Update

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

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

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...

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

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...

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...

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...)

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....

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

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...

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

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

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

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....

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?