Happy Early Birthday To Me!

Look what I got!

A new 10.0 mega pixel camera!

And it's PURPLE!!!!!!

I love it!

Isn't it pretty?

I took this picture in wal-mart, right after I bought it.
Takes a nice picture, right?

Camera Critters ~ 22

On the inside: Ginger

On the outside: Jack

Ginger wants out.

Jack wants in.

It's rough being a cat!

To participate:

go here.

The Audience

Brandi lined up her barbies to watch her dance.
From left to right we have:
cinderella
snow white
sharpey
troy
hannah
sharpey ~ again
gabriella
gabriella ~ again
cloe (bratz)
ariel
hannah ~ again
belle
lola
miley
sleeping beauty

Do not be fooled. Some dolls are wearing the wrong clothes.
It seems next year Santa and Aunt Tami need to get together and discuss which dolls to get.

Invest In Your Future

Most of us are now aware of the benefits of banking our babies cord blood. The possibility that it will someday save your child's life makes it worth the cost. Unfortunately, when I had my kids, this technology was new, and not affordable for us. There have been so many changes and developments in the past few years with cord blood, and I'm sure their will be many more developments in the years to come.

Now, they have found that their are potentially life saving stem cells in a woman's monthly cycle. There are pre-clinical trials right now that are using these cells to treat diseases like breast cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. They hope, in the future, to be able to use these cells to treat diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Multiple Sclerosis. There is also suggestions that they can be used for cosmetic purposes, like anti-aging and wound healing. C'Elle sends you an easy to use collection kit, and it only costs $499 for their annual plan. I know this seems pricey, but you have to look at this as an investment into your future. You can check out some C'Elle Testimonials that may help you decide if this is the right option for you. If you feel like this is something you want to do, you can Order C'elle Now.

Braids

This morning, just like always, I asked Brandi if she wanted her hair up or down.
She said up.
She said she wanted it in a "Texas Braid".
I asked what that was, and she described this:

I said, "you mean a FRENCH BRAID?"
Yeah, that's it, she says.

Oh, my funny child!

What Money Worries

I gotta say it. This time of year is my favorite. It is the only time of year that we have extra money around the house. We usually do really well with our tax refund, and most years we have our money by my birthday. It's nice to be able to celebrate by going to a nice restaurant, even though my definition of nice is probably way different than everyone elses. Ten days after my birthday is Valentine's Day, which is always fun. Junior always gets me the perfect gift, and the kids love buying me things. And let's face it; we all love being the center of attention every now and then.

But all too quickly, reality sets in, and we have to be all grown up and pay some bills. This year we need a new car, and we owe a little bit of money that we borrowed last year. Unlike most people, we do not use credit cards, so we don't buy things unless we can pay with cash. This has helped us to Reduce Debt and allows us to think before spending serious money on things. It always helps to think about a big purchase, and not be impulsive with our spending. But, for a few weeks in February, it's nice to be able to buy the things we have put off all year. You know, like socks and underwear. Or maybe a new digital camera...

Thursday Thirteen ~ Three

Thirteen Blogs Deserving Of This Award

I was given this award by Murderous Intention, and someone else, too, but for the life of me I can not remember. If it was you and you're reading, let me know!

Here are the rules for the recipients:
1. Put the logo on your blog or post. 2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude! 3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post. 4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog. 5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

But, since I am doing this as my TT, I am passing it on to 13!

carrie ~ rantings ~ because friends don't have to talk every day to still be close

jenn ~ crazy magic ~ because we do talk every day, and I love her to pieces

kat ~ whatnot ~ because she makes the funkiest twilight jewelry

tammy ~ crazy mom ~ because she has the kindest heart

diana ~ forgetfulone ~ because she is an awesome scrapbooker and friend

missy ~ herd it here ~ hell, just cause she's missy, and cause she's the first online friend I have actually hung out with and she is just as great in person and she always knows just what to say to make me smile and we just get along great and just go read her blog and you'll know what I mean! lol!

donna ~ made in heaven ~ she sure was

tammy ~ mom knows ~ always helpful, and my longest online friend who I love bunches

kristin ~ my art ~ because there is nobody sweeter than this crafty mom

vixen ~ vixen's den ~ because she is the strongest woman I have ever met

frigga ~ any apples ~ because she rocks!

anna ~ beth and cory's mom ~ because she kicks my ass in scrabble!

kristen ~ mmm ~ because she has five kids, homeschools, and is still mostly sane

To participate, go here.

Gift For Grandmothers

My Grandmother just had a birthday on Monday. She is now 82 years old. I live in South Carolina, and she lives in Florida, so she doesn't get to see my kids often. She loves when I send her pictures, but it is not often that I have some printed out. It would be so much easier if I could get her a Ceiva digital photo frame. These frames are great because they do not require being hooked up to a computer. And lets face it, my 82 year old Grandmother does not own a computer. All you have to do is connect it to an existing phone line, and friends and family can send pictures to it from all over the world. Right now, when you buy a one year picture plan for only $100, you can buy an HD, eight inch frame for only $29. They are also offering free ground shipping from now until 2pm on February 13. That's perfect timing for Valentine's Day. I was wanting one of these for Christmas, but Santa didn't leave me one. My birthday is coming up before Valentine's Day, so maybe I might get lucky and Junior will read this and take a hint.

Wordless Wednesday ~ 16

I found this picture of Brandi Rose on my camera. I think it's one of the pictures my nephew Carson took while we were bowling last week. She always has a smile on her face! And she is hamming it up, as usual! lol!

To participate, go here.

Baby Gifts

A few years ago, my sister gave my mom a tote bag that has all her Grandkids names on it. Since then, five more have been born, so she needs an updated version. With custom embroidery
I can have a new tote made for her, as well as one made for me with my kids names on it. Oh, I just realized I can also have baby things embroidered for my sister's baby-to-be. They have bibs, blankets, and even onsies. I can't wait to find out what she is having so I can order some goodies. I can use one of their designs, or upload my own, and they offer fast delivery, so I won't have to wait long once I order what I need.

415

That's the number of ecards dropped on here yesterday! 415! That's crazy!

And now today, I can not drop. I don't know if it's my computer...though I don't think so cause every other site loads fine...or entrecard, but I can not get the site to load properly, and it takes forever to load the pages I want to drop on.

Anyone else having problems?

Show For Kids

Most of you know Amy Poehler from SNL. This little show she is doing, the Amy Poehler CozmoTV is great. It sends the message to young girls that it is okay to be smart and have dreams and talents, because smart girls are fun, too. She interviews these girls, showcasing their unique talents, and allowing them to brag about themselves. I watched an episode where she interviewed a girl who played the steel drums and praise dances. The questions were great, with just enough humor for the adults to enjoy. I think Amy Poehler is extremely funny, and she doesn't disappoint in this. Her producer and music girl are obviously not qualified for their jobs, so there is humor in the things they do as well. I think my daughter, who is eleven, would really enjoy this. They have Barbie ads at the beginning and end, and we all know every girl has or has had a Barbie, so it easily relates to all ages. You can get your own widget here, and display it on your blog, your myspace page, or your facebook page. Let the kids in your life know that it is important for them to be who they are, and to be proud of who they are and the things they can do. Self-esteem is so important, especially during the difficult tween and teen years. Let Amy help your kids discover theirs.

Tagged By Tammy

Crazy Mom, aka tammy, tagged me for this, so here goes...

1. Have you ever been on TV? - kinda...our town does trick or treating in the stores, and the local tv station tapes it. I could be seen, with my kids, walking down the street! Go me! lol!

2. Have you ever sung in public? - in elementary school chorus

3. Have you ever dyed your hair blonde? - yes, but i haven't done it in years!

4. Have you ever eaten frogs' legs? - ewwww...no.

5. Have you ever received a present you really hated? hated, no.

6. Have you ever walked into a lamp post? - no, but i have walked into other things, likethose half poles in front of the grocery store, or trees....

7. Have you ever cooked a meal by yourself for more than 15 people? - yup...I always have food ready at birthday parties...that counts, right?

8. Have you ever fallen or stumbled in front of others? - plenty of times

9. Have you ever done volunteer work? - I want to say yes, but can not think of one single example...

Now I get to tag people, but I just don't have it in me! Play if you want, and then let me know so I can share the love.

Funny Cards

Do you remember a few months ago, when my sister had the Jigsaw, the SAW character, call me and say he had my mom? I may not have told the story, but it was pretty funny. My sister went online, and put in my number, as well as my moms, and it called me from my mom's number, saying that he had my mom and that "my game has begun". Anyone who has seen the SAW movies knows what I am talking about. It was pretty cool.

Along those same lines is a Cardfish Phone call. This website lets you send a video greeting card to one of your friends, and while they are viewing it, their phone rings, and it's a character from the video card. The website knows the exact moment they read the card, so they know when to call. This sounds so cool! Of course, their cards are funny, and not scary, so be prepared to laugh your butt off. I am going to send one to my sister, just because she sent me the SAW one. You guys can totally send some to me. I mean, next week is my birthday...

If you want to try it out, you can, for free! Just use the word "FREE" as your coupon code.

My Sickie!

Ryan woke up this morning complaining of a sore throat. When I looked, it was almost swollen shut. I wasn't too concerned, because he has big tonsils, like his dad. But as the day went on, he started running a fever, and his tongue turned white...all signs of strep. I called Junior at work, and he came home so we could take him to the doctor. I wanted to go to urgent care, but they weren't open, so we ended up at the ER. Three hours later we had a diagnosis...strep...and a prescription. He has to stay home tomorrow, but hopefully can go back on Tuesday.

Networking

Do you like to network? There are numerous sites out there where you can connect with people, and sometimes it is hard to find a site specific to your interests. I have, however, found a site you should check out if you love to scuba dive. It's called DiveBuddy.com - Online Scuba Community. You can socialize with people who share your love of the water.

Camera Critters ~ 21

This is another shot from our trip to the zoo. They have this platform you can climb on and feed the giraffes. I don't remember who's hand this is, but most of the kids enjoyed it. I loved that they come right up to you. Of course, Ryan had to touch one...even though you're not supposed to!


To participate, go here.

Yay!!!!

Great news!

I'm going to be an aunt!

For the 11th time!

I am so excited!

Think PINK!

Thursday Thirteen ~ Two

Thirteen Songs I Love Off David Cook's CD

This is not normally the music I listen to, but I love this CD! I recommend giving it a listen.

1. Declaration
2. Heroes
3. Light On
4. Come back To Me
5. Life On The Moon
6. Bar-ba-sol
7. Mr. Sensitive
8. Lie ~this is my favorite!
9. I Did It For You
10. Avalanche
11. Permanent
12. A Daily Anthem
13. Time Of My Life

Join the new Thursday 13! To participate, go here.

Shades

We have been having a cold spell around here. Yesterday morning we had snow, which is pretty unusual for South Carolina. Our heat has been on, around sixty five degrees. I hate the way the heat makes my skin feel, and I am trying to keep our power bill from going up too much. I am all for anything that is energy efficient, and am always looking for ways to lower our power bill. I found these shades at The Shade Store that are really cool. Eco-Solar Shades are made of 100% recyclable material, making them environmentally friendly. They conserve energy by blocking out harmful UV rays. This has got to be great in the summer time, when houses heat up so quickly. With these shades, you can keep them down, and still enjoy your view because you can see through them.


You can get regular style shades, or you can get Roman style shades. I, personally, like the roman shades. They give your home a more sophisticated look. This means you can still be stylish while conserving energy and saving money. These shades are also GreenGuard Certified.

Now for the best news. Exclusively for bloggers, you can get 15% off your order, plus free shipping, by using this code: IZEA01. So go, check them out, and see how they can help you beautify your home while saving you money.

Brandi's Awards

My kid is so smart! Report cards came out today, and she got straight A's. She made the Principal's Honor Roll. She also got an award for her writing skills. I am so proud of her!

Matching Tees

A few years ago, my sister got married. Her friends decided to throw her the ultimate bachelorette party. They all rented a limousine, and headed to the big city to party the night away. She wore a shirt that said bride, and it would have been so cool if her bridesmaids had bachelorette party t-shirts to wear, too. They might even have gotten better service and more free drinks!

If you are planning a bachelorette party for someone close to you, you should check out the Bachelorette Party Shirts at Wedding ParTees.com. They have long and short sleeved bridesmaid t-shirts, available in four different colors. They also offer a camisole design which I love. You can choose between black, light pink, baby blue, and white. They even have three different colored Swarvoski crystals to choose from. They have clear, rose pink, or sapphire blue. I, personally, like the black shirts with the pink crystals. To me, the are very feminine. These shirts would be the perfect gift for the bride to give to her bridesmaids, and they can be worn even after the party. They can even be given as a way of letting your friends know you want them to be your bridesmaids. Make sure you check out the site before planning your next bachelorette party, and suggest it to all the brides to be that you know.

Picture This

Last night, Brandi wanted to prove she was old enough to read Twilight.

She has heard Kasi and I talking about it, and was curious.

She read the first three pages, looked at me, and said "it's too hard to understand".

I guess for a 7 year old, even though she read the words correctly, it is still too mature for her.

Fast forward to 4 am this morning...

she wakes me up, crying...

she had a nightmare...

about her grandparents being vampires...

yes, you dad!...

and she tells me all about it while we lay in bed, in the dark...

I comfort her and tell her it was just a dream...

I smile...

she said not to, because in the dark, my teeth look sharp...

so what does my 4 am half a brain self do?

I respond with...

"the better to eat you with!"

not good parenting right there...

she starts really screaming...

"I'M STILL DREAMING"...

and continues screaming...

until we get out of bed and watch drake and josh, and a couple of episodes of iCarly...

at 4 am...

she is going to be dragging at school today!

I can't even write this without laughing hysterically...

I am such a bad mom! lol!

Wordless Wednesday ~ 15

Brandi was outside.

She knocked on the door to get my attention.

She got Ginger's attention instead.

He jumped onto the screen.

I, of course, grabbed the camera!

To participate, go here.

Baby Love

This is amazing! The baby falls in, and the females rescue it! It is awesome to watch them work together to save this little life. You don't even have to be an elephant lover to enjoy this.

Wasn't that cool?

It Snowed!

I took this picture about 5:30 this morning.
All the districts in our county closed except two.
Ours was one of the two that had a two hour delay.
I let the kids stay home anyway.

I took this picture about five minutes ago.
The kids are dressing in layers...heading outside.
I guess I need to go take more pictures!

Bracelet

I can not wait until we get our income tax refund check this year! I have been looking a jewelry online, and have found the most beautiful Copper Jewelry. This site has a sterling silver and pick copper bracelet that I just have to have. It is beautiful! Normally I am a purple girl, but this bracelet is too hard to resist!

Facebook, Rediscovered

While using my old computer, I was unable to enjoy the games on facebook, so I started looking for people. I found old friends from school who I haven't seen in years! I also got my behind handed to me in a game of scrabble...thanks anna! She is a human dictionary! Now I have my computer back, and I can play bubbletown again! I know, such little things make me happy!

News

I have recently discovered that I enjoy watching the news. I know that sounds funny, as I am thirty six years old, but I think it has a lot to do with who is doing the news. I prefer our weekly person over the local weekend anchor, so I am more likely to watch during the week.

Laura Diaz is co-anchor of CBS 2 News at 5 and 11 PM in Los Angeles, California. This award winning news anchor is a first generation Mexican American, who made Los Angeles Television history in 1997 by becoming the first Hispanic Lead Anchor for a weekday newscast for an American speaking station. Ms. Diaz holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Anchor Laura Diaz has won eight Emmy Awards, including the Individual Achievement in Feature Reporting in 2006. That same year she also won the National Imagen Award for her interview with Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigoso. In 2005 and 2006 she won the Golden Mike Award for best feature reporting. Laura Diaz has also been awarded L.A.'s Press Clubs highest honor, the Joseph M. Quinn Award for journalistic excellence and distinction.

CBS Anchor Laura Diaz is active in charity work, as well. She sits on the board of trustees of "The Joyful Child Foundation", which organizes neighborhood watches throughout the country, helping to keep child predators off the streets. You can learn more about Laura Diaz here,
and you can watch her weekdays at 5 and 11 on CBS 2 News Los Angeles.

Spanked, Yet Again

So I got up this morning, and checked my blogs. Then I checked the paid sites, and don't you know. Google hates me! My nice PR2 for my craft blog has now joined this one with a nice big n/a. How does this happen? Am I doing something wrong? I know it's hard to figure out the whole page rank thing, but I am tired of getting the crap end of it.

New "DO"

I took this picture today, after she washed her hair. We tried to re-create the "flip" she had yesterday, but it doesn't look the same, but she still loves it. She didn't have the length cut, just some layers put in. I think it makes her look a little more grown up. What do you think?

Bowling Pictures

I got my computer back! So that means I can post all the pictures off my camera! These are the ones from last weekend when we went bowling.

Brandi, giving it all she's got!

Kasi, looking like she only has one leg! lol!

Ryan, my professional! lol!

Brandi, again, giving it the two handed try.

The monsters!

Nothing yummier than corn dogs and cheese fries!

Yum......

Kasi

Brandi Rose

Brandi and her Nana

Brandi being silly...

Ryan

The Perfect Gift

Are you looking for a one of a kind gift for someone special? Why not give them a personalized poem? For $15, you can have a poem written about your name, or your mom, or Valentine's Day. Shipping is free in the US, unless you want it framed, then it's a little more.

I checked out the site, and the poetry is beautiful. I love the "couples" poem I read. The writer takes detailed personal information, and writes a one of a kind poem. Poems will be sent out in about a week, with general occasion poems sooner. Paypal and credit cards are accepted.

Private, Yet Again

For those who read my journey, you may have noticed I went private again last night.

I needed to vent about a very personal experience, and didn't want prying eyes....well, you know.

If you want to read, email me...I'll send an evite.

Love you guys!!!!

See you there.

Thursday Thirteen ~ One

I got this is an email today, and thought it was too funny not to share.

HOW TO CLEAN THE TOILET

1. Put both lids of the toilet up

2. And add 1/8 cup of pet shampoo to the water in the bowl.

3. Pick up the cat and soothe him while you carry him towards the bathroom.

4. In one smooth movement, put the cat in the toilet and close the lid.

5. You may need to stand on the lid.

6. The cat will self agitate and make ample suds.

7. Never mind the noises that come from the toilet, the cat is actually enjoying this.

8. Flush the toilet three or four times.

9. This provides a 'power-wash' and rinse'.

10. Have someone open the front door of your home.

11. Be sure that there are no people between the bathroom and the front door.

12. Stand behind the toilet as far as you can, and quickly lift the lid.

13. The cat will rocket out of the toilet, streak through the bathroom, And run outside where he will dry himself off.

Both the commode and the cat will be sparkling clean.
Sincerely, the dog

To participate, go here.

Computers, And The Things That Go Wrong

I have been having the worst computer problems today. I was trying to do a post this morning, and I needed a picture to go with it. Every time I tried to save the picture to my computer, my computer would freeze. I couldn't do anything but shut it down, restart it, and try again. This happened over and over and over again for about two hours. Talk about frustrating! I don't know what I did different, but all of a sudden it worked, and I was able to save the picture, and finish my post. Then I tried to drop my ecards, and if I opened more than one tab, it would freeze up. If any of you are serious droppers, you know that you need to have at least three tabs open to drop quickly and efficiently. What should have taken me a couple of hours took me most of the afternoon.

The only good thing is that this is an old computer I have been using. If you remember, my computer took a trip to my brothers house, because it was infected with all kinds of bugs and stuff. I say stuff because even my brother, who is a computer guy, didn't know what happened to it. I was missing programs that shouldn't have been missing, and he had no idea where they went. I, who know nothing about computers, or the things they need, like printers that use Hewlett Packard Laserjet 4000 toner, have no idea what happened. I will admit that I am not very good a remembering to run my anti-spyware programs, or scanning my computer for virus', but I am sure that has nothing to do with it. Or at least that is what I am telling myself. This time, when I get my good computer back, I am going to get specific instructions about what I need to run, and when. That way, maybe I can avoid the same problems.

I'm Just Saying

Just because someone chooses to distance themselves from someone else because of the way they were treated, it doesn't mean they don't love that other person.

It just means that it is too hard to be around them.

Because they are tired of fighting.

They are tired of being put down.

They are just tired.

But, they still love.

I'm just saying.

Ryan's Future

My husband used to be a mechanic. He loves to work on cars, and he is passing his knowledge down to Ryan. Whenever Junior is under the hood of a car, Ryan is right there beside him, watching every move he makes. Recently, Junior has started to allow Ryan to actually help him. He will tell him which wires or bolts or things to remove, and Ryan loves doing it. It makes him feel so important.

Junior's friend does body work. He repairs dents and does car painting, and Ryan loves going to his shop and watching him work, too. If you ask Ryan what he wants to go to college for, he will tell you he doesn't want to go to college, he wants to go to trade school and work in the collision repair service industry. I think he will be really good at it, because it is something that he really enjoys doing. I am slowly talking him into taking car repair and body work classes at our community college, because these days, with cars being computerized, he will have to know more than how to tighten bolts and bump out dents. I even think there is a program through the high school where he can begin his training. I am so proud that he knows what he wants to do in life, and has thought about it enough to know what steps to take.

It's Almost Thursday

Don't forget that Thursday Thirteen is back!

The new hub is here.

I am not sure if they will open the links tonight or tomorrow morning.

We'll have to wait and see.

I hope you continue to play along!

Great New Directory

There is a new website directory called Top20Sites.com. It is unique in that the sites that make the list are picked by me. And you. It's not a random person who decides who should be on the list. It is all done by voting. It's almost like a popularity contest of sorts. In order to check out the site and vote, you need to register with the site. Directory submission is really simple. I know this because I had to submit my blog in order to register. I am not sure if my blog is technically a website, but I am now able to vote and rate the other sites. The ranking of each website in each category is based on the number of votes each site gets, feedback, and usage patterns. I like this better than other directories, who base the order of their sites according to who signed up first, or who they like the best. This site also uses keywords to categorize the websites. Instead of being bombarded with lots of irrelevant sites that have nothing to do with what you are looking for, you can chose from categories that contain websites specific to what you are looking for. I mean, what could be easier. I checked out the HANDMADE category, and of course, etsy was almost at the top of the list. That just makes sense. If you are looking for a website, and want to find only the best, check out Top20Sites.com. I know I will be using it from now on.

I...CAN'T...STOP...LAUGHING!

GINGHIM!!!!!!!

O...M...G!!!!

I seriously can not control myself.

If you want to know why that is so funny, go read jenn's comment on this post.

Be prepared to wet your pants a little!

Wordless Wednesday ~ 14

I took this picture of Kasandra at the zoo a couple of weeks ago. Isn't she beautiful? I just know she will give me some gorgeous grandbabies someday. Hopefully many, many years from now, though.

To participate, go here.

Contacts

I went all through high school never having to wear glasses. I should have, because I couldn't see the blackboard half the time, but it wasn't until I started college that I went and had my eyes checked. I was set against wearing glasses, so I got my first pair of contact lenses. Back then, they didn't have disposable lenses, so I got the standard soft lenses. I threw them away within a week. I could not stand having something floating around in my eye. My eyes were constantly red and irritated. I know there have been many improvements in lenses the past few years, so I am thinking about giving them another try.

They even have this new things called LensAlert. It's pictured above. It holds you contact lens case, and can be set to remind you when to change your lenses, and your lens case. You can set the timer for up to 99 days for the lens case, and up to 60 days for the lenses. It helps you take the guess work out of when it's time for a new pair. This nifty little timer was even featured in the Woman's Day Magazine's "Products We Love" section. If you want to find out more about this product, and disposable lenses, check out the AC Lens blog.

Television Meme

I stole this from Tammy:

1. Name a TV show series in which you have seen every episode at least twice: ER
2. Name a show you can’t miss: ER
   
3. Name an actor that would make you more inclined to watch a show: Hugh Laurie
   
4. Name an actor who would make you less likely to watch a show: Denise Richards
   
5. Name a show you can, and do, quote from: 30 minute meals..."yum-O"
   
6. Name a show you like that no one else enjoys: Tori and Dean's reality shows
   
7. Name a TV show which you’ve been known to sing the theme song: big bang
   
8. Name a show you would recommend everyone to watch: ER
   
9. Name a TV series you own: I don't own any...but I have a VHS tape from 20+ years ago of a bunch of episodes of Growing Pains
   
10. Name an actor who launched his/her entertainment career in another
    medium, but has surprised you with his/her acting choices in television: Brooke Shields
    
11. What is your favourite episode of your favourite series? ER...love's labor lost...I cry every time
    
12. Name a show you keep meaning to watch, but you just haven’t gotten around to yet: Bones
    
13. Ever quit watching a show because it was so bad? I'm sure I have but can't think of one right now
    
14. Name a show that’s made you cry multiple times: ER
    
15. What do you eat when you watch TV? whatever I crave at that moment :)
    
16. How often do you watch TV? Less than ever, thanks to blogging
    
17. What’s the last TV show you watched? Brandi is watching Full House, so I'm listening to that as I type.
    
18. What’s your favourite/preferred genre of TV? reality
    
19. What was the first TV show you were obsessed with? Growing pains...I loved Kirk Cameron
    
20. What TV show do you wish you never watched? Paradise Hotel
    
21. What’s the weirdest show you enjoyed? I love Dirty Jobs
    
22. What TV show scared you the most? um.....
    
23. What is the funniest TV show you have ever watched? EVER????hmmmm...I laugh every time I watch big bang theory
    

Supplements

If you have been reading my blogs for any length of time, you know that I am the queen of dieting. If there is a diet out there, I have most likely tried it. I have done weight watchers, low carb, low fat, no fat, high fiber, only salads and fruit. You get the picture? The problem is that none of these diets have had long term success. Sure, I have lost a ton of weight, but as soon as I stop the diet, I gain it all back. My problem is that I have yet to find the right diet for me, that I can adapt into a healthy lifestyle.

I remember when I did the low carb diet, I was working at the time. I worked fast food, so I was on my feet all day, constantly moving. There were many times when I got light headed, and felt like I was going to pass out. I know now that it was because I was depriving my body of essential vitamins and minerals that it needed. I should have been taking some kind of supplement, but I didn't know what. There are so many different supplements available, that sometimes it is hard to know which ones are the best for you. Luckily, Whole Foods Market is now doing podcasts that can help answer some health related questions. The topic of this months Whole Foods podcast is the ABC's of supplements. They hope to answer a lot of questions about the benefits and different forms of supplements, and how they should be regulated. I am looking forward to listening

Gender Identity Crisis

I think my kitten has a problem.

I think she might be a he.

Yup. Ginger is a boy.

I never really looked when we got her/him.

I trusted my friends grandma.

She/he was licked her/himself before, and I kinda thought i saw something.

Well, two somethings.

I had Junior look, and he agreed.

Ginger is a girl trapped in a boys body.

We're still going to call him Ginger, because he responds to it.

Is this wrong?

****I am in no way mocking actual people with gender identity issues.

Carry The Torch

I already wrote a post about the new way that Canada is motivating it's kids to get active. It's called SOGO Active, and it is a new program that gives teens, aged 13 to 19 the incentive to get moving. It connects kids with other kids, letting them track their progress online, sharing their stories and successes. It sounds like a very promising program, aimed at matching kids with activities they will enjoy doing, so that they will continue to stay active and healthy.

Coca-Cola is awarding a wonderful opportunity to some of the kids who sign up and participate in the program. One thousand kids who join the program and show a real commitment to living an active, healthier lifestyle will be granted a torchbearer spot in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. Talk about a once in a lifetime opportunity! This is a sure way to inspire kids of Canada to make some real changes in their lives, and also provide some of them with an amazing memory they will have forever. It would be awesome to be able to tell the story of carrying the Olympic Flame to future generations. The only way to be eligible is to sign up for the SOGO Active program, and make a serious commitment to being healthy and active.

My Beautiful Girls

I was going through the pictures on this computer, and found this one of the girls.
I'm pretty sure it was taken in August.
I am so glad that they love each other, and that they are far enough apart in age that they won't be fighting over boys one day.
As much as I love my sister, she is only 14 months older than me, and felt it was her mission in life to steal every guy I ever liked.
It was not a fun way to grow up.
Luckily we are close now, and that is all that matters.

Rain Damage

Remember last week when I told you all about the tree that fell in my front yard? That same day, I noticed some leaks in the kitchen ceiling. It was raining pretty bad the whole night before, and when I woke up we had a huge puddle in front of our washing machine. The worst part was that it not only leaked from above, but the water ran down our wall, too. Now the paneling is bucked out, and it has water stains running down it. Luckily, because we rent, we do not have to file it with the homeowners insurance, because that is the rental agency's responsibility. Once they fix it, I think I am going to paint the whole kitchen a cheery color. The rental agency said I need to stick with neutral colors, but we'll see. I could always repaint when we decide to move.

I mentioned that we do not have home insurance. I know we need some renters insurance, and plan on looking into that when we get our tax refund. If you are looking for discount homeowners insurance, check out the link. You may find a better deal than what you have now. You can get a quote online, with no obligation. It just may be less than what you're paying now.

Cocolate Covered Pretzels

Have you seen these 100 calorie packs of chocolate covered pretzels? They are YUMMY! Talk about satisfying your sweet and salty cravings at the same time. I was a little wary when I bought them, but they are delicious. They give you enough to hit the spot, but not too many, so you don't feel bad about eating them. Seriously, go try them. You won't be sorry...unless you eat every pack at one time. I am totally not responsible if that happens! lol!

Get Active!

I have been thinking lately that my kids need more exercise. Okay, maybe I should say that my whole family needs more exercise, but for now I want to focus on the kids. Brandi does have PE in school once a week, but I don't think that's enough. Ryan and Kasi don't have PE at all, although at Kasi's school they do warm up exercises, like jumping jacks and stretching, every morning. I remember when I was in school, we had PE every other day, and if you didn't participate, you failed. If you failed, you had to make up that semester, or you couldn't graduate. My poor friend had to take five periods of PE her last semester in school in order to graduate. I wish my kids schools had the same requirements.

Unfortunately, it is left up to the parents to get their kids moving. I said unfortunately, but I didn't mean it like it was wholly the schools responsibility. I just meant that in this day and age, with more and more parents working, it is difficult to schedule time for exercise as a family. It is also expensive if the kids want to join sports teams or organizations that promote activity.

Canadians have come up with a great program to get kids moving. SOGO Active is a program for Canadian kids, aged 13-19, to use to make being active fun. The site allows kids to track their progress, and share their successes with other kids. You can also find hosts in your area who can help get the kids the resources, like equipment or even facilities, they need to do the things they love. Coca-Cola Canada and ParticipACTION have partnered to make the program available, and hope to inspire the youth of Canada to get active and get moving!

Awwww....

Tammy from mom knows everything wrote the sweetest post today on her a little girl talk blog.

Wanna know why it's the sweetest?

Cause it's all about ME! lol!

I literally teared up reading it!

Go, check it out here.

Thursday Thirteen Headers

Vixen told me there is someone who stepped up to take over thursday thirteen. The Diana emailed me, asking if I would offer up some of the headers I have made in the past. I said sure! So here are a few posted, so that I can send the new hub the link. I had more on my other computer, which my brother wiped clean, but I do like to make a new one each week to match my mood when I post my own TT, so feel free to grab any of them along the way.