Ginger

This cat is driving me crazy.

I am thinking about letting him become an outside cat, because that is where he wants to be.

His mother was a stray wild cat who hung around my friend Nicole's house. I took him in because she was taking them all to the shelter.

I just don't think he like being inside.

He runs out every time the door is opened.

He hates the litter box.

He attacks the kids legs as they walk by. I blamed it mostly on being a kitten, but it has gotten ridiculous.

He bites. In the middle of the night, he likes to get in the bed and bite your legs/arms/hands/feet...whatever he can find.

He would rather eat out of the trash than eat cat food, and this is driving me nuts, too.

I really think he would be happier outside with our other cats.

What's your opinion?

Here We Go Again

Was I the only one to lose page rank today? My craft blog went from a 2 to a n/a yet again. Last time it was only for about a week, so hopefully that is the case this time as well. I'm not holding my breath, though. Google is a funny little thing...

Camera Critters ~ 26

This is another shot from our zoo trip in December. These guys were very entertaining.
They are on an island, and they were reaching down and splashing in the water, and hiding from each other. I snapped this picture when they decided to take a break.
To participate, go here.

I Have So Much To Learn

I am fairly new to the blog world. I say fairly new, because even though I have had a blog for almost two years now, I still don't know much more about the technical stuff than I did when I began. I found this website called Web Design For Idiots. I was so excited, because this is exactly what I need. I checked out their web design for idiots main page website tutorials, and right off the bat I found a pretty interesting article about the things you should not do to your website. The first one was not to use white text on a black background. Um, I did. So I took his advice, and changed my text to gray. Don't you find it easier to read? I do. See there, I learned something. I also loved the one about not putting music on your site. I constantly blog hop with my sound off because of this. Just because you like your music, doesn't mean I will.


I was also impressed with the way things are explained. I mean, even I am able to understand the explanations. And if you don't understand something, or you can't find what you are looking for, you can get your web design questions answered by web design for idiots. You can even teach yourself oscommerce for newbies oscommerce file structure. Don't laugh, but I have no idea what that means! The good thing is I can go read all about it, and if I have any questions, all I have to do is ask.

If you want to know more About Web Design for Idiot, go check out this site. I am going to be reading it like a good book. There is so much I have to learn.

I'm A Little Slow

Quit laughing, you know I am.

I noticed the new followers/friends thingy over there on the side.

It took me a while to figure out how to change the colors.

How, exactly, is this different than what we had before?

I would love for someone to explain it to me.

Side Effects

I am the type of person who hates taking medicine. Unless it is absolutely necessary, I will not take OTC or prescription drugs. There are too many side effects to these medicines that nobody knows about yet. There are even some drugs that have negative side effects that people do know about, they just chose to hide it. Or maybe I have just read one too many medical mysteries.

The truth is that some drugs can have dangerous side effects, but those side effects are not known until the dug has been used for a while. This was one of the main reasons I was leery or the "patch" drugs. My son's doctor wanted to put him on the one that was supposed to help with ADHD, but I refused. It's a good thing I did, because I have only heard bad things about it since. In fact, all of the people I knew who's kids were on it have taken them off. The same was true for the birth control patch. They were both too new to know what the side effects would be, and I'd rather take a medication that has been around for a while, and hasn't had any bad side effects.

But, there are always medicines that do cause some problems, and one of these medicines is Raptiva. This is a medicine for the treatment of psoriasis, and the FDA has warned that it can cause a serious brain infection called Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy or PML. If you have ever taken this medicine, check out http://www.youhaverights.com/dangerous-drugs/raptiva. You may be entitled to financial compensation if you or a loved one has developed an infection while taking this medication.

UG...

I feel horrible again this morning. We keep passing this cold around. Once someone is better, it only lasts a few days, and then they're sick again. I think I might buy a huge bottle of lysol and soak every single inch of this house. I need to get rid of these germs!

At least Brandi's medicine is helping her feel better.

Breast Reduction

If you are a loyal reader, you know that last July I had a breast reduction. I had though about breast augmentation for years, but it was only after an inflammatory breast cancer scare that I finally decided, along with my surgical oncologist, that a reduction was the best thing for me. I was always big up top, but it got to the point where it was interfering with my life. Let's just say that the surgeon removed fifteen pounds of breast tissue. Yes, I was that big. I didn't like being around people, and I was embarrassed by the way I looked. Forget about buying clothes. It was impossible to find tops that fit right. They were either too tight, or they looked like a tent.

After my surgery, it was like I was a different person. I had never had a lot of self confidence before, but with my new, smaller breasts I was confident about the way I looked. I still have a lot of weight to lose before I am totally where I want to be, but I am headed in the right direction. I am no longer embarrassed by the way I look, and I have accepted the fact that I will never be perfect. Nobody is. But, if you are thinking about breast surgery, think seriously. I can not believe I waited until I was 36 to do something about my breasts. Sure, I had valid fears, but the outcome was worth overcoming them. It may be for you, too. Just keep in mind that doctors are not perfect, either.

If you live in the Charlotte area, and are looking for Charlotte Breast Augmentation, check out this site. Remember, they have pictures of before and after surgery, so don't look with kids around. If you have any questions that you want to ask me, feel free. I am happy to share my experience.

Thursday Thirteen ~ Six

I was feeling a little creative tonight, so this is what you get. As always, feel free to steal any of them for yourself. I'm all about sharing. Enjoy!

To participate, go here.

Saving Babies Cord Blood

What do you think about stem cell preservation? I know pregnant women look into saving their babies cord blood, which is rich with stem cells. These stem cells are special cells that are normally found in bone marrow. These cells produce the mature cells in our blood and immune system. They form white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets we need for our blood to clot. We already know of over 75 diseases that these stems cells can treat, and there are so many more that they can potentially treat in the future. Cryo-Cell Cord Blood Bank can preserve your child's cord blood for potential use in the future. I know I only want the best for my kids, and I wish this technology was available when they were born. It is an investment in their future health, and I would have loved to have been able to do that for them.

If you are expecting a baby, this is something you should consider carefully. Do some research, and find out all the facts. If you decide that this is something you want to do, you can enroll now
and take advantage of these special offers. If you enroll and deliver by February 28, 2009, you can get $300 off Ucord, or $400 off Protect Mommy, Protect Baby. Check out the website for more information on these programs. There is no enrollment fee, and they have a variety of payment plans and financing options for almost any budget. Don't let the cost deter you if this is something you really want to do. Like I said, this is an investment in your child's future.

Brandi's Prick

Okay guys, get your minds out of the gutter.

I took Brandi to the doctor today, because for the past two weeks she has had a cold/cough/sore throat, and I wanted to make sure she didn't need an antibiotic or anything to get rid of it. The nurse we had commented on how she can't believe that boo is already 7. Brandi wanted to know what she meant, and we explained that she was the nurse who told me I was pregnant with her, and has seen her for her whole life. I just haven't had brandi in there in a while, and she has grown.

Anyway, they did a strep test which came out negative, and then the nurse, Pam, came back in to prick brandi's finger. OMG...you would have thought we were trying to murder her. She started screaming, and running around the room every time I tried to catch her. It finally took me, Pam, and the Doctor to hold her down while they pricked her finger. When I tell you she was screaming, I mean ear piercing, the whole office and parking lot heard her. The blood levels came back fine, so no infection.

We left with 2 prescriptions, and a coloring book, crayons, and stickers. When we got in the van, Junior asked how it went, and Brandi started crying. When Junior asked why she was crying,. she told him, and I quote,

"My prick hurts."

I though Junior was going to fall out of the van he was laughing so hard. His laughing only made Brandi madder, and she starts saying it's not funny that her prick hurts.

Junior is laughing harder, she is crying harder, and I am just trying not to laugh, cause Brandi was so upset. They both finally calmed down, and we were able to drive away.

Doesn't this make you want to come live with us? There's always something to laugh at.

Get Outta My Bed!

Where do your pets sleep? We have a cat, Ginger, who insists on sleeping in my bed. Most of the time I don't mind, but there are moments when he attacks my toes and wants to play, but I just want to sleep. We have been talking about getting a dog, and if we did, I would get it a dog bed. I can only fit so many bodies in my bed! Maybe it would be a good idea to get a large dog bed so that the cat can sleep with the dog. That would be a sight!

If you are looking for a designer dog bed, check out Paw Digs. They have Bowsers dog beds and Harry Barker dog beds, among others. They offer different styles and colors, so you are sure to find something you, and your dog, will love.

My Stalkers

UPDATE: I read under bloggers known issues that we have not lost followers, they just went private while they do some kind of google friend switch, or something like that! lol! The good news is that the number may have gone down, but the followers did not. They just went private for now, and will be instructed how to go public again once the upgrade is complete. Did I confuse you? You can read for yourself here.

I don't really "keep up" with how many followers I have. I'm not necessarily a "you follow me, I'll follow you" kind of blogger. I read who I love, and hope that people like what they read here.

I did notice, however, that sometime today I lost some followers. Actually, I think it was a bunch of followers. On all of my blogs, not just this one.

Was it just me, or did something happen somewhere?

Speak To Me

I am shy. Very, very shy. The thought of walking into a room filled with people, just to sit down, causes me to have an anxiety attack. The thought of public speaking absolutely terrifies me. Luckily I do not have to do this on a regular basis, but I know a few people who are going to college who face this same problem. My kids even talk about how it's not fun to get up in front of their classes at school to speak.

If you have anxiety about public speaking, let Martin Ng share his secrets with you. I say secrets, but it's more like a ten step study designed to put you at ease while speaking in front of large groups of people. I wish I knew about this when I was in school.

Smackdown In Michaels

Saturday night, I went to Michaels with my mom.

We did our shopping, and were waiting in line behind at least five people.

I was in front of my mom.

An associate came over, and said to me, "I'll take you on 6".

As I started over, my mom did too.

I turned to her and said, "I hope you don't think you're going in front of me, old lady".

She responded, "Let's just see who gets there first".

I then said, "Don't make me smack you down in the middle of Michaels".

Out of the corner of my eye, I see all the other customers in line, and in the general area we were, tap each other and point, with a shocked look on their faces.

They thought we were serious!

It was soooo funny!

We were both cracking up, and the poor cashier didn't know what to think of us.

I'm still laughing just thinking about it...

Unclutter Your Inbox

I have found the coolest website. It's called Adpera.com. Basically, it is a site dedicated to all those adds that bog down our inboxes. If you are looking for sales, or coupon codes, or even just a great deal, you used to have to subscribe to have flyer's emailed to you. Then when you checked your inbox, there were tons of advertisements waiting to be opened and read. Now instead of subscribing, you can go to Adpera.com and find what you are looking for. They have the ads broken down into categories, so it is fairly easy to navigate. If you are thinking of doing some shopping, check out this site. You just might find a coupon code that can save you money.

Strike A Pose

In the middle of working to get the rooms changed over, Brandi decided she was Hannah Montana.

Can you see the resemblance?

She is such a little ham!

Just be happy that you can't hear her singing.

Now, where did I put my ear plugs.....?

Wedding Help

I know a certain someone who is helping to plan her best friends wedding. She is the matron of honor, and so excited to be a part of this special day. I found this fast wedding planning checklist
that she can print out to help make sure nothing is overlooked. It is a pretty detailed list, and it offers suggestions to finding the things you need by providing links. I never had a real wedding, so I can't say first hand how hectic it can be, but I was a part of my sister's wedding, and she needed all the help she could get. This would have been perfect for her, too.

Rankings

I have noticed the past few days that my Alexa ratings are going up. Not by much, but enough that I noticed. It wasn't just this blog, either, but my craft one, too. This doesn't bother me too much. I am just happy to be keeping my google rank. If that drops, then I will worry.

Hide Yourself

I have heard that some people like to use a proxy to hide their online activity. I am not computer literate enough to know how or why people use them, but it sounds like an interesting idea. Especially if you don't like people knowing what you do online.

Insomnia, Again

I can not sleep. I think the past couple of days being sick, and resting so much, have caught up with me. I am watching Food Network...wide awake. Luckily tomorrow is Saturday, and I don't have to get up at 5:20. I didn't finish swapping rooms tonight, so I do have to do that tomorrow, but I don't have to get up early for that. I can sleep in. And then tomorrow night i won't be able to sleep, either.

Stem Cells

Have you women out there heard about C’elle yet? It's an amazing company that is helping women preserve the stems cells found in their monthly cycles. They provide you with the supplies you need to collect and preserve these stems cells for potential use in the future. We have all heard about the diseases that stem cells have been shown to help, and their are many more that researchers are hoping to cure with this technology. You can order your supplies now, and find out about their reasonable storage prices. You do not know what you may encounter as you age, and knowing you have taken this positive step can be very reassuring. Consider it an investment in your future health.

Camera Critters ~ 25

This is my psycho cat, Ginger. I was sitting in the recliner, and he decided to do a sneak attack. He's lucky he's cute! This was right before we decided to clip his nails...now he doesn't hurt when he attacks! lol!

To participate, go here.

Potential Cause Of My Dry Skin

I was doing some research about the dry skin on my hands, and came across this website about bioidentical hormone replacement. I started reading the symptoms that may suggest I need hormone replacement therapy, and was shocked to discover that many of them applied to me.

If you have hot flashes, problems sleeping, are gaining weight despite dieting, have osteoporosis, a decreased sexual drive, problems with your memory, anxiety and depression, or a lack of energy, you may have a hormonal imbalance. Dry skin and constipation are also signs.

I had hot flashes after my breast surgery in July, and they were awful. I knew then that my hormones were out of whack, and luckily I haven't had a hot flash in months. I do have a tendency to gain weight easily, but not when I am dieting. Just every other day of the year. I can gain weight eating healthy foods, so this one might apply to me. I do not have osteoporosis, and my sex life is just fine. I do have occasional memory loss, and lately I have been having quite a few anxiety attacks. They usually only last a little while, and I am never freaked out too much. I am not depressed, but I do suffer from lack of energy. I think that last one might be related to my weight, but who knows. I definitely have dry skin, as I wrote about a few posts ago. According to this site, if I was to try hormone replacement therapy, I could potentially have more energy, look and feel younger, and enjoy life more. It is definitely something worth looking into.

Rearranging

We are rearranging around here tonight.

Right now, me and Brandi share a room, and Ryan and Kasi share a room.

The girls are slobs.

Ryan's not, and he wants his own room.

So me and the girls are going to bunk together.

And Ryan will get his own room.

He's at that age, anyway, where he needs his own room.

The bad part is moving all the furniture :(

I Want A Wii

This morning, Junior and I made our daily trip to the big store that sells everything. I wanted to look for a CD, so we went to the electronic department. As we walked past the video game section, I was longing, yet again, for the wii fit. We don't even have a wii yet, but I want them both so badly. My sister got the wii fit for her birthday, and loves it. I think it might be just the thing to get my butt motivated. I love video games, so this is perfect for me. If I could just save up the money...

Dry Skin

I have the driest, flakiest skin right now. My hands are cracked so bad they hurt. I bought some lotion that has oatmeal in it, thinking that would help.

Not so much.

So now I want to know what you use on dry skin. Do you have a favorite lotion, or maybe a home remedy you prefer?

At this point, I am willing to try anything.

What Do You Want To Know?

There are so many things about the computer that I just don't know. I am a learn as I go kind of girl, and I love finding sites that explain things in terms that even I can understand. I wanted to find file extension iso information, and found it at file-extension-library.com. This site has over one thousand file extension definitions, and the ones I read are easy to understand. I looked up widgets, and it was very interesting to read the information they have. I know the term from blogging, and thought I knew what it meant. I was pretty close. I am going to check out some more terms, and maybe learn a thing or two.

What The????

I know I have mentioned a time or twelve that I am a huge ER fan.

I have never missed an episode in all the years it has been on.

Can I tell you how pissed I am that they brought back Carter sick?

That is so wrong!

If they have him die....

What do you think?

Dot Com Me

I have been giving some serious thought to becoming my own dot com. I have done some research, and think I am on the right track. I know I should find a dedicated server instead of basic hosting. I know that I can't use the names I was wanting, because they are already taken. I think I just need to be a little more creative. Anyone have any suggestions that could make this process easier for me?

New Mixer

Check out my new stand mixer! Isn't it beautiful!

It's black and stainless, and looks perfect sitting on my counter.

My mom and my sisters all chipped in and bought it for me for my birthday. It was delivered today.

Do I have the best family, or what?

Everglades Fishing

Have you ever been Everglades Fishing? My family loves to fish, but I don't think we've ever been Everglades fishing. I think it might be scary to go Everglades fishing, because there are gators in the Everglades, right? And that might make Everglades fishing a little too dangerous for me. Of course, my husband might be excited to go Everglades fishing, because he likes a challenge. I wouldn't let him take the kids Everglades fishing. He could go with his friends, though. I wouldn't worry about them Everglade fishing, because they can handle themselves. Of course, if they start drinking there's no telling what could happen while they are Everglades fishing. Luckily Junior stopped drinking years ago, so maybe he would be the lookout if they go Everglade's fishing. You know, he could be the one responsible for spotting the gators before they make a meal out of them. That would be one very funny Everglades fishing trip. I better make sure they pack the video camera!

37 Odd Things

I posted this on facebook last week, and thought I'd share it here, too.

1. Do you like bleu cheese?
Never tried it, but it looks gross!

2. Have you ever smoked?
Yes...I quit cold turkey over 7 years ago.

3. Do you own a gun?
Nope...guns kill people!

4. What flavor Kool Aid was your favorite?
I prefer crystal light

5.Do you ever wish you could click "undo" in your life like you do on your computer?
If I did that, I wouldn't be who I am today.

6. What do you think of hot dog?
I prefer a sausage dog with sauerkraut...yum!

7. Favorite Christmas movie?
The Santa Clause 1, 2 & 3

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
I drink diet sprite from the time I wake up until I go to bed...a bad habit I am trying to break.

9. Can you do push ups?
Not yet :)

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry?
My diamonds...my grandma's, my mom's, and my own.

11. Favorite hobby?
blogging :)

12. Do you have A. D. D.?
no, but ryan does

13. Do you wear glasses/contacts?
glasses

14. Middle name?
Lynn

15.. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment?
I should post this on my blog...I need some filler
I should go to bed...everyone else is sleeping
I should be cleaning instead of facebooking

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink.
diet, sprite, diet sprite, and more diet sprite...I haven't had a "drink" in more than 14 years.

17. Current worry?
How I will get this house clean before I have company on Sunday...too much to do tomorrow

18. Current hate right now?
doing laundry

19. Favorite place to be?
right where I am :)

20. How did you bring in the new year?
with all the kiddo's in my bed

21. Where would you like to go?
New York after Tami had the baby

22. Name three people who will complete this:
missy, mom, tammy

23. Do you own slippers?
yup...black fuzzy ones

24. What color shirt are you wearing?
purple, but it's a nightgown, not a shirt

25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets?
No...I like staying ON the bed!

26. Can you whistle?
sure can

27. Where are you now?
In my "office"...aka the corner of the living room

28. Would you be a pirate?
Maybe for Halloween?

29. What songs do you sing in the shower?
whatever pops into my head

30. Favorite Girl's Name?
right now, rose

31. Favorite boy's name?
ryan

32. What is in your pocket right now?
sorry, no pockets

33. Last thing that made you laugh?
the cat

34. What vehicle do you drive?
I, um, still don't drive...

35. Worst injury you've ever had?
I sprained my ankle a few years ago, and the doctor said it would have been better if I had just broke it. I have never hurt so bad in my entire life...not even labor!

36. Do you love where you live?
yes...I just wish it was bigger

37.. How many TVs do you have in your house?
3

Let's Trade

I'm sure you have all heard of fantasy football or fantasy baseball, but have you ever heard of fantasy stock market trading? I hadn't either, until I found out about virtual trading. This is a fantasy game where you buy-in to a tournament for a fee, and then you compete against other players instead of the stock market. You want to build and manage a winning portfolio, based on real stock market data, which means you want the highest returns. If you win a tournament, you get real cash prizes. UMOO also has research tools and information to help you learn the ropes of trading. This is a great way to try out the stock market without the risk of losing a lot of money.

Thursday Thirteen ~ Five

Thirteen Things I Need (according to google)

jenn needs...

...a new boyfriend (because the old one has got to go!)

...a vacation (who doesn't?)

...healing thoughts (for my chest cold)

...a glass of wine (I don't drink, but I'll send it your way)

...help (well, duh)

...a cool code name (for all my undercover missions)

...to get new friends (no I don't...I love my girls!)

...to go to battle (maybe the battle of the bulge)

...to give birth on the next week (yeah, I don't think so! LOL)

...money (lots and lots and lots of it!)

...a yard sale (I have been thinking of having one)

...someone to love (I have lots of people to love, thank you very much)

...to play by the rules (where's the fun in that?)

to participate, go here.

Love That Red Hair!

Do you remember cabbage patch kids? If you were alive in the eighties, then I'm sure you do. I was in sixth grade the year they were most popular, and all I wanted was a redheaded one with freckles and dimples. My poor mother searched for months, and finally found one. Her name is Judy Evey, and I got her for my twelfth birthday. I say is, because I still have her. She is sitting on my dresser. I got other ones, like a boy and a black one, and I even got a cabbage patch kitten. But the only one I saved was Judy, because of her red hair.

As I got older, I dreamed of having a red headed baby. I knew this was not likely to happen unless I married a red headed man, and that wasn't in the cards for me. I was, however, blessed with a red headed nephew, who is totally adorable. I wish I knew thirteen years ago that there were social networks specifically for redheads to interact. I would have been all over that, trying to find the perfect red head. Redhedd.com is a place where red heads, or red head lovers can interact with each other. Membership is free, so you have nothing to lose just checking it out. You might just find some interesting friends.

How To Piss Off A Cat

This is Ginger. Ginger is a boy, but that's another story. Ginger likes to attack his litter box. As soon as we put fresh litter in there, he gets in and flings it out. Do you know how a cat acts with catnip? Rolling in it, and swatting it around? That's what Ginger does with litter. Drives me nuts! Well, this morning, Junior wanted to go into Petco to get a pair of clippers for his nails. (his the cat, not his Juniors) Anyway, while we were walking around, I saw a litter box on clearance. It was one of those ones that has a cover, and the cat has to go through a hole to get in. I thought this would be the perfect thing for Ginger. It would prevent him from throwing his litter all over my kitchen.

Well, talk about a pissed off cat! He went CRAZY!!! He spent a good half hour trying to get the top off, then got inside and started flinging litter. I was sitting here listening to it hit the sides, and probably the top, but none of it came out. He finally gave up, and now just glares at it as he walks by.

I will be sleeping with one eye open tonight...he has that look of revenge in his eyes....

Come On Down

I live in South Carolina. My parents, one sister, and brother live here, too. I have one sister in New Jersey, and another in New York. I have been trying for years to get them to move south, and they sometimes think about it. There have even been times when they have looked into Wilmington, NC Luxury Real Estate. They have to live where my brother in law can find work, and that area of North Carolina is perfect for them. Now if I could just talk a certain blog friend to move down here, too, I'd be one happy camper.

Hair, Anyone?

Junior and I decided to go out to lunch today for Valentine's Day, since he was sick on Saturday. His favorite place to eat, when we have the money, is Applebee's. So we went there. He ordered a steak, and I got their brushetta burger.

I gotta tell you about this burger. It's a hamburger, with mozzarella cheese, pesto, and tomato brushetta on foccacia(sp) bread. Talk about yummy! It is served with Parmesan seasoned fries.

And today, apparently hair.

When the waiter put the plate in front of me, there was a big, block hair near my fries. I pointed it out, and they were all apologetic. I was fine...I know these things happen. They remade my food, and took it off my bill, which I told them they didn't have to do. I wasn't looking for free food, just hairless fries.

All in all, it was a nice afternoon.

Keep Your Home

With today's economy the way it is, people are losing their homes at an alarming rate. People are losing their jobs, and with so many people looking for work, it is getting harder to find a decent job. Unfortunately, this means more and more people are unable to make their mortgage payments. Luckily, there are options out there for homeowners, like loan modification. With loan modification, lenders work with you to either lower the interest rate of your mortgage, or to extent the duration of your payments. This is an excellent alternative to foreclosure. If you need more information, feel free to call, toll free, 1-800-946-0350.

Oh, Ryan

Can you see Ryan's forehead? Last night, he let the girls tattoo him, all over his face. He decided to try and take them off, so he scrubbed his head with nail polish remover. I flipped! I told him to leave it, and I would get alcohol today, and I would help him get it off. Instead, he went into the bathroom and scrubbed his head with soap and water. Only he scrubbed so hard, he actually made little cuts on his fore head. So now instead of walking around with tattoos, he's walking around like this. Trust me, I couldn't get a good picture, but his head looks horrible.

Diet Time, Again

I have written post after post about my desire to lose weight. It is not just a question of beauty for me, because I am happy right now and know I am beautiful. :) It is more of a health thing for me. I have always been on the heavy side, but ever since having my youngest daughter seven years ago, I have steadily gained weight. It didn't help that I quit smoking right around that time, too. I have read many success stories, written by women like me who have found ways to lose weight and keep it off. I know the success rate is not good for obese people to keep the weight off once they lose it, but I really want to be one of the successful ones. I just need to find something that will work for me.

So starting tomorrow, I told Junior we are going to walk every day. I know it doesn't sound like a big thing, but I think it is a step in the right direction, no pun intended. Hopefully this will motivate us to do more. I am tired of losing my breath doing the simplest things. I am tired of not being able to bend over. I'm hoping this will be the beginning of my success story.

Finished Painting

My bathroom is done. I posted pictures here. Go check them out. I think it came out awesome, but feel free to disagree. I know not everyone loves purple like I do!

Camera Critters ~ 24

I took this picture at the zoo in December. There is just something so loveable about Koala bears. Makes you want to give him a big hug, doesn't it? Not too sure I'd really ever try that, but he is adorable.

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Happy Valentine's Day

Hair Heart

Today is Valentine's Day at school. Brandi woke up this morning and told me she wanted her hair in a heart. The above is what I came up with. Can you see the heart? I drew it in the picture below. I don't think it came out too bad. You just have to use a little imagination.

Get Rid Of Junk Mail

Did you know that most junk mail is never read? I know I don't even look at any of the fliers that come to my house. I think it is just a waste of tress and money to send unsolicited mailings, so I was very happy to find that I could easily End Junk Mail. That's right, I can stop it from coming to my house. In the future, it will cost you money to join. Right now, the first 500 people to sign up can do so for free. I went to the site to register myself, but couldn't, because they wanted credit card information, and we don't use credit cards. I did, however, find out some interesting information.

Did you know that Junk Mail Kills 100 Million Trees in the USA Each Year, and your family alone is responsible for killing an entire tree? I had no idea. I think it's a shame that this resource is being used this way, especially because junk mail serves no purpose. I know business might think you are more likely to visit their establishment if they force it in your face, but to be honest, I prefer word of mouth advertising. I have gone to one to many supposedly nice places I've seen advertised in the mail only to find out they aren't even half as nice in person.

I think that if enough people join this program to end junk mail, maybe companies will take the hint and stop sending it out altogether.

Feeling Better

I am sorry I was MIA yesterday. I woke up feeling horrible, and spent most of the day in bed. I am feeling a little better today, so I am trying to catch up on some computer things. You know, the important stuff, like blogging! LOL! And of course facebook. What I really need to be doing it cleaning this house...

Work Online

Have you ever found yourself in need of a foreign address, but had no idea how to go about getting one? Abc-exchange.com can provide you with one. They match people who need a foreign address with people who have a foreign address. Right now they are hiring. You must be available to work from home for at least 3 hours every day, and have excellent computer skills. If this sounds like something you would be interested in doing, check out the link and apply online today.

Thursday Thirteen ~ Four

Thirteen Valentine Funnies

What do squirrels give for Valentine's Day?
Forget-me-nuts.

What did the light bulb say to the switch?
You turn me on.

Why did the banana go out with the prune?
Because it couldn't get a date.

What is a ram's favorite song on February 14th?
I only have eyes for ewe, dear

What did the paper clip say to the magnet?
"I find you very attractive."

What do you call a very small Valentine?
A Valentiny!

Do skunks celebrate Valentine's Day?
Sure, they're very scent-imental!

What did the French chef give his wife for Valentine's Day?
A hug and a quiche!

What did the elephant say to his girlfriend?
"I love you a ton!"

What did one pickle say to the other?
"You mean a great dill to me."

What did the boy cat say to the girl cat on Valentine's Day?
You're purrr-fect for me!

What do you call two birds in love?
Tweethearts!

What did one oar say to the other?
"Can I interest you in a little row-mance?"

To participate, go here.

Bedtime Prayers

Every night before bed, Brandi says the same prayer:

Dear Lord,
Watch over all of us tonight, and give me all good dreams.
Amen.

Last night, she added a little:

Dear Lord,
Watch over all of us tonight, and give me all good dreams.
And God, could you let my cat Ollie come back from Heaven?
Thanks.
Amen.

After a minute, she asked me:

"Can Ollie really come back from Heaven?"

I answered:
"sure, but he'll be a ghost."

Brandi said:

Dear Lord,
Never mind about my cat.
Amen.

My Opinion

Have you heard about Acobay yet? It's a pretty interesting consumer network where you can find people who have the same interests as you. I, of course, had to check out what people were writing about Twilight, and even added my own opinion here. There are people who loved it, and people who didn't, and that's the great thing about this site. You can share your honest opinion. The list of topics is broad, so you are sure to find what you are looking for. If you don't, you have the option of adding a new category. You can even add your blog! This would be a great way to find new readers, and drive traffic to your site.

Wordless Wednesday ~ 18

Brandi has a lot of "little people". You know, the play people who are a few inches tall? She also has a ton of accessories that go with them. This is her school. Ginger likes to curls up inside and sleep. Of course, as soon as he saw me grab the camera he got up, but I got a pretty good shot anyway.

Work And School

When I was a teenager, I worked at a grocery store. It was a national chain, and they offered many benefits to their employees. One of the best things they did was encourage their employees to go to college, and they offered tuition assistance if you kept your GPA high enough. At the time, I wasn't in school. My parents had moved south, and my brother, sister and I were sharing an apartment. Money went towards rent, not school. Looking back, I wish I had found a way to work and go to school.

Right now, it is easier than ever to get an education. With classes available online, you have so many choices. Columbia Southern University is now encouraging companies to partner with them to help educate their employees. CSU Learning Partners can offer their employees a 10 percent discount on tuition, and the $25 application fee is waived. You can get your Associate, Bachelor, or Doctoral Degree all online, doing your classes when it is convenient for you. This is an awesome program to be able to offer future employees, and it can benefit the people already working for you. I know if this were available at my husband place of employment, he would take full advantage of it.

My Birthday And A Blog

My birthday is officially over. Colleen and my mom came over with supper and cake, and hung out for a few hours. I'm not sure what the official temperature was, but I was sitting comfortably outside in shorts and a t-shirt. This weather is nuts! One night it's in the teens, a few days later, around 70. And we wonder why we are all sick.

Anyway, my mom made me that awesome elephant cake! I love it! It's the best birthday cake, ever! lol! And speaking of my mom, she has started her very own blog. It's called, My Family, My World, and you should go check it out because I made her header, and am very proud of it! So go...look...what are you waiting for????

Have I Ever Mentioned That My Friends Are The Best?

Well, they are! Sam, Missy, and Alex stopped by today for a visit.
Here we are, hammin' it up! lol!

The kids had a blast running around outside...it was almost 70 degrees!

The love birds....

My birthday present...did I mention they were the best?

Caught!

Brandi loves Sam...and I'm pretty sure Sam was lovin' the attention! lol!

Foolin' around in the truck

Alex also bought little Valentine's to give to the kids...how sweet is that!
I'm secretly hoping that one day Alex and Kasi get together...I would love to be family with them! lol!

Allergic Reaction

Check out my hand. Can you see the rash? Can you see how swollen it is? I used a new "lotion" last night, and had a terrible reaction to it. My hand feels like it is on fire. Turns out what I thought was lotion was liquid hand soap...but whatever. I am going to take some benedryl in a little while. If I take it now, I will sleep until morning! lol!

Camera Critters ~ 23

This is Bob. He is our wanderer. We have had him the longest, and he likes to disappear for days at a time. I think he has a girlfriend he visits.
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Plumper Lips

Do you like your lips? How about those laugh lines that come with aging? Me, I don't mind the way my face is aging. I have never been concerned about the little wrinkles that are starting to show, but who knows how I will feel in a few years. I may start looking for ways to smooth out those little lines, and maybe fill out my lips with dermal filler injections. If you want to do something about the imperfections in your face, you can learn about dermal filler training by checking out this website. You can buy a DVD that explains the ins and outs of dermal filler injections, so you can make an informed decision.

Dermal Fillers Video

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