Song for Whoever

Update

2010-10-11T00:20:00.003-04:00

I stop by my blog every once in awhile, but usually I stop by and stalk the blogs I love to read...I realized the last picture up was the pic of my ugly eye....so for more pleasant viewing:

Cameron

Jackson

Emmy

A Riddle

2010-02-22T08:41:00.001-05:00

What does 1 week without your administrative co-hort, 1 person not showing up to work without notice, 3 people on vacation, and a whole dept of personnel issues equal???

4 lbs and the return of the EYE!!!!

Please pray for me that I have a smoother work week!!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Flash back

2010-02-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

My MIL is undertaking a huge scanning project. She's trying to get all her physical pictures into her computer. She's planning on the project taking approximately 3 months to complete (that's a lot of pictures!!!). After the project is complete, she's going to be giving me discs in chronological order...I am so happy about that (I can use any help I can get when it comes to organization!!!).

She emailed me these 2 gems:

Cameron circa 2002

Emmy circa 2002

It's so amazing how fast they grow.....the girls circa 2009:

Random Thoughts...

2010-02-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

It's Tuesday...time to ramble on once more about nothingness....I could actually do this each and every day and have plenty of material. It's the longer, focused posts that get me.... Since I'm being official, here's the button thingy:

My cheating continues for another week; I'm having a really hard time finding my focus. I didn't exercise at all last week. I am trying to get re-motivated in that aspect also.

In follow up of a previous ramble, I finally got my nails filled today...now I can't blame the typos on nails that are too long...I actually encompassed two of my items on my "to do" list...I walked to the salon...I think it's probably a 2 mile hike, I'll have to measure it out. It was an easy way to get the exercise out of the way!

I've indulged myself this year and bought a subscription for People magazine. I am loving this silly luxury I've allowed myself.

2 household chores I hate to do and always put off...bathrooms and loading/unloading the dishwasher; however, after doing either one of these duties (which goes faster than I think it will), I am always surprised that it was not as bad as I was making it out to be. So then, why do I put it off?!

Have you watched "Undercover Boss"? What a great show (well the first one...) I haven't seen a smucky boss yet so I don't know if my opinion will change if I see one that bites...

I heart my iPhone....I am never bored...I'm either playing "Words with friends", "Bejeweled Blitz", or reading my current book on the Kindle app. The downside....I feel like I always have to be doing something...my impatience for just sitting has grown....I find myself playing, reading, etc at stop lights, etc...is it possible to turn yourself ADD?!!

Period of time

2010-02-08T06:00:00.001-05:00

Is there a period of history that intrigues you? I am enthralled with the various European kings and queens of the 1500's - Henry VIII and his many wives, Ferdinand and Isabella and their children, etc. etc. etc. The conspiracies, plots, and drama....it's better than fiction. In fact, I've begun reading a non-fiction book about Anne Boleyn (I'm not usually a non-fiction fan, but I make an exception with this subject matter). I've found myself looking up real facts about historical figures after reading various historical fiction which turned out just to whet my interested in this period further.

I know the conditions of the peasants of this period were horrendous, but with all the stress involved in court life, I think I probably would have preferred the former rather than that of a courtier.

It also strikes me that what is deemed attractive during one phase in history is drastically different than it is in the present day. I find it hard to think that certain figures were so desirable after seeing their pictures. For example King Henry VIII we all know this version (when he was older),

but do you know the "rock star" version. He was considered quite the hottie in his day....what do you think?

I definitely prefer the modern version of young Henry (yummy)

And what about Anne Boleyn herself...the woman behind the reformation (okay, it wasn't just her, but she had big hand in it).

Modern day version of the beautiful Anne...

What about Katherine Howard, Henry's 5th wife....she was supposedly a knock out....

What will people 500 years from now think of Angelina, Brad, Jen, George....will they even care?!

Not to be rude...

2010-02-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

but why should we care about this?!!!

'Lost' Star Matthew Fox to TV Biz: I'm Just Not That Into You

Feb. 1, 2010, 4:36 PM EST

By Josef Adalian
TheWrap

If Matthew Fox fades into obscurity after "Lost" ends this May, he wants everyone to know right now: It's by choice.

The former "Party of Five" actor, who plays Dr. Jack Shepherd, is once again making it clear that he has absoultely no desire to do another TV show. Ever.

Don't even send him a script, because he's Just. Not. Interested.

"I've done two six-year shows, about 300 hours of television," Fox said in an interview with Us magazine over the weekend. "I'm done with that"

Okaaaayyyyy....I'll try to hold myself together and no allow this to ruin my whole year...........aren't there more important things going on in the world right now?!!! I guess not because this was on the front page of msn.com all day on Monday....

My Saturday date...

2010-02-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday, Bill and Jack were a bit under the weather. Emmy had a Brownie thing. and Cameron expressed an interest in seeing "New Moon"....who am I to deny my child the opportunity to see Edward?!

Unfortunately, the only theater that was still showing the movie was about 45 minutes away, but I gave in because the movie theater is in one of the local malls I actually like (because there is almost no one there...probably why a lot of the shops are going out of business).

As we kept travelling and travelling and travelling, it became clear to me that we were not going to make opening credits. I gave Cameron the choice to see the movie about 10 minutes in or choose another movie. Smart girl that she is chose another movie, which was one she had been wanting to see and one that was just starting, "The Blind Side"....after spending $40 on tickets and food, we headed into the theater. I really liked the movie; Sandra Bullock was great...no wonder she's getting so many rewards this award season! Cameron seemed to like it too; although later she divulged to Bill that I embarrassed her because I was the only one laughing out loud at certain parts....Oh, if she only knew she has many more years of embarrassment ahead of her!!

After the movie, we walked around the mall. They actually have an eyebrow "artistry" store there (right next to the food court). They shape your eyebrows using the thread technique, I was really tempted to try it, but the wait was a bit long.

We hit F.Y.E. which is going out of business at this mall...dvds, cds, games, etc, etc, were 40 - 80% off. Cameron got a Domo "skin" for her iPhone

a "Fred" tshirt

and a webkinz for Emmy....grand total - $10!!!! Whattabargain!!!

We went strolling to the other side of the mall and come across one of my favorite stores (not because I am always buying things from it, but because it has very cool playthings). We stopped to test out the calf/foot massagers I've been eyeballing from afar...not so good...I felt like my ankles were getting crushed, but we found one that just did feet....aaah heaven!We also found a head/neck massager....of course we had to try that on....you may look really dorky (like you're wearing a pith helmet), but oooh baby - it was wonderful!!....

So I end up splurging (really, really, really splurging) and got both the foot and head massager....I look like a big old relaxed dork now (or that is, when I'm able to use it...yes, my children have taken them over).

Cameron and I had loads of fun ~ we don't get many opportunities to go out just the two of us, plus I know that my time is limited for her to want to go out with her Mom....which makes it special and bittersweet at the same time!!

Randomness (again...)

2010-02-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

So Tree set me straight apparently THE day for randomness is Tuesday...so for the first time I'll officially join in with Un-Mom....look I even grabbed the button thingy!!

Now that I sit down to log all the random thoughts that have been going through my mind all day...my mind is blank....{SIGH}

Why is it that my kids only want to use my stuff even though they have almost exact replicas of the same thing (i.e. hair brushes, gator blankets, etc)?!!! It's not that I don't want to share; it's that I want some of my things to be mine and not used, snotted upon, or dirtied by my 3 rugrats!

I know I won't get much sympathy from most of the country (as you're currently under snow), but I am always amazed by how intolerant I've become to the cold....50F?!! forgetaboutit....I've got layers, blankets, and warm toasty socks on. I've only been in FL for a little over a decade...it's amazing that your blood thins (or whatever it does to make you cold intolerant)...doesn't my body remember those 20+ years in colder climes?!!

I hate my co-worker's girlfriend....she's a nice young girl, early 20's, about 5'7" & a buck 15....well it seems that little miss thing has been doing this PX90 workout thingy and has lost 10 lbs....BE-IOTCH!!!!

Still cheating my little heart out....I'm usually not a huge ice cream freak, but Bill got Monkey Chow ice cream (banana ice cream with chocolate chunks and chocolate covered peanuts). I believe I may blow off my weigh in appointment this week!! Why face reality?

Another food addiction....CHILI!!! I've made it probably 8 times over the last 2.5 months. I make it Texas style....that is no beans because beans are evil and gross. Bill and I clamor to be the one that gets to finish off the leftovers...obviously the winner should be him, but I can't resist me some good chili!!

Intermittently our office gets invited to these investigator meetings which are the most boring thing on the planet. The only reason I go is because the meeting is being held at a cool hotel in a kick ass city, but it is very difficult to get away, plus did I mention they are BORING?!!!! I don't know what Dallas, Texas is offering these pharmaceutical companies to hold these meetings there, but holy kamole, the last 3 meetings have been held there; lo and behold I have 2 upcoming meetings which are being held in.......you guessed it, Dallas, Texas! I'm definitely sending the 25 year old boy toy I work with...advantages of being young....nothing to hold you back from traveling!

I am in dire need of getting my fill on my fake nails....I'm having a rough time typing without making a lot of typos which is incredibly aggravating.....Need to go visit my new Vietnamese BFF, Kay (I'm sure that is her original name just like the computer tech guys real names are Mike, Bob, and Richard!!)

Ciao for now....

Sucked in....

2010-01-31T23:39:00.002-05:00

Best laid plans and all that stuff....

In order to keep up with my blogging and not drop off into oblivion (once again)...I had planned on doing my posts this weekend for the next week. Nothing huge or life changing to post...just thoughts, stuff, etc. HOWEVER......got sucked into the vortex of entertainment this weekend...

Saturday night to Sunday morning (yes, until 2 am) watched the rest of the 2nd season of The Tudors....I just couldn't cut away when the finale was 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, episodes away!! Then just when I think I can seamlessly move on to the next season, I realize I have to actually order them...no instant viewing on Season 3 (yet)....Oh well, I really was exhausted and needed to get to sleep.

Today, I finally took Kat's advice from last summer and dove into the world of The Pioneer Woman blog....I got caught up in her romantic story of she and her husband, Marlboro Man....I can't resist a good love story...

So there are my excuses for the posts I meant to post not being here. No time to do it now...I'm actually trying to get to bed before midnight!!

Spam-alot

2010-01-30T00:49:00.002-05:00

Obviously I've been very hit or miss these last several months (miss more than hit). I guess I've missed the whole spamming thing that's been hitting the blogosphere, huh?!

I was just perusing some of my old posts and some of them had many more comments than was normal for me when I was posting regularly...so apparently:

* I've made friends with many, many Chinese (or Japanese, Korean...I really can not discern between the Asian languages)

* I am in need of a penis enlargement or medications to help me in that area (I had no idea!)

* I am in need of fertility medication

* I am eligible to receive new subscriptions

....and many, many more. Needless to say, I've changed my comment preferences to try to avoid these fake friends in the future...what a pain in the a$$!!

Stress eating mess...

2010-01-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

Today was not a good day for a number of reasons....tonight has been better...

My day started off with my oldest coming in my room crying about how she felt sick. Cameron tends to be a little bit dramatic and has been fighting a cold for about a week which I've successfully ignored and treated with over-the-counter remedies. However, when she comes in my room crying about it, it's time to see the doctor.

I went into speak with my daughter's principal and planned to go in there tough and strong, but I couldn't help my voice from cracking and sounding like I was going to bawl any minute - very effective for getting my own way....NOT!! Left his office with no info and more roadblocks.

Took Cameron to the doctor to be told she had a viral cold; well, better safe than sorry! Took her back to my office where I proceeded to be very unproductive and distracted. Ended up leaving at noon- went home had some bathroom time----another side effect of stress.

I then proceeded to blow my diet to high heaven...I ate fast food, doughnuts, cookies....is it possible to gain back the 16 pounds I've lost in 1 day?!!! My body is definitely going to revolt - it hasn't had this much sugar in months.

Said situation from above got somewhat rectified this evening and things are looking better, but I am still pissed. Not ready to post about it yet...if I ever will, but things are looking better....one thing that today has validated for me: I have great kids, a wonderful, calm husband, and kick ass friends who are always there for me....

Now...officially back on the bandwagon and no more cheating - I have to find a better stress reliever!!

Randomness

2010-01-27T23:12:00.002-05:00

I know from my recent lurking that there are days that people post their random thoughts posts...unfortunately, I don't know what day people are doing this, but it's the right day for me...

Just realized that today is only Wednesday...been thinking that is Thursday all evening....how disappointing - I thought Friday was only a day away.....

Christmas came to my house again last night. We received my sister's Christmas gifts last night...we all scored big! My fav - the Shark steam cleaner for wooden floors/tiles. Yup, I was mopping the floors last night at 10:30 and loving it. I'm gonna have to post some pics of my goodies...

Had dinner tonight with 2 of my favorite people....just a great time catching up and venting out our frustrations....girlfriends rock!!

Speaking of frustrations....

feeling discriminated against at work b/c I am not Hispanic....the Hispanic employees are golden at work (in the opinion of one of the employers) - the rest of us are sub par....not a good feeling!!

Feeling immense dislike for my daughter's school and teacher. Every day I find out about things that have been said/done to my daughter....I am seeing red over the latest and they will hear about it tomorrow when I pay the principal a visit to find out WTH they are doing!

Slave labor

2010-01-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

As a child, I was the kid who would cuddle up with my Mother and have her rub my back, scratch my back, play with my hair, etc. Somewhere, somehow, Cameron started asking to fix my hair or rub my feet....who am I to argue?!! Then Emmy seeing what her oldest sister was doing asked if she could start doing my hair and feet...some days, I even have one on my feet the other working on my hair.....Bill just sits and rolls his eyes at me.

Tonight, Cameron asked to rub my feet and was rubbing my feet with lotion when Jack comes over to see what she is doing. She asked him if he wanted to rub Mama's feet to which he jumped right on the bandwagon. Now I've got all 3 doing this....H.E.A.V.E.N.!!!! Bill just shakes his head and says it's pitiful how I've manipulated my kids into doing this....I am definitely pleading ignorance on this one because I have no idea how I have fallen into this, but I am SO not putting an end to it!

Relaxed and comfy in FL!!

Weekends

2010-01-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling very inadequate lately....

Monday through Friday, like most people, feel like I am running at 110 miles an hour....up at 7 am get 3 kids ready to school, drop off kids, get to work between 9-9:30 work till 6:30. Home at 7 pm dinner, homework, bath for kids, end of day things...waste time on my computer, go to bed too late and do it all again for the next 4 days. By the time the weekend rolls around, I am exhausted.

I sleep in on the weekends and clean up the clutter, but beside that, I am basically a lump all weekend unless we have to get the kids some place. The reason I feel inadequate is I know a lot of families are a lot more active with their kids, but I am so unmotivated to do much of anything besides veg out with the family. Don't get me wrong, I love it, but I feel guilty because I am probably doing my kids a huge disservice. I guess the question I want to put out there is where do you all get the energy to continue going, going, going into the weekend?!!!!

Technology that I am loving....

2010-01-24T21:45:00.002-05:00

Such a boring title, but I have been enveloped into certain technologies that I am enjoying so much I have to share....

Skype: I installed this program after reading Tressa's post about skyping her family. I figured since I had a video camera on my laptop, it would be pretty easy to do. I signed up and got my sister to sign up and spent most of the holidays skyping with her. My girls absolutely love it and they call her on their own now. I finally touched base with Tree this weekend - we haven't talked face-to-face in 5 years! It was so awesome catching up and seeing and talking to the kids! I've tried to get my Mom and my friend Jacque (in WA state) to sign up, but they both plead technological ignorance....hopefully they'll jump on the bandwagon soon. The only con is that all my calls (so far) have caught me sans makeup, hair done and usually in pajamas....and a cluttered house to boot...

Kindle: My husband got this for me for Christmas. Even though I was excited, I was a little apprehensive at first....why? because I am so cheap....the thought of shelling out $9.00 per book was putting me over the edge....however, I quickly found out that a lot of the "classics" are public domain and free. They also have a lot of books really cheap. Plus, when I really think about it, even though library books are free, you still have to return said books by the deadline or suffer the penalty charges (no biggie right?! not for the person who currently owes $70+ in library fees). So I am thinking I'll end up ahead in the long run ;) I loved that two of my bloggy friends, Kat and CaraBee, did posts about their favorite books of 2009 - I was able to add the suggestions right to my Kindle wish list so when I am stuck looking for a new book - it's there. I took their suggestion and read "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins - it was fabulous....I can't wait to read the next book - though I am going to have to download it via audible or utilize the library as it's not on Kindle (there's a con). There is even a Kindle app for my iphone which enables me to sync between the phone and my Kindle so that I can always have a book with me....how cool is that?!!

Netflix: I know, I know...it's not a new technology, but now you can see a lot of movies and t.v. shows instantly via computer or on your t.v. via your gaming system. Now I've been a member of Netflix 2 times before and it really hasn't worked out that well because I always forget to return the movies in time for pizza and movie night the next week so we would always ending up going to Blockbuster to rent a movie then end up paying late charges there. We dropped Netflix and went with the Blockbuster plan which would put us in the same category (it shouldn't be too hard to return movies I know, it's just a matter of putting it into the mailbox...however, I leave every morning in a whirlwind and putting movies in the mailbox is not on top of the list). I've even tried Red Box and ended up paying $ for 2 movies I now own....so getting away from my humongous disorganized issues....I am loving this instant gratification I am getting from Netflix.... I am a secret documentary lover and I have a whole queue of movies to view...it's the little things.

Mobile Me: We are now officially an all Mac family....Bill got a Mac laptop about 1.5 years ago; I soon followed suit. For Christmas, we got an iMac for our family computer. I took advantage of the Mobile Me deal that came with the new computer and I am loving the fact that we can all have our own calendars and know what's going on. I am infamous for not letting Bill know about meetings, appts, etc., but now as soon as I add something new to the calendar, it goes into our "cloud" and everyone is in the know. This is a wonderful tool for a disorganized person such as myself and relieves some of the tension that said disorganization can cause a more organized spouse.

What technologies are you currently loving?

The best thing about my fall so far...

2009-11-02T22:42:00.003-05:00

I haven't been on to share my exciting fall news.....I have season Gator football tickets!!! Yeah Me!!!!

Last year, one of my patients got tickets from a woman who has had her season tickets since the 1960s. Unfortunately this booster hasn't been able to attend the games because she's been ill. My patient wasn't able to get the tickets this year because he was saving his $ for something else. So I jumped on the chance to buy the tickets. Our seats are great, they're in the alumni section which goes into the shade at 3:30 so I haven't been fried at a game yet....A couple of things in the con column though....they pack as many people as possible into those seats so you are crammed with 90,000 of your closest friends and the section we are in are the alumnus that have been supporting the Gators until the 60s and 70s so the average age of those around us is about 75....Oh well, seeing the Gators play is so exciting even if they haven't been playing like the #1 team they are (until last week...)

So allow me to share my view....

Look at the video below if you want to see my video of the great Gator entrance...my friend Laura who is a Bama fan says it's stupid and boring...I love it....it gets me pumped everytime!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T21:50:00.001-05:00

Costumes of Halloween Past

2009-10-31T00:51:00.002-04:00

This year's edition to follow tomorrow ....Happy Halloween!!!

Further proof...

2009-10-28T23:15:00.003-04:00

...that my kids are little off....

Dear Tressa,

2009-10-26T22:51:00.003-04:00

You asked for it....here I am.....with pictures to boot.....

MUAHHHHHH!!!!!!

To be fair....here you go.....

Oh, how I sometimes wish we could escape back to those carefree

days of eating, drinking, and doing what ever the hell we wanted!!!

I miss you!!! XXOO

Vous est.....

2009-07-19T12:29:00.004-04:00

DOUCHEBAG!!!!!

I know people can't stand Kate, but this guy is such an a$$hole!!!

(don't grade me on my French...I haven't written/spoken it for at least 15 years!!)

Mom Vacation - Day 2 & 3

2009-07-14T23:10:00.002-04:00

My Mom vacation continues to go well. Last night we did dinner at PF Changs; better service, however, don't waste your time on the desserts....not worth the calories!! We got back to the hotel and I read and played on FB while Jenny and her co-workers crammed for the next day of class.

I woke up this morning with an allergic reaction to something. My left eye was swollen and blood shot...I was thinking about what a first impression that I was going to make with Kat!! So after some cold compresses and Benadryl, the eye return to almost normal. I drove to Kat's house without issue which was a complete surprise to me because I tend to be directionally challenged. I am definitely time-challenged and showed that side of me right away when I arrived late...I had pre-warned Kat. At Kat's house I met the infamous, Kat of course, but I also met Katie, Madalyn, and the infamous bad kitties. We decided to do lunch at Red Robin which I was so excited about...I haven't eaten at a Red Robin since I lived in Washington State. We get the commercials in Orlando, but that's just a tease!!! After lunch we drove around and went to a Barnes and Noble where I got book suggestions and tips from Kat which is so needed because I tend to corner myself into reading slumps. I have 4 new books to read from authors I have never heard of....the book worm in me is so excited! We stopped off at the library and then headed to Sonic for happy hour....a new experience for me....4 drinks for $2.80....whatta bargain!! We headed back to Kat's abode and I got the grand tour. Kat and I got to chit chat for a bit before I had to venture out into the Atlanta rush hour (which I lucked out on that because I was going into the city where everyone else was heading out). We did get a picture, but that's on Kat's camera so she'll have to share it. Her oldest, Katie, was being cute and decided to take pictures from the boobs down....needless to say those won't be posted.

This was my very first meeting of a blog friend in real-life....I was nervous, but I think it turned out well. I'm coming back for another Mom vacation in October and I am hoping to meet up with Kat again then. Special bonus for me, Kat will be in the Orlando area this fall and we may be able to get our girls together...too fun!!

A special thank you to Kat for a great day!! Hi to Katie and Madalyn!!!

Mom Vacation - Day 1

2009-07-13T11:29:00.002-04:00

We're heeeee-re!!

After a late start (caused by me, I had forgotten to do a report that the doctors' pay is dependent upon-can't have an irate accountant and/or doctors bothering me on this responsibility-free vay-cay!!). We hit a bit of a snag outside of Gainesville (overturned tractor-trailer, which my very superstitious companion stated, "You see, we were meant to be late for a reason....otherwise, we may have been involved in that!" so now I am guilt free also :)

We stopped in Gainesville for lunch at my favorite place...CHIPOTLE!!! I only have it once in a great while now as I tend to eat addictively....there was a time that I was eating Chipotle at least 3 times a week which not only was enough calories for the entire week, but cha-ching...10 buck a pop does not make for an economical work week!!

After Gainesville, it was smooth sailing except for potty breaks. One of the best things about traveling with Jenny is that she drinks more water than I do (which is a lot) and our bladders are on the same time schedule. One of our stops was at a Cracker Barrel...clean bathrooms and shopping - what more could you ask for?!!! We picked up some chocolate cover pecans (we are in Georgia after all- I think that's a requirement, therefore, the calories don't count) and an audiobook, "While My Sister is Sleeping" by Barbara Delinsky...good so far with the exception of some erroneous medical terms being flung about and a bitch of a Mother, but that's for some good reading!!

We got to the Westin about 6, settled in and went out to dinner with some of Jenny's fellow trainees. Company, drinks, and food was good, our waiter sucked! We came back about 9:30, got in our pjs played our facebook games (another addiction), and fell asleep.

I awoke this morning at 9:30 naturally, no interruptions...how awesome is that?!! Went to work out (my trainer will be so proud) and now I am typing, munching on pretzels and drinking my am coffee....life is good!!!

I think I'll go get a mani/pedi today and hang out....tomorrow I get to meet KAT!!! so excited!!!

Mom Vacation

2009-07-12T00:37:00.002-04:00

I'm leaving tomorrow for a 4 day Mom vacation....is it bad that i am REALLY excited?

4 days of sleeping in
4 days of doing whatever I want
4 days of NO responsibility for anybody but myself

WOO HOO!! Did I add that it is an all expenses paid vacation? My friend, Jenny, is in training for a new job and HATES to fly. She asked that I come along with her on the 5 hour drive up to HOTLANTA!! Her company pays for gas, mileage, food, and the room....How could anyone turn down this trip....it certainly is not me!!!

Also, a special bonus....I did mention that I am going to HOTLANTA right?!!! Well it looks like I am going to be able to meet up with one of my blogging buds....curious to see who it is?......Press HERE

I'm a thief

2009-07-05T12:21:00.004-04:00

Stole this one from Cassie over at Southern Domestic Goddess. I've always wanted to do the visual of where I've been....now I have it :)

visited 30 states (60%)
Create your own visited map of The United States or vertaling nederlands duits?

I did the other "interesting project" where you've visited in the world (what can I say, I'm addicted)

visited 15 states (6.66%)
Create your own visited map of The World or another interesting project

On the horizon...

2009-07-04T09:45:00.005-04:00

First of all let me wish everyone a very happy, safe 4th of July. For those of you that have a wonderful long weekend (not me!) enjoy the time!!!

My plans for the 4th....Clean up my clutter (however, I don't feel so bad after watching "Clean House, the Messiest House in the Country" last night). And then.....spend the day floating in the pool, cooking out, and doing some fireworks poolside.... Sounds like the perfect way to spend a holiday to me!!!

New to me....

2009-07-01T22:27:00.002-04:00

Meme I borrowed/stole from facebook:

YES OR NO
You can ONLY answer Yes or No.

You are NOT ALLOWED to explain ANYTHING unless someone messages or comments you and asks. And believe me, the temptation to explain some of these will be overwhelming as nothing is exactly as it seems.

Now, here's what you're supposed to do...copy and paste this into your notes, delete my answers, type in your answers and tag as many of your friends as you'd like to.

Kissed any one of your Facebook friends? ---Yes
Been arrested?---No
Kissed someone you didn't like? ---Yes
Slept in until 5 PM? --- No
Fallen asleep at work/school? --- Yes
Held a snake? --- Yes
Ran a red light? --- Yes
Been suspended from school? --- No
Experienced love at first sight? --- No
Totaled your car in an accident? --No
Been fired from a job? ---Yes
Fired somebody? --- Yes
Sang karaoke? ---Yes
Pointed a gun at someone? --- No
Done something you told yourself you wouldn't--- Yes
Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose? --- Yes
Caught a snowflake on your tongue? --- Yes
Kissed in the rain? ---Yes
Had a close brush with death (your own)? ---No
Seen someone die? ---Yes
Played spin-the-bottle? ---Yes
Sang in the shower? --- Yes
Smoked a cigar? --- Yes
Sat on a rooftop? --- Yes
Smuggled something into another country? --- No
Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes? --- Yes
Broken a bone? ---No
Skipped school? --- Yes
Eaten a bug? --- No
Sleepwalked? --- No
Walked a moonlit beach? --- Yes
Rode a motorcycle? ---Yes
Dumped someone? --- Yes
Let somebody take the blame for something you did? ---Yes
Lied to avoid a ticket? ---Yes
Ridden on a helicopter? --- No
Shaved your head? ---No
Blacked out from drinking? ---No
Played a prank on someone? --- Yes
Hit a home run? ---No
Felt like killing someone? --- Yes
Cross-dressed? ---No
Been falling-down drunk? ---Yes
Made your girlfriend/boyfriend cry? --- Yes
Eaten snake? --- No
Marched/Protested? ---No
Had Mexican jumping beans for pets? --- No
Puked on someone? --- Yes
Seriously & intentionally boycotted something? ---No
Been in a band? --- Yes
Knitted? --- Yes
Been on TV? --- Yes
Shot a gun? --- Yes
Skinny-dipped? --- Yes
Gave someone stitches? --- Yes
Stayed up all night to watch the sunrise? ---No
Ridden a surfboard? ---No
Drank straight from a liquor bottle? --- Yes
Had surgery? --- Yes
Streaked? --- No
Taken by ambulance to hospital? --- No
Tripped on mushrooms? --- No
Passed out when not drinking? --- No
Donated Blood? ---Yes
Stolen something? --- Yes
Eaten alligator meat? --- Yes
Contacted your member of Congress on an issue? ---No
Eaten your kids' Halloween candy? ---Yes
Killed an animal when not hunting? ---Yes
Peed your pants in public? ---No
Snuck into a movie without paying? ---No
Written graffiti? --- No
Drivin across country? ---Yes
Loved someone you shouldn't? --- Yes
Been in handcuffs? --- Yes
Believe in love? --- Yes

I am easily amused....

2009-06-30T23:21:00.004-04:00

A friend of mine posted this picture on facebook today. Everytime I look at it, I burst out laughing...

If you're not laughing right now, that means you still have a similar picture hanging in your house :)

Poolside observations

2009-06-25T20:12:00.002-04:00

We spent the day today by the main pool taking in the sun and the sights. The sights were of course the people....oh, how I love to people watch. My husband, however, does not...therefore, he does not understand nor appreciate my observations so I'll share them here.

1. I swear that show "What not to Wear" would have a plethora of material to choose from at the pool. I am in no way whatsoever a fashionista, but there are a lot of women that wear the absolutely wrong bathing suit for their body (I may be included in this group, but I wouldn't know because I refuse to look in the mirror when I am in a bathing suit!). Surprisingly, there weren't a lot of women that were in bikinis that shouldn't be in bikinis, but there were a lot of young mothers with outstanding bodies in these Mom-mom bathing suits! There were some people in bikinis that should have been strutting their stuff, but they walked with hunched, embarrassed posture.

2. I know I saw a 60 year old man with his mail order asian bride today at the pool. Hubby thought I was being caddy...what's caddy in making that observation? I'd admit if the intent was to be caddy, but it wasn't. This guy, clearly decades older than his companion, was patiently teaching her how to snorkel. She took special interest in my little man which perturbed the old guy to no end....he ended up moving her to another pool to capture her attention once again.

3. People who allow their children to feed the air rats (aka sea gulls) should be subject to water boarding. How freaking annoying it is to be swarmed by a pack of birds when you're trying to relax by the pool?!!!!

4. It doesn't matter how hot it gets outside, kids love a hot tub. The only people utilizing the 2 hot tubs at the resort are those vacationers under the age of 12; all others have had the common sense button installed.

5. I wonder how many years on this earth it will take me to realize my skin's tanning abilities....which is close to none. My skin is worn out, burnt and needs a vacation from the sun!!

We go back to reality tomorrow. I return with mixed emotions...how I loved the relaxation and break from work, but nothing beats sleeping in your own bed!!

On Vacation

2009-06-24T20:40:00.002-04:00

Geez, it seems like it has been foreveehhhh since I posted something (which is true). My mind has been blank regarding things to write....nothing has changed, but I finally have some free time because we are on V.A.C.A.T.I.O.N.!!! We are spending 8 days in Duck Key, Florida (which is about 2 hours south of Miami and 1 hour north of Key West). I have been without internet access for days now and have snuck off to the pool under the guise of taking the girls for a swim so I could sneak on facebook (really farm town...my new addiction) and check in on my google reads. How pitiful am I....here I am in "paradise" and I am going through internet withdrawals!!! Oh well, there are worse things to be addicted to!!

The resort we are staying at is called Hawks Cay; it's a great resort with 3 pools, a lagoon, a dolphin research facility, spa, etc...etc...etc... We found a great deal through fladirect.com - we landed this vacation at about 50% off what the resort's website advertises. As soon as we got here, we discovered we were in what was considered a "value villa" (isn't that an oxymoron?) which just means it's not the "preferred villa" that has been recently remodeled with granite kitchen counters and 42" plasma tvs...Oh I think I can survive this travesty!!

I enlisted my anal-retentive, list making husband to jot down a sample itinerary which I know for most people isn't a good plan for a relaxing vacation. But if it were left up to me and my procrastination tendencies, we would be staring at each other each morning wondering what we were going to do that day.

So far, we spent Father's day at the lagoon pool under a palm umbrella being waited on by my new friend, Adam. Monday, the girls and I went snorkeling at Sombrero Reef. Cameron tried it and didn't like it (in her defense, the water was very choppy). Emmy didn't want to go in the first place, but after being pulled around on a see-through raft, she decided to give snorkeling a try and she loved it...she wanted to stay in longer than I did! We spent Tuesday at the Pirate ship pool and trying to escape incoming storms. As the storms were still threatening today, we decided to head to Key West for the day. We spent the day on Duvall Street and I have to admit I was a bit disappointed. Intermixed with a lot of the local art galleries are cheesy t-shirt stores and bars. I can't really say what I thought it would be like, but this wasn't it. Tomorrow, the girls and Daddy are going Kayaking. Friday, we have a dolphin encounter, and Saturday, we're renting a boat for the day. I'm shocked that it's already Wednesday.....vacations always go way too fast!!!

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T23:05:00.002-04:00

Happy Belated Mother's Day to all those Bloggy Mommies out there! I hope you all had a fantabulous day doing what you really want to do!

I know I did....

My family allowed me to sleep in (aaahhh, sleep one of my favorite activities!) until 11 am!! Holy Cow! Even I was surprised!

I was then assaulted with hugs, kisses, and I love you's from my 3 little kidlets

I was presented with store-bought and homemade gifts from my little tikes...my official favorite part of the gifts was from Emmy. She completed one of those class projects, "All about my Mommy" When asked what age I was, she responded "23"!!! Yup, I've got it in writing! How cool is that!!! Not concentrating on the minute details that it would have made me a Mommy at 13....details, details....who needs 'em? Not me!

The kids spent the day in the pool while I was reading my newest obsession, "Wide Awake" Yes, I have reached a new level of "dorkdom" in my Hubby's eyes...Oh Well!

Just an all around relaxing, do nothing day....just my style!

Emmy is 7!!

2009-04-29T23:42:00.001-04:00

My sweet, middle child, Emmy turns 7 today. What a joy she has brought into my life; she is a constant source of wonder, laughter, and worry. Our family wouldn't be complete without our

"Monkey in the Middle"!!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl!!!!

I'm tired...

2009-04-28T22:35:00.005-04:00

I'm tired.

I'm cranky.

I'm having a hard time keeping my eyes open.

I'm having a hard time spelling correctly.

I'm usually a night person, but since I've been working out and exercising regularly, my endurance for staying up into the wee hours has been depleted. There is only one thing stopping me from doing that consistently. If you listen carefully, you can hear it:

bounce

That would be The Boy...my night owl. HOURS after the girls are asleep, that boy is up, bouncing, talking, singing....I guess it is better than screaming. Typically he is at this until 11:30 - 12:00 at night!!!

Once in a great while, hubby will sacrifice his sleep so I can get to bed at a decent hour, however, this is really hard on him because he starts work a good 2 hours earlier than I do and being Mr. compulsive on-time guy, that means he's there at least 45 min - 1 hour early...But I digress. Tonight, I gave the boy Benadryl...it's not what you think...I'm not drugging my 2 1/2 year old. He's having a really difficult time with his allergies (runny nose, coughing, itching) so I dosed him with a tinge of hope that the Benadryl side effect of sleepiness would kick in...NOPE....not working.

Next solution:

Talking to the babysitter about cutting down the daytime nap hours.

Sweet Dreams....grab 'em if you've got them!!

Oh the Drama....Fx4 - 24 Apr 09

2009-04-23T22:06:00.003-04:00

I dug through my photos and found this one that my MIL sent me on one of the days Jack was at her house....This is his reaction to Elmo....Oh, the Drama!!!

Thanks phor stopping by on this phabulous Phriday Phiesta hosted by Candid Carrie!!! So there to see who else is playing!!

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions....

2009-04-22T23:21:00.003-04:00

So remember when I shared the news that the world's worst office manager was let go here? My friend Brenda and I have been sharing the management duties since that glorious day; we quickly found out that the job was not a full-time (that woman would claim that she was working 12 hour days...what-ever...but I digress). The one thing I naively thought would happen after the micromanagement umbrella was lifted was that the office staff would thrive and things would run smoothly. Well, I have come to realize that that type of freedom only works for self-starters and our office doesn't necessarily have a lot of those. So needless to say, there are people who have been just scraping by/ slacking their way through the day. I had a conversation with one of the physicians a couple weeks ago about the need for a point person, etc. and I had warned Brenda that the MDs would be bringing up the necessity of getting an office manager. I have a couple issues with this:

1. Spending a salary on a position that really isn't a full-time position

2. After 2 office managers from hell, I am a little trepidatious going down that road again

3. My position is very well established and works well for me. I don't want someone new coming in and trying to run my department the way others have tried in the past

We had our MD meeting tonight and at the end, one of the physicians brought up the topic...the office staff needs someone to be accountable to, blah, blah, blah and then I realized he was looking at me and said, "would you consider doing this" I literally zoned back in and said, "Are you talking to me?!!!" a la Dinero!! I told them that I really didn't know. I love my position in research (it's my baby; I started the dept from the ground up). But on the other hand, I would be challenged by running things in the main office. But on the other hand, I would miss my patients. But on the other hand, I don't want anyone coming in and rocking the boat. But on the other hand I would miss my freedom being in a satellite office; able to escape whenever I wanted. But on the other hand, there are some yucky jobs I have to do in research that I would gladly bequeath.....so there you have it - a big ball of indecision.

After the meeting the MD that brought up the idea spoke with me privately and told me that he didn't mean to put me on the spot like that to which I told him that I was just caught off guard, and I didn't really know what I should do. He told me to think about it over the next few weeks and we could carve out a position that I would still be able to be involved in both arenas.

Hubby is supportive in whatever move I make...the advice I am getting all around is to take my time, create a pros/cons list, and plot out what my dream position would be....

Any one have a crystal ball that can point me in the right direction?! How 'bout a Magic 8 ball?

I'm doing it....I think

2009-04-21T23:27:00.002-04:00

After hearing so many sad tales and already experiencing the dreaded hard drive crash myself, I've finally done it. I unwrapped the external hard drive we've had for 1 year and I am installing it as we speak (or as I write) on my slow-ass desktop computer. 'Cause it's only a matter of time before that sucker gives me the finger and dies a final, gory death taking all my pictures since 2003 down with it. Unfortunately, I am one of those computer people that knows just enough to be dangerous...it's just like what I do when I following a recipe....I follow the directions initially and then I just lose focus and start doing my own thing. Result = not always so good and yummy. So I am struggling through this backup on this *(&^*&*^*^^&*()(*@#&&^$%$ slow desktop....so far 1000+ photos have been backed up.

Next step...syncing between the hard drive and my laptop to delve into the world of digital scrapbooking....may be I'll finally get past Cameron's 1st birthday (Yes, I AM that far behind).

Sex Education....Kelly style

2009-04-20T23:14:00.002-04:00

So, my oldest, Cameron is 10 1/2, and has NO idea where babies come from. She just found out when Jackson was born 2 1/2 years ago that boys have a penis. I still can't decide on what to call their "bottom"....sue-sue, who-ha, vulva, etc....yes, she is 10 1/2 YEARS OLD!!! Not the most comfortable subject for me....and I was a Biology major!!!

So in preparation for "THE TALK" I've purchased some books...."American Girl guide to your body" and another about your body book. These books really just focus on puberty and what changes to expect. So no easy out for me....I have no recollection of having "THE TALK" with my Mother...I really think I found out about S-E-X- when I was 15!! (Yes, that means I was more naive than my daughter!!)

Cameron's school was showing a "Growing up" video; I had to sign a permission slip and everything....so I thought, maybe I'll get an opening for the topic....We reviewed puberty and the changes, etc. and the Wimpy one (aka me) sent her on her way. I anxiously awaited the end of the day to see ~~if my job was done for me~~ what she learned about....no dice! Just....Puberty......SO not saved here!!!

One high point and something I may use for a few more ~~years~~ days/weeks is Cameron reported that the girls in the class were all giggling when they heard the word "penis"...so I said to her, "Why is that so funny? Jackson has a penis and it's no big deal, right?!" To which she immediately agreed....so the new plan is to let her think that all men have baby penises....nothing interesting there....no big deal....push the sex talk back; my daughter has 0 interest in boys until she is 18.....

You think it will work? Have you had "The Talk"? Any Advice?

LMAO!!

2009-04-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

Remember this picture?

I just got an email on Facebook from a guy friend from college....here's the exact email:

"Kelly - you look GORGEOUS!! What have you been up to for the last 12-15 years"

I'm thinking he thinks this is me for real.....This is TOO funny!!!

Help me write a response back....

Here's my take:

Hi,

Well, for the last 12-15 years, I've been working out 8 hours a day, eating 500 calories a day, and going on photo shoots as Gisele Bündchen's body double.

Ciao!

Kelly

Fx4 - 17Apr09

2009-04-16T23:23:00.005-04:00

Well, I am continuing to get back to my old habits so that means this Friday I am playing along with Friday Foto Fiesta Finish over at Candid Carrie's!!!! After you're done here, make sure you go there and see who's playing this week.

My MIL, sent this one of Jack to me this week. I just plain and simple like it... no other explanation, but that!!

Enjoy!!

Wanted:

2009-04-15T00:00:00.001-04:00

Obedience school/training for rambunctious 2 1/2 year old boy.

Needs the following habits broken:

1. hitting

2. punching

3. kicking

4. fit throwing

5. Object throwing

6. Staying up until 11 pm repeating, "Mommy", "Mommy", "Mommy", "Mommy", "Mommy"

Don't let this cute face fool you (I think this is how we've gotten to this point....we were enthralled with his cuteness factor)

BEWARE! PROCEED WITH CAUTION!!

I guess I am gullible too...

2009-04-13T23:00:00.002-04:00

Best news first....Cameron is home...yeah! My baby is home after 10 days and it is so good to have her back! I picked her up at the airport tonight and I took her out to Chili's where she read me her travel diary and showed me her pictures. She had quite a busy week...FL to VA Beach to Wash DC to VA Beach to Bel Air, MD to Newark, DE to Galena, MD to VA Beach to Florida....that's a lot of territory in 10 days! She had a great time and was so happy to see her brother and sister and give them their gifts....Jackson was really happy to see his big sissy because it meant he got to get out of bed....we are still attempting to get him to sleep after the excitement. Emmy was excited to get presents (who isn't?!).

During the course of the journal reading, I discovered that my Mother had lied to us all week...Evil one had been involved in Cameron's trip ALL.WEEK.LONG! It really hadn't entered my mind that my Mother had pulled this stunt with the Evil One all week, but she did.... One of the most important jobs I have as a parent is protecting my children and keeping them from any potential harm; my Mother doesn't respect or care about the decisions I have made to insure this...It's one of those hard pills in life to swallow when you discover that you can't trust your own Mother....it truly sucks!

So ticked...disappointed...pissed....

2009-04-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

As I said earlier, Cameron is up in Virginia Beach with her Gigi. Hubby and I were nervous about her going up there solo for a couple reasons....

1. flying by herself

- what if she got scared and there was no one there to comfort her, etc.

2. The involvement in the trip by Gigi's on-again-off-again evil spouse

- this is a long historical issue, but I'll try to keep it short....

The evil one is a manipulative person in my opinion....He has never treated my Mother well and is (again in my opinion) mentally abusive to her. There is a very distinct pattern in this relationship: my Mother will get strong and leave and then get suckered into feeling sorry for him and let him back in. I've had a couple experiences with him to see first hand how manipulative he is and while I can not control my Mother or the choices she makes in her life, I can, however, choose what influences my family has in their lives. I have sat down with my Mother and explained my position and gave her very specific examples of how I have come to my decisions. She told me she respected those decisions and would honor them. Even though they are currently on the outs, or so I assumed, I reiterated our wishes to which she said there was no issue.

Today, I spoke with Cameron and she stated the Evil One was there with them. I saw red, I immediately asked to speak with my Mother who said that they haven't spent a lot of time with him; in fact, he drove up separately and didn't spend the night with them at my brothers; that in fact he brought my grandmother and stayed with her. Then instead of staying at my Nana's (in the same city) he stayed over at my sister's (where Cameron is staying). He's going to spend Easter at my Aunt's house also. My Mother states she felt sorry for him because he didn't have anyone to spend Easter with (hmmm? what about the niece in VA Beach or his own family in NY?!). Why the sudden concern....she didn't have a problem with him being alone for any other holiday!!

I tearfully explained to her how disappointed I was that she chose not to honor our wishes. She stated that she misunderstood and since the Evil One had limited interaction with Cameron she didn't think she did anything wrong. I told her that I didn't believe her and that I was sick of her picking and choosing what wishes of mine she would honor (yes, this has happened in the past). I also said that the Evil One issue was the only stipulation Hubby had about the trip and how she probably ruined any chances of Cameron coming solo again. She continued to play stupid so then I went on to review the reasons I've come to this conclusion to which she states she forgot?! I then asked to speak with my sister and asked why she hadn't divulged to me why Evil was there...she said she thought I knew. So I asked her to keep Cameron away from him as much as possible as I couldn't trust my mother to do this.

I am so pissed and hurt that my Mother continues to disrespect our wishes like this. The unfortunate thing is now (per my sister) my mother is cancelling her trip here for Emmy's Birthday in the next couple weeks because she doesn't want to be uncomfortable. So already, this is becoming about something that it's not. My sister also informed me that my Mother sat her down with the Evil One to explain why I don't allow him around my family...explicit examples were given to which he responds he doesn't remember. And lo and behold that was my Mother's excuse also...that she didn't remember our one and only request and my "come to Jesus" meeting with her in the last year...Unbelievable!

I have resisted in airing dirty laundry, but I am so riled up, I needed to vent and after all this is my space to do this!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter everyone!

I hope everyone has a great day with family, friends, or however you wish to spend it!

I'm leaving you with a picture of Emmy in her "Easter Bonnet". Emmy was at Grandma's this week and they did a lot of arts and crafts. Apparently, she fell in love with these chicks and had to do something with them. I think it's fabulous and so typical Emmy!

Holy Guacamole!

2009-04-11T09:45:00.005-04:00

Yikes, it's been almost a month since I posted...I've got no excuses except that I've been bored with myself so I didn't feel like I had anything interesting to say....not that I do now either, but I've been missing my bloggy friends so I'm back in the saddle again. Whew, I think that was the longest run on sentence ever!!!!

What's been going on.....

1. 3/5 of the family has been sick for the last week...damn head colds

2. Emmy's recovering from her broken collarbone...you would never know she injured it except for the lump!

3. It was spring break this last week...Emmy was at Grandma's and Cameron was at Gigi's in VA Beach

4. Speaking of the above....Cameron took her first solo flight....Ack! She survived....Mom was a basket case; I get my baby back Monday night.

5. Jack is truly acting like a 2 year old now....watch out for flying objects!

6. I've started working out with a trainer....love the new muscles...the scale hasn't moved much...same old, same old.

7. I was outed about the blog by Tressa's mom....but it doesn't seem anyone caught onto the comment.

8. The girls and I have been enjoying some local theater productions....we've seen: "Junie B. Jones in Monkey Business", "If you give a pig a party", and "The Hundred Dresses". Emmy is loving it...she waits patiently after each play so she can get every cast member's autograph.

9. Speaking of the above, I thought "The Hundred Dresses" was such a wonderful story that I went out and bought the book and girls and I are reading it together.

10. We just got a salt water pump for our pool...no longer will we be dumping so many chemicals...it's supposed to be easier to maintain, easier on the swimsuits and easier on the skin....I wonder if we put in too much salt if we would all float like people do in Salt Lake? Hmmm....

11. We're in the process of tearing up our back and side yard in preparation for a new path, new sod and a new fence....knowing our history, the project should be done in 2015!

12. I've been back to my stalking ways...I've been keeping updated via my google reader, but *gasp* have committed the cardinal sin by not commenting....therefore earning the stalking title.

13. I bought myself a new Mac laptop...Hubby has one and the one I've been using is work's...which I have been becoming more and more uncomfortable using for personal things...so I splurged...still getting used to the Mac world....I miss my right click!

14. Still addicted to Facebook....my friend Jacque posted this pic of me which I think is hysterical...Tree's Mom thought it was actually me; unfortunately Tressa set her straight, but may be that explains my sudden increase in requests from men?! (just kiddin'!)

15. We're in the process of thinking of looking for Birthday party ideas for Emmy...I'm leaning toward a craft party at JoAnn ETC, she wants a shindig at "Birthday World" - just think Chucke Cheese, but more expensive....We'll see who wins.

Okay, that's it....I'm back and off to read. It will take a few minutes for your heart rate to return to normal from all the excitement.....you'll be just fine!

Camporee

2009-03-15T23:05:00.002-04:00

This weekend was Emmy's first Girl Scout camping trip. She was so excited to go all week...I don't think she had any idea what to expect, but she was excited nonetheless.

We started out the day meeting the troop at 8 am (on a Saturday...obviously these women don't know me very well!). We headed 1 mile down the road to our closest National Park (not bad...I remember driving hours to Girl Scout camp). The day proceeded with tons of activities: singing, garland making, hula hoop contests, t-shirt making, talks on what to do if we find wild baby animals and how to preserve our environment with snacks and meals in between. Of course no camp out would be complete with a camp fire and s'mores. In the beginning of the camp fire, an American flag was actually "retired" (is that we call it?!). I had never seen such a ceremony and it was very interesting. We were quite exhausted by the end of the day and it was only 9 pm!!

Our cabin actually had electricity (woo hoo!) and could sleep up to 10 people. We had 4 girls and 3 moms in our cabin. Emerson chose to sleep on the top bunk and I took the bottom. Emmy has a bunk bed which she sleeps on the top....do you see where this is going?! About 3:30 this morning, Emmy rolled right off the 5 foot high bunk bed. The sound she made crashing to the floor is still haunting me...she started screaming right away. I took her in my arms and checked her all over. She said that her neck hurt and she wasn't able to raise her right arm over her head. I took her to the ER to be checked out. After X-rays were performed, she was diagnosed with a broken right collar bone. She has to wear a sling and follow up with her doctor tomorrow. We'll know more about limitations, etc after then.

Emmy is doing well; she is quite a trooper. She's a little upset that she doesn't have a cast for people to sign so we went to Target tonight and bought a metallic pen that will show up on dark material so she can have people sign her sling. She even bought monkey stickers to decorate it.

With my by myself...

2009-03-08T11:58:00.002-04:00

I think I have a good sense of humor...sometimes that humor isn't the norm...so I posting something that I think is h.y.s.t.e.r.i.c.a.l!!! I hope you do too.

I had the gray magically removed from my hair the other day and had the opportunity to spend 2 hours with my hairdresser, Megan. Megan is one of the funniest people I know...she is one of those people who can recite a funny skit, joke, story with ease. I'm glad I don't get precise hairstyles or they would never be even with all the laughing I do in her chair. She is the one who reminded me of this gem and with the wonderful start of Hulu a lot of the goodies from the past are now available. Enjoy...

Megan also thought this was hysterical and even went as far as to go to Michaels in search of baby doll arms. She said her Mother was disgusted with the idea (she didn't think it was that funny) and went up to customer service and asked, "Where are the baby arms" to which Megan quickly interjected, "Baby DOLL arms!" after all she didn't want to appear to be a freak or something!

Look, I really am 12....

2009-02-27T09:24:00.003-05:00

I took this little test and passed....

Created by Train Horn

Apparently as we get older we are unable to hear certain frequencies so some people utilize this noise to bother teenagers and deter loitering.

I've always claimed that I still think I'm twelve...I love guitar hero and rock band, 13-year book series (Twilight, Harry Potter). People think I'm just immature, but now I have proof that physiologically I am still a teenager....That argument holds up, right?!

Excuses...Excuses...Excuses....

2009-02-25T23:09:00.004-05:00

You know what they say, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions" In the beginning of February, I was back in the swing of things, checking in on my daily reads, keeping my google reader down to manageable numbers, actually posting regularly then,

BAM!!!

note: if you're easily grossed out stop reading right here...that's right, go away now...go see my friends that are listed on my "hit list" to the right. I know they don't post disgusting pictures or posts about themselves...you're excused; I promise I will not hold it against you.

Okay, you hard-core, steel-stomached, bloggy friends o'mine...here's what happened to me last week.... (little interruption once again...not only did the below happen to me, but the computers at work went all hoo-haaey on us and I had to keep my laptop at the office so that our IT guy could fix it remotely at home after hours so if I had "felt up to it" I wouldn't have been able to post)

Last Monday, I woke up with a sty on inside corner my left upper eyelid. I really didn't think anything of it...I had gone out to a nice pre-valentine's dinner on Friday and actually wore make up. I have sensitive skin so I kinda always get itchy or what have you. Also with some of the increased stress I've put on myself, I've had 3 styes recently. I did the old wives remedy of rubbing a gold ring on it...to no avail...that sucker hurt and began to grow.

Tuesday: Holy SH*T!! The sucker had grown and my whole eye lid was swollen. I looked a bit peculiar, but it was just a sty right?! So I talk to our nurse practitioner at work and she suggests warm compresses and Aleve for the pain. The swelling was causing a lot of pressure and pain...small area + swelling = very uncomfortable. Okay, so the warm compresses and the round-the-clock Aleve begin...

Wednesday: F(*&K!!! My eye is grotesque, my eyelid is completely swollen, underneath is swollen, my cheek is swollen and tingling. I go check in with our nurse practitioner we both agree it's time to start the antibiotics for which in now obviously cellulitis. Keflex 500 mg twice a day was started mid-day.

Thursday: Igor is still here....swelling the cheek has gone down, but the eye is still horrible and very painful.

Friday: Eye is going down a little; figure out I should be taking the Keflex four times a day, not two (hell, what do we know...we're Neurology?!) I decide to go see an ophthalmologist prior to going into a weekend. Go see a ophthalmologist, he walks in the room and is like, "Holy Cow! What have you done to yourself?!" He wouldn't even shake my hand for fear of getting my Ebola cooties! He diagnosed not only the cellulitis, but he said I now had an abscess. He suggested I "compress the crap out of it" over the weekend and continue the antibiotics and follow up with him on Monday.

Saturday: The swelling has definitely gone down a little, but now it's turning colors....compressing the crap out of it as directed. Pain a little better, but still present.

Sunday: The swelling continues to improve; color is a nice purplish tint...pretty!

Monday: I no longer look like Igor, but I do look like I have a mosquito bite in the corner of my eyelid. At least the townspeople aren't coming after me with pitchforks and torches any more.

So day by day, the sucker has improved which makes me very happy not to be in pain and be a freak show. Of course I have pictures to share (I am the one who posted a pic of me with tissues shoved up my nose!)...so if stuff like this disgusts you, this is your last chance to run away...go now!!!...

Thursday

Sunday

Today (Wednesday)

Oscar

2009-02-21T11:56:00.001-05:00

In honor of "Hollywood's Greatest Night" I copied this from Missy who copied it from Shannnon.

You Would Win Best Documentary Feature

You are very curious about and engaged with the world. Everyone is interesting to you.

You have a variety of interests, and you delve into them quite deeply.

People are impressed by the sheer quantity of stuff you know, and you're learning more every day.

However, you're not just informed. You also are very informative. You share what you know in an engaging and interesting way.

What Would You Win an Oscar For?

You say it's your Birthday....

2009-02-20T19:38:00.003-05:00

A special blog dedication to my BFF from high school: Tressa!!! (American in Norway).

Happy Birthday!!!

Tree, I hope you had a great, fun-filled day surrounded by love, happiness and good wishes!! Sending you love from across the pond.

XXOO

Kelly

A funny "name" meme

2009-02-15T09:46:00.002-05:00

Okay, so this may be an old e-mail thing or facebook thing, but I recently saw it and it made me laugh. So if you need a laugh, giggle, chortle, snort, whatever, play along!

1. Your Real Name: Kelly
2. Your Gansta Name: (first 3 letters of real name plus izzle): Kelizzle
3. Your Detective Name: (favorite color and favorite animal): Green Puppy
4. Your Soap Opera Name: (your middle name & street you live on): Lynn Hampton
5. Your Star Wars Name: (first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name): Holke
6. Your Criminal Name: (your 2nd favorite color, and favorite drink): Blue Ultra
7. Your Witness Protection Name: (parent's middle names): Ann Elijah
8. Your Goth Name: (black, and the name of one of your pets): Black Shannon
9. Your Hood Name: (first 3 letters of your first name and add -iqua): Keliqua
10. Your Porn Star Name: (Name of one your first pets & your mother's maiden name): Cafe McGuire

2009-02-12T22:52:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday & Happy Valentine's Day Eve! Once again it's time for Candid Carrie's Friday Foto Fiesta Finish. After you're done here, go there to see what's going on!!

So I came home early from work today to redecorate my living room.

What do you think? Doesn't 123 cases (or 1,476 boxes) of Girl Scout Cookies just add a new decorative flair to my house?!

Just one thing before I bid you ado...BUY GIRL SCOUT COOKIES!!

Golf

2009-02-11T23:13:00.002-05:00

Interesting title, huh? Didn't it just draw you in?!...Make you wait with baited breath anticipating what I'll post about?!...Sorry, no excitement here; just an update.

Well the Gigi (what the girls call my Mom) surprise went off without a hitch. My Mom kept me updated on her status during her 4 hour trek from south FLA to central FLA. When I knew she was close, I called the school to let them know the girls would be picked up. I filled them in that it would be a surprise for the girls and apparently the front office staff and teachers played along with us. My Mom reported that Cameron was so excited she was vibrating! Emmy was excited to, but not as much as Cameron.

Gigi took the girls to putt-putt Golf where Emmy proceeded to beat the pants off of Gigi & Cameron (beat them by 16 strokes!)...future Tiger in the making? Gigi then took the girls to snack time at 7-11...Suicide Slurpees all around (do you remember making them as kids? Quick recipe for suicide Slurpees: take some from every flavor...Walking on the wild side!!). The rest of the night was spent watching American Idol.

All of this golf talk reminds me of the easiest "A" I earned in College....that's right, I took Golf as an elective in College. I'm sure that my Mom was pleased that she was paying hundreds of dollars per college credit hour for me to take Golf! Of course, we couldn't learn the intense game of golf in the 2 hours we spent in class each week. In order to get full credit for the course, you had to do extracurricular golfing activities: i.e. go to the driving range - did that, play 9-18 holes of golf - wasn't gonna do that...couldn't waste 4-5 hours of weekend sleeping time!! or play putt-putt. Needless to say, I played more games of putt putt in college than I had in my entire life. I learned a couple life lessons from that college course: 1) I suck at golf 2) putt putt golf should only be 9 holes not 18...it's too long...because of my feelings about #2, I think I might have a touch of attention deficit disorder!

A question and a surprise

2009-02-09T21:42:00.004-05:00

Okay, all you bloggers out there who are not only addicted to blogging, but also Facebook-ing (is that a word?!) have you discovered that you suffer from significant memory lapses or is it just me? Let me clarify...there are these people who went to the same school as you did, you have many, many "friends" in common, but you don't know who the HELL they are?! My lack of memory is really freaking me out!! The names sound kinda familiar, but I CAN'T place them! I finally got some relief when a guy from my college class (didn't remember him either!) posted all these newspaper pictures from my senior year...now my memory is coming back (somewhat). Please tell me that this is a facebook phenomenon and that I don't have to start Aricept® for early onset dementia!!

Now the surprise...well not for me, but the girls. My Mom called at the end of last week to let me know she would be visiting family friends in Pembroke Pines (~4 hrs away). She's going to be driving up tomorrow to surprise the girls at school. I can't wait to hear about how the surprise goes!!!

Virtual Wagie Ride

2009-02-07T20:19:00.002-05:00

My blog is probably not the only place you're going to be seeing this today...

If you need the backstory go here and here (they say it better than me anyway). There's a lot a sadness going on amongst the Mommy bloggers right now....some precious children have recently been made angels or are very sick. I just can't imagine what these families are going through...I would love to do something to make it better, but I don't have any magical powers or answers.
But in honor of one of those special babies, Emmy, Jack and I participated in the virtual wagie ride going on today. We explored the paths around our house, played at the playground, and fed the ducks. Most of all we enjoyed each others' company. I am thankful for all I have been given and all that I have. My thoughts and prayers are with those families going through these really, really, rough times.
Peace,
Kelly

My Silly Guy

2009-02-05T23:23:00.000-05:00

I'm playing Candid Carrie's Friday Foto Fiesta Finish this week. So after you're done here go THERE to see what's going on!!

Sit back...let me set the scene for you....

Picture this, I am cleaning up after dinner. You know the routine, putting dishes in the dishwasher, cleaning counters, cleaning the table, etc., etc. I decided to be the queen of the multi-taskers and start the bathwater while I was doing all of the above.

All is well, the girls are in their rooms doing whatever, Jack is in the living room with Daddy. Then Jack escapes to see what the girls are doing. First stop: Emmy's room, there's always good things to do in there, but Emmy is in there and can only tolerate Jack in her stuff for a few minutes. He's sent off to his room, but wait, what's that? the sound of running water? Why that only can signal Jack's favorite activity of all time - BATH TIME! So he takes off to the bathroom and gets in the tub clothes and all. As soon as I heard Cameron say, "Jackson!" I knew what had happened.

Of course prior to getting him appropriately ready for bath time, I had to get pictures. Enjoy!

Getting right down to business playing in tubby time!

What?! What did I do? What's wrong?

Nooooo! Don't make me leave my precious tubby time even to get naked!!

Top 10 reasons I hate Wii Fit

2009-02-04T00:26:00.002-05:00

I currently have a love/HATE relationship with our Wii Fit. Don't get me wrong...I love that we have one...it gives me NO excuses whatsoever not to do some exercise on a daily basis (Alas...as there is no reason, I've determined that I am just lazy). AnyWho, it's been fun exploring the games, etc., but the little things about it irk me. So I've developed my top ten list:

1) When you do your first body test it changes your Mii (your character) to be skinny, normal, or in my case, very fluffy

2) It chastises you if you don't get on every day

3) It asks your family members to rate how you're looking/doing

4) Every time you get on the damblasted thing a little high pitched voice says, "Ooooh!"

5) It thinks it's funny - I'm serious - it had been a couple of days (okay 19) since I had been on and it chastised me (see #2) and then it said, "I don't recognize you; Daddy, is that you?!"

6) It tells me I'm "unbalanced" (who needs that kind of reminder?!)

7) I suck at the ski jumping....I mean how hard can it be to lean forward and jump?! Apparently for me VERY...I'm ranked last in my family (yes, my 6 year old can kick my a$$!!)

8) If you lose your balance doing a yoga pose and put your foot down, it tells you it knows you decided to "take a little break" during the exercise. No, I just don't think my hubby would appreciate me crashing my unbalanced self into the t.v.!

9) I have to shoo my family out of the room during my daily body test because there is no discreetness in the measurement "Obese" (announces it!!) and then showing my weight. I can't get it off that screen fast enough!!

10) Cameron asked me the other day if my goal (because you set one during your first "assessment") was to gain weight! - yes, they have a nice little line graph displaying every one's progress.

There you have it...I'm sure my attitude will change as I become a less fluffy Mii and am looking svelte and muscular....Oh the things I do to impress a video game!

I think I need to go back to baby food...

2009-02-02T21:51:00.003-05:00

So I haven't lamented about my ongoing weight loss struggles for a long time now. Why? well for one...I can get a little obsessive about the whole weight loss subject and two, that obsession can fall very easily into "stinkin' thinkin' " which I am really good at; especially if it's aimed at me!!

So here's a quick update...I re-joined weight watchers and dropped about 13 pounds in 6 weeks and then the holidays came and I fell off the bandwagon...like a lot of people. I finally drug myself back to a meeting in January (which was a definite challenge; I prefer to avoid the obvious and not "face the music"! I officially gained back the 7 lbs that is the national average for weight gain over the holidays...not unexpected. Well, for the last couple weeks I have been very successful in gaining back every ounce, but that last pound.

My biggest problems are:
1)bad food choices
2)eating way too much of said bad food choices
3)not exercising.

So I decided to take baby steps and not be too hard on myself (which is VERY difficult). I set a small goal this week to "track" my food intake every day; something which I am absolutely horrible at...What I discovered was that the "good" food choices I thought I was making are not so good. For example, I had 1/2 sandwich and a cup of soup today...doesn't sound bad right? Well the soup I chose was Crisper's Kickin Crab soup...it didn't seem cream-based to me, but it must be...because it was a whopping 12.5 points (to put the point thing into perspective, I am allowed 26 points a day). That's right a CUP of soup took up all most 1/2 my points allowance!! Not to mention the fact that I threw in a sandwich on top of the whole thing...another 8 points.

20.5 points for lunch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I shared in previous posts that my (previous) fav go to meal was a burrito bol at Chipotle which = 56 points!!! After I started on WW in Sept, I thought I would scale back a bit...cut out cheese, sour cream down to 18 points...18 points people!...that's the bare minimum that I can stand to cut out. So now I just avoid Mexican as much as possible, because obviously I can't control myself!

I'm thinking that I'm completely off when it comes to determining what's really good for you and what isn't. I am really tempted to follow one of the Weight Watcher's daily meal suggestions - even though it's difficult to get any interest in their bland meal plans. So I'm thinking may be I should go back to square one and start eating baby food...how can I go wrong with strained peas, carrots, pears, etc....May be they have a strained chicken nachos option now?!

Co-op Update

2009-02-02T00:00:00.002-05:00

Remember when I posted about the co-op here? (If not, you can click on over to find out what the heck I'm referring to~).

This past Saturday was our 2nd go at it. We dropped the kiddos off at 5:30 and had until 10 pm to get the little munchins. Here's a recap of our night:

5:35: go to Coffee bar/Tapas restaurant only to find out they are closed until 6pm
5:40: head off to Homegoods to get some decorating ideas (have I ever mentioned that we hardly have any art on the wall because we can't decide on a style?!)
6:00: head off to Kirkland home to do more of the same...no success on either front.
6:15: put in our name at a local restaurant (wait time 30-45 min). Decide to take pager into Barnes and Noble get some coffee and relax...oops, that was my decision which hubby didn't want to do after all. Go back to restaurant turn in pager and head back to original Tapas restaurant.
6:30 - 7:00: get caught in traffic jam caused by an accident
7:20: Back at original restaurant - no one there except the 2 workers and a musician playing guitar. All they have is pre-made sandwiches to eat; no Tapas because the cook was not able to work due to a family illness. We decide to have a drink (Mint, Soy Mocha for me; beer for the hubby). Decide to head to Carraba's
7:50: Arrive at Carraba's - wait time 45 minutes - waiting area has more people in it than people in the restaurant. Nowhere to sit or wait without invading diner's space. Decide to leave; hostess was shocked that we were leaving and offered to get the manager. I told her that wasn't necessary we just didn't want to wait.
8:10: Head over to Outback - I now have a pretty good headache starting - Wait time: 50 minutes - didn't even bother putting in our name.
8:30: At a Mexican restaurant - crowd outside; we don't even get out and head to a Sushi restaurant in the same plaza. Decide we don't want to eat Sushi.
8:45: Back at the Mexican restaurant; get seated in 5 minutes and finally eat.
9:15: Back at home for a bathroom pit stop before picking up kids; damn Mexican food!
9:30: Pick up kids - all reports are good; they had a good time and babysitting parents still have smiles on their faces!

Home by 9:50

What did I learn from our night on the town?
1) Obviously we are very much out of practice at this whole date night thing!
2)Planning, Planning, Planning is definitely needed!

Our next Co-op night is 2/13, we're already coming up ideas so we're not stuck looking at each other after drop off saying, "So where to?!"

Digital Scrapbooking Anyone?

2009-01-28T23:32:00.002-05:00

There once was a time that I looked forward to scrapbooking. I was completely caught up with my photo albums and I loved showing them off. I would spend quiet weekend nights with my BFF, Tressa and we would "parallel scrapbook". We had such a great time looking for the perfect magazine quotations to cut out...Yes, that's right, in 1988, I was the queen of scrapbooking and totally up-to-date.

Times have definitely changed; I am currently 9 years behind in my scrapbooking- that is if we're only considering pictures since I've had my own family. As far as scrapbooking my life before marriage and kids, I still have Junior and Senior year of college and backpacking through Europe to do. Somehow, I don't think my hubby would appreciate me scrapbooking about my college boyfriend...just a hunch! And it's not like I don't have ALL the supplies to finish any project...I've got enough shoved in a closet to finish 15 books! I just can't wrap my head around where to start, plus I am a world class procrastinator. I've had a "heritage" album that has been needing to be finished for about 5 years now....Urghh! The last time I went to a crop was before Jack was born...I'm about ready to throw in the towel with "manual scrapbooking"; okay may be I already did that 3 years ago....

Which brings me to my question: Is anyone into the whole digital scrapbooking thing? I am so tempted to do this, I have so many pictures on the computer - transferring them into ready-made template would be so easy! I don't know what the hold up is...it should be a no brainer right?! May be I'm just feeling guilty because I've got $$$ in product rotting on my shelf. I've got to do something...I know that Apple has a product, so does Scrapblog and I just found out tonight that Creative Memories has one. I've seen the bound albums first hand (they are beautiful) and it looks like it costs about $30-$50 for printing....Historically, I would have spent more than that on the supplies to complete one book.

So what do you guys think? Any opinions? Any experience with this? Any advice? Will someone make up my mind for me?....Please?

My heart is melting...

2009-01-26T22:48:00.002-05:00

That crazy boy of my is responsible....

Let me fill you in on a few Jack-ism...Jack is very verbal which is a huge change from Emmy when she was this age (she had chronic ear infections which delayed her speech). I think I have memory problems brought on by sleep deprivation because I don't clearly recall Cameron being so verbal either. Anyway, the things that come out of this child's mouth just amazes me...he says the standard 2-3 word sentences (let's be honest, the kid isn't giving any soliloquies), but I am amazed about how his little mind works.

I don't know where he picked it up, but he knows Mommy and Daddy's first names and out of the blue will start calling: "Bill!" "Bill, Where are you?!" He gets corrected that he calls Daddy, "Daddy", but the little guy has a mind of his own. Then seeing that he's getting Daddy's goat, he starts in on "Kelly!" "Kelly!" it's too funny and I can't help but laugh - which is probably why the behavior continues!

Jackson is also a very polite little guy...he says, "No Thanks" all the time; for example, when you go outside to bring him in or you put him down for a nap, he starts crying, "No Thanks!, No Thanks! No Thanks!". He will say sorry if he's hurt you; he will say please, excuse me, etc., etc. We are trying to get him out of his bad habit of acting like "Rainman" and repeating himself ad nauseum until he gets something: "milk, milk, milk, milk, milk, milk, milk, milk" you get the picture.

Tonight we were getting the nightly serenade from his crib, "book, book, book, book, book, binkie, binkie, binkie, binkie, milk, milk, milk, milk, ,milk" when I hear, "Momma?! I Love you!" I was a big puddle of mush...this was the first time he ever has said that to me unprompted by me saying "I love you" first (to which he usually responds, "Too"). Hubby was unimpressed and called him a Little Suck Up.

Isn't it great?

2009-01-23T23:09:00.003-05:00

Okay, this post may be a little Pollyanna-ish, but I'm feeling that way and that's me...

The girls were off from school on Monday and Tuesday of this week and on Wednesday, I guess Emmy's class learned about Martin Luther King, Jr. Emmy was enthralled with his story and told me all the little tidbits she could remember like:

"We're white!" to which I replied, yes we are, what did you think we were? She ignored me of course

"Martin Luther King, Jr was black and black people weren't treated well"

"They had to sit in the back of the bus!"

"So they stopped taking the bus and the bus company went out of business" Uh, not quite, but go ahead

"Martin Luther King, Jr made a speech about having a dream"

"Then black people got to sit in the front of the bus!"

"Black kids couldn't go to school with white kids!"

"Martin Luther King, Jr is dead now"

Okay, a little piece-mealed from a 6 year old, but some of it may have been from her excitement about this history. I got the impression that she thought this happened a long, long time ago (although 10 years ago is F.O.R.E.V.E.R for her!). I shared with her that Mommy and Daddy's generation was the first generation where desegregation was tried (she wasn't impressed).

My Pollyanna-ish feeling comes from the fact that this is new knowledge to her; she and her sister are growing up not feeling that delineation that we knew growing up and our parents lived with. They don't see color the way we grew up seeing color; to them it's just a feature like blond and red hair. Isn't that great?!

Then I realized, they are being told that this is such a historic election and inauguration and they don't truly get it...again...how awesome is that?!

BTW, this guy's name, not President Barack Obama....

per Emmy, his name is Obach O-Hama...It makes me giggle each time I hear it and she WON'T be corrected on it...she insists on this pronounciation!

Sucker Mom

2009-01-20T13:57:00.003-05:00

Okay, not truly my title, but it should be....It's officially "Cookie Mom". My husband feels it should probably be the former. What I am referring to is my role in Emmy's Brownie troop. We are in the midst of the cookie bombardment. I'll probably spend half the night entering our troop's cookie order. The GS are going electronic and "green" with their cookie sale this year, however, I recently found out that not only do we have to enter the order electronically, but also fill out PAPERWORK and hand deliver to the cookie chair (aka Führer) by Thursday. I think I need to educate these people about what being "green" means. When I questioned the practice (how dare I question!), I was informed "this is what council requires".

I was informed by a worried parent the other day that she was at a Boy Scout meeting with 2 other GS moms - one new like herself and the other a "seasoned veteran". Well when the seasoned veteran heard about how we were going to be doing money etc., she exclaimed, "You can't do that! It's against council rules! What is your troop number, etc, etc, etc" I just need to repeat....IT'S JUST COOKIES PEOPLE!!

Did you know....

2009-01-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

That CNN is airing the inauguration online today...so all of us working schlumps or those without "adult" t.v. access (read: not Noggin, Nick Jr, Playhouse Disney) throughout the day can watch history being made....

"Watch live streaming video of Obama's inauguration on CNN.com/live on http://cnn.com/live.

On Tuesday, January 20th, watch President-elect Barack Obama become the next President of the United States on http://cnn.com/live. You can watch the live video online from anywhere with broadband access. Coverage begins at 8am EST, with the swearing-in ceremony at 12pm EST, followed immediately by Obama's inauguration address.

Whether you're at the office, at home, at the library, or anywhere else, you can share this moment in history, as it happens. Don't miss this historic inauguration!"

copied from group invitation on facebook ( ;)

My famous relatives

2009-01-19T00:00:00.001-05:00

My girls are really into those "Ripley Believe it or Not" and "Guinness Book of World Records" books which I find really funny 'cause I was into the same stuff when I was their age decades ago. I guess some things never go out of style or my kids have inherited my quirky definition of entertainment (my husband would say the latter).

Cameron was gone most of the weekend with a girlfriend which gave me the opportunity to have some one-on-one time with Emmy. We decided after our Chick fil a (love that place!) lunch we would hit the library. First stop, the non-fiction section to find one of the aforementioned titles. The Guinness book was all that was on the shelf so that's what we got.

Fast forward to back at home...Jackson's taking a nap and I suggested Emmy that we get into my bed, snuggle, and have some quiet time (read: sleep ;) - Well, Emmy was perusing through the ginormous record book and I decided to share a bit of news....I have relatives that are in the records books. That's right folks relatives...such overachievers in my family!! I quickly scanned the index and came up with the page:

That's right, the world's heaviest twins were my grandfather's cousins...

Well Emmy went through the roof when she learned that we are related to someone "famous". She went on and on about how she couldn't wait to tell her friends and her sister that we had relatives in a "world famous book". I couldn't help but laugh...my sister and I had the same reaction when we found out.

I'm procrastinating

2009-01-18T10:29:00.005-05:00

Thanks to everyone for your well wishes; we are all feeling much better. I think I still have the old version of Nyquil in my house (you know the one that still comes with crack in it) 'cause I woke up feeling better the next day.

I just needed to post really quick so I could get rid of the most recent picture of myself with tissues shoved up my nose. So enjoy this one...

I have to go clean now - double yuck!!

Aaah! The wonderful noises in my house

2009-01-14T23:06:00.000-05:00

*Sneeze*

*Cough*

*Sniffle*

*Moan*

*Snore*

My house currently contains:

1 - Perfectly well 10 year old (albeit bossy and mean to her sister)

1 - Exhausted Daddy who only got 2 hours of sleep last night

3 - Snotty McSnotnoses

It's time once again to play "pass around the cold" in my domicile...We have this game so down pat, it only takes 12 hours for the germs to jump from person to person. Emmy is patient 0 - She started coughing, sneezing, snotting 2 days ago. Today she added wheezing back into her repertoire. I made my monthly contribution to the Pediatrician's kids college fund and she's back on steroids...anything is better than going back to the hospital. Little man started sneezing, coughing, and snotting last night which made for such a restful sleep!! (sarcasm very much intended). And now me...I woke up this morning with a lovely head cold.

So, I don't have a lot to write about tonight because it isn't easy to type and blow simultaneously. And this look just isn't good (however it does work well)

Nyquil here I come!!

Pull up a chair and let me tell you a story....

2009-01-13T21:27:00.004-05:00

My mind has not been overflowing with things to write about of late (and I'm sure I'll lose readers if I do a week long dedication to the Gators...Can I get a Whoop! Whoop! ?!!!!) Anywho...I've been kinda doing my own thing, but I keep getting a persistent commenter telling me to write more regularly...who is doing this you ask, why none other than Tressa (American in Norway). Then it hits me....I've got years of Tressa/Kelly stories I can share....oh, the blog fodder!
Right now across the ocean a certain blonde TexanChicagoanDelawareanIllinoisanMissorrianNorwegian is going, "Oh S*&^^t!!!, what is she going to share?!?!!"

Relax Tree, I'll save the embarrassing stuff for later. This one is a classic and may seem far fetched, but I SWEAR all of it is true (or at least what I can recall from my fuzzy memory bank)....

Hey kids of the 80s, do you remember this?!:

Tressa and I certainly didn't see this movie together; it came out before we met. But, as I'm sure it was for teenagers all over, it was a ready made classic; the model for the "perfect day". Antics that don't get you in trouble, but work out in your favor producing fun times and good memories. I don't know about you guys, but it seemed like we were always trying to compare our adventures to the Bueller litmus test...We had a lot of close calls, but this one is definitely the closest (in my humble opinion).

Tressa moved to Delanowhere my Junior year of high school. Tressa was the epitome of cool (again in my humble opinion); she came from Texas via Chicago, had her own car with a PA system (another story), and she had a much later curfew than my miserly 11 pm - 12:30 am (I think). So guess where I was most weekend nights?! It only took a few weekends cruising around Newark, Delaware's Main Street for Tressa to realize that Delaware was not the best place to have fun...lucky for us, Tressa had 2 older siblings who shared tales about Philadelphia's South Street. South Street became our Holy Grail; we plotted and planned about what we would do when we took the 45 minute pilgrimage to Philadelphia. One night we took the plunge and headed to Philly. We got lost; we thought we could drive to Philly and just happen upon South Street - the mind of a 16 year old! At last we found and experienced South Street for all of about 20 minutes before we had to get in the car and travel back home to meet Tressa's curfew. 20 minutes was all it took for us to be hooked; I don't know if it was the smell of pizza mixed with urine, the hoards of Navy men, street performers, drunks, or homeless that drew us in, but we knew we could definitely always find entertainment there! Pretty soon we became South Street junkies and escaped to Philly anytime we could (which was most weekends).

One particular weekend, I guess we were having tons of fun with some people we had met, but the time to curfew was ticking closer and closer. Tressa and I hatched a plan; we'd drive to Tressa's house with the boys we had just met, check in with her Mom, set up in the basement (where we were sleeping) and then sneak back out. So we drove back to Delaware and did exactly that. We checked in with her Mom and went through the facade of getting ready for bed. After approximately 1 hour, we snuck out of the house to the boys that had been tucked away in the car (I believe it was winter at the time and we made them wait in an unheated car...nice!). We drove back to Philly and stayed out all night. What we did all night, I can't honestly remember...and before you all start thinking the worst, we were crazy and adventurous, but not in that area.

Now I had been allowed to spend the night on the condition that I knew that Tressa had to get up early and help her Mom and I would have to leave....no problem. We get back to her house about 6:30 am...there are no lights on in the house (obstacle #1 passed). We creep along the side of the house to the basement door. We look up and see her parent's bathroom light is ON and we hear voices and a shower running. We immediately think we are SO busted...and I start panicking about what I am going to tell my Mother when Tressa's parents call her and tell her we were God knows where all night! Tressa tells me not to worry; if we get busted, they'll just yell at us and my Mom won't be called - still a scary concept to get yelled at by other people's parents!! We quietly open the door and the basement is dark. We quickly change and jump under the blankets....No more than 5 minutes later Tressa's Mom yells down the stairs, "Tressa! Tressa! Come up here"...Sh*&t!!!! So Tressa goes up to talk to her Mom; her Mom gives her instructions for the day (including me leaving) and that was that. They never knew about the stunt we just pulled. We had gotten away with our Bueller-esque adventure and lived to tell about it.

I hope you enjoyed the first of many Tressa/Kelly stories...thinking back always makes me laugh and miss my girlfriend....Love you, Tree!!

Why the fates are against me working tonight....

2009-01-12T22:27:00.002-05:00

So with my recent 60 hour work weeks, I've begun to try to organize things a little. I've separated some of my extra duties into things that need to be done in the office and things that can be done at home. 2 of the activities that I am assisting with are things I can bring home. So after dinner, after the kids are in bed and after 33 minutes on Wii fit, I break out the work....Only to discover

1. I forgot to bring home all the website usernames and passwords
2. I can not log into the work computer via "gotomypc" because the work computer was disconnected today.

I think that the laws of fate are aligning to make me go to bed at a decent hour (read earlier than 1:00 am). I don't know if my body will know what happened to it!!

Represent

2009-01-08T20:32:00.001-05:00

Tonight I dedicate my blog to this:

GO GATORS!!!

Really?!

2009-01-07T23:18:00.002-05:00

I'm a huge fan of "The Biggest Loser" on t.v. and watched this last season faithfully (or as faithfully as you do with a dvr). Michelle was hands down my favorite person on the show; she was real and didn't play games. I was so happy for her when she won.

I read this article today...and I thought, "Girl, do you have a brain in your head?!"

'Biggest Loser' champ to tie the knot - MSN TV News

May be I'm just being pessimistic (which is odd for me 'cause usually I am a sucker for a good love story)...Here's the scenario: You meet this guy 4 months ago; you win "The Biggest Loser" and take home 250K, you're enjoying your 15 minutes of fame, and then Mr. New Boyfriend pops the question....kinda convenient. Guess what Michelle is going to be spending the 250K on?! You guessed it, the wedding, etc. I predict we'll see a follow up story in about 18 months where Michelle gets dumped on her butt after the $ runs out!

Something that touched me...

2009-01-06T20:29:00.002-05:00

I received this via e-mail yesterday and it spoke directly to my heart. It may have been around eleventy-billion times already, but it's such a good reminder to Slow Down!!!

Can I Borrow $25.00?

A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door.

SON: 'Daddy, may I ask you a question?'

DAD: 'Yeah sure, what it is?' replied the man.

SON: 'Daddy, how much do you make an hour?'

DAD: 'That's none of your business . Why do you ask such a thing?' the man said angrily.

SON: 'I just want to know.. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?'

DAD: 'If you must know, I make $50 an hour.'

SON: 'Oh,' the little boy replied, with his head down.

SON: 'Daddy, may I please borrow $25?'

The father was furious, 'If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I don't work hard everyday for such childish frivolities. '

The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.

The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?

After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down , and started to think:

Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $25.00 and he really didn't ask for money very often The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.

'Are you asleep, son?' He asked.

'No daddy, I'm awake,' replied the boy.

'I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier' said the man. 'It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the $25 you asked for.'

The little boy sat straight up, smiling. 'Oh, thank you daddy!' he yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills..

The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again.

The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father.

'Why do you want more money if you already have some?' the father grumbled.

'Because I didn't have enough, but now I do,' the little boy replied.

'Daddy, I have $50 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you.'

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness.

It's just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts. Do remember to share that $50 worth of your time with someone you love.

If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of hours. But the family & friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives.

Vent Session

2009-01-05T12:03:00.003-05:00

I need to vent so that I can go on and be more productive at work today.

Ever since the evil incarnate got her walking papers, my friend, Brenda and I have been picking up the slack in running the office. Part of that job and what I am finding to be the most challenging is hiring and firing employees. The worst position to hire for is the front desk...we are VERY upfront about how busy our office is and the demanding position we for which we are hiring. The people nod, agree, and tell us they can do it, but do they? NOOOOOOOOOO!!

We had our new "super star" call out on Friday and then leave a message on the machine this morning that she would not be returning. Thanks for doing that on a Monday morning when all 5 providers are here in office! Oh, and thanks for that 2 week notice and helping us out through yet another transition....Much appreciated!! So now we go back to the drawing board....again....Urghhh!! The employees that are here and loyal are getting frustrated with working understaffed; I'm afraid if we don't get some stability, there will be more positions for which we will be looking to hire!

I hear people complaining that employment rates are escalating and no one is hiring. We are hiring, but the biggest issue we're running into is a lot of people no longer have a decent work ethic and it's difficult to find a loyal and good employee.

URGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! *Pulling out my hair*

Survival of the fittest

2009-01-04T10:32:00.002-05:00

The fact that I'm writing this is proof that I made it through the night. At times I believe we broke the noise level ordinance, but all-in-all it went well. We went through a lot of the preplanned activities in the first hour (I remember looking at the clocking and it being 6 pm for what seemed to be hours!). Hubby had the foresight to get a movie which occupied the kid's attention during dinner. The Wii tournament turned out to be an activity and noise accelerator and had be shut down after about 1/2 hour of play (my ears felt like they were going to bleed from the noise level!). We then played some oldies, but goodies: Duck, Duck, Goose; Red light, Green light, Freeze dance, and my personal favorite, Twister.

Jackson and Emmy LOVED having all those kids here; they were practically vibrating by the end of the night. Emmy is a bit confused by the whole co-op idea; she thinks they're going over to the next family's house today.

The nice thing was is that all the kids got along very well and all look forward to the next get-together. I, being the eternal optimist, know the other parents will uphold their end of the bargain. My only pessimistic thought is after all the parents experience the "fun" will they want to repeat it?

Hubby is already trying to plan our first night out activity...he wants to come home and enjoy the silence of our house for 3 hours!

Are we crazy?

2009-01-03T08:44:00.002-05:00

My husband thinks so...I think we're brilliant; only time will tell...

I created a babysitting co-op with 2 other "Brownie" families; the inaugural event is tonight at my house. The plan is simple...we trade kids for a couple of hours every three weeks so we have "scheduled" adult time. A total of 8 children (including my own) will be descending upon our house between 5-6 pm and leaving at 9 pm.

I am trying to be as organized about this as is possible for me...we have personal pizza making for dinner, Cameron is in charge of the craft project (which I have no idea what she has planned), and of course, we have the tournament of champions playing Wii. I'm just hoping we don't go through all our activities in the first 1/2 hour!!

Hubby keeps shaking his head and getting indigestion just thinking of 5 extra kids in our domicile. I believe he secretly hoping for a call out tonight! I keep reminding him to keep the big picture in mind...we don't have to do this for 9 more weeks and we get 2 kid-free nights owed to us in the next 6 weeks. He believes that this will be the only time this happens and we're the suckers....time will tell.

If anyone has any good activity ideas for the kids, send them my way!!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T12:53:00.004-05:00

I hope everyone had a safe and fun NYE...

We spent a quiet night at home (which was perfectly fine with me)...We had junk food (yup the WW restarts tomorrow with the other eleventybillion people), had Wii tournaments, and just lazed around. A very successful night in my book!!! The girls stayed up until midnight, but very quickly fell asleep thereafter.

Today, we are planning on organizing, putting Christmas toys away, and just continuing to take it easy.

Have a great one!!

Merry Christmas!!!

2008-12-24T11:30:00.004-05:00

Since I don't have your physical addresses, I'm blogging you my Christmas greetings. May you have a fabulous holiday! Be safe and happy!

Love,

Kelly

A cherished family recipe

2008-12-18T23:23:00.003-05:00

I'm not much of a cook or baker, but there are somethings I can make well. I get requests for this recipe year after year so I thought I would it share it with all my bloggy friends. Enjoy!!

Tequila Christmas Cake

3 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1 cup water
1 tsp. salt
1 cup brown sugar
Lemon juice
4 large eggs
Nuts
1 bottle tequila
2 cups dried fruit

Sample the tequila to check quality. Take a large bowl; check the tequila
again to be sure it is of the highest quality.

Repeat.

Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.

Add 1 teaspoon of sugar. Beat again.

At this point, it is best to make sure the tequila is still OK. Try another
cup just in case.

Turn off the mixerer thingy.

Break 2 eegs and add to the bowl and chuck iin the cup of dried fruit.

Pick the fruit up off the floor.

Mix on the turner.

If the fried druit getas stuck in the beaterers, just pry it loose with a
drewscriver.

Sample the tequila to test for tonsisticity.

Next, sift 2 cups of salt, or something.

Check the tequila.

Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.

Add one table.

Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find.

Greash the oven.

Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over.

Don't forget to beat off the turner

Finally, throw the bowl through the window.

Finish the tequila and wipe the counter with the cat.

Cherry Christmas

The deed is done

2008-12-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

Earlier today I realized that tonight is my last free night until Sunday. I still have a L O N G list of stuff to get done before the 25th. I had planned to go to Target to pick up some stocking stuffers, but I had a better idea....Go see Santa and see if we can use the pic for our Christmas cards.

So at 8:15 pm I get the kids out of their P.J.s and into the car (you know this is helping my husband build the insanity case against me!). I call the Santa booth at the mall to find out when they close (9pm) and when the line is shut down (9pm). I figure by the time I get there, I'll have 15 minutes before the line closes. My kids were so unprepared for this venture that their minds went blank about their wish lists. Luckily their amnesia turned out to be temporarily because by the time we got to the mall, they were ready. We got to the Santa booth at 8:45 pm and the line was closed. The pissy, teenage girl informed me of this after we had been standing there for a couple of minutes. I protested and argued that I had spoken with someone at the booth that informed me that the line would be open until 9pm. Pissy teenage girl gave me a look that said, "I don't give a sh*t". I asked to speak with the manager offering to show them my call registry to prove I had just been on the phone with them 10 minutes before...The manager didn't come over and talk to me, but allowed us to stay in line...My poor kids having to live with such an unorganized Mom!!

Now call me sick, but I was hoping that Jackson would go ballistic on Santa's lap which would make a hilarious Christmas picture like this one; too bad Mommy procrastinated last year and couldn't use it (it was taken 12/24!).

As we were waiting for our turn, Mr. Jack seemed pretty comfortable staring down the "old man" and even started laughing when the baby in front of him started screaming. Then we were "up", I had already prepared the staff that I was going to let the girls talk to Santa and then I would put Jackson on at the last minute for the piece de resistance. Jack, however, allowed me to place him on Santa's lap without so much as a peep! In fact, Jack went into "silent ninja mode" where he sat really stiff and didn't turn his head or make a expression; almost like he was thinking, "If I don't move, he will think I'm invisible". So the picture is still funny (I'm twisted; I know this), but not hilarious:

Time keeps on ticking, ticking....

2008-12-16T00:30:00.002-05:00

Here I am again on "countdown" to Emmy med time...which again also = quiet Mommy time. So even if I'm about to get toothpicks to keep my eyes pried open, quiet time is still nice.

Word of warning: if you are involved in any high level Girl Scouting council position, you may want to go read another blog now....

Did I share that I hold the esteemed title of "Cookie Chair" of Emmy's brownie troop? I was ~~suckered~~ picked for it when the brownie leader asked for volunteers and all the other Moms literally took a step back and I was left in the front. I took on the position thinking, "Aww, it can't be all that bad" (Hubby's response was, "Sucker!"). A few weeks ago I had to attend a "Mandatory Cookie Meeting"; believe me, I tried to get out of it, but no dice. I go to a local church for the meeting expecting may be 10 people; SURPRISE, SURPRISE, SURPRISE....There were at least 75 women at this meeting. My first impression was, "Man, these Girl Scouts take their cookies seriously!" which turned out to be the understatement of the night!! The ladies running the show would have fit in nicely in Germany circa 1939 if you get my drift. There were many times I just wanted to shout, "They're just cookies, damnit!!!" After 3 hours of cookie tutelage, I was wondering, "What the Hell have I gotten myself into?!" The women were actually giving advise on how to "bust" rogue Brownie troops who set up booths outside of their "territory"....Seriously!! Why am I sharing this now, well part of my night was cookie planning meeting phase II. I had to go over to the troop leaders house and discuss the goals and sales strategies to give to 6-7 year old girls. The whole thing has a bit of a surreal quality to it!! But, if ANYONE is in need of a cookie fix, you know who your connection is :)

Stop my life, I need a break!!

2008-12-15T00:20:00.003-05:00

First of all, thank you guys for all your heartfelt, kind, and loving comments. It was a ray of sunshine during a very sad time. I can't tell you enough how much it meant to me!

I planned on giving myself a little time to re-acclimate, readjust, etc., but life sometimes gets in the way doesn't it?

My monkey-in-the-middle, Emmy was in the hospital all weekend. She started coming down with a cold on Thursday and on Friday she was having some wheezing. (Emmy's lungs are always effected when she's ill...it's like they don't want to be left out and they end up stealing the show!) I treated her with her inhalers, to which she responded well, and sent her off to school. I got a call from the school clinic in the afternoon that she was having labored breathing. I had my hubby pick her up and drop her off to me so I could take her to the doctor. Apparently by the time, Daddy reached her, she was coughing continuously and really having a difficult time catching her breath. She had 3 breathing treatments before seeing the doctor (she would respond and then go right back to the wheezing in 15 minutes). We did a couple more treatments at the doctor's office and we were given the instructions to continue to treat as needed which meant she had 12 more treatments prior to her 8:40 appt (Now for you RNs out there cringing, the MD told me to treat like this...) At the pediatricians office, they were not able to adequately open up her passage ways and recommended we admit her to a local children's hospital so that she could receive oxygen, etc. So we were off for our little adventure (which is how we "sold it" to Emmy). In the car on the way to the hospital she asked me, "Will I be getting stuff?" Thinking she meant needles, IVs, etc, I asked, "What stuff?" to which she responded, "Never mind..." I pressed her on the topic and she asked, "Am I going to get cards and balloons that say, Get Well Soon?" I just thought this was so cute...I ended up calling in the troops and balloons and cards were on the way. She thought she was in hog heaven the first 12 hours...she got to play (hooked up to portable O2), walk around, etc., but then the doctor put in orders to have her continuously monitored. Emmy did not like being stuck in one room for a 24 hour period. She almost RAN out of the hospital after they took her off the monitor!

So I sit here alone in my living room where all the rest of the family is sleeping, capturing some "Mommy time", "work time", and biding time until Emmy's next treatment (in 10 minutes). I am then off to my OWN bed, my OWN pillow, and drifting off into a heavy sleep.

My fingers are crossed that I have a boring week!!

Emmy posing with her balloons and "Get Well" gifts:

M.I.A.

2008-12-04T12:13:00.002-05:00

Yup, that's been me more often than not lately...this time I have a really good excuse.

We lost my Grandmother on Sunday after a fall, surgery, etc., etc....It's been a really hard, hectic week. Quite honestly, I can't really talk/write about it yet.

I'm around peeking in on you guys...Hope your holiday season is off to a better start than mine :)/:(

Kelly

Adding my two cents...

2008-11-25T23:43:00.002-05:00

and an additional $9.98....I went to see "Twilight" tonight with a couple of girlfriends.

A couple things to note:

1. When did movies become $10.00 a pop?!

2. We thought if we went shortly after the opening weekend we would avoid the throngs of teeny-boppers sure to be attending with us. We were right and wrong....

Goodness, the above two comments make me sound like a fuddy-duddy don't they?! Oh well, since I'm already sounding like one, let me add one more thing...There needs to be an over 30 showing of this movie (a.k.a. Cougar View ;) I just don't think it's as hilarious as the other 13 year olds when people start shouting at the movie screen...one comment I can overlook, but ongoing dialog?! Uh, No!....

So my take...of course the book was better than the movie...has there ever been a movie better than the book? But, I think the movie did a good job representing the story.

I had some issues with the casting; The Cullens were described in the book to be the most amazing looking people you've ever seen....Not so much...some were nice to look at, but in my humble opinion, did not truly fit this description. Okay and Jasper?! WTF was up with his hair and his facial expressions?! His character was really not developed in the movie which was a little disappointing too. I also thought some of the running, climbing, and jumping scenes were a little goofy.

However, I think Kristen Stewart as Bella was a great casting choice...this is how I pictured her in my mind. And...I've slowly, but surely have come around to Robert Pattinson as Edward. Favorite part of the whole movie was the first kiss....Whoo, Baby!!!

Jeez, I've become Siskel and Ebert in this post....I'm glad I went, will probably get the dvd when it's released, and I will definitely be there for the sequels!

IYGAKAC!!

2008-11-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Cameron went to her first Gator game this past weekend with her Daddy. A good time was had by all. She got to look around the campus (Daddy may have picked up an admissions application for the class of 2019...purely speculation!) She ate Kettle Corn, drank soda, and people-watched (a girl after my own heart!!) She also got a new sweatshirt, a foam finger and some parting gifts for her brother and sister. She took most of the pics...she got some good ones too!!

And what did Mommy get for so graciously agreeing to stay home with Emmy and Jack? Why pictures of Tim Tebow...Do I have this girl trained or what?!!!! (Look at all the pics of #15!!!)

Life in General..........

2008-11-24T00:06:00.000-05:00

Remember those "choose your own ending" books? I loved those books when I was in middle school. It was usually a mystery story and I mostly chose the ending where I would get caught by the bad guy and that was the end of the story.

Bad luck?

Bad choices?

Bad guesses?

After choosing incorrectly, I would always go back to where I made my "wrong turn" and choose the right path...usually to mess up later down the line, but still hopeful that I would "win" the game. I guess I liked those books so much because it was possible know if you picked right or wrong AND you had the power to go back to where you made that wrong decision and change your fate...

Sometimes I really wish that life was like that. Does anyone else often wonder if they made the right choices in life or if they were where they were supposed to be to have the most successful outcome? Sometimes I find myself obsessing about this....it's been really prevalent recently as I've been "reuniting" with a lot of people from high school and college.

Back then, I had my life plotted out...I was going to enter medical school right after college; be done by 27, get married then start a family while having a fulfilled life in medicine. However, the path I chose was to "take a break" from school after college, I met my hubby and got married at 23 had my first baby at 27. I'm working in medicine, but not as a licensed individual.

There are often times I feel like I have chosen the incorrect path...Sure, I love my family, friends, etc....but I wish I knew for sure that the choices were right.....................

Going from Digital to Analog...

2008-11-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

I know I still have to post about Boston, however, I need to get my friend Laura's pictures also so I decided to wait a tad bit longer.

I am nowhere near accomplishing my "catching up on reading" goal...sorry guys...

One thing of note (a quick one because see above!!)...I've decided that I give up when it comes to computer based calendar programs. I've tried for over 5 years to come into the computer age in this arena...First there was the palm pilot, then there was my windows-based Internet phone, and finally my IPhone. It definitely is a "user error" reason none of these things worked for me...You know, you actually have to keep up and enter stuff - go figure! So in my feeble attempt to get a handle on my very disorganized work and personal life, I've gone back to my tried and true method of a date book. My husband is rolling his eyes at me; I feel like a failure (not really). But something had to give...I have 2 computer calendars and an IPhone and I'm still missing stuff. Paper just works for me...

Now I'm off to read...

Trying to catch up...

2008-11-12T23:44:00.002-05:00

Oh Man, I don't know if was the constant excitement, keg parties or world-wind traveling that has me exhausted, but I have been so tired at night! Which is why I haven't been in the blogosphere...I seriously have been getting to bed early...as soon as the kids are out, so is Mama!! BTW...none of those things happened in Boston. Oh, we had a fabulous time, but we behaved (most of the time). I really think the time change 2 weeks ago is taking it's toll, but I'm slowly coming back...Which is why I am up until almost midnight tonight; I am my own worst enemy!

So, I'm back and I'll be under most of the weekend trying to catch up on my 377 posts pending on Google Reader....Holy Guacamole People, you all have been writing!! Do I have an addiction or what?!

So until I get back to "normal" here's a quick teaser...the view from my hotel room in Cambridge...Boston in the Fall (enjoy Swirl Girl and Juli)

I'm outta here....

2008-11-07T00:17:00.002-05:00

Hey, how cool is this? I finally figured out how to do a post via my phone...I'm such a techie!

Anywho, I've left on a jet plane today to one of my all time favorite cities, Boston. I have a new study meeting here. I should have a lot to post about because I am here with 2 of my favorite travel companions, Laura & David. Everytime we're here we have a great time. I'm gonna do my best to stick with the diet and not drink too many beers... I'll be posting pics and stories next week.

Before I say Adios! I need to share an Emmy story with you. Emmy is definitely my 'crazy monkey' child, but she is also my most tenderhearted. She was getting a little emotional last night about my leavingt. After I got her calmed down and adjusted to the fact that I would only be gone a few days, she came out with her camera. She told me she wanted me to use her camera on my trip. I assured her that I had my own camera and that wasn't necessary to which she replied," I want you to use my camera so that I can see pictures of you when you were gone and I have a lot of pictures on there that you can look at when you're missing me." How stinkin cute is that?!

So to all my blogging buddies, so long from Boston. Have a great weekend!!!

I'm officially a sell out....or am I?

2008-11-04T00:00:00.001-05:00

A few posts ago, I wrote about my apprehension about delving into the world that is facebook. Has anyone noticed that this has been a popular blog subject lately?! Any Who, I went out on a limb and put out friend requests and have been talking to people I haven't spoken to in 15 - 20 years. I noticed behaviors returning that are very similar to those I had when I first started blogging...constantly checking to see if I have any notifications, new friends, etc. etc. etc. (If I had one of those media players on my blog this is where, "Loser" by Beck would start playing). All of this reminiscing with old schoolmates (now strangers) had me itching to go pull out pictures. I guess that would be enough for most people, but for me? No way, I guess I am an attention grabber....cause I scanned and posted them. (media player cue up "Popular" from Wicked)

I received over 70 notifications today in response to the postings....Whoa, talk about instant gratification! (a funny little side note to my posting all those old pictures...one old friend insisted I take off a picture of her - I saw nothing wrong with it, It was a picture from a formal for Godsake! and another guy e-mailed me to tell me I tagged him in a photo and it actually was not him - Duhlp!!!) I know my popularity will be over tomorrow 'cause I basically posted the best pics, but it was nice to be on that artificial popularity high for even a day :)

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And....You know what time it is?! Its.....

These are from Cameron and Emmy's early days with a camera...oh, they've come a L O N G way!!

A baby being birthed? No, just Jackson's first bath...don't you see it?!

Beagle Butt anyone?

I'm sure my friend Brad would be thrilled to know my children took pictures of his bald spots. I'm sure he'd be even more thrilled to know I published them online!!

A close up study of skin changes? eyes? crows feet? You decide!

Apparently the teddy bear was tired and need to go to sleep right away on the dining room table with a dishtowel blanket

Well that's all for now...see you all tomorrow :)

Elphaba Lives!!!

2008-11-01T20:36:00.003-04:00

So did you all hear about what the wonderful, marvelous, brilliant, Kat, of Sunshine and Lemonade is up to? She's started her 10 weeks of weekend giveaways! Isn't that awesome?!

What's really awesome is her first prize which revolves about my all time favorite book and play...is she in my mind?!Now there may be those of you out there that love the play and have been wanting to read the book....Word of warning....not quite the same story...but in my humble opinion a fabulous one!

I think I read this book for the first time in high school or may be early college....and I've read it 4 times since; such a great story. I was so excited to introduce it to my book club. The ruling was only a few people liked it...I personally don't think they "got" it...The club shortly disbanded thereafter...They just couldn't handle it I guess ;)

My friend Laura and I got sent to a meeting in NYC 2 years ago and had to go see the play....It was absolutely fabulous!

We had a private giggle about people who were going to run out and get the book....Were they going to be surprised or what?!

Okay, enough about my "Wicked" obsession....Kat, the wonderful, talented, generous, Kat is giving away the following: an autographed copy of "Wicked" by the author, Gregory Maguire and the "Wicked" soundtrack from the play. Whoa, here come the heart palpitations again...Well, unfortunately I have to tell you how to enter the contest that I NEED to win; go see Kat and leave a lovely comment about how I you want the prize (if you really must...you know if you want to mess with karma, that's on you). You can get extra entries by following Kat (hello, doing that since I started blogging!!) and then another entry for posting about the giveaways.

CHECK

So my post after November 7th should be this:

If I don't, I might look like this....

You don't want that kind of guilt on you, do you?!

My Future?!

2008-10-31T23:43:00.003-04:00

My husband, who's so proud of himself for voting early, sent me this today....

http://www.cnnbcvideo.com/index.html?nid=_j9lncxbQg_.UpLD8x1i4DgxNjY5NTc-&referred_by=13218439-tI7_VUx

Go on, it's worth the time....

Friday Foto Fiesta Finish 31.Oct.08

2008-10-31T05:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween everyone!! The kidlets are all a tither for the big night; they can hardly wait to dress up and get the goods. Mama's gonna try her best to keep her hands out of the Halloween buckets...wish me luck!!

In honor of this All Hallows Eve, we are taking a trip in my time machine. This foto is circa 2002 and Emmy's 1st Halloween. It's one of my all time favorites...and I love me some Halloween!

Enjoy the ghouls, witches, princesses and pirates!!!

Go visit Candid Carrie to see who else is playing this week!>

Mischief's Night...

2008-10-30T22:55:00.003-04:00

Happy Mischief's Night...I said this at work today and my co-worker from Alabama didn't know what the heck I was talking about...Is this just a Northeastern thing?!
As kids we would go out and soap window, play ring/run, and let air out of people's tires (I know, little bastards!!). And...the next night we would go to the same peoples' houses and take their candy!! Well, I hope all is "safe" in your neck of the woods...however, there's a little mischief going on in the blogosphere tonight....

I got Boo'd by Lisa at Adventures in JujuBoo

Cute right?! So here's the deal:

Go to as many of your blog buddies as you want and tell them they have been boo-ed . Have them pick up this picture and add it to their blog and say with the link who boo-ed them . Put the picture in your sidebar if you want so then others know that you have already been boo-ed , if you post lots and it's not on the main page where everyone will see your boo-ed post!

Brrrrr!

2008-10-29T22:30:00.003-04:00

I know I shouldn't complain 'cause there are definitely colder places on earth, but Holy Cow, I am freezing my @$$ off! Current temp is 54 F; this morning it was 44 F which to a transplanted, Floridian with thin blood is freakin' cold.

One good thing about this "cold snap"? I get to break out my ultra comfy blanket robe which looks kinda like this:

It's not the sexiest look; in fact, my husband thinks I resemble this when I'm wearing it:

You know what?! I don't care; I'm warm!!!

Weigh-in Wednesday

2008-10-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

I'm really behind this week. I was on my way to weigh in on Monday and I was (may be) a mile away from the meeting and I got a call from one of the MDs I work for...something was wrong with the phone system. It wasn't going over to answering service so I turned my car around and proceeded to try to get the @#@$$#%$#% phone system to work. An hour later, I had missed both WW meetings and my husband was pulling out his hair waiting for me to get home. My mission today is to find a Wednesday meeting and weigh in. A hint of what's to come...I think I went up by at least 1 lb. I can't tell you what I did wrong/different this week...it was just one of those weeks...I'm just keeping at it...
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My husband, who cooks most of our dinners, looked up WW recipes and has started making them for us. How cool is that?!
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I was perusing through old photos and I found this picture of myself from 5 years ago...I thought I was heavy in this picture. Why is that always the case? Why do we do that to ourselves? So I am using this as a motivation picture...

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Lastly, go over to OSB for their Wednesday Weigh-in....

If you give a kid a camera...

2008-10-28T01:06:00.004-04:00

It's time once again for If you give a kid a camera... Last week I featured some of Emmy's pictures. It's equal opportunity time...Cameron loves, loves, loves to take pictures and this week's submission is mostly made up of her goofy pictures.

Oh, and go visit the lady who started it all, Cyndy at Putting the Fun in DysFUNctional...

There's so much going on in this picture...I love it!

Cameron was the "official photographer" when Jackson first tried "real food"

Cameron's "I love you"

Close up of Cameron's favorite subject...

She still hasn't gotten the concept that taking pictures in a car doesn't always work, but she still manages to produce an interesting image!

And here's the girl of the hour in one of her hundred of thousand self-portraits :)

Something for the kids....

2008-10-27T00:00:00.001-04:00

I got this forwarded to me via e-mail and I've been having a ton of fun with it. It's really geared toward the kiddos....I'll show it to them one day........may be.

Go play....

Click here for Pumpkin Carving Simulator

Repeater Weekend

2008-10-26T09:28:00.004-04:00

Nothing "new" is going on this weekend...In fact, the it's stuff that we've done previous weekends.

We returned to Rebounderz for a birthday party. This time we left Jack at home and I got to go have fun jumping with the girls. It took me all of 1 minute to realize that I am not 12 years old. Remember when we had trampoline in gym class and the gym teacher would have us sit and spring right back up? Well it's a lot harder to do now...in fact, I could no longer perform this trick. I actually created a new trick...Jump up high, sit down, and then get flipped over trying to get back up on your feet! My equilibrium is also way off...I could only look straight ahead; if I looked down, forget about it...VERTIGO! Even with my "old lady" limitations, I hung in there for about 30 minutes...you need A LOT of endurance to be able to jump that long!!

My Mom is back in town and staying at her timeshare so we're off to visit her today. Hopefully the pools are heated 'cause it's a chilly 64°F soon to be 80°F, so says the weatherman, but we all know that's a crap shoot!

For me, catching up on my addictions...Google Reader and Facebook. Hope everyone is doing well!!

Mixed Feelings

2008-10-23T00:00:00.001-04:00

I am proceeding with trepidation into the world of Facebook. I know there are those of you out there (Tressa) that are pros at this website already and LOVE it! I, however, have some reservations...

It seems a little reminiscent of High School to me. First, there is that friend counter thing looming in your face. I start to feel good that I have 17 friends until I visit someone else's site and they have 1200+ friends. Why are those popularity stats creeping into my life again at 37?! And then there are those "friend requests"...talk about opening yourself up for rejection!! I have been very conservative with who I'll send a request out to...who wants to be turned down?! So I only send out to people that I am pretty sure will accept my request (i.e. my mother, brother, sister, grandmother, etc) 'cause I've already got enough self esteem issues as it is!!! Third, I start stressing about my picture...what will these people that I haven't thought about in 15+ years think of me...too fat? not aging well? no friends? no life? Yup, it's high school all over again and I'm am inviting it in with arms wide open!

On the flip side, it is very neat catching up with friends from past that I have lost touch with over the years. As far as the litmus test of where I am in my life, I feel I'm on equal ground... married, having kids, in careers, etc...with my previous peers. It's refreshing to see those B.M.O.C. (big men on campus) posting pictures of themselves with their kids and wives...see, people can grow up!! I've also been having a lot of fun seeing pictures from way, way back being posted and reminiscing about what was going on at that time in my life...

So you see, I'm torn...and the positive thoughts are (at the present time) winning over the negative...so throughout the day, I pop on over to the website to see if I have any new friends or if any of my "friends" have posted pictures or comments. And I try to squelch those returning self doubts...do I have enough friends? will he/she/it even remember who I am? will I be accepted?....Yeah, I'm in high school...

Weigh-in Wednesday

2008-10-22T00:00:00.000-04:00

I'm so happy it's Wednesday...this week seems SO long already!! It is time to put my weekly weight loss status out there in the blogosphere and hold myself accountable...

Things on WW continue to go well for me...I've lost another 2 lbs so that brings my grand total to 10.2 lbs. I am continuing to be motivated with sticking to my diet and exercising regularly. Best of all, I am definitely much more comfortable in my clothes! To me, that's one of the worst feelings...wearing tight, uncomfortable clothes (and it's horrible when I wear scrubs each day and the elastic waist band on those are tight....SIGH..). I'm looking forward to the day in the near future (I hope) that I can go shopping in my closet and start wearing normal clothes again!!

BTW, it's not only Weigh in Wednesday here, but check out what's happening over at OSB!!