been looking for a while for 'the right' stove. Without going into much detail, PJ felt like the area was sketchy. The stove wasn't cleaned up and for the amount we were planning on paying - let's just say, it should've been wiped down and cleaned up. It's not like we were buying a $50 stove. It had a dent and she said she had the receipt but when we came the paperwork showed 2004/05 and couldn't find the receipt. Too many things didn't seem to be adding up. Off we went, to Sears and Home Depot. We decided we'd rather spend twice as much and feel comfortable with the situation rather than unsure. Back to the drawing board. I'm going to look at some deals tomorrow and by the weekend this dilemma should be solved.
Oh--- you want to know what's for dinner at our home tonight?!? LOL! I threw in 3#s of Pork- and we're having BBQ pulled pork sandwiches/hoagies for dinner. Mmmm- LOVE the crockpot!
Hope everyone had a great weekend. Planning on a busy week.
So, Apparently I have so much to say- and it's nice to see the emails from friends, that you all ACTUALLY read what I type. How funny! I sooo- thought I was always just typing to myself. HAHA! Just kidding ;)
Anyhoo- TODAY- B-day party, screaming kids, lots of sugar, jumping in inflatable boxes w/ nets to keep them in. Kids think this is fun. Or... is it the sugar high? Or... is it that we don't allow them to jump on furniture at home? OR... is it all the primary colors? My bet is it is probably the sugar, and jumping. Regardless, it will be so- much fun. There's nothing better than the sound of children laughing and having a great time, even if chaos makes my blood pressure go up. :)
The kitchen... I know I know, it's closer to done. I STILL have to paint the island. I had planned on painting it a different color than the rest of the cabinets (which are black) w/ stainless handles. But... I don't know. I really want to be finished and if I choose a different color, well, then I'll have to go pick that color out and at this point that's too much of a committment. EVEN though I'm driving right past Lowe's and 'The Crack House' (Home Depot) - *How we named this is for a whole other blog post*... anyways. I think I'm just going to commit to the black and BE DONE ALREADY. Tomorrow, we are picking up our stove YAY and making a trip to Ikea. It's so- far from our house, so it will be an all day event. Plus, PJ has a soccer game we're going to watch.
Laundry- it never ends.
Cleaning- this never ends either especially when your husband counts as an additional child ;)
Oh, yes- we did cut Makena's hair. It was long, and she never had a 'real' official haircut before (besides by me). Brushing her hair in the morning sometimes tends to be a .... hmmm- 'difficult' task. Not usually- but sometimes it's just challenging. So, I'd throw her hair up into a 'messy bun' and we'd be off. Super cute, but she liked to wear her hair down, and didn't like to brush it. So, I finally broke and we went for short. It's not as 'puffy' normally as it was in her Halloween pictures. I back-combed it so it would be 'big'. Now, bathtime is easy, drying her own hair is easy, taking care of it is super easy. I love her easy hair, I do however, miss her long hair. :)
This is all you get to see for the kitchen. Sorry I know I promised more pictures - but the counters were a mess when I went to take the photos. The protective film wasn't even off of the refrigerator yet, so--- this weekend I will post some better photos.
posted by 2Kais at 
